cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schizophrenia patients' and psychiatrists' perspectives on ethical aspects of symptom re-emergence during psychopharmacological research participation.

Study designs involving medication-free intervals have become the subject of controversy in the current dialogue on the ethics of serious mental-illness research. Schizophrenia patients (n=59; response rate 75%; 48% inpatients) and psychiatrists (n=70; response rate 83%) responded to ten questions about a hypothetical scenario in which a schizophrenia study participant experienced the re-emergence of serious symptoms during the "wash-out" phase of a psychopharmacological trial. Patients provided their personal views, and psychiatrists gave their personal views and made predictions as to how schizophrenia patients in general would respond. Schizophrenia patients and psychiatrists judged the hypothetical protocol as moderately harmful. Both expressed relatively low likelihood of willingness to participate in the study, given this potential outcome. Schizophrenia patients and psychiatrists found the decision fairly easy. Psychiatrists underestimated the level of harm and overestimated the difficulty of the decision as perceived by schizophrenia patients. Schizophrenia patients acknowledged that the offer of money and request by their doctor or family would increase the likelihood of their participation, and psychiatrists accurately predicted these responses. In hypothetical decisions about the symptomatic study participant, 38% of patients and 39% of psychiatrists said they would allow him to leave the hospital. A majority of both groups (63% and 52%, respectively) indicated that medication should be given despite the study participant's objection. Psychiatrists incorrectly predicted this response, expecting instead that most schizophrenia patients would support the discharge request and few would support involuntary administration of medication. Patients and psychiatrists offered similar reasons for participation decisions but differed in their strategies for handling the situation. These findings suggest potential strengths of decisionally capable schizophrenia patients in assessing ethically important design elements of psychopharmacological trials. Implications for informed consent for research, expectations of the therapeutic obligations of clinical investigators, and the role of psychiatric advance directives in psychopharmacological research are outlined.
Use of leflunomide in an allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipient with refractory cytomegalovirus infection

Ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an emerging problem in transplant recipients. Foscarnet resistance and cidofovir resistance have also been described, but no previous reports have suggested treatment regimens for patients with CMV refractory to all three of these drugs. Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive drug used in rheumatoid arthritis and in rejection in solid-organ transplantation, has been reported to have novel anti-CMV activity. However, its clinical utility in CMV treatment has not been described previously. We report an allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipient who developed CMV infection refractory to sequential therapy with ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. The patient was ultimately treated with a combination of leflunomide and foscarnet. Both phenotypic and genotypic virologic analysis was performed on sequential CMV isolates. The patient's high CMV-DNA viral load became undetectable on leflunomide and foscarnet, but the patient, who had severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the liver, expired with progressive liver failure and other complications. We concluded that leflunomide is a new immunosuppressive agent with anti-CMV activity, which may be useful in the treatment of multiresistant CMV. However, the toxicity profile of leflunomide in patients with underlying GVHD remains to be defined.
Large Data Bases and Regional Ground‐Water Quality Assessments ‐ An Iowa Case Study

Many state and federal agencies routinely collect ground-water quality data to meet a variety of objectives. The WATSTORE (Water Data Storage and Retrieval System) data files of the U.S. Geological Survey containing raw ground-water quality data from 4,388 wells and the MSIS (Model State Information System) data files of the U.S. EPA containing finished (blended and/or treated) groundwater quality data from 2,137 public water-supply sources are the only two large computer-coded data files on Iowa ground-water quality. These two data bases, by themselves, provide significant insights regarding the distribution of chemicals in different hydrogeological environments and the compliance status of PWS sources with reference to drinking-water quality standards in Iowa. With minor modifications, these two data bases can be integrated to: (a) provide statistical, spatial, temporal, and geological summaries of observed ground-water quality; (b) determine the extent of exposed populations to various contaminants in their different concentrations; (c) provide necessary information to reduce the existing list of contaminants and include some of those that are not being monitored now; (d) identify gaps in current data-gathering efforts and prioritize the various components of future monitoring programs; (e) identify potential linkages of the combined use of ground-water quantity and quality, socioeconomic, land-use,more » and public health data; and (f) alert policy makers to potential ground-water quality problems facing the state. Some of the limitations of the two data bases and the need for integrating them is demonstrated by a comparative analysis and evaluation.« less
Structural effects of carbohydrate-containing polycations on gene delivery. 2. Charge center type.

