cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human affection exchange: II. Affectionate communication in father-son relationships.

The father-son dyad might be the most socially significant male-male relationship in the life course, yet its negative qualities have been the sole focus in most research on the relationship. One communicative aspect that has received little scholarly attention is the expression of affection between fathers and sons, despite the strong correlation of affectionate communication with positive involvement, closeness, and relational satisfaction for fathers and sons. In 2 studies, the authors tested hypotheses about father-son affection that were derived from affection exchange theory (K. Floyd, in press). Results indicated that U.S. men are more affectionate with biological sons than with stepsons or adopted sons and that they are more affectionate with their biological sons than their biological sons are with them.
Pittsburgh rainwater analysis by PIXE

Concentrations of thirteen elements in rainwater from the Pittsburgh, Pa., area were analysed by Charged Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). They were compared to rainwater in a rural area and air particulates in Pittsburgh. Local and non-local contributions are discussed. Washout ratios were calculated and found to be larger for smaller size particles, contrary to general belief. This work demonstrates the convenience of using PIXE. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00647.x
Spectrochemical analysis of the laser-induced nitration of three cycloalkanes

Abstract The tunable continuous wave carbon dioxide laser-induced reactions of cyclopropane, cyclobutane and cyclopentane with NO 2 have been carried out under a variety of reaction conditions. Presented herein is our qualitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography—mass spectroscopy spectrochemical analysis of the product mixtures. Optimal conditions were found for producing nitrocycloalkanes while reducing or eliminating the production of undesirable products. The array of products was found to be highly sensitive to the specific reaction conditions.
On restricted estimation in linear models

Abstract Efficient estimation of models under linear restrictions on parameters has received little attention. We present a unified approach which takes account of both full rank and less than full rank design and constraint matrices. The procedure is numerically fast, accurate, and space efficient. An example is included.
Endothelin A Receptor Blockade Decreases Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in Severe Experimental Hyaline Membrane Disease † 112

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide which modulates basal pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in the normal ovine fetus and contributes to high PVR after chronic intrauterine pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension complicates the course of the premature lamb with severe hyaline membrane disease (HMD); however, whether ET-1 plays a role in the pathophysiology of HMD is unknown. To test the hypothesis that ET-1 activity contributes to high PVR in the premature fetal lung with severe HMD, we studied the hemodynamic effects of a selective ET A receptor antagonist, BQ 123, in 7 fetal lambs (gestational age 125 days; 147 days = term). We placed catheters in the main pulmonary artery (PAP), aorta (AoP), and left atrium(LAP) to measure pressure and an ultrasonic flow transducer on the left pulmonary artery (LPA) to measure blood flow. After baseline measurements, animals were intubated, treated with surfactant (Infasurf), and mechanically ventilated (FiO2, 1.00). Animals were treated with either BQ 123 (1 mg/hour, n= 4) or saline (control; n = 3) in the MPA. One animal in the control group died at 4 hours. In comparison with controls, BQ 123 treated animals had lower PVR and improved LPA flow at 8 hours. (* = p<0.05 between groups)Table We conclude that selective ET A receptor blockade lowers PVR in experimental HMD. We speculate that ET-1 contributes to pulmonary hypertension in an ovine model of severe HMD.
Effect of gene dosage on cell-surface expression of Thy-1 antigen in somatic cell hybrids between Thy-1− abelson-leukemia-virus induced lymphomas and Thy-1+ mouse lymphomas

Hybrids between pseudodiploid Thy-1.1+ lymphomas and Thy 1.2− pseudodiploid Abelson-leukemia-virus-induced (ALV-induced) lymphomas express Thy-1 glycoprotein on their cell surface. These Thy-1+ hybrids invariably express the Thy 1.1 allelic form of the glycoprotein and may be either Thy 1.2+ or Thy 1.2−. Sublines expressing both Thy 1.1 and Thy 1.2 can be isolated from Thy 1.1+, Thy 1.2− hybrids by cell sorting. In contrast to hybrids with pseudodiploid ALV-induced lymphomas, hybrids between Thy 1.1+ lymphomas and pseudotetraploid Thy 1.2− Abelson-leukemia-virus-induced lymphomas do not express Thy-1 glycoprotein on their cell surface and Thy-1 glycoprotein cannot be detected in detergent extracts of these cells. Thy-1+ revertants were isolated from one of the Thy-1− hybrids by cell sorting. — These results demonstrate a gene dosage effect for the expression of the Thy-1 glycoprotein in somatic cell hybrids. They are consistent with the idea that diffusable gene products regulate Thy-1-glycoprotein expression in these hybrids. They also suggest that there may be additional, apparentlycis-active, regulatory mechanisms which determine the ability of theThy-1 structural genes of the Abelson-leukemia-virus-induced lymphoma parent to be expressed in somatic cell hybrids.
In situ EC-STM studies of MPS, SPS, and chloride on Cu(100) : Structural studies of accelerators for dual damascene electrodeposition

