cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cournot–Bertrand model and the degree of product differentiation

Abstract We consider a duopoly model with a Cournot-type firm and a Bertrand-type firm. Both survive and the equilibrium is stable when there is sufficient product differentiation. With no differentiation, only the Cournot-type firm survives, and the outcome is perfectly competitive.
CONTROVERSIES IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS

CONTROVERSIES IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS. Barbara Seidlhofer (Ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003. Pp. ix + 346. £22.05 paper.Echoing Bakhtin's assertion of the importance of a dialogic approach to the study of language and literature and Kramsch's (1995) view that exploring differences is more important than achieving consensus, Seidlhofer's book focuses on the analysis of a collection of readings from original works by authors with opposing views on several topics in applied linguistics.
Planar coupling scheme for ultra low noise DC SQUIDs

We have devised and tested a planar coupling scheme in which the technology used to produce ultra low noise tunnel junction dc SQUIDs is employed to achieve tight coupling between the SQUID loop and and the input coil. In our scheme the planar, ungroundplaned, inductive loop of the dc SQUID acts as the wide single turn primary of a thin-film transformer. The input coil consists of a multiple-turn secondary in the form of a spiral stripline fabricated directly above the primary. The two tunnel junctions are located at the outside edge of the SQUID loop. A low inductance stripline structure connects the junctions to the region of high current flow in the SQUID loop. We have evaluated this coupling scheme experimentally in SQUIDs with 10-turn, 19-turn, 50-turn, and 100-turn input coils. All have mutual inductances per turn of approximately 80 pH, in good agreement with numerical calculations. Detailed measurements on the 50-turn SQUID gave a mutual inductance M of 3.8 nH, an input coil inductance L i of 190 nH, a SQUID self inductance of L of 89 pH, and a coupling constant k2= M2/L i L of 0.86. The 100- turn version is estimated to have similar coupling performance with an input coil inductance of approximately 0.8 μH.
Collision Probability with Gaussian Mixture Orbit Uncertainty

In view of the high value of space assets and a growing space debris population increasingly caused by random collisions in a congested space environment, collision analysis is of great significance. Collisions between space objects (spacecraft and space debris) can at best be determined in a probabilistic manner because of the lack of perfect knowledge about the parameters and motions of the space objects. Collision analysis based on the nominal orbital parameters without taking into account the uncertainty in those parameters or in the orbit motions is inaccurate. The probability of collision between two space objects provides a quantitative measure of the likelihood that the space objects will collide with each other. Collision probability is closely related to close approaches, 3 collision detection, and conflict probability and has been derived for low Earth orbits (including the International Space Station), Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Email: demarsk@mst.edu. Senior Member AIAA. Assistant Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering. Email: cheng@ae.msstate.edu. Associate Fellow AIAA. Senior Research Engineer. Associate Fellow AIAA.
A comparison of two formulas of topical menthol on vascular responses and perceived intensity prior to and follow a bout of maximum voluntary muscular contractions (MVMCs)

Summary The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular responses in the brachial artery and perceived intensity of two different formulas of topical menthol gels prior to and following a bout of maximum voluntary muscular contractions (MVMCs). 18 adults completed the same protocol on different days using blinded topical menthol gels (Old Formula and New Formula). Heart rate, brachial artery blood flow (ml/min), vessel diameter and reported intensity of sensation were measured at baseline (T1), at 5 min after application of the gel to the upper arm (T2), and immediately following five MVMCs hand grips (T3). The New Formula exhibited a significant decline in blood flow (−22.6%) between T1 and T2 which was not different than the nonsignificant declines under the Old Formula 1 (−21.8%). Both formulas resulted in a significant increase in perceived intensity of sensation between T1 and T2. Blood flow increased significantly with the New Formula (488%) between T2 and T3 and nonsignificantly with the Old Formula (355%).
Definition of the Redox States of Cobalt-precorrinoids: Investigation of the Substrate and Redox Specificity of CbiL from Salmonella typhimurium†