Recent polycation structure−gene delivery studies reveal that subtle changes in the molecular structure of polycations have substantial influences on DNA-binding and condensation and on in vitro toxicity and gene delivery efficiency. In Part 1 of this structure−property study using carbohydrate-containing polycations (1), it is demonstrated that as the amidine charge center is removed further from the carbohydrate unit within the polycation structure, the toxicity increases. Inclusion of larger carbohydrate species within the polycation backbone also reduces the toxicity. Here, the effect that polycation charge center type has on toxicity and gene delivery efficiency is investigated. A series of quaternary ammonium polycations containing N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, d-trehalose, and β-cyclodextrin are synthesized in order to elucidate the effects of charge center type (by comparison to the data given in Part 1) on gene delivery. In all cases, it is found that the quaternary ammonium analogues exhibit lower gene expression values and similar toxicities to their amidine analogues. Additionally, transfection experiments conducted in the presence of chloroquine reveal increased gene expression from quaternary ammonium containing polycations and not from their amidine analogues.
Structural basis for Spt5-mediated recruitment of the Paf1 complex to chromatin

Polymerase associated factor 1 complex (Paf1C) broadly influences gene expression by regulating chromatin structure and the recruitment of RNA-processing factors during transcription elongation. The Plus3 domain of the Rtf1 subunit mediates Paf1C recruitment to genes by binding a repeating domain within the elongation factor Spt5 (suppressor of Ty). Here we provide a molecular description of this interaction by reporting the structure of human Rtf1 Plus3 in complex with a phosphorylated Spt5 repeat. We find that Spt5 binding is mediated by an extended surface containing phosphothreonine recognition and hydrophobic interfaces that interact with residues outside the Spt5 motif. Changes within these interfaces diminish binding of Spt5 in vitro and chromatin localization of Rtf1 in vivo. The structure reveals the basis for recognition of the repeat motif of Spt5, a key player in the recruitment of gene regulatory factors to RNA polymerase II.
Asymptotic Sign-Solvability, Multiple Objective Linear Programming, and The Nonsubstitution Theorem

In this paper we investigate the asymptotic stability of dynamic, multiple-objective linear programs. In particular, we show that a generalization of the optimal partition stabilizes for a large class of data functions. This result is based on a new theorem about asymptotic sign-solvable systems. The stability properties of the generalized optimal partition are used to address a dynamic version of the nonsubstitution theorem.
An Evaluation of Explicit Receptor Flexibility in Molecular Docking Using Molecular Dynamics and Torsion Angle Molecular Dynamics.

Incorporating receptor flexibility into molecular docking should improve results for flexible proteins. However, the incorporation of explicit all-atom flexibility with molecular dynamics for the entire protein chain may also introduce significant error and “noise” that could decrease docking accuracy and deteriorate the ability of a scoring function to rank native-like poses. We address this apparent paradox by comparing the success of several flexible receptor models in cross-docking and multiple receptor ensemble docking for p38α mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Explicit all-atom receptor flexibility has been incorporated into a CHARMM-based molecular docking method (CDOCKER) using both molecular dynamics (MD) and torsion angle molecular dynamics (TAMD) for the refinement of predicted protein-ligand binding geometries. These flexible receptor models have been evaluated, and the accuracy and efficiency of TAMD sampling is directly compared to MD sampling. Several flexible receptor models are compared, encompassing flexible side chains, flexible loops, multiple flexible backbone segments, and treatment of the entire chain as flexible. We find that although including side chain and some backbone flexibility is required for improved docking accuracy as expected, docking accuracy also diminishes as additional and unnecessary receptor flexibility is included into the conformational search space. Ensemble docking results demonstrate that including protein flexibility leads to to improved agreement with binding data for 227 active compounds. This comparison also demonstrates that a flexible receptor model enriches high affinity compound identification without significantly increasing the number of false positives from low affinity compounds.
Ionic conductance and experimentally induced myotonia

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of altering external potassium on in vitro induction of myotonia in rat diaphragm using 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetate (2,4-D). An increase in external potassium inhibited, while a decrease enhanced, the myotonic response. However, in preparations which have undergone prior denervation, there was no myotonic response to 2,4-D, even when the external potassium was lowered. The experiments also support the existence of neural factors influencing the resting ionic conductance of the muscle membrane.
Relativism and Interpretive Objectivity

I assume there is no point in speaking of objective interpretation without explaining what it is about the nature of things that fits them for interpretation and how we may be said to know that particular interpretations do indeed fit interpretable things objectively. On that assumption I provide an argument, largely in accord with post-Kantian themes, to show that a relativistic account of interpretation is not likely to be ruled out by any objectivism or by any exceptionless rule of bivalence. I offer arguments to distinguish between, and account for, what I call interpretation in the “constituting” sense, which bears on the constructed nature of perception and the distinction between description and interpretation, and interpretation in the “ampliative” sense, which bears primarily on the distinctive properties of intrinsically interpretable things. By this strategy I show the sense in which the interpretation of physical phenomena under explanatory conditions invites epistemological forms of incommensurabilism and the Intentional properties of cultural phenomena provide metaphysical grounds for viable forms of relativistic interpretation.
Stripping potentiometric transduction of DNA hybridization processes

