cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpolation between the wave and particle properties of bosons and fermions

Abstract Using a generalized quantum algebra which continuously interpolates between boson and fermion operator relations, the wave and particle properties of these quantum statistics can be studied in a unified manner. The mixing of one and two excitations of the generalized algebra at interferometers and beam splitters is used as an illustration.
Phase separation and pairing in coupled chains and planes.

A generalization of the [ital t]-[ital J] model in a system of two coupled chains or planes is studied by numerical diagonalization of small clusters. In particular, the effect of density fluctuations between these one- or two-dimensional coupled layers on intralayer phase separation and pairing is analyzed. The most robust signals of superconductivity are found at quarter filling for couplings just before the fully interlayer phase separated regime. The possibility of an enhancement of the intralayer superconducting pairing correlations by the interlayer couplings is investigated.
The contributions of organizational science to the development of decision support systems research subspecialties

This study is conducted to infer the intellectual structure of the decision support systems (DSS) field by means of an empirical assessment of the DSS literature over the period 1971 through 1990. Three multivariate data analysis tools (factor analysis, multidimensional scaling, and cluster analysis) are applied to an author cocitation frequency matrix derived from a large database file of comprehensive DSS literature over the same period. We conclude that decision support systems are grounded in several contributing disciplines, such as organizational science, multiple criteria decision making, group decision making, and strategic planning. We further conclude that the DSS area is in the process of building its own articulated theories in the subareas of foundations, group decision support systems, model management, user interface/individual differences, and decision support systems implementation, and that organizational scientists have made important contributions to the development of DSS research subspecialties.
Spectrum of severity and control of diabetes mellitus in skilled nursing facilities.

: A descriptive and quality assessment study was made of 359 elderly patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in 39 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) in upstate New York. The diagnostic prevalence of diabetes was about 12 percent — similar to that in a National Health Survey of nursing homes, but higher than that reported for the non-institutional elderly. Greater frequency and severity were observed among the females, but the median age for all the diabetic patients was about the same as that for the general SNF population. Several of the other disorders believed to be associated with diabetes were found to be of greater frequency in the SNF diabetic group, but some were not; also, inadequate control of diabetes was associated with some, but not all of these disorders. The severity of diabetes in this elderly SNF population with adult-onset diabetes was usually mild, with a low frequency of complications and of poor control. Problems arose with respect to the ascertainment and recording of diagnostic and control data, most often related to the responsibilities of the attending physicians. There were also problems of uncertainty as to the cause-and-effect relationship between the control of blood glucose levels and treatment outcomes. The establishment of criteria and standards for medical care evaluation studies is discussed.
Conduction Velocity of the Human Inferior Alveolar Nerve: Normative Data

Objectives: To present normative conduction velocity data for the uninjured human inferior alveolar nerve, and to determine if there are differences in inferior alveolar conduction velocities for either side or for gender. Design: An electrophysiological evaluation of the sensory nerve to the lip and chin was performed. Subjects: Bilateral human inferior alveolar nerve compound action potentials were recorded from each of 46 successive healthy volunteer subjects. Interventions: Electrically evoked sensory compound action potentials were recorded from the mandibular foramen by stimulation at the mental foramen. The interelectrode distance was measured from a calibrated radiograph. The conduction velocity was calculated at the onset of the waveform and at the maximal amplitude of the waveform. Results: The mean maximal conduction velocity was 65.0 m/s, with no differences shown for right or left sides or for gender. There was a slight decrement in conduction velocity with age. Conclusions: Conduction velocity testing of the inferior alveolar nerve is feasible and practical. These normative data should serve as a reference for future conduction studies of the inferior alveolar nerve in health, injury, and after repair. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123:185-189
Growth hormone, but not insulin, activates STAT5 proteins in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo

STAT 5 proteins are latent transcription factors which have been shown to be activated by growth hormone (GH) in many cell types. However, some recent studies also suggest that STAT 5B is a physiological substrate of the insulin receptor. In our studies, we have shown that physiological levels of insulin do not induce STAT 5 tyrosine phosphorylation or affect the nuclear distribution of STATs 5A or 5B in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, we did not observe the activation of STAT 5 in the adipose tissue or skeletal muscle of mice following an acute intraperitoneal injection of insulin. However, acute GH administration, both in vitro and in vivo, resulted in the activation of STAT 5 proteins. In summary, our results indicate that STAT 5 proteins are not activated by physiological levels of insulin in adipose tissue.
Partial Volume Correction Strategies in PET

In the early days of PET, the partial volume effect (PVE) was identified as a serious factor affecting image quality and limiting the accuracy of quantitative analysis. Because of the limited spatial resolution of clinical PET systems, the images are blurred by the system response so that smaller objects appear larger. Although the total number of counts is preserved, they are distributed over a larger volume. This article describes the various partial volume correction strategies used in PET and summarizes their clinical and research applications.
Limits on inference of Mars small-scale topography from MOLA data

