cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Loading of Scraped HeLa Cells with Monoclonal Antibodies to the Proliferation-associated Mr 120,000 Nucleolar Antigen

Our laboratory has reported (J. W. Freeman et al. , Cancer Res., 48: 1244–1251, 1988) a proliferation-associated M r 120,000 nucleolar antigen (p120), that was found in human tumors but was not detectable in most normal resting tissues and in benign tumors. To study further the function and the localization of this protein, we have investigated various methods of microinjecting p120 monoclonal antibodies into cells. For comparison, we have used a monoclonal antibody to protein C23, a nucleolar protein found in high levels in most cells. To determine optimal conditions for loading of antibodies to nucleolar antigens into mechanically disrupted HeLa cells, we studied the effects of ionic strengths of loading buffers, various antibody concentrations, and optimal time for loading and antibody localization. With ascites fluids in isotonic buffer containing antibodies to nucleolar proteins p120 and C23, a maximum number of cells, 86 and 84%, respectively, were loaded following a 20-min incubation. Hypotonic buffers decreased the percentage of cells loaded (22%); hypertonic buffers reduced cell viability. The optimal concentration of purified antibody yielding a maximum number of loaded cells (81%) was 2.5 mg/ml. Higher concentrations of antibody resulted in residual cytoplasmic staining without increasing the percentage of loaded cells. With antibody concentrations less than 2.5 mg/ml, a linear decrease was noted in the percentage of cells loaded with a decrease in intensity of fluorescence. Following antibody loading, nucleolar fluorescence was observed by 12 h and the intensity increased at 24 h. Localization of the p120 antibody was followed through mitosis where it was perichromosomal and equally divided between the chromosomes at metaphase. A decrease of nucleolar immunofluorescence intensity and percentage of cells labeled were observed in successive cell generations.
Effect of Tidal Friction on the Lunar Orbit and the Rotation of Earth and Its Determination by Laser Ranging

E. Halley discovered that the observed longitude of the Moon shows an acceleration by dynamic theory. Over more than two centuries, numerous improvements have been brought to the lunar theory, but a large anomalous acceleration remains even now. The historical progress toward a physical explanation and numerical determination has been admirably detailed by Muller (1975). Eventually, the purely theoretical possibilities based on classical celestial mechanics were exhausted, and it became a firmly accepted principle that the residual acceleration was due to tidal friction. Thus, in one hypothesis, the astronomic problem was “solved”, and a new means was found for studying the physics of the elastic Earth.
Creating a public good to fight monopolization: The formation of Broadcast Music, Inc

Entry by vertical integration to defeatmonopolization has played an important role in severalantitrust cases. Yet the source of financing for suchentry is unclear, given that the entrant represents apublic good to the vertically related firms. Whilethere are a number of theoretical and experimentalstudies on the private supply of a public good, thereis little empirical estimation on this topic. Thispaper examis business contributions to the creation ofBroadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in 1940. BMI was createdby broadcasters specifically to fight monopolization,and represented investment in a pure public good. This study finds that several factors led tocontributions to create BMI. In particular, networkaffiliation increased the probability that a stationwould join BMI. There is also evidence stations inless competitive markets were more likely to join,indicating that the rents from the creation of BMIwere less likely to be competed away in suchmarkets.
Perception of Task Difficulty

Twenty male subjects were shown the operation of a rotor-pursuit apparatus under two states of three different task conditions; rotor speed, target shape, and hand used. Pre and post-performance estimates of task difficulty were obtained. The results indicated that subjects had trouble in estimating the relative affects of as few as three different task variables on performance.
The STAT tool suite

Describes a suite of intrusion detection tools developed by the Reliable Software Group at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). The tool suite is based on the state transition analysis technique (STAT), in which computer penetrations are specified as sequences of actions that cause transitions in the security state of a system. This general approach has been extended and tailored to perform intrusion detection in different domains and environments. The most recent STAT-based intrusion detection systems were developed following a framework-based approach, and the resulting design uses a "core" module that embodies the domain-independent characteristics of the STAT approach. This generic core is extended in a well-defined way to implement intrusion detection systems for different domains and environments. The approach supports software reuse, portability and extendibility, and it allows for the optimization of critical functionalities.
Clinically Important Meperidine Toxicities

