cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object-oriented blackboard models for integrated design of steel structures

An object-oriented model-based approach is presented for the integrated design of large structures consisting of hundreds or thousands of members. We model the problem of integrated design of large structures by a hierarchy of cooperating knowledge bases. A dynamic knowledge identification and isolation (DKII) strategy is developed for effective management of knowledge bases (KBs). For efficient storage of KBs, a hierarchical arrangement in the form of a knowledge storage pyramid (KSP) is created. An inheritance gene object-oriented programming (IGOOP) model is presented for constructing the hierarchical relationship among KBs through a rule-based KB allocation technique. An object-oriented blackboard model (OOBM) is developed where the blackboard verifies the attributes of each specialist (KB) dynamically operates on each KB, and monitors continuously the contributions generated by each KB. The major components of OOBM are described. The models and concepts developed in this research are applied to the design of steel structures.
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, Aging, and Health: The Increasingly Delicate Balance Between Regulating Emotions and Making Tough Choices

After providing an introductory overview of socioemotional selectivity theory, we review empirical evidence for its basic postulates and consider the implications of the predicted cognitive and behavioral changes for physical health. The main assertion of socioemotional selectivity theory is that when boundaries on time are perceived, present-oriented goals related to emotional meaning are prioritized over future-oriented goals aimed at acquiring information and expanding horizons. Such motivational changes, which are strongly correlated with chronological age, systematically influence social preferences, social network composition, emotion regulation, and cognitive processing. On the one hand, there is considerable reason to believe that such changes are good for well-being and social adjustment. On the other hand, the very same motivational changes may limit health-related information-seeking and influence attention, memory, and decision-making such that positive material is favored over negative information. Grounding our arguments in socioemotional selectivity theory, we consider possible ways to tailor contexts such that disadvantages are avoided.
Impaired behavioral sensitization to cocaine in vasopressin deficient rats

Abstract Behavioral sensitization to cocaine involves progressive and long-lasting increases in hyperactivity and stereotypy in response to the same daily dose. In order to test whether vasopressin, a neurohormone implicated in drug tolerance and in other models of learning and memory, affected behavioral sensitization, cocaine was administered daily to animals with hereditary absence of vasopressin. Brattleboro homozygotes which lack vasopressin show deficient onset and persistence of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization compared to heterozygote, litter-mate controls. These data extend previous reports of vasopressin's role in memory and long-term coding of behavior to the model of pharmacologically-induced behavioral sensitization.
A super-resolution method for extraction of modal responses in wideband data

The paper presents a spectral estimation method to process coherently the wideband frequency domain field data of any object, and extract specific modal responses associated with wave propagation along the object. The problem is formulated in terms of well-known range processing used in radar waveform analysis. Thus, the data is modeled in terms of complex sinusoids, whose phase yields the decay/growth constants and the range associated with discrete scattering centers. Unlike previous approaches, the resulting amplitude and decay/growth constants are made frequency-dependent to capture the dynamic wideband behavior of the scattering mechanism. The method is illustrated by application to mode extraction for a cylindrically stratified scatterer.
Production of anti-self h-2 antibodies by hybrid mice immune to a viral tumour.

During the course of immunization of hybrid mice (genotype H-2b/k) with a parental Abelson virus-induced lymphoma (genotype H-2b/b), antibodies were produced to the H-2Kb or H-2Db antigens of the immunizing cells. Such 'anti-self H-2' antibodies demonstrate the existence of autoreactive B-cell clones in hybrid mice, and pose intriguing questions for the nature of self-tolerance.
Cytogenetic Analyses of 85 Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Comparison of Postchemotherapy and Untreated Tumors

Cytogenetic analyses of 85 testicular germ cell tumors, of which 54 were karyotypically abnormal, showed recurrent breakpoints at chromosome bands 1p36, 1p13-1qh, 11q23, 19q13, and the pericentromeric regions of the acrocentric chromosomes. Postchemotherapy tumors had significantly more rearrangements of bands 3p25-p26, 6q16-q21, 8p22-p23 when compared with untreated tumors, while untreated tumors had more rearrangements of 9p22-p24 when compared with postchemotherapy tumors. Frequent breakpoints also were identified at 15q15 and 9qh in untreated tumors. Tumors of different histopathology, clinical stage, and treatment status showed no significant differences in the frequencies of i(12p)-positive and i(12p)-negative tumors.
Class sigma glutathione transferase unfolds via a dimeric and a monomeric intermediate: impact of subunit interface on conformational stability in the superfamily.

