cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and clinical trial of a minimal contact, cognitive-behavioral treatment for tension headache

The effectiveness of two primarily self-administered treatments for chronic tension headache were compared. Twenty-four recurrent tension headache sufferers received either relaxation therapy alone or relaxation training plus cognitive-behavioral therapy in a primarily self-administered treatment format. Both treatments yielded substantial reductions in headache activity and smaller but significant reductions in depression. However, patients who received the combined treatment recorded significantly larger reductions in headache activity than patients receiving relaxation training alone. In addition, high pretreatment levels of headache activity and daily life stress were associated with a poor response to relaxation training but were unrelated to patients' response to the combined treatment. These results suggest that cognitive-behavioral interventions may enhance the effectiveness of primarily self-administered relaxation training, particularly with selected subgroups of patients.
Differential type I interferon activation and susceptibility of dendritic cell populations to porcine arterivirus

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a role in anti-viral immunity by providing early innate protection against viral replication and by presenting antigen to T cells for initiation of the adaptive immune response. Studies show the adaptive response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is ineffective for complete viral elimination. Other studies describe the kinetics of the adaptive response to PRRSV, but have not investigated the early response by DCs. We hypothesize that there is an aberrant activation of DCs early in PRRSV infection; consequently, the adaptive response is triggered inadequately. The current study characterized a subtype of porcine lung DCs (L-DCs) and investigated the ability of PRRSV to infect and replicate in L-DCs and monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). Furthermore, the type I interferon anti-viral response to PRRSV with and without the addition of recombinant porcine IFN-alpha (rpIFN-alpha), an important cytokine that signals for anti-viral mediator activation, was analysed. Results show that PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, providing evidence that these cells have followed distinct differentiation pathways. Although both cell types responded to PRRSV with an induction of IFN-beta mRNA, the magnitude and duration of the response differed between cell types. The addition of rpIFN-alpha was protective in MDDCs, and mRNA synthesis of Mx (myxovirus resistant) and PKR (double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase) was observed in both cell types after rpIFN-alpha addition. Overall, PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, and rpIFN-alpha was required for the transcription of protective anti-viral mediators. DC response to PRRSV was limited to IFN-beta transcription, which may be inadequate in triggering the adaptive immune response.
Interactions between Charge-Regulating Surface Layers

In this study we use the Poisson−Boltzmann analysis in the Debye−Huckel limit to examine the effect of charge regulation on the interactions between similarly charged ion-penetrable adsorbed layers. We find that the magnitude of the interactions decays rapidly with the degree of charge regulation, although the decay length remains the Debye screening length. As a result, the interactions between charge-regulating layers are much weaker than those between strongly dissociated ones.
Prevalence of panic disorder in post-myocardial infarction patients

This study examined the prevalence of panic symptoms and panic disorder among post-myocardial infarction patients. One hundred eleven individuals completed the Panic Attacks Questionnaire (PAQ) 3 months following myocardial infarction. Of the 111 participants, 19 (17%) reported experiencing at least one panic attack in the past year. On the basis of questionnaire data alone, seven participants met the full diagnostic criteria for panic disorder, making the observed prevalence rate 6%. Four of the seven participants with panic disorder diagnoses underwent structured interviews, which confirmed the diagnoses. The other three participants were unable to follow through with the interview process, two due to transportation problems and one who passed away. Therefore, our most conservative prevalence estimate is a rate of 3.6%. The four cases of confirmed panic disorder tended to be younger than the sample as a whole. On questionnaire measures, their scores were comparable to those of individuals seeking treatment for panic disorder and significantly different from those of a comparison sample.
New high-dynamic-range camera architecture

The need for high (wide) dynamic range cameras in the Security and Defense sectors is self-evident. Still the development of a cost-effective and viable system proves to be an elusive goal. To this end we take a new approach which meets a number of requirements, most notably a high "fill" factor for the associated APS (active pixel sensor) array and a minimal technology development curve. The approach can be used with any sensor array technology supporting, on a granular level, random pixel access. To achieve high dynamic range one of the presented camera systems classifies image pixels according to their probable brightness levels. Then it scans the pixels according to their probable brightness, with the pixels most likely to be the brightest being scanned first and the pixels most likely to be the darkest, last. Periodically the system re-adjusts the scanning strategy based on collected data or operator inputs. The overall exposure time is dictated by the sensitivity of the selected array and by the content and frame rate of the image. The local exposure time is determined by the predicted pixel brightness levels. The prediction method we use in this paper is simple duplication; i.e. the brightness of the vast majority of pixels is assumed to change little from frame to frame. This allows us to dedicate resources only to the few pixels undergoing large output excursions. Such approach was found to require only minimal modifications to standard APS array architectures and less "off-sensor" resources than CAMs (Content Addressable Memory) or other DSP intensive methods.
Pressure‐flow relationships in the peripheral circulation of the dog with isoprenaline

