cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-sustained low-frequency components in an impinging shear layer

Oscillations of a cavity shear layer, involving a downstream-travelling wave and associated vortex formation, its impingement upon the cavity corner, and upstream influence of this vortex-corner interaction are the subject of this experimental investigation.Spectral analysis of the downstream-travelling wave reveals low-frequency components having substantial amplitudes relative to that of the fundamental (instability) frequency component; using bicoherence analysis it is shown that the lowest-frequency component can interact with the fundamental either to reinforce itself or to produce an additional (weaker) low-frequency component. In both cases, all frequency components exhibit an overall phase difference of almost 2kπ(k = 1, 2,…) between separation and impingement. Furthermore, the low-frequency and fundamental components have approximately the same amplitude growth rates and phase speeds; this suggests that the instability wave is amplitude-modulated at the low frequency, as confirmed by the form of instantaneous velocity traces.At the downstream corner of the cavity, successive vortices, arising from the amplified instability wave, undergo organized variations in (transverse) impingement location, producing a low-frequency component(s) of corner pressure. The spectral content and instantaneous trace of this impingement pressure are consistent with those of velocity fluctuations near the (upstream) shear-layer separation edge, giving evidence of the strong upstream influence of the corner region.
An improved CMOS active-R filter

New CMOS building blocks are proposed for inverting and noninverting buffered integrators using only resistors and CMOS transistor arrays. These buildings blocks are then used to design state variable type active-R filters without the use of external capacitors. The new circuits do not suffer the loading problems associated with other active-R realization, and are much less susceptible to distortion and instability. Furthermore, the possibility of voltage tunable filters is demonstrated.
Suppression of interleukin-6 to interleukin-10 ratio in chronic alcoholics: association with postoperative infections.

Objective: To investigate the interleukin-6 (IL-6) to interleukin-10 (IL-10) ratio and levels of sE-selectin in patients undergoing elective surgery of the upper digestive tract and to define the differences in the perioperative immune response between chronic alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients. Design: Prospective pilot study. Setting: Single center, interdisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. Measurement and main results: The study compared chronic alcoholics (n=25) and non-alcoholics (n=20) before and after surgery for resection of upper digestive tract tumors. White blood cell counts, C-reactive protein and circulating levels of sE-selectin, the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the inhibitory cytokine IL-10, were obtained at hospital admission, preoperatively, postoperatively at ICU admission and 2 and 4 days later. Rates of postoperative infectious complications including pneumonia and sepsis were determined. sE-selectin only differed between chronic alcoholics and non-alcoholics preoperatively. Compared to non-alcoholics, chronic alcoholic patients showed a fourfold increase in circulating levels of IL-10 (p<0.01) and a suppression of the IL-6/IL-10 ratio (p=0.001) immediately after surgery. Coincident with the immune alterations, chronic alcoholics had a prolonged ICU stay (p<0.01) and a threefold increased rate of wound infections (p<0.05) and pneumonia (p<0.01). Lower IL-6/IL-10 ratios were associated with increased rates of infectious complications (p<0.05). Conclusion: Chronic alcoholics had decreased IL-6/IL-10 ratios at ICU admission and increased rates of infectious complications in the postoperative ICU course. This may indicate immediate postoperative immune suppression before the onset of infections and may help to identify chronic alcoholic patients at risk.
Cryopreservation and transfer of baboon embryos.

The feasibility of modifying bovine cryopreservation methods for use with baboon embryos was evaluated. Twenty-six baboon embryos at the eight-cell to blastocyst stage of development were transferred after being frozen using glycerol as cryoprotectant. Either a two-step fast of a controlled linear temperature depression was achieved to −40°C, followed by plunging into liquid nitrogen. After thawing, embryos were rehydrated in medium containing sucrose (0.5 to 1.0 M) using various methods of glycerol dilution. Embryos were transferred nonsurgically to anesthetized recipient baboons. Two term pregnancies resulted from six embryos frozen using the controlled linear cooling method and rehydrated by dropwise dilution of the sucrose (0.8 M) medium. Later cell stages had a greater morphological integrity postthaw than did earlier developmental stages, and embryos frozen by the linear cooling-rate method had less cell damage than those frozen by the fast method.
Design of selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 as nonulcerogenic anti-inflammatory agents

The discovery of a second isoform of cyclooxygenase (cyclooxygenase-2) that is expressed in inflammatory cells and the central nervous system, but not in the gastric mucosa, offers the possibility of developing anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents that lack the gastrointestinal side effects of currently available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Lead compounds from several different structural classes have been identified and shown to be slow, tight-binding inhibitors that express their selectivity for cyclooxygenase-2 in the time-dependent step. The determination of structures of enzyme-inhibitor co-crystals along with site-directed mutagenesis experiments reveal the molecular basis for selectivity of some, but not all, inhibitors. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are highly promising new agents for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and for the prevention of cancer.
Comparison of fungal and nonfungal infections in a broad-based surgical patient population.

