cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival, Tournament, and Asset Allocation Strategy in the Mutual Fund Industry

I present a model that characterizes the impact of relative performance compensation and replacement schemes on mutual fund managers' asset allocation decisions. The model provides explanations of the following questions: (1) why does fund risk manipulation concentrate in the latter part of an annual assessment period; (2) why do departing fund managers, on average, exhibit higher portfolio turnover rates and higher expenses relative to non-replaced fund managers; and (3) why do mutual funds have a significant preference toward stocks with low transaction costs and an aversion to stocks with low idiosyncratic volatility.
Expression of a single gene, BCL-6, strongly predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by a marked degree of morphologic and clinical heterogeneity. Establishment of parameters that can predict outcome could help to identify patients who may benefit from risk-adjusted therapies. BCL-6 is a proto-oncogene commonly implicated in DLBCL pathogenesis. A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was established for accurate and reproducible determination of BCL-6 mRNA expression. The method was applied to evaluate the prognostic significance of BCL-6 expression in DLBCL. BCL-6 mRNA expression was assessed in tumor specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis from 22 patients with primary DLBCL. All patients were subsequently treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. These patients could be divided into 2 DLBCL subgroups, one with high BCL-6 gene expression whose median overall survival (OS) time was 171 months and the other with low BCL-6 gene expression whose median OS was 24 months (P =.007). BCL-6 gene expression also predicted OS in an independent validation set of 39 patients with primary DLBCL (P =.01). BCL-6 protein expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, also predicted longer OS in patients with DLBCL. BCL-6 gene expression was an independent survival predicting factor in multivariate analysis together with the elements of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) (P =.038). By contrast, the aggregate IPI score did not add further prognostic information to the patients' stratification by BCL-6 gene expression. High BCL-6 mRNA expression should be considered a new favorable prognostic factor in DLBCL and should be used in the stratification and the design of risk-adjusted therapies for patients with DLBCL. (Blood. 2001;98:945-951)
Development and optimization of two-dimensional centering algorithm for bacterial rapid detection system using forward scattering

Time needed for detection and identification of bacteria can be much shortened using the unique light-scattering pattern after being exposed to the laser source from the new platform named BARDOT (Bacteria Rapid Detection using Optical scattering Technology). The resulting pattern is compared to the compiled pattern library to search for similarity, hence determine the types of bacteria. The system consists of a laser source, an imaging camera, a scattering camera, and a two-dimensional stage. First the imaging camera captures the image of the sample on Petri-dish and locates the center coordinate locations of each cluster. Then the two-dimensional stage translates the Petri-dish such that the incident laser beam is upon the individual sample cluster and performs a centering process which is an fine-adjustment to capture a concentric scattering pattern. The displacement of the platform during this process is determined from the difference of the centroid of the laser beam without sample and that of scattered laser beam with sample. Using MATLAB to design and test the centering algorithm, the time taken for the centering algorithm can be minimized by generating a linear relationship between the lateral distance of the sample movement and the difference of the centroid. The initial algorithm utilized the non-linear relationship without any compensation of the difference of the centroid value. Thus it took multiple steps of motions to reach the center location if the difference of colony center to the laser center is larger than the radius of the sample cluster. With the help of newly designed algorithm, a linear relationship is achieved via identifying the specific location of the starting point of centering algorithm and compensating the corresponding centroid difference to match the actual displacement. Therefore the total time needed to satisfy the centeredness of the scattering pattern is minimized.
Differential movement patterns and site fidelity among trophic groups of reef fishes in a Hawaiian marine protected area

We tracked the long-term movements of 70 parrotfishes, surgeonfishes and goatfishes captured inside a small (1.3 km2) marine protected area (MPA: Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District, Hawaii) by implanting them with small transmitters and deploying underwater monitoring devices inside the bay and along 100 km of the adjacent west Hawaii coastline. Individual fish were detected inside Kealakekua Bay for up to 612 days but many were detected for much shorter periods (median = 52 days). There were species-specific differences in the scale of movements and habitats used, but most fish utilized between 0.2 and 1.6 km of coastline, and individuals of each species showed some degree of diel habitat shift. A wide variety of reef fishes captured inside the MPA swam back and forth across an MPA boundary intersecting continuous reef (i.e., this boundary was porous to reef fish movements), but only 1 of 11 species tagged crossed a wide sandy channel inside Kealakekua Bay suggesting that this feature may function as a natural barrier to movements. Results indicate relatively small MPAs (<2 km of coastline) could provide effective, long-term protection for multi-species assemblages of reef fishes provided that boundaries are situated along major habitat breaks (e.g., large sand channels between reefs) that may serve as natural barriers to reef fish movements. It is crucial that a multi-species approach be used when assessing MPA effectiveness.
Higher Order Time Splitting for the Linear Vlasov Equation

Many semi-Lagrangian schemes for solving the Vlasov equation use a second order time splitting method proposed by Cheng and Knorr. In this paper a fourth order time splitting method is proposed. This is combined with cubic spline interpolation (in $x$ and $v$), and a rigorous $\ell_2$ error bound is obtained for the linear Vlasov equation in arbitrary space dimension. Also, this method and that of Cheng and Knorr are implemented and compared for a test case in one space dimension.
Growth hormone dysregulation in children with major depressive disorder.