SUMMARY 1. The effects of isoprenaline on the pressure-flow relationships in the peripheral circulation were studied in five anaesthetized dogs during right heart bypass procedures. 2. Isoprenaline (1 μg/kg per min) produced a significant drop in arterial pressure and arterial resistance. 3. There was a significant decrease in the resistance to venous return which resulted in a significant increase in venous return. 4. The findings suggest that the increase in cardiac output produced by isoprenaline results in large part from dilatation of venous resistance vessels.
Percutaneous permeation of betamethasone 17-valerate from different vehicles

Abstract In vitro percutaneous permeation of betamethasone 17-valerate through excised human skin was examined using four different vehicles. The mean drug flux from the pressure sensitive silicone adhesive which contained the drug as a suspension was 2.4-times greater than that from a 1.2 mg g commercially available cream which also contained the drug as a suspension. The latter was comparable to the mean flux from aqueous saturation (5.5 μg ml ) and 4.1-times larger than that from 0.12 mg g cream. The aqueous vehicle did not show an enhancing effect on the percutaneous permeation of betamethasone 17-valerate because the flux from the aqueous saturation was within a factor of 2.5 when compared to the value from the suspension in the silicone adhesive and commercially available cream. Aqueous saturation concentration may provide the representative unit activity flux of corticosteroid through the skin.
Impact of breast cancer recurrence and cancer-specific stress on spouse health and immune function

Spouses of cancer patients are at-risk for poor psychological and physical health as they cope with the complex nature of the disease and fears of losing their partner. Moreover, spouses often serve as patients' primary informal caregivers, a group that evidences poor outcomes across a variety of domains. The present study examines the relative contributions of cancer recurrence - a cancer-specific stressful event - and the subjective experience of cancer-specific stress (IES) in a sample of male spouses of breast cancer survivors. We hypothesized that stress would contribute to poorer physical health and compromised immune function. Spouses (recurrence; n=16) of patients who were coping with their first recurrence were matched to spouses of patients with no evidence of disease (disease-free; n=16). Self-reported physical health (physical symptoms and fatigue) and immune function [T-cell blastogenic response to the mitogens Concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohemagglutanin (PHA) and T3 monoclonal antibody (T3 Mab)] were included as outcomes. Results indicated that patient recurrence status was not a significant unique predictor of physical health or immune function; rather, among all spouses, cancer-specific stress symptoms were associated with increased physical symptoms and altered T-cell blastogenesis. These data suggest that the health implications of caregiving for spouses of cancer survivors is more strongly linked to their subjective experience of cancer as stressful, rather than simply the patients' disease status.
Pediatric intestinal transplantation at Packard Children's Hospital/Stanford University Medical Center: report of a four-year experience.

We report a 4-year experience of a new program in pediatric intestinal transplantation. Among 50 children referred for evaluation, 27 were listed for transplantation. Two children originally listed for combined liver/small bowel transplant were changed to isolated intestinal transplant as rehabilatation efforts resulted in full recovery of hepatic function. Eighteen children received 18 grafts: 12 liver/intestine, 5 isolated intestine, and 1 multivisceral. Mean age at transplant was 3.6 year with 75% of patients aged 0 to 2 years. Five listed children died while waiting and four were still on the list. Immunotherapy included antithymocyte globulin induction and tacrolimus, sirolimus, and prednisone maintenance. At 1 year, patient and graft survivals were 75% and 67%, respectively. For isolated intestine, 1 year survivals were 100% and 75%, while for combined liver/intestine, they were 71% for both. Enteral autonomy is 100% with total parenteral nutrition stopping by 35.8 days (mean). We had two patients develop posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder and three, exfoliative rejection, one of whom recovered completely. In conclusion, our program in pediatric intestinal transplantation has become well established with a high proportion of smaller/younger children receiving grafts. Outcomes achieved levels expected based on The Intestinal Transplant Registry and UNOS criteria, which were better than expected for isolated intestinal transplants and achievement of enteral autonomy.
Stimulatory effect of nicotine on the metabolism of meprobamate.

Abstract The administration of nicotine to mice caused an immediate and significant decrease in the period of ataxia produced by meprobamate. A similar, although lesser, effect resulted from the administration of the meprobamate alone at 2-day intervals. Stopping the nicotine treatment restored ataxic times to the original levels. Livers from mice treated for 2 days with nicotine metabolized meprobamate at a faster rate than did livers from control animals. This increase was prevented by the administration of ethionine.
Existence of more limit cycles in general predator-prey models

Determining the number of limit cycles for a system is normally very difficult. The author presents some sufficient conditions which guarantee that the general predator-prey model of Huang (1988) has at least three limit cycles around the equilibrium point. The author's approach can be generalised to discuss the existence of 2n+1 limit cycles in the model.
Punishment and Inequality in America. By Bruce Western

