cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal modes and nonlinear effects in Josephson arrays

We consider Josephson tunneling in an array of superconducting grains which interact both by (long-range) capacitative effects and by nearest-neighbor Josephson tunneling; this model may apply to (disordered) granular superconductors. Both analytic and numerical methods were employed. The normal modes have dispersion relations which depend on the dimensionality; however, neglect of the long-range Coulomb interaction (e.g., ground plane screening) leads to a wave equation with a velocity on the order of a Josephson frequency times the distance between the grains. Numerical calculations verify that result when a small amount of charge is deposited on one site of a chain. However, an interesting localization effect occurs if one site is given a large amount of charge. This causes the phase at that site to increase rapidly with time, and thus the Josephson currents associated with that site oscillate rapidly; this prevents the charge, on average, from leaving the initial site. A one-site-dominant model appropriate to this nonlinear regime is developed and is shown to be in good agreement with the numerical calculations. A numerical study is also made of the onset of the nonlinear regime.
The invivo and in vitro immunogenicity and antigenic specificity of lymphoid antigen fragment-oligoribonucleopeptide conjugates

Abstract A unique low molecular weight antigen fragment-oligoribonucleopeptide conjugates that was isolated from the spleens and lymph nodes at 5 hr after the intravenous injection of antigen, S 35 -BSA, produced the anamnestic response 4 days after the injection into rabbits which were previously immunized with BSA. These lymphoid conjugates after incubation with the specific BSA antibodies formed radioactive precipitin arcs when subjected to radioimmunoelectrophoresis against goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G. These data suggest that the antigen fragments which conjugate with the oligoribonucleopeptides were the antigenic determinants derived from the BSA molecule. The immunogenicity of the conjugates was shown in normal rabbits 3 days after the injection: that is, detecting the antibodies to S-BSA in the concentrated immunoglobulin G fraction of sera by radioimmunodiffusion and the antibody-forming cells in spleens by the liquid plaque technique. In view of the chemical properties of these conjugates, their capacities for inducing antibody formation suggests that they may be the fundamental antibody inducer.
E-field solution of TM-scattering from multiple perfectly conducting and lossy dielectric cylinders of arbitrary cross-section

A simple moment solution is given for the problem of electromagnetic scattering from multiple conducting and lossy dielectric cylinders of arbitrary cross-section. The conductors may be of the form of strips and the dielectrics may be in the form of shells. The system is assumed to be excited by a plane wave polarised transverse magnetic to the axis of the cylinders. The equivalence principle is used to replace the conductors by surface electric currents and the dielectrics by equivalent surface electric and magnetic currents. Three coupled integral equations are obtained by using the condition on the tangential component of the electric field produced by these surface currents. The method of moment is used to solve the integral equations. A point matching technique is used with pulse expansion functions. Sample numerical results such as the induced currents on the conductors, the total near field, the scattered far field and the radar cross-section are presented. The agreement with available published data is excellent.
Acute Stress Increases Sex Differences in Risk Seeking in the Balloon Analogue Risk Task

BACKGROUND: Decisions involving risk often must be made under stressful circumstances. Research on behavioral and brain differences in stress responses suggest that stress might have different effects on risk taking in males and females. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, participants played a computer game designed to measure risk taking (the Balloon Analogue Risk Task) fifteen minutes after completing a stress challenge or control task. Stress increased risk taking among men but decreased it among women. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Acute stress amplifies sex differences in risk seeking; making women more risk avoidant and men more risk seeking. Evolutionary principles may explain these stress-induced sex differences in risk taking behavior. Language: en
Analytical and experimental study of tuning range limitation in mm-wave CMOS LC-VCOs

In this paper, we present an analytical model for predicting the tuning range of CMOS mm-wave LC voltage-controlled oscillators (LC-VCOs). A detailed analysis of the frequency dependent quality factor (Q) of the LC-tank is performed to characterize the tank loss. The frequency dependent Q is used to size the transconductance (gm) of the cross-coupled pair to satisfy the VCO startup condition. The relationship between the cross-coupled pair gm and the operating frequency is also derived. With the above relationships, the frequency dependent tuning range is further calculated and compared with simulation results. To verify the analysis, three CMOS mm-wave VCOs are fabricated in a 130 nm CMOS process. The measured tuning range of the 26 GHz, 34 GHz and 40 GHz VCO is 25%, 21% and 18%, respectively, which is consistent with the presented tuning range model.
A display-optimized processor

Details are given on the architectural design of a computer currently under construction which has been optimized for display processing and display generation. The design takes full advantage of evolving trends in ECL medium and large scale integrated circuits. The processor incorporates the concept of instruction set partitioning. Hardwired instructions are used for critical display requirements while general purpose flexibility is provided by externally microprogrammable asynchronous processors. Design cycle time for this 32 bit processor is under 100 nanoseconds for instruction fetch and execute. Processor hardware costs are under $25,000. The device is designed to generate a full color TV image of 512 by 512 resolution in 0.1 to 0.8 seconds for 3D images of up to 1000 polygon complexity with all hidden parts removed by software for hidden surface calculations.Due to its inherent generality the CPU may be expanded to encompass a wide variety of other specialized or real-time tasks with minor additional hardware.
Refractive indices of infrared-transmitting substrate materials calculated using standard spectrophotometer transmittance curves.