ABSTRACT The growth hormone response to stimulation with oral clonidine and l-dopa was measured in 14 boys with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 15 normal boys. The six MDD boys who were prepubertal or in early puberty were significantly lower than the 10 normal subjects of this age in peak growth hormone response following clonidine administration ( p = 0.029) and area under the curve for clonidine ( p = 0.030) and l-dopa ( p = 0.028). The eight later puberty MDD boys did not differ from the five later puberty normal boys on any measures.
Impaired IL-4 and c-Maf expression and enhanced Th1-cell development in Vav1-deficient mice.

Although c-Maf is crucial for Th2 differentiation and production of interleukin 4 (IL-4), its regulation is poorly understood. We report that Vav1–/– CD4+ T cells display deficient T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD28-induced IL-4 and c-Maf expression and, conversely, enhanced interferon γ (IFN-γ) production and T-bet expression (even when cultured under Th2-polarizing conditions), but intact expression of other Th2 cytokines and GATA-3. Up-regulation of c-Maf was dependent on Ca2+/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) and, together with IL-4 production, could be rescued in Vav1–/– T cells by Ca2+ ionophore. Deficient IL-4 production was restored by retrovirus-mediated Vav1 expression, but only partially by retroviral c-Maf expression. Similar IL-4 → IFN-γ skewing was observed in intact, antigen-primed Vav1–/– mice. Thus, Vav1 is selectively required for IL-4 and c-Maf expression, a requirement reflecting, at least in part, the dependence of c-Maf expression on Ca2+/NFAT signaling.
Plaque production with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus.

Summary and conclusionsPlaques were produced by IBR virus on bovine embryo kidney cells by both Dulbecco's agar-overlay and Postlethwaite's liquid overlay methods. The lower plaque titers obtained when the latter method was used were perhaps due to errors in scoring plaques which were not clearly distinct. The formation of plaques by IBR virus was blocked by IBR hyperimmune serum in both the standard tube neutralization test and by incorporation of antiserum into agar-overlay.Plaquing of IBR virus on bovine embryo kidney cells provided a more quantitative means by which to study the host-range of this virus and a more precise system for the biological assay of infective IBR nucleic acids which may possibly be obtained from the virus.
The effects of opiates on calcium accumulation on rat peritoneal mast cells.

Abstract Opiate agonists, morphine, levorphanol and β-endorphin increased calcium accumulation in rat peritoneal mast cells. This effect was dose dependent and β-endorphin was 10 times more potent than morphine. The stimulation was stereospecific and inhibited by naloxone. The site of the opiate action apears to be on the outer surface of the plasma membrane since lysis of the mast cell did not alter the the response to morphine. Tolerance to the opiate effect was not seen after chronic morphine administration. Morphine did not stimulate histamine release even at relatively high doses in vivo or high concentrations in vitro. It is reasoned that the enhancing effects on external calcium accumulation may reduce the critical cytosol calcium level for affecting histamine release.
Switchable optical phased prism arrays for beam steering

The Wollaston prism with large deflection angle usually has small cross section size, which constrains its application in beam steering. This paper investigates the possibility of assembling the prisms together to increase the cross section size. Single-layer- and double-layer- assembled Wollaston prisms are investigated. The compression ratio and transmission ratio associated with the diffraction efficiency of assembled prisms are calculated and formulated.
Expression of RAPsyn (43K protein) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes is not coordinatelv regulated in mouse muscle

RAPsyn (also known as 43K protein), a mouse muscle protein localized to the synaptic membrane, is thought to be involved in the localization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. We have characterized the transcriptional regulation of the RAPsyn gene and the synthesis of the RAPsyn protein during muscle cell differentiation. Nuclear run-on experiments and RNAase protection analyses showed that mRNA encoding RAPsyn, but not the acetylcholine receptor subunits, is present in undifferentiated muscle cells. The RAPsyn protein present in undifferentiated and differentiated muscle cells cannot be distinguished by peptide maps, turnover rates, cellular subfractionation, or ability to incorporate myristate. Whereas the amount of acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA is increased approximately 100-fold after denervation, the amount of RAPsyn mRNA is increased just 2- to 3-fold. We conclude that the expression of RAPsyn and the acetylcholine receptor is not coordinately regulated in mouse muscle.
Effect of yohimbine on plasma homovanillic acid in panic disorder patients and normal controls.

