cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State Anti-Discrimination Statutes and Implied Preemption of Common Law Torts: Valuing the Common Law

Many states have their own antidiscrimination statute that, like federal law, prohibit discrimination in employment because of prohibited characteristics such as race, sex, age, religion, national origin, and disability. In certain cases, a particular set of facts involving sexual, racial, or disability harassment could satisfy the required elements of a state common law tort and a state statutory antidiscrimination claim. It benefits the aggrieved plaintiff to pursue both a common law tort action and a state statutory discrimination action against the employer when the common law tort provides for greater remedies, as is sometimes the case. But when a common law tort claim is asserted, employers often argue that the presence of the state antidiscrimination statute impliedly preempts the common law tort claim. In the absence of specific preemption language in a state antidiscrimination statute, principles must be established for determining whether the antidiscrimination statute preempts the common law. My article, State Anti-Discrimination Statutes and Implied Preemption of Common Law Torts: Valuing the Common Law, argues that the legal analysis for determining whether a state antidiscrimination statute preempts common law tort claims based on employment discrimination or discriminatory harassment should depend on the type of common law tort in question. It identifies separate categories of common law torts, each of which is given different treatment. Torts that have an existence separate and apart from employment discrimination are not impliedly preempted by the mere presence of a state antidiscrimination statute. Torts that do not have an existence separate and apart from employment discrimination are impliedly preempted if they have no recognition under a state's common law prior to the enactment of the state antidiscrimination statute. Recognized common-law wrongful discharge torts that exist prior to the enactment of a state antidiscrimination statute are not impliedly preempted.
Load-based testing using a thermostat environment emulator

Abstract To test unitary residential cooling equipment with integrated controls and typical load responses, a load-based testing methodology has been developed where a virtual building model is used to emulate building-equipment dynamic interactions. With this approach, the temperature of an environmental chamber that simulates indoor conditions continuously tracks virtual room temperature setpoints that are adjusted based on outputs from the virtual building model. The test equipment thermostat senses the floating air temperature and communicates with the test equipment as if it were installed in the field. In order to achieve realistic dynamic behavior, it is important to properly emulate inlet flow conditions and inlet temperature dynamics provided to the thermostat that are representative of field conditions and that can be reproduced across different test facilities. The goal of the work described in this paper was to develop a thermostat environment emulator for use in load-based testing. The proposed emulator can dynamically control the thermostat inlet air temperature to the virtual room temperature setpoints using thermoelectric devices. Sample test results obtained using the emulator are presented in this paper to demonstrate its ability to track emulated building responses during load-based testing. A description of the design and control of the emulator is provided with sufficient detail to allow future researchers to reproduce it. Additionally, a two-dimensional dynamic model of the thermoelectric conditioning devices is presented that guided the overall design process. This emulator is a basis for a standardized solution for applying load-based testing that is reproducible across different facilities.
Complete ADAMTS13 Remission in a Patient with Refractory Autoimmune-Mediated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura after Infliximab

Autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is caused by autoantibodies to the von Willebrand Factor cleaving enzyme, ADAMTS13. Despite recent advances in the treatment of acute aTTP, relapse rates remain high. Guidance for the treatment of patients in clinical remission but with persistent severe ADAMTS13 deficiency who fail to respond to rituximab remains unclear. We report a case of a 29-year-old man diagnosed with aTTP at the age of 11. Over a period of 18 years, he had five clinical relapses with persistent severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (<10%) and presence of autoantibodies during clinical remissions despite immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab, bortezomib and azathioprine. While in a clinical remission, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and initially treated with adalimumab. When he subsequently developed antibodies to adalimumab, he was transitioned to infliximab. ADAMTS13 activity increased to 24% by 2 months of infliximab induction, and four months later the ADAMTS13 activity improved to 42%. This case demonstrates the importance of managing concurrent inflammatory disorders and suggests that TNF may play a role in autoantibody development and ADAMTS13 depletion.
The FDA and Drug Regulatory Issues

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health (http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/mission.html). Keywords: drug regulation; FDA
Long-term sequelae of Hemophilus influenzae meningitis.

The long-term effects of H. influenzae meningitis were studied in 86 patients who were treated with acceptable antibiotic therapy during acute episode in 1950 to 1964 in Nashville, Tennessee. Follow-up revealed that 11 were dead (eight died within first 24 hours of hospitalization). Fifty-six of them returned to Vanderbilt Medical Center for the following appraisals: history, general physical and neurological examinations; pure tone audiometry evaluation; and psychological testing by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Nineteen others sent information by questionnaire. Results indicated that 26 (29%) survivors had severe or significant handicaps; 12 (14%) had possible residuals; and 37 (43%) were free of detectable deficits. It was concluded that prevention of this disease should now be a prime goal.
Omics-Based Molecular Target and Biomarker Identification