Punishment and Inequality in America. By Bruce Western. New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2006. Pp. 247. $29.95 cloth. There are currently more individuals incarcerated and individuals with felon status than at any other point in U.S. history. Scholars from diverse fields have turned their attention to the nearly 700,000 individuals released annually from prisons, the more than 9 million felons and ex-felons, and the web of disadvantage these individuals face because of their felon status. Informal consequences (such as discrimination and depressed levels of human capital) join with formal consequences (laws that disqualify individuals from voting, serving as jurors, and holding numerous occupations) to maintain and possibly worsen racial and ethnic inequality across social institutions. Research is just beginning to show the empirical impact of these consequences; there is little doubt that trends in criminal punishment have disadvantaged large numbers of racial minorities. Since the 1970s, all forms of correctional supervision increased at unprecedented levels. Much of this increase has fallen disproportionately on African Americans, Hispanics, and individuals that occupy the lowest rungs of the socioeconomic ladder-most notably high school dropouts and individuals with chronic joblessness. Elevated levels of punishment, which stemmed largely out of conservative politics and racial conflict, have come with great social costs. Stints in prison now act as a rudder, steering many individuals into economic peril. Incarceration's impact persists throughout the life course and extends far beyond the economic sphere. We can see vivid evidence of the former in the labor market and the latter in families-two social institutions where Bruce Western focuses his analysis in Punishment and Inequality in America. Western's study displays the methodological innovativeness and sophistication that is characteristic of his previous work. He analyzes data from diverse sources to test his central thesis that incarceration has played a significant role in concealing and ultimately worsening racial and ethnic inequality in the United States. The greatest asset of this study is its impressive array of empirical analysis. Western employs multiple analytic procedures and techniques, including adjustments for selection into prison, which is a vexing empirical conundrum for this area of inquiry. Individuals who spend time in prison are not representative of the population as a whole, and many would likely experience some level of hardship even if they had not been incarcerated. This makes assessing the unique contribution of incarceration in current trends of inequality challenging. …
Ureteral injury following experimental intraoperative radiation

Beagle dogs were randomized to receive a range of total dose delivered in three different protocols. Sixteen dogs received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), 32 dogs received intraoperative irradiation (IORT), and 32 dogs received combinations of external beam radiation therapy and intraoperative irradiation. A sublumbar field was irradiated which always included the left ureter. Dogs were observed for 5 years; sequential excretory urograms were done at 6 months, and 1 and 5 years. Morphometric analysis of tissues were also done. The canine ureter tolerated 17.5 Gy intraoperative irradiation with no evidence of injury and 25 Gy intraoperative irradiation with a low probability of injury. The ED50 for radiographic abnormalities was 32.9 Gy. When 50 Gy external beam radiation therapy was given prior to intraoperative irradiation, the ureter tolerated 10 Gy intraoperative irradiation with no evidence of injury and 17.5 Gy with a low probability of injury. The ED50 was 29 Gy intraoperative irradiation after EBRT. The external beam radiation therapy had little effect on the ureter when given alone or prior to intraoperative irradiation. Clinical signs of renal disease occurred only in dogs who had received bilateral ureteral irradiation intraoperatively at doses of 32.5 Gy intraoperative irradiation and 25 Gy intraoperative irradiation after external beam radiation therapy. Histologic evidence suggests that the chronic injury of the ureter expressed at 5 years is of vascular etiology. The early injury may be due to ulceration of the epithelium.
Estimating Net Carbon Emissions and Agricultural Response to Potential Carbon Offset Policies

In this study, we developed a technique for estimating soil C sequestration from crop production with detailed spatial differences in production practices, tillage effects, and soil textures often overlooked when modeling state-level implications of climate change policies. The model also tracks C equivalent (CE) emissions from fertilizer, fuel, and agricultural chemical use. Using Arkansas as an example, a model that maximizes crop returns to producers in conjunction with C offset payments allowed estimation of probable changes in county-level cropping patterns and income as a result of varying C prices. While income ramifications of a C-offset climate change policy are positive, significant uncertainty about resultant greenhouse gas (GHG) effects are demonstrated. Crops included were corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum spp.). As a result of this detailed analysis, two caveats are that (i) policy recommendations hinge on a baseline scenario that would change with changes in input and output price levels, with these interactions not modeled within, and (ii) monitoring costs of a C-offset market could be significant.
Strategic sourcing for entry deterrence and tacit collusion