Solvent-induced equilibrium unfolding of a homodimeric class sigma glutathione transferase (GSTS1-1, EC 2.5.1.18) was characterized by tryptophan fluorescence, anisotropy, enzyme activity, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) binding, and circular dichroism. Urea induces a triphasic unfolding transition with evidence for two well-populated thermodynamically stable intermediate states of GSTS1-1. The first unfolding transition is protein concentration independent and involves a change in the subunit tertiary structure yielding a partially active dimeric intermediate (i.e., N2 ↔ I2). This is followed by a protein concentration dependent step in which I2 dissociates into compact inactive monomers (M) displaying enhanced hydrophobicity. The third unfolding transition, which is protein concentration independent, involves the complete unfolding of the monomeric state. Increasing NaCl concentrations destabilize N2 and appear to shift the equilibrium toward I2 whereas the stability of the monomeric intermediate...
Surgical Progress in Inguinal and Ventral Incisional Hernia Repair

The goals of this article are to describe the history of hernia repair and how innovations in surgical technique, prosthetics, and technology have shaped current practice.
Caring for an alcohol-dependent patient.

Alcohol's toxic effects on the body complicate your hospitalized patient's recovery. Learn to recognize an alcohol-dependent patient and take steps to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Regulatory substances produced by lymphocytes—IV: Further chracterization of the inhibitor of DNA synthesis (IDS)☆

Abstract Inhibitor of DNA synthesis (IDS), a soluble mediator which inhibits DNA synthesis of PHA-stimulated rat lymph node cells, was partially purified by conventional protein fractionation procedures from culture supernatants of DA rat lymph node cells stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) and shown to resemble IDS obtained by antigenic stimulation of specifically sensitized cells in its physiochemical properties. Antiserum was prepared by immunizing rabbits with this partially purified IDS preparation. IDS produced by Con A stimulation appeared to be antigenically similar to that produced by antigenic stimulation, since both were absorbed in a parallel manner on a Sepharose 4B column coupled with this antibody. Neither Sepharose-conjugated rabbit anti-rat thymocyte IgG nor IgG from Lewis anti-DA allo-antiserum absorbed IDS. Conversely, DA rat thymocytes were unable to absorb the activity of rabbit anti-IDS. These findings suggest that IDS is not a major cell surface component.
OCLC Users’ Council meeting minutes, February 5‐7, 1996

Reports on the OCLC Users’ Council meeting of February 5‐7, 1996. Issues discussed included nominations for the board of trustees, the OCLC president’s report, the Users’ Council executive committee report and reports on users of electronic information. Also under discussion were a number of strategies for the future.
Surface metallurgical and tribological characteristics of TiN-coated bearing steels

The rolling contact fatigue (RCF) characteristics of an aerospace bearing steel 440C coated with TiN films of various thicknesses are studied. The wear and corrosion properties of the film-substrate system are examined as well as how these properties correlate with the RCF behavior. It is found that TiN coatings with thicknesses below 1 micron resulted in significant improvements in the RCF lives of base steel substrates under both mild and heavy loading conditions.
Homogeneity of gels and gel-derived glasses

The significance and implications of gel preparation procedures in controlling the homogeneity of multicomponent oxide gels are discussed. The role of physicochemical factors such as the structure and chemical reactivities of alkoxides, the formation of double-metal alkoxides, and the nature of solvent(s) are critically analyzed in the context of homogeneity of gels during gelation. Three procedures for preparing gels in the SiO2-B2O3-Na2O system are examined in the context of cation distribution. Light scattering results for glasses in the SiO2-B2O3-Na2O system prepared by both the gel technique and the conventional technique are examined.
Expediting GA-Based Evolution Using Group Testing Techniques for Reconfigurable Hardware

Autonomous repair and refurbishment of reprogrammable logic devices using genetic algorithms can improve the fault tolerance of remote mission-critical systems. The goal of increasing availability by minimizing the repair time is addressed in this paper using a CGT-pruned genetic algorithm. The proposed method utilizes resource performance information obtained using combinatorial group testing (CGT) techniques to evolve refurbished configurations in fewer generations than conventional genetic algorithms. A 3-bit times 2-bit multiplier circuit was evolved using both conventional and CGT-pruned genetic algorithms. Results show that the new approach yields completely refurbished configurations 37.6% faster than conventional genetic algorithms. In addition it is demonstrated that for the same circuit, refurbishment of partially-functional configurations is a more tractable problem than designing the configurations when using genetic algorithms as results show the former to take 80% fewer generations
A rational choice model of citizen participation in high and low commitment electoral activities

Weisberg and Grofman (1981) propose a rational choice model of voter turnout which they test with data from the 1976 Presidential election. We extend and generalize that model to cover a wide variety of forms of electoral participation including working on a campaign, wearing campaign buttons, and talking to others about the campaign. We find that voters who see a difference between the candidates, with one candidate positively evaluated and the other negatively, are roughly twice as likely to participate in high involvement electoral activities as are those who are alienated from or indifferent to the candidates.
Predictable implant placement with a diagnostic/surgical template and advanced radiographic imaging