[1] The surface roughness of Mars at scales from ∼1–200 m is of interest for lander hazard and radar-sounder clutter analysis, but MOLA data are the only current source of global topographic information. We use synthetic fractal profiles to determine the uncertainties associated with deriving self-affine statistics from detrended segments of MOLA tracks. The mean Hurst exponent derived from such segments is an underestimate of the true value, H, for H > 0.5, and an overestimate for H 100-m scales. We suggest that any extrapolation be regarded as a lower bound on the true terrain statistics.
Effect of gross cardiac glycoside content of seeds of common milkweed,Asclepias syriaca, on cardiac glycoside uptake by the milkweed bugOncopeltus fasciatus

Milkweed bugs,Oncopeltus fasciatus, were fed seeds of common milkweed,Asclepias syriaca, that contained differing concentrations of cardiac glycoside. Whole seeds had a mean cardiac glycoside concentration of 4.01 mg equivalents to digitoxin per g dry weight, and seed embryos had a mean concentration of 5.56 mg/g dry weight. Bugs fed these seeds concentrated cardiac glycoside: their mean concentration was 6.85 mg/g dry weight. Milkweed bugs fed seeds of lower cardiac glycoside content sequestered a greater percent of the available glycoside than bugs fed seeds of high glycoside content. The quantitative variation of cardiac glycoside content of the seeds of this single species did not significantly affect the growth of bugs. In a separate feeding preference experiment, bugs were offered seeds of both high (5.18 mg/g dry weight) and low (2.30 mg/g dry weight) cardiac glycoside content. The bugs showed no indication of selecting seeds of either high or low glycoside content.
Transfection of murine myeloma cells to produce a chimeric antibody to the interleukin-2 receptor

Abstract Murine myeloma X63Ag8.653 cells were transfected with heavy and light-chain expression vectors for a chimeric antibody (Ab) to the human interleukin-2 receptor. A cell line producing low quantities of the chimeric Ab was obtained and was transfected with either the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early gene iel or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BMLF1 DNA, together with the hygromycin B resistance (Hy R ) encoding gene for selection to improve productivity. Two cell lines with a four to eightfold increase in productivity were obtained. They showed higher levels of heavy- and light-chain mRNA expression. CMV iel or EBV BMLF1 DNA was not detected and no integration pattern changes for the heavy- and light-chain DNA were seen. The long-term productivity of one of the cell lines showed hygromycin B (Hy) requirement. Transfection with the Hy R DNA alone also resulted in cells with increased productivity. The expression vectors contained the immunoglobulin light-chain enhancer KB DNA sequences (kb site). Nuclear extracts from parent myeloma cells showed one KB-binding protein band on a polyacrylamide gel, but nuclear extracts from transfected cells showed two additional slower-migrating bands. Increased Ab production correlated with an increased ratio of the medium-mobility KB-binding protein band to the high-mobility band. The possibility that Hy used for selection activated KB-binding proteins and increased Ab expression is discussed.
Ultrapure plasma factor VIII produced by anti-F VIII c immunoaffinity chromatography and solvent/detergent viral inactivation. Characterization of the Method M process and Hemofil M antihemophilic factor (human).

The Method M process was developed to reduce the risk of virus transmission associated with the therapeutic use of AHF products. The Method M process uses a powerful viral inactivation approach and consistently results in a high-purity F VIII preparation. The extent to which F VIII is purified in the Method M process is important in considering the reduction in virus. Protein contaminants such as fibrinogen and fibronectin in the final product provide easily measurable parameters of process efficiency in terms of contaminant reduction. However, it is essential to note that protein contaminant levels in the final product are meaningful only when the steps in the purification process are understood. Precipitation steps and/or ion-exchange steps that reduce protein contamination do not necessarily reflect virus reduction. With the exception of F VIII R∶Ag, which appears to associate specifically with monoclonal-antibody-bound F VIII, all other protein and reagent contaminants are consistently reduced during the immunoaffinity step of the Method M process. Given the extent of viral inactivation that occurs during TNBP/detergent treatment and the extent of contaminant reduction that takes place during the immunoaffinity step, Hemofil M AHF is considered to be substantially safe with respect to viral contamination.
A Correlation of the Drag Force Coefficient on a Sphere with Interface Slip at Low and Intermediate Reynolds Numbers

The hydrodynamics of a sphere with interface slip has been numerically investigated for flows of Reynolds number ranging 0 < Re ≤ 75. A simple correlation of the drag force coefficient in the present of interface slip has been derived based on our numerical simulations. The correlation takes the slip coefficient and Reynolds number as two input parameters. By comparing results found in the literature, we believe that the present correlation is more accurate; it provides a source for future experiment study and for numerical simulations of large multi-particle system where the interface slip is important.
Yields of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from the Pyrolysis of Catechol [ortho-Dihydroxybenzene]: Temperature and Residence Time Effects

