cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Systemic Inflammatory Response to Clostridium difficile Infection

Background The systemic inflammatory response to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is incompletely defined, particularly for patients with severe disease. Methods Analysis of 315 blood samples from 78 inpatients with CDI (cases), 100 inpatients with diarrhea without CDI (inpatient controls), and 137 asymptomatic outpatient controls without CDI was performed. Serum or plasma was obtained from subjects at the time of CDI testing or shortly thereafter. Severe cases had intensive care unit admission, colectomy, or death due to CDI within 30 days after diagnosis. Thirty different circulating inflammatory mediators were quantified using an antibody-linked bead array. Principal component analysis (PCA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results Based on MANOVA, cases had a significantly different inflammatory profile from outpatient controls but not from inpatient controls. In logistic regression, only chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) levels were associated with cases vs. inpatient controls. Several mediators were associated with cases vs. outpatient controls, especially hepatocyte growth factor, CCL5, and epithelial growth factor (inversely associated). Eight cases were severe and associated with elevations in IL-8, IL-6, and eotaxin. Conclusions A broad systemic inflammatory response occurs during CDI and severe cases appear to differ from non-severe infections.
State changing in Na ( nd ) -electron collisions

An experiment is described in which 25-eV electrons are allowed to collide with sodium atoms in selected $\mathrm{nd}$ Rydberg states with $36\ensuremath{\le}n\ensuremath{\le}50$. The excited collision products are analyzed by use of selective field ionization. Collisions are found to result in state changing, and cross sections for this process are estimated.
End of Life Decision Making for Used Products With Uncertain Quantity of Return

The management of end-of-life electronic waste (e-waste) attracts significant attention due to environmental concerns, legislative requirements, consumer interests in green products and market image of manufacturers. However, managing e-waste is complicated by some factors including the high degree of uncertainty of quantity, timing of arrival and quality of the returned products. The variability in the stream of returned end of life (EOL) products makes it difficult to plan for facility materials, equipment and human resource requirements. The aim of this research is to tackle the uncertainty associated with the quantity of received used products. A stochastic programming model for waste stream acquisition systems (compare to market driven systems) is introduced. The model considers the quantity of returned product as an uncertain parameter and determines to what extend the product should be disassembled and what is the best end of life option for each subassembly. The stochastic model is defined in a form of chance constrained programming and is then converted to a mixed integer linear programming. An example is provided to show the application of the model for an uncertain stream of CPUs received in a refurbishing company. Remanufacturers must then decide which proportion of disassembled modules should be processed given specific remanufacturing options.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Using a genetic algorithm to determine an index of leading economic indicators

In this paper, we report results of experiments investigating use of a genetic algorithm to select an index of leading economic indicators. Genetic algorithms apply operations of mutation, reproduction, and crossover to candidate solutions according to their relative fitness scores in successive populations of candidates. For our problem, a candidate solution is a subset of the publicly available economic indicators, considered at varying temporal offsets. We use several methods to focus search for an index, including reusing economic indicators from best solution candidates found during previous runs of the algorithm. Indices of leading economic indicators were found that were able to predict, with reasonable accuracy, previously observed troughs in economic activity.
Trade unions and hiring standards

The empirical data are compatible with the hypothesis that employers respond to union wage premiums by raising the educational component of hiring standards. This behavioral mechanism by which rents are liquidated appears to be bringing about a significant shift in the quality location of American workers. More education increasingly represents preparation for a union job. Normative considerations aside, the implications of the process for the distribution of income and for the allocation of educational resources would seem to warrant serious consideration.
Circular Ring Transverse Axial Positron Camera for 3-Dimensional Reconstruction of Radionuclides Distribution

The transverse axial 3-dimensional image reconstruction concepts developed in transmission tomography brought the nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology into the realm of quantitative analysis of the 3-dimensional image hitherto superimposed in two dimensions. Two factors make it appropriate to design a positron camera system at this time, (1) analogy between the emission of photons following a positron annihilation and the transmission of photons, and (2) the already demonstrated success of positron camera multidetector systems. The camera consists of one layer of 64 (or 72) NaI(T1) crystals and PM tubes that simultaneously record coincidences from 2 × 736 (or 2 × 1116) detector combinations in a circular array.
Enhancing performance: A case study of the effects of employee coaching in construction practice

The contemporary practice of coaching in the business world entails engaging accredited professionals to enhance the performance of employees. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of coaching is the lack of empirical research supporting the effectiveness of implemented programmes and the returns on investment. The benefits of coaching are assessed from the perspective of employees. Data were collected through a case study of an employee coaching programme within a large, multinational construction company. The programme had significantly enhanced the employees’ personal and professional growth and development. It had also increased their motivation levels and loyalty to the company.
Zeta functions of graphs with Z actions

Suppose Y is a regular covering of a finite graph X with covering transformation group @p=Z. This paper gives an explicit formula for the L^2 zeta function of Y and computes examples. When @p=Z, the L^2 zeta function is an algebraic function. As a consequence it extends to a meromorphic function on a Riemann surface. The meromorphic extension provides a setting to generalize known properties of zeta functions of regular graphs, such as the location of singularities and the functional equation.
Genetic and phenotypic divergence of homoploid hybrid species from parental species.