Genomic, proteomic, and other omic-based approaches are now broadly used in biomedical research to facilitate the understanding of disease mechanisms and identification of molecular targets and biomarkers for therapeutic and diagnostic development. While the Omics technologies and bioinformatics tools for analyzing Omics data are rapidly advancing, the functional analysis and interpretation of the data remain challenging due to the inherent nature of the generally long workflows of Omics experiments. We adopt a strategy that emphasizes the use of curated knowledge resources coupled with expert-guided examination and interpretation of Omics data for the selection of potential molecular targets. We describe a downstream workflow and procedures for functional analysis that focus on biological pathways, from which molecular targets can be derived and proposed for experimental validation.
Our Constitutional Commons

While much has been written about the U.S. Constitution, very little, if anything at all, has been said about the ways in which the Constitution shares attributes with the commons. This article examines the Constitution and the efforts to influence the shape and scope of its application through the lenses developed by scholars for assessing both common good and public good resources. Focusing on these interrelated lenses provides a unique perspective on both the U.S. Constitution and those attempting to influence its text and its interpretation. The synergy and interaction between the common good and public good dimensions of the Constitution not only provide a more holistic understanding of its institutional design and mode of operation, but also provide new insights into the potential damage future constitutional conflicts may cause to the stability and strength of the U.S. Constitution and how that damage may be avoided.
Comment on 'Magnetospheric origin of energetic (E greater than or equal to 50 keV) ions upstream of the bow shock: The October 31, 1977, event' by G. C. Anagnostopoulos, E. T. Sarris, and S. M. Krimigis

Observational data on the effects of the solar burst event of October 31, 1977 on the earth bow shock are reassessed in a critical examination of the hypothesis of Anagnostopoulos et al. (1986), that energetic ions detected upstream of the shock originated in the magnetosphere and then leaked into the upstream region. The upstream and magnetospheric observations are compared, and consideration is given to the proton energy spectrum, anisotropies, and connection time. It is found that the event in question can best be explained in terms of Fermi shock acceleration. In a reply by Anagnostopoulos et al., additional data on this and similar events are presented in extensive graphs and analyzed. It is argued that there are many observed phenomena which cannot be explained by Fermi acceleration but are consistent with upstream leakage.
A genetically engineered, protein-based optical biosensor of myosin II regulatory light chain phosphorylation.

Abstract Myosin II is an important motor in the contraction of smooth and striated muscle as well as in a variety of non-muscle cell motile events including cytokinesis, cortical contractions during migration of fibroblasts, and capping of receptors. Phosphorylation of the 20-kDa light chain by myosin light chain kinase is part of the regulation of smooth muscle and mammalian nonmuscle myosin II. We designed, characterized, and tested the use of a protein-based optical biosensor to monitor this phosphorylation "switch." A regulatory light chain was genetically engineered to contain a single cysteine at amino acid position 18. The mutant light chain (Cys18.LC20), reacted with the fluorophore acrylodan, responded to phosphorylation of serine 19 with a fluorescence emission quenching of 60% and a 28-nm red-shift. When the acrylodan-labeled mutant light chain (AC-Cys18.LC20) was exchanged into turkey gizzard myosin II, it exhibited a 25% fluorescence emission quenching and a 10-nm red-shift upon phosphorylation of serine 19. The myosin II optical biosensor exhibited nearly control levels of the rate of phosphorylation, K+ATPase activity, and in vitro motility. The acrylodan-labeled light chain was exchanged into the A-bands of chicken pectoralis myofibrils in situ to demonstrate the localization and activity of the biosensor in a highly ordered contractile system. Fluorometry and quantitative fluorescence microscopic imaging experiments demonstrated that AC-Cys18.LC20 exchanged myofibrils expressed a phosphorylation-dependent fluorescence change. Labeled light chains were also incorporated into stress fibers of living fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. This general approach of combining molecular biology and fluorescence spectroscopy to create novel protein-based optical biosensors should provide valuable tools for investigations with model systems and solution studies and ultimately yield important information about temporal-spatial chemical and molecular changes in live cells.
Antigenic markers on rat lymphocytes. I. Characterization of a.r.t., An alloantigenic marker on rat thymus and thymus-derived cells.

Abstract We report here the further characterization of an alloantigen found on rat thymus and thymus-derived lymphocytes, termed A.R.T. 2 (for Antigen of the Rat Thymus). This antigen previously had been shown to be specific for rat T-cells and capable of abrogating various T-dependent immune responses. Data presented here have demonstrated that the antigen is absent from rat and mouse brain as well as other nonlymphoid tissues. These data, along with those showing an augmentation of serum titers by substituting absorbed rabbit serum for guinea pig serum as a complement source, points to a closer relationship of the rat antigen to the mouse Ly than to theta (Thy 1). Treatment of rats with cortisone acetate did not render the remaining thymocytes any more or less susceptible to the action of the anti-A.R.T. serum. In a survey of a variety of inbred rat strains, no relationship was found between the presence of the A.R.T. antigen and the Ag-B phenotype. Using Ag-B compatible strains, one that lacked the antigen and one that possessed it, we were able to produce antisera other than the Black-Hooded anti-Lewis. Lastly, quantitative absorption experiments supported our earlier supposition that peripheral T-cells, as represented by lymph node cells, had a higher concentration of A.R.T. than did thymus cells.
Glycoprotein cytoplasmic domain sequences required for rescue of a vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein mutant.