A method is described for quickly determining refractive indices of ir-transmitting substrates and window materials. Using two or more known sample thicknesses, spectrophotometer transmittance curves are run on standard laboratory equipment. Equations are developed that permit direct computation of the index from these data. The technique is applicable to other wavelength regions as well and can be extended to be used in the determination of indices of liquids. Calculations can be continued through regions of anomaly, i.e., through strong spectral absorption bands if desired. The method is mathematically rigorous, and accuracy of computed results will usually depend only upon spectrophotometer transmittance reading and sample thickness measurement accuracies. The third decimal place is attainable when suitable samples are available. A dispersion curve for polyethylene is presented, as well as approximate indices for several plastics at randomly selected wavelengths. We have found the method to be a very useful laboratory tool.
Lobe area via action formalism in a class of Hamiltonian systems

Abstract We compute the first term in a direct asymptotic expansion of the exact lobe area formula in a large class of weakly forced one-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems. We devise a new homotopy method to serve as the main tool in our calculation. Our final result agrees with the usual Melnikov function formula.
Reflections on theJournal for Specialists in Group Work: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

This article provides an inside view of the challenges and rewards of being the editor of the Journal for Specialists in GroupWork (JSGW). In addition, it examines issues that JSGW must confront in the present and future if it is to be relevant to practitioners of group work inside and outside of counseling environments.
Performance of Steady-State Dispersion Models Under Low Wind-Speed Conditions

We examine the performance of two steady-state models, a numerical solution of the advection-diffusion equation and the Gaussian plume-model-based AERMOD (the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model), to predict dispersion for surface releases under low wind-speed conditions. A comparison of model estimates with observations from two tracer studies, the Prairie Grass experiment and the Idaho Falls experiment indicates that about 50% of the concentration estimates are within a factor of two of the observations, but the scatter is large: the 95% confidence interval of the ratio of the observed to estimated concentrations is about 4. The model based on the numerical solution of the diffusion equation in combination with the model of Eckman (1994, Atmos Environ 28:265–272) for horizontal spread performs better than AERMOD in explaining the observations. Accounting for meandering of the wind reduces some of the overestimation of concentrations at low wind speeds. The results deteriorate when routine one-level observations are used to construct model inputs. An empirical modification to the similarity estimate of the surface friction velocity reduces the underestimation at low wind speeds.
Multi–detector row cardiac computed tomography accurately quantifies right and left ventricular size and function compared with cardiac magnetic resonance

Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) accurately quantifies right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) volumes and function. Limited availability of CMR and increasing use of MR-incompatible cardiovascular devices underscore the potential utility of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for ventricular quantification. This study quantified biventricular size and systolic function with multi–detector row CT compared with CMR imaging. Methods Twenty-six subjects prospectively underwent CT and CMR examinations on a 16-detector CT and 1.5 T MR scanner, respectively; claustrophobia in one and nongated CT imaging in another precluded complete imaging in 2 subjects. Contiguous multiphase short-axis images were generated from axial CT data, and steady-state free precession cine MR produced contiguous short-axis cines. Semiautomated software generated ventricular borders to calculate volume, mass, and ejection fraction (EF) from both sets of images. Blinded observers completed quantification and wall motion analyses of 23 CMR and CT data sets independently. Results All measures of LV size and function by cardiac CT correlated well with CMR over a wide range of LV function (LVEF 30%-72% by CMR), including end-diastolic volume ( r = 0.97), end-systolic volume ( r = 0.97), EF ( r = 0.97), and mass ( r = 0.95). Of 24 cases, 6 had inadequate contrast opacification of the RV precluding RV segmentation. In the remaining 18 CMR-CT data pairs, RVEF showed moderate agreement ( r = 0.86), and RV volumes correlated well ( r = 0.97 and 0.94 for RV end-diastolic volume and RV end-systolic volume, respectively). Ten percent of LV segments visualized by CT were inadequate for wall motion assessment due to motion artifact or inadequate contrast between myocardium and endocardium. For segments adequately visualized by both techniques, the mean κ statistic was 0.88 (range 0.78-1.0), consistent with good agreement. Conclusion Cardiac CT accurately quantifies LV size and function; RV quantification with cardiac CT requires optimized contrast opacification of the RV.
Urbanization, Urbanism and the Medina of Tunis