The enzyme CbiL from the facultative anaerobe Salmonella typhimurium exhibits a high degree of homology to CobI from the aerobe Pseudomonas denitrificans (29% identity; 51% conservation obtained by a Blastp search of the ncbi database). As CobI catalyzes the third methylation in the aerobic pathway to vitamin B12 it is proposed that CbiL catalyzes the analogous step in the anaerobic pathway. Potential metallo and metal-free substrates were characterized and their redox states defined by a combination of physicochemical techniques (MALDI-MS, NMR, UV/vis, IR, and EPR) and then used to investigate the function of CbiL. CbiL exhibited an absolute requirement for the presence of a metal ion (Co(II), Ni(II), or Zn(II)) within the tetrapyrrole substrate. CbiL had no preference for the redox state of its cobalt tetrapyrrole substrate, methylating both the reduced form, Co(II) 2, 7-dimethyl-dipyrrocorphin (Co(II)-precorrin-2), and the oxidized form, Co(III) 2,7-dimethyl-isobacterioclorin (Co(III)-factor-II). In contrast CbiL had a marked preference for the oxidized Ni(II) and Zn(II)-2,7-dimethyl-isobacteriochlorin (Ni(II) and Zn(II)-factor-II). Removal of the metal ion from a product of CbiL (Zn(II)-factor-III) allowed characterization by 13C NMR, identifying the tetrapyrrole as 2,7,20-trimethyl-isobacteriochlorin (factor-3), indicating that CbiL methylates at C20, the same site as that methylated by CobI. Competition experiments, utilizing isotopic labeling to distinguish otherwise identical mass substrates and products, revealed that oxidized Co(III) or Ni(II)-factor-II were equally good substrates, whereas Co(II)-precorrin-2 was much preferred over Ni(II)-precorrin-2. Excess Ni(II)-precorrin-2 did not decrease CbiL methylation of Co(II)-precorrin-2, implying that CbiL has a low affinity for Ni(II)-precorrin-2. These results are interpreted on the basis of tetrapyrrole ruffling occurring on the optimization of the metallo-N bond distances. The greater flexibility of the reduced precorrin-2 ring system allows greater deformation on accommodating the bound metal ion, the distortions imposed by bound Ni(II) or Zn(II) ions being larger than Co(II). The resulting distortions imposed on the precorrin ring could then decrease catalysis by causing a departure from the optimal substrate conformation required for CbiL. On oxidation of the Ni(II) or Zn(II)-precorrin-2, the increased stiffness of the ring could then constrain the metallo-factor-II conformation toward that of the usual substrate, allowing greater methylation by CbiL. In contrast to its counterpart CobI in the aerobic pathway of B12 biosynthesis, which methylates the metal-free precorrin-2, these studies show CbiL to be the first methylase unique to the anaerobic pathway, methylating a metallo-precorrin-2 substrate. Implications of CbiL specificity for the mechanism of the anaerobic B12 pathway are discussed.
Regulation of CD8 + T cell functions by RARγ

Retinoic acid plays a key role in the development and function of the immune system; however, the contribution of each of the three retinoic acid receptors (RARs) to the T cell immune response is not yet well understood. Of these receptors, both RARα and RARγ are expressed in T lymphocytes. While possible functional redundancy thus complicates understanding of the role of each receptor in T cells, emerging data suggest that RARα and RARγ function differently in thymocyte development and that RARγ is required for both primary and secondary CD8+ T cell immune responses.
Extreme hypothermia and ventricular fibrillation.

A 31-year-old white man with a core temperature of 60.8 F (16 C) and ventricular fibrillation was successfully resuscitated using active core and external rewarming techniques. Rectal temperature at the time of reestablished electromechanical cardiac activity was 68 F (20 C), a temperature previously thought to be incompatible with successful resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation. We are not aware of previous case reports describing survival following a lower documented core temperature
The domestic politics of international negotiations: The effects of state structures and policy making processes

Putnam's metaphor of a two‐level game that state representatives play when they face the dual constraints of international bargaining and domestic pressures has been applied across different political systems. This paper argues that it is important to take into account differences in state structures and political processes in the study of international negotiations. That state structures and processes are important has become a common theme in current research on foreign policy, decision making, and international conflict. Building on this literature, this study involves a meta‐analysis of existing case studies of two‐level games. The previously completed cases provide evidence of variation in the characteristics of two‐level games. Independent measures of the institutional structures of the states involved in the set of case studies are collected from the POLITY III dataset. Hypotheses on how differences in state structures might influence the characteristics of two‐level bargaining are then examined. T...
“Draw-a-Man-with-a-Club:” A Technique for Study of Aggression and Relations to Authority Figures:

The use of drawings of a man with a club (or stick) has been initiated by the author for the purpose of studying underlying conflicts and Ss' characteristic ways of handling aggression and relations t o authority figures. T h e assumptions are the same as in other D A P techniques. Administration.-The S is asked t o draw a man with a club and t o write a story about his drawing. The technique is most useful when preceded by the Draw-A-Person test. Interpretation.-The drawing of a man provides a useful baseline for interpretation of A-Man-With-A-Club. T h e difference~ between an individual's drawing of a man and that of A-Man-With-A-Club, when clinically compared, are frequently revealing. Rigid individuals often produce nearly identical figures. Prepsychotic or borderline patients sometimes develop more dearly bizarre features in the drawing of A-Man-With-AClub. Psychotics reveal, in addition to general bizarreness, a lack of functional or utilitarian purpose of the dub, e.g., dub drawn diagonally across man's chest. Individuals tending to act out aggressive impulses may place the man with the dub in an aaadcing position, give him a fierce expression, draw a huge dub, a dub with spikes, or draw the Man-W~ch-A-Club larger than the preceding drawing. Patients who tend to become inhibited or to shrink when faced with aggression, on the other hand, may show exaggerations in the opposlte direction, by greatly deemphasizing some of the characteristics related to expression of aggression, and also producing increased shading effem. Clinical "signs" considered pathological in other projective drawings can be similarly applied to the Man-With-A-Club, subject to the same cautions, in view of lack of experimental evidence for validity of such signs. A quantitative study is now in progress on relationships of placement, size, and position of the club t o the man, as well as differences between drawing of the Man-With-A-Club situation and in the usual DAP. Richard H. Walters (University of Toronto) and this author have applied this technique in yet unpublished studies of assaultive criminals, alcoholics, and narcotic addicts. Evaluation of the usefulness of this technique must await further application i n research and clinical settings. I t appears, however, that Draw-A-Man-With-AClub is most useful i n the context of a battery of psychological tests.
Analysis of Hormone-Receptor Interaction Sites Using Synthetic Peptides: Receptor Binding Regions of the α-Subunit of Human Choriogonadotropin