Abstract DNA hybridization on carbon paste electrodes was followed by stripping potentiometric measurement of electroactive metal complexes associated with surface hybrids. The chronopotentiometric transduction mode offers high sensitivity and effective background compensation, and improves the sequence detection compared to analogous (cyclic- and square-wave) voltammetric measurements. Immobilization of the single-stranded nucleic-acid probe is accomplished by adsorptive accumulation onto an anodically activated carbon paste transducer. Variables of the probe immobilization, hybridization and intercalation steps, and chronopotentiometric transduction have been examined and optimized. The resulting assay protocol offers convenient quantitation of nanogram quantities of the target strand in connection with short (5–20 min) hybridization times.
The L2 norm of the approximation error for Bernstein polynomials

Abstract Wassily Hoeffding ( J. Approximation Theory 4 (1971), 347–356) obtained a convergence rate for the L 1 norm of the approximation error, using Bernstein polynomials for a wide class of functions. Here, by a different method of proof, a similar result is obtained for the L 2 norm.
Organizational Culture and Employees' Computer Self-Efficacy: An Empirical Study

IT-based business initiatives, such as ERP and BPR, require high computer self-efficacy among employees because these changes require a large-scale use of computers. Computer self-efficacy is affected by many internal and external factors, for instance, personality, organizational culture, etc. While extensive literature exists on how psychological and sociological factors affect a person's self-efficacy, almost no research has been done on how organizational culture could influence employees' computer self-efficacy. This paper examines the relationship between organizational culture and employees' self-efficacy for a sample of 352 subjects. The results from multiple regression and discriminant analysis show teamwork and information flow contribute most to employees' computer self-efficacy.
Familial myoadenylate deaminase deficiency and exertional myalgia

In 14 members of four families with a hereditary syndrome of exertional myalgia, five of eight muscle biopsies from symptomatic individuals showed histochemical and biochemical absence of myoadenylate deaminase (MADA). In the others, MADA biochemical activity was normal in two and reduced but not absent (intermediate level) in one. Asymptomatic relatives had normal histochemical MADA activity, but three had intermediate biochemical levels. In a survey of 302 routine muscle biopsies, 3 of 36 patients with myalgia had absence of MADA. Three of 266 biopsied for other conditions were MADA-deficient. Despite some inconsistencies, MADA deficiency seems-to be relevant to this clinical syndrome.
Cell-mediated immunity in cytomegalovirus infections--a review.

Abstract Cell-mediated immunity is of critical significance in the host response to cytomegalovirus infection. This fact is evidenced by numerous reports of disease in immunosuppressed hosts and by other clinical and experimental observations. Methodologies are now available for elucidation of the specific role of the various facets of cell-mediated immunity in normal and susceptible individuals during different stages of infection. Most progress has been made recently using assays of lymphocyte transformation and cell-mediated immune lysis, but other areas also deserve specific attention. A comprehensive picture of the function of cellular immunity should greatly advance understanding of disease pathogenesis as well as direct the development of future models for immunotherapy.
Energy disruptions, interfirm price effects and the aggregate economy

In an economy with many imperfect competitors (monopolistic competition), firms that pass through higher oil prices during a disruption will affect the demand for firms in other industries. Firms that charge higher prices for their final product will include the effect on their own final product in their private decisions but will exclude the effect on the final products of other firms. Although a pecuniary externality, these actions will reduce society's welfare, unlike the case of a perfectly competitive market. This situation creates a societal risk that is much wider than an externality in any single market. Policy interest shifts from one of punishing Persian Gulf oil producers to one of cushioning an industrialized economy from sudden disruptions caused by political and military conflicts. Although the value of reducing oil use depends upon a number of unknown parameters with wide distributions, a representative numerical example suggests that it may approach $5 per barrel.
Response properties of C-type horizontal cells in the retina of the bowfin.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were obtained from biphasic- and triphasic-type horizontal cells (C cells) in the retina of the bowfin. For steady-state responses, both cell types displayed a linear stimulus-response function for responses up to at least 20% of maximum. In the linear range, responses to red/green mixtures were well predicted from the assumption that opposed inputs combine by simple summation. Action spectra were measured in the linear range for 30 biphasic and 12 triphasic cells. Biphasic cells showed their peak hyperpolarization near 530 nm and peak depolarization near 680 nm. Triphasic cells showed peak hyperpolarization near 450 nm, peak depolarization near 570 nm and small hyperpolarizing responses to deep red flashes (> 670nm). The response to deep red test flashes was reduced by chromatic backgrounds which either depolarized or hyperpolarized the cell, in contrast to past findings in carp triphasic cells. In both classes of cells, the depolarizing input mechanism had a shorter latency than the hyperpolarizing mechanism, a result not previously observed in other fish retinas. Color opponency was maintained in both classes of C cells for stimuli of small diameter. The findings in bowfin and other species suggest that both feedback and direct pathways shape the depolarizing response of C cells.
Reaction mechanism of 32S(d, pα)29Si ground state reaction at Ed = 12.0 and 17.0 MeV