Electrochemical, differential capacitance, and in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) methods are used to examine the interaction of bis(3-sulfopropyl)-disulfide (SPS) and mercaptopropylsulfonic acid (MPS) with Cu(100) surfaces both in the absence and presence of chloride. Both electrochemical and differential capacitance results are weakly perturbed by the addition of either MPS or SPS in the potential region between −0.2 and −0.5 V versus Ag/AgCl relative to the additive-free case. EC-STM images obtained from solutions of MPS alone exhibit a c(2 × 2) adlattice whereas those from SPS alone yield only the (1 × 1) structure. In the presence of Cl-, both adsorbates evince only a c(2 × 2) adlattice on the Cu(100) surface. The desorption potential of these structure is identical to that found with Cl- alone. These results show that neither MPS nor SPS adsorbs strongly on Cu(100) in the presence of Cl-.
Who are the elderly who never receive influenza immunization

AbstractObjective. This paper estimates the rates of lifetime nonreceipt of influenza immunization among elderly and examines variations in thelifetime nonreceipt of immunization by gender, race and ethnic group, socioeconomic status, access to health care, and health status.Methods. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data on 5557 adults older than 50 years of age and living in the community from the2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey are used. Lifetime nonreceipt of influenza immunization was analyzed with bivariate andmultivariate statistical techniques.Findings. Thirty-one percent of the elderly reported never receiving influenza immunization and 20% reported irregular immunization.Higher odds of lifetime nonreceipt of vaccination and irregular vaccination were seen among African-Americans, young–old, currentsmokers, and those with no usual source of care.Conclusions. Future campaigns to increase immunization rates should be tailored to target this hard-to-reach group of individuals.D 2004 The Institute For Cancer Prevention and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Laboratory simulation of explosive volcanic loading and implications for the cause of the K/T boundary

Intense explosive volcanism was simulated by preheating samples to 600°C and subjecting them to dynamic stress pulses of 0.9 and 1.3 GPa. The resultant ejecta was examined optically and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Deformation and failure was entirely by brittle fracture, and most fractures were irregular and intergranular. None of the features typical of K/T boundary sediments and of ejecta from meteorite impact craters (planar deformation features, amorphization, mosaicism) were observed; there were also no signs of intracrystalline plasticity. We conclude that explosive volcanism is incapable of producing the microstructural features seen at the K/T boundary, and that they must have been caused by impact of a large meteorite.
Spectrophotometry (0.3 to 1.1µ) of visited and proposed apollo lunar landing sites

The study uses information gained by analysis of the spectral properties of lunar samples in the laboratory, and telescope spectra of over 100 lunar areas, to provide information regarding the composition and mineralogy of each proposed lunar landing site. Attention is given to (1) the presence of pyroxenes which cause an absorption band near 0.95 micron in the lunar reflection spectrum, (2) the proportion of crystalline to glassy material present in the soil which is derived from the slope of the reflectivity curve between 0.4 and 0.7 micron and the strength of the 0.95 micron absorption band, and (3) the presence of Ti(3+) ions in the glasses on the lunar surface, which affects the reflection spectrum at blue and ultraviolet wavelengths.
Interface Exchange as an Indicator for Eddy Heat Transport

The ocean contains many large-scale, long-lived vortices, called mesoscale eddies, that are believed to have a role in the transport and redistribution of salt, heat, and nutrients throughout the ocean. Determining this role, however, has proven to be a challenge, since the mechanics of eddies are only partly understood; a standard definition for these ocean eddies does not exist and, therefore, scientifically meaningful, robust methods for eddy extraction, characterization, tracking and visualization remain a challenge. To shed light on the nature and potential roles of eddies, we extend our previous work on eddy identification and tracking to construct a new metric to characterize the transfer of water into and out of eddies across their boundary, and produce several visualizations of this new metric to provide clues about the role eddies play in the global ocean. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A branch and bound algorithm for designing reliable systems at a minimum cost

A nonlinear integer programming model for the optimal design of a series/parallel reliability system is presented, together with an enumeration algorithm for its solution and an example. The algorithm is based on an efficient procedure for solving the continuous relaxation of the mathematical model.
Business ethics: Micro and macro

As in the field of economics, the questions of business ethics can be divided into two distinguishable types — micro and macro. Micro-ethical questions arise primarily for subordinates in an organization and concern what should be done when the demands of conscience conflict with perceived occupational requirements. Macro-ethical questions arise principally for superiors and concern the setting of policy for the organization in general. The present article elaborates upon this distinction and advances a line argument for resolving micro-ethical problems when their affinity to macro-ethical issues is noted.
Effects of TRH on acoustic startle, conditioned fear and active avoidance in rats.