Abstract The effects of oral yohimbine (20 mg) or placebo or both drugs on plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) were evaluated in patients with panic disorder and normal controls. Panic disorder patients had similar HVA values at baseline compared with normal controls, and yohimoine failed to produce appreciable changes in HVA in both groups. These findings are discussed within the context of catecholaminergic theories of panic disorder.
Effects of energy dissipation on a spinning satellite.

I has long been known, and recently was reaffirmed that energy dissipation can have profound effects on the stability of motion of a dynamical system; and there is little doubt that such dissipation actually occurs in every real system. Consequently, no solution of a stability problem in which dissipation effects are left out of account is completely satisfying; and the obvious question that presents itself is this: How can energy dissipation be taken into account? The present paper is intended to shed light on this subject in connection with one of the basic problems of space mechanics, that of the symmetric, spinning satellite in a circular orbit, which was treated previously in Refs. 2-4. One of the difficulties in dealing with energy dissipation is that generality and incisiveness appear to be mutually exclusive in connection with this topic. That is, one may analyze a system having well-defined physical properties and thus obtain results of unquestionable validity, but of limited applicability; or one may be less specific about the physics of the system under consideration, thereby widening the range of applicability at the possible expense of validity. The former course of action is adopted in the present work and appears to be justified by the fact that the results obtained depend intimately on all system parameters. The paper is divided into three parts. In the first of these, the system to be analyzed is described in detail, and differential equations of motion are written. The second part deals with the construction of a Routhian array which is then used, in the third part, to obtain answers to a number of specific stability questions.
The Cherokee excavations revisited : Bison hunting on the eastern plains

Current models use climate change associated with Holocene Altithermal warming to explain differences between Paleoindian and Archaic bison seasons of kill on the Great Plains. These models, however, do not take into consideration the very different ecological conditions between the eastern and western Plains during this period. Reanalysis of the Cherokee Sewer site bison dentition and fetal elements indicates a late-fall to early-winter season of bison kill on the Paleoindian and Early Archaic horizons, rather than a mid- to late-winter season of kill suggested in the original report. Dentition studies also show a shift in bison mortality from younger animals to older ones during the Altithermal onset and maximum. Combined, these results suggest bison hunters on the eastern Plains used different adaptive strategies to cope with climate change than those seen on the western Plains.
Microstructure and properties of DC magnetron sputtered NiAl-Hf coatings

Abstract NiAl–0.1 at.% Hf coatings were successfully deposited via direct current magnetron sputtering from an alloy target onto a variety of substrates, including: glass; (1 1 1) oriented Si wafers and CMSX-4® (registered trademark of the Cannon-Muskegon Corporation, Muskegon, MI), a second generation Ni-base superalloy. The coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The as-deposited coatings were found to be crystalline, consisting of the B2 structured NiAl phase, and to exhibit dense columnar Zone T microstructures. Many of the coatings were textured and the degree of texturing was observed to change with the deposition power used and substrates that were used. NiAl coatings deposited on Si at low powers (⩽50 W) tended to develop random orientations, whereas coatings deposited at higher powers developed strong growth textures. Coatings deposited on Si(1 1 1) exhibited (1 1 1) textures, while coatings deposited on glass exhibited (2 1 1) textures. Thicker coatings (10-μm thick) deposited on CMSX-4® superalloy substrates at 400 W exhibited random textures, which could be attributed to the use of higher Ar pressure during deposition. The hardness and the modulus of the different coatings, as measured via nanoindentation testing, varied with crystallographic orientation. Coatings with (1 1 1) and (2 1 1) textures exhibited higher reduced moduli and lower hardness values than randomly oriented coatings, which is in agreement with prior reports on the mechanical behavior of bulk NiAl alloys. Heat treatment of the coatings in argon gas at 500 and 1000 °C for 1 h resulted in decreases in coating hardness, but in no change in the coating modulus. The hardness change is attributed to a combination of grain growth and the annihilation of defects.
Fatigue crack growth in metal matrix composites

In the earlier articles on fatigue crack growth behavior of materials, the authors had shown that the crack closure contributions near - threshold crack growth were small compared to the experimentally deduced values. Hence, an alternate explanation was provided to account for the observed threshold stress intensity, [Delta]K[sub th], dependence on the load ratio, R. In particular, they have shown that two critical parameters, [Delta]K[sub th][sup *] and K[sub max][sup *], are required to define threshold driving forces, instead of just one as is normally assumed. In addition, the two parameter requirement is fundamental to fatigue phenomenon and the requirement is independent of material or any crack closure contribution present. In this article, the authors analyze the published fatigue crack growth data of metal matrix composites with discontinuous reinforcements and show that their threshold behavior can also be explained without invoking any crack closure. Most importantly, they show how the two threshold parameters vary with volume fraction, size and spacing between the reinforcements.
What is the diagnosis for this rash

Key Clinical Message The etiology of rash in a given patient can be so varied. Good history-taking is very important to prevent unnecessary work-up. In this patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome, the rash was due to “coining,” a traditional practice followed in Southeast Asian community and had no relation to her underlying disease.
Effects of prolactin on tyrosine hydroxylase activity of central dopaminergic neurons of male rats.