Abstract Synthetic peptides are valuable tools for determining sites of interaction between hormones and their receptors. We have learned much about linear receptor binding regions of the glycoprotein hormone human choriogonadotropin (hCG) using synthetic peptides corresponding to its primary sequence. Of paramount importance in any study using synthetic peptides as a tool to investigate protein structure are an efficient means of peptide purification and a definitive measure of peptide purity and composition. Purification is easily achieved for all but the most hydrophobic peptides using preparative reverse-phase HPLC. Of the methods available for analysis of peptide purity, mass spectrometry is perhaps the most useful and often most rapid approach. Other essential components of studies involving synthetic peptides and hormone binding are reproducible hormone labeling, receptor preparations, and bioassays. The ability of peptides to compete with hCG for binding to specific receptors is tested in radioreceptor binding assays and bioassays with transformed Leydig cell lines. These cells express the lutropin receptor that is coupled to a measurable endpoint such as cAMP or steroid production. The conditions for these assays are optimized for rapid and accurate measurement of peptide activity. Since the three-dimensional structure of hCG is not known, a systematic approach to the identification of potential receptor binding sites is advocated. First, a comprehensive analysis using synthetic overlapping peptides of uniform length that span the entire sequence of the α-subunit is employed. This approach is an effective means for surveying the entire subunit for receptor binding sites. Next, the boundaries of the active regions are delimited by a series of nested peptides sequentially shortened in length. The importance of each residue within the delimited binding regions is then studied using a series of peptides containing single alanine substitutions. Finally, modifications to enhance activity of the synthetic peptides are further made on the basis of data from alanine substitution studies, circular dichroic analysis, and molecular modeling. These studies provide valuable information to aid in the design of synthetic hormone analogs and for further analysis of the structure–function of hCG via site-directed mutagenesis.
A novel approach for predicting antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in rats

Sexual dysfunction is associated with antidepressant discontinuation. Therefore, there is a need for models that predict antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. To develop a predictive method for evaluating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were allowed access to sexually receptive females during a single overnight mating session and then treated with antidepressants known to produce differing levels of sexual dysfunction in the clinic. Two to three weeks later, following either acute, subchronic (7-day), or chronic (14-day) antidepressant treatment, rats were observed for penile erections (PE) in the presence of sexually receptive females that were not accessible for contact but served as visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli in the testing area. Chronic treatment of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), desipramine (10 mg/kg), and bupropion (20 mg/kg) reduced the number of PE 71, 53, and 8%, respectively, relative to vehicle-treated rats. This rank order of the compounds’ propensity for reducing PE is comparable to the rank order of the compounds’ ability to produce sexual dysfunction during antidepressant treatment in the clinic. Additionally, drugs used to treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in the clinic, such as sildenafil, yohimbine, and dopamine agonists, were also effective in attenuating the deficits in the number of noncontact PE produced by chronic fluoxetine treatment. Taken together, this model represents a novel approach for predicting antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in rats, which parallels the pattern of reports of sexual dysfunction in the clinic associated with different antidepressant treatments and the ability of adjunct treatment to reverse the sexual impairments produced by antidepressants.
Load management in the Indian power sector using US experience

India has a scarcity of electric power during peak-use periods. Most Indian utilities resort to load shedding (LS) to manage the peak demand. A review of US experience with direct load control and interruptible or time-of-use (TOU) tariffs shows successful programs. Direct load control of agricultural pumps, commercial air conditioners and interruptible or TOU tariffs in the industrial sector are identified as useful options for India. Implementation strategies for these are suggested. Load management (LM) by Indian utilities may provide a better solution to the current peak power shortage than mandatory LS.
Biology of Stethoconus praefectus (Distant) (Heteroptera: Miridae), a newly established predator of the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Heteroptera: Tingidae), in Florida.