To understand in more detail the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from complex fuels, we have performed pyrolysis experiments in a laminar-flow reactor, using the model fuel catechol (ortho-dihydroxybenzene), a phenol-type compound representative of structural entities in tobacco, coal, and wood. Catechol pyrolysis at temperatures of 700 to 1000 °C and residence times of 0.4 to 1 s produces a range of aromatic products, which have been analyzed by gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection and by high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array ultraviolet−visible absorption detection. Of the 64 aromatic products identified, yields are reported for the 30 species whose yields are at least 0.005% of the mass of fed catechol, over a significant temperature range. The quantified products fall into 8 structural categories: benzene, benzenoid PAH, indene benzologues, fluoranthene benzologues, cyclopenta-fused PAH, ethynyl-substituted aromatics, alkyl-substituted aromatics, and v...
Accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid by horizontal cells isolated from the goldfish retina

Abstract In the goldfish retina, H1 horizontal cells, which receive input predominantly from red sensitive cone photoreceptors, possess a single high-affinity uptake mechanism for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This GABA uptake is enhanced by light stimulation, which hyperpolarizes the H1 cells. The regulation of this uptake mechanism was examined in isolated horizontal cells by measuring the accumulation of exogenously supplied3H-GABA. Solutions containing elevated external K+ or glutamate were used to quantitatively depolarize the cells to reveal that the potential-sensitive GABA uptake is maximal under hyperpolarizing conditions and minimal with depolarization. The driving force for GABA uptake is derived from the Na+ electrochemical gradient, with approximately 2 Na+ ions being cotransported with each molecule of GABA. The results presented suggest that the uptake mechanism permits the synaptic concentration of GABA to be regulated by the membrane potential of the H1 horizontal cells. This, then permits the presynaptic horizontal cell to modulate the synaptic concentration of transmitter in this tonically active synapse.
Effects of late loss of arterial inflow on free flap survival

Greater than 80 percent of free flap thromboses have been shown to occur within the first three postoperative days, warranting immediate re-exploration and restoration of adequate vessel patency. The infrequency of thromboses beyond this period is reflected in the lack of reported cases in the literature and the absence of accepted guidelines for the treatment of such delayed complications. A single study reported free flap survival in vessel thromboses only when encountered after postoperative day (POD) 7 in a pig model. Since 1990, over 800 free tissue transfers have been done at the University of Rochester. A total of ten cases of late (defined as after POD 7) arterial inflow loss were identified and examined. A retrospective chart review recorded patient demographics, site of tissue defect, free tissue transferred, major co-morbidities, preoperative XRT, timing of arterial inflow loss, nature of inflow loss, and flap survival. The mean POD of arterial inflow loss was 53 days (range: 8 to 166). The mean age of patients was 58 years. No major co-morbidities correlated with late arterial inflow loss. Loss of inflow occurred as anastomotic rupture (5), occlusion of recipient bypass graft in lower extremity cases (3), primary donor arterial thrombosis (1), and pedicle avulsion during re-exploration for seroma (1). Five flaps survived, one sustained partial necrosis, and four were completely lost. Of the five surviving flaps, three were inset into healthy recipient sites. One was utilized on a dysvascular lower extremity, and another was used in an irradiated neck defect. Of the four failed flaps, all were placed in recipient beds compromised by radiation, ischemia, or scarring. Two exemplary case reports are presented. The timing of late loss of arterial inflow does not appear to be the primary determinant of free tissue survival. The condition and quality of the recipient site plays a large role in survival of these flaps. Ischemic, irradiated, and scarred beds are inadequate in providing late flap neovascularization, compared to healthy recipient sites. When encountering late loss of arterial inflow in flaps placed on such compromised beds, the microsurgeon should not anticipate survival based on surrounding vessel ingrowth. More aggressive salvage attempts may be warranted.
Keller Arthroplasty in Combination with Resection Arthroplasty of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis

We reviewed the results of the Keller arthroplasty in combination with resection arthroplasty of the forefoot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Of the 29 patients (49 feet) in the series, 20 had involvement of both feet and nine had involvement of a single foot. The average age of the patients was 55.4 years, and the average follow-up period was 4.9 years. All feet had resection of the lesser metatarsal heads, resection of the base of the proximal phalanges of the lesser toe, and a Keller arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The results were satisfactory in 16 feet, satisfactory with some reservations in 21 feet, satisfactory with major reservations in seven feet, and unsatisfactory in five feet. For 40 of the 49 feet (82%), the patients stated that they would repeat the procedure, knowing the results achieved. The major causes of patient reservations and lack of satisfaction were return of the hallux valgus deformity and pain (53%), forefoot instability (27%), and continuing metatarsalgia (20%). Resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints of the forefoot in rheumatoid disease is a satisfactory procedure. When used in combination with Keller resection arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, however, an increased number of unsatisfactory results occur, attributable to returning pain and deformity of that joint.
Pressure behavior in vertically fractured wells subject to limited entry and bottom water drive