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory has indicated that ovine proclatin can produce a rapid stimulation (within 1 h) of dopamine release from nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons of male rats. In the present experiment we attempted to determine whether this effect of prolactin was a function of an increase in the activation of dopamine synthesis. To examine this possibility we used the drug NSD 1015. This drug is a decarboxylase inhibitor that leads to dopa accumulation and is used as an index of in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Our results demonstrated that ovine proclatin increased turnover of dopamine but had no effect upon tyrosine hydroxylase activation (up to 4 h) in both dorsal and ventral striatal dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, ovine prolacting had a clear effect (within 4 h) on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in mediobasal hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons. These results suggest that ovine prolactin can differentially alter synthesis/release processes of dopamine from these sites.
Two component solution for an alternative order parameter in HTSC

In an early study the BCS wave function was generalized to include the motion of the center-of-mass of Cooper pairs. An alternative order parameter can be defined on the basis of this motion. In later work, when in copper oxides Bloch orbitals replaced free electrons, nodes were found in the vector space of the Fourier representation of the order parameter. Here that Fourier representation has suggested that the parameter consists of two components, a long wave lengths part which does not contain nodes, a short wave length part which does. The former component is real, and applies deep inside the superconductor, the latter, which is imaginary, in the boundary region. Further, the imaginary component has odd symmetry about the nodal axis. There results an addition of about 0.93π to the relative phase of two adjacent sides of a square superconductor cut along appropriate crystal axis, and embedded in a normal metal.
Operations on Ring Structures Preserved by Normalized Automorphisms of Group Rings

Let O be a commutative ring, and suppose σ is a normalized O-algebra automorphism of the group ring OGof a finite groupGover O. In this paper we consider the action of σ on various algebraic structures associated toG. Suppose O is an integral domain of characteristic 0, and that no prime divisor of the order ofGis invertible in O. We show that σ preserves the λ-ring structure of G0(kG) whenkis a field with a ring homomorphism O → k. If O is the ring of integers of a number field, we show that σ preserves the GO0(OG)-module structure of the class group Cl(OG) of OG, where GO0(OG) is the Grothendieck group of OG-lattices.
Codominant autosomal inheritance of polymorphic red cell acid phosphatases of lemurs and some properties of the enzymes

Red cell acid phosphatase phenotypes of 207 captive animals of the genera Lemur, Hapalemur, and Propithecus were determined by starch gel electrophoresis and phosphatase-specific staining. In Lemur fulvus, three phenotypes, designated A, B, and AB, were observed. In each of the species L. catta, L. macaco, L. mongoz, and L. variegatus, a single phenotype was observed. In Hapalemur griseus, three phenotypes were found: A, B, and AB. In Propithecus verreauxi, a single phenotype was found. Examination of breeding records in conjunction with the results of the electrophoretic analyses supports the conclusion that the erythrocytic acid phosphatases in this group of nonhuman primates are the products of at least two codominant autosomal alleles. There is a wide range of specific activities of the acid phosphatases as determined by colorimetric assays. The values range from 60.6 μmoles of p-nitrophenol released per gram of hemoglobin per 30 min in Lemur catta to 429.1 μmoles in Propithecus verreauxi. The enzymes of L. fulvus and P. verreauxi were purified approximately 400-fold, and Michaelis-Menten constants were determined on the purified preparations. For L. fulvus phenotype A, K m =0.8 mM; for L. fulvus phenotype B, K m =0.8 mM; and for P. verreauxi, K m =0.6 mM; the substrate in each case was p-nitrophenylphosphate.
Two new cytotoxic compounds from Tapirira guianensis

Two new cytotoxic compounds, 2-[10(Z)-heptadecenyl]-1,4-hydroquinone (1) and (4R,6R)-dihydroxy-4-[10(Z)-heptadecenyl]-2-cyclohexenone (2) have been isolated from a MeOH extract of seeds of Tapirira guianensis. The structures were established through spectral analysis of the isolates and their derivatives.
Active site selective labeling of serine proteases with spectroscopic probes using thioester peptide chloromethyl ketones: demonstration of thrombin labeling using N.alpha.[(acetylthio)acetyl]-D-Phe-Pro-Arg-Ch2Cl

