cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of cocaine use with quantitative urinalysis and estimation of new uses.

Les methodes d'analyses d'urines qualitatives utilisees pour enregistrer l'usage de cocaine peuvent surevaluer la frequence d'usage, diminuant probablement la capacite des essais cliniques a detecter les traitements efficaces. Les analyses d'urines quantitatives et les criteres developpes recemment pour identifier les nouveaux emplois de cocaine ont ete evalues en tant que mesures alternatives d'usage de cocaine. Les echantillons d'urines recueillis dans une etude de dosage de la cocaine chez des sujets ne suivant pas de traitement (n = 5) et chez d'autres sujets participant a une experience de traitement pour cocainomanes (n=37) ont ete analyses pour le metabolite de la cocaine, le benzoylecgonine, avec des methodes qualitatives et quantatives. Les criteres pharmacocinetiques (regles nouvel usage) ont ete appliques aux donnees quantitatives pour identifier les cas de nouvelle utilisation de cocaine. Les resultats ont ete compares aux administrations connues de cocaine dans l'etude en laboratoire et a l'usage de drogue autoreporte ainsi qu'aux analyses d'urines qualitatives pour les sujets de l'experience clinique. Les criteres Nouvel Usage ont identifie correctement les administrations de cocaine dans l'etude de dosage de la cocaine pour pratiquement tous les echantillons. Dans l'essai clinique, l'analyse d'urines quantitative et les nouveaux modes d'emploi estimes ont fourni davantage d'informations au sujet des modeles et de la frequence d'usage que les analyses d'urines qualitatives dans les differentes conditions de traitement dans l'essai clinique. L'interpretation des analyses d'urines quantitatives avec les normesnouvel usage semble etre une methode utile pour enregistrer les resultats du traitement et peut etre plus precise que les analyses d'urines qualitatives traditionnelles en estimant la frequence d'usage de cocaine.
Near-infrared nonmetal atomic emission from a helium microwave-induced plasma: element ratio determinations

Abstract The utility of near-infrared atomic emission lines of C, F, S, Cl and Br for the determination of element ratios in organic compounds is evaluated. An atmospheric-pressure helium microwave-induced plasma is used to fragment sample molecules and excite their constituent atoms. The effects of plasma operating parameters such as power and flow rate, as well as the effects of spatial viewing position and plasma length are also investigated.
Variability in Reaction Times of Normal and Educable Mentally Retarded Children

The present study explores the differences and variabilities in reaction times of normal and educable mentally retarded children. The reaction times of 10 normal and 10 mentally retarded students (1Q 45 to 70) were tested by the Lafayette visual choice reaction-time test. A Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test showed significant differences between the reaction times of the normals and retardates on both the simple and choice tasks. It is suggested that future research should consider other abnormalities, aside from low IQ, that accompany mental retardation.
Radical Anion Intermediates in Organic Chemistry

Radical anions are reactive intermediates in a variety of organic reactions. They make possible several unique synthetic conversions and provide an opportunity for investigating structural relationships. Examples of such reactions are given and current mechanistic views are discussed.
Treatment of test anxiety by group-administered and self-administered relaxation and study counseling

Test-anxious college students received therapy consisting of relaxation or relaxation and study counseling in small groups or via self-instructional manuals. Subjects were also assigned to a group-administered placebo condition or two control groups. Self-report anxiety and academic performance data, collected before and after therapy, indicated both modes of therapeutic intervention to be (a) equally effective in reducing anxiety and improving grades, and (b) significantly better than no treatment.
Arbitrage pricing theory as a restricted nonlinear multivariate regression model: Iterated nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression estimates

By replacing the unknown random factors of factor analysis with observed macroeconomic variables, the arbitrage pricing theory (APT) is recast as a multivariate nonlinear regression model with across-equation restrictions. An explicit theoretical justification for the inclusion of an arbitrary, well-diversified market index is given. Using monthly returns on 70 stocks, iterated nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression techniques are employed to obtain joint estimates of asset sensitivities and their associated APT risk “prices.” Without the assumption of normally distributed errors, these estimators are strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. With the additional assumption of normal errors, they are also full-information maximum likelihood estimators. Classical asymptotic nonlinear nested hypothesis tests are supportive of the APT with measured macroeconomic factors.
Aortic valve repair for congenital abnormalities of the aortic valve.