The technique described facilitates precise dental implant placement. A barium-coated template with external guide wires used in conjunction with a computed tomography scan and interactive software may provide superior presurgical diagnostics, treatment planning, and prosthetically directed implant placement. Measurements predetermined on the computed tomography scan can be transferred accurately to the diagnostic/surgical template by use of a precision milled cylinder placed into the template at the proper angulation and linear dimensions. The diagnostic/surgical template shows the surgeon the optimal position for implant placement, thus establishing greater clinical confidence when placing implants.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION AND MARIJUANA USE: A CLOSER LOOK AT SUTHERLAND (WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM BECKER)*

Based on Sutherland's differential association theory and Becker's early research on marijuana use, a contingency model estimating the exact probability of getting high on marijuana under various associational and motivational conditions is specified and tested. Data from surveys at two universities fit this model closely. Predicted first-order interactions and nonlinear effects of motivational balance and peer association are statistically significant and generate highly precise estimates of the probability of getting high. These results suggest that linear main-effects models employed in previous research on differential association processes do not adequately reject the complex casual structure of Sutherland's theory. In addition, this study raises serious questions about claims that differential association theory is untestable and has been made outdated by social learning theory.
Quantitative trait loci in two soybean recombinant inbred line populations segregating for yield and disease resistance

Molecular makers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) can assist soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeders to combine traits of low heritability, such as yield, with disease resistance. The objective of this study was to identify markers linked to yield QTL in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations ['Essex' x 'Forrest' (ExF; n = 100) and 'Flyer' x 'Hartwig' (FxH; n = 94)] that also segregate for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance genes (rhg1 and Rhg4). Each population was yield tested in four environments between 1996 and 1999. The resistant parents produced lower yields. Heritability of yield across four environments was 47% for ExF and 57% for FxH. Yield was normally distributed in both populations. High yielding, SCN resistant transgressive segregants were not observed. In the ExF RIL population, 134 microsatellite markers were compared against yield by ANOVA and MAPMAKER QTL. Regions associated with yield were identified by SATT294 on linkage group (LG.) C1 (P = 0.006, R(2) = 10%), SATT440 on LG. I (P = 0.007, R(2) = 10%), and SATT337 on LG. K (P = 0.004, R(2) = 10%). Essex provided the beneficial allele at SATT337. Mean yields among FxH RILs were compared against 33 microsatellite markers from LG. K. In addition 136 markers from randomly selected LGs were compared with extreme phenotypes by bulk segregant analysis. Two regions on LG. K (20 cM apart) associated with yield were identified by SATT326 (P = 0.0004, R(2) = 15%) and SATT539 (P = 0.0008, R(2) = 14%). Flyer provided both beneficial alleles. Both populations revealed a yield QTL in the interval (5 cM) between SATT337 and SATT326. These populations may share a common allele for yield in this region, given that about 40% of Flyer genome derived from Essex.
Intracranial tumor masquerading as cervical radiculopathy : A case study

Physicians who treat musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders often treat patients who have paresthesias or weakness of a single extremity. Although the diagnosis is often straightforward, cases that are atypical in nature may pose a diagnostic dilemma. This report describes the case of a middle-aged man with symptoms indicative of, though not classic for, a cervical radiculopathy. An extensive investigation was unremarkable and only the eventual rapid progression of symptoms led to the diagnosis of a glioblastoma multiforme. Although this is a deadly form of brain cancer, early recognition provides the best chance for a prolonged and greater quality of life.
MAsticophis flagellum Selects Florida Scrub Habitat at Multiple Spatial Scales

Abstract The use of space by individual animals strongly influences the spatial extent, abundance, and growth rates of their populations. We analyzed the spatial ecology and habitat selection of Masticophis flagellum (the coachwhip) at three different scales to determine which habitats are most important to this species. Home ranges and mean daily displacements of M. flagellum in Florida were large compared to individuals in other populations of this species. Home ranges contained a greater proportion of Florida scrub habitat than did the study site as a whole, and individuals selected Florida scrub habitat within their home ranges. For both selection of the home range within the study site and selection of habitats within the home range, mesic cutthroat and hydric swamp habitats were avoided. Standardized selection ratios of Florida scrub patches were positively correlated with lizard abundance. Several non-mutually exclusive mechanisms, including foraging success (prey abundance, prey vulnerability, and...
Cell Labeling via Membrane-Anchored Lipophilic MR Contrast Agents

Cell tracking in vivo with MR imaging requires the development of contrast agents with increased sensitivity that effectively label and are retained by cells. Most clinically approved Gd(III)-based contrast agents require high incubation concentrations and prolonged incubation times for cellular internalization. Strategies to increase contrast agent permeability have included conjugating Gd(III) complexes to cell penetrating peptides, nanoparticles, and small molecules which have greatly improved cell labeling but have not resulted in improved cellular retention. To overcome these challenges, we have synthesized a series of lipophilic Gd(III)-based MR contrast agents that label cell membranes in vitro. Two of the agents were synthesized with a multiplexing strategy to contain three Gd(III) chelates (1 and 2) while the third contains a single Gd(III) chelate (3). These new agents exhibit significantly enhanced labeling and retention in HeLa and MDA-MB-231-mcherry cells compared to agents that are internali...
Long-term Follow-up in Radiation Therapy of Carcinoma of the Vagina