Abstract The 32 S(d, pα) 29 Si g.s. reaction was studied at bombarding energies of 12.0 and 17.0 MeV. Coincident protons and alpha particles were detected using solid state detectors, and their correlated energy spectra were analysed by a 64 × 64 channel pulse-height analyser. Measurements were carried out at various angular combinations ( θ p, θ α ). The angular dependence of the differential cross section and the shapes of the energy spectra were compared with the results of some simple model calculations. It was found that at a bombarding energy of 12.0 MeV, the reaction proceeds mainly by a double evaporation process, although for small proton angles a significant contribution of a direct (d, p) reaction followed by an alpha evaporation is visible. At a bombarding energy of 17.0 MeV, the reaction mechanism is predominantly the latter direct-evaporation process.
Tunable diode laser measurements of spectral parameters of HCN at room temperature

Abstract A tunable infrared diode laser was used to record 17 fully resolved vibration-rotation transitions in the v1 fundamental band of HCN at 3μ. The experiments were conducted in an absorption cell on room temperature mixtures of HCN diluted by N2 and Ar. The v1 fundamental band strength of HCN was determined to be 267±8 cm-2 atm-1 at 273.2 K. Small but significant reductions in the residual errors were obtained by using the Galatry profile rather than the Voigt profile to fit the experimentally recorded line shapes. Collisional broadening and narrowing parameters were determined simultaneously from Galatry profile fits to the data. The collision-broadened linewidths of HCN lines in N2 and Ar were determined as a function of rotational quantum number of transitions ranging from P(14) to R(14) (3268.22-3353.29 cm-1). The optical diffusion coefficients of HCN in N2 and Ar at 300 K were determined from the collisional narrowing parameters and were 0.074±0.01 and 0.016±0.03 cm2s-1 respectively.
SpRunt-1, a new member of the runt domain family of transcription factors, is a positive regulator of the aboral ectoderm-specific CyIIIA gene in sea urchin embryos.

In this paper we present a structural and functional characterization of a new sea urchin embryo transcription factor, SpRunt-1. This factor was isolated by means of its specific interaction with acis-regulatory target site of theCyIIIagene. Here we show that this target site, the P7I site, is required for normal embryonic activation ofCyIIIa·CATreporter gene constructs. An oligonucleotide affinity column bearing the P7I target site purifies a 21-kDa polypeptide from blastula-stage nuclear extracts, and the amino acid sequence obtained from this polypeptide was used to generate a nucleic acid probe with which the corresponding cDNA was cloned. The cDNA encodes an approximately 60-kDa protein, SpRunt-1, which includes a “runt domain” that is closely homologous to those ofDrosophilaand mammalian runt domain transcription factors. RNA and genomic blots show that SpRunt-1 is represented by a single embryonic transcript, encoded by one of possibly two runt-domain-containing genes. By RNA probe protection we found that transcripts of SpRunt-1 increase in concentration dramatically after the blastula stage of development, suggesting that the up-regulation ofCyIIIathat occurs after blastula stage is a function of zygotically transcribed SpRunt-1. These results are discussed with reference to known features of the runt domain family of transcription factors.
The CEO’s “how to” guide to crisis communications

The best way to manage a crisis that requires communication with stakeholders is to plan for a variety of emergencies. In some cases, anticipating a crisis can even go a long way toward preventing one. Crisis can come in many forms ‐‐ from a product recall to a class‐action lawsuit to an SEC investigation. Being prepared to communicate quickly and adroitly‐and regularly rehearsing‐‐ is a corporation’s best defense against a wide range of possible miscommunication risks. The author proposes a six‐step plan.
Why they leave: the impact of stereotype threat on the attrition of women and minorities from science, math and engineering majors

This paper examines the effects of group performance anxiety on the attrition of women and minorities from science, math, and engineering majors. While past research has relied primarily on the academic deficits and lower socioeconomic status of women and minorities to explain their absence from these fields, we focus on the impact of stereotype threat—the anxiety caused by the expectation of being judged based on a negative group stereotype. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen, our findings indicate that minorities experience stereotype threat more strongly than whites, although women do not suffer from stereotype threat more than men. Our findings also reveal that stereotype threat has a significant positive effect on the likelihood of women, minorities, and surprisingly, white men leaving science, technology, engineering and math majors.
The amidotransferase family of enzymes: molecular machines for the production and delivery of ammonia.