ABSTRACT The Asian plant bug Stethoconus praefectus (Distant) (Heteroptera: Miridae) was recently discovered in Florida preying on the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Heteroptera: Tingidae). Its life cycle and effectiveness as a predator of P. perseae were investigated at 26 ±I°C, 60 ± 5 RH, and 12: 12 (L: D) under laboratory conditions. Stethoconus praefectus developed from egg to adult in 16.5 ± 0.2 d. On average, the first 4 instars consumed 2 to 4 prey per day, whereas the last 2 instars consumed 2 to 7 lace bugs per day. Stethoconus praefectus was observed in the field from Aug through Dec 2007.
rf-Induced Effects in Superconducting Tunnel Junctions

Arguments are presented to resolve experimental discrepancies with the theory of photon-assisted tunneling. A standing-wave model is suggested as a more realistic picture of the rf fields in a thin-film tunnel junction. By including the effects of this model in the theories of Tien and Gordon and of Werthamer, we obtain qualitative agreement with data on both the Josephson effects and the photon-assisted tunneling effects in the same junction. In an experiment with a junction sufficiently small to maintain a uniform rf field, we find excellent agreement with the unmodified theory. The low-frequency equivalence of the photon-assisted tunneling phenomenon and classical rf detection is also pointed out and used to demonstrate that the magnitude of the rf voltage appears correctly in the theory. We conclude that the Werthamer theory of rf-induced effects in superconducting tunnel junctions is on very firm experimental ground.
Hypothesis for the individualisation of drug dosage.

Computer simulations based on the pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol and theophylline in patients, indicate a very strong correlation (r = 0.988 for chloramphenicol and r = 0.971 for theophylline) between log maintenance dose required to achieve a desired average drug concentration in serum at steady-state, and the drug concentration in serum 6 hours after an initial test dose administered by constant rate intravenous infusion over 0.5h. Accordingly, we have developed a nomogram to predict individual daily dosing requirements for these drugs in uncomplicated patients from a single serum assay following an initial dose. Within defined limits, predictions made with the nomogram are essentially equivalent to those made by iraditional pharmacokinetic methods which require substantially more drug concentration-time data following a test dose. Predictions based on the nomogram are relatively unaffected by small but typical errors in magnitude of the test dose, infusion time, sampling time and assay. Protocols for the administration of the test dose other than described, e.g. administration of an oral theophylline solution, may be equally useful for dosage predictions. In principle, this approach should apply to other drugs.
An elective rotation in applied epidemiology with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1975-1997.

Abstract Introduction: To increase awareness of and interest in public health and epidemiology, CDC initiated an elective in epidemiology and public health for senior medical students in 1975 and for veterinary students in 1982. Methods: A review of CDC records to describe participation in the elective, to assess whether students subsequently enrolled in another CDC training program, the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), and, if enrolled, employment status following EIS. A review of documentation of board certification in preventive medicine to determine how many participants later chose this specialty, one indicator of public health and prevention as a career choice. Results: From 1975 through 1997, 632 students participated in the elective. Of these, 438 (69%) were assigned to infectious disease areas, 95 (15%) to environmental health, 59 (9%) to chronic disease, and 40 (7%) to other areas. Students participated in at least 278 official investigations of important public health problems including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, chronic disease problems and access to health care. Of 530 students who had completed the elective through June 1995, 91 (17%) were enrolled in EIS by July 1997. Of 83 completing EIS by July 1997, 65 (78%) had continued in public health careers: 35 with CDC; 17 with local or state health departments; 7 with other federal agencies; 4 in academic public health; and 2 in international health. Of those not enrolling in EIS, at least 5% were certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, compared with 34% of those completing EIS. Conclusion: An elective rotation in public health and applied epidemiology is valuable in introducing future physicians and veterinarians to the practice of public health, and can provide important role models for encouragement to pursue careers in public health.
Complete genome of the switchgrass endophyte Enterobacter clocace P101

The Enterobacter cloacae complex is genetically very diverse. The increasing number of complete genomic sequences of E. cloacae is helping to determine the exact relationship among members of the complex. E. cloacae P101 is an endophyte of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and is closely related to other E. cloacae strains isolated from plants. The P101 genome consists of a 5,369,929 bp chromosome. The chromosome has 5,164 protein-coding regions, 100 tRNA sequences, and 8 rRNA operons.
Effects of Mitomycin-C on Normal Dermal Fibroblasts†

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of mitomycin-C on the growth and autocrine growth factor production of human dermal fibroblasts from the face. Study Design: In vitro study using normal adult dermal fibroblast cell lines in a serum-free model. Methods: Cell cultures were exposed to 4 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mL, 0.004 mg/mL, and 0.0004 mg/mL concentrations of mitomycin-C solution. Cell counts were performed, and the cell-free supernatants were collected at 0, 1, 3, and 5 days after the initial exposure. Population doubling times were calculated and supernatants were quantitatively assayed for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Results: Continuous exposure to mitomycin-C caused fibroblast cell death by day 7 at all tested concentrations. A 4 minute exposure to mitomycin-C at 4 mg/mL caused rapid fibroblast cell death. A 4-minute exposure to mitomycin-C at either 0.4 mg/mL or 0.04 mg/mL resulted in decreased fibroblast proliferation. A 4 minute exposure to mitomycin-C at 0.4 mg/mL resulted in a marked increase in the production of both bFGF and TGF-β1. Conclusions: A clinically ideal concentration of mitomycin-C would slow fibroblast proliferation yet not cause cell death to allow for a wound healing response. Mitomycin-C 0.4 mg/mL for 4 minutes satisfies the above criteria in vitro.
Specificity of thyroxine action on oxygen uptake of kidney slices during prolonged incubation.