This paper presents an analytical study of the wellbore pressure behavior for a vertically fractured well subject to limited entry and bottom water drive. Two fracture locations (top and center) within the producing interval are considered. Both infinite-conductivity and uniform-flux fractures are examined. Analysis of drawdown and buildup pressure data by conventional semi-logarithmic techniques are conducted to determine the combined effect of limited entry and bottom water drive on well test analysis. The model developed is similar to the parallelpiped model except that here the results are not restricted to dry steam wells. The results obtained are for oil wells but they can be used for gas and geothermal wells. 33 refs.
Ruxolitinib: A New Treatment Option for Myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by bone marrow fibrosis and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Evolution of myelofibrosis can lead to life-threatening complications, including transformation to leukemia, thrombotic events, and hemorrhagic episodes. The only curative therapy for myelofibrosis is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Because this disease manifests primarily in the older population, many patients diagnosed with myelofibrosis are not considered medically fit for such aggressive therapy. Other available medical therapies do not halt disease progression; instead, current treatment strategies have focused on targeting specific symptomology, although with limited efficacy. The lack of effective treatment options for patients with myelofibrosis has rendered this orphan disease state an unmet medical need, and novel approaches to improve outcomes are necessary. Emerging research has identified numerous molecular mutations in patients with myelofibrosis, making this disease a potential candidate for molecularly targeted therapy. The most prevalent mutation identified is a gain-of-function mutation in the Janus kinase (JAK) family, JAK2 V617F, which has been identified in more than half of patients with myelofibrosis. This mutation results in a constitutively active JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway resulting in dysregulated cellular proliferation and hematopoiesis. Ruxolitinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2 and recently became the first drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of symptomatic intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis. In clinical trials, ruxolitinib demonstrated promising efficacy in reducing splenomegaly and myelofibrosis-related symptoms. However, ruxolitinib did not demonstrate disease-modifying potential and is not considered a curative therapeutic option. Adverse events associated with ruxolitinib are primarily hematologic, with thrombocytopenia and anemia being the most common toxicologic events identified. Future research will shed light on whether ruxolitinib in combination with other treatments will further enhance outcomes in myelofibrosis.
Time Is of the Essence: A Conjecture that Hemispheric Specialization Arises from Interhemispheric Conduction Delay

Tomasch (1954) and Aboitiz et al. (1992) found the majority of the fibers of the human corpus callosum are under 1 micron in diameter. Electron microscopic studies of Swadlow et al. (1980) and the detailed study of LaMantia and Rakic (1990a) on macaques show the average size of the myelinated callosal axons also to be less than 1 micron. In man, the average-sized myelinated fiber interconnecting the temporal lobes would have a one-way, interhemispheric delay of over 25 msec. Thus, finely detailed, time-critical neuronal computations (i.e., tasks that strain the capacity of the callosum and hence could not be handled by just the larger fibers) would be performed more quickly via shorter and faster intrahemispheric circuits. While one transit across the commissural system might yield tolerable delays, multiple passes as in a system involving "setting" would seem prohibitively slow. We suggest that these temporal limits will be avoided if the neural apparatus necessary to perform each high-resolution, time-critical task is gathered in one hemisphere. If the, presumably overlapping, neural assemblies needed to handle overlapping tasks are clustered together, this would lead to hemispheric specialization. The prediction follows that the large brains of mammals such as elephants and cetaceans will also manifest a high degree of hemispheric specialization.
Medium and Long-Term Outcomes After Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Stenting in Children and Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Percutaneous stenting of branch pulmonary arteries (PAs) has become an important interventional therapy in the complete management of congenital heart disease. Few data exist on long-term outcomes for patients requiring placement of bilateral stents. This study aimed to determine the medium- to long-term outcomes after bilateral stenting of branch PAs in patients with congenital heart disease. A retrospective study analyzed all procedural and follow-up data on patients undergoing bilateral PA stenting during a single procedure. From October 2001 to May 2012, 26 patients underwent bilateral PA stenting (total of 62 stents). The mean age of these patients was 9.5 ± 12 years, and their mean weight was 27 ± 19 kg. The mean procedural time was 191 ± 67 min, and the mean fluoroscopy time was 50 ± 29 min. The mean gradient across the right pulmonary artery decreased from 35 ± 22 to 11 ± 12 mmHg (p < 0.001). The left pulmonary artery gradient decreased from 32 ± 17 to 10 ± 12 mmHg (p < 0.001), and the right ventricle to descending aorta pressure ratio decreased from 71 ± 18 % to 46 ± 13 % (p < 0.001). Intraprocedural adverse events were encountered in four patients (1 small PA dissection, 2 intraprocedural arrhythmias, and 1 first-degree burn on the thigh). The mean follow-up period was 41 ± 23 months. Two deaths occurred. Further interventions were required for 12 patients. Bilateral PA stenting is effective and safe, with an instantaneous significant decrease in pressure gradients. The need for reintervention is common, so continued follow-up assessment is warranted.
The economic impact of quarantine : SARS in Toronto as a case study