The amidotransferase family of enzymes utilizes the ammonia derived from the hydrolysis of glutamine for a subsequent chemical reaction catalyzed by the same enzyme. The ammonia intermediate does not dissociate into solution during the chemical transformations. A well-characterized example of the structure and mechanism displayed by this class of enzymes is provided by carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS). Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase is isolated from Escherichia coli as a heterodimeric protein. The smaller of the two subunits catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate and ammonia. The larger subunit catalyzes the formation of carbamoyl phosphate using 2 mol of ATP, bicarbonate, and ammonia. Kinetic investigations have led to a proposed chemical mechanism for this enzyme that requires carboxy phosphate, ammonia, and carbamate as kinetically competent reaction intermediates. The three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of CPS has localized the positions of three active sites. The nucleotide bind...
Utility of clinical symptoms versus laboratory tests for evaluation of acute gastroenteritis

Our purpose was to find the utility of laboratory tests in emergency ward evaluation of patients with gastroenteritis. Medical records of 163 adult cases were retrospectively reviewed. Blood laboratory tests were drawn in 116 cases, 78 had at least one abnormality. Urine tested ketone-positive in 15 of 116 cases. One hundred fifteen were treated with intravenous fluids, 20 with antibiotics, and 4 were admitted. Fifty-eight stool cultures were sent, and 13 yielded enteric pathogens. Cultures from patients with fever or symptoms of long duration had higher yields (57% vs 11.3% and 38.1% vs 0%, P < 0.001, respectively), and when combined had sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 65%. There was no association between abnormal blood laboratory results, intravenous hydration, and antibiotic treatment with the stool culture being positive or with the patient being hospitalized. Laboratory tests are used often, but are very seldom contributory for evaluating domestically acquired gastroenteritis.
Cognitive performance modeling based on general systems performance theory

General Systems Performance Theory (GSPT) was initially motivated by problems associated with quantifying different aspects of human performance. It has proved to be invaluable for measurement development and understanding quantitative relationships between human subsystem capacities and performance in complex tasks. It is now desired to bring focus to the application of GSPT to modeling of cognitive system performance. Previous studies involving two complex tasks (i.e., driving and performing laparoscopic surgery) and incorporating measures that are clearly related to cognitive performance (information processing speed and short-term memory capacity) were revisited. A GSPT-derived method of task analysis and performance prediction termed Nonlinear Causal Resource Analysis (NCRA) was employed to determine the demand on basic cognitive performance resources required to support different levels of complex task performance. This approach is presented as a means to determine a cognitive workload profile and the subsequent computation of a single number measure of cognitive workload (CW). Computation of CW may be a viable alternative to measuring it. Various possible “more basic” performance resources that contribute to cognitive system performance are discussed. It is concluded from this preliminary exploration that a GSPT-based approach can contribute to defining cognitive performance models that are useful for both individual subjects and specific groups (e.g., military pilots).
Forging of Compressor Blades: Temperature and Ram Velocity Effects

Forging is one of the most widely used manufacturing process for making high-strength, structurally integrated, impact and creep-resistant Ti-6Al-4V compressor blades for jet engines. In addition, in modern metal forming technology, finite element analysis method and computer modeling are being extensively employed for initial evaluation and optimization of various processes, including forging. In this study, DEFORM, a rigid viscoplastic two-dimensional finite element code was used to study the effects of initial die temperature and initial ram velocity on the forging process. For a given billet, die temperature and ram velocity influence the strain rate, temperature distribution,and thus the flow stress of the material. The die temperature and the ram velocity were varied over the range 300 to 700 F and 15--25 in./sec, respectively, to estimate the maximum forging load and the total energy required to forge compressor blades. The ram velocity was assumed to vary linearly as a function of stroke. Based on the analysis,it was found the increasing the die temperature from 300 to 700 F decreases the forging loads by 19.9 percent and increases the average temperature of the workpiece by 43 F. Similarly, increasing the initial ram velocity from 15 to 25 in./sec decreases the forging loadsmore » by 25.2 percent and increases the average temperature of the workpiece by 36 F. The nodal temperature distribution is bimodal in each case. The forging energy required to forge the blades is approximately 18 kips *in./in.« less
Photoelectric Emission from Polycrystalline Graphite

Energy distribution of the photoelectrons from polycrystalline graphite were measured by retarding-potential methods in spherical phototubes with small, central, interchangeable emitters. There were distinct deviations from metallic behavior. The results were consistent with a density of states that was relatively small at the Fermi level and that rose to a value several-fold higher 1 ev away. The photoelectric yield from graphite is about ten times below that of common metals.
Inhibition by actinomycin D, cycloheximide and puromycin of steroid synthesis induced by cyclic AMP in interstitial cells.