The effect of a number of thyroxine analogs has been evaluated using kidney tissue respiration during prolonged incubation. Thyroxine was found to be the most active compound studied. All substances with marked thyroxinelikc activity had a skeletal structure of a diphenyl ether with at least three substitutions on the rings. lodo, methyl, bromo, chloro and nitro substitutions activated with decreasing effectiveness in that order. Variation in the number of carbon atoms, alteration of the optical configuration of the alanine side chain or its replacement by a short-chain fatty acid caused only slight reduction of the activity of an analog, as did the replacement of the ether oxygen with a sulfur. The results can be correlated with those from in vivo experiments and suggest that the thyroxine effect on tissue respiration in this type of system may yield information of value in explaining the hormone’s mechanism of action in whole animals.
Nocturnal Cloud Systems and the Diurnal Variation of Clouds and Rainfall in Southwestern Amazonia

Abstract This paper examines the origins of a secondary nocturnal maximum in cloudiness and precipitation in southwestern Amazonia, a diurnal feature observed previously by many investigators. Analysis is based on satellite, radar, sounding, and profiler observations of precipitating systems and cloudiness from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere (TRMM-LBA) and the coincident Wet-Season Atmospheric Mesoscale Campaign (WETAMC) field programs during the early 1999 wet season. The general finding is that following the collapse of the nearly ubiquitous and locally generated afternoon (“noon balloon”) convection, organized deep convection contributes to a postmidnight maximum in raining area and high cloudiness, and to a lesser extent rainfall. Nocturnal convective systems have the effect of weakening and delaying the onset of the following afternoon's convection. Many of these nocturnal convective events are traced to large- scale squall lines, which propagate westward tho...
T-cell activation and transplantation tolerance

Abstract Transplantation of allogeneic or "nonself" tissues stimulates a robust immune response leading to graft rejection, and therefore, most recipients of allogeneic organ transplants require the lifelong use of immune suppressive agents. Excellent outcomes notwithstanding, contemporary immunosuppressive medications are toxic, are often not taken by patients, and pose long-term risks of infection and malignancy. The ultimate goal in transplantation is to develop new treatments that will supplant the need for general immunosuppression. Here, we will describe the development and application of costimulation blockade to induce transplantation tolerance and discuss how the diverse array of signals that act on T cells will determine the balance between graft survival and rejection.
Fabrication by electrodeposition: building 3D structures and polymer actuators

Electrochemical deposition has traditionally been employed to grow metal coatings (plating) and to fill molds (electroforming). However, by localizing electric field or inducing local convection on a conducting substrate it is possible to write patterns without employing masks or molds. Here we present techniques capable of depositing high aspect ratio, truly 3D structures such as columns and helical springs. Conducting polymers such as polyaniline, polyacetylene, and polypyrrole are routinely employed to fabricate batteries, capacitors, colour displays, and transistors. Here we demonstrate the electrodeposition of polypyrrole films to form bilayer actuators.
A supersynchronous doubly fed induction generator option for wind turbine applications

Doubly fed induction generators are presently used in the large majority of high power wind turbine applications. The present technology specifies that the turbine operate subsynchronously to follow the desired power vs. wind speed profile and to operate only supersynchronously during brief periods where wind gusts exceed the nominal maximum value of thrust. This paper suggests that improved operation is possible if the generator is confined to always operate in the supersynchronous state resulting in improved efficiency, lower cost and greater output power.
A comparative performance study of excisers in spread spectrum communications

The comparative performance of a direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) receiver for different excisers is presented. The performance of the adaptive time-frequency (ATF) exciser is ranked along with fixed and optimal transform domain-based excisers. The smart ATF exciser is able to decide on the domain of processing. For the narrowband interference case, the ATF exciser employs an adaptive subband filter bank with the best transform basis. The bit error rate performance of DSSS receiver is simulated for ATF, DFT, DCT, optimal KLT, and fixed subband filter bank-based interference cancellers. It is shown that the smart ATF exciser significantly outperforms the others for the scenarios considered. The performance of ATF is very robust to the variations of the interference.
Divide-the-Dollar game revisited