The medina of Tunis, which occupies 262 hectares or 6.5 per cent of the urban area while absorbing its highest population densities, is to many an archaic enclave.1 Located dead centre of a rapidly growing and changing capital city, it appears at best a nuisance to be circumvented, at worst a reminder of poverty and lethargy, an eyesore that is an obstacle to rational urban planning.
Rheological behavior and formwork pressure of SCC, SFSCC, and NC mixtures

Abstract This paper presents the rheological properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), semi-flowable self-consolidating concrete (SFSCC), and normal concrete (NC) and their relation to formwork pressure decline. IBB and Brookfield rheometers were used to determined rheological properties of concrete and mortar at 15–90 min after mixing. Formwork pressures were measured using a 200 mm (8 in.) diameter form. Setting time, hydration temperature and compressive strength development of the concretes were also evaluated. SCC displayed shear thickening behavior, and Bingham model became insufficient to describe such rheological behavior of SCC. The initial viscosity and yield stress of SFSCC and NC mortars are similar, but SFSCC mortar has a much higher thixotropy. In concrete mixtures, yield torque increased with time while flow curve slope and thixotropy did not. SCC had the fastest decrease in formwork pressure, followed by SFSCC, then by NC. This correlates with the rate of thixotropy increase of mortar.
A Critical Review of Spectral Models Applied to Binary Color Printing

A critical review of binary color printing models is presented. The goal is to provide an understanding of the application of color printer models as a component for device profiles within a color management system. A short description of a modern color management system is pre- sented, followed by a brief explanation of the halftoning process. This leads into the discussion of the individual models, which takes an historical approach. The discussion starts with early models proposed in the 1930s by Murray, followed by Neugebauer, Yule and Nielsen, and other much more recent model forms. To aid in gathering the appro- priate data for printer modeling, experimental techniques are then discussed, followed by an explanation of the model optimization methods needed for parameter fitting. The re- view concludes with procedures for model evaluation and a presentation of the results from an application of the models to a sample dataset for an electrophotographic printer.
Novel configurations of the hammerhead ribozyme: increased activity and reduced magnesium ion requirement.

The hammerhead ribozyme is one of the smallest of known catalytic RNAs. Its structure and mechanism have been examined using a broad range of approaches. Recently, crystal structures of the hammerhead have been reported. Within the crystal the hammerhead exists in a Y-shaped configuration in which helices I and II form the adjacent upper arms, while helix III forms the lower leg of the Y. Based on these findings, hammerheads in which helix I and II are constrained to remain adjacent and roughly parallel are expected to be catalytically active. We have examined this possibility with two novel hammerhead configurations, circular and circular/hairpin. These circular and circular/hairpin hammerhead ribozymes possess activity comparable to, and in some cases even greater than, non-constrained hammerheads. Since these novel ribozymes are constrained into a closed, and active conformation, they offer advantages for structure/function studies. Additionally, these novel ribozymes will be adventitious for antisense mediated gene inhibition, since they possess increased activity and a reduced requirement for magnesium ion, and are expected to be more resistant to nuclease degradation.
Calcium-dependent threonine phosphorylation of nonmuscle myosin in stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells.

Stimulation of RBL-2H3 m1 mast cells through the IgE receptor with antigen, or through a G protein-coupled receptor with carbachol, leads to the rapid appearance of phosphothreonine in nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-A (NMHC-IIA). We demonstrate that this results from phosphorylation of Thr-1940 by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II), activated by increased intracellular calcium. The phosphorylation site in rodent NMHC-IIA was localized to the carboxyl terminus of NMHC-IIA distal to the coiled-coil region, and identified as Thr-1940 by site-directed mutagenesis. A fusion protein containing the NMHC-IIA carboxyl terminus was phosphorylated by CaM kinase II in vitro, while mutation of Thr-1940 to Ala eliminated phosphorylation. In contrast to rodents, in humans Thr-1940 is replaced by Ala, and human NMHC-IIA fusion protein was not phosphorylated by CaM kinase II unless Ala-1940 was mutated to Thr. Similarly, co-transfected Ala → Thr-1940 human NMHC-IIA was phosphorylated by activated CaM kinase II in HeLa cells, while wild type was not. In RBL-2H3 m1 cells, inhibition of CaM kinase II decreased Thr-1940 phosphorylation, and inhibited release of the secretory granule marker hexosaminidase in response to carbachol but not to antigen. These data indicate a role for CaM kinase stimulation and resultant threonine phosphorylation of NMHC-IIA in RBL-2H3 m1 cell activation.
Shortening of poly (A) tail of glucose transporter — one mRNA in experimental diabetes mellitus