Abstract The effects of intracerebroventricular injection of thyrotropine-releasing hormone (TRH) on acoustic startle, conditioned fear and active avoidance were examined in rats. Acoustic startle was significantly depressed by 12.5 μg TRH, while increasing motor activity. In a fear-potentiated startle paradigm, 12.5 μg TRH reduced the overall startle response amplitude, but did not decrease the amount of fear-potentiated startle. When TRH was administered 15 min before contextual fear conditioning, neither fear-related freezing in acquisition nor in a retention test was affected. In contrast, when TRH was administered 15 min before the retention test, TRH significantly reduced mean percentage of time spent freezing. TRH had no effect on active avoidance. The results demonstrate that TRH decreased acoustic startle and freezing responses, but had little effect on fear conditioning and active avoidance. It is suggested that the results may be due to TRH’s effects on motor activity and arousal, independent of its effects on fear.
The fishery industry of California

(1935). The fishery industry of California. Scottish Geographical Magazine: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 65-83.
Systematic review: adherence issues in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory and debilitating disease requiring lifelong treatment. First-line therapy for ulcerative colitis is 5-aminosalicylic acid, which suffers from poor patient adherence outside the clinical trial setting. Formulations to deliver 5-aminosalicylic acid to the disease activity site, both orally and topically, are often inconvenient and require multiple daily dosing. Such regimens can interfere with normal life and reduce the overall quality of life, negatively impacting on treatment adherence and leading to poorer long-term outcomes. These include increased morbidity with an elevated risk of symptomatic relapse, possible greater risk of colorectal cancer and higher overall costs of care. Ulcerative colitis patients cite treatment regimen complexity, tablet quantity and dose frequency as key negative influencers of adherence. Solutions to these issues include addressing patient concerns, simplifying daily regimens and utilizing new formulations such as micropellet and multimatrix oral formulations, rectal gel and once-daily suppository formulations. This review examines the prevalence and impact of non-adherence to 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy among patients with ulcerative colitis, as well as drug delivery strategies that may enhance dosing regimens to improve patient acceptability, adherence and long-term clinical outcomes. It is a combination of understanding patient behaviour, recognizing signs of non-adherent behaviour and utilizing management strategies to change behaviour that will improve patient outcomes.
Bodies of risk: constructing motherhood in a Mexican public hospital.

Abstract This article addresses the connection between risk and motherhood at an urban obstetrics hospital in Mexico. It primarily aims to explore the ways that clinicians define risk as well as how they conflate risk with bad motherhood. It discusses how clinicians' perceptions of their patients' social lives shape their interactions and decisions about the women's health. The study was based on interviews and participant observation in June 2008 and June–July 2011 with 71 obstetrical patients, 30 physicians, 9 nurses, and 12 midwives in the city of Puebla. Results show that birth itself was defined as a risky event, clinicians conflated social factors with biological factors in their management of risk, and the patients were a priori classified as bad mothers. This article proposes a reproductive habitus to explain the connection between health institutions, class, responsibility, blame, and clinical decision-making to analyze how risk is managed and blame enacted upon women's bodies.
Novel method on n 2 measurement of organic dyes

A novel technique is introduced to characterize the nonlinear properties of organic dyes in solution. This technique uses the integrated liquid core optical fiber (i-LCOF) platform and is based on the spectral broadening of laser pulses due to self phase modulation (SPM).
Rathke's pouch during autoimmune inflammation of the rat pituitary.

Allergic adenohypophysitis was produced in rats by injection of anterior lobe tissue, Freund’s adjuvant, and pertussis vaccine. In addition to the inflammatory changes in the parenchyma, fluid and inflammatory cells were found in the lumen of Rathke’s pouch. The cells entered the lumen through small ulcers of the lining of the anterior wall of the pouch. Pituitaries with inflammation were increased in size and weight. The enlargement was caused mostly by dilation of Rathke’s pouch with fluid and cells.
Method Translation and Retention Time Locking in Partition GC

Method translation in gas chromatography (GC) is a variation of components (columns, carrier gases, detectors, etc.) and parameters (pressures, temperature programs, etc.) of a method in a way that maintains the peak elution pattern. The concept is based on the fact that the void time can be viewed as a universal time unit in GC; method translation is the scaling of the time axis of the temperature program relative to the void time. Method translation can be used to reduce analysis time, improve resolution, and adopt a method to a different carrier gas or to a different outlet pressure (vacuum for mass spectrometers, ambient pressure for conventional detectors, etc.). It can also be used for retention time locking (RTL). Theoretical and practical aspects of method translation and RTL are analyzed. It is shown that a constant-pressure method can be translated between the columns that have the same stationary-phase type and phase ratio. Method translation also implies that optimum temperature ramp rate (exp...
Enhancing Psychodynamic Therapy with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Grief

Working with grieving clients requires an understanding of the affects, cognitions, and relational factors influencing clients’ unique process of mourning. Much has been written from the perspective of psychodynamic theories and techniques as well as from a cognitive-behavioral perspective to assist clients who are grieving. However, combining the approaches offers a unique opportunity to draw on the strengths of each theoretical framework as the included case descriptions illustrate, specifically in the areas of counterfactuals and guilt, inhibited grief, and adjusting to the psychosocial aspects of loss.
Remembering the Mathematics of the Ideal Villa