Abstract Adenosine 3′5′-cyclic monophosphate induces de novo steroid synthesis in a clonal epithelial culture line, derived from a mouse testicular interstitial cell tumor. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide and puromycin each completely blocks the action of the inducer, indicating that transcription and translation may be required for the induction.
Distribution and regulation of rat insulin-like growth factor I messenger ribonucleic acids encoding alternative carboxyterminal E-peptides: evidence for differential processing and regulation in liver

Alternative splicing of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)/somatomedin C mRNAs generates two IGF-I mRNAs coding for IGF-I peptides with different sequences in the E domain of the IGF-I prohormone. These two mRNAs encode alternative E peptides due to the presence (IGF-Ib) or absence (IGF-Ia) of a 52-base insert in the region coding for the E domain. We have used a solution hybridization/RNase protection assay to determine the tissue distribution and regulation by GH of the expression of these alternative IGF-I mRNAs. IGF-Ib mRNAs are present in low abundance (representing approximately 2.5% of the total IGF-I mRNA) in heart, lung, muscle, testes, stomach, kidney, and brain, but represent approximately 13% of the IGF-I mRNA in liver. GH treatment of hypophysectomized rats increased steady-state IGF-I mRNA levels in liver, kidney, lung, and heart. In kidney, lung, and heart, IGF-Ia and IGF-Ib mRNA levels were coordinately regulated by GH, but, in liver, the fold increase in IGF-Ib mRNA levels was approximately three times greater than the fold increase in IGF-Ia mRNA levels. These data suggest that the processing of IGF-I mRNA in liver is different than in nonhepatic tissues. These results also further elucidate the organization of the rat IGF-I gene as well as the generation of multiple IGF-I mRNAs by alternative splicing.
Emotional intelligence and dispositional affectivity as moderators of workplace aggression: The impact on behavior choice

Abstract This paper presents a model of emotional intelligence and dispositional affectivity as moderators of workplace aggression. Particular attention is devoted to the mediating processes through which workers make behavioral choices resulting from perceived injustices primarily using the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills of “emotional intelligence” and dispositional affectivity. The model explores the five components of emotional intelligence, which include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Building on the works of Goleman [Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.; Goleman, D. (1998). Working with emotional intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.] and others, the model examines the individual's degree of emotional intelligence and the impact that these skills may have on the type of behavior exhibited after the perception of injustice. The model also examines the impact that dispositional affectivity has on behavioral choices as well. It is proposed that the specific behavior choice can result in adaptive/constructive behavior or maladaptive behavior, such as workplace aggression. We include research propositions and discuss managerial implications as well as recommendations for training, selection practices, counseling, and attributional training.
Compromised birth outcomes and infant mortality among racial and ethnic groups

Research based on hospital records demonstrates that many births classified as normal according to conventional demographic measurement are intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) when evaluated clinically; also, in addition to birth weight and gestational age, it is necessary to focus on a third dimension, maturity, in analyses of birth outcomes. Although clinical studies allow more precise classification, the small number of cases tends to result in unreliable estimates of rates and in loss of genera lizability. The fetal growth ratio, a measure recently shown to be a valid proxy for maturity, is used here to develop a classification system based on combinations of weight, gestational age, and maturity, which we apply in a comparative analysis of a large data set. The results show large differences in the distribution of compromised births across racial and ethnic groups, as well as significant race/ethnic differentials in the risk of infant mortality associated with adverse outcomes.
Serial echocardiographic profiles in infants and children with goarctation of the aorta

Abstract Eighty-three serial M mode echocardiograms were obtained from 13 medically managed infants and children aged 1 day to 3 12 years with coarctation documented at cardiac catheterization. Associated lesions included ventricular septal defect (two patients), atrial septal defect (two patients) and mild aortic stenosis (six patients). The echocardiograms were separated into four groups according to the patient's age: Group A, nine infants aged 1 day to 6 weeks; group B, nine infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months; group C, seven infants aged 4 months to 1 year; and group D, four children aged 1 to 3 12 years. Left ventricular diastolic dimension was significantly decreased in group A but gradually increased to normal with age. Right ventricular cavity dimension was significantly greater than normal in groups A and B and decreased toward normal with age. Right ventricular wall thickness was significantly increased initially and remained so. Septal and left ventricular posterior wall thickness measurements were not significantly different from normal in group A but increased progressively with age. Mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, corrected for heart rate, was significantly depressed in the youngest infants, despite digoxin therapy, but was normal thereafter. This study documents slight regression of right ventricular enlargement, left ventricular growth and hypertrophy and improvement in left ventricular function in growing infants and children with coarctation of the aorta. Echocardiography is useful in assessment of ventricular development in neonates with coarctation and in serial follow-up studies of cardiac adaptation to this lesion.
Electrochemical Infrared Studies of Monocrystalline Iridium Surfaces. Part 2: Carbon Monoxide and Nitric Oxide Adsorption on Ir(110)