A retrospective analysis of 134 patients with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the vagina is reported. Actuarial disease free 5-year survival was: Stage 0 (15 patients), 90%; I (39 patients), 90%; IIA (39 patients), 58%; IIB (21 patients), 32%; III (12 patients), 40%; IV (8 patients), 0%. Fifteen patients had carcinoma in situ; of these, 14 were controlled with interstitial or intracavitary therapy. Of 39 patients with Stage I carcinoma, 37 (95%) showed no evidence of vaginal or pelvic recurrence. Most of them received interstitial or intracavitary therapy or both; the addition of external beam irradiation did not significantly increase survival or tumor control. In Stage IIA (paravaginal extension) 22 of 34 (64.7%) patients were controlled with a combination of brachytherapy and external beam irradiation; only two of five (40%) treated with brachytherapy alone exhibited tumor control in the pelvis. Eight of 12 Stage III tumors were controlled in the pelvis. Only two of eight patients with Stage IV had no recurrence in the pelvis even with relatively high doses of irradiation. The dose of irradiation delivered to the primary tumor or the parametrial extension was critical in achieving successful results. The incidence of complications (9.7%) is correlated with the stage of the tumor and type of treatment given.
Digital tourniquet: a new technique

Abstract Digital tourniquets are frequently used during operations in the hand and foot. The commonest tourniquets used are the Penrose drain, the Jacques bladder catheter and a rolled up finger from a surgical glove. Generally, these are relatively safe and efficacious. However, complications related to them have been reported. Application and alteration of a Penrose type drain can be difficult during a procedure. A glove tourniquet once applied cannot be altered. We present here a unique way of using a Jacques catheter as a flexible digital tourniquet. We have found it very effective, user-friendly and extremely easy to apply and alter before and during surgery.
Self consistency in the third order perturbation theory of simple metals

Abstract It is pointed out that the Lloyd-Sholl expression for the total energy is self consistent through third order in the electron-ion pseudopotential.
Microwave imaging of objects hidden by non-penetrating obstacles using time reversal imaging technique

In recent years, researchers have done extensive studies on “Through Wall Imaging(TWI)”, which reconstructs the image based on the backscattered waves passing through the dielectric wall. However, in some cases,the objects are completely obscured by non-penetrating obstacles such as “hard wall ”and the signals cannot pass through the wall as it is in TWI case.Therefore, conventional techniques are not applicable to “Hard Wall Imaging(HWI)”. In this paper, a new imaging technique is proposed based on time-reversal(TR) imaging technique and diffraction theory to resolve this problem.
Explaining alliance success: Competences, resources, relational factors, and resource-advantage theory

Abstract Business alliances, by filling critical resource gaps, enable firms to have positional advantages that lead to superior financial performance. Some alliances, however, are more successful than others. The three prominent theoretical approaches to explaining alliance success rely on resources, competences, and relational factors. The authors theorize that the three approaches are interdependent and, using resource-advantage (R-A) theory as a framework, develop an integrative model. This model proposes that the three approaches are linked by means of relationships among (1) alliance competence, (2) complementary resources, (3) idiosyncratic resources, and (4) cooperation. A test of the model, using a sample of alliance professionals, finds support for the theory that the three approaches are, indeed, interdependent and that resources, construed in the manner of R-A theory, influence alliance success through positional advantage.
Analyses of radially rotating high-temperature heat pipes for turbomachinery applications

A set of closed-form solutions for the liquid film distributions in the condenser section of a radially rotating miniature heat pipe and for the vapor temperature drop along the heat pipe length are derived. The heat transfer limitations of the heat pipe are analyzed under turbine blade cooling conditions. Analytical results indicate that the condenser heat transfer limitation normally encountered by low-temperature heat pipes no longer exists for the high-temperature rotating treat pipes that are employed for turbine blade cooling. It is found that the heat pipe diameter, radially rotating speed, and operating temperature are very important to the performance of the heat pipe, Heat transfer limitations may be encountered for an increased heat input and rotating speed, or a decreased hydraulic diameter. Based on the extensive analytical evaluations, it is concluded that the radially rotating miniature heat pipe studied in this paper is feasible for turbine blade cooling applications.
The asymmetric top—An analytical treatment

Abstract An analytical procedure is employed to evaluate matrix elements for the rigid asymmetric top. Essentially the methods employed by Reiche and Rademacher in their paper on the symmetric top are generalized to include the asymmetric top.
Infectious eczematoid dermatitis: a comprehensive review

Infectious eczematoid dermatitis (IED) is characterized by an acute eczematous eruption triggered by purulent discharge from a primary infected site. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and occupations with higher incidences of contact dermatitis portend increased risk for IED. Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly cultured microbe from affected skin, with Streptococcus species the second most. Patients are first evident with peripherally spreading vesicles and pustules radiating from an infected site. Older areas of involvement become crusty, scaly and erythematous. Diagnosis is clinical. Other eczematous rashes, including autoeczemitization and contact dermatitis, should be on the differential diagnosis list. The treatment centres on topical antibiotics and soaks. Prognosis has improved since the advent of antibiotics. However, cases with multiple relapses and poor response to therapy are still observed.
Backoff hierarchical class n-gram language models: effectiveness to model unseen events in speech recognition