In the Divide-the-Dollar (DD) game, two players simultaneously make demands to divide a dollar. Each player receives his demand if the sum of the demands does not exceed one, a payoff of zero otherwise. Note that, in the latter case, both parties are punished severely. A major setback of DD is that each division of the dollar is a Nash equilibrium outcome. Observe that, when the sum of the two demands x and y exceeds one, it is as if Player 1's demand x (or his offer (1−x) to Player 2) suggests that Player 2 agrees to λx < 1 times his demand y so that Player 1's demand and Player 2's modified demand add up to exactly one; similarly, Player 2's demand y (or his offer (1−y) to Player 1) suggests that Player 1 agrees to λyx so that λyx+y = 1. Considering this fact, we change DD's payoff assignment rule when the sum of the demands exceeds one; here in this case, each player's payoff becomes his demand times his λ; i.e., each player has to make the sacrifice that he asks his opponent to make. We show that this modified version of DD has an iterated strict dominant strategy equilibrium in which each player makes the egalitarian demand 1/2. We also provide a natural N-person generalization of this procedure.
Transmembrane action potentials and intracellular potassium activity of baboon cardiac tissues

Preparations of baboon cardiac tissue were studied using standard microelectrode and double barrelled potassium ion selective microelectrode techniques. Transmembrane action potentials were recorded from Purkinje fibres and from atrial and ventricular muscle cells. Purkinje fibres were impaled frequently on the ventricular septum but were sparse on the endocardium of the free wall. Purkinje fibres had longer action potential durations than ventricular muscle cells, and endocardial muscle cells had longer action potential durations than epicardial muscle cells. Tissue bundles resembling the false tendons of the canine heart were found in the ventricles. Most of these false tendons consisted of ventricular muscle as indicated by transmembrane action potentials. On rare occasions, false tendon preparations were studied in which the cells had action potentials similar to those of canine Purkinje fibres. In these preparations, normal automaticity occurred from maximum diastolic potentials ≥−85 mV. Intracellular potassium activity in the baboon ventricular muscle cells was 96(3) mmol·litre−1 (mean(SEM), n=32), which is lower than that reported for canine tissues but higher than that reported for feline or rabbit tissues. It is concluded that, although the cellular electrophysiology of primate and canine cardiac tissues is superficially similar, consistent and perhaps important differences do occur.
Type of Verbatim Question Interspersed in Text: A New Look at the Position Effecta:

Verbatim adjunct questions were developed from sentences rated by college students as high or low in importance to the overall meaning or structure of the experimental passage. The high structural importance pre- and postquestion groups were equal in recall of the questioned statements, and both groups outperformed the reading only control group. On the other hand, subjects who were given low structural importance prequestions recalled more questioned material than those who received low structural importance postquestions, and, in this case, only the prequestion treatment excelled the control condition. Finally, low structural importance prequestions depressed incidental recall below that of the control group. No other questioning treatment influenced incidental recall. These results support earlier research using a different question typology in suggesting that the generalization that postquestions yield greater retention than prequestions does not hold for all types of verbatim adjunct questions.
Human Claspin Is Required for Replication Checkpoint Control

Claspin is a newly identified protein that regulates Chk1 activation in Xenopus. In the present study we investigated the role of human Claspin in the DNA damage/replication checkpoint in mammalian cells. We observed that human Claspin is a cell cycle regulated protein that peaks at S/G2 phase. Claspin localizes in the nuclei, but it only associates with Chk1 following replication stress or other types of DNA damage. In addition, Claspin is phosphorylated in response to replication stress, and this phosphorylation appears to be required for its association with Chk1. Moreover, Claspin interacts with the checkpoint proteins ATR and Rad9. Given that both the ATR and Rad9-Rad1-Hus1 complexes are involved in Chk1 activation, it is possible that Claspin works as an adaptor molecule bringing these molecules together. Using small interfering RNA technology, we have shown that down-regulation of Claspin expression inhibits Chk1 activation in response to replication stress. More importantly, down-regulation of Claspin augments the premature chromatin condensation induced by hydroxyurea, inhibits the UV-induced reduction of DNA synthesis, and decreases cell survival. Taken together, these data imply a potentially critical role for Claspin in replication checkpoint control in mammalian cells.
Losing sight of oneself in the above-average effect: When egocentrism, focalism, and group diffuseness collide

Four experiments examined the relative influence of three causal processes in the above-average effect (AAE) and related comparative biases: (a) egocentrism, (b) focalism, and (c) referent group diffuseness. By manipulating the inclusion or exclusion of the self from the referent group (Experiments 1–3) or target group (Experiment 4), the relative contributions of each influence were assessed. In direct comparisons, single peers were systematically judged more favorably relative to groups including the self, suggesting that egocentrism plays a lesser role than focalism or group diffuseness. Thus, in response to the question such as ‘‘How friendly is Nancy compared to the rest of us?” the answer tends to be ‘‘More friendly.” 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Heterostructure interface effects on the far-infrared magneto-optical spectra of InAs/Gasb quantum wells