Background: Our aim was to compare fungal and nonfungal infections among a diverse surgical patient population. Methods: Data on all hospital-acquired infectious episodes among surgical intensive c...
A response to “on measuring ethical judgments”

This article discusses the major criticisms posed in “On Measuring Ethical Judgments” concerning our ethics scale development work. We agree that the authors of the criticism do engage in what they accurately refer to as “armchair theorizing.” We point out the errors in their comments.
Schrödinger operators with symmetries II systems with spin

Abstract We extend the results on the spectra of Schrodinger operators with symmetries contained in the preceding paper Schrodinger operators with symmetries to systems with spin with interactions of spin-orbit type. Thus we determine the essential spectrum under the assumption of relative compactness and show the absence of singular continuous spectrum for operators with dilation-analytic interactions. Finally we prove the absence of eigenvalues for a system of electrons with spin-orbit interactions and as a consequence the existence of an infinity of eigenvalues for each symmetry type in an atom with such interactions.
Which psychological factors exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome? Development of a comprehensive model

Abstract Objective There is evidence that psychological factors affect the onset, severity and duration of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is not clear which psychological factors are the most important and how they interact. The aims of the current study are to identify the most important psychological factors predicting IBS symptom severity and to investigate how these psychological variables are related to each other. Methods Study participants were 286 IBS patients who completed a battery of psychological questionnaires including neuroticism, abuse history, life events, anxiety, somatization and catastrophizing. IBS severity measured by the IBS Severity Scale was the dependent variable. Path analysis was performed to determine the associations among the psychological variables, and IBS severity. Results Although the hypothesized model showed adequate fit, post hoc model modifications were performed to increase prediction. The final model was significant (Chi 2 = 2.2; p = 0.82; RMSEA Conclusion While cause-and-effect cannot be determined from these cross-sectional data, the outcomes suggest that the most fruitful approach to curb negative effects of psychological factors on IBS is to reduce catastrophizing and somatization.
The peer‐review process in English‐language advertising journals: a survey of US academics

This study examined the views of advertising academics regarding the peer-review process in English-language advertising journals. Three issues were examined. First, how do advertising academics assess the peer-review process in advertising journals on the following dimensions: fairness, anonymity (truly double-blind), timeliness, and effectiveness in improving the quality of research? Second, how do they perceive the ethicality of review process behaviors? Third, what steps do they suggest for improving the quality or integrity of the peer-review process? Data was collected through a survey of US-based advertising academics. The findings reveal that advertising academics believe that, for the most part, advertising journals are succeeding at fairness, protecting anonymity, improving the research of submitters, and avoiding ethical infractions in the review process. However, advertising academics would like to see improvements in timeliness as well as in incentives and guidelines provided to participants in the peer-review process.
Accelerating mutual information-based 3D medical image registration with An FPGA computing platform (abstract only)

Mutual information-based 3D image Registration algorithm is shown to be an accurate, robust and more general registration method for medical image processing. However, its potential application in clinic is jeopardized by its high computational costs. Like many other 3D imaging algorithms, 3D registration needs to process vast amount of image data. The intrinsic computing characteristics of the mutual information-based registration algorithm make it even more difficult to manage and cache the input data. In this paper, we introduce our FPGA-based computing platform and detail its application in accelerating the mutual information-based 3D image registration. This platform is designed to accelerate a series of 3D medical imaging algorithms dominated by local operations. It is a System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture with an intelligent data caching system for efficient data fetching and buffering. A reconfigurable multi-pipeline execution unit in the platform is designed to perform high-speed parallel computation. This unit can be customized according to different algorithm requirements to achieve high performance. The simulation results for accelerating the mutual information based registration with our platform show that a speed-up of about 30 can be achieved when compared to a single-CPU computer. Moreover, the platform can be easily reconfigured to accelerate other 3D medical imaging algorithms.
The grand tour travel as an educational device 1600–1800

Abstract Brodsky-Porges, Ned, The Grand Tour: Travel as an Educational Device: 1600–1800. Annals of Tourism Research 1981, VIII(2): 171–186. This paper discusses various factors such as religion and health, which influenced the development of the Grand Tour. It examines the early philosophy of travel as an educational device, from the medieval period to the subsequent development of a formal and ritualized process by which the rich and near rich sons of England embarked on a prescribed trip to finish their education. The purposes, motivations, routes, and the students themselves underwent profound changes in the two hundred years between 1600–1800. The Grand Tour eventually evolved to what is presently known as tourism.
Optimal design of a base isolated system for a high-rise steel structure