The authors have used transient expression of the wild-type vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) glycoprotein (G protein) from cloned cDNA to rescue a temperature-sensitive G protein mutant of VSV in cells at the nonpermissive temperature. Using cDNAs encoding G proteins with deletions in the normal 29-amino-acid cytoplasmic domain, they determined that the presence of either the membrane-proximal 9 amino acids or the membrane-distal 12 amino acids was sufficient for rescue of the temperature-sensitive mutant. G proteins with cytoplasmic domains derived from other cellular or viral G proteins did not rescue the mutant, nor did G proteins with one or three amino acids of the normal cytoplasmic domain. Rescue correlated directly with the ability of the G proteins to be incorporated into virus particles. This was shown by analysis of radiolabeled particles separated on sucrose gradients as well as by electron microscopy of rescued virus after immunogold labeling. Quantitation of surface expression showed that all of the mutated G proteins were expressed less efficiently on the cell surface than was wild-type G protein. However, they were able to correct for differences in rescue efficiency resulting from differences in the level of surface expression by reducing wild-type G protein expression to levels equivalentmore » to those observed for the mutated G proteins. The results provide evidence that at least a portion of the cytoplasmic domain is required for efficient assembly of the VSV G protein into virions during virus budding.« less
Soil loss and sediment transport during the storms and landslides of May 1988 in Ruhengeri prefecture, Rwanda

In early May 1988, five prefectures in western Rwanda experienced catastrophic levels of precipitation, landslide, and flooding activity that resulted in a severe loss of life, property, and livelihood. Using data from runoff plot and hydrological monitoring stations of the Ruhengeri Resource Analysis and Management Project, the events and circumstances leading to these phenomena are reconstructed. These data show that mass wasting processes were preceded by more than 140 mm of precipitation during 4–7 May, which may have saturated local soils. A small earth tremor on 7 May, (Richter scale of 3) contributed to the onset of the catastrophic debris avalanche, torrent, and earthflow activity that commenced 24 h later. The more than 50 mm of precipitation that fell during 9 May, including a maximum 30 min intensity of 24 mm, resulted in continued surficial soil loss that averaged 34 t/ha on seven cropped, Wischmeier-type runoff plots with biological erosion control contours. The Nyamutera River, which drains the impacted area, delivered 567000 tons of suspended sediment to its mouth between 7 and 13 May. This corresponds to a basin-wide lowering of 12600 t/km2, or more than half of the basin's annual suspended sediment yield. Theoretical distributions of maximum 24 h precipitation events suggest that Nyakinama and other regions in Ruhengeri are particularly prone to similar high volume events, exacerbating an already serious soil loss problem throughout the prefecture. Because contemporary land use practices directly contributed to the severity of the 1988 event, further applied research that identifies technologies capable of reducing soil loss, augmenting soil fertility, and minimizing the impacts of high magnitude and high volume rainfall is greatly needed.
Vectorizing the interpolation routines of particle-in-cell codes

A discussion of the interpolation routines in particle-in-cell codes is presented indicating the problems in vectorizing them. Solutions to these problems are then discussed with the timing results indicating the effectiveness of the solutions. A comparison of our methods to those of Nishiguchi et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 61, 519 (1985)) is presented. Finally, multitasking is briefly addressed. copyright 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Isolation and identification of 4-pregnen-17α-ol-3,20-dione and 5-pregnen-3β-ol-20-one from human blood plasma

Two hitherto unidentified C 21 steroids have been isolated from 1800 ml. of human blood obtained from systemic circulation of healthy, male subjects. Using criteria uch as infrared, ultraviolet, and sulfuric acid spectra and mobility of free and acetylated material in different systems of paper chromatography, these steroids were identified as 5-pregnen-3β-ol-one and 4-pregnenc-17α-ol-3,20-dione.
Protein A immunoaffinity hollow fiber membranes for immunoglobulin G purification: experimental characterization.