It is now fifty years since Colin Rowe's celebrated essay first revealed what Le Corbusier had concealed about the mathematics of the neo-Palladian structural grid of Villa de Monzie/Stein at Garches (1927)—namely, the ratios of the structural intervals that define the organization of the villa from front to back. The importance of this discovery, reported in Rowe's “The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa: Palladio and Le Corbusier compared” (1947), has been underappreciated in subsequent scholarship, which has focused instead on Rowe's discovery of the accord between Garches and Palladio's Villa Malcontenta (c. 1550–1560) with respect to the so-called ABABA rhythm of the intervals from side to side. However, the north-south intervals are no less essential to a proper apprehension of Le Corbusier's structural/spatial grid as a complete idea. This article reexamines the mathematics of the grid employed at Villa de Monzie/Stein and proposes an alternative to the Le Corbusier-Rowe numbering system. The alternative system heightens perception of the grid's fundamental mathematical elegance and ideality as well as its comprehensive control of the “extended field” of the site and elevations/facades. This study seeks to cast new light on the significance of Le Corbusier's assertion that, at Garches, more than at any of his other projects, “proportion ruled absolutely there, as absolute mistress.”
Prostate cancer update: 2005.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to highlight the most important developments in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of prostate cancer that have been published in the medical literature in the past year.Recent findingsRecent research has shown that prostate specific antigen (PSA
Role of high energy photons in dual spectral source rapid isothermal CVD

The use of tungsten halogen lamps and the deuterium lamp as the source of thermal and optical energies has been exploited to deposit thin films of Ta2O5 on Si and conducting substrates. The leakage current densities are as low as 10−10 A/cm2 for gate voltage under 5V. Photons in visible, ultraviolet, and vacuum ultraviolet (λ<800 nm) regions provide higher bulk and surface diffusion coefficients as well as reduced activation energy for the chemical process involved in the chemical vapor deposition process. The low thermal mass of the substrate provides limited reaction processing capability. The photochemical and photophysical processes allow the participating atoms and molecules to adjust their bond geometries and occupy sites which result in overall reduction of stress and strain energy and provide materials with overall low microscopic defects at low processing temperature and with high throughput. New experimental results of Al-Ta2O5-Si3N4-poly Si-Al structure are presented. The leakage current-voltage characteristics are better than those reported by other researchers.
Three New Variable Radio Sources

RADIO sources whose spectra are flat or whose flux densities increase with frequency are being discovered in increasing numbers as radio surveys are conducted at frequencies above 1,000 MHz (refs. 1 to 7). Some of them show unusually rapid variations at centimetre wavelengths; for example, BL Lacertae8,9 (=VRO 42.22.01), P 0048–09 (refs. 10 and 11) and P 1510–08 (ref. 12). In this communication we report the detection of flux density variations at 8,000 MHz for three more sources of this type, DW 0723–00 (ref. 4), OJ 287 (ref. 1) and P 1546 + 027 (ref. 5).
Climate-change impacts on ecological systems: introduction to a US assessment

As part of the 2014 US National Climate Assessment, over 60 subject-matter experts from government agencies, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector assessed the current and projected impacts of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Here, we introduce and provide context for the papers included in this Special Issue, drawing upon the key findings from separate assessments of biodiversity, ecosystem structure and function, ecosystem services, climate-change impacts in the context of other stressors, and societal responses to change (ie climate adaptation). We also explain the assessment process and show how the current state of knowledge can be used to identify risks and guide future research and management initiatives.
A location analysis approach for military maintenance scheduling with geographically dispersed service areas

This research uses a two-stage maximal covering location problem (MCLP) model to develop Inter continental ballistic missile (ICBM) maintenance schedules for the US Air Force. Solutions are compared to actual missile maintenance activities accomplished at F. E. Warren Air Force Base (AFB), Wyoming in May 2005. Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of altering security response times and the number of security patrol areas on the quality of daily maintenance schedules and personnel usage. Results indicate marked improvement over traditional Air Force scheduling methods. In addition sensitivity analysis identifies the levels at which the quality and quantity of maintenance performance is impacted.
High-precision laser beam shaping using a binary-amplitude spatial light modulator