By sourcing key intermediate goods to a potential entrant, an incumbent firm can credibly and observably commit to an intense post-entry competition, thereby deterring the entry. At the same time, a collusive effect exists, whereby the entrant’s loss from staying out of the final-good market is compensated through their sourcing transaction. We find that entry-deterring sourcing in general has ambiguous effect on social welfare. However, there exist scenarios where it enhances not only social welfare, but also consumers’ surplus.
Customized Dose Prescription for Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy: Insights From a Multicenter Analysis of Dosimetry Outcomes

dosimetry results. The mean prostate-specific antigen level was 8.9 ng/mL. 125 I was used in 2,293 (58%), 103 Pd in 1,635, and supplemental external beam radiotherapy in 882 (22.5%) patients. The patients were stratified into low- (n = 2,188), intermediate- (n = 1,188), and high- (n = 552) risk groups and into three BED groups of 200 Gy (n = 1,115). Freedom from biochemical disease progression (biochemicalfreedomfromfailure[bFFF]) wasdetermined usingthe AmericanSocietyforTherapeutic Radiology Oncologyand Phoenixdefinitionsand calculated usingthe Kaplan-Meier method, withfactors comparedusingthe log‐rank test. Results: The 10-year prostate-specific antigen bFFF rate for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology Oncology and Phoenix definitions was 79.2% and 70%, respectively. The corresponding bFFF rates for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups was 84.1% and 78.1%, 76.8% and 63.6%, and 64.4% and 58.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The corresponding bFFF rate for the three BED groups was 56.1% and 41.4%, 80% and 77.9%, and 91.1%and82.9%(p<0.0001).ThecorrespondingbFFFrateforthelow-riskpatientsbydosegroupwas69.8%and 49.8%, 86% and 85.2%, and 88.1% and 88.3% for the low-, intermediate, and high-dose group, respectively (p <0.0001). The corresponding bFFF rate for the intermediate-risk patients by dose group was 52.9% and 23.1%, 74.1% and 77.7%, and 94.3% and 88.8% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose group, respectively (p < 0.0001). The corresponding bFFF rate for high-risk patients by dose group was 19.2% and 41.7%, 61.8% and 53.2%, and 90% and 69.6% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose group, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These data suggest that permanent brachytherapy dose prescriptions can be customized to risk status. In low-risk patients, achieving a BED of $140 Gy might be adequate for prostate-specific antigen control. However, high-risk disease might require a BED dose of $200 Gy. 2007 Elsevier Inc. Prostate cancer, Brachytherapy, External beam radiotherapy.
Classifications of driving exposure and accident rates for highway safety analysis

Abstract Analysis of driving exposure and accident rates will be important in the future for evaluations of highway safety countermeasures. Each should be uniquely classified according to variables of the highway transportation system, i.e. driver-vehicle-road-environment combinations, in order to allow analyses which deal with the most significant differences in exposure and accident rate. Concepts of driving exposure are discussed, and a working definition is presented. A pilot survey of exposure was conducted, based on a random national sample of 7145 licensed drivers. Data was analyzed using the Automatic Interaction Detector (AID) algorithm, and hierarchies were produced of best predictors of accidents, exposure, and accident rate. The best predictor of exposure was whether or not a person drives on the job. When variables are limited to those appearing on accident reports, Driver Sex and Type of Vehicle were the best predictors, followed by Percent Driving on Streets, Model Year of Vehicle, and Driver Age. The best predictor of accidents was Driver Age, followed by Driver Sex and other variables in different order than the exposure hierarchy.
A comparison of single and mixed gender engineering enrichment programs for elementary students

The Center for Pre-College Programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology sponsors a series of summer enrichment programs designed to increase academically talented students' interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Programs such as these can be instrumental in informing young students about careers in engineering and technology and helping ensure they receive the academic background required to prepare for these careers in college. One of the programs has been designed specifically for young girls in an effort to increase the number of women interested in engineering and other technological careers. Although there is much debate about the relative effectiveness of female-only programs, previous research comparing aspects of our female-only program to equivalent mixed-gender programs has shown that they can be particularly effective in reaching young girls, influencing their perceptions of engineers and attitudes toward engineering as a career. The addition of equivalent male-only programs has prompted additional research comparing changes in students' perceptions of engineers and attitudes toward engineering, as well as increases in learning and content knowledge. The three different gender grouped programs (female-only, male-only and mixed-gender) were identical in content. The single gender programs within the same grade were taught by the same teacher. Although the mixed gender programs were taught by a different teacher the curriculum was exactly the same. In addition to objective measures of effectiveness, teachers were interviewed to collect qualitative data about the climate in the classroom and students' interactions within the three different gender groupings. Results show differential effects among the programs, not only in terms of perceptions, attitudes and learning, but also in the classroom climate and students' interactions in the classroom.
MEMS 2D Scanning Mirror for Dynamic Alignment in Optical Interconnect

There has been a great deal of interests in optical interconnect to solve the I/O bottleneck in electronic systems [1,2]. Currently, most of the optical interconnect schemes employ passive optical alignment [3,4].
Phospholipid composition modulates the Na+-Ca2+ exchange activity of cardiac sarcolemma in reconstituted vesicles