The adsorption of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide on an ordered Ir(110) electrode surface in aqueous 0.1 M HClO4 has been probed by voltammetry together with in-situ infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). Exclusively atop coordination of both CO and NO is suggested from the relatively high C−O and N−O stretching (νCO, νNO) frequencies observed, 1980−2060 and 1820−1840 cm-1, respectively, that upshift with increasing coverage. Adsorption of NO as well as CO is essentially molecular, with near-unity saturation coverages, as deduced from voltammetry as well as infrared spectrophotometry. The potential-dependent νCO frequencies for the saturated CO adlayer are closely compatible with that for the corresponding Ir(110)/CO interface in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) once the differences in surface potential are taken into account. In contrast to the case of the latter system, however, the electrochemical Ir(110)/CO interface exhibits a pair of νCO bands at intermediate CO coverages (θCO), suggestive of a ...
Clostridium difficile healthcare-associated epidemics.

A new study reports whole-genome sequencing of a large collection of healthcare-associated C. difficile isolates, followed by comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses. This work provides insight into the emergence of the current C. difficile epidemic 027/BI/NAP1 clone, which can be separated into two lineages on the basis of both SNPs and larger genetic changes mediated by mobile elements.
The role of the laminin β subunit in laminin heterotrimer assembly and basement membrane function and development in C. elegans

The role of the laminin beta subunit in laminin heterotrimer assembly and basement membrane function and development in C. elegans.
Suppressive effects of chemicals in mixture on the Salmonella plate test response in the absence of apparent toxicity

There are chemicals that affect the number of his + revertant colonies of Salmonella in the plate test at doses that are apparently nontoxic, but may be causing nonlethal, toxic effects. When mixed with mutagens, these chemicals reduce the numbers of his+ revertant colonies on the plate with no accompanying visible toxic effect on the background lawn. Some of these plates are indistinguishable from spontaneous control plates, leading to the possibility that the mutagens under test would be evaluated as nonmutagenic, or that the mutagenic response would be underestimated. The reduction in mutagen-induced revertant colonies in most cases is equivalent to the reduction in spontaneous revertants in the absence of mutagen. A spot test that permits a rapid screen of chemicals for inhibitory effects has been developed; a plate incorporation assay is used to confirm the effect. Toxic effects can be seen in the background lawns of plates examined at magnifications of 100 X or greater.
Defects in a Polyelectrolyte Multilayer: The Inside Story

Moderate changes in the concentration of poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) used in fabricating polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) have been found to strongly affect the formation of defects (i.e., gaps) within these films, as revealed by gas permeation selectivity measurements. Thus, PEMs made from 14 alternating layers of PSS and PAH under “high” concentration conditions (15.0 mM in repeat units) exhibit He/N2 permeation selectivities that are greater than 200. In sharp contrast, analogous films of similar thickness that are made from 24 alternating layers of PSS and PAH under “low” concentration conditions (1.0 mM in repeat units) showed no significant He/N2 permeation selectivity, reflecting the presence of defects. Analogous PEMs that were fabricated from 14 alternating layers of PSS and PAH, using 1.0 mM PSS and PAH in the presence of added NaCl, where reduced viscosities and polymer conformations were matched with those found under high concentration con...
Impact of HMO penetration and other environmental factors on hospital X-inefficiency.

This study examined the impact of health maintenance organization (HMO) market penetration and other internal and external environmental factors on hospital X-inefficiency in a national sample (N = 1,966) of urban U.S. hospitals in 1997. Stochastic frontier analysis, a frontier regression technique, was used to measure X-inefficiency and estimate parameters of the correlates of X-inefficiency. Log-likelihood restriction tests were used to test a variety of assumptions about the empirical model that guided its selection. Average estimated X-inefficiency in study hospitals was 12.96 percent. Increases in managed care penetration, dependence on Medicare and Medicaid, membership in a multihospital system, and location in areas where competitive pressures and the pool of uncompensated care are greater were associated with less X-inefficiency. Not-for-profit ownership was associated with increased X-inefficiency.
On making large nonlinear problems small

Abstract A number of aspects of reduction methods for solution of large-scale nonlinear problems are discussed including: (a) selection of basis vectors for steady-state problems; (b) identification and determination of bifurcation and limit points, and tracing post-limit-point and post-bifurcation point paths using reduction methods; (c) application of reduction methods to nonlinear problems with prescribed nonzero values of the field variable; and (d) use of reduction methods in conjunction with multifield (mixed) finite element models. Four numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of using reduction methods for the solution of nonlinear thermal and structural problems. Also, a number of research areas which have high potential for application of reduction methods are identified.
A 3D-point-cloud feature for human-pose estimation