To determine the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-related changes in the expression of GLUT-1 in cerebral tissue, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and vehicle injected controls were studied after 4 weeks of diabetes. The GLUT-1 mass in cerebral microvessels was reduced in diabetic rats by approximately 38% (P < 0.01). The GLUT-1 concentration in insulin-treated diabetic group was not significantly different from controls. The GLUT-1 mRNA content of cerebral tissue in diabetic rats (0.064 +/- 0.007) was significantly reduced compared to control rats (0.122 +/- 0.011) or insulin-treated diabetic rats (0.122 +/- 0.015) P < 0.01. The in vitro translation of GLUT-1 mRNA of diabetic rats (0.793 +/- 0.047 arbitrary units) was also significantly lower than that in control rats (1.403 +/- 0.153) P < 0.01 or insulin-treated diabetic rats. (1.124 +/- 0.083) P < 0.01. These changes occurred in asssociation with a reduction in poly (A) tail length of GLUT-1 mRNA which decreased from a control value of 200-350 nt to only 50-100 nt in diabetic rats. Shortening of poly (A) tail of mRNAs is a novel mechanism of diabetes-related changes in the expression of specific genes which are regulated at a translational level.
How the Panther Stole the Poem: The Search for Alterity in Rilke’s Dinggedichte

Rilke's letters and diaries of the early Paris years reflect the young poet's preoccupation with man's ability to come to terms with the knowledge of his own mortality, as well as his personal fears of being in the critical eye of society, of feeling like the eternal outsider. Looking at Rilke's Dinggedichte , especially "Der Panther," as well as his Duineser Elegien , this article examines the influence of Rodin's sculptural work and Lessing's theory of art on Rilke's poetry, in order to argue that Rilke attempted to produce a poetic process that offers or models a liberation from the limitations of humanity through the artistic elevation of the reader. This article argues that Rilke believed this elevation would require our surrender to alterity, that is, our acceptance of an altered relationality which would grant us the "wings" to understand and ascend to the level of the eternal, limitless Kunst-Ding .
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy of liquid and solid samples in the presence of magnetic field

Investigation of optical emission from laser-produced plasma expanding across an external magnetic field is the subject of current interest and has its application in various field of research[1-2]. It is well known that various external parameters such as energy and wavelength of the laser, electric and magnetic field, and ambient condition, affects the plasma parameters and emission properties. The effects of magnetic field on the emission properties of laser-produced plasma have been studied earlier [1-2]. During the process of plasma expansion (deceleration in the presence of magnetic field), the kinetic energy of the plasma is totally transformed into thermal energy of the plasma as well as in the energy of the magnetic field. In this situation, the plasmas emission as well as its various other physical properties change. Effect of magnetic field on the emission from the laser-produced plasma has been studied by many authors from X-ray to visible wavelength range at different experimental conditions. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a laser based diagnostics technique, which has been used to study the atomic emission from various samples such as solid, liquid or gas [3]. In the light of the above discussion, it will be interesting to study the effect of a low intensity steady magnetic field on the LIBS signal from liquid as well as solid samples, which will be important for trace element analysis. In the present experiment we have studied the emission properties of the laser-produced plasma from the metal seeded liquid samples as well as aluminum alloy in the presence of magnetic field.
Biocultural predictors of age increases in adult blood pressure among Samoans.

A five-year follow-up sample of 509 adult male and female Samoans experiencing modernization in American Samoa was studied to determine the relation between baseline biocultural factors and follow-up blood pressure level. Analyses were stratified by sex and baseline age: 18-44 and ≥45 years. Baseline factors in the predictive models included blood pressure level, sum of skinfolds, age, education level, and reported salt intake. This Samoan adult sample was characterized by high prevalence of overweight at all ages, continual fat gain, and high incidence of overweight in young adults over five years. Blood pressure levels were moderate in young adults considering the adiposity, although almost one-third of those ≥45 years of age were hypertensive. In young adults baseline adiposity was the most important predictor of follow-up blood pressure, whereas in older adults age itself was most important. As age increases, physiologic blood pressure regulation may become less labile due to long-term adiposity and salt intake and lead to persistent elevations of blood pressure.
An alternative method for transcatheter retrieval of intracoronary angioplasty equipment fragments.