Abstract Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity in cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles is known to to be sensitive to charged, membrane lipid components. To examine the interactions between membrane components and the exchanger in more detail, we have solubilized and reconstituted the Na + − Ca 2+ exchanger into membranes of defined lipid composition. Our results indicate that optimal Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity requires the presence of certain anionic phospholipids. In particular, phosphatidylserine (PS), cardiolipin, or phosphatidic acid at 50% by weight results in high Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity, whereas phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol provide a poor environment for exchange. In addition, incorporation of cholesterol at 20% by weight greatly facilitates Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity. Thus, for example, an optimal lipid environment for Na + − Ca 2+ exchange is phosphatidylcholine (PC, 30%)/PS (50%)/cholesterol (20%). Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity is also high when cardiac sarcolemma is solubilized and then reconstituted into asolectin liposomes. We fractionated the lipids of asolectin into subclasses for further reconstitution studies. When sarcolemma is reconstituted into vesicles formed from the phospholipid component of asolectin, Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity is low. When the neutral lipid fraction of asolectin (including sterols) is also included in the reconstitution medium, Na + − Ca 2+ exchange activity is greatly stimulated. This result is consistent with the requirement for cholesterol described above. Proteinase treatment, high pH, intravesicular Ca 2+ and dodecyl sulfate all stimulate Na + − Ca 2+ exchange in native sarcolemmal vesicles. We examined the effects of these interventions on exchange activity in reconstituted vesicles of varying lipid composition. In general, Na + − Ca 2+ exchange could be stimulated only when reconstituted into vesicles of a suboptimal lipid composition. That is, when reconstituted into asolectin or PC/PS/cholesterol (30:50:20), the exchanger is already in an activated state and can no longer be stimulated. The one exception was that the Na + − Ca 2+ exchanger responded to altered pH in an identical manner, independent of vesicle lipid composition. The mechanism of action of altered pH on the exchanger thus appears to be different from other interventions.
A rapid and efficient procedure for the purification of mitochondrial β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase

A new, rapid and efficient procedure for the purification of the mitochondrial enzyme β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.30) to homogeneity is described. It involves the following steps. The mitochondria are solubilized with potassium cholate and the 100000 × g supernate is fractionated with ammonium sulfate. This is followed by precipitation of the enzyme at pH 5.2 and then selective solubilization at pH 8.8. This key step removes eighty percent of the contaminating proteins and allows subsequent DEAE-Sepharose and glass bead column chromatography to be performed in the absence of detergents. The overall yield is consistently around 35% and the purified protein is homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme is absolutely dependent upon phosphatidylcholine for activity.
The effects of Mg2+ on submaximum Ca2+-activated tension in skinned fibers of frog skeletal muscle

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of free Mg 2+ concentration on submaximum isometric tension generated by single skinned fibers from semitendinosus muscles of the frog. Increases in Mg 2+ concentration are accompanied by decreases in the submaximum isometric tension generated in bathing solutions which have the same Ca 2+ concentration and same ionic strength. The effects of changes in MgATP 2- and ATP 4- concentration were separated from those of Mg 2+ and were found to be very small in comparison to those of Mg 2+ concentration. The Mg 2+ concentrations used in two sets of solutions were 0.3, 1, and 2 mM. In one set of solutions MgATP 2- concentration changed from approximately 2 to 12 mM and in the other set of solutions ATP 4- concentration changed from approximately 10 -4 to 1.6×10 -5 M . Ionic strength was found to have a significant inverse effect on submaximal isometric tension.
An empirical model for the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistic

Abstract An explicit formula for the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistic, when distribution parameters are obtained from the data, does not exist in the literature. Lilliefors(5) provided a table of the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistic by a Monte‐Carlo simulation technique in which the sets of random samples determined the sets of parameters. This paper applies the 4‐parameter lognormal (SB) model defined by Johnson(6) to these Monte‐Carlo data and shows that the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistics can be described by this model which is constrained to the interval zero‐one.
A highly efficient cocaine-detoxifying enzyme obtained by computational design

The enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) can metabolize cocaine, albeit at relatively low speeds. Here the authors use computational methods to define mutations that increase BChE-mediated cocaine hydrolysis, achieving a catalytic activity comparable to that of one of the fastest naturally occurring enzyme.
The legacy of transnational lives: Beyond the first generation of Lebanese in Senegal

Definitions of transnationalism are modelled after first generation migrant communities in the west. Through presenting ethnographic detail on the Lebanese community in Senegal, this article applies the concept of transnationalism to the case of a historic South-South migrant community. Second and later generation ethnic groups maintain transnational ties through notions of self-identity and definitions by others, the importance given to the homeland, and political and religious ideologies. Race, geographic location, and changes in the structure of labour markets are factors that encourage continued ties with the country of origin. Furthermore, transnationalism cannot be limited only to sending and receiving countries. Colonial and former colonial powers can determine the destination of migrants, establish economic hierarchies, and offer a tertiary citizenship to transnational migrants in addition to the dual citizenship of country of origin and destination.
Effects of a finite plasma temperature on electron-cyclotron maser emission

