cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two short autoepitopes on the nuclear dot antigen are similar to epitopes encoded by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract To understand the relationship between antibodies present in patients with anti-nuclear dot (ND) autoimmune disease and the proteins they recognize, epitopes that react with the autoantibodies were mapped. A panel of fusion proteins containing different portions of the ND protein were overproduced in Escherichia coli. Immunoblot analysis with anti-ND antibodies revealed that most (10 of 12) sera recognize two major autoepitopes that are each a maximum of 8 amino acids long. The other two sera recognize one of the two epitopes. In addition to the short linear autoepitopes, a conformational epitope appears to be present on the ND antigen. Each of the two linear epitope sequences shares sequence similarities with those of several viral proteins found in the databases. Furthermore, two fusion proteins containing short Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein sequences that are similar to the ND epitopes were recognized by the human autoimmune sera, indicating that the autoepitopes are present in EBV protein sequences. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that ND autoimmune disease might be associated with EBV infections.
Electronic Literacy, Critical Pedagogy, and Collaboration: A Case for Cyborg Writing.

This study concerns the convergence of electronic literacy, collaboration, and critical pedagogy in the classroom. I argue that teachers in the humanities must relinquish the vestiges of non-electronic criteria in their assessments of electronic literacy. Instead, the interplay of human and technological factors in the classroom leads to a reaffirmation of literacy as a social process. The radical democratization and multivocality of the corporate or collaboratively-written text demands a critical problematizing of our roles and actions as teacher-readers. The viability of static criteria for good literacy practices vanishes with electronic literacy. Feminist cyborg theory offers a useful paradigm for understanding the corporate text by bridging theories of electronic literacy and theories of collaborative learning. The cyborg is a dynamic techno-fusion of difference and contradiction: much like the corporate text. A cyborgian perspective reaffirms the polyvocalic, instable nature of postmodern literacy and calls for contextual writing criteria.
Testing the Validity of the Colonial Mentality Implicit Association Test and the Interactive Effects of Covert and Overt Colonial Mentality on Filipino American Mental Health

Colonial mentality (CM) has been found to be an important factor for Filipino American mental health. However, the link between CM and mental health may be more complex and might be influenced by whether Filipino American individuals hold covert CM, overt CM, or both. Relatedly, although the Implicit Association Test has been used to capture the covert and automatic aspect of CM, suggesting that this component of CM is less amenable to accurate self-report and introspection, the validity of such a method and its ability to predict mental health variables has yet to be supported. Furthermore, the possibility that the link between overt CM and mental health may be dependent on the covert aspect of CM has yet to be empirically explored. Thus, I examined the construct validity and utility of the Colonial Mentality Implicit Association Test (CMIAT) as a measure of the covert aspect of CM and investigated the interactions between covert and overt CM in predicting mental health among a sample of 102 Filipino Americans. Results suggest that the CMIAT may be a valid and useful tool for capturing the covert and automatic component of CM and that covert CM may be moderating the link between overt CM and mental health. Implications for CM theory and for Filipino American mental health are discussed.
Stressor paradigms in developmental studies: What does and does not work to produce mean increases in salivary cortisol

The stress response system is comprised of an intricate interconnected network that includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The HPA axis maintains the organism's capacity to respond to acute and prolonged stressors and is a focus of research on the sequelae of stress. Human studies of the HPA system have been facilitated enormously by the development of salivary assays which measure cortisol, the steroid end-product of the HPA axis. The use of salivary cortisol is prevalent in child development stress research. However, in order to measure children's acute cortisol reactivity to circumscribed stressors, researchers must put children in stressful situations which produce elevated levels of cortisol. Unfortunately, many studies on the cortisol stress response in children use paradigms that fail to produce mean elevations in cortisol. This paper reviews stressor paradigms used with infants, children, and adolescents to guide researchers in selecting effective stressor tasks. A number of different types of stressor paradigms were examined, including: public speaking, negative emotion, relationship disruption/threatening, novelty, handling, and mild pain paradigms. With development, marked changes are evident in the effectiveness of the same stressor paradigm to provoke elevations in cortisol. Several factors appear to be critical in determining whether a stressor paradigm is successful, including the availability of coping resources and the extent to which, in older children, the task threatens the social self. A consideration of these issues is needed to promote the implementation of more effective stressor paradigms in human developmental psychoendocrine research.
The legitimacy of management

Abstract After more than half a century, the legitimacy of professional management in the United States is under increasing attack. The battle for corporate control has confronted management with active institutional investors, an outraged public and a scandal-driven mass media, all of whom are questioning the legitimacy of management's control over America's large corporations. Issues such as executive pay and the need for corporate restructuring manifest a strong move toward questioning the historical split of ownership from control in corporate America. In this essay, I will aim at a rethinking of the theory of managerial revolution and the question of management's legitimacy, given the worldwide expansion of democratic sentiment and the popular frenzy over “the exhaustion of managerialism”.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Skin: Selected Controversies

