cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A continuous spectrophotometric assay for Clostridium histolyticum collagenase

Abstract A continuously recording spectrophotometric assay has been developed for Clostridium histolyticum collagenase based on the hydrolysis of 2-furanacryloyl- l -leucylglycyl- l -prolyl- l -alanine (FALGPA). The hydrolysis of this peptide by collagenase obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics with V = 1.8 × 105μkatal/kg and Km = 0.5 m m . FALGPA is hydrolyzed more rapidly by collagenase than any other commonly used synthetic substrate, but is not cleaved by any of the well-known proteinases such as trypsin, thermolysin, or elastase. The assay itself is rapid, convenient, and sensitive, and should greatly facilitate detailed kinetic studies of collagenase.
A web middleware architecture for dynamic customization of content for wireless clients

We present a new Web middleware architecture that allows users to customize their view of the Web for optimal interaction and system operation when using non-traditional resource-limited client machines such as wireless PDAs (personal digital assistants). Web Stream Customizers (WSC) are dynamically deployable software modules and can be strategically located between client and server to achieve improvements in performance, reliability, or security. An important design feature is that Customizers provide two points of control in the communication path between client and server, supporting adaptive system-based and content-based customization. Our architecture exploits HTTP's proxy capabilities, allowing Customizers to be seamlessly integrated with the basic Web transaction model. We describe the WSC architecture and implementation, and illustrate its use with three non-trivial, adaptive Customizer applications that we have built. We show that the overhead in our implementation is small and tolerable, and is outweighed by the benefits that Customizers provide.
Pain comparison after subcutaneous administration of single-dose formulation versus multidose formulation of epogen in hemodialysis patients

Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection is an approved route of administration for recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa). However, pain at the injection site with the single-dose formulation has limited its use. With the recent development of a multidose formulation containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative, anecdotal reports have emerged that suggest this product causes less stinging. Using a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, this study compared pain perception, intensity, and duration after s.c. injection with a multidose formulation versus single-dose formulation using visual analogue (VAS) and verbal descriptive pain scales (VDS). Twenty-eight hemodialysis patients received s.c. injections of placebo (normal saline) in one arm and either the multidose or single-dose formulation in the opposite arm. One week later, the subjects again received placebo in one arm and the other epoetin alfa formulation in the opposite arm. The VAS and VDS measurements were obtained at time 0 and then every 5 minutes for a period of 30 minutes. Results showed a statistically significant difference in pain perception between formulations at times 0, 10, and 15 minutes for both the VAS and VDS. In conclusion, there was a significant difference in pain perception between formulations with the multidose formulation causing less pain than the single-dose formulation. However, it should be noted that several patients reported no pain with the single-dose formulation. This indicates that individual patient response could be considered when deciding which formulation to use, although it may be difficult to implement an error-free distribution and administration system using the two different formulations.
Intensity of atomic fluorescence as a function of atomic concentration in atomic fluorescence flame spectrometry

Abstract Expressions for the intensity of atomic fluorescence of atoms in atomic fluorescence flame spectrometry are derived by a simple approach. In this approach the atomic fluorescence of atoms at low and high concentrations excited by narrow line and continuous sources is considered, and the approach is general for resonance, stepwise-line, and direct-line fluorescence. The derived expressions are discussed with regard to comparison of sources of excitation, improvement of detection limits, and shapes of analytical growth curves when using atomic fluorescence flame spectrometry as an analytical method.
Self-Determination: A Key to Success in Postsecondary Education for Students with Learning Disabilities

Self-determination should be a central organizing concept in postsecondary programs for all students with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. The importance of self-determination is supported by numerous studies, including one by Sarver (2000), who found a significant relationship between the grade point averages of students with learning disabilities and their levels of self-determination. Interviews with students about postsecondary environments demonstrate that specific environmental factors and personality markers are important to postsecondary success. Characteristics of environments that support self-determination are discussed within the context of postsecondary education settings. These characteristics include self-determined role models, self-determination skill instruction, opportunities for choice, positive communication patterns and relationships, and availability of supports. Universal Design for Instruction, a new paradigm for college students with learning disabilities...
A high-throughput comparative characterization of laser-induced soft tissue damage using 3D digital microscopy