In this paper, we introduce the backoff hierarchical class n-gram language models to better estimate the likelihood of unseen n-gram events. This multi-level class hierarchy language modeling approach generalizes the well-known backoff n-gram language modeling technique. It uses a class hierarchy to define word contexts. Each node in the hierarchy is a class that contains all the words of its descendant nodes. The closer a node to the root, the more general the class (and context) is. We investigate the effectiveness of the approach to model unseen events in speech recognition. Our results illustrate that the proposed technique outperforms backoff n-gram language models. We also study the effect of the vocabulary size and the depth of the class hierarchy on the performance of the approach. Results are presented on Wall Street Journal (WSJ) corpus using two vocabulary set: 5000 words and 20,000 words. Experiments with 5000 word vocabulary, which contain a small numbers of unseen events in the test set, show up to 10% improvement of the unseen event perplexity when using the hierarchical class n-gram language models. With a vocabulary of 20,000 words, characterized by a larger number of unseen events, the perplexity of unseen events decreases by 26%, while the word error rate (WER) decreases by 12% when using the hierarchical approach. Our results suggest that the largest gains in performance are obtained when the test set contains a large number of unseen events.
On nonnegative solvability of linear operator equations

LetE be a Banach lattice having order continuous norm. Suppose, moreover,T is a nonnegative reducible operator having a compact iterate and which mapsE into itself. The purpose of this work is to extend the previous results of the authors, concerning nonnegative solvability of (kernel) operator equations on generalLp-spaces. In particular, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the operator equation λx=Tx+y to possess a nonnegative solutionxeE wherey is a given nonnegative and nontrivial element ofE and λ is any given positive parameter.
Elevated Circulating Free Fatty Acid Levels Impair Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation

We have recently shown that insulin-resistant obese subjects exhibit impaired endothelial function. Here, we test the hypothesis that elevation of circulating FFA to levels seen in insulin-resistant subjects can impair endothelial function. We studied leg blood flow responses to graded intrafemoral artery infusions of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator methacholine chloride (Mch) or the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside during the infusion of saline and after raising systemic circulating FFA levels exogenously via a low- or high-dose infusion of Intralipid plus heparin or endogenously by an infusion of somatostatin (SRIF) to produce insulinopenia in groups of lean healthy humans. After 2 h of infusion of Intralipid plus heparin, FFA levels increased from 562+/-95 to 1,303+/-188 micromol, and from 350+/-35 to 3,850+/-371 micromol (P < 0.001) vs. saline for both low- and high-dose groups, respectively. Mch-induced vasodilation relative to baseline was reduced by approximately 20% in response to the raised FFA levels in both groups (P < 0.05, saline vs. FFA, ANOVA). In contrast, similar FFA elevation did not change leg blood flow responses to sodium nitroprusside. During the 2-h SRIF infusion, insulin levels fell, and FFA levels rose from 474+/-22 to 1,042+/-116 micromol (P < 0.01); Mch-induced vasodilation was reduced by approximately 20% (P < 0.02, saline vs. SRIF, ANOVA). Replacement of basal insulin levels during SRIF resulted in a fall of FFA levels from 545+/-47 to 228+/-61 micromol, and prevented the impairment of Mch-induced vasodilation seen with SRIF alone. In conclusion, (a) elevated circulating FFA levels cause endothelial dysfunction, and (b) impaired endothelial function in insulin-resistant humans may be secondary to the elevated FFA concentrations observed in these patients.
Relationships of an air quality measurement to meteorological parameters.

(1959). Relationships of an Air Quality Measurement to Meteorological Parameters. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 50-55.
Budgeting, policy, and administration: Patterns and dynamics in the united states

This article examines the relationships between policy, administration, and budgeting. I argue that the administration of government is directly and primarily influenced by changes in policy and budgeting. A conceptual framework of the interrelationship between these three factors is presented. This framework is applied to Schick's classic periodicization of twentieth century U.S. history. Three value orientations of budgeting—control, management, and planning—were evident at different times during these periods. The framework is then applied to the period since 1981, labeled a phase of limitation. This phase has been an unhealthy development in American government.
Financial decision-making: using information generated by a discrete event simulation to evaluate real options in a research and development environment

This article examines how a discrete event simulation can be developed to evaluate the impact of real options on a research and development project. Previous work with real options has been primarily mathematically based and the approach was not transferable to actual projects. The results shown in this article indicate that simulation is a valid method to evaluate real options and that the real options do impact the net present value of a process.
Understanding Sex Differences in Leadership Behavior