Background Due to shortcomings of any valve replacement, repairing and retaining the native valve may be beneficial for congenital aortic valve disease. Methods Retrospective review of data and follow-up of aortic valve repair from a single institution. Results From 1993 to 2001, 56 patients underwent aortic valve repair [median age 13.4 years (range 1 day to 45 years)]. The predominant aortic valve lesion was mixed aortic stenosis/aortic insufficiency 25 (45%), aortic insufficiency 24 (43%) and aortic stenosis 7 (13%). Repair techniques included sub-commissural plication 36 (64%), commissurotomy 24 (43%), cusp plication 15 (27%), pericardial patch cusp extension 8 (14%) and resuspension of commissures 4 (7%). Most patients (88%) required a combination of techniques; 61% required additional procedures. Hospital survival was 55/56 [98%; (95% CI 91–100%)] no patient was discharged on anticoagulation for aortic valve pathology. Fifty-three patients [95%; (95% CI 85–98%)] remain alive after a median follow-up of 37 months; four survivors required aortic valve replacement and two required repeat aortic valve repair [84%; (95% CI 72–91%) reintervention-free survival]. Conclusions (1) In this study, aortic valve repair for congenital abnormalities avoided reoperation in the majority of patients, avoided anticoagulation and retained growth potential of the valve. (2) Repeat aortic valve repair or replacement was used to treat subsequent valve deterioration.
A glimpse of an IPA as a living system

Independent practice association (IPA) model health maintenance organizations (HMO's) represent one of the fastest growing segments of managed care in the United States. IPA's have unique organizational characteristics which thwart efforts to function as a unified whole, particularly where quality of care programs are concerned. Living systems theory was employed as a method to identify subsystems and critical processes within an IPA model HMO in rural California. The application of living systems theory in this way provided insights into the quality of care program within the IPA, which could eventually lead to a redesign of critical processes within the entire system.
Estimating nutrient transport into and out of the Arctic Ocean

Nutrients flowing into and out of the Arctic Ocean affect biological productivity. They can enter the Arctic from other oceans or from runoff from rivers, which may change as a warming climate affects the hydrological cycle. However, creating a complete budget tracking the flow of nutrients into and out of the Arctic is a challenging task that few studies have tackled.
Troubling waters: the Jordan River between religious imagination and environmental degradation

Rivers are essential, environmental circulatory systems. They are also polyvalent repositories for religious and cultural meanings. This essay wades into the murky waters of the Jordan River and charts its shape from sociopolitical, environmental, and religious perspectives. Hovering in the Jordan’s polysemic eddies, we find quandaries that are epistemic as well as ethical. This essay orients ethical reflection on the disjuncture between the symbolic stature of the Jordan River and its materially degraded status.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Geogauge and Light Falling Weight Deflectometer as Construction Control Tools

The objective of this paper is to assess the potential use of the geogauge and the light falling weight deflectometer (LFWD) as quality control/quality assurance ( QC ∕ QA ) devices for testing subgrades, base courses, and compacted soil layers. A comprehensive laboratory experimental program was conducted on compacted layers of silty clay, clayey silt, cement-treated clay, sand, gravel, recycled asphalt pavement, and limestone aggregates. The geogauge, LFWD, static plate load test (PLT), and the dynamic cone penetration (DCP) measurements were acquired for the constructed layers. The geogauge elastic modulus and the LFWD dynamic modulus were correlated with the PLT initial and reloading elastic moduli and with the DCP penetration rates. The results of this study show that the geogauge and the LFWD can be used to calculate the elastic modulus/stiffness characteristics of compacted layers. Whereas the geogauge and the LFWD determined the initial modulus of the cement-treated clay, they did not yield accura...
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Chronic Migraine: The Placebo Effect

Botulinum toxin A used to treat headache evokes prominent placebo effects and it is likely that these effects are solely responsible for its apparent effectiveness.
Caspase-cleaved TAR DNA-binding protein-43 is a major pathological finding in Alzheimer's disease

The TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) has been identified as a major constituent of inclusions found in frontotemporal dementia with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To determine a possible role for TDP-43 in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a site-directed caspase-cleavage antibody to TDP-43 based upon a known caspase-3 cleavage consensus site within TDP- 43 at position D219 was designed. In vitro, this antibody labeled the predicted 25 kDa caspase-cleavage fragment of TDP-43 without labeling full-length TDP-43 following digestion of recombinant TDP-43 with caspase-3 or treatment of HeLa cells with staurosporine. Application of this antibody in postmortem brain sections indicated the presence of caspase-cleaved TDP-43 in Hirano bodies, tangles, reactive astrocytes and neuritic plaques of the AD brain. Caspase-cleaved TDP-43 also co-localized with ubiquitin labeled neurons as well as dystrophic neurites within plaque regions. These results suggest that caspase-cleaved TDP-43 is a major pathological finding in AD and may contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with this disease.
Antioxidant enzyme activity in alveolar type II cells after exposure of rats to hyperoxia

The activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured in alveolar type II cells isolated from control and 85% oxygen-exposed rats to determine if type II cells, an oxygen resistant lung cell type had constitutively high enzyme activities and to measure the effect of hyperoxia on these antioxidant enzymes. Type II cells were isolated from lungs of control rats and rats exposed to 85% O2 for 7 days. In -whole lungs of rats exposed to 85% oxygen there is an increase in activity (per lung or per mg lung DNA) in the antioxidant enzymes CuZn superoxide dismutase, Mn super-oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehy-drogenase. Oxygen exposure significantly increased (p < 0.05) all type II cell antioxidant enzyme activities when expressed per mg DNA. The protein content of oxygen exposed type II cells increased 25% from (63.9 ± 4.8 μg/106 cells to 79.6 ± 4.2 μg/106 cells, p < 0.05). When type II cell enzyme activities were expressed in U/mg cell protein, only CuZn superoxide dismuta...
Aligning anatomical structure from spiral X-ray computed tomography with plantar pressure data.