Immunoaffinity adsorption is increasingly used for protein purification and medical applications. Synthetic membranes have advantages as support matrices in comparison to conventional bead supports because they are not compressible and they eliminate internal diffusion limitations. The goal of this study was to explore in detail the performance of microporous hollow fibers composed of modified polysulfone to which protein A was immobilized for adsorption of human IgG. The internal matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The binding equilibrium constant was measured using both static and dynamic methods. Breakthrough curves up to ligand saturation were measured and used to study the effects of IgG concentration, presence of contaminant albumin, flow direction, flow mode, and especially filtrate flow rate and maximum IgG binding capacity. The highest binding capacities studied were comparable with that attainable with bead matrices. All of the breakthrough curves could be represented on a single figure when plotted versus the dimensionless relative throughput (the mass of IgG loaded on the membrane divided by the mass that would be bound when the entire fiber is in equilibrium with the feed concentration), and the effect of operating variables on the position and shape of the individual breakthrough curves could be understood in terms of a dimensional performance parameter (the product of membrane volume and maximum binding capacity divided by the filtrate flow rate). The best breakthrough curves were obtained with the highest values of the performance parameter. Based on the results, membranes as solid supports for immunoadsorption can be a useful alternative to the use of traditional columns for protein separations.
Inclusion and exclusion algorithm for the Hamiltonian Path Problem

Abstract This paper contains a description of an algorithm that uses the principle of inclusion and exclusion to determine the number of Hamiltonian paths in a given graph that have a given starting vertex and a given ending vertex, and it also contains a description of a similar algorithm to determine the number of Hamiltonian cycles in a given graph. The algorithms have an upper bound on time complexity of O(2 n x n 4 ) where n is the number of vertices in the graph. Also, the algorithms require only O( n 3 log 2 n ) bits of storage space.
Inhibition of parathyroid hormone stimulated bone resorptionin vitro by the antibiotic mithramycin

Mithramycin, an antibiotic which blocks DNA-dependent RNA metabolism, has been demonstrated to be hypocalcaemicin vivo. It has been suggested that this effect is obtained by an inhibition of bone resorption. We have tested this antibiotic for its effects on bone resorptionin vitro using new-born mouse calvaria and this report presents evidence that mithramycin not only inhibits bone resorptionin vitro but also inhibits the formation of bone and is cytotoxic at all concentrations which appear to be effective at inhibiting resorption. The effectiveness of this antibiotic at inhibiting resorption appears to be related to the degree of bone resorption activity present when it is introduced to the system. Morphological observations also raised the question as to whether or not this agent may cause abnormalities in the normal processes of bone cell modulation resulting in the formation of cartilage.
Wives' and husbands' expected costs and benefits of childbearing as predictors of pregnancy.

Abstract This paper examines the usefulness of one‐sex and two‐sex utility models of reproductive behavior in predicting births as consequences of wives’ and husbands’ perceptions of the costs and benefits of another child. We used longitudinal data on a sample of 280 white and 69 black young urban American couples. For whites, female models are mostly better than male models. Two‐sex models generally predict more variance than female models. We show that the white wife's utility considerations dominate the predictions, with husband as a junior partner and partial redundancy of female and male models. The utility considerations of black husbands dominate the predictions, with wives as junior partners and no redundancy in female and male models. We conclude that neither sex incorporates completely the spouse's utility considerations into its own utility structure. Because some male models are surprisingly strong, researchers cannot omit males without running the risk of leaving out an important component o...
Chemical extraction of newly immobilized 15N and native soil N as influenced by substrate addition rate and soil treatments

A Pakistani silt loam soil was maintained at 30°C with increasing amounts of 15N-labeled (NH4)2SO4 and glucose (C-to-N ratio of 30 for all additions) and the rate of immobilization and onset of remineralization was followed by exposure at 30°C for up to 460 h. At a stage when all of the applied 15N was in organic forms (as microbial biomass and products), soil samples were either refluxed with 10 mM CaCl2, extracted with 10mM NaHCO3, extracted with 500 mM K2SO4 or extracted with 500 mM K2SO4 after 24 h chloroform fumigation, freeze-drying and oven-drying. The extracts were analyzed for total N and 15N. The rate of immobilization and release of applied 15N was inversely related to the amount of N (and glucose) applied. The extracted 15N ranged between 14 and 58% of that applied and showed an increase with increase in the amount of. applied 15N. Similarly, the applied N (and glucose) enhanced the extractability of the native soil N, and the effect increased with an increase in the amount applied, indicating a positive “priming effect”. Of the extradants used, 10 mM NaHCO3 was the most selective for the applied 15N; maximum native N was extracted by reflux with 10 mM CaCl2. Extractabilty ratios (% of the applied 15N/% of the native soil N) ranged from 2 to 9 depending upon extradant and soil treatment (amount of N and glucose applied). Both freeze-drying and oven-drying led to a decrease in the amount of N extracted; a larger amount of the applied 15N was rendered extractable due to freeze-drying. Chloroform fumigation caused a 2-fold increase in N extracted from both applied and native sources. However, extractability ratios were lower for fumigated than for unfumigated soil, indicating that chloroform fumigation enhanced the extractabil- ity of non-biomass N.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and efficacious for the elderly: An analysis using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database