The feasibility of a new approach to incorporation of spectroscopic probes into the active sites of certain serine proteases has been demonstrated. The method is based on inactivation of a serine protease with a thioester derivative of a peptide chloromethyl ketone. The thiol group generated by reaction of the covalent enzyme-inhibitor complex with NH2OH provides a unique site for subsequent labeling with thiol-reactive probes. To evaluate the method, N alpha-[(acetylthio)acetyl]-D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl was synthesized by reaction of the thrombin-specific tripeptide chloromethyl ketone with succinimidyl (acetylthio)acetate and purified by sulfopropyl-Sephadex and Sephadex G-10 chromatography. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the product was 90 +/- 3% pure. The compound was quantitated by using 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) to measure the concentration of thiol produced in the presence of NH2OH. On this basis, titrations of the irreversible loss of human alpha-thrombin activity had end points of 1.1 +/- 0.1 mol of inhibitor/mol of active sites, indicating a 1:1 stoichiometry for inactivation. Incubation of N alpha-[(acetylthio)acetyl]-D-Phe-Pro-Arg-thrombin with 5-(iodoacetamido)fluorescein in the presence of NH2OH resulted in incorporation of 0.96 mol of the fluorescence probe/mol of active sites and the appearance of fluorescein fluorescence associated with the active site containing B-chain on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Fluorescence labeling of thrombin required reaction of the inhibitor at the active site as well as subsequent generation of the thiol group with NH2OH. It is concluded that active site selective labeling can be achieved by using this approach, which is likely to be applicable to other proteases, peptide chloromethyl ketones, and a wide variety of probes.
Electro-magnetic free energy transduction by molecular motors

It is generally accepted that molecular motors are utilizing the chemical energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis to convert it to the mechanical energy. A set of preliminary data demonstrates that the periodic electric field can induce transport as well, thus providing the energy to the molecular system.
Utilizing Attack Graphs to Measure the Efficacy of Security Frameworks across Multiple Applications

One of the primary challenges when developing or implementing a security framework for any particular environment is determining the efficacy of the implementation. Does the implementation address all of the potential vulnerabilities in the environment, or are there still unaddressed issues? Further, if there is a choice between two frameworks, what objective measure can be used to compare the frameworks? To address these questions, we propose utilizing a technique of attack graph analysis to map the attack surface of the environment and identify the most likely avenues of attack. We show that with this technique we can quantify the baseline state of an application and compare that to the attack surface after implementation of a security framework, while simultaneously allowing for comparison between frameworks in the same environment or a single framework across multiple applications.
Neutron single-particle states in r-process nuclei near closed shells

We have begun a program to measure (d,p) reactions on neutron-rich nuclei, probing the single-particle states near the N = 50 and N = 82 closed shells. We have measured the neutron transfer on two N = 50 isotones, 82 Ge and 84 Se, at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We have also performed a test measurement of transfer on 124 Sn to develop the techniques to study the 2 H( 130,132 Sn,p) 131,133 Sn reactions. Preliminary results for 85 Se are consistent with 5/2 + ground state and 1/2 + first excited state assignments, and the successful measurement of the 2 H( 124 Sn,p) 125 Sn reaction demonstrates the feasibility to measure the (d,p) reaction with neutron-rich 130,132 Sn beams.
A multivariate examination of the Hexian calvaria

The Homo erectus calvaria from Hexian, Anhui province, China is an important component of the fossil sample from East Asia. This specimen is the most complete Chinese H. erectus cranium found outside Zhoukoudian. Previous work has shown that the fossil crania from Zhoukoudian exhibit a unique metric pattern not seen in specimens from Africa or Indonesia. Multivariate statistics that assess the statistical significance of distances have not been used to compare the Hexian cranium to other relevant fossils, and this has hampered our appreciation of the pattern and magnitude of variation in the Chinese fossil record. This study involves the use of Mahalanobis distances to examine the variation present in a large sample of Homo erectus crania. Two separate examinations utilizing up to 7 measurements on 15 crania were performed to maximize the number of available specimens. Random expectation statistics were then used to test for significance between these fossils. Our results highlight clear metric dissimilarities between the Hexian calvaria and the fossils from Zhoukoudian. These metric patterns also separate Hexian from Zhoukoudian V, a skull with which it shares some more modern non-metric features. Our results indicate a greater degree of variation in the human fossil sample from China than has previously been recognized.
Effects of dieldrin on 5α-dihydrotestosterone binding in the cytosol and nucleus of the rat ventral prostate

The effects of dieldrin on binding of 5 α -dihydrotestosterone by a protein fraction of the cytosol and nucleus of the rat ventral prostate were studied. Minced tissue incubated with 10 ppm of dieldrin in the incubation medium showed a reduction of 5 α -dihydrotestosterone binding which averaged 36 ± 2% in the cytosol fraction and 33 ± 4% in the nuclear fraction. The antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate, similarly inhibited binding by 57 ± 6% in the cytosol and 67 ± 4% in the nucleus. Incubation studies with a proteolytic enzyme showed that the binding of the hormone is predominantly to a protein fraction. Nucleases had little effect on the binding, but lipase reduced it significantly, indicating involvement of lipid in the binding fraction. Results of detergent washing of isolated nuclei labeled with [ 3 H]5 α -dihydrotestosterone or [ 14 C]-dieldrin suggested that some of both the dieldrin and the hormone were bound to the nuclear membrane.
Photosensitization of skin in vivo by furocoumarins (psoralens)