In a previous study (Kaplan H, Seireg A., Int. J. Comput. Appl. Technol., 2000; 13(1/2): 25–41), the authors proposed a base isolation system for earthquake protection of structures.The system incorporates spherical supports for the base, a specially designed spring-cam system to keep the base rigidly supported under normal conditions and to allow it to move for the duration of the earthquake under the constraint of a spring with optimized stiffness characteristics. A single-degree-of-freedom structure was considered to investigate the feasibility of the concept. The simulation of the system response shows a 20 times reduction of the transmitted force as a result of using the proposed design in the considered case. This paper extends the previous study to the case of a 40-storey steel structure subjected to the Taft as well as El Centro earthquakes. A 7.5 and 6 times reduction of the maximum transmitted force was achieved for the considered disturbances, respectively, without any adverse effects due to the tilting moment which is inherent in this type of base isolation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed matching in the capuchin monkey with brief sample durations

Two capuchin monkeys were trained in a delayed matching-to-sample task in which the duration that the sample was available for viewing was very brief, 0.075 to 0.45 sec. The matching performance of one animal was above chance with delay (retention) intervals as long as 4 min; the other S showed significant matching with a 2-min retention interval. The performance of both Ss was independent of sample exposure duration, indicating that their capacity to match successfully at long retention intervals is not dependent on repeated viewing of the sample stimulus. The marked practice effect shown by one S with prolonged training at 2-min delay suggests the capacity of “learning how to remember.” A constant high performance level on 2-sec delay control trials indicates that the observed practice effect was not the result of enhanced attending to the sample stimulus.
Investigations of the origins of transient acetylcholinesterase activity in developing rat visual cortex

Abstract Transient acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is characteristic of cortical area 17 of the developing laboratory rat during the second and third postnatal weeks of life. This AChE activity is most intense in a band that corresponds to cortical layer IV and the deep part of layer III, but also is found in the outer half of cortical layer I and in layer VI. The morphology of the pattern of the histochemical reaction product indicates that the transient AChE is characteristic of an axonal terminal field. The present report describes results of 3 sets of experiments aimed at determining the source of transient AChE in cortical area 17. First , placement of lesions in portions of the basal forebrain or in the cingulate bundle results in a decrease in the general pattern of AChE throughout occipital cortex and especially in layer I, but the transient bands of AChE in layers III–IV of cortical area 17 are not eliminated. Second , kainic acid or cobalt chloride injections in cortical area 17 result in the loss of many AChE-positive neuronal somata but do not eliminate the transient pattern of AChE in thalamo-recipient layers of cortical area 17. Similarly, treatment of fetuses with mitotic inhibitors that eliminate many of the neurons destined for granular and supragranular layers does not eliminate transient patterns of AChE. Third , lesions that include the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus or geniculocortical projections result in a marked loss of the pattern of AChE in thalamo-recipient layers of cortical area 17, without significant loss in other layers of area 17 or in other regions of occipital cortex. These data support the hypothesis that the transient AChE found in thalamo-recipient layers of cortical area 17 is contained within geniculocortical axon terminals.
Monitoring airplane takeoff performance - Prototype instrument with learning capability

An instrument has been developed that gives easily interpreted real-time quantification of aircraft groundroll takeoff performance. The instrument has the capability of evaluating and remembering (i.e., "learning") nominal takeoff performance and does not depend on Pilot Operating Handbook values. The analytical model used to predict the expected aircraft acceleration and distances uses input values for field elevation; pressure; temperature; runway direction, slope, and friction condition; wind direction and magnitude; aircraft gross weight; reference airspeed; and power or thrust setting. The instrument requires no interface with aircraft systems except electric power. The actual parameter that is measured is the longitudinal axis acceleration. The real-time takeoff performance quantification is displayed to the pilot in two forms: 1) an acceleration ratio displayed on a screen as a continuous time-line function and 2) a digital display of pertinent ground-roll distances. These displays would appear in a panel instrument similar in size to current "stormscopes" and/or incorporated in a heads-up display. The takeoff performance is available to the crew as soon as the takeoff power is set. By utilizing this information the pilot is aided in making critical "NO-GO" decisions early in the takeoff roll when a rejected takeoff can be safely accomplished from low speed.
MC-ICP-MS measurement of δ34S and ∆33S in small amounts of dissolved sulfate