Auroral kilometric radiation, Jupiter's decametric radio emission, and microwave spike bursts have all been attributed to the semirelativistic maser instability. The effect of a finite plasma temperature on the emission from this instability is investigated. Temperature effects reduce the frequency of the x mode and thereby enable fundamental x-mode radiation to occur at higher omega sub p/Omega sub e (where omega sub p is the plasma frequency and Omega sub e is the electron-cyclotron frequency). When the plasma frequency is sufficiently high to suppress x-mode growth, z-mode growth then dominates. The z-mode radiation is, however, subject to electron-cyclotron damping, and this damping can cause heating of the plasma in the vicinity of the source region. In this case, x-mode radiation can be generated even though initial conditions might favor z-mode growth.
Potentialities for research on mechanisms of aging.

The interesting findings of many studies on aging are outlined. These indicate the importance of large-scale research on the biology of senescence as an integral part of health maintenance and disease prevention. The Research on Aging Act (Bill 870), now before the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, deserves active evidence of the support of all physicians, since on its passage will depend many programs for the improvement of health in the later years of life.
Reduction of secondarily generalized tonic-clonic (SGTC) seizures with pregabalin.

Summary Purpose To determine whether pregabalin reduces SGTC seizures in clinically refractory epilepsy. Methods Design: Post hoc analysis performed on pooled data from three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of similar design. Participants: Patients with partial seizures who failed ≥2 antiepileptic drugs at maximally tolerated doses. This analysis excluded those who did not have an SGTC seizure during baseline or treatment periods. Outcome measure: Absolute and conditional reduction analyses examined change from baseline in SGTC seizure rates. The absolute reduction analysis used response ratio (RRatio) to compare reduction in seizure-frequency from baseline ( B ) during a 12-week treatment ( T ) period [RRatio=(( T − B )/( T + B ))×100]. The conditional analysis examined proportional risk of having SGTC seizure if a partial seizure had occurred. Results Of 1052 intent-to-treat patients, 409 were included. Sixteen were seizure-free during treatment and not included in the conditional analysis. A significant reduction in absolute SGTC seizures from baseline was observed in patients receiving pregabalin 600mg/day (treatment RRatio, −33 versus placebo, −3.7; P =0.0005). A lower dose of pregabalin (300mg/day), administered in one study, demonstrated a trend (nonsignificant) toward reduced SGTC seizures (treatment, −24.7 versus placebo, −10.0; P =0.2493). Conclusion As adjunctive therapy, pregabalin 600mg/day is effective in reducing the absolute frequency of SGTC seizures in patients with refractory partial epilepsy, but not secondary generalization.
Visible binocular beats from invisible monocular stimuli during binocular rivalry.

Abstract When two qualitatively different stimuli are presented at the same time, one to each eye, the stimuli can either integrate or compete with each other. When they compete, one of the two stimuli is alternately suppressed, a phenomenon called binocular rivalry [1,2]. When they integrate, observers see some form of the combined stimuli. Many different properties (for example, shape or color) of the two stimuli can induce binocular rivalry. Not all differences result in rivalry, however. Visual ‘beats', for example, are the result of integration of high-frequency flicker between the two eyes [3,4], and are thus a binocular fusion phenomenon. It remains in dispute whether binocular fusion and rivalry can co-exist with one another [5–7]. Here, we report that rivalry and beats, two apparently opposing phenomena, can be perceived at the same time within the same spatial location. We hypothesized that the interocular difference in visual attributes that are predominately processed in the Parvocellular pathway will lead to rivalry, and differences in visual attributes that are predominantly processed in the Magnocellular pathway tend to integrate. Further predictions based on this hypothesis were tested and confirmed.
Good Value; Money, Greed and God; God and Money: A Theology of Money in a Globalizing World

The article reviews several books including "Good Value: Reflections on Money, Morality and an Uncertain World," by Stephen Green, "Money, Greed and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem," by Jay Richards, and "God and Money: A Theology of Money in a Globalizing World," Nimi Wariboko.
Price discounting in multi-echelon distribution systems

Abstract Designing distribution systems requires two essential decisions, one strategic (i.e., the number of levels between the producer and the customer) and the other tactical (i.e., channel management policies such as trade discounts). While the modeling literature focuses on one or the other, evidence from the field indicates that the two decisions are in fact interactive. In this paper we focus on the tactical issue of price rebates, but we frame the problem in the overall context of the firm's distribution structure. We offer a theoretical analysis of a two-stage distribution system and construct an O(n log n) to optimize the producer's profit function. We then discuss in detail one potential application for the model in solving gray market conflicts.
Molecular evolution of Agaricus species based on ITS and LSU rDNA sequences