Homoploid hybrid speciation occurs when a stable, fertile and reproductively isolated lineage results from hybridization between two distinct species, without a change in ploidy level. Reproductive isolation between a homoploid hybrid species and its parents is generally attained by chromosomal rearrangements, ecological divergence and/or spatial isolation from the parental species; these factors prevent the incipient hybrid species from being genetically swamped through mating with the parental species, and allow it to evolve as an independent lineage (Gross and Rieseberg, 2005). Homoploid hybrid species are useful for speciation studies because the parental (hybridizing) species are often extant, and provide a baseline against which the changes that accompany the speciation process are measured. In this issue, Brennan et al. (2012) quantify the degree of molecular and phenotypic divergence between a hybrid species and its progenitors. The results suggest that molecular and phenotypic divergence can each follow very different trajectories during the development of a new species, and raises the question of whether quantitative trait divergence is always higher than neutral marker divergence between a homoploid hybrid species and its parents.
Project Management Methods: Strategic and Competitive Uses in High-Technology Companies

ABSTRACTThis article, which is based on a field study of 120 managers in 20 high-technology computer companies, explores specific business benefits that can be derived from using a project management system as a strategic tool. The analysis shows that effective management of project-oriented businesses involves balancing a complex set of variables including the organization, its environment, tasks, and people. Criteria are presented to use project management resources as strategic and competitive tools. Potential strategic uses of project management implications for other technology-oriented companies are also discussed.
Absorption Cross Sections and Self-Reaction Kinetics of the IO Radical

Rate coefficients for the IO self-reaction, IO + IO → products (4), were determined over the range 250−320 K and were found to be independent of temperature with an average value of (9.9 ± 1.5) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Absorption cross sections for the IO radical were measured between 340 and 480 nm. The absorption cross section at the peak of the (4,0) band was determined as a function of temperature. The cross section is essentially independent of temperature with an average value between 373 and 203 K of (3.6 ± 0.5) × 10-17 cm2 molecule-1. Comparison with previous measurements and a discussion of the atmospheric implications of these results are also presented.
Adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone in dogs before and after surgical attenuation of a single congenital portosystemic shunt.

Background: Dogs with single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) often develop postoperative hypoglycemia and prolonged anesthetic recovery. These abnormalities could be attributable to inadequate adrenal response. However, adequacy of adrenal response after CPSS surgery is unexplored. Hypothesis: Dogs with CPSS have inadequate postoperative adrenal response. Animals: Eight nonoperated, 8 ovariohysterectomy (OHE), and 16 CPSS dogs. Methods: Consecutive day ACTH stimulation tests were performed on nonoperated healthy dogs, healthy dogs before and after OHE, and CPSS dogs before and after surgery. Adequate response was defined as >50% or >30 ng/mL increase in cortisol after ACTH administration. Blood glucose (BG) was monitored before and after surgery. Prolonged anesthetic recovery and refractory hypoglycemia episodes were recorded. Results: Results of consecutive day ACTH stimulation tests did not vary in normal dogs. Results of preoperative ACTH stimulation tests of CPSS and OHE dogs were not significantly different. Dogs with CPSS had higher postoperative baseline cortisol concentrations (median, 329 ng/mL) than OHE dogs (median, 153 ng/mL). Postoperative cortisol increase after ACTH in CPSS was ≤50% in 10/16 and ≤30 ng/mL in 6/16. After surgery, BG was ≤60 mg/dL in 7/16 CPSS dogs. Cortisol concentrations were not correlated with BG. Two CPSS dogs had refractory hypoglycemia and 4 had delayed recovery; all improved with dexamethasone administration (0.1–0.2 mg/kg/IV). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Contrary to previous reports, baseline cortisol concentrations in CPSS and healthy dogs are similar. Many CPSS dogs have postoperative hypercortisolemia. Response to ACTH does not correlate with postoperative hypoglycemia or prolonged anesthetic recovery.
Theoretical Study of Quantum Gel Formation in Superfluid 4He

Bosonic density functional theory calculations were carried out for neon, argon, and fluorine based systems in superfluid 4He with an emphasis on the formation of dimeric species in the liquid. These atomic species display relatively strong binding with helium and hence their solvation structures in the liquid exhibit highly localized liquid helium layers around them. These solvent layers modify the gas phase dimer potentials by inclusion of a recombination barrier, which provides stabilization for the solvated atoms. Of closed shell species neon is shown to exhibit a recombination barrier of 3 K for the dimer and up to 5.8 K for specific cluster geometries. For argon, the liquid induced potential barrier is only 0.7 K and it has a rather large amount of excess energy available along the recombination coordinate indicating that it is not possible to stabilize argon atoms in superfluid helium. Atomic fluorine shows the most pronounced effect with the recombination barrier of 26.8 K for producing ground state F2. It is concluded that neon and fluorine atoms are good candidates to form impurity based quantum gels in bulk superfluid helium.
Modeling of in-cylinder pressure oscillations under knocking conditions: A general approach based on the damped wave equation