A case is described of retrieval of the broken wire tip of a Probe balloon catheter from the distal right coronary artery with the help of a grasping forceps type of retrieval device.
28 A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED STUDY OF TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL SHORT STATURE IN ADOLESCENT MALES

28 A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED STUDY OF TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL SHORT STATURE IN ADOLESCENT MALES
Renormalization group aspects of bosonic technicolor

Abstract Three topics in bosonic technicolor are treated from the viewpoint of the renormalization group: coupling constant unification, linking of the supersymmetry-breaking and technicolor scales, and a naturally light up-Higgs.
Performativity Trouble: Postmodern Feminism and Essential Subjects

An important theme within postmodem feminism is that essentialist notions of women and naturalized conceptions of the human subject are unnecessary and troubling ingredients for feminist political theory and practice (Alcoff 1988; Ferguson 1988; Hekman 1990; Mouffe 1992). Perhaps no one has advanced this claim more forcefully than Judith Butler through her use of the idea of performativity. According to Butler, our gender, sex and self are the effects of publicly regulated performances. In contrast, I argue that her notion of performativity is too pure to provide an account of our identities. Moreover, it is not obvious that we would be better off understanding ourselves as the effect of publicly regulated performances. This does not mean that a feminist politics would be better off with essentialism. Rather, I suggest that political practice can probably do without either an essen tialist or performative understanding of the subject.
Magnetic fields in superdense stars: Cyclotron resonance emission☆

Abstract Huge magnetic fields greatly exceeding those achieved in the laboratory exist at the surface of many collapsed stars. There are 16 known “magnetic” white dwarfs with magnetic fields in the range 10 7 –10 8 G or above. Neutron stars observed as isolated pulsars or by their accretion from a very close binary companion have surface fields of order 10 12 G (although their total flux seems comparable to that of the dwarfs). The huge fields of the white dwarfs are indicated by very large observed Zeeman splitting or continuum circular polarization. The neutron star fields have generally been inferred from the torques needed to account for the measured stellar spin-down rates. The electron cyclotron resonance in a 5 × 10 12 F field is at 53 keV. A measured X-ray emission line at that energy has been associated with the magnetosphere or surface of the spinning accreting neutron star in Hz Her and is presumed to originate in the cyclotron emission of free electrons of the column of accreting matter near the stellar surface. Fields greater than 10 12 G lead to expected properties and phenomena which have not been seen in the laboratory but which appear to have observable consequences for neutron star observations. The large density (∼10 4 –10 5 g/cm 3 ) and lattice-binding energy (2–5 keV) of matter in such a huge magnetic field causes the stellar surface to be sharp and mirror-like for X-rays and also to be able to retain ions despite electric fields of 10 8 V/cm as long as its temperature does not exceed several million degrees. These features should have observable consequences for X-ray binaries and pulsars.
Advance notice of plant closings and firm value

Abstract Prior to the passage of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, many argued that mandating minimal advance notice given to employees would reduce managerial flexibility in closing plants, thereby reducing firm values. In addressing this issue, we use 193 closing announcements to examine the stock market's reaction to the amount of advance notice given by the firm when closing a plant. We find no relationship between the amount of advance notice provided and firm value. We also find that the majority of corporations in our sample were providing lengthy advance notice, corroborating statements in the popular press by managers who foresaw no additional burden from the passage of the WARN Act.
Roles for the tubulin- and PTP-PEST-binding paxillin LIM domains in cell adhesion and motility.

Cell dynamics mediated through cell-extracellular matrix contacts, such as adhesion and motility involve the precise regulation of large complexes of structural and signaling molecules called focal adhesions (FAs). Paxillin is a multi-domain FA adaptor protein containing five amino-terminal paxillin leucine-aspartate repeat (LD) motifs and four carboxyl-terminal Lin-11 Isl-1 and Mec-3 (LIM) domains. The LD motifs support paxillin binding to actopaxin, integrin linked kinase (ILK), FA kinase (FAK), paxillin kinase linker (PKL) and vinculin. Of the LIM domains, LIM2 and 3 comprise the paxillin FA-targeting motif, with phosphorylation of these domains modulating paxillin targeting and cell adhesion to fibronectin (Fn). The identity of the paxillin FA targeting partner remains to be determined; however, the LIM domains mediate interactions with tubulin and the protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-PEST. PTP-PEST binding requires both LIM3 and 4, whereas, the precise LIM target of tubulin binding is not known. In this report, we demonstrate that the individual paxillin LIM2 and 3 domains support specific binding to tubulin and suggest a potential role for this interaction in the regulation of paxillin sub-cellular compartmentalization. In addition, expression of paxillin molecules with mutations in the tubulin- and PTP-PEST-binding LIM domains differentially impaired Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO.K1) cell adhesion and migration to Fn. Perturbation of LIM3 or 4 inhibited adhesion while mutation of LIM2 or 4 decreased cell motility. Interestingly, expression of tandem LIM2-3 inhibited cell adhesion and spreading while LIM3-4 stimulated a well-spread polarized phenotype. These data offer further support for a critical role for paxillin in cell adhesion and motility.
Regulation of γ-Fibrinogen Chain Expression by Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1