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, alleged adverse effects and evidence on adverse effects of meperidine are compared to those of other commonly used opioids. Comparative effects of meperidine and other opioids on respiratory depression, spasmogenicity, newborns when the drugs are used in labor and delivery and neurological status are discussed. Anecdotal reports of fewer side effects of meperidine as compared to morphine and other opioids may be due to comparison of non-equivalent doses in some cases. Some evidence that indicates differences between meperidine and other opioids does not indicate clinically important differences. Alternative medications to meperidine are suggested for cases when such alternatives may be desired.
Occupational status and suicide

The relationship between occupational status and suicide was examined using data from Sacramento County, California. Data were obtained from coroner's records filed routinely on all cases of sudden, violent, or unexpected death since 1925. Occupation- and age-specific suicide rates were calculated for males and age-adjusted for overall comparison for the decades 1945-1954, 1955-1964, and 1965-1974. Findings show an inverse relationship between occupational status and suicide for all age groups over the past 30 years. Over time, male suicide rates have increased particularly for employed males over 65, employed males aged 14 to 24, and males in low-status occupations. General economic insecurity among workers of low socioeconomic status (SES), particularly the elderly, is suggested as a contributing factor to these trends.
Are gorillas right-handed or not?

Comparative data on laterality of function in primates are useful for elucidating its evolution, including its link to asymmetry of cerebral structure. Recently the gorilla (Gorilla gorilla, Pongidae) has been nominated as the other hominoid species closest toHomo sapiens in terms of handedness. This study aims to scrutinise the 22 accounts of gorillas' hand preferences. Numerous shortcomings exist in the published literature on the topic, so that a firm conclusion is not yet possible. It is not yet clear whether gorillas are right-preferent, left-preferent, or ambi-preferent, and additional data are needed.
Selfless androgyny: Gregory Rose as ‘virile woman’ in Olive Schreiner's the story of an African farm☆

Abstract While Lyndall, the feminist heroine of Olive Schreiner's The Story of an African Farm, articulates and enacts a critique of the position of women in male-dominated society, Gregory Rose's transformation from a vain and self-centred man into a nurturing female nurse is an important part of Schreiner's feminist vision. His womanhood both complements and critiques Lyndall's ‘virility,’ allowing Schreiner to present a fictional version of her theoretical ideal of selfless androgyny.
The C Terminus of RON Tyrosine Kinase Plays an Autoinhibitory Role

RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase in the MET family. We have expressed and purified active RON using the Sf9/baculovirus system. The constructs used in this study comprise the kinase domain alone and the kinase domain plus the C-terminal region. The construct containing the kinase domain alone has a higher specific activity than the construct containing the kinase and C-terminal domains. Purified RON undergoes autophosphorylation, and the exogenous RON C terminus serves as a substrate. Peptides containing a dityrosine motif derived from the C-terminal tail inhibit RON in vitro or when delivered into intact cells, consistent with an autoinhibitory mechanism. Phenylalanine substitutions within these peptides increase the inhibitory potency. Moreover, introduction of these Phe residues into the dityrosine motif of the RON kinase leads to a decrease in kinase activity. Taken together, our data suggest a model in which the C-terminal tail of RON regulates kinase activity via an interaction with the kinase catalytic domain.
Prices of Unhealthy Foods, Food Stamp Program Participation, and Body Weight Status Among U.S. Low-Income Women

This paper examines the interactive effect between the price of unhealthy foods and Food Stamp Program participation on body weight status among low-income women in the United States. We merged the panel data of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort in 1985–2002 and the Cost of Living Index data compiled by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association by using geographic identifiers. Using the merged data, we used panel econometric models to examine the impact of unhealthy food prices on the food stamp-eligible U.S. population. Our results indicate that higher prices for unhealthy food can partially offset the positive association between Food Stamp Program participation and bodyweight among low-income women.
Toward using Margaritifera falcata as an indicator of base level nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios: insights from two California Coast Range rivers