Abstract Objective. To determine the reliability of identifying the location of each metatarsal head from spiral X-ray computed tomography on a matrix type pressure sensor recording. Design. Experimental; test–retest and within subject two-condition comparison. Background. Plantar pressure data quantify the amount of pressure and the general location of pressure. Specific anatomical structures associated with the site of pressure can only be determined by registering radiological data to the pressure sensor. Methods. Eighteen subjects, nine individuals without diabetes mellitus and nine individuals with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and a history of plantar foot ulcers, participated in plantar pressure testing and spiral X-ray computed tomography scanning of their foot. A registration technique was developed to align spiral X-ray computed tomography data with pressure sensor data. Results. When mapping the metatarsal head locations to the pressure sensor 48 of 90 metatarsal head locations were identical between repeated test occasions (53.3%), 40 of 90 metatarsal head locations were one pixel (5.08 mm) different between repeated test occasions (44.4%), and 2 of 90 were two pixels different (2.2%). Ninety-eight percent of repeated measures replicated exactly or varied by one pixel. Conclusion. Anatomical data from spiral X-ray computed tomography scanning can be reliably co-registered with pressure data. Relevance The ability to match bony anatomy to pressure data allows better understanding of structural factors contributing to peak pressure, provides precise information for three-dimensional modeling of the foot, and can improve orthotic fabrication and modification aimed at reducing pressure on the bottom of the foot.
Silica-based rod lens for the medical fiberscope

The ultrathin fiberscope, in which the outer diameter is under 1.0 mm, has made possible the direct observation of narrow portions within the human body. The fiberscope mainly consists of the imagefiber, the objective lens, and the illumination fiber, and each advance of these devices has brought the reduction of the scope-diameter. We have investigated the silica based rod lens for the following merits: (1) The fiberscope can be sterilized by the (gamma) -ray instead of ethylene oxide gas which has the problem of carcinogenicity, because the silica glass has high radiation resistant characteristics. (2) The silica based rod lens can be spliced with the imagefiber without any adhesive agent by using the arc fusion splicing machine. As a result, the reliability of the fiberscope can be significantly improved. The silica based rod lens with 125 micrometers in diameter was fabricated by drawing from preform rod made by the vapor phase axial deposition method. The characteristics of their images were evaluated by the modulation transfer function method. This paper presents the details of the fabrication technique of the silica based rod lens and its characteristics.
Nonadiabatic nonradial p-mode frequencies of the standard solar model, with and without helium diffusion

The nonadiabatic frequencies of a standard solar model and a solar model that includes helium diffusion are discussed. The nonadiabatic pulsation calculation includes physics that describes the losses and gains due to radiation. Radiative gains and losses are modeled in both the diffusion approximation, which is only valid in optically thick regions, and the Eddington approximation, which is valid in both optically thin and thick regions. The calculated pulsation frequencies for modes with l less than or equal to 1320 are compared to the observed spectrum of the Sun. Compared to a strictly adiabatic calculation, the nonadiabatic calculation of p-mode frequencies improves the agreement between model and observation. When helium diffusion is included in the model the frequencies of the modes that are sensitive to regions near the base of the convection zone are improved (i.e., brought into closer agreement with observation), but the agreement is made worse for other modes. Cyclic variations in the frequency spacings of the Sun as a function of frequency of n are presented as evidence for a discontinuity in the structure of the Sun, possibly located near the base of the convection zone.
Temporal Spans in Talk: Doing Consistency to Construct Fair Organization

It is generally understood that time, among its other aspects, is a resource in organizational life. In this paper, we take an interpretive perspective to this notion by considering temporality as a verbal resource in the work of organizing. We introduce the concept of `temporal span' and discuss the ways in which temporal spans in talk serve to establish consistency as an ongoing attribute of organizational reality. Empirical examples drawn from an ethnomethodological study of human resource managers demonstrate interactions during which these managers invoke temporal spans to construct `fair organization'. We discuss the use of temporality as a verbal resource with respect to the interactional practices of human resource managers and the quality of consistency in organizational life.
A Combined Speed and Finite-Time Yaw Controller for an Underactuated Unmanned Surface Vessel Using Way-Point Navigation

This paper focuses on the speed and yaw control problem for an underactuated unmanned surface vessel (USV) with only two propellers navigating through multiple way-points using the line-of-sight (LOS) algorithm. The speed and yaw dynamics are transformed into a cascaded nonlinear system that can be reduced to the stabilization control problem of the surge and yaw subsystems. The proposed surge speed controller uses a distance and heading error feedback control to vary its speed accordingly while the heading subsystem is stabilized via a finite-time controller. Comparisons of the traditional yaw rate stabilization control techniques are made with the proposed finite-time controller and shown to be inferior to the finite-time controller in terms of convergence rate and robustness. The stability and effectiveness of the proposed control system is demonstrated and validated by simulation results of a modeled kayak.
Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides by Ammonia over Fe3+-Exchanged TiO2-Pillared Clay Catalysts