Abstract The electronic and optical properties of InAs/GaSb heterostructures depend on the type of bonding at the interfaces, InSb bonds or GaAs bonds. We have studied cyclotron resonance (CR) in the far-infrared on two samples, each consisting of a single 30 nm InAs quantum well surrounded by thick GaSb barriers. The only intended difference between the samples is the interface bonding type, Ga–As bonds and In–Sb bonds. The CR for the sample with Ga–As interface bonds shows two lines whose positions are determined by nonparabolicity effects, whereas the sample with In–Sb bonds shows multiple lines due to strong cross-interface coupling between the InAs conduction band Landau levels (LLs) and the valence band LLs in GaSb. We find that the CR is a sensitive probe of interface bonding type for such structures.
Validation of the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire With Momentary Assessments of Symptoms and Functional Limitations in Patient Daily Life

BACKGROUND: The ecological momentary assessment method may collect more accurate data about a patient’s symptoms and functioning during the patient’s normal daily life than does a retrospective measurement method such as the standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-S), which relies on the patient’s recollections of symptoms and functioning. OBJECTIVE: To determine how well the AQLQ-S predicts actual asthma symptoms and functional limitations in patients’ daily lives. METHODS: With 91 patients with asthma, we measured quality of life at baseline with the AQLQ-S. Each participant then carried a palm-top computer for 1 week, which signaled the patient 5 times a day to complete a momentary assessment of his or her asthma symptoms, mood, activities, and peak expiratory flow. Once a day, upon awakening, the participants were asked to enter data on their sleep and nocturnal asthma symptoms. RESULTS: The AQLQ-S scores were strongly associated with the momentary assessments of asthma symptoms and patient functioning. The unstandardized slope value indicates, for each 1-unit increase in quality of life, the corresponding change in the outcome variable (in the original units of measurement). Specifically, each 1-unit increase in quality of life was associated with better ambulatory outcomes (assessed on a 7-point scale): fewer coughing and wheezing symptoms (unstandardized slope 0.44, P < .001); less symptom interference with sleep (unstandardized slope 0.48, P < .001); less negative affect (unstandardized slope 0.65, P .04); and fewer activity restrictions (unstandardized slope 0.54, P < .001). An increase in quality of life did not significantly predict peak expiratory flow (unstandardized slope 11.53 L/min, P .10). CONCLUSIONS: With ecological momentary assessment we found that the AQLQ-S is a valid tool for assessing asthma symptoms and functional limitations. The AQLQ-S scores correctly predicted asthma symptoms, mood, sleep-interference, and activity restrictions in asthma patients’ daily lives over a 1-week interval. These data support the AQLQ-S in the clinical management of asthma. Key words: asthma; quality of life; ecological momentary assessment; ambulatory experiences; respiratory symptoms; patient care. [Respir Care 2010;55(4):427–432. © 2010 Daedalus Enterprises]
Bioengineered vascular graft grown in the mouse peritoneal cavity

Background We tested the hypothesis that the mouse peritoneum can function like a bioreactor to generate directed bio-engineered tissues such as those used for bypass grafting. Additionally, we reasoned that the mouse animal model would allow us to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the generation of tissue in peritoneal cavity. Methods Plastic tubes (two tubes/mouse) were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of three strains of mice (C57BL/6, BALB/c, and MRL). The tubes were harvested, tissue capsule surrounding the tubes was removed, and analyzed by immunostaining (five capsules/five mice/strain) and microarray (three capsules/three mice/strain). In addition, the tissue capsules that were harvested from MRL mice (n = 21) were grafted into abdominal aorta of the same mice as autografts. The patency of all grafts was monitored by micro-ultrasound, and their functionality was assessed by laser Doppler imaging of blood flow in femoral arteries. Venous (n = 13) and arterial isografts (n = 11) were used as positive controls. In a negative control group (five mice/strain), the abdominal aorta was occluded by double ligation with 9-0 silk. Results The implanted plastic tubes required at least 8 weeks of incubation in the peritoneum of the three strains of mice in order to generate useful grafts. No vascular cells were found in the tissue capsules. Microarray analysis of tissue capsules revealed that the capsular cells express a gene expression program that is vastly shared among the three strains of mice, and the cells exhibit a high degree of plasticity. The micro-ultrasound analysis of the grafts showed that 62% of autografts remained patent compared with 77% of venous isografts and 91% of arterial isografts. The laser Doppler imaging analysis showed that blood flow dropped by 40% and 35% in the autografts and vein isografts, respectively, 1 day after surgery. The flow, however, rebounded to the level of arterial isografts 1 month post-surgery and remained unchanged among all grafts for the next 4 months. Immunostaining of the autografts showed a thick vessel wall with endothelial cells that lined the lumen and smooth muscle cells that constituted the graft wall. Conclusion The mouse peritoneal cavity of mice has the ability to function like a bioreactor to generate bio-engineered tissues. The tissue capsules harvested from peritoneal cavity of a mouse are composed of nonvascular cells that display phenotype of progenitor cells. After grafting, however, the capsule autografts become arterialized and remained patent for at least 4 months after surgery, similar to venous or arterial isografts.
Bipolar logic and bipolar knowledge fusion