Phylogenetic analyses of 62 isolates of 42 Agaricus and related secotioid species (A. inapertus, Gyrophragmium dunalii and Longula texensis) were conducted based on sequence data of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and partial large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA. Bayesian, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses were used to reveal evolutionary groups within the genus Agaricus, while molecular clock analyses were carried out to obtain more information about the divergence times during the evolution of Agaricus within the Basidiomycota. Six major distinct clades were found within the genus with varying levels of support. These monophyletic groups suggested interspecific relationships both confirming and challenging previous morphological sections in several cases. Our results show that most morphological features likely have evolved in apparently similar ways multiple times independently during evolution, and that the secotioid A. inapertus, Gyrophragmium dunalii and Longula texensis evolved from Agaricus species in Clade I. A new name Agaricus aridicola, and a new combination Agaricus texensis are suggested to replace the names Gyrophragmium dunalii and Longula texensis, respectively. Molecular clock estimates for minimal age of separation of the genus Agaricus from its closest relatives were 32.63 ± 8.06 and 15.45 ± 3.82 Ma, respectively, using calibrations based on other molecular clock studies on fungi and fossil data. However, Agaricus likely diverged much earlier (73.30 ± 18.12 Ma), as suggested by the estimate based on the most robust calibration.
Corynebacterium Equi (Magnusson, 1923) in the Submaxillary Lymph Nodes of Swine

cervical lymph nodes of swine presumably due to a "coccobacillus." Eventually these came to be known as "Holth processes" and "Holth bacilli" respectively. The presence of these lesions and the associated bacterium have been confirmed by other Scandinavian investigators, notably Plum,2,3 Jespersen,4 Bendixen and Jepsen,5'6 and Magnusson.' Bendixen and Jepsen5 recognized similarities of strains of the so-called
Outcome of early clinical trials of the combination of hydroxychloroquine with chemotherapy in cancer

The premise of inhibiting autophagy to overcome resistance to chemotherapy has been investigated in 5 clinical phase I trials combining hydroxychloroquine with vorinostat, temsirolimus, temozolomide, or bortezomib. These studies have provided a number of insights relating to the tolerability of the combination treatments. In addition, these studies should provide guidance in the planning and design of future trials to directly determine whether the strategy of autophagy inhibition could prove useful in the treatment of various malignancies.
Secondary Electron Emission by Photoelectric Action and Ion Bombardment at the Cathode in Corona Breakdown of Argon

Differences between the secondary cathode mechanisms active in coaxial cylindrical argon-filled counter tubes with positive central wire at various gas pressures observed by E. J. Lauer at Berkeley and the authors at Milan, have been resolved as a result of recent work by the authors at Berkeley. It appears that at pressures ranging from 1000 to about 150 mm Hg, with spectroscopically pure argon, the dominant mechanism is a photoelectric liberation from the cathode caused by photons with some microseconds of time delay and of energy about 10 ev. These lead to a corona threshold with ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{p}$ ranging from 1 to 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, uncorrected for electron back diffusion. At pressures between 25 and 100 mm Hg an electron liberation by impact of ${\mathrm{A}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{A}}_{2}^{+}$ ions on the Ni cathode was confirmed to be important in the corona current, in agreement with Lauer's findings. This effect seems to be very dependent on the conditions of the surface and was found to be active only after a degassing at 900\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C for hours.
A performance evaluation methodology for computer systems

This paper presents a simulation methodology for evaluating the performance of CISC and RISC computer systems. Our method is called message flow technique (MFT). MFT is a modification of the instruction flow technique (IFT) we presented for RISC previously. The proposed methodology was applied to a single and two-level cache-based complex instruction set computer system using 80486 SX as a case study. Our trace driven simulations provide an estimate of the mean performance of the system for the considered general purpose computing environment with an accuracy of /spl plusmn/5% and a confidence level of 95%. The simulations indicate that with a single level on-chip cache of size 8 K bytes, the performance of the system is considerably limited by the service rime of bus interface unit (BIU). The average service time of bus interface unit, per instruction, was found approximately equal to 1.0135 microseconds for our synthetic workloads, collectively called, modified Gibson mix (MGM). With the introduction of a moderate-sized second level external cache to the system, the average performance improvement was found to be appreciable. The methodology presented here is an efficient and easy to use tool as compared to the previous methodologies, essentially limited to RISC architectures, that could help performance analysts in evaluating different computer systems. >
A Three Cycle View of Design Science Research

As a commentary to Juhani Iivari's insightful essay, I briefly analyze design science research as an embodiment of three closely related cycles of activities. The Relevance Cycle inputs requirements from the contextual envi- ronment into the research and introduces the research artifacts into environ- mental field testing. The Rigor Cycle provides grounding theories and methods along with domain experience and expertise from the foundations knowledge base into the research and adds the new knowledge generated by the research to the growing knowledge base. The central Design Cycle sup- ports a tighter loop of research activity for the construction and evaluation of design artifacts and processes. The recognition of these three cycles in a research project clearly positions and differentiates design science from other research paradigms. The commentary concludes with a claim to the pragmatic nature of design science.
Comparison of the relative merits of surface-emitting versus edge-emitting solid-state laser pumps