Abstract Fe-exchanged TiO2-pillared clay (PILC) catalysts were prepared and used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by ammonia. They were also characterized for surface area, pore size distribution, and by XRD, H2-TPR, and FT-IR methods. The Fe–TiO2–PILC catalysts showed high activities in the reduction of NOx by NH3 in the presence of excess oxygen. SO2 further increased the catalytic activities at above 350°C, whereas H2O decreased the activity slightly. The catalysts were about twice as active as commercial-type V2O5–WO3/TiO2 catalyst in the presence of H2O and SO2. Moreover, compared to the commercial catalyst, the Fe–TiO2–PILC catalysts had higher N2/N2O product selectivities (e.g., 0–1% vs 9% N2O at 400°C) and substantially lower activities (by 74–88%) for SO2 oxidation to SO3 under the same reaction conditions. The activity was further increased to over three times that of the vanadia-based catalyst when Ce was added. The high activity and low N2O selectivity for the Fe–TiO2–PILC catalysts were attributed to their low activity in the oxidation of ammonia, as compared with vanadia catalysts. XRD patterns of Fe–TiO2–PILC were similar to those of TiO2–PILC, showing no peaks due to iron oxide, even when the iron content reached 20.1%. The TPR results indicated that iron in the Fe–TiO2–PILC catalysts with lower iron contents existed in the form of isolated Fe3+ ions. The activities of Fe–TiO2–PILC catalysts were consistent with their surface acidities, which were identified by FT-IR of the NH3-adsorbed samples. The enhancement of activities by H2O+SO2 was attributed to the increase of surface acidity resulting from the formation of surface sulfate species of iron.
Mood Alteration Following Oral and Intravenous Haloperidol and Relationship to Drug Concentration in Normal Subjects

Haloperidol was administered to 12 subjects intravenously (0.125 mg/kg) and to nine subjects orally (0.5 mg/kg). These doses produced sedation in most subjects. A minimal decrease in orthostatic blood pressure was observed. Administration of the Profile of Mood States to these subjects revealed effects on factor 4, vigor-activity, and factor 6, confusion-bewilderment, but many subjects could not complete testing due to excessive sedation. Haloperidol concentrations were obtained during testing and correlated moderately with scores of these subscales. Correlation was also noted between haloperidol concentration and chlorpromazine effect as measured by the Addiction Research Center Inventory. Extrapyramidal reactions, mainly acute dystonic reactions and akathisia, were common. Dystonia occurred in four subjects after intravenous, and three subjects, after oral administration. Akathisia occurred in eight subjects after intravenous, and three subjects after oral administration. Extrapyramidal reactions tended to occur relatively early or relatively late, at times when drug concentrations were far less than peak values.
Stability of Motion of Force-Free Spinning Satellites with Flexible Appendages

;;(; ill; Mjh MM ;'JM: : I" I This paper presents two approaches to the stability analysis of torque-free spinning bodies consisting of a main rigid body and a number of distributed elastic parts. The stability analysis is based on the Liapunov direct method and takes into consideration automatically the existence of motion integrals. The first approach to the stability problem is based on modal analysis, whereas the second one makes use of integral coordinates. The case of a torque-free satellite represented by a rigid hub with six flexible appendages is solved. Closed-form stability criteria derived by the second approach compare favorably with numerical results obtained by modal analysis.
Production of Semi-Solid Slurry through Heterogeneous Nucleation in Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNC) Using Nano-Scale Ultrasonically Dispersed Inoculants

Ever since copious nucleation was shown to be an efficient, cost effective method for producing semi-solid slurry, many processes have been developed to take advantage of the cost savings inherent in this method of slurry production. Despite great advances in various aspects of semi-solid processing, the cost competitive nature of the industry, most noticeably the auto industry, has prevented a wider adoption of semi-solid casting technology. This research aims to realize a more industrial appealing process by combining the synergistic benefits of semi-solid casting technology with metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) technology, thus creating higher value products with superior properties cost-effectively. To do this, a process that produces a semi-solid slurry though the nucleation catalysis induced by nanoparticle additions as small as 1 wt. % to alloys is proposed and the results are presented in this paper. Examination of the potential for nano-scale inoculants to catalyze nucleation of solidification showed that despite their small sizes, inoculants on the scale of tens of nanometers are capable of catalyzing nucleation in the zinc and aluminum alloys studied. Employing the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and droplet emulsion techniques with nanocomposite samples showed a significant reduction in undercooling owing to the homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles by ultrasonic mixing and the potency of those nanoparticles to catalyze nucleation. Comparison of undercoolings between different types of nanoparticles, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gamma and alpha alumina (Al2O3), and titanium carbide (TiC), to relative potencies predicted by minimum lattice disregistry showed a strong correlation. Results were also examined in light of free growth and nucleation controlled grain initiation. For nanoparticles predicted to be potent nucleation catalysts by lattice disregistry, the undercoolings observed fell into the free growth controlled grain initiation regime.
Verifying Wind Profile Equations Under Hurricane Conditions