It is observed that Boolean logic is a unipolar logic defined in the unipolar space {0,1}. It is argued that a unipolar system cannot be directly used to represent and reason with the coexistence of bipolar truth. To circumvent the representational and reasoning limitations of unipolar systems, a 4-valued bipolar combinational logic BCL is introduced based on the ancient Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy. The new logic is defined in a strict bipolar space S = {- 1,0}/spl times/{0,1}, which is proved a generalization of Boolean logic and a fusion of two interactive unipolar subsystems. Bipolar tautologies including modus ponens are introduced for bipolar inference. The semantics of the new logic is established, justified, and compared with unipolar systems. Bipolar relations, bipolar transitivity, and polarized reflexivity are introduced. An O(n/sup 3/) algorithm is presented for bipolar transitive closure computation. In addition, the lair's case in the ancient paradox is redressed based on bipolar logic and bipolar relations.
Thrombotic Events and Pentosidine in Hemodialysis

Poorly functioning dialysis access, whether graft or AV fistula, is a contributor to decreased efficiency of dialysis. Thrombosis results in the need for surgery and increases patient suffering. Objectives: To determine whether an advanced glycation end product (AGE), pentosidine, might serve as a marker of disease activity and thrombosis of dialysis access. These results were obtained during the blinded phase of a study to evaluate the efficacy of the antioxidant vitamin E in preventing vascular access thrombotic events. Methods: Twenty-six patients had blood drawn and access flow evaluated initially and at intervals for up to 1.5 years. In the study design, participants received either 800 IU vitamin E daily by mouth or identical placebo capsules. Blood plasma was examined to determine pentosidine content at baseline and every 3 m. Patients with an access flow of <800 mL/min were referred to a surgeon for evaluation. Access flow was evaluated by using the transonic flow meter and the saline release method. When sequential double dialyzers were used, saline injection method was applied post dialyzers, but before the venous drip chamber. Results: Mean initial level of pentosidine before the administration of vitamin E was 20.22 pmol/mg (range 5.04–59.62 pmol/mg). During the study period, 5 patients had procedures related to thrombosis performed on their accesses. Blood drawn before the thrombotic event showed an increase above baseline of 6.87 ± 15.47 (range −5.9 to +33.7 pmol/mg). Patients without events showed a mean decrease of 9.7 ± 12.24 pmol/mg pentosidine (p < 0.02). Conclusion: An increase in levels of pentosidine was associated with clotting of hemodialysis access. This change may reflect the effects of oxidative stress and/or thrombus formation. As these data are gathered from an ongoing double-blinded study, the effect of vitamin E on thrombus formation and pentosidine levels has not yet been ascertained.
Intracardiac QT variability in patients with structural heart disease on class III antiarrhythmic drugs

Abstract We previously showed that increased intracardiac repolarization lability predicts life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with structural heart disease. Patients with structural heart disease frequently take antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), which directly affect repolarization. The effect of AADs on the predictive value of repolarization lability is unknown. We hypothesized that increased intracardiac beat-to-beat QT variability predicts sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias in structural heart disease patients on class III AADs. Intracardiac electrograms and surface electrocardiogram were simultaneously recorded at rest for 5 minutes in 500 patients (mean ± SD age, 61 ± 14 years; 368 male [74%]) with implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary (295 patients, or 79%) or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Mean (SD) follow-up currently reached 24.8 (11.7) months. Intracardiac QT variability index was an independent predictor of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation events and fast ventricular arrhythmias with cycle length of 240 ms or less in the multivariate Cox model. Intracardiac QT variability was higher in patients on class III AADs than in those not taking these drugs. Increased intracardiac QT variability after adjustment for class III AADs use carried independent risk of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Geology of the Gusev cratered plains from the Spirit rover transverse

The cratered plains of Gusev traversed by Spirit are generally low-relief rocky plains dominated by impact and eolian processes. Ubiquitous shallow, soil-filled, circular depressions, called hollows, are modified impact craters. Rocks are dark, fine-grained basalts, and the upper 10 m of the cratered plains appears to be an impact-generated regolith developed over intact basalt flows. Systematic field observations across the cratered plains identified vesicular clasts and rare scoria similar to original lava flow tops, consistent with an upper inflated surface of lava flows with adjacent collapse depressions. Crater and hollow morphometry are consistent with most being secondaries. The size frequency distribution of rocks >0.1 m diameter generally follows exponential functions similar to other landing sites for total rock abundances of 5-35%. Systematic clast counts show that areas with higher rock abundance and more large rocks have higher thermal inertia. Plains with lower thermal inertia have fewer rocks and substantially more pebbles that are well sorted and evenly spaced, similar to a desert pavement or lag. Eolian bed forms (ripples and wind tails) have coarse surface lags, and many are dust covered and thus likely inactive. Deflation of the surface _5-25 cm likely exposed two-toned rocks and elevated ventifacts and transported fines into craters creating the hollows. This observed redistribution yields extremely slow average erosion rates of _0.03 nm/yr and argues for very little long-term net change of the surface and a dry and desiccating environment similar to today's since the Hesperian (or _3 Ga).