Surface-emitting arrays (SEAs) have the potential to significantly reduce the cost and improve the performance of diode array-pumped solid-state lasers. The relative merits of this emerging technology compared to the traditional "rack-and-stack" (RS whereas, for type II, the laser resonator is perpendicular to the surface. Type I arrays can be further distinguished by the means of output coupling, either etched 450 mirrors (type IA) or gratings (type IB). In addition, there is an alternative approach in which edge-emitting arrays are mounted on etched BeO or Si heat-spreaders. This hybrid approach results in surface emission but is not a monolithic fabrication process. This paper will examine the relative merits of primarily type IA SEAs compared to the traditional R&S approach. >
A high-performance half-micrometer generation CMOS technology for fast SRAMs

An advanced, high-performance, half-micrometer generation technology has been developed for fast CMOS SRAM circuits. This process features an aggressive interwell isolation module which allows scaling of the n/sup +/ to p/sup +/ space to less than 2 mu m and an advanced framed-mask poly-buffered LOCOS isolation (FMPBL) which reduces field oxide encroachment and the transistor narrow-width effect and provides a 1.2- mu m active pitch. Transistors are fabricated with a 125-A gate oxide and a dual n/sup +//p/sup +/ source/drain implanted polysilicon gates to provide excellent short-channel behavior down to 0.3- mu m effective channel length. Transistor design is optimized to reduce the polysilicon gate bird's beak and lightly doped drain (LDD) underdiffusion. For PMOS transistors, boron diffusion through the gate oxide is minimized by replacing BF/sub 2/ with B/sup 11/ for the p/sup +/ S/D implant. A titanium salicide process provides strapping between n/sup +//p/sup +/ polysilicon gates and lower sheet and contact resistances. The back-end features three levels of metallization and polysilicon contact plugs. Discrete transistor lifetimes for DC hot-carrier degradation are in excess of 10 years at 3.3-V operation. A 16 K* 4 SRAM displayed no parametric shifts after hot-carrier stressing for 1000 h at 7-V and 0 degrees C. This is consistent with a lifetime of greater than 10 years at 3.3-V operation. Ring oscillator delay times of 85 ps at 3.3-V and 65 ps at 5-V supply are achieved. >
Redirecting Apoptosis to Aponecrosis Induces Selective Cytotoxicity to Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Increased ROS, Decline in ATP Levels, and VDAC

Pancreatic cancer cell lines with mutated ras underwent an alternative form of cell death (aponecrosis) when treated concomitantly with clinically achievable concentrations of arsenic trioxide, ascorbic acid, and disulfiram (Antabuse; AAA). AAA's major effects are mediated through generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and more than 50% decline in intracellular ATP. N-acetyl cysteine and a superoxide dismutase mimetic prevented aponecrosis and restored intracellular ATP levels. DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2' disulfonic acid), the pan- Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC), -1, 2, 3 inhibitor and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to VDAC-1 blocked cell death and ROS accumulation. In vivo exposure of AAA led to a 62% reduction in mean tumor size and eliminated tumors in 30% of nude mice with PANC-1 xenografts. We concluded that early caspase-independent apoptosis was shifted to VDAC-mediated "targeted" aponecrosis by the addition of disulfiram to arsenic trioxide and ascorbic acid. Conceptually, this work represents a paradigm shift where switching from apoptosis to aponecrosis death pathways, also known as targeted aponecrosis, could be utilized to selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells resistant to apoptosis.
Reestablishing T Cell Tolerance by Antibody-Based Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing β cells are selectively destroyed. β cell-specific T cells are considered to be the major mediators of pathology. Accordingly, most immunotherapies tested in the clinic to date have focused on reestablishing self-tolerance within the T cell compartment. Monoclonal antibodies (Ab) targeting a variety of lymphocyte surface proteins have demonstrated benefits in preclinical and clinical settings. Indeed, the use of Ab to target T cells directly or indirectly has proven to be an effective strategy to rapidly suppress β cell autoimmunity and establish tissue-specific, long-term tolerance in rodent T1D models. In this review, we describe a number of these Ab-based immunotherapies, discuss associated immune regulatory mechanisms, and highlight results obtained in T1D clinical trials.
Spatial resolution enhancement of images using nonlinear interpolation

A nonlinear interpolation scheme for image-resolution enhancement is presented. The algorithm is based upon a source model emphasizing edges and incorporates a hybrid local edge-fitting operator which has been developed for this application. A small neighbourhood about each pixel in the low-resolution image is first mapped to a best-fit continuous-space step-edge. This bilevel approximation serves as a local template upon which the higher-resolution sampling grid can then be superimposed. Disputed values in regions of overlap are averaged to smooth errors. The result is an image of increased resolution with noticeably sharper edges and lower reconstruction error than produced by linear techniques. >