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was first recognized as a new disease in 1981 because of the unusual association of Kaposi's sarcoma and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in young men. The skin remains one of the most important clinical markers for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, now recognized as the end stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Indeed, an urticarial viral exanthem appearing during seroconversion may allow early identification of newly infected individuals who might benefit from administration of antiviral therapy during plasma viremia. The “asymptomatic HIV infection” is often accompanied by multiple skin complaints, which commonly include xerosis, pruritus, psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis, and pruritic papular eruptions, the cause of which remains controversial. Psoriasis and Kaposi's sarcoma lesions share features including angiogenesis, dermal dendrocytes infected with HIV, and epidermal hyperproliferation, and are manifested by mice trans-genic for HIV provirus or Tat-ltr. Changes in the immune system including T-cell function, antigen response, and shifting cytokine expression as well as a propensity for autoimmune reactions must underlie the skin immunodysfunction occurring in the setting of HIV infection. One of the most unsettling controversies suggested by in vitro data is that ultraviolet light, an effective therapy for HIV-related skin disorders, may actually activate the virus. J Invest Dermatol 105-117S-121S, 1995
Zinc ion and neutral emission from single crystal zinc oxide during 193-nm excimer laser exposure

Mass resolved time-of-flight measurements on neutral zinc atoms and zinc ions show energetic ions and neutrals during 193-nm irradiation of single crystals of semiconducting zinc oxide. Typical Zn + kinetic energies are 3-5 eV. At fluences (energy per unit area per pulse) below 200 mJ/cm 2 , the ion intensities (per laser pulse) decrease monotonically to low values with laser pulse number. The depletion kinetics change from exponential to second order near 50 mJ/cm 2 . We attribute this change to the annihilation of defects yielding Zn + emission when Zn + or other surface defects become mobile. At fluences between 200 and 300 mJ/cm 2 , Zn + emission becomes more sustained due to defects created by the laser. In this same fluence range, we observe the onset of detectable neutral atomic zinc emission. These neutral atoms display Maxwell-Boltzmann kinetic energy distributions with effective surface temperatures that approach 5000 K as the fluence is raised to 350 mJ/cm 2 . These high surface temperatures are remarkable given the low etch rates observed at these fluences, suggesting that heated layer is extremely thin. We propose emission mechanisms and experiments to resolve outstanding questions.
Understanding public response to disasters.

Thomas A. Glass, PhDa I’m going to discuss briefly what can be learned from the study of actual technological or natural disasters, with an eye to what can be learned for preparation for potential biological weapons release. These conclusions are necessarily speculative and subject to the limitations of these data. First, a quick overview is in order. I want to do three things in this presentation. I will first describe in broad terms the results of a comparative study of 10 natural and technological disasters that we undertook at Texas AM the Loma Prieta earthquake, 62 killed; Hurricane Andrew, 34 killed. I
Limits and Advantages of X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure for Nanometer Scale Metallic Clusters

We consider the analysis of the K edge of 3d or 4d transition metals when nanometer-scale metallic clusters are considered. From a practical point of view, numerical simulation of the XANES part of the K absorption spectrum of most elements of the periodic table can be performed through full multiple scattering calculations. Then, on the basis of a linear combination of the XANES spectra of reference compounds, the presence of the different phases present inside the materials can be quantified. Here, we show that for nanometer scale metallic clusters, it is not sufficient to consider only the electronic state of the metal of interest to perform a linear combination analysis. In the case of these peculiar materials, special attention has to be paid to different structural parameters, for example, the size and morphology of the cluster, the interatomic distance (taking into account contraction/dilatation processes), and the presence of heterometallic bonds (in the case of bimetallic clusters). Moreover, this approach is not specific to the metallic state. As a conclusion, the quantitative measurement of the structural parameters coming from EXAFS analysis constitutes an invaluable starting point for the FEFF-PCA simulation. The fact that major results coming from the emergence of dynamical studies, namely, Quick-EXAFS or energy dispersive EXAFS, are now obtained will lead to significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the genesis/reactivity of nanometer-scale entities.
A rapid histidine decarboxylase assay.