Abstract Earlier studies showed that HepG2 cells stably transfected with any one fibrinogen chain cDNA enhanced the expression of the other two fibrinogen chains. In this report, a regulatory element “TGCTCTC” in the γ-fibrinogen promoter region, -322 to -316, is identified, which is involved in increased expression of γ chain in HepG2 cells that are transfected with Bβ fibrinogen cDNA. By electrophoretic mobility shift assay, three DNA-protein complexes were found to form with the regulatory element. The amount of the protein complexes that bind with the regulatory element was much reduced in HepG2 cells transfected with Bβ cDNA. By DNA-affinity chromatography, mass spectrometry, and supershift assay, human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) was identified as a component of the complexes. Overexpression of hnRNP A1 suppressed basal γ-fibrinogen transcription. These results indicate that the basal expression of γ-fibrinogen is regulated by a constitutive transcriptional repressor protein, hnRNP A1, and the decreased binding activity of hnRNP A1 leads to the overexpression of γ chain in HepG2 cells that overexpress the Bβ chain.
Discussion on “Second-Guessing Clinical Trial Designs” by Jonathan J. Shuster and Myron N. Chang

Abstract Redesigning previously conducted clinical trials is a useful tool for better determining the impact of an alternative design. Shuster and Chang suggest the redesign of clinical trials that do not use sequential monitoring by imposing a sequential monitoring structure and determining what would have happened had such a structure been employed. However, early stopping decisions are complex and involve are intimate understanding of ethical, logistical, and statistical issues. “Second-guessing” a data and safety monitoring board is dangerous without this intimate understanding.
Earthen barriers technology for waste containment

Abstract Performance data on several earthen barriers (liners) that can be used in containing municipal and industrial waste waters and the leachate generated in sanitary landfills are presented. The principal requirements for such liners currently accepted in practice are described. The difficulties common to the laboratory tests used in determination of the permeability of such liners are discussed. The performance of fly ash-sand and bentonite-sand mixtures in laboratory permeability tests is provided. The critical factors regarding the laboratory measurement of liner permeability are discussed and recommendation for obtaining a low-permeability barrier are presented based on a review of the current practice and the authors' experience.
Anion, cation, and zwitterion selectivity of phospholemman channel molecules

Phospholemman (PLM), a 72-amino acid membrane protein with a single transmembrane domain, forms taurine-selective ion channels in lipid bilayers. Because taurine forms zwitterions, a taurine-selective channel might have binding sites for both anions and cations. Here we show that PLM channels indeed allow fluxes of both cations and anions, making instantaneous and voltage-dependent transitions among conformations with drastically different ion selectivity characteristics. This surprising and novel ion channel behavior offers a molecular explanation for selective taurine flux across cell membranes and may explain why molecules in the phospholemman family can induce cation- or anion-selective conductances when expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
Si–Ge–C growth and devices

Abstract Silicon–germanium can now be regarded as a relatively well-established technology, and consequently much recent work has addressed the additional possibilities opened up by adding carbon to form the ternary alloy SiGeC. Carbon in principle provides additional bandgap engineering possibilities and also has an important impact on the stability of strained epitaxial layers. This paper surveys recent work on the growth of Si–Ge–C epitaxial layers, with particular emphasis on the advantages and limitations of carbon incorporation. Examples of applications in which carbon leads to improved device performance are discussed.
Marijuana Effects on Human Forgetting Functions.

It has long been known that acute marijuana administration impairs working memory (e.g., the discrimination of stimuli separated by a delay). The determination of which of the individual components of memory are altered by marijuana is an unresolved problem. Previous human studies did not use test protocols that allowed for the determination of delay-independent (initial discrimination) from delay-dependent (forgetting or retrieval) components of memory. Using methods developed in the experimental analysis of behavior and signal detection theory, we tested the acute effects of smoked marijuana on forgetting functions in 5 humans. Immediately after smoking placebo, a low dose, or a high dose of marijuana (varying in Δ9-THC content), subjects completed delayed match-to-sample testing that included a range of retention intervals within each test session (0.5, 4, 12, and 24 s). Performances (discriminability) at each dose were plotted as forgetting functions, as described and developed by White and colleagues (White, 1985; White & Ruske, 2002). For all 5 subjects, both Δ9-THC doses impaired delay-dependent discrimination but not delay-independent discrimination. The outcome is consistent with current nonhuman studies examining the role of the cannabinoid system on delayed matching procedures, and the data help illuminate one behavioral mechanism through which marijuana alters memory performance.
Inspection time and intelligence: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of research on the relationship between inspection time (IT) and intelligence (IQ) was performed to: (1) determine whether a nonzero relationship between IT and IQ exists, (2) estimate the size of this relationship if it exists, and (3) test whether IT is ontogenetically related to g. Separate meta-analyses were initially conducted for results of studies using measures of general IQ, performance IQ, and verbal IQ for studies using samples of adults, children, and the mentally retarded. They were first conducted on the published (uncorrected) correlations. Following this, the resultant values were corrected for the extraneous effects of the artifacts (viz., sampling error, error of measurement, and range variation) and the meta-analyses were repeated. Results of these meta-analyses indicate that IT is related (negatively) to IQ, at least with measures of general IQ and performance IQ. For adults, with general measures of IQ, this correlation is about −.54, after correction for the effects of artifactual sources of error (−.30 prior to correction). IT, however, also appears to measure other factors besides g, possibly perceptual organization, which is reflected in the higher relationship of IT to performance measures of IQ. Finally, the theory that IT is ontogenetically related to IQ does not receive support. Rather, results of this study suggest that the degree of the IT-IQ relationship is relatively constant across age, at least through the range of ages tested in the literature.
Transmitted Resistance: An Overview and Its Potential Relevance to the Management of HIV-Infected Persons in Resource-Limited Settings.