During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 simultaneous measurements of wind speed at 122 m and both wind speed and gust at 5 m as well as wave parameters were made at National Data Buoy Center Stations 42364 and 42040, respectively, in the Gulf of Mexico. It is found that the wind speed at 122 m can be estimated satisfactory by either the logarithmic wind profile equation (using either roughness length or gust factor as the input) or the power-law wind profile equation using the exponent value of 0.10. It is recommended that for the wind load analysis at any height under hurricane conditions, the input for wind speed can be estimated by the standard buoy measurements at 5 or 10 m available routinely.
The mobile‐phase effects on stationary‐phase properties in capillary supercritical fluid chromatography

A significant uptake of supercritical mobile phases into immobilized stationary phases has been observed. The phase swelling effect has been evaluated hydrodynamically for SE-30, SE-54, and cyanopropyl silicone phases with respect to the mobile-phase density of supercritical butane, column temperature, and the presence of a polar retention moderator. Some kinetic and retention consequences of the swelling phenomena are discussed.
Endometriosis of the urinary tract

Endometriosis affects approximtely 15 per cent of women generally between the ages of twenty-five to forty-five.’ Endometriosis involving the urinary tract afflicts 1.2 per cent of that population. However, because of its insidious onset, this condition portends considerable morbidity necessitating a high index of suspicion for both urologists and gynecologists.’ Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, uterine ligaments, rectal-vaginal and vesical-vaginal septa, pelvic peritoneum, umbilicus, laparotomy scars, appendix, and vagina. Endometriosis of the urinary tract, however, involves the urethra (2 %), the kidney (4 %), the ureter (15 %) and the bladder (84 %).2-4 Vesical endometriosis, occurring most frequently in females between ages thirty through thirty-five, has been noted in postmenopausal women receiving hormonal therapy and in males undergoing hormonal treatment for prostate carcinoma.2*“7
Hypopituitarism and septooptic “dysplasia” in first cousins

Although familial forms of hypopituitarism are known, to our knowledge familial septooptic "dysplasia" in association with hypopituitarism has not been reported. We describe two first cousins with panhypopituitarism, one of whom had septooptic dysplasia. We discuss the possibility that septooptic dysplasia-hypopituitarism may be inherited as an autosomal dominant, or recessive, or multifactorial trait.
Extracting information from free text radiology reports

We describe a system designed to extract and structure the information contained in free text radiology reports. The system uses natural language processing techniques to transform free text descriptions into structured information units that can be used to index and provide access to image databases. To provide access to the results of the system we developed a unique user interface for reporting and accessing radiology reports. We present a general system architecture for information extraction. Although the prototype focuses on thoracic radiology, this system can be extended into other areas of medicine. We discuss the system's knowledge sources and structures, and explain how natural language processing techniques are used to extract information from reports. The results of clinical testing of the prototype are presented and evaluated.
Structure, organization and expression of the metallothionein gene family in Arabidopsis.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich proteins required for heavy metal tolerance in animals and fungi. Recent results indicate that plants also possess functional metallothionein genes. Here we report the cloning and characterization of five metallothionein genes fromArabidopsis thaliana. The position of the single intron in each gene is conserved. The proteins encoded by these genes can be divided into two groups (MT1 and MT2) based on the presence or absence of a central domain separating two cysteine-rich domains. Four of the MT genes (MT1a,MT1c,MT2a andMT2b) are transcribed inArabidopsis. Several lines of evidence suggest that the fifth gene,MT1b, is inactive. There is differential regulation of the MT gene family. MT1 mRNA is expressed highly in roots, moderately in leaves and is barely detected in inflorescences and siliques. MT2a and MT2b mRNAs are more abundant in leaves, inflorescences and in roots from mature plants, but are also detected in roots of young plants, and in siliques. MT2a mRNA is strongly induced in seedlings by CUSO4, whereas MT2b mRNA is relatively abundant in this tissue and levels increase only slightly upon exposure to copper.MT1a andMT1c are located within 2 kb of each other and have been mapped to chromosome 1.MT1b andMT2b map to separate loci on chromosome V, andMT2a is located on chromosome III. The locations of these MT genes are different from that ofCAD1, a gene involved in cadmium tolerance inArabidopsis.
A method for preparing IgG F(ab′)2 fragments using small amounts of serum