Abstract Histidine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.22) catalyzes the conversion of histidine to histamine. Because current assays for enzyme activity are time consuming and require additional enzymes or large amounts of tissue, a rapid radioisotopic assay was devised. Using commercially available radioactive histidine (without additional purification), the enzyme mediates the formation of histamine. The product is resolved from precursor by paper electrophoresis in a formic acid-acetic acid solution for 15 min. After drying and ninhydrin staining, radioactive histamine is measured by liquid seintillation spectrometry. This assay procedure is sensitive enough to measure decarboxylase activity in milligram quantities of rat brain.
Strategification; synergizing efficiencies; and meetingitis: what your bosses really do

Once upon a time, most people in a leadership role held some sort of functional IT expertise. Somewhere along the path to manager, director, or CIOs, many of us became meeting loving idiots along the way. Well, not really idiots, but losing touch with the daily realities of front line service could make it seem that way. Here is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the various checkpoints along the management path and the sort of competencies that must be developed by design or experience and how that impacts everyone in the organization. What do you gain along the way? What do you lose? How can you stay connected with all levels of the organization and the institution? This will also give you a glimpse into how you can connect with your universities mission in whatever role you hold. We will talk plainly of what exactly is the point of strategy, missions, visions, and the challenges facing the modern university and how that impacts YOU.
Pain Catastrophizing and Beliefs Predict Changes in Pain Interference and Psychological Functioning in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract The current study sought to examine how changes in pain-related beliefs and coping responses are related to changes in pain interference and psychological functioning in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and pain. To measure longitudinal changes in these variables, respondents completed a survey that included measures of pain intensity, pain interference, and psychological functioning, as well as specific psychosocial variables (pain-related beliefs, coping, and social support) and then completed the same survey 6 months later; analyses included only the individuals who reported pain at both times (n = 40). Demographic and injury-related variables were also assessed, but none were found to be significantly associated with changes in functioning. Changes in catastrophizing and belief in one's ability to control pain were each significantly associated with changes in the outcome variables: Greater pain interference and poorer psychological functioning. Changes in specific coping strategies and social support were not predictors of changes in pain, interference, or psychological functioning. These findings support a biopsychosocial model of pain in persons with SCI. Intervention studies targeting maladaptive pain-related beliefs and catastrophizing may help to identify the causal nature of these relationships and may improve multidisciplinary treatment of pain in SCI. Perspective Intervention studies targeting catastrophizing and maladaptive pain-related beliefs may be the next step in determining which variables play a causal role in the pain interference and psychological functioning of individuals with pain and SCI.
Improved latency and accuracy for neural branch prediction

Microarchitectural prediction based on neural learning has received increasing attention in recent years. However, neural prediction remains impractical because its superior accuracy over conventional predictors is not enough to offset the cost imposed by its high latency. We present a new neural branch predictor that solves the problem from both directions: it is both more accurate and much faster than previous neural predictors. Our predictor improves accuracy by combining path and pattern history to overcome limitations inherent to previous predictors. It also has much lower latency than previous neural predictors. The result is a predictor with accuracy far superior to conventional predictors but with latency comparable to predictors from industrial designs. Our simulations show that a path-based neural predictor improves the instructions-per-cycle (IPC) rate of an aggressively clocked microarchitecture by 16p over the original perceptron predictor. One reason for the improved accuracy is the ability of our new predictor to learn linearly inseparable branches; we show that these branches account for 50p of all branches and almost all branch mispredictions.
Central action and a species comparison of the estrogenic effects of an antiestrogen on eating and body weight

Abstract The antiestrogen MER-25, which generally inhibits estradiol-induced behavior, is itself fully estrogenic on eating and body weight. In rats, MER-25 decreases food intake when implanted in the same hypothalamic areas in which estradiol decreases food intake. In gerbils, both estradiol benzoate and MER-25 cause increased food intake and body weight.
Category differentiation in object recognition: typicality constraints on the basic category advantage.

When people are asked to decide whether an object is in a given category, they generally respond faster when the category is at the basic level (e.g., car) than when it is at the superordinate level (e.g., vehicle) or the subordinate level (e.g., sedan). Basic categories have shorter and more frequent names, are learned earlier, and are usually more highly differentiated than other categories (they are both specific and distinctive), but it is not clear which of these factors is responsible for the faster response to basic categories. In three experiments with natural language categories, we found evidence that objects can be identified fastest as members of differentiated categories, even when such categories have longer names and are learned later than less differentiated categories. Specifically, we argued that atypical subordinate categories (e.g., racing car) are highly differentiated and should therefore be responded to as fast as basic categories in object recognition. The results supported this view and also ruled out the hypothesis that objects are necessarily identified as members of basic categories before further identification. We discuss the implications of these findings for the use of category names as definite descriptions in discourse. Language: en
Varying dietary concentrations of fructooligosaccharides affect apparent absorption and balance of minerals in growing rats