Transmitted resistance has become an important clinical problem in developed countries with long histories of antiretroviral use. In resource-limited settings it is a foreseeable if not insidiously emerging issue. Any transmission route or currently approved antiretroviral drug may be involved. The clinical relevance of polymorphisms that commonly occur at sites known to be associated with resistance and peculiarities of the non-B subtypes are incompletely understood. Adverse clinical consequences that have been demonstrated with transmitted resistance include an increased risk of failing initial therapy and further development of resistance. Although treatment outcomes can be optimized by baseline resistance testing and virologic monitoring these are impractical in most resource-limited settings at this time. The scale and impact of transmitted resistance can probably be reduced by comprehensive prevention and management strategies. Equally germane are epidemiological and clinical studies to extend understanding of the dynamics clinical implications and management of transmitted resistance. (authors)
School Engagement Mediates Long-Term Prevention Effects for Mexican American Adolescents

This 5-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of a family-focused intervention delivered in middle school to increase school engagement following transition to high school (2 years post-test), and also evaluated mediated effects through school engagement on multiple problem outcomes in late adolescence (5 years post-test). The study sample included 516 Mexican American adolescents who participated in a randomized trial of the Bridges to High School Program (Bridges/Puentes). Path models representing the direct and indirect effects of the program on four outcome variables were evaluated using school engagement measured in the 9th grade as a mediator. The program significantly increased school engagement, with school engagement mediating intervention effects on internalizing symptoms, adolescent substance use, and school dropout in late adolescence when most adolescents were in the 12th grade. Effects on substance use were stronger for youth at higher risk based on pretest report of substance use initiation. There were no direct or indirect intervention effects on externalizing symptoms. Findings support that school engagement is an important prevention target for Mexican American adolescents.
Interaction of nitric oxide with the surface of stabilized calcium sulfate.

This work explores surface interactions between stabilized gypsum and nitric oxide. Gypsum is a common air-borne mineral particulate that has a potential two-fold relationship to the air pollution problem: as a particulate pollutant and as a catalyst or adsorbent for pollutant gases. Nitric Oxide is found in stack gases and automotive exhausts. Isotherms of nitric oxide adsorbed on stabilized gypsum were studied at 24 °C, 0°C, and −78°C. Coverages were related to a monolayer based upon a surface area of 17.0 m2/g as determined from a nitrogen adsorption isotherm and the B.E.T. method. Multilayer coverages containing both reversible and irreversible adsorption were observed for nitric oxide adsorbed on stablized hydrated calcium sulfate. An irreversible coverage of 41% at 24 °C and 61% at 0°C of the nitrogen monolayer was observed for nitric oxide adsorbed on hydration stabilized gypsum. The heat of adsorption at zero coverage was found to be 80.4 kJ/mol for nitric oxide on stabilized hydrated calcium sulf...
Regional variations in the extent and timing of motoneuron cell death in the lumbosacral spinal cord of the chick embryo

We have examined the distribution of motoneurons in different segments of the chick lumbosacral spinal cord before and after the period of motoneuron cell death. The extent of cell death was found to be greatest at the boundaries of the lumbosacral cord where over 60% of the motoneurons died and least in the central region where only 30% died. After cell death at stage 40 the number of motoneurons in each segment was linearly correlated with segment length, suggesting that growth of the segment and motoneuron numbers may be regulated by a common factor. The time of completion of motoneuron cell death exhibited a rostrocaudal gradient along the lumbar cord. Cell death was complete in the anterior segments by stage 35 but not until stage 38 in the caudal 4 segments. The regional variations in the extent and timing of motoneuron cell death suggest that the relative importance of the factors mediating cell death vary in different regions of the lumbar cord.
The chemical composition of depot fats in chickens and turkeys

Several chemical constants have been determined on the depot fats taken from four strains of chickens and four strains of turkeys. Similar analyses have been run on depot fat from cold storage turkey and on “commercial” samples of chicken and turkey fat obtained from the wholesale market.
STUDY OF SEMANTIC ASSOCIATIONS TO THE ALPHABET