Abstract An alternative method devised to isolate functionally active antibody F(ab′) 2 fragments required fewer manipulations and used less serum than do methods generally used. The method involved pepsin digestion of the whole globulin fraction precipitated from as little as 3 ml of serum. Chromatographic separation of the digest on Sephadex G-150 yielded two distinct peaks: Peak I consisted of lipoprotein and showed no immunoglobulin determinants; Peak II, as established by immunodiffusion analysis, contained immunoglobulin F(ab′) 2 fragments. Radioimmunoassays performed on Peak II protein to determine the presence of allotypic markers revealed less than 10% contamination by non-immunoglobulin protein; coprecipitation tests, used to characterize Peak II further, also showed less than 10% contamination by non-immunoglobulin protein. Recovery of total serum IgG F(ab′) 2 was 90% or greater using this technique, compared with a potential 20–25% recovery using standard isolation procedures.
Second harmonic spectroscopy: detection and orientation of molecules at a biomembrane interface

Abstract The adsorption and orientation of a dye molecule to a planar, glass-supported phospholipid bilayer, a widely-used model membrane for biological studies, was measured with second harmonic spectroscopy. The results indicate that the positively charged dye binds at an angle of 19 degrees from the normal to the membrane plane. These results open the possibility of obtaining structural information on a variety of other adsorbed molecules at phospholipid membranes, including proteins, organic molecules and drugs. The nonlinear optical properties of the dye molecule are also demonstrated for the first time and indicate that others in the oxaxole family may be useful for second harmonic generation studies.
Mechanical reconfiguration mediates swallowing and rejection in Aplysia californica

Muscular hydrostats, such as tongues, trunks or tentacles, have fewer constraints on their degrees of freedom than musculoskeletal systems, so changes in a structure’s shape may alter the positions and lengths of other components (i.e., induce mechanical reconfiguration). We studied mechanical reconfiguration during rejection and swallowing in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. During rejection, inedible material is pushed out of an animal’s buccal cavity. The grasper (radula/odontophore) closes on inedible material, and then a posterior muscle, I2, pushes the grasper toward the jaws (protracts it). After the material is released, an anterior muscle complex (the I1/I3/jaw complex) pushes the grasper toward the esophagus (retracts it). During swallowing, the grasper is protracted open, and then retracts closed, pulling in food. Grasper closure changes its shape. Magnetic resonance images show that grasper closure lengthens I2. A kinetic model quantified the changes in the ability of I2 and I1/I3 to exert force as grasper shape changed. Grasper closure increases I2’s ability to protract during rejection, and increases I1/I3’s ability to retract during swallowing. Motor neurons controlling radular closure may therefore affect the behavioral outputs of I2’s and I1/I3’s motor neurons. Thus, motor neurons may modulate the outputs of other motor neurons through mechanical reconfiguration.
New league, new market and new sponsorship: an exploratory study of attitudes towards shirt sponsorship in Major League Soccer.

In 2007, Major League Soccer (MLS) became the first major professional sports league in the USA to allow individual franchises to sell advertising space on their game jerseys. While these shirt sponsorships are considered the norm in international soccer, in the US game uniforms are considered ‘sacred space’ free from the increasingly commercialized American sports landscape. Team owners and sports writers have given their opinions – the former arguing they are a necessity for increasing revenue, the latter arguing they represent a dangerous commoditization of sports – yet, little attention has been paid to the opinions of sports fans. To address this, an exploratory survey was conducted to assess fan reactions to shirt sponsorships in MLS, how these ads are affecting fan behaviours, and whether or not fans believe these ads to be starting a trend for other sports to follow. Preliminary results found no strong negative opinions about the presence of jersey advertisements, and respondents – soccer fans, sp...
Coexistence of perlid stoneflies (plecoptera): Predictions from multivariate morphometrics

Ecological compatibility of the nymphs of 5 stonefly genera (Plecoptera : Perlidae) was predicted from a principal components ordination of metric data on 22 trophic and locomotor structures. Nymphs of these taxa follow different allometry relationships and are more similar at some sizes than others. Coexistence probabilities (0, .5, 1.0) were estimated from proximity in morphological space, assumed independent, and multiplied to obtain assemblage probabilities of multispecies sets. Combinations with Pc = 1 occur in western U.S.A. but only 1 of 20 sets with Pc ⩽ 0.5 is known to exist.
Avoiding Mass Extinction: Basic and Applied Challenges

Abstract Preserving the earth's diversity of species requires that conservation biology turn much of its attention to reconciliation ecology, which is the science of sharing our habitats with wild things. Although many reconciliation projects are already working, we can extend our efforts with modern natural history research focused on species we aim to open our landscapes to. Some of this research will utilize what we already know about the principles of community ecology and niche organization and some will teach us more about those subjects. Perhaps most important will be a deeper understanding of the coevolution of niche apportionment. However, lacking perfect understanding is no reason to delay. The ecologist's motto ought to be, “Stop whining and try something.”
Machine learning for implanted malicious code detection with incompletely specified system implementations