Abstract Carbohydrates that bypass digestion in the small intestine and are fermented in the large intestine may affect the absorption of certain minerals. A study was conducted to determine the effect of varying dietary concentrations of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the apparent digestibility and balance of certain macro and trace minerals. Forty growing male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned one of four treatments: 1) purified diet (control); 2) purified diet + 1% FOS; 3) purified diet + 3% FOS, or 4) purified diet + 5% FOS. Rats were acclimated to their metabolic cages for 5 d, after which they were subjected to a 10-d growth period, followed by a 7-d balance period in which diets were restricted to 90% ad libitum intake of the lowest consuming rat. Cecal pH decreased ( P P P P > 0.10) across treatments. The macrominerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Cl, K) and trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were in a positive balance for all experimental treatments. However, Cu absorption decreased with increasing FOS concentration. This may be explained by an increase in fecal microbial mass which would contain a relatively significant amount of Cu or by an increase in hepatic bile Cu excretion. These results suggest that dietary FOS alters acute Cu metabolism in growing rats.
Thin film underlayer effects on mass resolving power in laser-assisted atom probe tomography

Abstract The effects of varying Co thickness on the mass resolving power for Cu in a multilayer stack are characterized by laser-assisted atom probe. As the Co layer thickness increased, Cu exhibited poorer mass resolving power. By reducing the pulse repetition rate from 250 kHz to 10 kHz, the mass resolving power improved to match that of Cu with no Co underlayer. These results support that thermal mechanisms for field evaporation dominate in this Co–Cu multilayer, which is a common architecture in giant magneto-resistance thin film devices.
Children's Conflict-Related Emotions: Implications for Morality and Autonomy.

Individual differences in affective dispositions and knowledge influence childern's abilities to balance their own needs and goals with those of others without becoming aggressive.
Intracellular pH during daily torpor inPeromyscus maniculatus

Intracellular and extracellular acid-base parameters during normothermy and daily torpor were examined in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). [14C]Dimethyloxazolidinedione and [3]inulin were used to assess intracellular pH in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and brain. Buffering capacities were determined using tissue homogenates. A significant increase in plasma\(P_{{\text{CO}}_2 } \) and\(C_{{\text{CO}}_2 } \) during daily torpor indicates a respiratory acidosis. All tissues experienced a reduction in the calculated dissociation ratio of histidine imidazole groups (αimid) during daily torpor (16.5% for brain, approximately 10% for other tissues). Based on comparisons with physicochemical tissue buffering capacities, metabolic compensation of the respiratory acidosis occurred in liver, heart, and plasma, while brain was more acidotic than predicted. The more extensive change in brain αimid might influence a regulated decrease in body temperature. Comparison of acid-base parameters during daily torpor and hibernation suggests that the magnitude of acid-base modifications in mammals may be associated with the level of dormancy.
A factorial comparison of schedule and bilateral locus of diastolic blood pressure-contingent feedback.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to compare and determine the effects of a partial and a continuous schedule of feedback on the acquisition and subsequent extinction of bidirectional diastolic blood pressure changes in human subjects; and (b) to examine the result of the administration of response-contingent feedback at specific sites on the bilateral axis between left and right arms on diastolic blood pressure changes at those sites. Subjects were 36 normotensive volunteer college students, ages 18–40 years. A 3 X 3 design was used in which three schedules of feedback (0, 25, and 50%) were factorially compared with three sites of feedback (left arm, both arms, and right arm). The results indicated that varying schedules of feedback differentially affected the acquisition and extinction of diastolic blood pressure response changes. The data also suggested that diastolic blood pressure changes could be produced at specific sites on the bilateral axis, although not completely independent of changes at other sites. Extinction was observed to be rapid in most cases, although a number of subjects with partial feedback schedules showed a somewhat greater resistance to extinction.
A method and fortran program for quantitative sampling in paleontology

Abstract The Unit Sampling Method is a binomial sampling method applicable to the study of fauna preserved in rocks too well cemented to be disaggregated. Preliminary estimates of the probability of detecting each group in a single sampling unit can be converted to estimates of the group's volumetric abundance by means of correction curves obtained by a computer simulation technique. This paper describes the technique and gives the FORTRAN program.
Recent advances in the palæontology of fishes

Recent advances in our knowledge of the lower vertebrates are extremely striking, and result from more widespread and active geological exploration, from greatly improved possibilities of collecting, from very great advances in methods of clearing the rock from the fossils, and from increasingly deep studies on comparative anatomy and histology. Earlier classifications have had to be revised, and in some respects more may be known of details of anatomy of fossil fishes than can be found in the literature on recent forms. This review of progress is also a pointer to further desirable work.
Semantic lock models in object-oriented distributed systems and deadlock resolution