3D digital microscopy was used to develop a rapid alternative approach to quantify the effects of specific laser parameters on soft tissue ablation and charring in vitro without the use of conventional tissue processing techniques. Two diode lasers operating at 810 and 980 nm wavelengths were used to ablate three tissue types (bovine liver, turkey breast, and bovine muscle) at varying laser power (0.3, 1.0, and 2.0 W) and velocities (1–50 mm/s). Spectrophotometric analyses were performed on each tissue to determine tissue-specific absorption coefficients and were considered in creating wavelength-dependent energy attenuation models to evaluate minimum heat of tissue ablations. 3D surface contour profiles characterizing tissue damage revealed that ablation depth and tissue charring increased with laser power and decreased with lateral velocity independent of wavelength and tissue type. While bovine liver ablation and charring were statistically higher at 810 than 980 nm (p < 0.05), turkey breast and bovine muscle ablated and charred more at 980 than 810 nm (p < 0.05). Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that bovine liver tissue had a greater tissue-specific absorption coefficient at 810 than 980 nm, while turkey breast and bovine muscle had a larger absorption coefficient at 980 nm (p < 0.05). This rapid 3D microscopic analysis of robot-driven laser ablation yielded highly reproducible data that supported well-defined trends related to laser–tissue interactions and enabled high throughput characterization of many laser–tissue permutations. Since 3D microscopy quantifies entire lesions without altering the tissue specimens, conventional and immunehistologic techniques can be used, if desired, to further interrogate specific sections of the digitized lesions.
Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements with scanning laser polarimetry predict glaucomatous visual field loss

Purpose To assess whether baseline retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with a scanning laser polarimeter, the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer, (Laser Diagnostic Technologies Inc., San Diego, California) are predictive of development of repeatable glaucomatous visual field damage in glaucoma suspect eyes. Design Cohort study. Methods Participants were recruited from the UCSD longitudinal Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS). One eye from each of 160 glaucoma suspects with normal standard automated perimetry (SAP) visual fields at baseline was studied. Study eyes were divided into convert and nonconvert groups based on the development of three consecutive glaucomatous visual fields during follow-up. SLP parameters, IOP, vertical cup disk ratio, stereophotograph assessment as glaucoma or normal, corneal thickness, and visual field indices were included in univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to determine which SLP RNFL and ocular parameters were predictive of visual field conversion. Results Sixteen (10%) eyes developed repeatable visual field damage (converts) and 144 (90%) did not (nonconverts). Mean (95%CI) follow-up time until visual field conversion for convert eyes was 2.7 (1.7, 3.6) years. Mean total follow-up of nonconvert eyes was 3.8 (3.5, 4.1) years. Four out of thirteen examined baseline SLP parameters and baseline SAP Mean Deviation (MD), SAP Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD), and glaucomatous stereophotograph assessment were significant univariate predictors of visual field conversion. In multivariate models adjusted for age, IOP and CCT, SLP parameters inferior ratio, ellipse modulation, and UCSD linear discriminant function (LDF) were significant predictors of visual field conversion. When SAP PSD and stereophotograph assessment were also included in the multivariate model inferior ratio and UCSD LDF remained independently predictive of visual field loss. Conclusions Thinner baseline SLP RNFL measurements were independent predictors of visual field damage. In addition to thinner SLP RNFL measurements, higher baseline SAP PSD, and baseline glaucomatous stereophotograph assessment each contributed to an increased risk of the development of abnormal visual fields in glaucoma suspect patients. SLP RNFL measurements were independently predictive of future visual loss even when age, IOP, CCT, vertical cup disk ratio, and SAP PSD were included in the model.
Effect of blood contamination on delta 450 bilirubin measurement: an in vitro comparison of two corrective methods.

Amniotic fluid bilirubin peaks (1.6–1.8 mg/L) at ∼19–22 weeks of gestation (1). An increase in amniotic fluid bilirubin concentration after 25 weeks indicates extensive hemolysis of fetal blood and potential erythroblastosis fetalis in which amniotic fluid bilirubin can reach ∼10 mg/L (2)(3). Bilirubin in amniotic fluid can be measured by direct spectrophotometry, most commonly by the “delta 450 bilirubin” method (4). Contaminating pigments, such as hemoglobin, can interfere in the method. Chloroform extraction has been used to extract bilirubin, leaving water-soluble pigments in the aqueous layer. The delta 450 bilirubin is then measured in the chloroform fraction and interpreted by use of the Liley plot (5)(6). A delta 410 correction formula also exists that theoretically accounts for hemoglobin interference. The delta 410 absorbance is measured and used to correct the delta 450 bilirubin (4)(6)(7). Our objective was to examine the effect of hemolyzed-whole-blood contamination on the delta 450 bilirubin measurement and to compare corrective methods. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we pooled amniotic fluid specimens collected for physician-ordered fetal lung maturity assessment (stored at −20 °C). Visibly bloody or meconium-contaminated samples were not used. The pool was centrifuged at 1100 g for 5 min, and the supernatant was filtered through a 22 μm AP 20 prefilter (Millipore Corp.) and a 1.2 μm RA filter (Millipore). Bilirubin was undetectable in the pool by delta 450 measurement. We prepared a 600 mg/L stock solution of unconjugated bilirubin (ICN Biomedicals Inc.) by dissolving 6.0 mg of bilirubin in 0.1 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (Sigma Chemical Co.) and 0.2 mL of sodium carbonate (100 mmol/L). The solution was vortex-mixed until the bilirubin was dissolved. We then added 9.5 mL of pooled amniotic fluid, followed by 0.2 mL of HCl (100 mmol/L) to …
Predicting Organizational Buyer Behaviour