Further inquiry has been made into children's propensity to imbue our primary communication symbols with extraneous meanings. In this study we examined the English alphabet, and, more specifically, the upper-case letters, employing a slight modification of the semantic differential. Data were obtained from 50 male and 52 female high school students. It was surprising that high school students 10 yr. from the age at which they learned the alphabet retain extraneous and yet important associations to letters of the alphabet with high consensus. It is our present opinion that configurational properties are primary determinants, but certain individuals are clearly guided by vocal considerations.
The Impact of Cesarean Delivery on Transmission of Infectious Agents to the Neonate

The rate of cesarean deliveries has increased dramatically over the past decade. Studies to date have highlighted a number of factors on the part of the treating physician and the expectant mother contributing to this increase. Maternal infections are not a major cause of this increase. There are a limited number of infections in a pregnant woman that warrant cesarean delivery to prevent perinatal transmission. This article outlines those infections known to be transmitted perinatally through the infected birth canal and details the current recommendations for cesarean delivery. Pregnant women with active genital herpes lesions or with known herpes simplex virus infection and a prodromal illness consistent with recurrence at the time of presentation in labor should undergo cesarean delivery. Pregnant women who are HIV infected and have detectable viremia (>1000 copies/mL) should be counseled regarding the potential benefits of cesarean delivery as an adjunct to antiretroviral therapy. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted intrapartum, but prevention of HCV transmission by cesarean delivery has not been proved effective and is not generally indicated. A limited number of other infectious agents can be transmitted through the birth canal but do not constitute an indication for cesarean delivery.
Epidemiologic assessment of laboratory animal allergy among university employees.

The prevalence of, and risk factors for, laboratory animal allergy (LAA) among university employees were evaluated in a cross-sectional university-based study. A stratified random sample was drawn based on current or no laboratory animal exposure and smoking status. Participants received a modified ATS questionnaire; spirometry; methacholine challenge; and intradermal allergen skin tests. One hundred three currently animal-exposed and 113 never-occupationally-exposed employees participated. Controlling for smoking, currently exposed workers were significantly more likely than controls to describe work-related cough, odds ratio (O.R.) = 6.87; wheeze, O.R. = 12.96; and chest tightness, O.R. = 2.89. Skin test reactivity to non-animal antigens was associated in a dose-response fashion with both upper and lower respiratory symptoms, O.R. = 1.45 and 1.65, respectively, for each additional positive skin test. Exposed workers were significantly more likely than controls to react to methacholine at either 10 or 25 mg/ml, while controlling for smoking status, prior allergy, or asthma. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed history of hay fever, family history of allergy, non-animal skin test positivity, animal bites, age, and smoking status to each be associated with work-related respiratory symptoms. These data suggest that atopy and smoking status are risk factors for LAA symptoms. Smoking was associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among animal-exposed workers, but not with skin test positivity. It is therefore recommended that periodic screening evaluations be performed on laboratory animal workers and that workers who are atopic, are smokers, or are symptomatic be placed in low exposure settings. These data further, support the need for efficient exhaust ventilation, personal protective clothing and, among high risk workers, the use of efficient respiratory protection.
Group work in the treatment of test anxiety

Abstract Professional literature strongly supports the inclusion of group counseling or study skills training along with group-based cognitive or behavioral interventions as a combined approach to the treatment of test anxiety.
Statistical approach for the detection of motion/noise artifacts in Photoplethysmogram

Motion and noise artifacts (MNA) have been a serious obstacle in realizing the potential of Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals for real-time monitoring of vital signs. We present a statistical approach based on the computation of kurtosis and Shannon Entropy (SE) for the accurate detection of MNA in PPG data. The MNA detection algorithm was verified on multi-site PPG data collected from both laboratory and clinical settings. The accuracy of the fusion of kurtosis and SE metrics for the artifact detection was 99.0%, 94.8% and 93.3% in simultaneously recorded ear, finger and forehead PPGs obtained in a clinical setting, respectively. For laboratory PPG data recorded from a finger with contrived artifacts, the accuracy was 88.8%. It was identified that the measurements from the forehead PPG sensor contained the most artifacts followed by finger and ear. The proposed MNA algorithm can be implemented in real-time as the computation time was 0.14 seconds using Matlab®.
Marketing the information systems profession: a preliminary report on the Boston–SIM careers videotape

Student interest in computer-related careers has declined dramatically in recent years, resulting in a shortage of entry-level personnel pursuing careers in information management. In an effort to attract students to the profession, the Boston Chapter of the Society for Information Management (Boston-SIM) has developed a prototype videotape targeted at high school students. The tape has been shown at several high schools in the greater Boston area and its effectiveness measured through a questionnaire administered before and after viewing. The tape has been found to be reasonably effective in familiarizing students with the information management profession.