Over the last decade, the use of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has significantly lowered the detection limit of sulfur isotope analyses, albeit typically with decreased precision. Moreover, the presence of isobaric interferences for sulfur prevented accurate analysis of the minor isotopes ^(33)S and ^(36)S. In the present study, we report improved techniques for measuring sulfur isotopes on the MC-ICP-MS Neptune Plus (Thermo Fischer Scientific) using a heated spray chamber coupled to a desolvating membrane (Aridus, Cetac). Working at high mass resolution, we measured δ^(34)S values of natural samples with a typical reproducibility of 0.08–0.15‰ (2sd) on 5 to 40 nmol sulfur introduced into the instrument. We applied this method to two seawater profiles, using 25 μl of sample (700 nmol of sulfate). The average δ^(34)S_(VCDT) value is 20.97 ± 0.10‰ (2sd, n = 25). We show that the amount of sulfate required for an analysis can be decreased to 5 nmol. Because the plasma is sustained by Ar, measurement of ^(36)S is impossible at the current mass resolution due to the presence of ^(36)Ar^+, but a reproducibility of 0.1–0.3‰ (2sd) is achieved on the measurement of mass independent fractionations (Δ^(33)S). This is the first time such precision has been achieved on samples of this size.
DNA ploidy of colorectal cancer and synchronous polyps in polyposis coli

Sixteen patients with polyposis coli and cancer were studied retrospectively to determine the incidence of DNA ploidy abnormalities in the tumors and synchronous polyps. Six patients (37 percent) had nondiploid tumors. Nondiploid tumors were more likely to be advanced and had a significantly worse prognosis (17 percent vs. 76 percent 5-year survival; P less than 0.01). Only 4 of 20 polyps studied were nondiploid. There was no association between tumor and polyp ploidy. All nondiploid polyps were found in patients with synchronous diploid cancers. Patients with nondiploid polyps were more likely to be older and have more advanced tumors than those with diploid polyps. DNA ploidy abnormalities seem to occur with the same frequency in polyposis coli as in the nonpolyposis population, and tumor ploidy correlates with prognosis.
Type 1 T Helper Cells Induce the Accumulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Inflamed Tgfb1 Knockout Mouse Liver

T cells are the proximal agents of parenchymal liver damage in inflammatory liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and viral hepatitis. In AIH, CD4+ T cells infiltrate liver parenchyma (1) and release hepatotoxic cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α (2, 3). IFN-γ expression by ex vivo cultured T cells strongly correlates with disease activity (4), implicating type 1 T cell responses in hepatocellular damage. In hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, liver pathology results from the activity of T cells producing IFN-γ within liver parenchyma, since HCV is not cytopathic (5–7). IFN-γ is essential for parenchymal damage in mouse models of T cell mediated liver injury, including Concanavalin A -induced liver injury (8), and spontaneous liver injury in BALB/c TGF-β1 knockout mice (9). A common theme, therefore, in immune mediated liver injury is pathology associated with activated T cells producing IFN-γ. Given the potential for liver damage by activated Th1 cells, it is important to identify mechanisms that regulate their activity. A variety of liver resident cells participate in the regulation of T cells, including Treg, dendritic cells, Kupffer cells, NK cells, NKT cells, stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal epithelial cells (10). Whether regulatory immunocytes accumulate in liver in response to activated T cells is not known. Such cells may represent an important negative feedback mechanism mitigating pathology mediated by T cell activation. It is reasonable to postulate that inflammatory pathology in liver is attributable both to aberrant activation of T cells and to a deficit in appropriate counter-regulatory mechanisms. Studies emerging from the field of tumor immunity show that tumor-associated inflammation induces the development and accumulation of myeloid-lineage cells with immunomodulatory activity. Termed myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC), these pleiomorphic cells are capable of suppressing T cell proliferation and subjugating T cell mediated immunity (11, 12). MDSC comprise a heterogenous group of myeloid cells, employing a variety of mechanisms to inhibit T cell responses. Murine MDSC are operationally defined as CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells that suppress T cell proliferation (11, 12). While MDSC have been most extensively described in the context of tumors, recent studies show their involvement in inflammatory responses not associated with tumors (13, 14). MDSC home to liver in tumor-bearing mice (15), and hepatocellular carcinoma, like other solid tumors, exhibit associated populations of MDSC (16, 17), but little is otherwise known about MDSC in liver, particularly in inflammatory pathology. Here, we demonstrate in the BALB/c TGF-β1 knockout mouse model that Th1 cells, through release of IFN-γ, drive accumulation in liver of an MDSC population that can effectively inhibit T cell proliferation through a mechanism involving expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO).
On the search for variational principles

Abstract Several attempts to formulate variational principles for non-self-adjoint and nonlinear systems are examined. The variational formulations are found to lack the advantages of genuine variational principles, chiefly because the variational integral is not stationary or because no variational integral exists. The corresponding variational methods of approximation are shown to be equivalent to the more straightforward Galerkin method or another closely related version of method of weighted residuals. The methods due to Rosen (restricted variations), Glansdorff and Prigogine (local potential), and Biot (Lagrangian thermodynamics) are treated. It is concluded that there is no practical need for variational formulations of the sort examined.
Transvaginal bladder neck suspension to cooper's ligament: A modified pereyra procedure