Abstract The modeling of the in-cylinder pressure oscillations under knocking conditions is tackled in this work. High frequency pressure oscillations are modeled by the explicit integration of a partial differential wave equation augmented with a time-dependent dissipation term. The general solution of such equation is determined by the Fourier method of separation of variables whereas the integration constants are obtained from the boundary and initial conditions. The integration space is a cylindrical acoustic cavity whose volume is that of the combustion chamber evaluated at the knock onset. The domain of integration is assumed to be formed by a finite set of small volumes having the shape of annulus sectors. This approach involves that knock region can assume more realistic shape of the kernels where abnormal combustion initiates. The initial conditions are evaluated by means of a two-zone thermodynamic model applied to low-pass filtered experimental pressure cycles. The damping coefficient and the knock region are model parameters to be assigned or identified experimentally by means of a proper least-squares optimization process. Experimental data obtained on a direct injection spark ignition engine, operating under knocking conditions at different speeds, have been used to validate the model both in time and frequency domains.
Identifying solid-aqueous phase transitions in atmospheric aerosols—I. Neutral-acidity solutions

Abstract The composition of aerosol particles is an important factor in understanding atmospheric phenomena such as cloud formation and visibility degradation. To predict the phase state and water content of aerosol particles as a function of relative humidity, one needs to understand the thermodynamics of multicomponent solutions at saturation. The goal of this paper is to determine the composition and deliquescence relative humidity for mixtures of salts, given the mole fraction of the respective ions and the relative humidity. Three sets of neutral acidity aerosol compositions are analyzed; the first set consists of aqueous solution of Na+, NH4+, SO42− and Cl−, the second set consists of Na+, NH4+, SO42− and NO3− and the third set contains Na+, NH4+, N03− and Cl−. For each set, contours of the deliquescence surfaces are plotted along; with path lines describing the compositional variation with relative humidity and phase boundaries. These diagrams can be used to predict the equilibrium phase state of aerosol particles as a function of composition and relative humidity.
Surface-plasmon enhanced harmonic generation at a rough metal surface.

In this paper, we compute the second harmonic radiation generated at a roughened metal surface which is describable in terms of randomly distributed height and spacing roughness variables. The roughness of the surface allows incident radiation to be coupled to a surface-plasmon mode in the metal at frequency ω that beats with the fundamental field at the same frequency to produce a 2ω field of frequency which radiates from the metal in a narrowly defined direction. Given appropriate rough surface parameters, the latter radiation can in principle serve as a well-collimated coherent source of radiation at the second harmonic frequency. We compare the collimated intensity of the harmonic produced by the roughness-induced plasmon coupling with that produced by specular reflection from the metal surface. The former intensity is predicted to exceed the latter by as much as 2 orders of magnitude.
The use of lymphocytes from axillary lymph nodes of mastectomy patients to generate human monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Lymphocytes from axillary lymph nodes of breast cancer mastectomy patients were fused with murine non-immunoglobulin-secreting myeloma cells to generate hybridoma cell lines that synthesize human immunoglobulins. Lymph node lymphocytes from 21 patients were used to obtain 505 human-mouse hybrid cultures. From these, 62 cultures were established which synthesized immunoglobulins reactive in radioimmunoassays specific for either human IgG or human IgM. Some of these double-cloned hybrid cell lines produced human monoclonal antibodies for at least 6 months . Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion analysis demonstrated that the monoclonal antibodies possessed human heavy and light immunoglobulin chains. Levels of synthesis ranged from 0.1 to 20 μg of human immunoglobulin per ml of culture fluid. The immunoreactivity of some of these human monoclonal antibodies with mammary carcinoma cells is summarized and has been documented elsewhere ( J. Schlom, D. Wunderlich and Y. A. Teramoto . Proc. Natl Acad Sci USA 1980;77: 6841 ); the reactivity of the majority of the immunoglobulins, however, is still unknown at this time. The studies reported here detail the procedures in which axillary lymph nodes from mastectomy patients are used in the generation of human-mouse hybridomas that synthesize human monoclonal antibodies.
Scale translation from source to target language as the creation of psychometrically equivalent parallel forms