Estimating human poses is an important step towards developing robots that can understand human motions and improving their cognitive capabilities. This paper presents a geometric feature for estimating human poses from a 3D point cloud input. The proposed feature can be considered as an extension of the idea of visual features, such as color/edge, of color/grayscale images, and it contains the geometric structure of the point cloud. It is derived by arranging the 3D points into a tree structure, which preserves the global and local properties of the 3D points. Shown experimentally, the tree structure (spatial ordering) is particularly important for estimating human poses (i.e., articulated objects). The 3D orientation (pan, tilt and yaw angles) and shape features are then extracted from each node in the tree to describe the geometric distribution of the 3D points. The proposed feature has been evaluated on a benchmark dataset and compared with two existing geometric features. Experimental results show that the proposed feature has the lowest overall error in human-pose estimation.
Curriculum Needs: Life Preparation for Undergraduate Psychology Majors

The desirability of informing and developing psychology majors beyond the traditional academic curriculum was noted, with a perspective on life preparation. The content and conduct of a senior level psychology seminar for undergraduate majors was introduced. Suggested topics included career opportunities in psychology, alternative careers, graduate training, personal and fiscal development and management, resumes and correspondence, ethics, and problems and selected topics in psychology. Appreciable use of community resource persons and American Psychological Association's printed materials was stressed.
Guidelines for a telephone group interview

Group interviews for purposes of marketing research have been around for many years, but when the authors began their research work underlying this article, they believed that no group interview had ever been done by telephone. They learned they were wrong, although the work they did was among the earliest in the field. The article reviews what other work has been done in the field, outlines their work, and provides a preliminary statement of guidelines for conducting group interviews.
Syntheses and applications of water‐soluble reactive polymers for purification and immobilization of biomolecules

Reactive polymers have been prepared by copolymeriz-ing N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) with N-acryloxy-succinimide (NASI) or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The amino groups of ligands could react with the residues of NASI or GMA and the polymers could be precipitated by temperature and/or salinity variation, since they contained the NIPAM residues. As a model, p-aminobenza-midine, a trypsin inhibitor, was attached to the polymers to form water-soluble macroligands, capable of selectively binding trypsin from a trypsin-chymotrypsin solution. After precipitation of the macroligand-trypsin complex, followed by dissociation, approximately 82% trypsin was isolated. The NIPAM-GMA copolymer was also reacted with immunogammaglobulin (IgG) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). It was demonstrated that the IgG bearing polymer was able to bind protein A and the whole complex was precipitable. The reactive polymer was also used for direct immobilization of AP which was active in repeated reactions.
Rain and dewdrops on titan based on in situ imaging

Abstract The Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR) of the Huygens probe was in an excellent position to view aspects of rain as it descended through Titan's atmosphere. Rain may play an important part of the methane cycle on Titan, similar to the water cycle on Earth, but rain has only been indirectly inferred in previous studies. DISR detected two dark atmospheric layers at 11 and 21 km altitude, which can be explained by a local increase in aerosol size by about 5–10%. These size variations are far smaller than those in rain clouds, where droplets grow some 1000-fold. No image revealed a rainbow, which implies that the optical depth of raindrops was less than ∼ 0.0002 / km . This upper limit excludes rain and constrains drizzle to extremely small rates of less than 0.0001 mm/h. However, a constant drizzle of that rate over several years would clear the troposphere of aerosols faster than it can be replenished by stratospheric aerosols. Hence, either the average yearly drizzle rate near the equator was even less ( 0.1 mm / yr ), or the observed aerosols came from somewhere else. The implied dry environment is consistent with ground-based imaging showing a lack of low-latitude clouds during the years before the Huygens descent. Features imaged on Titan's surface after landing, which might be interpreted as raindrop splashes, were not real, except for one case. This feature was a dewdrop falling from the outermost baffle of the DISR instrument. It can be explained by warm, methane-moist air rising along the bottom of the probe and condensing onto the cold baffle.
A holistic and pragmatic approach to teaching web accessibility in an undergraduate web design course

Web accessibility is a fundamental instrument to support the shift towards an inclusive cyberspace and a socially responsible society, and higher education plays an essential role in this effort. This paper fills the gap of lacking literature by reporting an undergraduate Web design course that adopts a holistic and pragmatic approach to teaching Web accessibility and presenting the specific accessibility topics and techniques that are appropriate for the course scope and its assessment strategies. It is hoped that the instructional approach presented in the paper will prove beneficial to instructors facing similar demands and challenges in computing programs.
MULTIPLE‐DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC CURRICULA BY INTEREST AND APTITUDE VARIABLES

Multiple-discriminant analysis has found increasing use in educational and psychological research. In the use of multiple predictors it is analogous to multiple regression, but for a criterion variable it involves categories instead of a continuous scale (Cooley & Lohnes, 1962, Chap. 6). In the guidance of college freshmen and sophomores, college counselors must be concerned with a large number of categories representing the various academic curricula in which students can major.