We describe a modified Pereyra procedure with fixation of the bladder neck to Cooper's ligament. The anterolateral attachments of the paraurethral tissue to the inferior pubic ramus are exposed through a vaginal incision. Sutures are placed in the detached endopelvic fascia together with vaginal wall without epithelium and passed suprapubically through small ipsilateral skin and fascial incisions made slightly lateral to and at the level of the pubic symphysis, allowing visualization of Cooper's ligament. The sutures are passed through Cooper's ligament and tied to suspend the bladder neck. All ten women in whom we have done this operation have been subjectively cured of stress incontinence. Five have had long-term urodynamic follow-up. Four of these were dry by objective criteria, after a mean follow-up time of 18 months (range 15-23). The other patient was subjectively dry but had urodynamic evidence of recurrent stress incontinence.
Blockade of Endogenous Ligands of TrkB Inhibits Formation of Ocular Dominance Columns

Abstract We have examined the hypothesis that the segregation of LGN axon terminals into ocular dominance (OD) patches in layer 4 of the visual cortex requires neurotrophins, acting as signals to modulate the pattern of synaptic connectivity. Neurotrophin receptor antagonists, composed of the extracellular domain of each member of the trk family of neurotrophin receptors fused to a human Fc domain, were infused directly into visual cortex during the peak phase of OD column formation. Infusion of trkB–IgG, which binds BDNF and NT-4/5, inhibited the formation of OD patches within layer 4, while trkA–IgG and trkC–IgG, which preferentially bind NGF and NT-3, respectively, had no effect. The autoradiographic labeling of LGN terminals in cortical layer 4 was reduced by trkB–IgG, in contrast with the increased labeling observed following NT-4/5 infusion. These data suggest that an endogenous ligand of trkB, normally present in limiting amounts within visual cortex, is necessary for the selective growth and remodeling of LGN axons into eye-specific patches.
International ICT policy frameworks: A multi‐country case study of success in interactivity, mobility, convertibility, connectivity, ubiquity, and globalization

Various countries have developed broad ICT policy frameworks that focus on enabling the knowledge economy through improving diffusion mechanisms and enhancing uptake conditions. In many cases these policies have failed to promote a forward-looking information society or deliver anticipated economic growth and social development (Mui and Chun, 2004). However, Finland and Singapore, classified by the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook as advanced economies (CIA, 2008), have shown exceptional leadership in developing and executing robust ICT policy frameworks that have effectively supported their successful transformations to high-growth knowledge economies, thereby promoting prosperity, economic growth, and community cohesion within these regions. This study aims to analyze the unique characteristics of Finland and Singapore's national ICT policy frameworks that have contributed to their interactivity, mobility, convertibility, connectivity, ubiquity, and globalization. As it does so, it will identify several critical success factors that have shaped progress in these settings. Identification of these success factors will help policy makers and IT practitioners as they devise meaningful policies.
Impact of Peginterferon Maintenance Therapy on the Risk of Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide. This is largely to do with the epidemic of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the USA and other developed countries and an increasing prevalence of cirrhosis. The current treatment for chronic HCV is peginterferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin. Unfortunately, response rates are limited especially in patients with cirrhosis. Several observations have led to the hypothesis that continuing Peg-IFN as maintenance therapy in patients with chronic HCV and cirrhosis could reduce the risk of developing complications including HCC. However, three large prospective controlled trials of maintenance therapy have now failed to demonstrate that Peg-IFN maintenance therapy reduces complications of cirrhosis, HCC and liver-related mortality. In the HALT-C trial, the only one of these three studies for which HCV RNA data is available during maintenance therapy, only a minimal reduction in serum HCV RNA level was observed during maintenance therapy. It therefore remains uncertain if profound and persistent virologic suppression to undetectable levels of HCV RNA impacts the risk of developing HCC in patients with chronic HCV and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Based upon the available data, there appears to be no rationale for utilizing Peg-IFN maintenance therapy in patients with cirrhosis and this approach does not reduce the risk of HCC.
Gene transfer between canola (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) and related weed species

Summary. Brassica species are particularly receptive to gene transformation techniques. There now exists canola genotypes with transgenic herbicide resistance for glyphosate, imidazolinone, sulfonylurea and glufosinate herbicides. The main concern of introducing such herbicide resistance into commercial agriculture is the introgression of the engineered gene to related weed species. The potential of gene transfer between canola (Brassica napus and B. campestris) and related weed species was determined by hand pollination under controlled greenhouse conditions. Canola was used as both male and female parent in crosses to the related weed species collected in the Inland Northwest region of the United States. Weed species used included: field mustard (B. rapa), wild mustard (S. arvensis) and black mustard (B. nigra). Biological and cytological aspects necessary for successful hybrid seed production were investigated including: pollen germination on the stigma; pollen tube growth down the style; attraction of pollen tubes to the ovule; ovule fertilisation; embryo and endosperm developmental stages. Pollen germination was observed in all 25 hybrid combinations. Pollen tubes were found in the ovary of over 80% of combinations. About 30% of the hybrid combinations developed to the heart stage of embryo development or further. In an additional study involving transgenic glufosinate herbicide resistant B. napus and field mustard it was found that hybrids occurred with relatively high frequency, hybrids exhibited glufosinate herbicide resistance and a small proportion of hybrids produced self fertile seeds. These fertile plants were found to backcross to either canola or weed parent.
Science Process Skills and Attitudes of Preservice Elementary Teachers.