Objectives. Over time, quarantine has become a classic public health intervention and has been used repeatedly when newly emerging infectious diseases have threatened to spread throughout a population. Here, we weigh the economic costs and benefits associated with implementing widespread quarantine in Toronto during the SARS outbreaks of 2003. Methods. We compared the costs of two outbreak scenarios: in Scenario A, SARS is able to transmit itself throughout a population without any significant public health interventions. In Scenario B, quarantine is implemented early on in an attempt to contain the virus. By evaluating these situations, we can investigate whether or not the use of quarantine is justified by being either cost-saving, life saving, or both. Results. Our results indicate that quarantine is effective in containing newly emerging infectious diseases, and also cost saving when compared to not implementing a widespread containment mechanism. Conclusions. This paper illustrates that it is not only in our humanitarian interest for public health and healthcare officials to remain aggressive in their response to newly emerging infections, but also in our collective economic interest. Despite somewhat daunting initial costs, quarantine saves both lives and money.
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Thymotic Acid and Certain Homologs

Ortho-thymotic acid and nine homologs were submitted for general, analgesic, and antistress evaluations in the rat. While all appeared to be nonspecific central nervous system depressants, only 2-methyl-5- tert -butylsalicylic acid appeared to have significant analgesic ability in the rat tail flick test. 2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-5-isopropylbenzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-6-methylbenzoic acid, and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-6-isopropylbenzoic aicd were superior to sodium salicylate and inferior to morphine sulfate in providing significant protection from stress induced by unilateral hind leg tourniquets. The latter two compounds were active in suppressing the acute inflammatory process produced by pedal injection of carrageenin, but were ineffective against chronic inflammation induced by the Mycobacterium butyricum adjuvant.
GAUGE-FIELD ALGEBRA WITH SYMMETRY BREAKING.

It is shown that in gauge-field models for the electromagnetic and weak hadronic currents, restrictions are imposed on the way the symmetry is broken if the algebra of currents is to hold. A modified form of Weinberg's second sum rule is proposed, and relations among vector-meson masses are obtained on the assumption of nonet symmetry for the currents.
Hydrogen and oxygen

Abstract If electrolytic hydrogen is produced in large quantities, half as many moles of O2 are produced as H2. While it can be harmlessly vented, it seems more prudent to explore its possible large-scale utilization. It could be important in abating the cost of changing over to a hydrogen energy economy. Such uses include better fuel utilization and reduction of noxious emissions in combustion, air beneficiation, and bulk industrial applications. Analysis suggests that the industrial gases industry may become an important early mover towards the hydrogen economy (for reasons of self-preservation).
The bioluminescent detection of platelet released ATP: collagen-induced release and potential errors.

Abstract The bioluminescent detection of ATP released from activated platelets is an important diagnostic and experimental assay. Potential errors in the interpretation of the data may be introduced due to the lability of luciferin-luciferase and the amount of platelet agonist employed. Loss of luciferin-luciferase activity is temperature dependent with a 50% decrease in activity in 1–4 min at 37°C. Plasma components do not appear to contribute to the inactivation of the detection system. Due to the significant loss of enzyme activity at variable times, the method of standardizing ATP concentrations is crucial for the accurate determination of ATP released from activated platelets. A nearly 5-fold error is introduced into the routinely employed assay procedure where the standard ATP concentration is determined 5 min after the addition of agonist. This report demonstrates that the standard ATP concentration must be determined with a separate platelet sample at the same time as the ATP was released from the agonist-induced experimental platelet sample. A second significant error in the assay system may be introduced by the agonist concentration employed even when the final level of aggregation is the same. When collagen is employed as the agonist the amount of ATP released appears to depend, in part, on the initial intensity of the aggregation response and not on collagen type (Type I versus IV). The corrective procedures described here for the detection of ATP are not likely to change the qualitative results of most studies but would significantly alter the quantitative results.
Discrete constant-velocity-equivalent multirate models for target tracking

A set of constant-velocity-equivalent multirate (MR) models are derived in this paper, which can be used in multirate signal estimation and decomposition. The connections between the conventional constant-velocity model and MR models are established, which can be used in performance comparison. An overall improvement in estimation quality using MR models is shown by Monte Carlo simulations.
Loneliness, communicative competence, and communication apprehension: Extension and replication