An investigation was conducted in order to test the hypothesis that scale translation may be conceptualized productively as a process in which psychometrically equivalent or parallel forms of a source scale are generated in desired target languages. The 190 subjects were administered the Anderson-Jacobson Beliefs about Equal Rights for Men and Women Scale, in either English or Spanish. The latter scale was constructed according to exacting standards, so as to create a parallel form of the English version. All of the subjects were native speakers of the language in which they participated. It was found that women demonstrated greater belief in equal rights than men did, in both languages. Analyses of differences in language of administration, point biserial correlations between items and total score, and patterns of endorsement among equivalent items were made for both languages. These analyses fully confirmed the original hypothesis.
Comparisons of equatorial irregularities measurements from C/NOFS: TEC using CERTO and CITRIS with in‐situ plasma density

[1] Equatorial plasma density measurements using two techniques are analyzed. The unique instrument complement on C/NOFS (Communication/Navigations Outages Forecasting System) allows for the measurement of TEC (Total Electron Content) using the CERTO (Coherent Electromagnetic Radio TOmography) beacon and measurement of in-situ densities using the PLP (Planar Langmuir Probe). In a nearby orbit, the CITRIS (sCIntilation and TEC Receiver In Space) was available for complementary measurements. TEC was measured with 1) CERTO-CITRIS conjunctions that allow estimates of absolute TEC and 2) CITRIS with ground-based DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) beacons. The combination of the remote and in-situ techniques provides more information, enhanced believability for probe measurements as the satellite transitions from darkness to sunlight, as well as cross-calibration and better accuracy for both data sets. The measurements presented are taken in unusually quiet geomagnetic conditions and indicate equatorial irregularities are present nearly 80% of the time for nighttime measurements.
Uniqueness of phase retrieval for functions with sufficiently disconnected support

It is shown that the phase-retrieval problem almost always has a solution unique among functions with disconnected supports satisfying a certain common separation condition.
Model-Based Controller Design for Unstable, Non-Minimum-Phase, Nonlinear Processes

This paper presents a nonlinear control method that is applicable to stable and unstable processes, whether non-minimum- or minimum-phase. The closed-loop stability is ensured by forcing all process state variables to follow their corresponding reference trajectories. These trajectories are linear and lead the process state variables to their steady-state values corresponding to desired output set-points. This state-tracking approach results in a nonlinear state feedback that tries to induce linear responses to the state variables. The controller system includes the nonlinear state feedback and a reduced-order, nonlinear state observer to reconstruct unmeasured state variables. The application and performance of the proposed control system are illustrated for a bioreactor and two chemical reactors with multiple steady states. The controller is used to operate these reactors at steady states that are unstable and non-minimum-phase. The simulation results show that the proposed control method can achieve cl...
Sociology of educational late blooming

American norms for the proper timing of events are reflected in a preference for academic achievement “on schedule.” Unlike most other societies with formalized education, however, we also tolerate educational late blooming. The preference for blooming “on time” may be explained by the positive social functions of scheduling educational success. Such rigidity in the American experience, however, would run counter to the value we place on higher education as a medium for equality of opportunity and would threaten the existence of many institutions of higher learning that serve specialized markets. While the American tolerance for educational late blooming has created opportunities not found in other societies, late blooming may also have the latent dysfunction of encouraging “temporal loafing.”
Chronic rhinosinusitis and sleep: a contemporary review

Background Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) exhibit centrally mediated behavioral changes commonly referred to as “sickness behavior.” Sleep alteration is a component of sickness behavior which is estimated to affect up to 70 million patients annually. Patients with CRS have poor sleep quality, and little is known about the underlying etiology and pathophysiology. This narrative review aims to further organize and present the current knowledge associating sleep and CRS. Methods A literature search was conducted of the OVID MEDLINE database using key search words including: “chronic rhinosinusitis,” “sleep,” “sleep disorders,” and “sleep dysfunction.” Additional keywords “nasal obstruction,” “nasal polyp,” and “fatigue” were identified and used to further delineate relevant articles. Results The articles that specifically addressed sleep and CRS were dissected and presented as follows: (1) chronic rhinosinusitis and sleep; (2) chronic rhinosinusitis and fatigue; (3) chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal obstruction, and sleep; and (4) pathophysiology of sleep in chronic rhinosinusitis (cytokines in both sleep and chronic rhinosinusitis and their association to the neuroimmune biology of chronic rhinosinusitis). Conclusion Patients with CRS have sleep dysfunction that is associated with their disease severity and overall quality of life. The etiology of sleep dysfunction in CRS is most likely multifactorial. Increasing evidence suggests sleep dysfunction in patients with CRS is partly due to the inflammatory disease process, and sleep physiology in patients with CRS may be actively regulated by the inflammatory component of the disease.
Nocturnal Monitoring of Growth Hormone, Insulin, C-Peptide, and Glucose in Patients With Acromegaly