This study was conducted to describe the relationship between preservice elementary teachers' competency in science process skills and their attitudes toward science. The instrument selected to measure science process skills was the Test of Integrated Process Skills II (TIPSII). A revision of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales (SAS) was used as a predictor of the subjects' attitudes toward science. The SAS consisted of six subscales also examined in the study. The hypothesis for the study stated that elementary preservice teachers who demonstrated a high competency in process skills would also indicate positive attitudes toward science. The data was collected while subjects were enrolled in an elementary math and science methods course during their first senior semester just before student teaching. Analysis of the data indicated a significant positive correlation between elementary preservice teachers' ability to perform science process skills and their attitudes toward science. Upon analyzing the data collected on the six subscales, a significant positive correlation was found between the TIPS II and the Confidence in Learning Science Scale and the Teacher Scale.
Approach to the study of durability of reinforcement fibers and yarns in geosynthetic clay liners

Abstract This paper describes the potential physical and chemical degradation of polypropylene fibers in needlepunched and stitch bonded geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). Details of the degradation mechanisms of the polymer and their consequences are discussed based on the presently available literature. The influence of material structure, in particular polymeric orientation and ambient environmental conditions on the degradation are evaluated. In addition, the significance of the antioxidant package in the resin is described. The potential depletion mechanisms of antioxidant in actual applications are presented. Finally, various possible test methods, which can be used for monitoring the polymeric degradation of reinforced GCLs are suggested.
Uncontrolled manifold analysis of segmental angle variability during walking: preadolescents with and without Down syndrome

The uncontrolled manifold (UCM) approach allows us to address issues concerning the nature of variability. In this study we applied the UCM analysis to gait and to a population known for exhibiting high levels of performance variability, Down syndrome (DS). We wanted to determine if preadolescents (ages between 8 and 10) with DS partition goal-equivalent variability (UCM‖) and non-goal equivalent variability differently than peers with typical development (TD) and whether treadmill practice would result in utilizing greater amounts of functional, task-specific variability to accomplish the task goal. We also wanted to determine how variance is structured with respect to two important performance variables: center of mass (COM) and head trajectory at one specific event (i.e., heel contact) for both groups during gait. Preadolescents with and without DS walked on a treadmill below, at, and above their preferred overground speed. We tested both groups before and after four visits of treadmill practice. We found that children with DS partition more UCM‖ variance than children with TD across all speeds and both pre and post practice. The results also suggest that more segmental configuration variance was structured such that less motion of COM than head position was exhibited at heel contact. Overall, we believe children with DS are employing a different control strategy to compensate for their inherent limitations by exploiting that variability that corresponds to successfully performing the task.
Statistical significance of sequence patterns in proteins

Abstract I discuss three recent developments in sequence analysis by the statistical method of scores. First is the identification of segments of high aggregate score in a single protein sequence. Charge clusters and hyper-charge runs are prime examples. Proteins containing hyper-charge runs are principally associated with DNA and RNA processing, chromatin structure, ion storage and exchange and protein complex assembly. Second is the protein sequence comparisons identifying common segments having high total similarity scores. These are ullustrated by comparisons within the family of prokaryotic heat shock 70 kDa proteins. Third is the scoring protocols applied to the inverse folding problem.
The role of protein phosphatases in the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat hepatocyte

Previously, we demonstrated that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mediates cytokine-induced hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. NF-κB activation is regulated by kinases and phosphatases whose function is only beginning to be understood. Therefore, experiments were performed to determine the role of protein phosphatases (PPase) in cytokine-induced iNOS expression. Hepatocytes were stimulated with cytokines in the presence or absence of tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors (pervanadate [PV], phenylarsine oxide [PAO]) and a serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitor (okadaic acid [OA]). Cytokines induced hepatocyte iNOS mRNA, protein, and NO production that was substantially decreased by the addition of the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors (PAO and PV). The serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitor (OA) decreased NO release and protein levels in a concentration-dependent fashion; however, iNOS mRNA levels were not significantly reduced. Nuclear run-on experiments demonstrated that protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are required for iNOS transcription, while the serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitor (OA) had no effect on iNOS transcription. Electromobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed that the tyrosine-phosphatase inhibitors blocked cytokine-induced NF-κB activation, while OA did not have a significant effect on NF-κB DNA binding activity. Therefore, tyrosine phosphatases are involved in the regulation of cytokine-induced activation of NF-κB, while serine-threonine phosphatases posttranscriptionally regulate iNOS translation. These results identify the regulatory role of specific protein phosphatases (PPases) in hepatic iNOS expression
CORRELATION OF GH BIOACTIVITY TO IGF-1 AND HEIGHT IN GIRLS WITH TURNER SYNDROME