We have achieved high-precision laser beam shaping by using a binary-amplitude spatial light modulator, a digital micromirror device (DMD), followed by an imaging telescope that contains a pinhole low-pass filter (LPF). An error diffusion algorithm was used to design the initial DMD pixel pattern based on the measured input beam profile. This pattern was iteratively refined by simulating the optically low-pass filtered DMD image and changing DMD pixels to lift valleys and suppress peaks. We noted the gap between the experimental result of 1.4% root-mean-square (RMS) error and the simulated result for the same DMD pattern of 0.3% RMS error. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to introduce iterative refinement based on actual measurements of the output image to further improve the uniformity of the beam. Using this method, we have demonstrated the ability to shape raw, non-spatially filtered laser beams (quasi-Gaussian beams) into beams with precisely controlled profiles that have an unprecedented level of RMS error with respect to the target profile. We have shown that our iterative refinement process is able to improve the light intensity uniformity to around 1% RMS error in a raw camera image for both 633 and 1064 nm laser beams. The use of a digital LPF on the camera image is justified in that it matches the performance of the pinhole filter in the experimental setup. The digital low-pass filtered results reveal that the actual optical beam profiles have RMS error down to 0.23%. Our approach has also demonstrated the ability to produce a range of target profiles as long as they have similar spatial-frequency content (i.e., a slowly varying beam profile). Circular and square cross-section flat-top beams and beams with a linear intensity variation within a circular and square cross section were produced with similarly low RMS errors. The measured errors were about twice the ultimate limit of 0.1% RMS error based on the number of binary DMD pixels that participate in the beam-formation process.
Epiphytic lichen diversity and biomass in low-elevation forests of the eastern Washington Cascade range, USA.

I used litterfall sampling to estimate the biomass, diversity, and community structure of epiphytic lichens in three dry forest cover types in the eastern Washington Cascade range. Cover types represented a temperature/moisture and stand structural complexity gradient. Lichen litterfall biomass increased with increasing stand complexity and moisture. Lichen litterfall biomass was 3.42 kg/ha in open pine stands, 7.51 kg/ha in young mixed-species stands, 8.55 kg/ha in mature mixed-species stands. Six species accounted for 63% of the total sample biomass: Bryoria capillaris (20.2%), Hypogymnia imshaugii (15.8%), Letharia vulpina (14.5%), B. fremontii (7.2%), Nodobryoria abbreviata (2.8%), and Alectoria sarmentosa (2.6%). Bryoria tortuosa, considered rare in most of its range, was relatively common in young forest. Epiphytic lichen species richness and dominance did not differ among the three forest cover types. Lichen associations differed, however, among cover types. The dominant lichen in open pine stands was L. vulpina, followed by Bryoria spp., H. imshaugii, and L. columbiana. Vulpicida canadensis and L. columbiana were weak indicator species. Young stands were dominated by H. imshaugii, a strong indicator species of young stands, followed by B. capillaris and L. vulpina. Cetraria platyphylla and C. pallidula also were strong indicator species of young stands. Mature stands were overwhelmingly dominated by Bryoria species, primarily B. capillaris and B. fremontii, both strong indicators of mature stands. A. sarmentosa, H. imshaugii, and L. vulpina were other moderately abundant species. Alectoria imshaugii was also a strong indicator species of mature forest. Impacts on epiphytic lichens of dry forest management options that reduce stand density in fire-suppressed stands might vary. Lichens associated with dry open conditions would presumably benefit. The impact on species associated with old or moist conditions, especially forage lichens, might be lessened by variable-density thinning and other practices that maintain open- and closed-canopy patchiness and large trees. That patchiness might be hard to maintain with a maintenance program of understory burning patterned after natural fire regimes. At landscape scales, however, long-term persistence of forage and other lichens associated with mature moist forest would be enhanced by restoration of stable fire regimes.
Screening and brief intervention for hazardous drinking in an HMO: effects on medical care utilization.

This study examined whether a brief intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol consumption among primary care patients reduced use of medical care. In a parent, randomized controlled trial, at-risk drinkers identified in HMO outpatient waiting rooms were randomly assigned to receive usual care or brief clinician advice plus a 15-minute motivational counseling session. The current study (n = 514) examined the groups' use of outpatient and inpatient medical services during two years after intervention. Although the intervention reduced alcohol consumption at six-month follow-up, intervention and control groups made similar numbers of outpatient visits (M = 17.7 vs. 18.3, respectively; p = .47), were equally likely to be hospitalized (21.2% vs. 22.0%; p = .81), and among those hospitalized, had similar lengths of stay (4.7 vs. 6.6 days; p = .37). Although brief interventions to reduce hazardous drinking may potentially reduce medical care utilization, more evidence is needed to substantiate their practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Singlet–triplet quenching in high intensity fluorescent organic light emitting diodes

Abstract Electroluminescence (EL) transient turn-on peaks with more than twice the brightness of the steady-state EL are observed in fluorescent organic light emitting diodes with a doped emission layer. By modeling both the singlet and triplet population dynamics, we identify the EL drop after the peak as due to singlet–triplet (ST) quenching. The peak recovery following a double voltage pulse sequence is explained in terms of triplet population relaxation through triplet–triplet quenching. A mechanism of using phosphors in the emission region is proposed for reducing ST quenching.
Characterization of a subspecies of mouse interferon cross-reactive on human cells and antigenically related to human leukocyte interferon.