We propose a distributed algorithm for detection and resolution of resource deadlocks in object-oriented distributed systems. The algorithm proposed is shown to detect and resolve all O(n1) cycles present in the worst case waits-for-graph (WFG) with n vertices by transmitting O(n3) messages of small constant size. Its average time complexity has been shown to be O(ne), where e is the number of edges in the WFG After deadlock resolution, the algorithm leaves information in the system concerning dependence relations of running transactions. This information will preclude the wasteful retransmission of messages and reduce the delay in detecting future deadlocks.
Funeral Conflicts in Nineteenth-Century France

The French celebration of the centenary of Victor Hugo's death in 1985 included new editions of his works, biographies, an exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris, all that you would expect in honor of his life and art. But Hugo's death and funeral also drew the attention of some scholars, and forgood reason. Beginning on 18 May 1885, when what proved to be his final illness was announced, the newspapers were filled with reports and rumors about Hugo's condition. Following his death on 22 May journalists concentrated on what has been called the funeral of the century. Two million peoplecame to see Hugo's body lying in state at the Arc de Triomphe, and anenormous crowd viewed the procession to the Panthe on where he was buried.
Detection of scalar couplings involving 2'-hydroxyl protons across hydrogen bonds in a frameshifting mRNA pseudoknot.

The −1 frameshift-stimulating mRNA pseudoknot from pea enation mosaic virus-1 (PEMV-1) is composed nearly entirely of RNA triple helix.4 The 2‘-OH hydroxyl protons of riboses C15 and C16 are hydrog...
Intelligent Parallel Parking of a Car-like Mobile Robot Using RFID Technology

This paper is devoted to design and implement an intelligent control scheme for a car-like mobile robot that possesses an automatic parallel parking capability using Radio Frequency IDen-tification (RFID) technology. The present manuscript focuses on the navigation module of the overall parking system. Navigation using a few analogue features of an RFID system is a promising alternative to a variety of existing navigation techniques in the state of the art. The proposed approach exploits the ability of a mobile robot to navigate in an unstructured environment and park itself parallel to a wall using RFID tags and some analogue features provided by the RFID system interfaced with the mobile robot. This paper describes how this is achieved by placing the RFID tags in unknown three dimensional positions on the wall within the workspace. A number of computer simulations are carried out to manifest the distinguished features of the proposed technique.
Young-adult malt liquor drinkers: prediction of alcohol problems and marijuana use.

Malt liquor (ML) is a cheap, high alcohol content beverage that is marketed to appeal to young adults. Findings from the few published studies of ML use suggest that it may be associated with excessive drinking, alcohol problems, and the use of illicit drugs. The authors conducted separate hierarchical multiple regressions to examine the role of ML use and psychosocial variables (e.g., personality, ML motives) in alcohol-related problems and marijuana use. Demographic characteristics served as controls. The sample consisted of 639 (456 men, 183 women) young adults (M 22.9 years, SD 4.2) who regularly (40 oz/week) consumed ML. ML use significantly and positively predicted alcohol problems, ML-specific problems, and marijuana use, above and beyond their associations with typical alcohol use. Marijuana was the illicit drug of choice, and 46% reported concurrent use of marijuana and ML. Those who concurrently used ML and marijuana began drinking at a younger age and reported more substance use (particularly marijuana) and more alcohol-related problems than did nonconcurrent users. These results suggest that ML use may represent a risk for alcohol problems and marijuana use.
Halibut injury and mortality associated with manual and automated removal from setline hooks

Abstract Setline vessels in the North Pacific have recently begun using automated gear retrieval systems incorporating hook strippers to remove unused bait and caught fish from the hooks during gear retrieval. Pacific halibut removed by these automated systems suffer a handling mortality which is as much as nine times that experienced by fish removed carefully by the more traditional manual method of rolling the hook out of the mouth using a gaff. This increased mortality results from more severe injuries in the mouth area associated with the automated removal. Fish receiving sublethal injuries as a result of automated removal experience a significantly reduced growth rate in subsequent years.
Swelling‐Induced Surface Patterns in Hydrogels with Gradient Crosslinking Density

Hydrogels with controlled surface patterns are useful for a range of applications, including in microdevices, sensors, coatings, and adhesives. In this work, a simple and robust method to generate a wide range of osmotically driven surface patterns, including random, lamellar, peanut, and hexagonal structures is developed. This method does not require the use of organic solvents for swelling, pre-patterning of the film surface, or coating of a second layer on the gel. The patterns are fabricated by exposing a photocurable formulation to light while open to air and then swelling, using oxygen inhibition of the radical polymerization at the surface to create a gradient of crosslinking with depth, which was confirmed by measuring the double bond conversion at the surface, surface mechanics, and molecule diffusion into the network. The modulus gradient, and hence osmotic pressure, is controlled by the crosslinker concentration, and the characteristic size of the patterns is determined by the initial film thickness. The patterns are stable in both swollen and dry states, creating a versatile approach that is useful for diverse polymers to create complex patterns with long-range order.
The Use of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test in the Prediction and Assessment of Reading Disability in Disturbed Children1