Abstract The molecular basis of cutaneous photosensitivity due to psoralens remains unknown. To elucidate the nature of cutaneous photosensitization in vivo, guinea-pigs kin was photosensitized with 365 nm radiation after application of 3H-labeled 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen. Epidermal DNA, RNA and soluble protein were isolated before and after cutaneous photosensitization. DNA of mammalian skin was characterized and its purity established. In addition, the nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal and soluble protein fractions were also isolated after cutaneous photosensitization by 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen. A covalent linking of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen with DNA and, to a lesser extent, with RNA was observed only when cutaneous photosensitization occurred. In none of the control experiments (five different types), was 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen observed to bind with epidermal DNA or RNA or to protein. Of the macromolecules studied, the DNA showed the highest reactivity in vivo with 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen. There was an aggregation of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen photoproducts (dimers) to the 60 000 × g supernatant soluble protein by noncovalent (Van der Waals) forces. The radioactivity of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen bound to DNA (the photoadduct of DNA-[3H]4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen) could not be separated from DNA after Sephadex gel filtration, CsCl density gradient centrifugation and repeated chloroform extraction. The fact that 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen alone and no other photoproduct or metabolite of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen was reacting with DNA was ascertained by recovering the [3H]4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen bound to DNA after photolysis of DNA-[3H]4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen photoadduct with 250-nm radiation and identifying it by four different chromatographic systems. Thus, during cutaneous photosensitization in vivo, 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen undergoes photoaddition with DNA and RNA. The formation of a C4-cycloaddition product of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen with DNA and RNA appears to be responsible for epidermal-cell damage.
Tool integration in Arcadia

The objective of the Arcadia research project is to produce a family of evolvable software development and maintenance project support environments based on adaptive, self-analytic, proactive architectural components and formal definition, analysis, and evaluation of the software process and products. Research in “techniques and tools” is focussed on analysis capabilities for sequential and concurrent software systems and on language processing. The distinguishing characteristic of the architecture research is that solutions in the component technologies are being developed in a cooperative, synergistic fashion, for it is the interactions between the components that often raise the most challenging questions.
Cooperative anonymity authentication in Vehicular Networks

Data privacy in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is a practical issue currently under investigation. Privacy-preserving anonymity authentication in networks is a challenging topic related to security, anonymity, network, and data privacy. Existing anonymity authentication in VANET is based on a k-anonymity model. An On Board Unit (OBU) chooses an adaptive anonymity group size in a request to an Road Site Unit (RSU). Upon response from an RSU, an OBU verifies the RSU's work probabilistically. But k-anonymity model group selection may leak information due to absence of diversity in the sensitive attribute, and an RSU lacks a rational strategy to adapt to an OBU's adaptive and probabilistic strategies. In this paper, we address anonymity authentication cooperative issues. Specifically, an RSU uses Cryptographic Client PUZZLE (CCPUZZLE) to enforce its maximum anonymity group's recommendation, and countermeasure Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. Cooperative design also relaxes restraints and supports anonymity group formation accommodating various anonymity models. In this paper, we clearly demonstrate that CCPUZZLE brings an OBU's cooperation and also efficiently countermeasures DoS attacks.
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Internet Smoking Cessation Program with Long-Term Follow-up

Background Internet programs for smoking cessation are widely available but few controlled studies demonstrate long-term efficacy.
Using Tax Parcels to Select a Location-Based Sample: An Illustration That Examines Residents' Awareness of Sex Offenders in Neighborhoods

Social science research is increasingly considering place when examining social programs and policies with a spatial component. A specific research challenge involving spatial policies is how to select a sample of individuals based on their geographic locations. This article illustrates the use of geographic information systems, tax parcels, and mail surveys to target residents in varied geographic areas. A provided example demonstrates how researchers obtained a sample of respondents living within one tenth of a mile of multiple registered sex offenders. The challenges of using tax parcels to obtain addresses for apartments and mobile home parks are also explored.
Absolute values of ras p21 defined by direct binding liquid competition radioimmunoassays.