Abstract Mouse interferon preparations from various virus-induced cell cultures exhibited some antiviral activity (about 0.1% of homologous cell titers) on human cells. When analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the activity of mouse interferon on mouse cells migrated as two bands with activity peaks at 38,000 and 22,000 daltons, while the activity on human cells was detectable only in the faster migrating portion of the lower molecular weight band, at about 21,000 daltons. When the mouse interferon preparation was chromatographed on a column of immobilized anti-human leukocyte interferon antibodies, the specifically retained interferon was found to migrate in SDS-polyacrylamide gels as a 21,000-dalton species which exhibited similar degrees of activity on both mouse and human cells. Thus, mouse interferon preparations contain a low molecular weight interferon species which is both active on mouse cells and is responsible for all the heterologous antiviral activity on human cells and is antigenically related to human leukocyte interferon. These data suggest significant structural similarities between the active cores of certain interferons from phylogenetically diverse animal species.
Continuous approximate solutions in parametric optimization

The question of the existence of approximate solutions in parametric optimization is considered. Most results show that (under hypotheses) if a certain optimization problem has an approximate solution x 0 for a value p 0 of a parameter, then an approximate solution x=b(p) can be found for p in P, with b continuous, b(p 0)=x0, and any two such bs are homotopic. Some topological methods (use of fibrations) are used to weaken the usual ‘convex’ hypotheses of such results. An equisemicontinuity condition (relative to a constraint) is introduced to allow some noncompactness. The results are applied to get approximate Nash equilibrium results for games with some nonconvexity in the strategy sets.
Diazepam binding inhibitor and its processing products stimulate mitochondrial steroid biosynthesis via an interaction with mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors.

A recognition site for benzodiazepines structurally different from that linked to various γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor subtypes is located on the outer mitochondrial membranes of steroidogenic cells. This protein has been signified to be important in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis. Because of its location it is designated herein as the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor (MBR). A putative endogenous ligand for MBR is the peptide diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), previously shown to displace drugs from MBR and to be expressed and stored in steroidogenic cells rich in MBR. The two model systems used to study steroidogenic regulation by DBI were the Y-l adrenocortical and MA-10 Leydig cell lines previously shown to be applicable in studies of mitochondrial steroidogenesis. Both cell lines contain DBI as well as DBI processing products, including the DBI fragments that on reverse phase HPLC coelute with the naturally occurring triakontatetraneuropeptide [TTN; DBI-(17–50)] and octadecaneuro...
MOS hydrogen sensors with ultrathin layers of palladium

MOS gas sensors were fabricated on n- and p-type silicon (5-7 Ω. cm) with thermal oxide layers ranging in thickness from 66 to 269 A. A layer of palladium 30 A thick was deposited through an evaporation mask. A layer of gold 350 A thick was deposited over the palladium to provide a continuous electrical contact. Measurements were made of the capacitance at 1 MHz as a function of gasambient and time. The devices showed sensitivity to hydrogen at room temperature. Compared to devices fabricated with 300-A layers of palladium, the thin film devices showed much faster response and recovery at room temperature and reduced magnitude of response. Devices fabricated on p-type silicon were noticably faster than those fabricated on n-silicon. First-order reaction kinetic fits showed general agreement with the data.
Earnings Estimates and the Accuracy of Expectational Data

This paper examines the accuracy of forecasts produced by mechanical forecasting techniques and three groups of analysts. The nine mechanical forecasting techniques are variations of exponentially weighted moving averages, naive models, simple moving averages, and regressions. One-, two-and three-year forecasts are used to evaluate these techniques. The mechanical techniques exhibit statistically significant differences in their ability to forecast earnings per share, with the exponentially weighted moving averages producing the best forecasts. One-year forecasts produced by the best of the mechanical forecasting techniques were compared to the corresponding analysts' projections. No statistically significant difference could be discerned.
Capitated Medicaid managed care in a rural area: the impact of Minnesota's PMAP program.

This study addresses the impacts of Medicaid managed care in rural Minnesota. Using difference-in-differences methods, the study compares access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries in rural counties that implemented Medicaid managed care between 1998 and 2000 with Medicaid beneficiaries in rural counties that continued to operate fee-for-service Medicaid over the period. We find that Medicaid managed care in rural areas neither positively nor negatively affected beneficiaries' access to care. With the cost savings under managed care reported by the state, it appears that Minnesota was able to reduce the costs of its Medicaid program without worsening access to care. (Journal of Rural Health 21(1): 12?20.)
Preoperative irradiation for cancer of the rectum with extrarectal fixation.