In 2009 UnrealIRCd 3.2.8.1, an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) server, was replaced by a version with a backdoor at its mirror sites. It was not detected until seven months later and it had caused irrevocable damages in IRC services. It is of vital importance and also a challenge to detect implanted malicious code in newly developed systems before their deployment. We apply machine learning to uncover a system implementation structure that includes its normal functions from the design, as well as the hidden malicious behaviors. Published works with machine learning often assume that systems are completely specified. Unfortunately, practical system implementations are usually incompletely specified and the prevalent algorithms do not apply. We design generalized and efficient machine learning algorithms for incompletely specified protocol system implementations for detecting implanted malicious code. We further extend the results where machine learning starts from an approximate model instead of an empty conjecture — a usual approach of machine learning algorithms, and our approach learns an implementation structure more efficiently than the known algorithms. We implement and apply our method to two case studies: an IRC server with backdoor and an MSN client with message flooder. Experiments show that our procedures successfully and efficiently detect the implanted malicious behaviors.
Mid-sized omnidirectional robot with hydraulic drive and steering

Through funding from the US Army-Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command's (TACOM) Intelligent Mobility Program, Utah State University's (USU) Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS) has developed the T-series of omni-directional robots based on the USU omni-directional vehicle (ODV) technology. The ODV provides independent computer control of steering and drive in a single wheel assembly. By putting multiple omni-directional (OD) wheels on a chassis, a vehicle is capable of uncoupled translational and rotational motion. Previous robots in the series, the T1, T2, T3, ODIS, ODIS-T, and ODIS-S have all used OD wheels based on electric motors. The T4 weighs approximately 1400 lbs and features a 4-wheel drive wheel configuration. Each wheel assembly consists of a hydraulic drive motor and a hydraulic steering motor. A gasoline engine is used to power both the hydraulic and electrical systems. The paper presents an overview of the mechanical design of the vehicle as well as potential uses of this technology in fielded systems.
An estimator of number of species from quadrat sampling.

Summary We consider the problem of estimating the number of distinct species S in a study area from the recorded presence or absence of species in each of a sample of quadrats. A generalized jackknife estimator of S is derived, along with an estimate of its variance. It is compared with the jackknife estimator for S proposed by Heltshe and Forrester (1983, Biometrics39, 1–12) and the empirical Bayes estimator of Mingoti and Meeden (1992, Biometrics48, 863–875). We show that the empirical Bayes estimator has the form of a generalized jackknife estimator under a specific model for species distribution. We compare the new estimators of S to the empirical Bayes estimator via simulation. We characterize circumstances under which each is superior.
Removing the blinders: Using information to mitigate adversaries in adaptive overlays

The proliferation of peer-to-peer systems has led to the increasing deployment of dynamic, adaptive overlay networks that are designed to preserve application performance goals. While such networks provide increased performance and resiliency to benign faults, they are susceptible to attacks conducted by compromised overlay nodes, especially those targeting the adaptation mechanisms. In this work, we propose a lightweight, general solution to increase the resiliency of adaptive overlay networks. By locally aggregating and correlating network topology with system performance metrics such as latency and bandwidth, each node can check the consistency of the reported information and constrain the attacker's ability to lie about system metrics. As a result, each node can make better adaptation decisions. We demonstrate the susceptibility of adaptation mechanisms to malicious attacks and the utility of our solution through real-life deployments of mature, adaptive overlay-based systems.
9°Sr90Y beta-ray applicator calibration

A 125 me 90Sr + 90Y beta applicator was calibrated with an extrapolation ionization chamber and by the use of nuclear film. Surface and depth doses determined by the two methods were in good agreement. Using a polystyrene phantom, the surface dose was found to be 26·2 e.s.u·/cm3 sec, or 1430 rad/min, with an estimated accuracy of ±3 per cent. The half-value thickness was determined to be 0·13 cm.
Mothers’ Performing Creamatocrit Measures in the NICU: Accuracy, Reactions, and Cost

Objective To determine whether mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive-care unit could be taught to perform creamatocrits (CRCTs) accurately on own mothers' milk (OMM). These mothers' reactions to performing CRCTs also were measured. Sample Twenty-six mothers and four advanced- practice nurses (RNs) participated in this study. Design For Phase One of this blinded trial, mothers were taught to perform the CRCT by one of the two instructional RNs. For Phase Two, mothers and one of the two validation RNs performed CRCTs simultaneously and independently on the same OMM sample, and the mother completed a Maternal Reactions questionnaire. Results Mothers' CRCT measures were highly accurate. The mean absolute difference between RNs' and mothers' CRCTs was 0.69%, with 50% and 84.6% of these differences, respectively, ≤ 0.5% and ≤ 1.0% CRCT. A strong linear correlation was noted between RNs' and mothers' CRCTs. Ninety-six percent of the mothers reported that the CRCT was easy to learn, they felt comfortable performing the procedure, and it made them feel more involved in infant care. A mean of 23.6 minutes was spent teaching the mother to perform CRCT, a figure that reflects the cost- effectiveness of the approach. Conclusion Mothers can be taught to perform CRCTs accurately and easily on their OMM. This practice exemplifies high quality, cost-effective care that maximizes maternal involvement and satisfaction.
Removal of extracellular sodium prevents anoxia-induced injury in freshly dissociated rat CA1 hippocampal neurons.