Several distinct and high-conserved genes comprise the ras gene family of rodents and humans, i.e., rodent Harvey and Kirsten, and human Harvey, Kirsten and neuroblastoma. Transformation, either by a point-mutation resulting in a change in one amino acid of the 21 kDa ras gene product (p21), or by increased expression of ras p21, has been demonstrated to be mediated by members of this gene family. We report here the development of direct binding liquid competition radioimmunoassays for the detection and quantitation of the ras oncogene and proto-oncogene products. Using these radioimmunoassays and ras p21 purified from Escherichia coli containing the full-length T24 mutant human Harvey ras gene protein product as a standard, we have defined the actual amount of ras p21 per μg of total cellular protein, or per cell, in various ras transformed and ‘normal’ mammalian cell lines. One of the radioimmunoassays developed is group-specific, since the antigenic determinant recognized is shared by both the point-mutated and proto-forms of Harvey, Kirsten and neuroblastoma members of the ras gene family, while the second may be termed type-selective, since it recognizes an antigenic determinant localized primarily on the Harvey ras p21. Both radioimmunoassays are interspecies, since they detect a ras p21 antigenic determinant common to cells of human and rodent origin. These studies thus describe the first means for defining absolute values of any oncogene or proto-oncogene protein product. The assays described, when used in combination with specific c-DNA probes to define specific ras proto-oncogenes or point-mutated oncogenes being expressed, will now permit truly quantitative analyses of ras p21 expression in experimental cell culture systems, animal models and human biopsy material.
Youth participation in qualitative research: Challenges and possibilities:

Research often excludes youth participants, omitting their social and psychological realities, undermining their rights to participate and benefit from research, and weakening the validity of resea...
Phylogenetic position of the Strepsiptera: review of molecular and morphological evidence

Abstract Molecular evidence of the monophyly of the Halteria (Strepsiptera + Diptera) is reviewed. The majority of morphological characters, which have classically been used to establish a Strepsiptera + Coleoptera sister group, are rejected, because they are based on erroneous interpretations of strepsipteran morphology. The scorings of 31 morphological characters, which directly relate to the phylogenetic position of Strepsiptera, are provided, and their distribution and optimization on the molecular + morphological tree is discussed. Of these, 13 characters specifically support the placement of Strepsiptera within the Mecopterida; seven of which are based on the optimization of inapplicable or missing data, and six of which are based on states that can be scored for Strepsiptera. Only a single character (posteromotorism) suggests a sister group relationship with the Coleoptera. The morphological and molecular data are largely congruent, and suggest that the Strepsiptera are sister group to the Diptera.
Dimensional Variation Analysis of T-Node Joints Using Aluminum 6063-T52 Extrusion Material in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Joining Process

The development of manufacturing processes for joining and assembling of lightweight aluminum vehicles requires detailed process capability studies as well as dimensional variation analysis studies to ensure process controls are in place. These manufacturing processes not only have to provide cycle time viability but also need to maintain or surpass product safety and quality. T-Nodes joint designs are an integral of aluminum architectures based on hybrid designs, i.e those fabricated from mixed aluminum products consisting of castings, stampings and extrusions. The purpose of this study was to find optimum parameters for minimum distortion for the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of 6063-T52 T-Nodes. The welding factors considered were locators (4-way and 2-way pins verses net surfaces), the welding equiment process factors (power input, pulse frequency, gas flow rate, torch angle and arc intensity), the use of simultaneous welding, and welding sequence order. A partial factorial design of experiment (DOE) was conducted to understand the effects of these factors on T-node joint distortions. A total of 14 points were considered for dimensional distortion measurements. Results showed power (heat) input is the only statiscally significant factor on joint distortion. Locators type as well as welding sequence and simultaneous welding also had a measurable affect on part deviation during welding.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Cyclin D involvement demarcates a late transition in C. elegans embryogenesis

During development, progression through the cell cycle must be coordinately regulated with cellular differentiation. Despite significant progress in identifying genes required independently for each of these processes, the molecules which facilitate this cross talk have for the most part been elusive. Using the six macrophage-like coelomocytes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to gain insight into the mesodermal differentiation pathway, we have isolated a set of mutants that alter coelomocyte numbers. One of these mutations, cc600, apparently results from a partial loss-of-function in the C. elegans cyclin D gene, cyd-1. The mutant has coelomocyte-specific defects without changes in other lineages. The mutants show that cell growth, terminal differentiation and cellular function proceed in the absence of cyd-1 activity and cell division. The results suggest that certain mesodermal lineages may be uniquely affected by changes in cyd-1 activity.
A Critical Reappraisal of a Social Form in Psychiatric Care Settings: The Multidisciplinary Team Meeting as a Paradigm Case

Critical analysis can be used to examine potential inequalities and interferences with freedom in psychiatric nursing contexts. Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTM) evoke a sense of egalitarian multiparty cooperation, when underlying philosophical, ideological assumptions and realities can operate to contradict consciously held beliefs. Traditional approaches toward structural aspects of organizations are built on several conventional and taken-for-granted assumptions. Deconstruction and critical analysis can create alternate ways of thinking about fixed aspects of practice. The MDTM can be analyzed through different images. Underlying realities about the disempowerment of nurses and patients in the team structure can be shown through such analysis.
Failed primary management of iatrogenic biliary injury: incidence and significance of concomitant hepatic arterial disruption.