Measurements of freshwater mussel tissue are potentially very useful for determining base-level isotopic values for food web studies in aquatic environments. As long-lived, filter-feeding organisms, mussels have the potential to spatially and temporally average the isotopic baseline signal. Following from earlier studies that focused on lake environments, this study investigates the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in tissue of the river dwelling freshwater mussel, Margaritifera falcata, in two extensively studied northern California coast range rivers, the South Fork Eel and Navarro. We highlight advantages and challenges for using riverine mussel isotopes as indicators of baselines. δ13C of primary producers is known to vary with habitat along the South Fork Eel channel, but our measurements show no such variations, demonstrating that riverine mussels do preserve a spatially averaged measure of instream derived food sources. Mean δ13C and δ15N are shown to be markedly different in the two rivers, reflecting differences in food sources and possibly watershed land use. We also found that δ15N of mussel tissue increased by approximately 2‰ with mussel age in both rivers. This suggests it is important to consider age and size effects when estimating baseline values from mussel tissues.
Addictive agents and intracranial stimulation (ICS): Naloxone blocks morphine’s acceleration of pressing for ICS

Ten rats were fixed with chronically indwelling electrodes for intracranial stimulation (ICS) of the lateral hypothalamus. The rats were then trained to press a lever for the self administration of ICS at two current intensities; one intensity produced a low rate of pressing and the other a high rate of pressing for ICS. Subsequent to obtaining stable press rates for each intensity of ICS, five rats received daily injections of morphine (10 mg/kg) 4 h prior to testing and five rats were injected with saline. After a significant acceleration of pressing for ICS was demonstrated by the morphine group, both groups were injected with naloxone (1 mg/kg) 15 min prior to testing. No effect was shown for the placebo group, while naloxone blocked morphine’s potentiation of pressing for ICS. The blocking effect persisted for 3 days after the single dose of naloxone despite the continued administration of morphine (10 mg/kg/day), which had previously accelerated pressing for ICS.
Use of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO-alfa) in a mother alloimmunized to the Jsb antigen

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone and the principal regulator of erythropoiesis in the fetus, newborn, and adult. EPO-alfa is erythropoietin manufactured by recombinant human DNA technology (rhEPO). After counseling, a pregnant woman with anti-Js(b) in her serum was started on rhEPO (600 U/Kg, biweekly) to prevent anemia secondary to serial donations of her blood for fetal transfusions. After a total of 25 rhEPO infusions and autologous donation of 8 units of whole blood, maternal hemoglobin prior to the elective cesarean section at 37 weeks was 11.3 gm/dL. Serum EPO concentration was determined in paired maternal and fetal blood samples, before ultrasound guided intravascular transfusions, in this alloimmunized Js(b)-negative and another Rh(D) alloimmunized pregnancy to determine possible correlations between maternal and fetal serum EPO. rhEPO prevented anemia in a patient who donated 8 units of blood from 18-37 weeks of pregnancy without inducing adverse biological effects such as hypertension or thrombotic complications in the placenta. Data presented in this study suggest that EPO does not cross the human placenta.
Magellanic Cloud-Type Interstellar Dust along Low-Density Sight Lines in the Galaxy

We have studied the UV extinction properties along 30 Galactic sight lines using data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer archive that have never been previously examined. These distant (d > 1 kpc) sight lines were selected to investigate the distribution and physical conditions of gas located in low-density regions of the Galactic disk and halo. The average densities along these sight lines are extremely low. It is likely that they are dominated by the warm intercloud medium and have little contribution from the cold cloud medium. We find that a subsample of these sight lines has extinction curves with weak bumps and very steep far-UV extinction reminiscent of the Magellanic Clouds. These sight lines all lie in the region bounded by 325° ≤ l ≤ 0° and -5° ≥ b ≥ -11°. The gas along these sight lines shows forbidden velocities, which may indicate that the dust has been subject to shocks. This type of low-density sight line may mimic the environments found in the Magellanic Clouds. Large values of N(Ca II)/N(Na I) indicating low depletion are associated with steep far-UV extinction. A possible correlation exists between decreasing bump strength and increasing far-UV steepness for extinction curves in the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds.
IMPACT OF CANNIBALISM ON PREDATOR–PREY DYNAMICS: SIZE‐STRUCTURED INTERACTIONS AND APPARENT MUTUALISM