Tumor mobility of rectal cancer is well known to have prognostic significance for operative resection, local recurrence, and survival. Between 1976-1988, 220 patients have been consecutively treated with high dose preoperative radiotherapy at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. During this time period, 134 patients were clinically determined by the surgeon and radiotherapist to have extrarectal tumor fixation as a primary indication for preoperative irradiation and are the subject of this review. The patient population can be further divided into two subgroups which include 49 patients with clinical tethering/partial fixation, and 85 patients with completely fixed tumors. Patients were treated with 4-field pelvic radiotherapy to 45 Gy in 25 fractions. Depending on location and degree of fixation, a localized boost dose was frequently delivered to the tumor for an additional 4.8-9.6 Gy using opposed high-energy lateral fields. Surgical resection was instituted 4-6 weeks post completion of radiotherapy. Significant tumor regression permitted sphincter preserving surgery in 105/134 (78%) of these patients. With a median follow-up of 37 months, the overall 5-year actuarial survival for our postradiation Stage A/B1 patients was 92% (n = 28), and 63% for Stage B2/C patients (n = 91). Local recurrence occurred in only 7% of the Stage A/B1 patients, and 18% in the Stage B2/C patients. Analyzed by pre-treatment clinical evaluation, the 5-year actuarial survival of these patients was 68% and 60% in the clinically tethered and fixed tumor subgroups, respectively (p = .51). Pelvic control was demonstrated in 86% of the patients in the tethered subgroup, and in 80% of the preoperative fixed patients. The combined treatment was well tolerated, with complications limited to 6% of the patient population. We conclude that preoperative radiotherapy for rectal carcinomas with clinical extrarectal fixation provides optimal presurgical cytoreduction and excellent survival. Furthermore, sphincter function can be maintained in a majority of patients with appropriate attention to patient selection.
U.S. Social Structure and Imprisonment. A Comment

* * * An article by Joubert, Picon and McIntosh (1981) is found to contain several serious methodological flaws. A second analysis using a similar data set suggests that these methodological problems may have caused them to draw erroneous conclusions regarding the effects of social structural variables on prison admission and release rates.
General behavior of dilute binary solutions

Bases pour un modele utilisant la theorie moleculaire des melanges, avec le formalisme de la theorie des fluctuations
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced optic neuropathy.

Introduction: Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RON) is an infrequent but devastating consequence of radiation exposure to the visual pathways, usually following months to years after the treatment of paranasal or intracranial tumours. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is one of several therapies that have been tried for this condition. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical characteristics of RON, the rationale for the use of HBO in this condition, and the available clinical data on its safety and efficacy. Methods: MEDLINE searches were performed on radiation optic neuropathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and similar terms, and selected references were reviewed. The results were combined with the experience at our own institution. Results: RON typically follows a fulminant course with characteristic symptoms, examination findings, and imaging. The threshold for prior radiation exposure depends upon the delivery system used and patient characteristics. Therapy with anticoagulants or steroids has been unsuccessful. While there are case reports in the literature of successful treatment with HBO, therapy with HBO has to be initiated soon after the onset of vision loss, and even then yields variable results at best. Conclusions: There is still no consistently successful treatment for RON. HBO may be attempted in selected cases, but the prognosis for preservation of vision remains grim. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2006;35:151-7
Growth and Nutrient Uptake by Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Herta): Studies Using an N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenedinitrilotriacetic Acid-Buffered Nutrient Solution Technique (I. Zinc Ion Requirements).

The critical range of Zn2+ activity in nutrient solution required for optimum growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Herta) was studied using the synthetic chelating agent N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenedinitrilotriacetic acid to buffer micronutrient metal ions. The activity of Zn2+ was varied over a wide range from approximately 0.1 x 10–)11 to 22 x 10–)11 M Zn2+. The dry weight of barley shoots reached a maximum at Zn2+ activities above approximately 3 x 10–)11 M and was clearly depressed when Zn2+ activities were below about 1 x 10–)11 M. The relationship in shoots between dry weight and Zn concentrations supports the view that there is a critical Zn concentration of about 25 [mu]g g-1 dry weight in whole shoots of barley seedlings. When Zn2+ activities in solution were near or below approximately 3 x 10–)11 M, barley shoots accumulated higher concentrations of P, Mn, Ca, Mg, and Na, whereas Cu concentrations were reduced. P and Mn began to accumulate in the shoots before differences in dry weights were apparent and provided the earliest index of Zn deficiency. In Zn-deficient roots, concentrations of Ca and Mg increased by 25 to 30%, and those of Fe and Mn more than doubled. Zn appears to play a special role in regulating uptake of several mineral nutrients in barley.
Reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity in immiscible PbS-PbTe systems