Circulating growth hormone, insulin, C-peptide, and glucose levels were compared during the sleep state in adults with acromegaly and healthy control subjects. Growth hormone secretion was episodic in both groups, with the sleep-related growth hormone peak noticeably absent in the acromegalic subjects. The mean nocturnal plasma insulin concentration was greater in the acromegalics. There was no significant difference in the C-peptide between the two groups. Insulin and glucose levels did not show an early morning rise in either acromegalics or healthy subjects. The authors conclude that there is a marked difference in the circulating levels of growth hormone and insulin between the acromegalic and the healthy groups during the sleep state, and there is no sleep-related nocturnal growth hormone peak in the acromegalic subjects. The hyperinsulinism of patients with acromegaly cannot be attributed to excess secretion of insulin.
The effect of a persuasive social impact game on affective learning and attitude

Students' affective learning and attitude can be affected with a persuasive game.Immediately after playing the game scores do not increase significantly.Three weeks after treatment a sleeper effect appears in the game group.Persuasive mechanics in games can increase attitude towards the homeless. To investigate whether a persuasive social impact game may serve as a way to increase affective learning and attitude towards the homeless, this study examined the effects of persuasive mechanics in a video game designed to put the player in the shoes of an almost-homeless person. Data were collected from 5139 students in 200 middle/high school classes across four states. Classes were assigned to treatment groups based on matching. Two treatment conditions and a control group were employed in the study. All three groups affective learning and attitude scores decreased from the immediate posttest but the game group was significantly different from the control group in a positive direction. Students who played the persuasive social impact game sustained a significantly higher score on the Affective Learning Scale (ALS) and the Attitude Towards Homelessness Inventory (ATHI) after three weeks. Overall, findings suggest that when students play a video game that is designed using persuasive mechanics an affective and attitude change can be measured empirically.
A global study of transition zone thickness using receiver functions

[1] Systematic stacks of P wave receiver functions (Pds) for 118 global seismic stations yield new transition zone thickness (WTZ) estimates, as measured by the difference in depths between the 410- and 660-km mantle discontinuities. The receiver functions are computed from high signal-to-noise records of earthquakes between 1976 and 2002 recorded at distances of 30° to 90°. We obtain a globally averaged transition zone thickness of 242 ± 2 km, in good agreement with SS precursor (SdS) results. Previously noted differences in average WTZ between Pds and SdS studies are caused by both geographic bias and the constant ray parameter approximation used in many prior Pds studies, which causes a ∼4 km overestimation of WTZ. Pds observations suggest lateral variations in WTZ of ±20 km with maximal variations of ±35 km and a long-wavelength topography pattern that agrees with SS precursor results showing thick WTZ beneath cold subduction zones and thin WTZ beneath warmer regions.
Carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride in rats

Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that the combined exposure of hydrogen chloride (HCI) and formaldehyde vapors (HCHO) elicited a significant incidence of nasal cancer in rats. In studies performed elsewhere, it has been demonstrated that exposure to formaldehyde alone induced a high nasal cancer response in rats. We wished to determine whether concurrent exposure of hydrogen chloride would enhance the tumorigenic effects of formaldehyde. Two exposure techniques were used. In one hydrogen chloride and formaldehyde were premixed at high concentrations before entry into the exposure chambers in order to maximize the formation of reactive alkylating agents. In the second the hydrogen chloride and formaldehyde were introduced separately into the exposure chamber. Appropriate control exposures consisting of formaldehyde alone or hydrogen chloride alone or air alone were also performed. The results show that nasal cancer incidences were induced in all animals receiving HCHO regardless of concurrent exposure to hydrogen chloride. The tumors were predominantly squamous cell type arising from the anterior portion of the nasal cavity. This study demonstrates that hydrogen chloride does not appreciably influence the nasal carcinogenicity of formaldehyde.
Extrapyramidal symptoms with concomitant use of amitriptyline and amiodarone in an elderly patient

Abstract Background: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant useful for the treatment of depression. Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent used for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. Objective: The objective of the current report is to describe the case of a previously asymptomatic patient receiving amitriptyline who developed extrapyramidal symptoms within 1 month of initiating concomitant treatment with amiodarone for atrial fibrillation. Case summary: An 82-year-old, right-handed, white woman was brought to the medical center's emergency department with speech difficulty suggesting stroke. She was noted to have continuous orobuccal dyskinesias, upper and lower extremity shaking, and dry mouth. Once it was determined that no other focal neurologic findings indicated stroke, her medications were reviewed. The patient had been taking amitriptyline 50 mg/d for the past year for insomnia without any adverse events. However, 1 month before presentation, she also initiated treatment with amiodarone 200 mg/d for atrial fibrillation and had developed the symptoms of concern shortly thereafter. The patient's amitriptyline treatment was discontinued and she received benzotropine for extrapyramidal symptoms from amitriptyline toxicity. She experienced complete resolution of dysarthric speech and limb shaking within 2 days. A total score of 7 was achieved using Naranjo's adverse drug reaction causality algorithm, suggesting amitriptyline was a probable cause of these adverse events. Conclusion: This was a probable case of extrapyramidal symptoms in an elderly woman who began using amiodarone while also taking amitriptyline.
Geochemical integrations of the neutrino flux from stellar collapses

The galactic neutrino flux from stellar collapses may be measurable in geochemical experiments. Absorption cross-sections can be maximized and backgrounds from solar neutrinos and terrestrial antineutrinos minimized by exploiting neutrino capture reactions in which nuclei are excited above the threshold for particle breakup. Only a few practical candidate reactions exist; one of them, 98Mo(νe, e−)97Tc + n, is being studied in a current solar neutrino experiment, and an interesting limit on the galactic stellar collapse rate may soon be obtained.
Evidence for extraintestinal growth of bacteroidales originating from poultry litter.