This paper reports research which is the second in a series designed to examine the relationship of loneliness and communication variables. This study examined the relationships among loneliness, communication anxiety, and communicative competence. The revised PRCA (McCroskey, 1981) and the revised CAS (Duran, 1983) were used as independent variables in a series of multiple regressions. Two dimensions of the CAS (social experience and social confirmation) and one dimension of the PRCA (dyadic apprehension) were found to contribute to loneliness.
INTRAGENOMIC NRDNA ITS POLYMORPHISM IN THE STEPHANODISCUS NIAGARAE COMPLEX (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

Intragenomic nrDNA ITS variability was examined in representative species of the Stephanodiscus niagarae complex. PCR was performed on DNA extracted from monoclonal cultures, and sequence variability determined using standard cloning techniques. Preliminary data from all species reveal intragenomic polymorphism. ITS sequence data is being used to delineate closely related species of algae and polymorphisms are potentially problematic for phylogenetic reconstruction and identity. We are exploring the extent of polymorphism in other freshwater Thalassiorsiraceae, including Stephanodiscus hantzschii fo. tenuis and Cyclostephanos invisitatus.
Impulse-Failure-Detection Methods as Applied to Distribution Transformers

Investigation of several methods for the detection of impulse failures in distribution transformers has strengthened our belief in the inadequacy of the methods described in American Standard C57.2. All of the methods are discussed in detail, and the most hopeful one is comnpared with the present method of analyzing the voltage wave and making the physical observations as outlined in the Standards. Data are presented on transformers utilizing present and proposed methods.
Housing Activity and Consumer Spending

The current expansion has seen record-high levels of transactions in housing, extraordinary growth in the aggregate value of owner-occupied housing, and large increases in the amount of funds realized from the refinancing of mortgage debt. Many analysts thus have pointed to the strong housing market and rising home prices as a major pillar supporting recent economic growth and have expressed concern that a contraction in housing activity and values could pose a significant risk to consumer spending and real economic growth. This paper explores the channels by which the housing market may affect consumer spending and assesses the potential risk from a softening in the housing market. Our assessment is that while a housing slowdown by itself may slow consumer spending some, it is probably insufficient to precipitate a downturn without some additional shocks outside of the sector.
Tag games in yeast: The two-hybrid system and beyond

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the one- and two-hybrid systems are essential genetic tools for studying the macromolecular interactions that define all living organisms. Newly developed variations on this theme can now address an even bigger set of questions. Reverse one- and two-hybrid systems can identify factors that dissociate or abrogate defined macromolecular interactions. Different forms of three-hybrid systems can evaluate the complex interplay of proteins with RNAs, peptide ligands, small organic ligands or protein kinases. Finally, the ubiquitin-based split-protein sensor and the Sos recruitment systems promise to overcome some limitations of conventional two-hybrid systems.
Annealing evolutionary stochastic approximation Monte Carlo for global optimization

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm, the so-called annealing evolutionary stochastic approximation Monte Carlo (AESAMC) algorithm as a general optimization technique, and study its convergence. AESAMC possesses a self-adjusting mechanism, whose target distribution can be adapted at each iteration according to the current samples. Thus, AESAMC falls into the class of adaptive Monte Carlo methods. This mechanism also makes AESAMC less trapped by local energy minima than nonadaptive MCMC algorithms. Under mild conditions, we show that AESAMC can converge weakly toward a neighboring set of global minima in the space of energy. AESAMC is tested on multiple optimization problems. The numerical results indicate that AESAMC can potentially outperform simulated annealing, the genetic algorithm, annealing stochastic approximation Monte Carlo, and some other metaheuristics in function optimization.
Short-term bed rest increases TLR4 and IL-6 expression in skeletal muscle of older adults

Bed rest induces significant loss of leg lean mass in older adults. Systemic and tissue inflammation also accelerates skeletal muscle loss, but it is unknown whether inflammation is associated to i...
Renal hypothermia achieved by retrograde endoscopic cold saline perfusion: technique and initial clinical application.

Abstract We describe the technique and initial clinical results with application of a novel method to achieve renal parenchymal hypothermia using retrograde ureteral access. A 38-year-old man was scheduled to undergo an open right partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Before the open procedure, a ureteral access sheath was advanced to the ureteropelvic junction under fluoroscopic guidance; through the access sheath, a 7.1F pigtail catheter was also advanced. After clamping the renal artery and vein, ice-cold saline (−1.7°C) was circulated through the access sheath and drained via the 7.1F pigtail catheter; renal cortical and medullary parenchymal temperatures were measured using thermocouples. This technique of intrarenal cooling achieved a renal cortical temperature of 24°C and a medullary temperature of 21°C. The endoscopic procedure required an additional 35 minutes of operation time to complete. Histopathologic investigation of the specimen revealed no associated damage to the ureteral urothelium from access sheath placement or to the collecting system urothelium from exposure to ice-cold saline irrigation. Retrograde endoscopic renal hypothermia is feasible and effective. The technique requires no novel equipment or special surgical skills. This method can be applied to patients undergoing open or laparoscopic complex renal ablative and reconstructive procedures that require renal hypothermia.
Corrections to “A Yagi–Uda Array of High-Efficiency Wire-Bond Antennas for On-Chip Radio Applications” [Dec 09 3315-3321]