AbstractTwenty-three institutionalized emotionally disturbed boys with reading disability were tested with the Metropolitan Achievement Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The purposes of the study were to obtain congruent and concurrent measures of validity in the Peabody and to examine the Peabody for unique contributions to the assessment of Intelligence. The Peabody did not significantly correlate with academic achievement measures or with the Illinois measures of auditory and visual decoding, It appears the Peabody Is tapping g rather than receptive measures of intelligence. The Peabody correlated with the Wechsler but the question Is raised as to how helpful this information will be to an intervention program.
Aspergillosis of the sphenoid sinus: presentation as a pituitary mass and postoperative gallium-67 imaging

Invasive aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses is an uncommon, but well-recognized, form of fungal infection. We describe an elderly female patient with invasive aspergillosis of the sphenoid sinus and associated osteomyelitis of the skull base, with clinical presentation as a pituitary mass. Postoperative gallium scan showed intense uptake in the sphenoid sinus, which resolved after treatment with amphotericin-B. This case demonstrates some of the pathologic and clinical features of invasive aspergillosis and suggests a potential role for gallium-67 imaging in monitoring clinical response to therapy.
Epizootiology of Haemoproteus danilewskyi (Haemosporina: Haemoproteidae) in blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) in southcentral Florida.

Prevalence and density of Haemoproteus danilewskyi was studied in a population of free-ranging blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) in southcentral Florida (USA) from May 1992 to December 1995. Prevalence of infection was 27% for data combined over years, seasons, ages, and sexes. Prevalence did not vary between sexes or among years, but increased with age and varied with season, being highest in June–July and lowest in November–January. Parasite density did not vary between sexes or among seasons, but was higher in younger birds when controlling for season. To determine periods of natural transmission, seasonal patterns of infection were compared with previous month abundance of the biting fly vectors. Mean monthly prevalence of H. danilewskyi in older jays was positively correlated with previous month abundance of Culicoides edeni and C. arboricola, both capable of sporogonic development of H. danilewskyi.
Dry matter and nitrogen accumulation are not affected by superoptimal concentration of ammonium in flowing solution culture with pH control

While it is known that superoptimal concentrations of the nitrate (NO3-) ion in solution culture do not increase NO3- uptake or dry matter accumulation, the same is not known for the ammonium (NH4+) ion. An experiment was conducted utilizing flowing solution culture with pH control to investigate the influence of superoptimal NH4+ concentrations on dry matter, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) accumulation by nonnodulated soybean plants. Increasing the NH4+ concentration in solution from 1 to 10 mM did not affect dry matter or N accumulation. Accumulations of K, Ca, and Mg were slightly decreased with increased NH4+ concentration. The NH4+ uptake system, which is saturated at less than 1mM NH4+, is able to regulate uptake of NH4+ at concentrations as high as 10 mM.
Addition of Methyl Triflate to a Hafnocene Dinitrogen Complex: Stepwise N2 Methylation and Conversion to a Hafnocene Hydrazonato Compound

Treatment of the hafnocene complex bearing a strongly activated, side-on bound dinitrogen ligand, [(η5-C5Me4H)2Hf]2(μ2,η2,η2-N2), with two equivalents of methyl triflate yielded a mixture of produc...
The Possibilities of Change in a World of Constraint: Individual and Social Transformation in the Work of Pierre Bourdieu

In this essay I will suggest that the work of Pierre Bourdieu, a scholar whose work seldom focused on religion, offers tools for thinking about personal and social change that can aid us in understanding religious conversion and deconversion. In Bourdieu we find ways to conceptualize change that are materially grounded and embodied. As a post-structuralist, Bourdieu refuses to reduce individual change and stasis to the machinations of hardened social structures that stand apart from human activity. At the same time, Bourdieu is a social theorist who—in acknowledging the statistical regularities that demonstrate the reproduction of social inequalities—also avoids simplistic conceptions of human subjectivity that imagines autonomous individuals who possess some magical spark of free will to stand outside all external compulsions and rationally choose their life trajectories. For those interested in mapping the possibilities of change in a world of constraint, Bourdieu offers some useful starting points.
Characterization of thermomechanical properties in starch and cereal products