Water quality monitoring techniques that target microorganisms in the order Bacteroidales are potential alternatives to conventional methods for detection of fecal indicator bacteria. Bacteroidales and members of the genus Bacteroides have been the focus of microbial source tracking (MST) investigations for discriminating sources of fecal pollution (e.g., human or cattle feces) in environmental waters. For accurate source apportionment to occur, one needs to understand both the abundance of Bacteroides in host feces and the survival of these host-associated microbial markers after deposition in the environment. Studies were undertaken to evaluate the abundance, persistence, and potential for growth of Bacteroidales originating from poultry litter under oxic and anoxic environmental conditions. Bacteroidales abundance, as determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) with GenBac primers and probe, increased 2 to 5 log gene copies ml−1 and 2 log gene copies g litter−1 under most conditions during incubation of poultry litter in a variety of laboratory microcosm and field mesocosm studies. DNA sequencing of the Bacteroidales organisms in the litter identified taxa with sequences corresponding exactly to the GenBac primer and probe sequences and that were closely related to Bacteroides uniformis, B. ovatus, and B. vulgatus. These results suggest that MST studies using qPCR methods targeting Bacteroidales in watersheds that are affected by poultry litter should be interpreted cautiously. Growth of Bacteroidales originating from poultry litter in environmental waters may occur while Bacteroidales growth from other fecal sources declines, thus confounding the interpretation of MST results.
Some characteristics of melanophore-concentrating hormone (MCH) from teleost pituitary glands

A series of experiments was conducted to examine the gross biochemical nature of melanophore-concentrating hormone (MCH) by utilizing a reliable and simple in vivo bioassay. Boiling and trypsin digestion of cod pituitary homogenate supernatant destroyed the MCH activity. Dialysis indicated that MCH was between 3500 and 13,000 molecular weight. MCH carries a net positive charge, as it bound to CM-cellulose but not to DEAE-cellulose. Disulfide bonds apparently were not necessary for MCH action since sodium borohydride did not disrupt MCH activity. In the killifish, MCH activity was not found in the brain. Evidence presented here suggests MCH is a small positively charged polypeptide containing no disulfide bonds.
The characteristics of disclosure among children who may have been sexually abused

Seventy-six children (5 to 10 years old), who were referred because of concerns about sexual abuse, were interviewed as part of a larger study testing the efficacy of a computerassisted interview in sexual abuse evaluations. Data from initial interviews were coded according to the presence of disclosure and the details revealed about sexual abuse. The presence and amount of corroboration were coded through case review. Although 56 children were coded as having disclosed prior to evaluation, only 44 subjects disclosed during the initial interview. Only 1 child disclosed spontaneously. An additional 8 children (11%) disclosed possible sexual abuse in a second or later interview. Although girls disclosed at a higher rate than boys, children did not differ in the amount or types of information they provided about alleged sexual abuse. Findings are discussed in terms of the conceptualization of disclosure as a process. Implications for interviewing strategies are addressed.
STUDIES ON PNEUMONIA VIRUS OF MICE (PVM) IN CELL CULTURE : II. STRUCTURE AND MORPHOGENESIS OF THE VIRUS PARTICLE

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) particles are spheres 80–120 mµ in diameter, or filaments of similar diameter with lengths up to 3 µ. The particles possess an outer spike-covered envelope and helical internal component 120–150 A in diameter. Virus particles acquire their envelope by a budding process at the cell membrane; mature particles are seen only extracellularly. Dense inclusions are prominent in the cytoplasm of PVM-infected BHK21 cells by 48 hr after inoculation. The inclusions appear to consist of aggregates of the internal component of PVM, and the helical component has been isolated in a cesium chloride gradient from extracts of osmotically shocked cells. Murine erythrocytes, which are agglutinated by PVM, adsorb to the surface of infected cells and to budding and extracellular PVM particles. On the basis of its structure and morphogenesis, PVM appears to be a myxovirus; however, it does not fit into either of the established subgroups of myxoviruses. The 120–150 A diameter of the PVM internal component differs from the diameters of the internal components of the two established subgroups of myxoviruses, and suggests that a third subgroup of these viruses may exist.
Effect of μ-, κ-, and δ-selective opioid agonists on thermoregulation in the rat