Considers the need for industrial marketers to understand buyers′ behavioural choices, which are affected by various factors. Examines types of behaviour and their implications for marketing strategy, offering a company example. Concludes that the development of a successful marketing strategy requires the accurate prediction of buyer behaviour, offering a useful model.
High-resolution mass spectrometer for accurate analysis of mixtures of hydrogen and helium isotopes

Abstract A mass spectrometer capable of accurate, high-resolution analyses of mixtures of hydrogen and helium isotopes was developed by coupling an ion source with a short focal length (1 cm) to a magnetic analyzer with a 35-cm radius.
ROTOKINESIS, A NOVEL PHENOMENON OF CELL LOCOMOTION‐ASSISTED CYTOKINESIS IN THE CILIATE TETRAHYMENA THERMOPHILA

The mechanism responsible for final cell separation at the end of cytokinesis is currently unknown. Knockout strains of the ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila lacking the kinesin-II homologous molecular motors, Kin1p and Kin2p are paralyzed due to their complete loss of cilia and undergo frequent cytokinesis failures. Observations of live dividing cells revealed that cleavage furrow ingression is normal in kinesin-II double knockout cells until the final stage of cell separation (Brown et al., 1999). During closer inspection of dividing cells using video differential interference contrast microscopy, we found that wild-type cells undergo an extremely complex motile behavior near the end of cytokinesis. This process, which we have named rotokinesis, appears to facilitate the physical separation of daughter cells. Here we present recent work onTetrahymena rotokinesis, and review studies in other organisms which suggest that the use of cell locomotion in the completion of cytokinesis is a general phenomenon of motile cell types.
Spectroscopic relaxation processes of rare earth ions in crystals

Abstract Relaxation processes between Stark groups in the (4f) n energy levels of rare-earth salts are discussed. The low temperature spontaneous relaxation rates are exponential in the energy gap to the next lowest Stark group. The rates are determined primarily by the order of the process and the strength of the orbit-lattice interaction. With increasing temperature, stimulated emission of phonons by thermal phonons increases the rate. The presence of molecular groups and 4f n -1 5d bands can cause quite different rates and temperature dependences. Excitation migration to special sites is suggested as a primary mechanism in ion-pair relaxation.
Calcium, calcification, and melatonin biosynthesis in the human pineal gland: A postmortem study into age‐related factors

It is believed that pineal calcification may be age-associated and that the well-demonstrated age-related decline in melatonin biosynthesis may be an expression of an alteration in calcium homeostasis in the pinealocyte. Prior correlations of melatonin to calcium deposition and age were made on the basis of radiological or semiquantitative analysis. In this postmortem study of 33 subjects (age range 3 months to 65 years) calcium deposits measured by atomic absorption spectrometry correlated positively with age in day and night samples (day: r = 0.56, P < 0.05; night: r = 0.818, P < 0.001). Nighttime (2200 h to 0800 h) pineal melatonin content (HPLC fluorometry) was higher than daytime melatonin levels (nighttime 3.80 +/- 0.3 vs. daytime 0.85 +/- 0.4 ng/mg protein). Nighttime calcium levels in the supernatant correlated negatively with melatonin content (r = -0.59, P < 0.05).
The effect of statistical perturbations on angular correlations

Abstract The influence of an arbitrary statistical interactions, which is also random in space, on the angular correlation of two particles successively by a nucleus is investigated. The resulting time-dependent angular correlation function has the form c 0 +Σ i c i ƒ i (θ) e λit , in which the ƒ i (θ) represent characteristic angular distributions given by the properties of the interaction in the source by the type of particle emitted in the second decay. Some special cases are considered. If, for example, the statistical interaction consists of small electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole perturbations and the second particle is a photon, the ƒ i (θ) become identical to Legendre polynomials, as has been shown by Abragam and Pound. Sufficiently accurate measurements of the characteristics angular distributions and decay constants will give information on the mechanisms of the spin relaxation by the statistical interaction in the source.
Transilient Turbulence Theory. Part III: Bulk Dispersion Rate and Numerical Stability

Abstract Even though a continuum of mixing parameters γ(t, z, ζ) is used in transilient turbulence theory to describe the effects of many superimposed eddy sizes (ζ) on the mean field at height z, the overall bulk dispersive rate at any height can be measured by one number, N2(z). By utilizing second moment measures of dispersion, it is shown theoretically, for various special cases that the variance of tract position, σs2, is given by σz2(z, t = N2(z)t, where N2(z) = ∫ ζ2γ(z, ζ)dζ. An analogous expression for N2(z) is derived for the discrete version of transilient theory, as can be used for grid point models. These bulk dispersive rates can easily be compared to eddy diffusivity, K(z), because the variance of tracer position for K theory is known to be σs2(z, t) = 2K(z)t. The discrete version of transilient turbulence theory is shown to be absolutely numerically stable, regardless of the timestep size or the grid point spacing. In addition, it is shown how the values of the discrete transilient coeffici...
A mechanistic basis for distinct mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor transcriptional specificities

Abstract The mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors (MR and GR, respectively) are closely related members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Despite functional similarities and a high degree of sequence conservation between MR and GR, the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid hormones elicit markedly different physiological effects, even in cells expressing both receptors. Hormone specificity is, in part, determined by the actions of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, other mechanisms must obtain in cells that express both receptors and respond differentially to the two classes of hormone. Indeed, MR and GR, while functionally redundant in some contexts, in others display distinct transcriptional specificities. In particular, in the presence of members of the API family of regulatory factors, cJun and cFos, a composite response element, plfG, is GR-specific. Transcription from a plfF-linked gene is stimulated by GR in the presence of cJun and repressed by GR in the presence of cJun and cFos. MR neither stimulates nor express transcription in the same contexts, thus indicating that receptor transcriptional specificities can be distinguished by differential interactions with nonreceptor factors at a composite response element. The implications of these findings from mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid hormone specificity in various tissues are discussed,
Design of insulin delivery devices based on glucose sensitive membranes

Abstract A theoretical model has been developed to evaluate possible designs for an insulin delivery system which is responsive to glucose. The system is based upon a glucose sensitive hydrogel containing immobilized glucose oxidase and catalase. The requirement of molecular oxygen for the enzymic reactions ordinarily limits the response of the system to levels of glucose (less than 50 mg%) below the patho-physiological range (50–1000 mg%) The theoretical model dcveloned desrnbes the transient as well as steady state diffusion and reaction of glucose, oxygen and gluconic acid within the macroporous hydrogel for various designs chosen to alleviate the oxygen limitation. The designs are evaluated in terms of the average pH change within the gel in response to increasing concentrations of glucose. The model predicts the oxygen limitation that has been seen experimentally for a thin glucose sensitive membrane (GSM). The modeling studies have also revealed four device configurations that overcome this limitation. Each design uses silicone rubber to create additional pathways for oxygen delivery to the gel interior. A thin GSM loaded with insulin and placed over a silicone rubber drum, sealed to form a gaseous reservoir, was found to be sensitive to glucose concentrations in the 0–500 mg% range. A second design using a silicone rubber tube filled with GSM (also preloaded with insulin), exhibited glucose sensitivity in the 0–400 mg% range. A combined design, with a central gaseous reservoir bounded by plugs of GSM in a silicone rubber tube, retained a linear response even in the 300–500 rag% range. Finally a fourth design, with an insulin loaded GSM sandwiched between two circular films of silicone rubber sheeting, was sensitive in the 0–200 mg% range. Further considerations of response time, insulin loading and delivery capacity are also discussed.
Controlling attosecond pulse generation with a double optical gating

Numerical simulations have revealed that by adding a second harmonic field to a laser field with a time-dependent ellipticity, single isolated attosecond pulses can be generated as a result of the combined power of the two-color gating and the polarization gating. The duration of the pump laser applicable to this double optical gating scheme is a factor of 2 longer than that for the conventional polarization gating. Pulses with 200 attosecond duration can be generated from argon gas even with $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fs}$ lasers. It was discovered that the number of attosecond pulses and their intensities could be controlled by either the relative phase between the two color fields or the carrier-envelope phase.
Androgyny Across Two Cultures United States and Israel

The present study involved a cross-cultural comparison of 320 Israeli and 333 American students using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) as a measure of sex-role orientation. The results indicated that fewer Israeli males were classified as androgynous. No significant differences were found in the masculine or feminine categories. It was found that Israeli and American females were very similar in terms of mean masculine and feminine BSRI scores. However, Israeli males had significantly lower BSRI masculine scores than American males. The utility of the BSRI and other measures of sex-role orientation for cross-cultural research is noted and other studies using Israeli samples are discussed.
How different wind stress patterns affect the tropical-subtropical circulations of the Upper Ocean

Abstract An oceanic GCM is used to investigate the response of the tropical and subtropical thermocline circulation and structure to different wind stress patterns. Although the subtropical winds do not affect the transport or the speed of the Equatorial Undercurrent significantly, they do change the equatorial temperature field in the lower part of the equatorial thermocline significantly. A weaker subtropical wind curl causes a cooling of the subsurface equatorial region and, hence, an intensification of the equatorial thermocline. A weakening of the subtropical wind curl by a factor of 2 cools the equatorial lower thermocline water by 2°C.
Central cities and housing supply: Growth and decline in US cities

Abstract Many older American cities lost population during the last three decades of the twentieth century, but while cities such as Boston or New York saw numbers of dwelling units remain stable or even increase, others such as Buffalo, St. Louis, Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh lost large fractions of their dwelling units. This study decomposes decadal population changes from 1970 through 2000 for 351 US cities into household size, housing unit, and occupancy rate effects and finds substantial stock declines (as high as 50%) in many cities. It then develops a supply and demand model to model central city housing unit supply elasticities, with special emphasis on “kinked supply”—inelastic in the negative direction and elastic in the positive directions. Supply elasticities for housing unit decreases were between +0.03 and +0.13. For housing unit increases the elasticities were between +1.05 and +1.08.
Localization to the proteasome is sufficient for degradation

The majority of unstable proteins in eukaryotic cells are targeted for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Substrates for degradation are recognized by the E1, E2, and E3 ubiquitin conjugation machinery and tagged with polyubiquitin chains, which are thought to promote the proteolytic process through their binding with the proteasome. We describe a method to bypass the ubiquitination step artificially both in vivo and in a purified in vitro system. Seven proteasome subunits were tagged with Fpr1, and fusion reporter constructs were created with the Fpr1-rapamycin binding domain of Tor1. Reporter proteins were localized to the proteasome by the addition of rapamycin, a drug that heterodimerizes Fpr1 and Tor1. Degradation of reporter proteins was observed with proteasomes that had either Rpn10 or Pre10 subunits tagged with Fpr1. Our experiments resolved a simple but central problem concerning the design of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We conclude that localization to the proteasome is sufficient for degradation and, therefore, any added functions polyubiquitin chains possess beyond tethering substrates to the proteasome are not strictly necessary for proteolysis.
A NEW TAKE ON AN OLD IDEA: Do We Need Multiracial Studies?

Publications about multiracial identity and the multiracial population increased significantly prior to the 2000 U.S. Census. Most of these publications emerged after 1997—a significant year in the recent history of studies on the multiracial population, as this was the year the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) established new guidelines for collecting data on race, allowing people to choose more than one race (Office of Management and Budget 1997 ). It quickly became evident that this change in how the federal government tallies race was a significant event that merited the attention of academics. This surge in research on multiracial identity and the multiracial movement reflected, on the one hand, a push by multiracial advocates for more attention to the complexities of “being multiracial” and, on the other hand, a group of scholars interested in understanding the unfolding of these events.
The primary type of tremor in essential tremor is kinetic rather than postural: cross-sectional observation of tremor phenomenology in 369 cases

Background Essential tremor (ET) is amongst the most commonly misdiagnosed neurological diseases. The current aim was to provide observational data on a basic characteristic of ET, namely, the relative severity of postural to kinetic tremor. Methods A total of 369 ET cases were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Postural tremor scores (0–3) and kinetic tremor scores (0–3) were assigned during a standardized neurological examination. Results In the vast bulk of cases (~95%), kinetic tremor was more severe than postural tremor. In nearly one-in-three cases (32.8%), the kinetic tremor score was ≥1 points higher than the postural tremor score. Conversely, in only a few cases (~5%) was postural tremor even marginally (<1 point) more severe than kinetic tremor, and in no case was the postural tremor score ≥1 point higher than the kinetic tremor score. At each postural tremor score, nearly all cases had that amount of kinetic tremor or more. Conclusion The primary type of tremor in ET is kinetic rather than postural. Recognition of the simple, empirical features of tremor phenomenology has potential diagnostic value for practicing clinicians.
Inflation Uncertainty and Disagreement in Bond Risk Premia

This paper examines the relation between variations in perceived inflation uncertainty and bond premia. Using the subjective probability distributions available in the Survey of Professional Forecasters we construct a quarterly time series of average individual uncertainty about inflation forecasts since 1968. We show that this ex-ante measure of inflation uncertainty differs importantly from measures of disagreement regarding inflation forecasts and other proxies, such as model-based ex-post measures of macroeconomic risk. Inflation uncertainty is an important driver of bond premia, but the relation varies across inflation regimes. It is most important in the high-inflation regime early in the sample and the low-inflation regime over the last 15 years. Once the role of inflation uncertainty is accounted for, disagreement regarding inflation forecasts appears a much less important driver of bond premia.
Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Pediatric Headache

Headaches are quite common in children and adolescents, and they appear to persist into adulthood in a sizable number of individuals. Assessment approaches (interview, pain diaries, and general and specific questionnaires) and behavioral treatment interventions (contingency management, relaxation, biofeedback, and cognitive behavior therapy) are reviewed, as is the evidence base for their use. The article concludes with practical suggestions for headache management.
Hepatitis B Virus RNA-Binding Proteins Associated with Cytokine-Induced Clearance of Viral RNA from the Liver of Transgenic Mice

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression is downregulated in the liver of HBV transgenic mice by a posttranscriptional mechanism that is triggered by the local production of gamma interferon (IFN-g) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) during intrahepatic inflammation (hepatitis). The molecular basis for this antiviral effect is unknown. In this study, we identified three HBV RNA-binding liver nuclear proteins (p45, p39, and p26) the relative abundance of which correlates with the abundance of HBV RNA in response to the induction of IFN-g and TNF-a. All three proteins bind to a 91-bp element located at the 5* end of a previously defined posttranscriptional regulatory element that is thought to mediate the nuclear export of HBV RNA. The presence of p45 correlates directly with the presence of HBV RNA, being detectable under baseline conditions when the viral RNA is abundant and undetectable when the viral RNA disappears in response to IFN-g and TNF-a. In contrast, p26 is inversely related to HBV RNA, being detectable only when the viral RNA disappears following cytokine activation. Finally, p39 is constitutively expressed, and its abundance and mobility appear to be slightly increased by cytokine activation. These results suggest a model in which hepatocellular HBV RNA content might be controlled by the stabilizing and/or destabilizing influences of these RNA-binding proteins whose activity is regulated by cytokine-induced signaling pathways.
The influence of correlation functions on stochastic kriging metamodels

The correlation function plays a critical role in both kriging and stochastic kriging metamodels. This paper will compare various correlation functions in both spatial and frequency domains, and analyze the influence of the choice of correlation function on prediction accuracy by experimenting with three tractable examples with differentiable and non-differentiable response surfaces: the M/M/1 queue, multi-product M/G/1 queue and 3-station Jackson network. The twice or higher-order continuously differentiable correlation functions demonstrate a promising capability to fit both differentiable and non-differentiable multi-dimensional response surfaces.
Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a Diverse Urban Community

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder among New York City adults. Methods: As part of the first community-specific Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States, depression and anxiety were assessed in a representative sample of 1,817 noninstitutionalized adults in 2004. Results: A total of 8% had major depressive disorder and 4% had generalized anxiety disorder. Respondents with depression were more likely to be formerly married, publicly insured, younger, and U.S. born. Only 55% of adults with depression were diagnosed, and 38% of those with depression or anxiety were in treatment; individuals with a diagnosis of depression were more likely to receive treatment than those without a diagnosis (61% versus 7%; p<.001). Immigrants with depression were 60% less likely to be diagnosed than their U.S.-born counterparts; immigrants arriving in this country ten or more years ago had slightly more anxiety than immigrants arriving less than ten years ago (3% versus 2%, not significant). Among respondents with anxiety, 23% reported disability compared with 15% of those with depression. Compared with adults with neither diagnosis, adults with depression or anxiety were twice as likely to smoke tobacco (p<.05), adults with depression were twice as likely to have diabetes (p<.01), and those with anxiety were twice as likely to have asthma (p<.01). Conclusions: Mental disorders are often disabling and inadequately diagnosed and treated. Foreign-born adults experience barriers to diagnosis and treatment despite having less depression; anxiety may increase with time since immigration. Increased awareness of and linkage to mental health services are needed, especially in larger, more diverse urban communities. (Psychiatric Services 59:641–647, 2008)
Accelerations in the plane joint with application to the Tracta coupling

A formulation using dual-number coordinate transformations is developed to calculate the accelerations within the plane joint, a complex joint where the displacements are naturally expressed in different coordinate frames. The calculation of the accelerations in the Tracta constant-velocity shaft coupling is presented as an example of how the methodology can be applied in an automatic-computation scheme applicable to many types of mechanisms including those with a plane joint.
What women want from their oral contraceptives

Modern oral contraceptives provide women with pregnancy protection that is effective and safe; they also provide numerous noncontraceptive health benefits. However, many women are not aware of the health benefits provided by pregnancy prevention and they harbor significant concerns about the safety of birth control pills. The birth control pill is an extraordinarily important preventive health medication, which (as part of other family planning developments) was recognized as one of the ten most important public health achievements in the 20th Century. However, as good as it is, the pill may not provide what it is that women really want – not to have to worry about pregnancy at all.
Online Layered File System (OLFS): A layered and versioned filesystem and performance analysis

We present a novel form of intra-volume directory layering with hierarchical, inheritance-like namespace unification. While each layer of an OLFS volume constitutes a subvolume that can be mounted separately in a fan-in configuration, the entire hierarchy is always accessible (online) and fully navigable through any mounted layer. OLFS uses a relational database to store its layering metadata and either a relational database or any (virtual) host file system as its backing store, along with metadata and block caching for improved performance. Because OLFS runs as a virtual file system in user-space, its capabilities are available to all existing software without modification or special privileges. We have developed a reference implementation of OLFS for FUSE based on MySQL and XFS, and conducted performance benchmarking against XFS by itself. We explore several applications of OLFS, such as enhanced server synchronization, transactional file operations, and versioning.
The International Expansion Process of MNEs from Developing Countries: A Case Study of Thailand's CP Group

This paper reviews different streams of literature on Third World multinational enterprises (MNEs), highlighting the necessity to maintain a balance between exploiting existing resources and accumulating new competence. Using a case study research methodology, empirical evidence is presented on the international expansion process of the CP Group of Thailand. The paper attempts to explain the sequential growth and expansion of the CP Group into different technological and geographical areas. While existing resources feature prominently in determining the direction and the success of expansion, the accumulation of new expertise becomes even more significant in the long run. The paper also suggests a variety of theoretical and empirical issues which may be relevant in future inquiry on the internationalization process.
Multimeaning Words and Reading Comprehension Implications for Special Education Students

This article discusses the relationship between knowledge of multimeaning (polysemic) words and reading comprehension. Many poor readers, including those students in special education programs, may not be aware of the various meanings of many multimeaning words. This paucity of semantic knowledge reflects an inadequate development of the students' prior knowledge and may contribute directly to reading comprehension problems. It is argued that teachers should be more aware of the prevalence of polysemic words in reading materials. Teachers may also need to provide imaginative, direct vocabulary instruction. The authors include examples of teaching techniques most likely to be effective in broadening and deepening students' knowledge of word meanings--- a prime factor in reading comprehension.
Large-Eddy Simulation of Swirling Turbulent Jet Flows in Absence of Vortex Breakdown

characteristic length and time scales of inflowing turbulent eddies are consistent with the corresponding Reynoldsaveraged Navier–Stokes profiles imposed at the inlet. The resulting large-eddy simulation method is validated against experimental data of both swirling and nonswirling turbulent jets. The application of the validated largeeddy simulation method to studies of the mechanism of swirl effects shows the following. Swirl breaks apart the typicalringstructuresofnonswirlingturbulentjetsintotwomodes:ahelicalmodeandstreamwisebraidstructures. The interaction of these two modes generates unorganized turbulence that enhances the turbulent mixing. An analysis of the mixing enhancement byswirl shows asignificantincrease of the turbulent mixing efficiency of scalars with the swirl number (of up to 21.7% for the cases considered).
The Effect of Feeding During Recovery from Aerobic Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Intracellular Signaling

We previously reported an increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis during fasted and fed recovery from nonexhaustive aerobic exercise (Harber et al., 2010). The current study examined skeletal muscle intracellular signaling in the same subjects to further investigate mechanisms of skeletal muscle protein metabolism with and without feeding following aerobic exercise. Eight males (VO₂peak: 52 ± 2 ml⁻¹·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) performed 60-min of cycle ergometry at 72 ± 1% VO₂peak on two occasions in a counter-balanced design. Exercise trials differed only in the postexercise nutritional intervention: EX-FED (5 kcal, 0.83 g carbohydrate, 0.37 g protein, 0.03 g fat per kg body weight) and EX-FAST (noncaloric, isovolumic placebo) ingested immediately and one hour after exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at rest (on a separate day) and two hours postexercise to assess intracellular signaling via western blotting of p70S6K1, eEF2, 4EBP1, AMPKα and p38 MAPK. p70S6K1 phosphorylation was elevated (p < .05) in EX-FED relative to REST and EX-FAST. eEF2, 4EBP1, AMPKα and p38 MAPK signaling were unaltered at 2 h after exercise independent of feeding status when expressed as the ratio of phosphorylated to total protein normalized to actin. These data demonstrate that feeding after a nonexhaustive bout of aerobic exercise stimulates skeletal muscle p70S6K1 intracellular signaling favorable for promoting protein synthesis which may, as recent literature has suggested, better prepare the muscle for subsequent exercise bouts. These data provide further support into the role of feeding on mechanisms regulating muscle protein metabolism during recovery from aerobic exercise.
Primary radiotherapy for localized orbital MALT lymphoma

Abstract Purpose: To define the natural history, prognosis, and radiocurability of localized orbital extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Methods and Materials: Clinical records and pathologic material of 40 patients treated with local radiotherapy for localized orbital lymphoma were reviewed. Treatment consisted of 30–40 Gy in 1.8–2-Gy fractions (mean 34 Gy) of irradiation using 9–20-MeV electrons for conjunctival lesions, or 6-MV photons with complex treatment planning for retrobulbar lesions. The lens was routinely shielded with the use of a suspended eye bar. Results: Upon pathologic review, 31 cases of orbital MALT lymphoma were identified. With the median follow-up of 5.9 years (range 9 months–20.3 years), the actuarial 10-year overall survival was 73%. Local control was 100%. Five distant failures resulted in a projected 10-year freedom from relapse of 71%. Most of the failures were extranodal in sites where MALT lymphoma has previously been shown to arise. No difference in outcome was observed among patients treated to less than or equal to 34 Gy vs. those treated to higher radiation doses. Two patients experienced clinically significant retinal damage after doses ≥ 34 Gy. Conclusion: In this study, localized orbital MALT lymphoma was well controlled with radiotherapy. Even following relapse, patients with orbital MALT lymphoma exhibited an indolent course. Relapse occurred predominantly in extranodal mucosal sites, implying a possible homing mechanism for MALT lymphoma cells. Given the excellent local control rates, our current treatment recommendation is to use a radiation dose of 30–30.6 Gy in 1.5–1.8-Gy fractions to minimize risk of late toxicity.
Northern Pocket Gopher (Thomomys talpoides) Control of Alpine Plant Community Structure