In the above titled paper (ibid., vol. 57, no. 12, pp. 3315-3321, Dec. 2009), several figure captions appeared incorrectly. The correct captions for Figs. 5-8 are presented here.
Identification of a pre-mRNA splicing factor, arginine/serine-rich 3 (Sfrs3), and its co-expression with fibronectin in fetal and postnatal rabbit airway mucosal and skin wounds

Abstract Fibronectin (FN) is a multi-functional, adhesion protein and involved in multi-steps of the wound healing process. Strong evidence suggests that FN protein diversity is controlled by alternative RNA splicing; a coordinated transcription and RNA processing that is development-, age-, and tissue/cell type-regulated. We previously demonstrated that fetal rabbit airway mucosal healing is regenerative and scarless. Expression, regulation, and biological function of the FN gene and various spliced forms in this model are unknown. Airway and skin incisional wounds were made in fetal (gestation days 21–23), weanling (4–6 weeks) and adult (>6 months) rabbits. Non-wounded and wounded tissues were collected at 12 h (all age groups), 24 h and 48 h (weanling only) post-wounding. Expression profiles were obtained using mRNA differential display and cDNAs of interest were cloned, sequenced and validated by real-time PCR. Here, we report two rabbit cDNAs that showed similar expression patterns after wounding. One encodes a rabbit fibronectin gene, Fn1, and another shares a high sequence homology to a human pre-mRNA splicing factor, arginine/serine-rich 3 (Sfrs3), coding for a RNA binding protein, SRp20. Both Fn1 and Sfrs3 mRNAs were suppressed in fetal wounds but induced in postnatal wounds 12 h post-wounding. The increased levels of both Fn1 and Sfrs3 transcripts were sustained up to 48 h in weanling airway mucosal wounds. The augmentations of the two genes in postnatal airway mucosal wounds were more prominent than that in skin wounds, indicating that the involvement of Sfrs3 and Fn1 genes in postnatal airway mucosal wounds is tissue-specific. Literature provides evidence that SRp20 is indeed involved in the alternative splicing of FN and that the embryonic FN variants reappear during adult wound healing. A connection between the enhanced molecular activity of Sfrs3 and the regulation of the FN gene expression through alternative splicing during the early events of postnatal airway mucosal wound repair was proposed.
Is bipolar disorder still underdiagnosed? Are antidepressants overutilized?

Abstract Background: Previous studies have suggested that bipolar disorder may be underdiagnosed, and that antidepressants may be over-utilized in its treatment. Methods: Consecutively admitted patients (n=48) diagnosed with DSM-IV bipolar disorder, type I, (n=44) or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, (n=4) were interviewed systematically and their charts were reviewed to confirm diagnosis before admission. They were then treated according to systematic structured interview diagnoses. These data reflect the changes in diagnoses and treatment. Results: 40% (19/48) were identified with previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder, all previously diagnosed with unipolar major depressive disorder. A period of 7.5±9.8 years elapsed in this group before bipolar diagnosis was made. Antidepressant use was high on admission (38%) and was reduced with acceptable treatment response rates. The adjunctive use of risperidone appeared to be a good treatment alternative. Limitations: While diagnoses were made prospectively, treatment response was assessed retrospectively, and was based on non-randomized, naturalistic therapy. Conclusions: Systematic application of DSM-IV criteria identified previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder in 40% of a referred population of patients with mood disorders, all previously misdiagnosed as unipolar major depressive disorder. Antidepressants appeared overutilized and risperidone was an effective alternative adjunctive therapy agent.
P-glycoprotein—A mediator of multidrug resistance in tumour cells

toxic drugs (multidrug resistance, MDR) is a major limitation to the successful chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. The genetic and biochemical alterations responsible for the multidrug resistance phenotype of cancer cells have been the subject of intense investigation for more than 25 years and dramatic progress has been made in the understanding of multidrug resistance-associated genes, proteins and their mechanisms of action. Because of the inherent difficulty of studying drug resistance in Z&J (e.g. due to heterogeneity of human cancer, or difficulty in obtaining several clinical specimens from the same tumour during the course of chemotherapeutic
On the Fontaine-Mazur conjecture for number fields and an analogue for function fields

Abstract The Fontaine–Mazur Conjecture for number fields predicts that infinite l-adic analytic groups cannot occur as the Galois groups of unramified l-extensions of number fields. We investigate the analogous question for function fields of one variable over finite fields, and then prove some special cases of both the number field and function field questions using ideas from class field theory, l-adic analytic groups, Lie algebras, arithmetic algebraic geometry, and Iwasawa theory.
Niikawa-Kuroki (Kabuki make-up) syndrome.