The effect of selective mu-, kappa-, and delta-agonists on brain surface temperature (Tb), oxygen consumption (Vo2), and heat exchange (Q) was studied in unrestrained, male Sprague-Dawley rats using whole-body calorimetry. Hyperthermia, produced by PL-017 (1.86 nM) given ICV, resulted from increased Vo2 and reduced Q during the first 15-45 min postinjection. Tb returned to control levels due to a combination of increased Q and reduced Vo2. PL-017-induced hyperthermia was abolished by the mu-selective antagonist CTAP (0.75 nM). Dynorphin A1-17 (4.65 nM), a kappa-selective agonist, reduced both Vo2 and Q, resulting in hypothermia that was blocked by the kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (25 nM). The delta-selective agonist DPDPE (4.64 nM) caused no significant changes in Tb, Vo2, or Q. The data indicate that central stimulation of the mu- and kappa-opioid receptors affects both oxidative metabolism and heat exchange, which result in a change in Tb. These alterations can be prevented with selective opioid antagonist pretreatment.
G-moving frames and their applications in dynamics

We consider dynamical systems (M, u) with a free action of a Lie Group G that may or may not be a symmetry group. The phase space of such systems is foliated by G-orbits isomorphic to G. A G-moving frame is identified with a family of surfaces transversal to G-orbits. Given such a G-frame, the original systems splits into two subsystems describing the motion of the G-frame and the relative motion. The paper outlines the method of G-moving frames as an adequate tool to study dynamics of the systems (M, u) with a G-action and illustrates its efficiency by examples of application to mechanical and hydrodynamical systems. Some new solutions of Euler equations for ideal fluid are found, other interesting solutions are interpreted as G-modes.
Schedule-dependent activity of irinotecan plus BCNU against malignant glioma xenografts.

Purpose: To further evaluate the activity of irinotecan (CPT-11) plus 1,3-bis-(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in the treatment of central nervous system tumor-derived xenografts in athymic nude mice. Methods: We report studies evaluating the schedule- dependence of this regimen in the treatment of the malignant glioma xenograft D-54 MG. Results: The combination of BCNU and CPT-11 showed the highest enhancement index (2.0–3.3) when BCNU was given on day 1 and CPT-11 was given on days 1–5 and 8–12. Delay of CPT-11 administration to day 3 or day 5 substantially decreased activity with enhancement indices of 1.6–1.8 and 0.6–1.0, respectively. Delay of BCNU administration to day 8 also reduced the CPT-11 activity with enhancement indices of 1.2–1.4. Conclusions: These results suggest that the presence of a BCNU- induced adduct or possibly crosslink prior to administration of CPT-11 is critical for enhanced activity. Although the mechanism of this enhancement is not currently known, a phase I trial of CPT-11 plus BCNU for adults with recurrent malignant glioma based on these results is in progress.
THE EFFECTS OF SOIL PARAMETERS ON PORE-PRESSURE-RISE AND LIQUEFACTION PREDICTION

A procedure is advanced for the quantitative determination of the four soil parameters which appeared in the authors' previous pore-pressure-buildup prediction equations for saturated sands under earthquake-type loadings. The methodology first advanced by Rittenhouse (1943) for the easy determination of soil sphericity is discussed in Appendix A. Research data found during this investigation makes it possible for the practicing engineer to predict pore-pressure buildup and hence soil liquefaction potential for saturated sands in the laboratory subjected to earthquake-type loading without having to conduct cyclic shear tests in the laboratory. (TRRL)
Cost-effectiveness of a hydroquinone/tretinoin/fluocinolone acetonide cream combination in treating melasma in the United States.

Background: Melasma, a disorder of facial hyperpigmentation, presents a treatment obstacle to many physicians. Combination therapy with hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide has prove...
Electrophysiologic effects of AHR 10718 on isolated cardiac tissues.

Abstract We used microelectrode and blood superfusion techniques to study the electrophysiologic effects of a new antiarrhythmic compound, AHR 10718 (N′-2(diethylamino)ethyl)-N-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-(phenylsulfonyl)-ethyl)urea,(Z)-butanedioate) on the electrophysiologic properties of canine Purkinje fibers and papillary muscles. AHR 10718 (≥ 5 × 10 −6 M) induced a use-dependent decrease in V max and significantly decreased Purkinje fiber conduction velocity and action potential duration. In addition, membrane responsiveness was depressed and the effective refractory period shortened. The effects of AHR 10718 were not highly dependent on [K + ] 0 . V max of ventricular muscle action potentials also was reduced. However, in contrast to Purkinje fibers, ventricular muscle action potentials were significantly prolonged by AHR 10718 (≥ 5 × 10 −6 M). AHR 10718 had no effect on slow response action potentials induced by isoproterenol and high [K + ] 0 . AHR 10718 significantly decreased normal automaticity, catecholamine-enhanced automaticity, and abnormal automaticity induced by barium or myocardial infarction. It also suppressed triggered activity and reduced delayed afterdepolarization amplitude in ouabain-treated Purkinje fibers and infarcted myocardium. These studies suggest that AHR 10718 may be effective against arrhythmias resulting from conduction disturbances and certain forms of abnormal impulse initiation.
A Case Study in Project-Based Learning: An International Partnership