Despite increasing use of laparoscopic appendectomy, data demonstrating outcomes of this technique exclusively among the elderly population are scarce. This study aimed to compare 30-day postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay among elderly patients after appendectomy. Appendicitis patients older than 65 years were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database. Demographics and rates of complications for patients undergoing open and laparoscopic appendectomies were compared. Uni- and multivariate analyses adjusted for differences between groups compared the end points of major and minor complications as well as the days of hospital stay after initial surgery. A total of 3,335 patients underwent appendectomy, with 2,235 patients (67%) receiving a laparoscopic procedure. The open appendectomy patients were significantly older and more likely to have various preoperative comorbidities (p < 0.05). No difference in median operative time between the two techniques was found. Both required 51 min (p = 0.11). The open cases had higher rates of both major and minor postoperative complications than the laparoscopic cases (p < 0.0001), both overall and before discharge. Multivariate analysis showed no association between operative approach and major complications, and a reduced risk of minor complications with laparoscopy. Length of surgical stay was longer for the open group than for the laparoscopically treated group (median, 4 days vs 2 days; p < 0.05). After adjustment, laparoscopy still was significantly associated with a shorter hospital stay than open appendectomy (p < 0.0001). Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure for elderly patients. During the 30-day postoperative period, no correlation with major complications was found, and the findings showed a beneficial association with regard to minor complications. After adjustment for perioperative factors, laparoscopy is associated with a shorter hospital stay than open appendectomy.
Old and New Left Activity in the Legal Order: An Interpretation

When in court cases defendants are accused of fomenting violent revolution or rebellion, persons are allegedly harassed, imprisoned, and otherwise persecuted on the basis of false criminal charges, or radicals identify with the defendants as victims of economic, cultural, or racial injustice, then so-called political or ideological trials occur. Although relationships between Old Left and New Left attorneys and clients vary and ideological and tactical differences continue to divide them, a reasonably coherent litigation strategy has been developed for dealing with these cases. It supplements the appropriate use of conventional legal procedures with variations of mass action, publicity, and confrontation. In the past only a small number of Old Left attorneys were willing to conduct litigation in this manner, but more recently the activities of the New Left movements have produced an additional array of movement lawyers. In meeting their responsibility to revolutionaries, the author suggests, these radical lawyers could be contributing to the basic morality of American law.
Predation on Zebra Mussels by Freshwater Drum and Yellow Perch in Western Lake Erie

Abstract Although considerable research has been done regarding zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha ) expansion in the Great Lakes, information on fish species preying on zebra mussels is lacking. We examined diets of freshwater drum ( Aplodinotus grunniens ) and yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) collected in western Lake Erie, 1992. Stomach contents were quantified in May, July, and October to examine the importance of zebra mussels in the diets and to determine if either fish species exhibited size-selective feeding. Zebra mussels were consumed by freshwater drum and yellow perch once they reached 250 mm and 150 mm total length, respectively. Consumption by freshwater drum was highest in May and July and lowest in October. Most yellow perch consumption occurred in May. Chesson’s alpha indicated that freshwater drum less than 350 mm TL and yellow perch less than 200 mm TL selected small zebra mussels and generally rejected larger individuals. Larger fish exhibited less selectivity, consuming zebra mussels in proportion to their estimated availability in western Lake Erie. Small fish just beginning to prey on zebra mussels may be physically limited to small sizes or clumps by their pharyngeal gape and musculature. Larger freshwater drum and yellow perch are restricted more by the sizes of zebra mussels available on the surface of the substrate and possibly the size of clumps which they remove, rather than by their physical abilities to crush any one size. This may explain the strong selection for small zebra mussels by both species even though they are capable of eating larger sizes.
Prevention of preterm birth by progestational agents: what are the molecular mechanisms?

Objective Clinically, vaginal progesterone (VP) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) have been shown to prevent preterm birth (PTB) in high-risk populations. We hypothesize that treatment with these agents may prevent PTB by altering molecular pathways involved in uterine contractility or cervical remodeling. Study Design Using a mouse model, on embryonic day (E)14-E17 CD-1 pregnant mice were treated with: (1) 0.1 mL of 25 mg/mL of 17P subcutaneously; (2) 0.1 mL of castor oil subcutaneously; (3) 0.1 mL of 10 mg/mL of progesterone in a long-lasting Replens (Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA); or (4) 0.1 mL of the same Replens, with 4 dams per treatment group. Mice were sacrificed 6 hours after treatment on E17.5. Cervices and uteri were collected for molecular analysis. Results Exposure to VP significantly increased the expression of defensin 1 compared to Replens ( P Conclusion Neither VP nor 17P had any effect on the studied pathways known to be involved in uterine contractility or quiescence. In the cervix, neither VP nor 17P altered pathways demonstrated to be involved in cervical remodeling. Administration of VP was noted to increase the expression of the antimicrobial protein defensin 1. Whether this molecular change from VP results in a functional effect and is a key mechanism by which VP prevents PTB requires further study.
Evaluation of a teaching skills improvement programme for residents.

Summary. This study addressed three evaluation questions about the effectiveness of a workshop to teach residents how to teach: (1) How do residents evaluate their own teaching skills? (2) How do students evaluate residents' teaching skills? (3) Do residents of various specialties differ in their teaching skills? One hundred and five residents rated their skills on the Inventory of Teaching Behavior significantly higher after attending the workshop than before it. Third-year students evaluated the teaching skills of both residents who had attended the workshop and those who had not. On four of the nine items of the Clinical Teaching Assessment Form, students rated residents who had attended significantly higher than the control residents. Some differences in teaching skills among the various specialties were found as were differences between resident self-rating and student rating. These data suggest that giving residents instruction can improve their teaching skills. By doing so, both the residents and the programme can benefit.
Comparison between Rule-Based and Instantaneous Optimization for a Single-Mode, Power-Split HEV

Over the past couple of years, numerous Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) powertrain configurations have been introduced into the marketplace. Currently, the dominant architecture is the power-split configuration, notably the input splits from Toyota Motor Sales and Ford Motor Company. This paper compares two vehicle-level control strategies that have been developed to minimize fuel consumption while maintaining acceptable performance and drive quality. The first control is rules based and was developed on the basis of test data from the Toyota Prius as provided by Argonne National Laboratory’s (Argonne’s) Advanced Powertrain Research Facility. The second control is based on an instantaneous optimization developed to minimize the system losses at every sample time. This paper describes the algorithms of each control and compares vehicle fuel economy (FE) on several drive cycles. Results demonstrate that both algorithms achieve similar FE values, which serve to demonstrate the benefits of the instantaneous optimal control: because it does not require tuning by the engineers, control development time is accelerated.
Population densities and home range sizes of the Chestnut Wood‐quail

ABSTRACT We present the first report of population density and home range estimates for the Chestnut Wood-quail (Odontophorus hyperythrus), an endemic and nearly threatened species of the Colombian Andes. Density estimates were obtained using playbacks and spot mapping and point transect methods. Home range sizes were estimated by radio tracking five wood-quail. Estimated densities varied from 0.3 to 0.4 groups per hectare. These densities are similar to those reported for other mountain wood-quail, but higher than those for lowland wood-quail and other species in the family Odontophoridae. Estimates of home range size varied from 2.6 to 9.0 hectares per group, and seemed to be correlated with group size. We also found evidence of overlap in the home ranges of neighboring groups. Population densities may vary with factors such as habitat type, but our estimates allow a first approximation of the population sizes of Chestnut Wood-quail in forest fragments.
Examining the Effect of Feedback in Beginning L2 Composition

: Although L2 teachers tend to operate under the assumption that feedback on student compositions has a profound and positive effect on student revisions, few investigations have examined the results of teacher feedback. The present study, therefore, replicated a 1997 study by Ferris on the type and effect of feedback on advanced English-as-a-second-language (ESL) composition revisions within a beginning L2 environment. Results of this investigation revealed that brief teacher commentary (4–5 words in length) in the form of imperatives tended to engender successful revisions, and by extension, that successful feedback type was dependent upon the composition environment.
Potential for intergenerational conflict in Cuban and Haitian immigrant families

A descriptive survey of 30 Cuban and 30 Haitian immigrant mothers describes and differentiates the families within the two cultural groups on: (a) sociodemographic characteristics; (b) concepts of children; and (c) childrearing beliefs and practices related to independence training, sex role development, and discipline patterns. Results indicate the two groups have similar sociodemographic characteristics but differ on qualities admired in boys and girls, career expectations held for their children, social autonomy allowed male and female children, and methods used to instill proper sex role behavior. Findings suggest the existing potential for intergenerational conflict in families within immigrant groups whose language and cultural beliefs differ from those of the culture into which they have entered and are acculturating. Implications for care indicate a need for psychiatric mental health nurse (PMH nurses) to use the principles of cultural brokerage for intervention in and prevention of intergenerational conflict. Emphasis is placed on the development of transcultural interventions designed to empower immigrant parents to address the real or perceived conflicting childrearing beliefs and practices held between their original culture and the culture into which they are acculturating.
The effect of TCR Vβ8 peptide protection and therapy on T cell populations isolated from the spinal cords of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Vaccination or treatment of Lewis rats with TCR V beta 8 peptides can prevent or reverse the clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which is mediated predominantly by V beta 8.2+ CD4+/CD45R lo T cells. However, rats protected or treated with V beta 8 peptides still developed histological lesions in the spinal cord (SC), even though they remained clinically well. We sought to discern phenotypic changes characteristic of these SC infiltrating lymphocytes. In particular, we focused on whether the immunoregulatory mechanism induced by TCR peptides caused a reduction of V beta 8.2+ T cells, or induced changes in CD45R lo or hi/CD4+ subpopulations that have been associated respectively with EAE induction or recovery. In the V beta 8 peptide vaccinated rats there was a dramatic decrease in the number of V beta 8.2+ T cells isolated from the SC early in disease. During the recovery phase, however, the number of V beta 8.2+ SC T cells was similar in protected and control groups; in contrast, there was striking reduction in the number and size of CD45R hi/CD4+ T cells in the protected animals. In rats treated with V beta 8.2 peptide, no changes were observed in the number of SC V beta 8.2+ T cells or expression of V beta 8.2 message, but similar to vaccinated rats, there was a marked decrease in the number of CD45R hi/CD4+ T cells. These data suggest that vaccination with TCR peptides prevented the initial influx of encephalitogenic V beta 8.2+ T cells into the central nervous system (CNS), whereas treatment appeared to inactivate V beta 8.2+ T cells already present in the CNS. In both cases, TCR peptide-induced inhibition of the encephalitogenic T cells apparently preempted the need for CD45R hi/CD4+ T cells that may normally be necessary to resolve the disease.
Duration of Rent Extraction and the Entry Mode Decision of Multinational Enterprises

Abstract Thepriorliteratureisambiguousabouttheeffectsofstrongerintellectualpropertyrights(IPR)onthechoiceof a multinational ﬁrm’s mode of entry into foreign markets. However, available indexes of IPR protectionexistonlyatthecountrylevelanddonotidentifyinterindustryvariationintheabilitytoextractrentsthroughexclusive rights and other factors. The authors introduce this dimension and compute a parameter thatreﬂectstherelativelengthoftimethatpositiveproﬁtsmaybeearnedinvariousindustries.Estimationresultsﬁnd that strengthening IPR would reduce exporting in all industries in the sample. However, it would raise(reduce) foreign direct investment, relative to licensing, in industries with shorter (longer) rent-extractiontimes. 1. Introduction The role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in affecting trade and technology transferhas attracted growing analytical interest, particularly in light of hopes that the shifttoward global harmonization through the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights (TRIPS),reached at theWorldTrade Organization,wouldexpand such transfers.The IPR system of a country could inﬂuence the mode of technology transferschosen by multinational enterprises (MNEs). Other things being equal, arm’s-lengthlicensing is most likely when ﬁrms need not worry about loss of proprietary techno-logical information. Survey evidence suggests that US MNEs ﬁnd it more secure totransfertheirnewesttechnologiestowhollyownedsubsidiariesratherthantolicenseesin developing countries (Lee and Mansﬁeld,1996;Mansﬁeld,1994).Therefore,a weakIPR system may provide an internalization motive for a multinational ﬁrm to enterthrough foreign direct investment (FDI) in the recipient market. Under yet weakerpatent regimes ﬁrms may choose simply to export, which can be a strategy to avoidimitation. That is, a ﬁrm chooses between trade, FDI, and licensing, based in part onlocal technology protection.In this paper we examine the effect of strengthening IPR protection on the mode oftechnologytransferwithinanempiricalmodelthatpermitsseveralfactorstoaffectthisdecision.Such other factors include the capital intensity and R&D intensity of a ﬁrm’smainindustryandnumerousnationalcharacteristics,suchastheabilityoflocalﬁrmstolearn technologies,market size,investment costs,and culture.Our point of departure isthat an increase in patent protection in various countries would have different impactson the ability of ﬁrms across industries to extract proﬁts in the available entry modes.For example stronger patents might be expected to favor FDI over licensing in
Maintaining immunological tolerance with Foxp3

Central tolerance in the thymus is the primary mechanism for deleting autoreactive T cells. Despite this, escape of self-reactive T lymphocytes into the periphery reveals the threat of autoimmunity. To compensate for its imperfection, the thymus also produces a naturally occurring subset of Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells with suppressive function, capable of controlling autoreactive cells. Foxp3 (forkhead box P3), the lineage-specific marker for this subset of cells, is crucial to their thymic development and peripheral function, and yet the transcriptional program driven by Foxp3 was until now largely undefined. Emerging evidence has provided insight into its role: from the ability of Foxp3 to cooperate with other transcription factors such as NFAT, to the genome-wide characterization of target genes directly bound and regulated by Foxp3. Here we discuss the discovery of naturally occurring regulatory T cells - their phenotype, development, maintenance, and function - largely as they are defined by the lineage-specific marker, Foxp3.
Is aid a waste of money

It is sometimes claimed that overseas development aid is wasted; that little of it reaches the poor. After fifty years of aid, there are still many poor countries, and about a billion people still live on less than a dollar a day. Can we conclude that aid is wasted? Owen Barder has a statistic that says otherwise.
Chenopodium as a prehistoric domesticate in eastern north america: evidence from russell cave, alabama.

Approximately 50,000 carbonized fruits of the species Chenopodium berlandieri recovered from Russell Cave, Alabama, and dating to 1975 ± 55 before the present, exhibit a set of interrelated morphological characteristics reflecting domestication (thin testa, truncate margin, rectanguloid fruit cross section, ligulate cotyledons, and increased internal fruit volume). These morphological characteristics establish the presence of a domestic variety of Chenopodium in the eastern United States by 2000 years ago.
Nonlinear structural design sensitivity analysis for path dependent problems. Part 2: Analytical examples

Abstract In Part 1 of this paper a general theory of design sensitivity analysis for nonlinear structures with history dependent effects is given. The theory is also reduced to several special cases to show its generality. In the present paper, three examples are used to analytically verify the theory. Both the adjoint structure method (ASM) and the direct differentiation method (DDM) are demonstrated. The examples are (1) reaction force sensitivity for an indeterminate beam, (2) displacement sensitivity for several cases of an axial force element and (3) stress and displacement sensitivities for a visco-elastic problem. These examples provide insights for numerical implementation of the theory for more complex design problems.
Torsion of a Rigid Smooth Elliptic Insert in an Infinite Elastic Plane

A solution is presented for a non-Hertzian contact stress problem. The problem is reduced to a singular integro-differential equation which is solved numerically. Results are presented for the contact zones, and for the normal and tangential stresses at the plane-insert interface
Effect of radiation damage on the metal-insulator transition and low-temperature transport in the tetramethyltetraselenofulvalinium P F 6 salt [ ( TMTSF ) 2 P F 6 ]

We have measured the resistance, magnetoresistance, and nonlinear conductivity in a series of tetramethyltetraselenofulvalinium phosphorus hexafluoride [${(\mathrm{TMTSF})}_{2}$P${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$] crystals which have been damaged with 2.5-MeV protons. For radiation dosages which correspond to \ensuremath{\sim}400-ppm damage we find that the effects of the damage may be simply related to an increased scattering rate in the low-temperature transport. However, even with such low values of damage the metal-insulator transition at ambient pressure is smeared and shifted to lower temperature while the superconducting transition at 11 kbar is suppressed to less than our measuring temperature of 20 mK by 100 ppm. At 1000 ppm the spin-density-wave transition is suppressed.
Response to oxygen of diazotrophic Azospirillum brasilense — Arthrobacter giacomelloi mixed batch culture

Azospirillum brasilense and Arthrobacter giacomelloi were grown together in batch culture under different oxygen pressures. The response to oxygen of growth, nitrogenase activity and respiration rate was determined. The two microorganisms were found to be able to coexist all over the range of partial oxygen pressures examined, that is from 0.004–0.20 bar. Nitrogenase activity by mixed culture of A. brasilense and A. giacomelloi always appeared higher than that of A. brasilense pure culture. Low respiratory activity at partial oxygen pressures higher than 0.02 bar by both pure and mixed cultures seemed not to account for the high nitrogenase activity and improved oxygen tolerance of the mixed culture.
Secondary Structure Predictions for Long RNA Sequences Based on Inversion Excursions and MapReduce

Secondary structures of ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules play important roles in many biological processes including gene expression and regulation. Experimental observations and computing limitations suggest that we can approach the secondary structure prediction problem for long RNA sequences by segmenting them into shorter chunks, predicting the secondary structures of each chunk individually using existing prediction programs, and then assembling the results to give the structure of the original sequence. The selection of cutting points is a crucial component of the segmenting step. Noting that stem-loops and pseudo knots always contain an inversion, i.e., a stretch of nucleotides followed closely by its inverse complementary sequence, we developed two cutting methods for segmenting long RNA sequences based on inversion excursions: the centered and optimized method. Each step of searching for inversions, chunking, and predictions can be performed in parallel. In this paper we use a MapReduce framework, i.e., Hadoop, to extensively explore meaningful inversion stem lengths and gap sizes for the segmentation and identify correlations between chunking methods and prediction accuracy. We show that for a set of long RNA sequences in the RFAM database, whose secondary structures are known to contain pseudo knots, our approach predicts secondary structures more accurately than methods that do not segment the sequence, when the latter predictions are possible computationally. We also show that, as sequences exceed certain lengths, some programs cannot computationally predict pseudo knots while our chunking methods can. Overall, our predicted structures still retain the accuracy level of the original prediction programs when compared with known experimental secondary structure.
Rejoinder to Nightingale paper

Abstract The present paper by John Nightingale critiques my 1983 article ‘Information Resources and Economic Productivity’ published in this journal. Although it contains some misinterpretations of that article, Nightingale's paper also presents some useful insights. These are discussed.