Anoxia is believed to cause nerve injury and death in part, by inducing sustained, elevated levels of intracellular Ca2+. The increased concentration of intracellular Ca2+ is capable, by itself, of inducing nerve injury and death, even without the added stress of anoxia. However, we have recently shown that an increased level of intracellular Ca2+ is not necessary for anoxia-induce CA1 nerve injury. Since we have observed that extracellular Na+ decreases during anoxia, we studied the role of extracellular Na+ in anoxia-induced nerve injury. Removal of extracellular Na+ and its replacement with the impermeant cation N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG+) completely protected freshly dissociated CA1 neurons during and after severe anoxia, for up to 90 min. Intracellular Ca2+ decreased during anoxia, recovering during reoxygenation. Propidium iodide was excluded from the neurons for as long as Na+ was absent. Addition of Na+ (by replacing NMDG+) following anoxia resulted in rapid bleb formation, swelling and intracellular Ca2+ rise. Removal of Na+ before the rupture of blebs caused either shrinkage or pinching off of blebs so that the neuron apparently returned to its previous undisturbed state. We conclude that: (1) replacement of Nao+ with NMDG+ totally prevents anoxia-induced nerve injury as manifested by morphological changes, e.g., swelling, bleb formation and membrane injury; (2) upon re-exposure to Nao+ following anoxia in the absence of Nao+, neurons swell and bleb; (3) the appearance of blebs following anoxic exposure in the absence of Nao+ is reversible and Nao+ dependent. (4) Bleb formation itself is not necessarily immediately lethal to the neuron.
Neutralization of the chemokine CXCL10 reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by a secondary degenerative process that includes cell death. We have previously demonstrated that the chemokine CXCL10 is up-regulated following SCI and plays a critical role in T-lymphocyte recruitment to sites of injury and inhibition of angiogenesis; antibody-mediated functional blockade of CXCL10 reduced inflammation while enhancing angiogenesis. We hypothesized, based on these findings, that the injury environment established by anti-CXCL10 antibody treatment would support greater survival of neurons and enhance axon sprouting compared with the untreated, injured spinal cord. Here, we document gene array and histopathological data to support our hypothesis. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue from spinal cord-injured animals revealed eight apoptosis-related genes with significant expression changes at 3 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of TUNEL-positive cells at 3 days postinjury indicated a 75% reduction in the number of dying cells in treated animals compared with untreated animals. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue also revealed six central nervous system growth-related genes with significant expression changes in the brainstem at 14 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of anterograde-labeled corticospinal tract fibers indicated a 60-70% increase in axon sprouting caudal to the injury site in treated animals compared with untreated animals. These findings indicate that anti-CXCL10 antibody treatment provides an environment that reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting following injury to the adult spinal cord.
Conjunctive query equivalence of keyed relational schemas (extended abstract)

The notion of when two schemas are equivalent is fimda- mental to database design, schema integration, and data model translation. An important notion of schema equiv- alence, query equivalence was introduced in (3), and used to evaluate the correctness of schema transformations. The logically equivalent notion of calculous equivalence, as well as three progressively weaker notions of schema equivalence were introduced in 1984 by Hull (9, lo), who showed that two schemas with no dependencies are equivalent (under all four notions of equivalence) if and only if they are identical (up to renaming and re-ordering of attributes and relations). Hull also conjectured that the same result holds for schemas with primary keys. In this work, we resolve the conjecture in the affirmative for the case of query equivalence based on mappings using conjunctive relational queries with equality selections.
Nursing Research and the Human Sciences

Nursing has long been associated with the natural sciences. However, more recently some nurses have begun to identify it as a human science. The epistemological and ontological bases then shift, with clear implications for the research approaches that are regarded as the most useful. This column offers a discussion of the worldviews represented in contemporary nursing knowledge, focusing particularly on the newer paradigm that includes the view of nursing as a human science, and the place of qualitative and quantitative research. Neither the human sciences nor the natural sciences are seen as providing a sufficient base for all nursing knowledge. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are viewed as potentially useful strategies given the nature of the phenomenon to be explored. Parallels to current discussions of worldviews and research methods in transpersonal psychology are identified.
A focus on international competitiveness

This special issue of JAMS is dedicated to the general concept of “international competitiveness,” viewed as a strategic phenomenon inherent in the broader fields of international marketing, international business, and international management. Broadly, international competitiveness is a measure of an organization’s advantage (or disadvantage) in marketing its products and/or services in global markets. The introduction to the special issue provides an overview of international competitiveness, examples of multinational enterprises and their indicators of international competitiveness, and a description of the 10 articles in the issue. Appropriately, in the spirit of JAMS’ breadth of coverage, the articles in the issue broadly address international competitiveness issues related to the scope of the field of international marketing, multinational enterprises, small-medium enterprises, culture, exporting, foreign market subsidiaries, and offshoring and outsourcing. Naturally, some of the articles span multiple areas as well.