Observation clinique d'un patient presentant les huit traits de la dysmorphie faciale typique de ce syndrome
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN THE INFECTION DYNAMICS AND MATURATION CYCLE OF OLIGOGONOTYLUS MANTERI (DIGENEA) IN THE CICHLID FISH, ‘CICHLASOMA’ UROPHTHALMUS, FROM YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

We studied the infection dynamics and maturation cycle of Oligogonotylus manteri in wild and caged ‘Cichlasoma’ urophthalmus, and determined the potential role of different sources of infection in its transmission in a quarry (MITZA). Metacercariae, and nongravid and gravid stages of O. manteri were present throughout 1 annual cycle. Prevalence, mean intensity, and/or aggregation values peaked around April and June in both wild and caged fish. This period of time includes the start of the rainy season, in which the water temperature reaches its maximum annual values. Because temperature is a major factor triggering ‘C.’ urophthalmus activity (food intake, growth, and reproduction), and O. manteri metacercariae and adults are trophically transmitted, temperature may be playing an important role in the recruitment of worms to the fish. We also determined that cercariae infect caged fish through a mechanism other than trophic transmission whereby fish consume infected snails, which has been described as the ...
The Decline of In Loco Parentis and the Shift to Coed Housing on College Campuses.

Many universities have changed their policies regarding the nature of on-campus housing—shifting from gender-specific to coed dorms. This study examines the scope of that transition in the United S...
Factors Associated with the Personal Assessment of College among American Indian Students at a Rural University.

This study examines the relationship between four independent variables (gender, age, reservation background, and cultural traditionalism) with three dependent variables (assessment of college, transition to college, and impact of college on an appreciation of Native heritage) among a sample of American Indian students attending a small, rural university. Findings include no significant relationships between any of the independent variables and the assessment of college. However, the transition to college is associated with age, reservation background, and cultural traditionalism while the impact of college on an appreciation of Native heritage is related to cultural traditionalism.
The Rights of Children and Parents In Regard to Children Receiving Psychiatric Diagnoses and Drugs

Based on the author's extensive clinical, forensic and research experience, this article addresses the scientific and moral question of whether it is ever in the best interests of a child to be given a psychiat­ ric drug. The focus is on the diagnosis Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and stimulant drugs, and on the diagnosis Bipolar Disorder and antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs. The conclusion is that we should work towards a prohibition against giving psychiatric drugs to children, and instead focus on safe and effective alternative ways of meeting the needs of children within their families, schools and society. © 2014 John Wiley ft Sons Ltd and National Children's Bureau.
What Makes Suffering “Unbearable and Hopeless”? Advance Directives, Dementia and Disability

Hertogh and his colleagues (2007) look at the difficult situation of advance directives for patients with conditions involving progressive dementia. In these cases, the patient writing the advance ...
Communication in Latin America: An Analysis of Guatemalan Business Letters

The format and structure of 150 Spanish-language letters written by business administrators in Guatemalan firms were analyzed to help determine how Latin American business writers organize and pres...
Traits, not origin, explain impacts of plants on larval amphibians

Managing habitats for the benefit of native fauna is a priority for many government and private agencies. Often, these agencies view nonnative plants as a threat to wildlife habitat, and they seek to control or eradicate nonnative plant populations. However, little is known about how nonnative plant invasions impact native fauna, and it is unclear whether managing these plants actually improves habitat quality for resident animals. Here, we compared the impacts of native and nonnative wetland plants on three species of native larval amphibians; we also examined whether plant traits explain the observed impacts. Specifically, we measured plant litter quality (carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus ratios, and percentages of lignin and soluble phenolics) and biomass, along with a suite of environmental conditions known to affect larval amphibians (hydroperiod, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH). Hydroperiod and plant traits, notably soluble phenolics, litter C:N ratio, and litter N:P ratio, impacted the likelihood that animals metamorphosed, the number of animals that metamorphosed, and the length of larval period. As hydroperiod decreased, the likelihood that amphibians achieved metamorphosis and the percentage of tadpoles that successfully metamorphosed also decreased. Increases in soluble phenolics, litter N:P ratio, and litter C:N ratio decreased the likelihood that tadpoles achieved metamorphosis, decreased the percentage of tadpoles metamorphosing, decreased metamorph production (total metamorph biomass), and increased the length of larval period. Interestingly, we found no difference in metamorphosis rates and length of larval period between habitats dominated by native and nonnative plants. Our findings have important implications for habitat management. We suggest that to improve habitats for native fauna, managers should focus on assembling a plant community with desirable traits rather than focusing only on plant origin.
Generation and verification of traveling-wave phase-sensitive eigenmodes of an optical parametric amplifier

We investigate the eigenmodes of a traveling-wave phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier. We observe gain (deamplification) of 11.4 dB (−7.9 dB) for a Laguerre-Gaussian LG 00 mode with >95% overlap with the fundamental eigenmode.