Direct and indirect interactions between two prey species can strongly alter the dynamics of predator-prey systems. Most predators are cannibalistic, and as a consequence, even systems with only one predator and one prey include two prey types: conspecifics and heterospecifics. The effects of the complex direct and indirect interactions that emerge in such cannibalistic systems are still poorly understood. This study examined how the indirect interaction between conspecific and heterospecific prey affects cannibalism and predation rates and how the direct interactions between both species indirectly alter the effect of the cannibalistic predator. I tested for these effects using larvae of the stream salamanders Eurycea cirrigera (prey) and Pseudotriton ruber (cannibalistic predator) by manipulating the relative densities of the conspecific and heterospecific prey in the presence and absence of the predator in experimental streams. The rates of cannibalism and heterospecific predation were proportional to the respective densities and negatively correlated, indicating a positive indirect interaction between conspecific and heterospecific prey, similar to "apparent mutualism." Direct interactions between prey species did not alter the effect of the predator. Although both types of prey showed a similar 30% reduction in night activity and switch in microhabitat use in response to the presence of the predator, cannibalism rates were three times higher than heterospecific predation rates irrespective of the relative densities of the two types of prey. Cumulative predation risks differed even more due to the 48% lower growth rate of conspecific prey. Detailed laboratory experiments suggest that the 3:1 difference in cannibalism and predation rate was due to the higher efficiency of heterospecific prey in escaping immediate attacks. However, no difference was observed when the predator was a closely related salamander species, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, indicating that this difference is species specific. This demonstrates that cannibalism can result in the coupling of predator and prey mortality rates that strongly determines the dynamics of predator-prey systems.
Identifying Common Elements of Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Children's Disruptive Behavior Problems

ABSTRACT Objective Almost all of the efforts to study and implement evidence-based practice (EBP) have used individual treatments as the unit of analysis. A complementary approach using aggregated common elements of multiple individual evidence-based treatment programs has been introduced. The purpose of this article is to describe a new method for identifying common elements of EBP and to present common elements resulting from a systematic review of interventions for children with disruptive behavior problems and their parents. Method We identified eight individual treatment programs with established efficacy for children ages 4 to 13 with disruptive behavior problems, reviewed all of the treatment materials thoroughly, identified core elements of each treatment, and determined which elements were common to at least half of the programs. The validity of these common core elements was confirmed through a survey of national experts using a modified Delphi technique. Results We identified 21 treatment elements that were common to multiple evidence-based treatment programs. These included therapeutic content (e.g., principles of positive reinforcement, problem-solving skills training), treatment techniques (e.g., role-playing, assigning homework), aspects of the working alliance, and other parameters such as treatment duration. Conclusions Identification of common core elements of EBP has important implications for efforts to characterize practice, as well as therapist training and implementation of EBP in community-based service settings. Therapist training and ongoing supervision that builds on common elements of EBP could potentially improve the effectiveness of care overall. It could also build a strong foundation for targeted individual treatment implementation efforts by enhancing therapists' skills and attitudes about EBP.
Descending influences on escape behavior and motor pattern in the cockroach.

The escape behavior of the cockroach is a ballistic behavior with well characterized kinematics. The circuitry known to control the behavior lies in the thoracic ganglia, abdominal ganglia, and abdominal nerve cord. Some evidence suggests inputs may occur from the brain or suboesophageal ganglion. We tested this notion by decapitating cockroaches, removing all descending inputs, and evoking escape responses. The decapitated cockroaches exhibited directionally appropriate escape turns. However, there was a front-to-back gradient of change: the front legs moved little if at all, the middle legs moved in the proper direction but with reduced excursion, and the rear legs moved normally. The same pattern was seen when only inputs from the brain were removed, the suboesophageal ganglion remaining intact and connected to the thoracic ganglia. Electromyogram (EMG) analysis showed that the loss of or reduction in excursion was accompanied by a loss of or reduction in fast motor neuron activity. The loss of fast motor neuron activity was also observed in a reduced preparation in which descending neural signals were reversibly blocked via an isotonic sucrose solution superfusing the neck connectives, indicating that the changes seen were not due to trauma. Our data demonstrate that while the thoracic circuitry is sufficient to produce directional escape, lesion or blockage of the connective affects the excitability of components of the escape circuitry. Because of the rapidity of the escape response, such effects are likely due to the elimination of tonic descending inputs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 9–28, 2001
Children with Chronic Lung Disease: Facilitating Smoking Cessation for their Caregivers

Through a QI project at a tertiary referral pediatric pulmonary center, our objective was to establish a methodical approach to identify and engage smoking parents of children with chronic lung disease in a smoking cessation program. We hypothesized that smoking caregivers of children with chronic lung disease would be more motivated to enroll in a smoking cessation program when referred from tertiary pediatric pulmonary center. We assessed smoking habits and interest in quitting of parents with surveys. Parents ready to quit within 30 days were referred to the Florida Quitline from clinic. Pulmonary function tests, exacerbations, hospitalizations and need for prednisone or antibiotics were obtained from the patient charts and surveys. Follow-up two to 6 months later assessed the quit rate and child’s clinical well-being and lung function. A standard mechanism to identify caregivers who smoked was established by engaging our medical assistants through a prompt in our EMR system. Out of those caregivers who were identified as smokers and accompanied their children to clinic, 52 % were interested in a referral to the Florida Quitline. Out of those, only 12 % successfully completed the program and ceased to smoke. The Florida Quitline was unable to reach the majority of parents who were referred to them. The majority of those referred to the Ouitline were not successfully contacted or enrolled in the program. The current procedure for referring and enrolling individuals to the Quitline is not effective for our population, but compares to the national average.
HIV infection risk to health-care workers.

The risk of occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in exposed health-care workers has been estimated to be 0.5% after accidental needlestick with an HIV- contaminated needle. Needlestick injuries resulting in parenteral exposure to HIV-infected material are the most common reported cause of occupational HIV infection in health-care workers. With 60% of these exposures unpreventable even with strict adherence to current infection control procedures, it is necessary to develop technical changes in work protection in order to further reduce the risk.
A theoretic reappraisal of the offsetting behavior hypothesis

This paper examines the theoretical basis of the claim that product safety regulation may not lead to either a decrease in accident rates or an increase in consumer health. We find that the technology which determines the household's probability of having an accident may guarantee that regulation will lower accident rates, and that therefore, predictions about the effect of regulation on the incidence of accidents can be made without detailed knowledge of consumer behavior.
A domain with homology to neuronal calcium sensors is required for calcium-dependent activation of diacylglycerol kinase α

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) phosphorylate diacylglycerol produced during stimulus-induced phosphoinositide turnover and attenuate protein kinase C activation. Diacylglycerol kinase α is an 82-kDa DGK isoform that is activated in vitro by Ca2+. The DGKα regulatory region includes tandem C1 protein kinase C homology domains and Ca2+-binding EF hand motifs. It also contains an N-terminal recoverin homology (RVH) domain that is related to the N termini of the recoverin family of neuronal calcium sensors. To probe the structural basis of Ca2+ regulation, we expressed a series of DGKα deletions spanning its regulatory domain in COS-1 cells. Deletion of the RVH domain resulted in loss of Ca2+-dependent activation. Further deletion of the EF hands resulted in a constitutively active enzyme, suggesting that sequences in or near the EF hands are sufficient for autoinhibition. Binding of Ca2+ to the EF hands protected sites within both the RVH domain and EF hands from trypsin cleavage and increased the phenyl-Sepharose binding of a recombinant DGKα fragment that included both the RVH domain and EF hands. These observations suggested that Ca2+ elicits a concerted conformational change of these two domains. A cationic amphiphile, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, also activated DGKα. As with Ca2+, this activation required the RVH domain. However, this agent did not protect the EF hands and RVH domain from trypsin cleavage. These findings indicate that the EF hands and RVH domain act as a functional unit during Ca2+-induced DGKα activation.
Osteology and phylogeny of a new species of Araripesuchus (Crocodyliformes: Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

A new species of Araripesuchus present in the Maevarano Formation of Madagascar is described. The taxon is known from at least five individuals, including a nearly complete animal, three partial sk...
Early Diagnosis of Pituitary Tumor with Ocular Phenomena

This paper from the Section on Ophthalmology of the Mayo Clinic is based on the analysis of cases seen there. Altho the final diagnosis may rest on other grounds, the ocular findings should awake suspicion and direct attention to their real cause. They may also determine the question of operative treatment. Presented before the Section on Ophthalmology of the A. M. A. April 29, 1920, and published here by courtesy of the Journal of the A. M. A.
Leveraging Hierarchical Data Locality in Parallel Programming Models

We are proposing a novel framework that ameliorates locality-aware parallel programming models, by defining hierarchical data locality model extension. We also propose a hierarchical thread partitioning algorithm. This algorithm synthesizes hierarchical thread placement layouts that targets minimizing the program's overall communication costs. We demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach using NAS Parallel Benchmarks implemented in Unified Parallel C (UPC) language using a modified Berkeley UPC Compiler and runtime system. We demonstrated an up to 85% improvement in performance by applying the placement layout suggested by our algorithm.
Soil moisture mapping and AMSR-E validation using the PSR in SMEX02

Abstract Field experiments (SMEX02) were conducted to evaluate the effects of dense agricultural crop conditions on soil moisture retrieval using passive microwave remote sensing. Aircraft observations were collected using a new version of the Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR) that provided four C band and four X band frequencies. Observations were also available from the Aqua satellite Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) at these same frequencies. SMEX02 was conducted over a three-week period during the summer near Ames, Iowa. Corn and soybeans dominate the region. During the study period the corn was approaching its peak water content state and the soybeans were at the mid point of the growth cycle. Aircraft observations are compared to ground observations. Subsequently models are developed to describe the effects of corn and soybeans on soil moisture retrieval. Multiple altitude aircraft brightness temperatures were compared to AMSR-E observations to understand brightness temperature scaling and provide validation. The X-band observations from the two sensors were in reasonable agreement. The AMSR-E C-band observations were contaminated with anthropogenic RFI, which made comparison to the PSR invalid. Aircraft data along with ancillary data were used in a retrieval algorithm to map soil moisture. The PSR estimated soil moisture retrievals on a field-by-field comparison had a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 5.5%. The error reduced when high altitude soil moisture estimates were aggregated to 25 km resolution (same as AMSR-E EASE grid product resolution) (SEE ∼ 2.85%). These soil moisture products provide a validation of the AMSR retrievals. PSR/CX soil moisture images show spatial and temporal patterns consistent with meteorological and soil conditions. The dynamic range of the PSR/CX observations indicates that reasonable soil moisture estimates can be obtained from AMSR, even in areas of high vegetation biomass content (∼ 4–8 kg/m2).
Pensions, Public Opinion, and the Graying of China