As our world becomes more integrated, international business students should develop skills that match corporations' needs. Moreover, students need hands-on, problem-solving, team-based, critical-thinking skills that companies demand. Students need international business experience but many of them lack the funds or support to study or intern abroad. This article explains how one program developed a project-based course that addressed these skills by partnering with a local consulate office. It lays the framework for using a project-based course, explains the course's development, outlines the necessary and important skills addressed, and provides an agenda for other schools considering such a course.
Assessment of function in an oligohaline environment: Lessons learned by comparing created and natural habitats

Abstract Assessments of nursery area function were carried out over a 10-year period in a 3-ha oligohaline marsh and creek system (‘Project Area 2’) and four natural ‘control’ creeks (Drinkwater, Jacks, Jacobs, and Tooley) located in the Pamlico River estuary, North Carolina. Habitat function was assessed by comparing (1) growth and survival of fish; (2) long-term monitoring of water quality, sediment organic carbon, and the benthic infaunal community; and (3) measurement of benthic food availability. Growth (weight gain) and survival of the fish Leiostomus xanthurus held within enclosures were similar in both created and natural habitats. Species composition, total fauna density, and species richness of the infaunal community of the Project Area and the natural creeks were comparable within 3 years after construction of the Project Area. However, the sediments of the Project Area lacked the woody detrital cover, high peat content, and predominance of silt and clay characteristic of the natural creek sediments. There was no evidence of significant accretion of total organic carbon in the Project Area during the course of the study. This study has heuristically inspired four recommendations concerning assessment criteria of mitigation success. (1) Direct experimentation is needed to assess habitat function for motile species such as fish. (2) Studies of community structure need to be carried out long enough to permit testing of community stability, especially when working in areas exposed to stochastic abiotic and biotic stressors. (3) Measurements of nutritional content of the sediments should include estimates of overall organic quantity and nutritional quality. (4) Site design or restoration techniques should be included in the experimental design of each mitigation effort. Specifically, the lack of replication in these aspects of the mitigation process limits the inferential potential of the study, constrains the ability to make accurate predictions about the probability of success of future mitigation endeavors, and impedes our understanding of the critical mechanisms governing successful habitat creation, restoration, and enhancement.
A color-coding amacrine cell may provide a blue-Off signal in a mammalian retina

Retinal amacrine cells are thought to lack chromatic or color-selective light responses and have only a minor role in color processing. We found that a type of mammalian (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) amacrine cell selectively carries a blue-On signal, which is received from a blue or short wavelength-sensitive (S) cone On bipolar cell. This glycinergic inhibitory S-cone amacrine cell is ideally placed for driving blue-Off responses in downstream ganglion cells.
The Impact of California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline on Real-World Vehicle Emissions.

In mid-1996, California implemented Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline (RFG). The new fuel was designed to further decrease emissions of hydrocarbons (HCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other toxic species. In addition, it was formulated to reduce the ozone-forming potential of the HCs emitted by vehicles. Previous studies have observed that emissions from on-road vehicles can differ significantly from those predicted by mobile source emissions models, and so it is important to quantify the change in emissions in a real-world setting. In October 1995, prior to the introduction of California Phase 2 RFG, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) performed a study of vehicle emissions in Los Angeles' Sepulveda Tunnel. This study provided a baseline against which the results of a second experiment, conducted in July 1996, could be compared to evaluate the impact of California Phase 2 RFG on emissions from real-world vehicles. Compared with the 1995 experiment, CO and NOx emissions exhibited statistically significant decreases, while the decrease in non-methane hydrocarbon emissions was not statistically significant. Changes in the speciated HC emissions were evaluated. The benzene emission rate decreased by 27% and the overall emission rate of aromatic compounds decreased by 22% comparing the runs with similar speeds. Emissions of alkenes were virtually unchanged; however, emissions of combustion related unsaturates (e.g., acetylene, ethene) increased, while heavier alkenes decreased. The emission rate of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) exhibited a larger increase. Overall changes in the ozone-forming potential of the emissions were not significantly different, with the increased contributions to reactivity from paraffins, ole-fins, and MTBE being offset by a large decrease in reactivity due to aromatics.
PRIVATIZATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERPRISES IN PAKISTAN: PROSPECTS FOR REDUCING REGIONAL IMBALANCES*

This paper tests the somewhat counterintuitive hypothesis that public firms are more efficient than their private sector counterparts. A factor analysis (9 industrial groups/34 industries) indicated that for all Pakistani provinces, public enterprises contributed relatively more value added which supports the findings of Naqvi and Kamal. The paper also concludes that a policy to reduce Pakistan's regional income disparities by privatizing public enterprises would likely be ineffective.