Abstract Background. Vasculobiliary injury (VBI) is a well-recognized complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In patients with failed primary management of bile duct injury (BDI), an assessment of the hepatic arterial system may be important to determine the presence of VBI. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of VBI in patients with failed primary management of LC-related BDI and to establish a potential correlation between the level of BDI and the incidence of VBI. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted on 18 patients referred for failed primary management of LC-related BDI who underwent prospective arteriography as part of the preoperative work-up. Results. Of the 18 patients who sustained BDI, Bismuth level 4 lesions were found in 7 patients (39%), level 3 in 8 patients (44%), and level 2 in 3 patients (17%). VBI was identified on arteriography in 11 patients (61%). VBI was present in 71% of patients with level 4 lesions, 63% of patients with level 3 lesions, and 33% of patients with level 2 lesions. The time interval from primary management to its failure was longer in VBI than in BDI alone. Conclusions. We have observed a high incidence of VBI in patients with failed primary management of LC-related BDI. Arterial disruption may affect the outcome of primary management of BDI. (Surgery 2001;130:722-31.)
A putative allelopathic agent of Russian knapweed occurs in invaded soils.

Allelopathy as a mechanism of invasion in plant communities remains a debated topic, partly due to lack of techniques to measure allelochemical output and stability in the field. Evidence has arisen to support allelopathic mechanisms in several invasive knapweeds, including Russian knapweed. Previous studies have shown that a phytotoxin, 7,8-benzoflavone, is produced by Russian knapweed roots under soil-free conditions. Here we describe a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to detect this compound in soil and we present the first observations of this compound from Russian knapweed infested soils.
Treatment for preschool children with interpersonal sexual behavior problems: a pilot study

This pilot study evaluated a 12-week group treatment program for preschool children with interpersonal sexual behavior problems (SBP; N = 85; 53 completed at least 8 sessions). Many children presented with co-occurring trauma symptoms and disruptive behaviors. In intent-to-treat analysis, a significant linear reduction in SBP due to number of treatment sessions attended was found, an effect that was independent of linear reductions affiliated with elapsed time. Under the assumption that treatment can have an incremental impact, more than one third of the variance was accounted for by treatment effects, with female and older children most favorably impacted. Caregivers reported increase in knowledge, satisfaction, and usefulness of treatment. In addition to replication, future research is needed to examine (a) effects of environment change and time on SBP, (b) stability of treatment effects, and (c) best practices to integrate evidence-based treatments for comorbid conditions.
Central Vein Stenosis

Central vein stenosis (CVS) is commonly seen in patients receiving hemodialysis through an arteriovenous access, threatening the usability of arteriovenous access for dialysis. Subclavian and internal jugular catheters are prime reasons for the development of CVS, especially in the setting of long-term use of multiple catheters. CVS related to cardiac rhythm devices also is seen frequently. Idiopathic CVS can be encountered, although it is less common. Clinical features ultimately become sufficiently prominent to prompt angiographic evaluation. CVS should be evaluated carefully because management must be individualized. The primary method for treatment of CVS is endovascular intervention, including angioplasty and stent placement, whereas surgical options should be pursued in only refractory cases due to the invasiveness of the intervention. Early referral of patients for chronic kidney disease care; timely discussion of kidney replacement modality choices, including nonhemodialysis options such as peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation; placement of arteriovenous access prior to the onset of dialysis; and avoidance of catheters and other central vein instrumentation will prevent the development of CVS in most patients with kidney disease.
STUDIES OF 64 Cu AND 109 Cd EFFLUX AND UPTAKE IN MENKES KINKY HAIR (MKHS) FIBROBLASTS

Previous studies in our laboratory indicated decreased efflux of Cu and abnormal metallothionein (MT1) in MKHS. To further identify the kinetics of these transport phenomena studies utilizing 64Cu and 109Cd were performed in MKHS and normal fibroblasts. MKHS and normal cells were grown in Cd-containing medium (Cd concentration = 1.5 μg/ml, 109cd concentration 0.15 μg/ml, spec. act. = 17.8 μCi/μg) for 20 hours, chased with non-radioactive medium and analyzed at 0, 5, 10, 20 hours. 60Cu efflux studies employed a 20 hour pulse (Cu concentration = 10 μg/ml, 64Cu concentration = 10 μg, sp. act. = 885 μCi/μg Cu) with chase intervals of 0, 5, 12, and 20 hours. These data clearly indicate a pronounced defect in the efflux of Cu in MKHS fibroblasts as compared to normal fibroblasts. The cadmium results suggest some impairment of Cd-release by MKHS fibroblasts. Studies by Goka et al. (Pediatr. Res.10:365, 1976) indicated increased uptake of 64Cu by MKHS fibroblasts. Our studies of 109cd uptake suggest nearly equivalent uptake by MKHS and normal fibroblasts (MKHS/normal = 0.9-1.8). These data imply that the observed apparent increased uptake is not the primary phenomenon.
Improved Clinical Outcomes Combining House Staff Self-Assessment with an Audit-Based Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND There is a focus on integrating quality improvement with medical education and advancement of the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies.