cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convective heat transfer in the thermal entrance region of parallel-flow noncircular duct heat exchanger arrays

Convective heat transfer properties of a hydrodynamically fully developed flow, thermally developing flow in a parallel-flow, and noncircular duct heat exchanger passage subject to an insulated boundary condition are analyzed. In fact, due to the complexity of the geometry, this paper investigates in detail heat transfer in a parallel-flow heat exchanger of equilateral-triangular and semicircular ducts. The developing temperature field in each passage in these geometries is obtained seminumerically from solving the energy equation employing the method of lines (MOL). According to this method, the energy equation is reformulated by a system of a first-order differential equation controlling the temperature along each line. Temperature distribution in the thermal entrance region is obtained utilizing sixteen lines or less, in the cross-stream direction of the duct. The grid pattern chosen provides drastic savings in computing time. The representative curves illustrating the isotherms, the variation of the bulk temperature for each passage, and the total Nusselt number with pertinent parameters in the entire thermal entry region are plotted. It is found that the log mean temperature difference (ΔT LM), the heat exchanger effectiveness, and the number of transfer units (NTU) are 0.247, 0.490, and 1.985 for semicircular ducts, and 0.346, 0.466, and 1.345 for equilateral-triangular ducts.
Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Rational treatment selection.

Practical relevance Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common diagnosis in cats with chronic gastrointestinal signs. Its management presents clinical challenges, not least because rational therapy relies on a definitive diagnosis, and current understanding of the underlying pathogenesis has, to date, limited the development of specific therapies. The mainstays of treatment remain dietary manipulation and immunosuppressive theraphy, but treatment failures are not uncommon. A logical clinical approach is important and there are a number of alternative or adjunctive treatments that can prove useful in refractory cases. Evidence base This article draws on data from clinical trials in humans, in vitro studies, prospective and retrospective studies in cats with naturally occurring IBD, and clinical experience to discuss the work-up and treatment selection for cats with idiopathic IBD. Patient group IBD affects young adult to geriatric cats of both sexes. Audience Companion animal and feline practitioners are at the front line when it comes to managing these often challenging cases.
Conservative Circuit Simulation on Multiprocessor Machines

Distributed computation among multiple processors is one approach to reducing simulation time for large VLSI circuits designs. In this paper, we investigate conservative parallel discrete event simulation for logic circuits on multiprocessor machines. The synchronization protocol makes use of the Semi-Global Time-of-Next- Event (SGTNE/TNE) suite of algorithms. Extensive simulation experiments were conducted to validate our model using several digital logic circuits on an Intel Paragon machine.
The Courage to Challenge: A New Measure of Hardiness in LGBT Adults

Even with society's increasing acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) persons, negative stereotypes persist. Despite these depictions, most LGBT people manage to cope with adversity, thrive, and develop increased self-efficacy along with personal resilience. This paper describes the process of developing and validating a rapid assessment instrument aimed at identifying personal hardiness, a central component of resilience in LGBT persons. Incorporating the conceptual intersection of three primary social constructs — stress/coping, self-efficacy, and social stigma — the Courage to Challenge Scale offers practitioners a more culturally relevant understanding of LGBT client populations. The implications are described; in particular, opportunities for more comprehensive assessment and utilization of client strengths. Implications for future research are identified.
Rating Roads for Motorcyclist Safety: Development of a Motorcycle Road Assessment Program

Motorcycles are vastly different from other vehicles on the road: they are highly unstable and provide little protection to users. Because of motorcycle instability, variations in road surfaces and geometry may be more hazardous to motorcyclists than to other road users. Road safety ratings for the entire vehicle fleet, primarily cars, have been applied to roadways in Europe, the United States, and Australia. However, these primarily car-oriented systems have limited value for motorcyclists. This study develops a unique road safety rating system designed for motorcyclists. On the basis of normalized motorcycle crash rates, roads were classified into five safety rating categories, ranging from low risk to severe risk. The new methodology for rating roads was applied to 16 roads in New Jersey, covering 1,099.5 mi (1,769.5 km) of road. Roadways were mapped to create a visual representation of the distribution of safety hazards on the analyzed roads. Of these roads, 19% posed a severe risk to motorcyclists. T...
New Method for Susceptibility Testing with Antifungal Agents

A new method for the determination of minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of antifungal agents for filamentous fungi is described. 5-Fluorocytosine (5-FC) was used as a representative agent and was tested against the following genera: Allescheria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fonsecaea , and Phialophora . 5-FC was found to be inhibitory but not fungicidal for many of the fungi tested, including eight of clinical origin. Images
PGC-1α and Exercise: Important Partners in Combating Insulin Resistance

Diabetes and obesity are characterised by an impairment in mitochondrial function resulting in a decrease in glucose and fatty acid oxidation, respiration and an increase in intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG's) and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a nuclear transcriptional coactivator which regulates several important metabolic processes including, mitochondrial biogenesis, adaptive thermogenesis, respiration, insulin secretion and gluconeogenesis. In addition, PGC-1alpha has been shown to increase the percentage of oxidative type I muscle fibres, with the latter responsible for the majority of insulin stimulated glucose uptake. PGC-1alpha also co-activates PPAR's alpha, beta/delta and gamma which are important transcription factors of genes regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. Exercise causes mitochondrial biogenesis, improves skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation capacity and insulin sensitivity, therefore making it an important intervention for the treatment of insulin resistance. The expression of PGC-1alpha mRNA is reduced in diabetic subjects, however, it is rapidly induced in response to interventions which signal alterations in metabolic requirements, such as exercise. Because of the important role of PGC-1alpha in the control of energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity, it is seen as a candidate factor in the etiology of type 2 diabetes and a drug target for its therapeutic treatment.
High pT Physics in PHENIX

Abstract Several recent single particle measurements as well as two and three particle correlation analyses are presented with respect to particle type and entrance channel. The results are discussed with an eye towards what can be inferred about the underlying jet modification scenario at RHIC.
Conditions that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels promote spore formation in Dictyostelium.

Abstract We have been using sporogenous mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum strain V12M2 to study regulation of cell fate during terminal differentiation of spores and stalk cells. Analyses of intracellular cAMP accumulation, cAMP secretion, cAMP binding to cell surface receptors, and chemotactic sensitivity to exogenous cAMP during aggregation showed that all of these functions were identical in V12M2 and HB200, a sporogenous mutant. We used several methods of altering intracellular cAMP levels in HB200 cells to test the hypothesis that intracellular cAMP levels affect cell fate. First, HB200 amoebae were treated with 5 m M caffeine for 4 h during growth, washed, and allowed to develop in the absence of caffeine. Treated cells had normal levels of intracellular cAMP and adenylate cyclase activities at the beginning of differentiation; by 6 h development, they contained two to three times more intracellular cAMP and two times more GTP-dependent adenylate cyclase activity than untreated cells. However, their level of basal Mn + + -dependent adenylate cyclase activity was the same as untreated controls. Thus, treatment of growing HB200 amoebae with caffeine for only 4 h leads to hyperinduction of a GTP-dependent regulator (or inhibition of a negative regulator) of adenylate cyclase during subsequent differentiation, without induction of basal activity. The fraction of amoebae forming spores increased twofold when HB200 amoebae were treated with caffeine during growth. Spore (but not stalk cell) differentiation by such treated cells was blocked by inhibitors of cAMP accumulation. Second, cells grown on nutrient agar accumulated higher levels of intracellular cAMP and formed more spores in vitro than cells grown in shaken suspension. Third, 8-Br-cAMP, a membrane-permeable cAMP analog with low affinity for the cell surface receptor, promotes in vitro spore formation in a concentration-dependent manner when added at the beginning of differentiation. These results show that increased spore formation correlates with elevated intracellular cAMP.
Giant Cell Arteritis: Validity and Reliability of Various Diagnostic Criteria

Purpose To ascertain the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of various signs and symptoms of and diagnostic tests for early diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Methods From 1973 to 1994, we studied 363 patients who had temporal artery biopsy for suspected giant cell arteritis. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and had erythrocyte sedimentation rates determined; since 1985, 223 patients had their C-reactive protein values estimated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were also estimated in 749 and 138 control subjects, respectively. Signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels among patients with positive and negative biopsies were compared. Results Of the 363 patients, temporal artery biopsy was positive in 106 and negative in 257. The odds of a positive biopsy were 9.0 times greater with jaw claudication ( P P = .0085), 2.0 times greater with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 47 to 107 mm/hour ( P = .0454), 3.2 times greater with C-reactive protein above 2.45 mg/dl ( P = .0208), and 2.0 times greater for age 75 years or more ( P = .0105). Conclusions Clinical criteria most strongly suggestive of giant cell arteritis include jaw claudication, C-reactive protein above 2.45 mg/dl, neck pain, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 47 mm/hour or more, in that order. C-reactive protein was more sensitive (100%) than erythrocyte sedimentation rate (92%) for detection of giant cell arteritis; erythrocyte sedimentation rate combined with C-reactive protein gave the best specificity (97%).
Fibrin Enhances Differentiation, but not Apoptosis, and Limits Hypoxic Injury of Cultured Term Human Trophoblasts

We hypothesized that fibrin enhances apoptosis and modulates differentiation of trophoblast in vitro. Cytotrophoblasts isolated from normal term human placentas were cultured ≤72 h in DMEM–10%-FBS on a fibrin matrix in standard or hypoxic conditions. Trophoblasts were cultured on plastic (control), type I collagen (matrix control), or dishes with fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products (FDP), thrombin, plasma fibronectin or cellular fibronectin. Apoptosis was determined by western analysis of the cleavage products of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and cytokeratin 18 and caspase 3 activity. Cell cycle regulation was quantified by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p27 protein. Differentiation was determined by media level of hCG and hPL. Compared to the two controls, fibrin matrix had no effect on trophoblast apoptosis or total cell death in standard conditions. Neither fibrin nor collagen altered expression of PCNA or p27. In contrast, fibrin significantly increased the secretion of both hCG and hPL. Fibrin, but not FDP, thrombin or fibronectins, promoted hormonal differentiation. Fibrin limited the impact of a ≤8 h of hypoxia on trophoblast hormone release but did not avert the effects of 24 h of low oxygen and did not alter apoptosis in hypoxic trophoblast. We conclude that fibrin provides an environment conducive for trophoblast re-epithelialization of the surface of villi, where injury is marked by fibrin deposition.
Purification and Molecular Cloning of an 8R-Lipoxygenase from the Coral Plexaura homomalla Reveal the Related Primary Structures of R- and S-Lipoxygenases

Lipoxygenases that form S configuration fatty acid hydroperoxides have been purified or cloned from plant and mammalian sources. Our objectives were to characterize one of the lipoxygenases with R stereospecificity, many of which are described in marine and freshwater invertebrates. Characterization of the primary structure of an R-specific enzyme should help provide a new perspective to consider the enzyme-substrate interactions that are the basis of the specificity of all lipoxygenases. We purified an 8R-lipoxygenase of the prostaglandin-containing coral Plexaura homomalla by cation and anion exchange chromatography. This yielded a colorless enzyme preparation, a band of ∼100 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and turnover numbers of 4000 min−1 of 8R-lipoxygenase activity in peak chromatographic fractions. The full-length cDNA was cloned by PCR using peptide sequence from the purified protein and by 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 715 amino acids, including over 70 amino acids identified by peptide microsequencing. A peptide presequence of 52 amino acids is cleaved to give the mature protein of 76 kDa; the difference from the estimated size by SDS-PAGE implies a post-translational modification of the P. homomalla enzyme. All of the iron-binding histidines of S-lipoxygenases are conserved in the 8R-lipoxygenase. However, the C-terminal amino acid is a threonine, as opposed to the isoleucine that provides the carboxylate ligand to the iron in all known S-lipoxygenases. These results establish that the 8R-lipoxygenase is related in primary structure to the S-lipoxygenases. A model of the basis of R and S stereospecificity is described.
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias Induced by the Combined Effects of β1/2-adrenergic Autoantibodies and Thyroid Hormone in the Rabbit

Activating autoantibodies (AAb) to β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) are associated with atrial fibrillation in patients with Graves’ disease. In the present study, we examined the interaction of thyroid hormone with β1/2AR-AAb in inducing atrial tachyarrhythmias in the rabbit. Immunization of rabbits with a β1AR or β2AR second extracellular loop peptide produced high titers of β1AR-AAb or β2AR-AAb. Thyroid hormone in combination with β1AR-AAb or β2AR-AAb induced a significant number of sustained sinus tachycardia and atrial tachycardia, respectively. Both combinations resulted in significantly increased inductions of sustained arrhythmias compared to AAb alone. Thyroid hormone alone induced sustained sinus and junctional tachycardia. Sera from immunized rabbits specifically bound to and activated β1AR or β2AR in transfected cells in vitro. This study demonstrates thyroid hormone qualitatively accentuates the specific arrhythmogenic action of these AAb and quantitatively enhances their rate. Our data support a dual role of AAb and thyroid hormone in Graves’-associated tachyarrhythmias.
Clinico-pathological profile of lung cancer in Uttarakhand.

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most aggressive and prevalent type of malignancy causing high morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking continues to be the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. An increasing incidence of lung cancer has been observed in India. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinico, a pathological profile of the lung cancer in hilly state of Uttrakhand. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of histopathologically proven cases of bronchogenic carcinoma admitted in our hospital from January 1998 to August 2005. Results: Our study included 203 patients with confirmed cases of lung cancer. Male to female ratio was 8.2:1. The common age group being 40-60 years, 9.86% of the patients were less than 40 years old age. Smoking was found to be the main risk factor in 81.77% patients. The most frequent symptom was cough (72.90%) followed by fever (58.12%). The most common radiological presentation was mess lesion (46.31%). The most common histopathological type was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (44.83%) followed by adenocarcinoma (19.78%) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) (16.75%). The majority patients (73.29%) were diagnosed in the later stages of the disease (III B and IV). Conclusion: It was found out that SCC was the most frequent histopathological form. SCLC predominates below 40 year and SCC over 60 years of age. Smoking still remains the major risk factors in pathogenesis of lung cancer.
Intensities in the spectra of actinyl ions.

The absorption spectra of species in aqueous solution are investigated theoretically and experimentally, and the spectrum of species is investigated theoretically. The spectrum of perchloric acid solution was taken from 350 to 1350 nm. Peak positions and optical densities are reported with overall uncertainties of 0.3 nm and 3%, respectively. A more precise value for the extinction coefficient of the most intense line is reported (398 {+-} 4 M{sup -1} cm{sup -1} for the 980.2 nm line). The intensities and positions of the electronic transitions of these actinyl complexes are computed from relativistic quantum chemical theory involving relativistic effective core potentials, corresponding spin-orbit operators, and spin-orbit, graphical unitary group configuration interaction. Because all of the low-lying electronic states for the isolated actinyl ions have the same parity, the equatorial ligands must break the inversion symmetry. Thus, model calculations with one, three, and five chloride ligands were carried out; the five-ligand spectrum was quite similar to experimental solution spectra, whereas the one-ligand and three-ligand spectra were not. Calculations were then made in order to provide a close comparison with experimental results. Similar calculations were also carried out but were hampered by the difficulty in doing sufficiently extensive calculations to determine themore » ground electronic state with the ligands present. Comparisons were made, nevertheless, using both of the candidates for ground state. A simplified crystal-field theory is developed to show how the necessary symmetry-breaking orbital mixing, 5f{var_phi} with 6d{delta}, occurs selectively with 5-fold coordination.« less
Coupling Desorption Electrospray Ionization with Ion Mobility/Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Protein Structure: Evidence for Desorption of Folded and Denatured States

A desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) source has been coupled to an ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometer for the analysis of proteins. Analysis of solid-phase horse heart cytochrome c and chicken egg white lysozyme proteins with different DESI solvents and conditions shows similar mass spectra and charge state distributions to those formed when using electrospray to analyze these proteins in solution. The ion mobility data show evidence for compact ion structures [when the surface is exposed to a spray that favors retention of "nativelike" structures (50:50 water:methanol)] or elongated structures [when the surface is exposed to a spray that favors "denatured" structures (49:49:2 water:methanol:acetic acid)]. The results suggest that the DESI experiment is somewhat gentler than ESI and under appropriate conditions, it is possible to preserve structural information throughout the DESI process. Mechanisms that are consistent with these results are discussed.
Amygdala kindling induces muscarinic cholinergic receptor declines in a highly specific distribution within the limbic system.

Abstract The term kindling refers to the phenomenon whereby repeated administration of an initially subconvulsive electrical stimulus results in progressive intensification of stimulus-induced epileptic activity, culminating in a generalized seizure. Once established, this enhanced sensitivity to electrical stimulation (i.e., kindling effect) is permanent. Pharmacologic studies indicate that the interaction of acetylcholine with brain muscarinic receptors may contribute to two important events in kindling: (i) the development of the permanent enhanced sensitivity to electrical stimulation by which kindling is defined; and (ii) suppression of spontaneous interictal spiking. The present report confirmed and extended our previous findings by demonstrating that the muscarinic cholinergic receptor declines involved not only the stimulated amygdala, but also both hippocampal formations of kindled rats. The decline of muscarinic receptors within the hippocampal formations involved mainly the dentate gyri and spares the CA1 regions. Correlative electrophysiologic and biochemical studies did not confirm a relationship between spontaneous interictal spiking and the receptor declines in kindling. The spiking and seizures induced by the convulsant agent, pentylenetetrazol, failed to induce a receptor decline. The results imply that the receptor declines of the kindled animals are related to some property of the kindling per se. In light of the propensity of hippocampal circuitry to develop long-term potentiation, the biochemical evidence of hippocampal involvement in amygdala kindling is intriguing.
The Wavelength Dependence of the Photodissociation of Propionaldehyde in the 280−330 nm Region

We have investigated the photodecomposition of propionaldehyde (C2H5CHO; propanal) at 5 nm intervals in the 280−330 nm region by using dye laser photolysis combined with cavity ring-down spectrosco...
The domestic ideal and the mobilization of womanpower in world war II

Abstract This paper begins with an examination of domestic ideal in Britain at the beginning of World War II. The war saw a great increase in the number of women in the paid workforce, lead to the temporary dispersal of many families, and saw the State taking over some domestic labour, by the establishment of British Restaurants and of nurseries. Thus there was an attack on some elements of the domestic ideal, as women were encouraged to join the workforce and to cut down on housework. However, the domestic ideal was not abandoned during the war years. Rather it structured and influenced the development of labour policies to bring more women into the workforce. The way in which some women were brought into the workforce, and some were allowed to choose to remain out, and the way in which some women were designated as ‘mobile’ and others as ‘immobile’ workers, was very much mediated by domestic ideology. Through the development of and application of the womanpower policies, the state can be seen virtually prescribing what constitutes a ‘home’, and what should be the roles of people within it. The womanpower policies were also mediated by class and have been shown to have had a different impact upon women according to their economic circumstances.
Researchers Study Impact of Hurricane Opal on Florida Coast.

On October 4, 1995, over 2000 km of coast-line stretching from southwest Florida to Louisiana was struck by storm-generated waves as Hurricane Opal moved northward across the Gulf of Mexico toward landfall east of Pensacola Beach, Florida (Figure 1). Approximately 12 hours before landfall on October 4, Opal neared category 5 strength (measured on the Saffir/Simpson scale) with sustained wind speeds of over 65 m s−1. Storm surge levels of ∼5 m were estimated across the Northwest Florida shelf by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), resulting in the overwash of most of Santa Rosa Island, the most extensively affected section of coast in the Gulf.
The costs of sampling fishes in riverine habitats of a large river

Abstract Although funds for fisheries research are limited, the cost of sampling fishes has received little attention. Information about fish sampling cost can be used to estimate the cost of research and monitoring efforts, particularly if the number of sampling units needed to detect a difference has been determined in advance. We compared sampling costs for two sizes of hoop nets (61 and 122 cm diameter) and two forms of pulsed DC electrofishing (1000 V/15 Hz and 500 V/60 Hz) in lotic habitats in the lower Mississippi River. Sampling costs were based on fish caught in completing 241 samples with 61 cm diameter hoop nets (H 61 ), 233 samples with 122 cm diameter hoop nets (H 122 ), 155 samples with 15 Hz electrofishing (E 15 ), and 165 samples with 60 Hz electrofishing (E 60 ). Sampling costs included sampling equipment, sampling vessel and related equipment, and personnel. The fixed costs of equipment were represented by the depreciation of equipment and the opportunity costs of capital developed as annuity payments based on the equipment’s total principal cost, operating lifetime, and a real interest rate charge. Cost per net-night hoop net sample was US $11.70 for H 61 and $19.12 for H 122 . Cost per 5 min pedal time electrofishing sample was $17.10 for E 15 and E 60 . Cost per fish was $8.57 for H 61 , $15.31 for H 122 , $1.40 for E 15 , and $0.75 for E 60 . Replacement of lost and unretrievable hoop nets substantially increased the cost of hoop-net sampling in the high current velocity habitats we sampled.
An Uncontrolled Examination of a 5-Day Intensive Treatment for Pediatric OCD.

This study examined the feasibility of a 5-day intensive treatment for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Fifteen children with OCD received a week-long treatment based on exposure and response prevention (ERP). The intervention also emphasized teaching children and parents how to conduct ERP independently at home. All families completed the week-long treatment and symptoms improved significantly as measured by self- and parent-report forms, as well as the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, F(2, 22)=45.67, p<.05. Total CY-BOCS scores decreased significantly from pretreatment (M=28.00, SD=4.24) to posttreatment [M=16.00, SD=6.0, F(1, 11)=34.38, p<.05] and from posttreatment to 5-month follow-up [M=11.5, SD=7.3; F(1, 11)=12.94, p<.05]. This level of improvement was consistent with other intensive treatments for pediatric OCD. The study suggests that the 5-day program is a promising treatment for children with OCD who do not have access to local providers.
Role of zymogenicity-determining residues of coagulation factor VII/VIIa in cofactor interaction and macromolecular substrate recognition.

Factor VIIa (VIIa) remains in a zymogen-like state following proteolytic activation and depends on interactions with the cofactor tissue factor (TF) for function. Val21, Glu154, and Met156 are resi...
Personalized medicine: words that mean just what you choose?

Although one of the aims of Molecular Therapy is to describe and promote novel personalized therapies, some people are beginning to conclude that the concept of personalized medicine (PM) is merely a marketing tool to increase patient referrals and bolster grant funding. However, there are unquestionable and genuine medical and scientific underpinnings of PM that should improve both the outcome and the cost-effectiveness of disease treatment. Part of the increasing distrust arises because the term “personalized medicine” means different things to different people, with a consequent mismatch between expectations and delivery. In reality, PM can improve three overlapping but distinguishable clinical areas: practice, prognosis and treatment. It is to the last of these that gene and cell therapy has most to contribute.
Single-mode operation of Doppler-broadened lasers by injection locking.

A multimode He–Ne laser can be forced to oscillate in a single mode by injecting a narrow-band signal into the resonator. We show experimentally that the minimum injected intensity required for single-mode operation occurs at an injection frequency detuned from line center. This is in agreement with the results from a semiclassical theory of an inhomogeneously broadened injection-locked laser.
What Defines Us

As a theologian, I am sometimes asked: What, then, does it mean to be human? If I ever knew the answer, I am becoming less clear all the time, thanks in part to discoveries related to the human genome. The irony is discomforting. As we gain precision, we seem to be losing conceptual clarity. The “human” genome, it turns out, consists of sequences that are widely shared across the evolutionary tree. The microbes inside us, outnumbering our human cells ten to one, have their own genomes that interact with our DNA, contributing to our individual and species identity. Comparisons between the human genome and that of other primates, such as chimpanzees, suggest that the boundary of our much-vaunted human “uniqueness” is thin indeed. The sequence of a major portion of Neandertal DNA can now be compared with our own, and we are learning that Neandertals are hardly extinct, their DNA living on in many of us. Tantalizing discoveries now suggest that we once shared the planet with the newly discovered Denisova hominin, which appears to have interbred with some of our ancestors as recently as 40,000 years ago. The Human Genome Project undermines cherished ideas about human uniqueness. But it also hints at a new vision of humanity. We are less clearly defined than we once thought, less set apart from the rest of life, but uniquely able to probe the data and ponder the questions. And, being humans, we let our discomfort give way to wonder. Who are we, and where will we go next?
AGENCY THEORY:: Implications for Financial Management

This paper reviews and analyzes the literature on agency theory in terms of the nature of the problem and its implications for management. Finance theory posits that the goal of economic organizations is to maximize stockholders' wealth. Attaining this goal was not an issue when owners were also managers. But since World War II corporate ownership world‐wide has become increasingly diffused. By 1969 only 15% of the largest U.S. non‐financial institutions were owned by their managers. This change raises the issue of the relationships between owners and managers. To what extent do managers act on their own behalf rather than the owners as prescribed by finance theory? Several studies indicate that managers substitute their own interests in place of the shareholders. This is possible because managers possess more information about the firm, control the election procedure to the Board of Directors, and the shareholders are widely dispersed. This phenomenon is called an agency problem. According to Jensen and Meckling an “agency problem” exists when managers own less than 100% of the firm. With less than 100 per cent ownership, managers can shift part of the cost associated with decisions made in their own interest. Clearly these conditions are common in major corporations of the world where global markets require raising large amounts of capital for the research, development, and production facilities required to remain competitive.
Use of pedometers and accelerometers in clinical populations: validity and reliability issues

Abstract Background: Pedometers and accelerometers are often used in clinical research studies, and have the potential to provide valid and objective information on physical activity. Objectives: The purposes of this review are to introduce clinicians to various activity monitors that are commercially available, and to discuss their strengths and limitations. Scientific articles over the past 20 years were reviewed, and the most common types of physical activity monitors were identified. Emphasis was placed on devices with established validity and reliability, which were acceptable to participants and did not interfere with their activities. Ease-of-use from the investigator's standpoint was also considered. Major findings: A number of activity monitors were identified, including four pedometers (Yamax SW digiwalker, New Lifestyles NL-2000, Omron HJ-720 ITC, and StepWatch), three accelerometer-based activity monitors (ActiGraph, Actical, and RT3), and a multisensor device (Sensewear Armband). Validity and...
TOWARDS SELF-ORGANIZING DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING FRAMEWORKS: THE H2O APPROACH

A novel component-based, service-oriented framework for distributed metacomputing is described. Adopting a provider-centric view of resource sharing, this framework emphasizes lightweight software infrastructures that maintain minimal state, and interface to current and emerging distributed computing standards. In this model, resource owners host a software backplane onto which owners, clients, or third-party resellers may load components or component-suites that deliver value added services without compromising owner security or control. Standards-based descriptions of services facilitate publication and discovery via established schemes. The architecture of the container framework, design of components, security and access control schemes, and preliminary experiences are described in this paper.
Communication and understanding: a positive approach to design briefing for animal houses.

This article is the result of meetings of the Laboratory Animals Discussion Group which the author was invited' to attend. The Group consists of animal curators (P. G-riffiths of Fisons Ltd, W. Hiddlestone of leI, R. Hovell of Oxford University, W. Lane-Petter, then of Cambridge University, and his successor M. Smith, and M. Johnstone of Manchester University) each of whom has been concerned with a recentlycompleted building project. They have been concerned to give authoritative guidance to all those concerned with future animal house projects. It is hoped that this advice will help to avoid at least some of the mistakes which the members of the Group have seen in each others completed projects. They feel that many of these mistakes have resulted from insufficient liaison between the professional team and potential user: what follows here suggests how to overcome this weakness. An animal house is a highly functional building demanding effective design briefing and efficient architect-user communication. These requirements are essential for the success of the building and, hence, user satisfaction. It is disturbing to note the laxity with which these vital aspects of the design process are often approached. A key word in the architect-client relationship is 'discipline', which needs to be exercised at every stage. I suggest that the primary discipline to be established is communication. By this I mean a statement of needs by the client, a developing interpretation of those needs by the professional or design team, a continuing exchange of ideas between these parties, and an agreed means by which the client will signify approval to the design team's proposals. Another vital discipline is that of programme, by which I mean not just a timetable but an agreed series of carefully phased and interrelated activities which will involve the client as well as the architect, and which will include the communication processes already referred to. All these activities must be incorporated in a detailed programme which is capable of adjustment as each work stage is completed. This paper therefore sets out to give guidance on these two vital aspects of design and project management. The Conditions of engagement published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIB A) define the
The Integration of Values Into Family Life Education

The authors discuss the importance of integrating values education with family life education, the assumptions on which such an integration is based, and the impediments to its implementation. Suggestions for overcoming these impediments are presented.
Big players and the Russian rouble: explaining volatility dynamics

Outlines previous research attempts to explain the behaviour of second moments of price and return distributions and theories of how Big Players (i.e. those with enough discretionary power to influence the market but little sensitivity to profit/loss consequences) affect the volatility and informational efficiency of markets. Contrasts the 1883‐1892 fluctuations in the exchange value of the Russian rouble under interventionist (i.e. big player) and non‐interventionist finance ministers; and analyses the statistics using GARCH techniques. Shows that under the Big Player, both unconditional variance and the persistence of conditional volatility increased. Suggests that policy regimes affect the degree of noise‐trader influence and calls for further research.
Black Self-Segregation as a Cause of Housing Segregation: Evidence from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality

The argument has been made that continuing high levels of housing segregation within America's metropolitan areas largely reflect the desires of blacks to live among members of their own racial group. This argument, labeled the black self-segregation hypothesis, has created considerable controversy. Using new data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, we provide an empirical test of this hypothesis. Results suggest that black self-segregation plays a statistically significant, albeit minor role in explaining housing segregation.
Kinetics and mechanism of iron release from the bacterial ferric binding protein nFbp: exogenous anion influence and comparison with mammalian transferrin

Ferric binding protein, Fbp, serves an essential biological function in shuttling naked (hydrated) Fe(3+) across the periplasmic space of many Gram-negative bacteria. In this process, iron must be released at the cytoplasmic membrane to a permease. How iron is released from Fbp has yet to be resolved. Consequently, understanding the dynamics of iron release from Fbp is of both biological and chemical interest. Fbp requires an exogenous anion, e.g. phosphate when isolated from cell lysates, for tight iron sequestration. To address the role of exogenous anion identity and lability on Fe(aq)(3+) dissociation from Fbp, the kinetics of PO(4)(3-) exchange in Fe(3+) nFbp(PO(4)) ( nFbp=recombinant Fbp from Neisseria meningitidis) were investigated by dynamic (31)P NMR and the kinetics of Fe(3+) dissociation from Fe(3+) nFbp(X) (X=PO(4)(3-), citrate anion) were investigated by stopped-flow pH-jump measurements. We justify the use of non-physiological low-pH conditions because a high [H(+)] will drive the Fe(aq)(3+) dissociation reaction to completion without using competing chelators, whose presence may complicate or influence the dissociation mechanism. For perspective, these studies of nFbp (which has been referred to as a bacterial transferrin) are compared to new and previously published kinetic and thermodynamic data for mammalian transferrin. Significantly, we address the lability of the Fe(3+) coordination shell in nFbp, Fe(3+) nFbp(X) (X=PO(4)(3-), citrate), with respect to exogenous anion (X(n-)) exchange and dissociation, and ultimately complete dissociation of the protein to yield naked (hydrated) Fe(aq)(3+). These findings are a first step in understanding the process of iron donation to the bacterial permease for transport across the cytoplasmic membrane.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Involving the Superior Sagittal Sinus: Acute Presentation with Intracranial Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) usually drain directly into large dural venous sinuses. Intracranial hemorrhage is therefore unusual with these lesions. Certain subgroups of DAVF may drain into cortical veins causing engorgement, venous hypertension, and hemorrhage. The region of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), while an unusual location for DAVF, is one in which drainage typically occurs directly into cortical veins. METHODS We report on three patients with dural arteriovenous malformations of the superior sagittal sinus, all of whom presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage in two of the cases was surrounded by excessive edema, suggesting the presence of underlying venous hypertension. RESULTS Interventional treatment of all three of the lesions was accomplished at the time of diagnostic angiography. CONCLUSIONS SSS DAVF is an uncommon lesion whose presentation is usually with intracranial hemorrhage. Large amounts of edema surrounding an acute hemorrhage may suggest the diagnosis, which usually requires confirmation with angiography. Treatment of SSS DAVF can often be accomplished at the time of diagnostic angiography by embolization using interventional neuroradiologic techniques. When endovascular obliteration of the fistula is not feasible or is incomplete, surgical resection of the DAVF site may be achieved without difficulty.
Modeling the Effects of Ion Association on Direct‐Current Polarization of Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Considerable experimental evidence indicates that ion association occurs in solid polymer electrolytes. This work provides a thorough theoretical analysis of the effect of ion association on the conductivity, general current‐potential behavior, and limiting current density in a solid polymer electrolyte. The model employs dilute solution theory to describe the fluxes of cations, anions, and ion pairs in a motionless continuum but neglects higher order association. The predictions of the model highlight the effects of the relative diffusion coefficients and dimensionless association constant on concentration distributions of simple ions and ion pairs, the limiting current density, and the potential drop required to drive a specified current density. If ion pairs have a diffusivity comparable to those of cations and anions, increasing ion association leads to a continuous decrease in molar conductivity and current density at constant applied potential. If the ion pairs have a diffusivity that is large compared to cations, the situation is quite different. In this case, ion association increases the limiting current density to values that may be several times that found in the case of full dissociation. Furthermore, the model predicts maxima in the molar conductivity and current density at fixed potential drop as the degree of ion association increases. © 2000 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Pollination Ecology and Endemism of Pedicularis pulchella Pennell (Scrophulariaceae)

Pedicularis pulchella Pennell, endemic to sparsely vegetated areas of alpine tundra scree in southwestern Montana and northwestern Wyoming, was found to be roat-hemiparasitic and obligately dependent for its pollination upon bumblebees of three non-tundra species that forage primarily in an inverted position for pollen scraped from anthers concealed in the galea, This sternotribic pollination syndrome is considered related to the short (5–6mm) proboscides of pollinators on flowers with deep (12.4mm), nectariferous corolla tubes and favoring pollen as an insect attractant. Photographic and spectropholomelric analysis of the red-purple floral color included prominent blue corolla and ultraviolet calyx reflections corresponding to dominant colors of bumblebee visual spectra. Nectar analysis by thin-layer chromatography and refractomctry indicated, respectively, the presence of fructose and sucrose, and a sucrose-equivalent concentration of dissolved solids exceeding 50%; both coincide with the general pattern of the genus. Analysis of pollen from corbicular loads of P. pulchella pollinators indicated relatively low pollen-constancy of insects and substantial foraging association with Vaccinium in the montane-subalpine zone. By contrast, pollinators on P. cystopteridifolia and Phyllodoce glanduliflora in a diverse tundra plant community on rich alpine turf revealed broad pollinator spectra (7–8 species), high pollen-foraging constancy on Pedicularis, and high nectar-foraging frequency on Phyllodoce: The pollination ecology and endemism of Pedicularis pulchtella are interpreted in terms of resource sharing, spatial competition of plant species, and selective stress of the physical environment.
The Nun Study Clinically silent AD, neuronal hypertrophy, and linguistic skills in early life

Background: It is common to find substantial Alzheimer disease (AD) lesions, i.e., neuritic β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, in the autopsied brains of elderly subjects with normal cognition assessed shortly before death. We have termed this status asymptomatic AD (ASYMAD). We assessed the morphologic substrate of ASYMAD compared to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in subjects from the Nun Study. In addition, possible correlations between linguistic abilities in early life and the presence of AD pathology with and without clinical manifestations in late life were considered. Methods: Design-based stereology was used to measure the volumes of neuronal cell bodies, nuclei, and nucleoli in the CA1 region of hippocampus (CA1). Four groups of subjects were compared: ASYMAD (n = 10), MCI (n = 5), AD (n = 10), and age-matched controls (n = 13). Linguistic ability assessed in early life was compared among all groups. Results: A significant hypertrophy of the cell bodies (+44.9%), nuclei (+59.7%), and nucleoli (+80.2%) in the CA1 neurons was found in ASYMAD compared with MCI. Similar differences were observed with controls. Furthermore, significant higher idea density scores in early life were observed in controls and ASYMAD group compared to MCI and AD groups. Conclusions: 1) Neuronal hypertrophy may constitute an early cellular response to Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology or reflect compensatory mechanisms that prevent cognitive impairment despite substantial AD lesions; 2) higher idea density scores in early life are associated with intact cognition in late life despite the presence of AD lesions.
Ductus arteriosus aneurysm imaging using modern diagnostic methods.

An aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus carries a high risk of rupture. The radiologic findings are described, based on a review of the literature, and on our experience of 5 patients, successfully diagnosed and treated. A left-sided mediastinal mass is always present, obscured only if the aneurysm has already ruptured. Although the lesion seems to be congenital, conventional radiology sometimes demonstrates wall calcifications. Ultrasonography is well suited to demonstrate the vascular nature of the mass, but interpretation may be difficult because of intervening air-containing lung parenchyma. CT, especially using dynamic scanning with contrast enhancement, is an excellent noninvasive diagnostic method. Angiography is frequently necessary to demonstrate patency or occlusion of the aortic and pulmonary ends of the ductus. The differential diagnosis must include a large number of mediastinal tumors. A temporary widening of the ductus in the newborn is common and must be differentiated from a true aneurysm. S...
Validity of a Measure of the Frames of Reference Preferences of School and Business Executives

The present study investigated the measurement integrity of Roussel's Managerial Frames of Mind Survey. Subjects were 369 managers from three types of organizations: (a) higher education, (b) not-for-profit public sector organizations, and (c) a for-profit corporation. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed, as well as exploratory bootstrap factor analysis and a second-order factor analysis. The results offer insight regarding the psychometric properties of the measure, but also suggest some conclusions regarding Bolman and Deal's theoretical constructs.