Thermomechanical properties of bread components can be used to characterize various events that have direct rheological impacts. The objective is to observe changes that occur during staling and toughening of a bread or similar products. In this article, characterization of bread polymers, starch and gluten, were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
A comparative study on bubble-driven micropumping in microchannels with square and circular cross sections

Abstract We report experimental evidence that by employing circular flow channels, the maximum pressure head, flow rate and output flow power of a valve-less bubble-driven micropump can be improved by factors of 2.0–2.3, 2.3–2.9 and 3.6–4.6 respectively, when compared with its counterparts with square flow channels having the same hydraulic diameter. It is thus suggested that significant improvements on pumping performance can be achieved by rounding the flow channels of this category of micropumps, which are usually square or rectangular in cross section as fabricated. The geometry-dependent pumping performance is attributed to the different formations of liquid film generated between the gas bubbles and the channel wall. Such liquid films are much thicker in a square flow channel, leading to inferior pumping performance due to unfavorable venting (bubble removal) dynamics and leakage. The venting flow patterns are measured and matched with the two phase flows observed directly in the flow channels to understand their impacts on the pumping characteristics.
The company‐cause‐customer fit decision in cause‐related marketing

Purpose – Cause‐related marketing activities are increasingly becoming a meaningful part of corporate marketing plans. This paper aims to examine the relationship between the company, cause and customer, and how fit between these three groups influences consumer response via generating a positive attitude toward the company‐cause alliance and purchase intent for the sponsored product.Design/methodology/approach – Two studies are carried out, first among students and second among consumers.Findings – Two studies (study 1=232 students, study 2=531 consumers) demonstrate that company‐cause fit improves attitude toward the company‐cause alliance and increases purchase intent. Additionally, this effect is enhanced under conditions of customer‐company and customer‐cause congruence, and the consumer's overall attitude toward the sponsoring company. Skepticism about the company's motivation for participating in a cause‐related marketing initiative was not relevant to consumer purchase decisions.Research limitatio...
Use of unlicensed assistive personnel: Anecdotes and antidotes

Summary Remain optimistic about the 15% influence every person holds. 20 Do not give up because the current situation seems depressing. This trend is still fluid and easily influenced. 18 The reemergence of the UAP issue reminds one of the old story about two wildeness hunters who demanded that a small transport plane pilot carry them and their large moose over the mountain. The pilot insisted they were too heavy but finally agreed when the hunters said that they had done the same thing last year. They loaded the plane and took off but alas, were weighed down and crashed into the mountain. No one was hurt and as they crawled out, one asked, "Where are we?" The other replied, "Oh, about a mile further than we got last time." This issue is too important to ignore and too extensiveto deal with alone. We need to listen to history and our own experiences with UAP usage, rather than false unproven reassurances.
Direct measurement of pyrimidine C6-hydrate stability.

Abstract Pyrimidine C6-hydrates are produced via UV-irradiation and undergo dehydration upon standing. The stability of these compounds has a direct bearing on their genotoxicity. The rate constants for elimination from 5′-benzyoylated derivatives of 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxythymidine ( 6 ) and 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2′-deoxyuridine ( 9 ) were measured directly via HPLC. The rate constants for dehydration increase from pH 6.0 to 8.0. The half-lives for 6 and 9 at pH 7.4 and 37 °C are 46.5 and 24.4 h, respectively. Deglycosylation is not observed, even upon heating at 90 °C. These observations reinforce proposals that pyrimidine hydrates are sufficiently long-lived that they can exert significant effects on biological systems.
MicroRNAs and genomic instability

A new species of non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) has been identified that may regulate the expression of as many as one third to one half of all protein encoding genes. MicroRNAs are found throughout mammalian genomes, but an association between the location of these miRNAs and regions of genomic instability (or fragile sites) in humans has been suggested [1]. In this review we discuss the possible role of altered miRNA expression on human cancer and conduct an analysis correlating the physical location of murine miRNAs with sites of genetic alteration in mouse models of cancer.
Trayectorias laborales, desempleo y ciudadanía: el caso de Viña Del Mar

«Trayectorias laborales, desempleo y ciudadania: el caso de Vina del Mar», presenta las facetas de la transicion del mercado laboral en sus distintos niveles y alcances ideologicos y psicosociales, desde lo global hasta lo local. Los autores exploran una optica acerca de los cambios en la sociedad del trabajo, trayectorias laborales y nuevas condiciones del trabajo en Chile para aproximarse a la situacion particular de la comuna de Vina del Mar, describiendo las principales caracteristicas sociales y economicas de una muestra de desempleados de esa ciudad, en quienes se estudia la trayectoria laboral y su percepcion del empleo y la ciudadania. Los comentarios finales presentan un ordenamiento de los elementos del fenomeno y exploran en torno a los efectos psicosociales en la ciudadania que pudieran asociarse a las caracteristicas de las experiencias de desempleo en los tiempos del neoliberalismo y que serian mediados por la matriz historico-cultural de la localidad.
Advancing Biobehavioral Research in Childhood Cancer