Two streams of argument regarding sex differences in leadership behavior have been evolved. One group of researchers has reported sex differences in leadership behavior whereas the other group has reported no differences. To resolve this issue, more studies are required. Attempting to better understand this issue, the current study examines the previous and current theories and explains the implication of macro-micro linkages in organizational research for studying sex differences in leadership behavior.
Implication of Proteins Containing Tetratricopeptide Repeats in Conditional Virulence Phenotypes of Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, is a ubiquitous freshwater bacterium whose virulence phenotypes require a type IV secretion system (T4SS). L. pneumophila strain JR32 contains two virulence-associated T4SSs, the Dot/Icm and Lvh T4SSs. Defective entry and phagosome acidification phenotypes of dot/icm mutants are conditional and reversed by incubating broth-grown stationary-phase cultures in water (WS treatment) prior to infection, as a mimic of the aquatic environment of Legionella. Reversal of dot/icm virulence defects requires the Lvh T4SS and is associated with a >10-fold induction of LpnE, a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing protein. In the current study, we demonstrated that defective entry and phagosome acidification phenotypes of mutants with changes in LpnE and EnhC, another TPR-containing protein, were similarly reversed by WS treatment. In contrast to dot/icm mutants for which the Lvh T4SS was required, reversal for the ΔlpnE or the ΔenhC mutant required that the other TPR-containing protein be present. The single and double ΔlpnE and ΔenhC mutants showed a hypersensitivity to sodium ion, a phenotype associated with dysfunction of the Dot/Icm T4SS. The ΔlpnE single and the ΔlpnE ΔenhC double mutant showed 3- to 9-fold increases in translocation of Dot/Icm T4SS substrates, LegS2/SplY and LepB. Taken together, these data identify TPR-containing proteins in a second mechanism by which the WS mimic of a Legionella environmental niche can reverse virulence defects of broth-grown cultures and implicate LpnE and EnhC directly or indirectly in translocation of Dot/Icm T4SS protein substrates.
Early MicroRNA Expression Profile as a Prognostic Biomarker for the Development of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in a Mouse Model of Chlamydial Genital Infection

ABSTRACT It is not currently possible to predict the probability of whether a woman with a chlamydial genital infection will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). To determine if specific biomarkers may be associated with distinct chlamydial pathotypes, we utilized two Chlamydia muridarum variants (C. muridarum Var001 [CmVar001] and CmVar004) that differ in their abilities to elicit upper genital tract pathology in a mouse model. CmVar004 has a lower growth rate in vitro and induces pathology in only 20% of C57BL/6 mouse oviducts versus 83.3% of oviducts in CmVar001-infected mice. To determine if chemokine and cytokine production within 24 h of infection is associated with the outcome of pathology, levels of 15 chemokines and cytokines were measured. CmVar004 infection induced significantly lower levels of CXCL1, CXCL2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and CCL2 in comparison to CmVar001 infection with similar rRNA ( rs16 ) levels for Chlamydiae . A combination of microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of 134 inflammation-related miRNAs was performed 24 h postinfection to determine if the chemokine/cytokine responses would also be reflected in miRNA expression profiles. Interestingly, 12 miRNAs (miR-135a-5p, miR298-5p, miR142-3p, miR223-3p, miR299a-3p, miR147-3p, miR105, miR325-3p, miR132-3p, miR142-5p, miR155-5p, and miR-410-3p) were overexpressed during CmVar004 infection compared to CmVar001 infection, inversely correlating with the respective chemokine/cytokine responses. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that early biomarkers elicited in the host can differentiate between two pathological variants of chlamydiae and be predictive of upper tract disease. IMPORTANCE It is apparent that an infecting chlamydial population consists of multiple genetic variants with differing capabilities of eliciting a pathological response; thus, it may be possible to identify biomarkers specific for a given virulence pathotype. miRNAs are known to regulate genes that in turn regulate signaling pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. Importantly, miRNAs are stable and can reflect a tissue response and therefore have the potential to be biomarkers of disease severity. Currently, with respect to chlamydial infections, there is no way to predict whether an infected patient is more or less likely to develop PID. However, data presented in this study indicate that the expression of a specific miRNA profile associated with a virulent variant early in the infection course may be predictive of an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, allowing more aggressive treatment before significant pathology develops.
Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the pituitary and brain of three teleost fish species: Somatostatin as a potential regulator of prolactin cell function

Abstract Somatostatin-like immunofluorescence occurs in the hypothalamus and nurohypophysis of three euryhaline teleosts: tilapia, killifish, and mudsucker. This immunofluorescence was eliminated by incubating the primary antibody with excess somatostatin or somatostatin-28 but not with urotensin II, a partial analogue of somatostatin. In all fishes, the strongest reaction was seen in the proximal pars distalis and parts of the pars intermedia. Strongly fluorescing processes from cells of the preoptic nucleus extend toward the pituitary. Distinct fluorescence was also associated with the neurohypophysis penetrating into the rostral pars distalis in the tilapia but not in the killifish or mudsucker. In the tilapia, an extensive network of immunofluorescent fibers and small cells were present in the anterior dorsolateral telencephalon, in addition to a moderately fluorescing group of cells antero-lateral to the preoptic nucleus. A small area of diffuse fluorescence was also seen in the anterior dorsolateral midbrain tegmentum. Previous physiological studies have implicated somatostatin as a regulator or prolactin cell activit5y in tilapia. The present study demonstrates the route which somatostatin may be delivered to the rostral pars distalis to inhibit prolactin secretion.
Ultrafast dynamics within the B820 subunit from the core (LH-1) antenna complex of Rs. rubrum