To examine the potential causes for short stature in girls with Turner Syndrome, we explored the possibility that secreted GH in these girls may have decreased bioactivity. Twenty girls with Turner syndrome, ages 4.8 to 15.9 years and heights averaging −3.3 by SDS, had blood samples obtained every 20 min for 12 h overnight. An equal aliquot of each sample was pooled for each girl to measure GH by radioimmunoassay (RIA-GH) and esiradiol (E2). In each pool, in vivo GH bioactivity was estimated by measurement of the GH-dependent peptides, IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3). GH bioactivity was also measured in vitro by a newly developed GH bioassay that determined the ability of GH in serum to suppress the conversion of glucose to lipid in 3T3-F442A cultured adipocytes (B-GH; assay sensitivity of 1.25 μg/L GH or 6.25 μg/L GH in serum). Data were analyzed by regression after logarithmic transformation where appropriate. The correlation between RIA-GH and B-GH was 0.519; p = 0.02. IGF-1 and 1GFBP3 increased with increasing age but B-GH did not (r = 0.409, 0.695, and 0.017, respectively). The correlation of IGF-1 and B-GH was better than that for RIA-GH (r = 0.375 vs 0.03, respectively). For IGRBP3, the correlations between B-GH or RIA-GH were similar (r = 0.2). Neither B-GH, RIA-GH, IGF-1 or IGFBP3 correlated with height SDS. Four girls had measurable concentrations of E2 and were taller (SDS = −2.4 ± 0.6) than those without detectable E2 (SDS = −3.5 ±0.3). The girl with the greatest E2 concentration also had the greatest IGF-1, RIA-GH, and B-GH concentrations. In conclusion, B-GH correlates better with IGF-I than does RIA-GH, and the GH secreted in girls with Turner syndrome is bioactive as determined by in vitro measures (GH bioassay in adipocytes) and in vivo measures (IGF-1 and IGFBP3).
Far-Infrared Absorption of ZnS: Fe 2 + in Strong Magnetic Fields

We have investigated several optical transitions between the $^{5}E$ energy levels of the orbital ground state of substitutional ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ in natural crystals of cubic ZnS for magnetic inductions up to 14 T (140 kG) at liquid-He temperatures. In these experiments we have used both gas lasers and a Fourier-transform Michelson spectrometer covering the range 10-100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ wave numbers. The results show that simple crystal-field theory is adequate to account for the observed energy levels and their oscillator strengths as a function of the applied magnetic field. There is also evidence for local modes at 43 and 63 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ wave numbers caused by trace impurities other than Fe.
The relationship of aplastic anemia and PNH

Bone marrow failure has been regarded as one of the triad of clinical manifestations of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and PNH in turn has been described as a late clonal disease evolving in patients recovering from aplastic anemia. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of both diseases and improved tests for cell surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins has radically altered this view. Flow cytometry of granulocytes shows evidence of an expanded PNH clone in a large proportion of marrow failure patients at the time of presentation: in our large NIH series, about 1/3 of over 200 aplastic anemia cases and almost 20% of more than 100 myelodysplasia cases. Clonal PNH expansion (rather than bone marrow failure) is strongly linked to the histocompatability antigen HLA.-DR2 in all clinical varieties of the disease, suggesting an immune component to its pathophysiology. An extrinsic mechanism of clonal expansion is also more consistent with knock-out mouse models and culture experiments with primary cells and cell lines, which have failed to demonstrate an intrinsic proliferative advantage for PNH cells. DNA chip analysis of multiple paired normal and PIG-A mutant cell lines and lymphoblastoid cells do not show any consistent differences in levels of gene expression. In aplastic anemia/PNH there is surprisingly limited utilization of the V-beta chain of the T cell receptor, and patients’ dominant T cell clones, which are functionally inhibitory of autologous hematopoiesis, use identical CDR3 regions for antigen binding. Phenotypically normal cells from PNH patients proliferate more poorly in culture than do the same patient’s PNH cells, and the normal cells are damaged as a result of apoptosis and overexpress Fas. Differences in protein degradation might play a dual role in pathophysiology, as GPI-linked proteins lacking an anchor would be predicted to be processed by the proteasome machinery and displayed in a class I H.A. context, in contrast to the normal pathway of cell surface membrane recycling, lysosomal degradation, and presentation by class II HLA. The strong relationship between a chronic, organ-specific immune destructive process and the expansion of a single mutant stem cell clone remains frustratingly enigmatic but likely to be the result of interesting biologic processes, with mechanisms that potentially cna be extended to the role of inflammation in producing premalignant syndromes.
Long-term outcomes of proximal row carpectomy: a systematic review of the literature.