Research on individual and family responses to a child’s or adolescent’s cancer diagnosis and treatment is important because of significant advances in the field of pediatric oncology. To date, the majority of research has been behavioral or psychosocial in nature. It could be argued that a more holistic perspective that includes psychological, sociocultural, and biological dimensions would advance knowledge about individual and family responses to the experience of childhood cancer. Biobehavioral research refers to investigations that link behavioral and biological underpinnings in specific areas of science. The purpose of this article is to review research in two broad areas that could benefit from a biobehavioral perspective—psychosocial functioning/behavioral adjustment, and CNS treatment outcomes. Studies that include biological measures are highlighted. Advantages, challenges, and strategies for advancing biobehavioral research in childhood cancer are proposed.
A theoretical interpretation of the measurements of the secondary eclipses of tres-1 and HD 209458b

We calculate the planet-star flux-density ratios as a function of wavelength from 0.5 µmto 25 µmfor the transiting extrasolar giant planets TrES-1 and HD209458b and compare them with the recent Spitzer/IRAC-MIPS secondary eclipse data in the 4.5, 8.0, and 24 µmbands. With only three data points and generic calibration issues, detailed conclusions are difficult, but inferences regarding atmospheric composition, temperature, and global circulation can be made. Our models reproduce the observations reasonably well, but not perfectly, and we speculate on the theoretical consequences of variations around our baseline models. One preliminary conclusion is that we may be seeing in the data indications that the day side of a close-in extrasolar giant planet is brighter in the mid-infrared than its night side, unlike Jupiter and Saturn. This correspondence will be further tested when the data anticipated in other Spitzer bands are acquired, and we make predictions for what those data may show.
B cell targeted therapy: a new approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Although the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear, multiple exogenous and endogenous antigenic triggers, in the presence of a genetic predisposition, initiate many autoimmune responses in the synovial compartment. Many cell populations, including monocytes, macrophages, B cells, T cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, contribute to the inflammatory process. In RA, B lymphocytes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid synovitis. The precise role played by B cells in RA is not fully understood, but potential mechanisms include an antigen-presenting function, secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, production of rheumatoid factor, and co-stimulation of T cells. The chimeric monoclonal antibody rituximab, which targets the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, has been used extensively in the treatment of B cell malignancies. More than 300,000 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other B cell diseases have been treated with rituximab, and more recently the agent has emerged as a potential treatment for RA via selective B lymphocyte depletion. Clinical experience in the oncology setting shows that rituximab is well tolerated, with mild-to-moderate infusion reactions – most often during the first infusion phase – being the most common adverse event. Rare serious adverse events do occur but, because they are often related to circulating tumor loads or to the disease itself, it can be expected that these events will arise to a lesser extent with RA. B cell targeted therapies represent an innovative approach to the treatment of RA. Ongoing research continues to evaluate the critical roles of B cells in sustaining the chronic inflammatory process of RA. These findings have contributed to the development of other targeted therapies that delete B cells, such as belimumab, an inhibitor of B lymphocyte stimulation. In a phase I trial belimumab treatment significantly reduced CD20+ levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The ultimate therapeutic goal in the treatment of any disease is a cure. Until the pathophysiology/etiology of RA is better understood, treatment strategies must focus on disease management. Early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are necessary to reduce early joint damage, functional loss, and mortality. However, choosing which patients should receive combination DMARDs, and which combinations, remains one of our major challenges in treating RA patients. Many well controlled clinical trials demonstrate that methotrexate and other DMARDs, including the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, have shown considerable efficacy in controlling the inflammatory process, but many patients continue to have active disease. Optimizing clinical response requires the use of a full spectrum of clinical agents with different therapeutic targets. Newer therapies, such as rituximab, that specifically target B cells have emerged as viable treatment options for patients with RA.
A Web-based Authoring Tool for Intelligent Tutors: Blending Assessment and Instructional Assistance

Middle school mathematics teachers are often forced to choose between assisting students’ development and assessing students’ abilities because of limited classroom time available. To help teachers make better use of their time, a web-based system, called the Assistment system, was created to integrate assistance and assessment by offering instruction to students while providing a more detailed evaluation of their abilities to the teacher than is possible under current approaches. An initial version of the Assistment system was created and used in May, 2004 with approximately 200 students and over 1000 students currently use it once every two weeks. The hypothesis is that Assistments can assist students while also assessing them. This chapter describes the Assistment system and some preliminary results.