Abstract Femtosecond transient dynamics within the dimeric subunit of a bacterial light-harvesting complex have been investigated using magic angle and polarized pump-probe spectroscopy. Oscillations of 170 cm −1 and ≈ 20 cm −1 , 50 cm −1 and 115 cm −1 are observed in the isotropic signal, and of ≈ 500 cm −1 in the anisotropy; the Stokes shift and dephasing of the dimer exciton levels occurs on a sub-50 fs timescale. The re-assembled aggregate exhibits ultrafast spectral evolution and biphasic anisotropy decay. Collectively, the results support a view of energy migration within LH-1 complexes as proceeding by strongly scattered excitation transfer between states of the dimeric subunits.
Adaptive-rate channel coding for packet radio systems with higher layer fountain coding

We present and evaluate two low-complexity protocols for adaptive transmission in tactical packet radio systems that employ higher layer fountain codes. The adaptive-rate coding protocol is permitted to adjust the rate of the channel code between each pair of consecutive packets. The adaptive modulation and coding protocol can change the modulation between each pair of consecutive packets, but it can adjust the code rate only between consecutive frames of packets. Each protocol responds to dynamic fading and other time-varying propagation losses. For control of the adaptation, the protocols rely solely on a simple statistic derived by the receiver. They require no channel measurements, parameter estimates, pilot symbols, or training. The throughput performance of each protocol is evaluated for a Rayleigh fading channel modeled by a finite-state Markov chain. We show that our adaptive-rate coding protocol in tandem with higher layer fountain coding outperforms fountain coding with fixed-rate channel coding. We also compare the performance of our adaptive-rate coding protocol with the performance of a hypothetical ideal adaptive-rate coding protocol for which the transmitter is given perfect channel state information for the previous packet. We demonstrate that our protocol performs nearly as well as the ideal protocol.
3D Virtual Client Center and its Service Oriented Modeling

Client centers have considerable influence to the success of a business. Companies encourage people to visit their client centers, in the hope of engaging potential clients. However, this could give rise to large financial costs. With the recent advances in the technology of computer graphics and virtual reality, this paper presents an approach to construct 3D virtual client centers. To visit a virtual client center, the client no longer needs to travel from place to place, but just takes a virtual tour while staying before an internet-enabled computer. The contributions of this paper are as following: 1) we present an approach to construct a 3D virtual client center in a relatively convenient way, 2) we model the virtual client center as a collection of services, to further facilitate the development work.
Atomoxetine Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE:To review the literature of the first nonstimulant approved for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).data sources: Primary literature and review articles were obtained through PubMed/MEDLINE (1966–February 2003).STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Literature evaluating atomoxetine in ADHD was selected. Animal data were excluded.DATA SYNTHESIS:Stimulants are currently first-line therapy for ADHD. However, their use raises several concerns including the potential for abuse and adverse effects. Atomoxetine introduces a new therapeutic drug class, selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, for ADHD management. This additional treatment option offers potential advantages over current therapies.CONCLUSIONS:Clinical trials demonstrate that atomoxetine is a safe and effective alternative for ADHD treatment in children and adults; however, its disadvantages may hinder it from becoming a first-line agent.
Investigation of monotonous increase in saturation-region drain current during hot carrier stress in N-type Lateral Diffused MOSFET with STI

Monotonous increase of saturation drain current Id sat but linear-region drain current Id lin reduction during hot carrier injection (HCI) stress is observed in N-type Lateral Diffused MOSFET. But the phenomenon of Id sat increase is contrary to what we typically observed during HCI stress. The increase of Id sat has been attributed to the increase of saturation substrate current Ib sat after HCI stress. TCAD simulations showed that the lateral electric field increases under the high gate bias when a significant amount of electron trapping occurs along the STI corner in the drift region. The trapped electrons will change the distribution of localized electric potential and will result in the substrate current Ib increase. It is also observed that the 1st Ib peak at lower Vgs degrades, consistent with the reduction of drain and source current, due to HCI induced electron trapping. In another word, the electron trapping has two competing effects - one is with current degradation at lower Vgs and the other is with the electric field enhancement that causes the Id sat to increase at higher Vgs.
A dynamic bundle of four adjacent hydrophobic segments in the denatured state of staphylococcal nuclease