Abstract We evaluated the importance of the northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) in controlling plant species composition and richness in two alpine tundra plant communities. We hypothesized that forb diversity and relative abundance is modified by gopher mounding activities in moist meadows of Niwot Ridge, Colorado, U.S.A., where both the pocket gopher and forbs are most concentrated. We tested this hypothesis with simulated gopher mounds. Forbs recovered faster following burial than graminoids or cushion plants, demonstrating a resilience that we propose confers a competitive advantage over other growth forms and favors forb dominance in moist meadows. Gopher effects on species richness varied according to spatial scale of measurement and community type. For one decade we monitored the responses of a sedge-dominated community to gopher activity in 1.5 m2 plots that included both gopher mounds and intermound spaces and found that species richness was significantly positively correlated with recent...
How green is this paper

The increasing governmentalization and commodification of knowledge are putting intense pressure on scholars to write and publish more, and in accordance with conventions that are not of their own making, due to benchmarks of success set by the applied sciences that suit business and the state. These tendencies are also producing a potentially unsustainable environmental burden that may be increasing, not decreasing, as we move more and more into an online publishing world. This recognition leads to three provocations: 1) There is too much scholarly publication to keep up with, and too much pressure to publish; 2) The future of all academic publishing will largely be determined by the sciences; and 3) We must consider the relative merits of publishing electronically rather than on paper in terms of the environment - in other words, asking “how green is this paper?”
Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulatory molecules that might be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Circulating miRNAs might be noninvasive biomarkers to diagnose and characterize asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective We sought to determine whether miRNAs are differentially expressed in the blood of asthmatic patients compared with those in the blood of nonasthmatic patients with AR and nonallergic nonasthmatic subjects. Furthermore, we sought to establish whether miRNAs could be used to characterize or subtype asthmatic patients. Methods Expression of plasma miRNAs was measured by using real-time quantitative PCR in 35 asthmatic patients, 25 nonasthmatic patients with AR, and 19 nonallergic nonasthmatic subjects. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by using Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni P value adjustment to correct for multiple comparisons. A random forest classification algorithm combined with a leave-one-out cross-validation approach was implemented to assess the predictive capacities of the profiled miRNAs. Results We identified 30 miRNAs that were differentially expressed among healthy, allergic, and asthmatic subjects. These miRNAs fit into 5 different expression pattern groups. Among asthmatic patients, miRNA expression profiles identified 2 subtypes that differed by high or low peripheral eosinophil levels. Circulating miR-125b, miR-16, miR-299-5p, miR-126, miR-206, and miR-133b levels were most predictive of allergic and asthmatic status. Conclusions Subsets of circulating miRNAs are uniquely expressed in patients with AR and asthmatic patients and have potential for use as noninvasive biomarkers to diagnose and characterize these diseases.
Relationship of Rod-and-Frame Scores to Dream Recall

Equivocal evidence exists as to the relationship of dream recall to field independence. Although previous work (Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, & Karp, 1962) showed field independents recalled more, Montgomery and Bone (1970) employing an Identical-figures Task obcained no such relationship. Considering these findings the present scudy was designed to clarify this area both by employing a large sample and two measures of dream recall. Rod-and-frame scores, average deviacion from vertical over 8 trials, were obtained from 86 male and 90 female introductory psychology students. Ss were asked to race their questionnaire dream recall on a 7-poinc scale, high scores reflecting greater recall. Dream diary recall was assessed by the number of dreams recalled upon awakening over a 24-day period. Product-moment correlations were computed. Rod-and-frame correlations were -.06, -.I8 and -.I1 for the questionnaire measure and .21, -.I4 and .03 for the diary measure for male, female and total data respectively. Field independence was not significantly related to either index for the total group and women, although it was in the predicted direction (Witkin, et al., 1962). While data for men follow the same pattern for the questionnaire index, significance was actained for the diary measure (p < .05) but in the opposite direction (e.g., field-dependenc men recall more dreams). This is difficult co reconcile with Witkin's (1970) hypothesis that field-dependents rely on repression and should recall fewer dreams. Repression, however, has recently been questioned as an explanatory mechanism (Bone, Nelson, & McAllister, 1970) for failure to recall dreams. No explanation for these data is proposed.
The Relationship Between Providing Neonatal Palliative Care and Nurses' Moral Distress: An Integrative Review

Moral distress has been identified in multiple clinical settings especially in critical care areas. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has frequent situations in which moral distress may occur including providing palliative care. The purpose of this integrative review was to determine the relat