Purpose Proximal row carpectomy is a well-established technique for the management of wrist arthritis; however, patient selection and long-term durability of proximal row carpectomy is still a matter of controversy. Hence, we conducted a systematic review of the English literature to determine the best evidence on long-term outcomes following proximal row carpectomy. Methods A MEDLINE search using the term “proximal row carpectomy” was performed. A total of 192 studies were identified. All studies with 10 or more years of follow-up were included in the review. Data extracted included patient demographics, indications for surgery, previous surgery, outcome assessment, and information on complications and failures. Results A total of 147 patients from six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The majority of patients were male and involved in manual labor. There was no significant difference between the preoperative and long-term postoperative motion. The weighted mean for postoperative grip strength was 68.4% compared with the contralateral side. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand; patient-rated wrist examination; and Mayo wrist scores were comparable to those reported for four-corner arthrodesis. There were 21 failures (14.3%) requiring re-operation. Failures were not associated with a specific preoperative diagnosis but distributed among patients with Kienbock disease, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, and scapholunate advanced collapse arthritis. Conclusions This systematic review confirms the long-term durability of proximal row carpectomy when used for the treatment of wrist arthritis. Although radiocapitate arthritis develops over time in most patients, the clinical significance of this finding is undetermined and does not necessarily correlate with failure of proximal row carpectomy. Poorer long-term outcomes are likely to result in patients engaged in heavy manual labor, whereas better outcomes may be obtained in patients undergoing proximal row carpectomy for trauma or earlier-stage Kienbock disease.
Timescales of Coherent Dynamics in the Light Harvesting Complex 2 (LH2) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

The initial dynamics of energy transfer in the light-harvesting complex 2 from Rhodobacter sphaeroides were investigated with polarization-controlled two-dimensional spectroscopy. This method allows only the coherent electronic motions to be observed, revealing the time scale of dephasing among the excited states. We observe persistent coherence among all states and assign ensemble dephasing rates for the various coherences. A simple model is utilized to connect the spectroscopic transitions to the molecular structure, allowing us to distinguish coherences between the two rings of chromophores and coherences within the rings. We also compare dephasing rates between excited states to dephasing rates between the ground and excited states, revealing that the coherences between excited states dephase on a slower time scale than coherences between the ground and excited states.
THE SAVING‐INVESTMENT PROCESS IN A THEORY OF FINANCE*

THIS STUDY ANALYZES the saving-investment process in a theory of finance. In so doing, it leans heavily on the writings of Gurley and Shaw, Hicks, Keynes, and Lavington. The saving-investment process is shown to be affected by various costs of financeboth real and monetary. Finance costs are generally ignored-either implicitly or explicitly-in neoclassical macroeconomic models. A macroeconomic model of the saving-investment process incorporating finance costs is presented. The finance costs facing savers and investors are shown to include both transaction costs and the costs of bearing risk. The nature of each of these costs, together with ways in which they may be minimized, is examined for both savers and investors. Innovations in finance are shown to reduce the finance costs facing savers and investors. Hence, financial innovations affect the levels of both saving and investment. Two types of financial innovations are distinguished: innovations in direct finance and innovations in indirect finance, or financial intermediation. Evidence concerning the development of finance in the United States is set forth. Special emphasis is placed on the growth of financial intermediaries and of two factors affecting their rate of growth-namely, the introduction of new types of financial intermediaries and the enhancement of the efficiency of certain existing ones. The growth of financial intermediaries is studied in terms of both national aggregates and intermediary, types. The assets of all financial intermediaries have grown significantly during the past one and one-half centuries, both in absolute terms and in relation to total, or national, assets. The rate of growth is shown to have slackened during the post-World War II period. Several hypotheses which could account for this decline in the intermediaries'. rate of growth are considered. Study of the individual types of financial intermediaries reveals a relative decline of commercial banks' assets. The nature of this decline is discussed in detail. Examination of organizational innovations in financial intermediation reveals that the most profitable types of financial intermediaries were the first to be established. These types have succeeded in avoiding obsolescence over nearly two centuries. Examination of the operational efficiency of certain existing intermediaries-mutual savings banks, member savings and loan associations, federal credit unions, and insured commercial banks-is beset by a number of problems: the brevity of the period for which data are available, conceptual problems in the calculation of the relevant data, and the imperfect disaggregation of the data. Despite these problems, the evidence does suggest that the operational efficiency of mutual savings banks, member savings and loan associations, and federal credit unions has been enhanced. Of these intermediaries, the enhancement of efficiency appears to have been greatest for the member savings and loan associations.