In an earlier study of the denatured state of staphylococcal nuclease (Wang Y, Shortle D, 1995, Biochemistry 34:15895-15905), we reported evidence of a three-strand antiparallel beta sheet that persists at high urea concentrations and is stabilized by a local "non-native" interaction with four large hydrophobic residues. Because the amide proton resonances for all of the involved residues are severely broadened, this unusual structure is not amenable to conventional NMR analysis and must be studied by indirect methods. In this report, we present data that confirm the important role of interactions involving four hydrophobic residues (Leu 36, Leu 37, Leu 38, and Val 39) in stabilizing the structure formed by the chain segments corresponding to beta 1-beta 2-beta 3-h, interactions that are not present in the native state. Glycine substitutions for each of these large hydrophobic residues destabilizes or disrupts this beta structure, as assessed by HN line sharpening and changes in the CD spectrum. The 13C resonances of the carbonyl carbon for several of the residues in this structure indicate conformational dynamics that respond in a complex way to addition of urea or changes in sequence. Studies of hydrogen exchange kinetics in a closely related variant of staphylococcal nuclease demonstrate the absence of the stable hydrogen bonding between the strands expected for a native-like three-strand beta sheet. Instead, the data are more consistent with the three beta strand segments plus the four adjacent hydrophobic residues forming a dynamic, aligned array or bundle held together by hydrophobic interactions.
The Mframah Shrine and the Practice of Contemporary Social Work

Most studies about health in developing societies have recognized the existence of two distinct systems, namely, the traditional and the modem. In most cases, the need for studying both systems has been emphasized (Twumasi, 1975). In terms of use of the two systems, it has been observed that both the traditional and the modem systems are used in rural areas (Olayinota, 1984) and in urban centers where most of the modem health facilities are located (Fosu, 1989; Maclean, 1978). One would expect that the traditional health system would be irrelevant to the urban residents considering the high concentration of modem health care facilities in the urban centers. In a study of Nigerian heads of household's attitude toward modem and traditional medicines, Airhihenbuwa (1987) found that people showed preference for modem medicine over traditional. However, he remarked that
Fibrinolytic responses of the equine peritoneum to abdominal surgery, surgical trauma, and intraperitoneal sodium hyaluronate.

Abstract Postoperative abdominal adhesions are known to present clinical challenges to the surgeon. Adhesion formation is a balance modulated by the fibrinolytic system. The key components involved are the tissue plasminogen activators (tPAs) and plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1 and PAI-2). Sodium hyaluronate (HA) has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of adhesions in horses. The objectives of this study were to measure tPA and PAI-1 activity in equine peritoneum and evaluate the effect of 0.4% HA solution on local tPA and PAI-1 activity. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and local serosal trauma was induced by using an established abrasion model. Our study involved two groups: in the first group (n = 6) 0.4% HA was used in all intestinal manipulations, whereas in the second group (n = 6) sterile saline was used. Parietal peritoneum, jejunal seromuscular biopsies at abraded sites (AJ) and nonabraded sites, and peritoneal fluid samples were taken at time 0- and at 30-minute intervals up to 120 minutes. Peritoneum tPA activity was significantly decreased at 60 and 90 minutes. Interestingly, AJ contained significantly higher tPA activity than nonabraded sites at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minute intervals in control horses. The increase in tPA activity with AJ in treated (HA) horses was significantly attenuated as compared with the control (saline). Detectable levels of PAI-1 activity could not be identified in our samples. The results of our study indicate that exploratory celiotomy in horses is associated with a significant decrease in peritoneal tPA activity, and HA significantly decreases the fibrinolytic response of the jejunum to surgical trauma. Further characterization of these responses will hopefully lead to new pharmacologic strategies for adhesion prevention.
A critical reading of Blood Diamond (2006) in the context of transnationalism

Between 1992 and 1999, Sierra Leone was engaged in a civil war which was blamed primarily on a ‘scramble for diamonds.’ This paper critically analyzes the related film Blood Diamond (2006) in order to locate the portrayal of Sierra Leone and of Africa in general in the context of transnationalism. In addition, the analysis seeks to understand how Africans and Westerners contributed to conflict diamonds. Reading the film via transnationalism indicates that African environments were compromised by colonialism. It also shows that transnational forces contributed to conflict diamonds – which resulted in wars and other atrocities. The implications of a colonial legacy suggest that Africans and Westerners (in)directly participated in blood diamonds.
Interaction of Multiple Factors in Relative Clause Construal and Acquisition

A valuable perspective can be gained by examining whether claims about certain linguistic phenomena that were made largely based on observations from particular languages still hold for similar constructions in typologically different languages. This thematic issue contributes to SLA research in this respect by rethinking the putative universal influence of the noun phrase accessibility hierarchy (NPAH; Keenan & Comrie, 1977 ) on the acquisition of relative clause (RC) constructions in a second language (L2). The NPAH has been strongly supported by numerous studies in English and other European languages such as French, Italian, and Swedish; the articles in this special issue examine L2 RC acquisition in East Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.