The synthesis and properties characterization of several PbS1-xTexx = 0-0.16 samples are presented. Notably it is shown how a local minimum occurs in the thermal diffusivity for the PbS1-xTex samples at x ≈ 0.03. The thermoelectric properties of doped PbS1-xTex with x = 0.03 are reported and the properties are compared to the pure PbS and PbTe end members. The electronic contribution to the total thermal conductivity is analyzed for PbS1-xTexx = 0.03 and it is shown how the lattice thermal conductivity is significantly lowered compared to single crystalline PbS.
Enhanced effects of novel oridonin analog CYD0682 for hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract Background Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are responsible for excess extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition in liver fibrosis. Previously, our group reported that the natural compound oridonin induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and downregulates ECM proteins in activated HSC. In this study, the antifibrogenic effects of oridonin derivative CYD0682 on the activated human LX-2 and rat HSC-T6 stellate cell lines were investigated. Methods Cell proliferation was measured by alamarBlue assay. Apoptosis was detected by Cell Death ELISA and staining of Yo-Pro-1 and propidium iodide. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence staining were performed for cellular protein expression. Results CYD0682 treatment significantly inhibited LX-2 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 0.49 μM for 48 h, ∼10-fold greater potency than oridonin. Similar results were observed in HSC-T6 cells. In contrast, 2.5 μM of CYD0682 treatment had no significant effects on proliferation of the human hepatocyte cell line C3A. CYD0682 treatment induced LX-2 cell apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest and was associated with activation of p53, p21, and cleaved caspase-3. The myofibroblast marker protein α-smooth muscle actin and major ECM proteins type I collagen and fibronectin were markedly suppressed in a time- and dose-dependent fashion by CYD0682. Furthermore, pretreatment with CYD0682 blocked transforming growth factor-β–induced type I collagen and fibronectin production. Conclusions In comparison with oridonin, its novel derivative CYD0682 may act as a more potent antihepatic fibrosis agent.
Survey of Current Practice of Pediatric Electrophysiologists for Asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Objective. To determine the approach that pediatric electrophysiologists use as they evaluate asymptomatic patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome regarding electrophysiologic testing and radio frequency ablation. Methods. A 21-question survey was mailed to 66 pediatric electrophysiologists who had voluntarily submitted patient data at any time to the Pediatric Radio Frequency Ablation Registry since its inception in 1990. The survey addressed issues regarding physician experience with electrophysiologic testing and radio frequency ablation, risk assessment, electrophysiology study, and factors that influence the decision to perform radio frequency ablation in asymptomatic patients. Results. Returned surveys (43 of 66 [65%]) were analyzed blindly. The 43 physicians who responded were experienced, with 37 reporting >5 years of performing radio frequency ablation and 30 having performed >200 radio frequency ablation procedures. Thirty-six of the 43 electrophysiologists used invasive electrophysiologic study for risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with WPW. Electrophysiologic findings guided selection of patients for radio frequency ablation procedures. Expected radio frequency ablation outcome quotes to the family were consistent with recently published data from the Electrophysiology Society regarding current-era experience with radio frequency ablation. Conclusion. The majority of responding electrophysiologists use invasive electrophysiologic study both to stratify risk for asymptomatic WPW and to select appropriate patients for radio frequency ablation. This current practice should be communicated to other pediatric cardiologists and pediatricians.
Self-Calibrating Continuous-Time Equalization Targeting Inter-symbol Interference

A method for designing self-calibrating continuous-time equalizers is proposed. An error term, generated from the channel pulse response may be used to adaptively calibrate the equalizer, resulting in a significant reduction of ISI. This error term is based on the minimization of accumulating ISI versus total ISI. By limiting the change in ISI from bit to bit, reasonable voltage and timing margins are achieved. Matlab simulations show the clear opening of a 20Gbps data eye at the end of a 6? copper trace on an FR4-based PC board.
Association between depression and maintenance medication adherence among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: Depression is a significant comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although comorbid depression is associated with low use and poor adherence to medications treating other chronic conditions, evidence of the relationship between depression and COPD management is limited. This study estimated the association between depression and COPD maintenance medication (MM) adherence among patients with COPD. Methods:This cross-sectional study used a 5% random sample of 2006–2007 Chronic Condition Warehouse data. Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Parts A, B, and D plans with diagnosed COPD who survived through 2006 were included (n=74,863). COPD MM adherence was measured as medication discontinuation and proportion of days covered (PDC). Depression was identified through the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Multivariable models with modified generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted association between depression diagnosis and medication adherence, controlling for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and disease severity. Results:Among the sample, about one third (33.6%) had diagnosed depression. More than half (61.8%) of beneficiaries with COPD filled at least one COPD MM prescription. Depressed beneficiaries had a higher likelihood of using COPD MM than non-depressed beneficiaries (adjusted prevalence ratios [PR]=1.02;95% confidenceintervals [CI]=1.01, 1.03).Among COPD MMusers,depressedbeneficiaries were more likely to discontinue medications (PR=1.09; 95% CI=1.04, 1.14) and less likely to exhibit PDC ≥0.80 (PR=0.89; 95% CI=0.86, 0.92) than non-depressed beneficiaries. Conclusions: Depression is prevalent in Medicare beneficiaries with COPD and independently associated with lower COPD MM adherence. Interventions to improve medication adherence for COPD patients may consider management of comorbidities such as depression. Copyright #2013John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.