acknowledgment • The author gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations that provided ample advice and support for the surveys and focus groups: Shen Mingming of the Research Center for Contemporary China, Victor Yuan of Horizon Research Group, and Zhang Qixin of the Institute of Economics at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Financial support for these projects was provided by the following organizations: Council for International Exchange of Scholars (Fulbright), the Ford Foundation’s Beijing Office, Enterprise Annuities Center of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Lawrence University’s Faculty Development Fund. The author would also like to thank two anonymous reviewers for providing helpful comments on this paper.
Prolonged cardiac monitoring after cryptogenic stroke superior to 24 h ECG in detection of occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Commentary on : Gladstone DJ, Spring M, Dorian P, et al. Atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. N Eng J Med 2014;370:2467–77.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Stroke remains a prevalent and devastating condition for many people across the world, it is a leading cause of disability and is associated with significant monetary and social losses, yet is considered to be a largely preventable disease. One-third of all strokes are considered cryptogenic after initial diagnostic evaluations. Cryptogenic stroke has been identified, only recently, as an important area of additional investigation. Part of the EMBRACE trial, Gladstone and colleagues’ study adds to mounting evidence that prolonged cardiac monitoring is needed to identify paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke. In this open-label, multicenter trial in Canada, 572 patients over the age of 55 with a recent cryptogenic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were randomised to conventional 24 h ECG monitoring (Holter monitor) versus 30-day non-invasive, ambulatory ECG … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEng%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D370%26rft.spage%253D2467%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1311376%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24963566%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1311376&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24963566&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F6%2F235.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000337804400004&link_type=ISI
Almotriptan in the acute treatment of migraine in patients 11-17 years old: an open-label pilot study of efficacy and safety.

The objective was to investigate the safety and efficacy of almotriptan in patients aged 11–17 years old with acute migraine. Fifteen patients aged 11–17 with a history of migraine with or without aura were treated with almotriptan. Reduction in headache severity, disability and adverse effects were studied. Almotriptan in doses ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 mg was well tolerated. There were virtually no adverse effects except for one case of transient mild stiffness. Of the 15 patients, only 2 demonstrated no efficacy without adverse effects. In the other 13 patients, not only was almotriptan effective, but again, no significant adverse effects were reported. Almotriptan is probably safe and effective in patients aged 11–17. This small open–label pilot study should support the feasibility of a large randomised controlled study to demonstrate tolerability and efficacy of almotriptan in children and adolescents with episodic migraine.
Dry beneficiation of Slovakian coal

Abstract The dry beneficiation of three types of Slovakian brown coal, namely Ci'gel, Handlova', and Nova'ky coal was conducted via triboelectrostatic separation. Three different types of separators—parallel plate, cylindrical and louvered plate—were used for this study. It was found that a parallel plate separator could reduce the ash contents of Ci'gel and Handlova' coals. The poor quality of separation for the Nova'ky coal studied is probably due to the particle–particle interactions and surface oxidation states of the coal.
Relationship Betrayal and the Influence of Religious Beliefs: A Case Illustration of Couples Counseling

Due to the high prevalence of relationship betrayal in America, it is not surprising that this issue presents in marriage, couples, and family counseling. However, the role of religion and spiritua...
Scientific Objectives of Space Exploration

One of the objectives of space exploration is the study of the properties of the interplanetary and the interstellar medium. The second objective is concerned with the exploration of the moon and the other planets in the solar system. A third objective involves the investigation of stellar and galactic characteristics and phenomena. An outline of the results obtained with regard to the three objectives of space exploration is presented together with plans for future space-related studies.
Division of Planetary Science Statements

The Science Scope item “pluto or bust?” (26 July, p. [495][1]) requires some clarification. The item implies that contradictory statements regarding a NASA mission to Pluto were made by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). In fact, these statements were issued by the Division of Planetary Science (DPS) of the AAS. Divisions of the AAS are able to make statements of their own as long as the statements are clearly identified as coming from the Division, not the Society as a whole. The press releases announcing both statements of the DPS clearly indicate that they were made by the Division. This information was not mentioned in the Science Scope item. The two DPS statements are in fact complementary. The first statement broadly endorses the newly released National Academy Decadal Survey of Planetary Science, which places the Kuiper Belt-Pluto mission as the highest priority medium cost mission for the coming decade. The second, more detailed statement endorses the Kuiper Belt-Pluto mission and urges Congress to act this year to augment the mission budget to achieve a launch in 2006. Launch in 2006 is necessary if gravity assistance is to be used to reach Pluto. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.298.5593.495
Multiphoton stimulation of neurons.

We pulsed the activation of neurons using a femtosecond laser. Pyramidal neurons are depolarized and fire action potentials when high intensity mode-locked infrared light irradiates somatic membranes and axon initial segments. This depolarization is reversible, does not occur with CW laser light, and appears to be due to multiphoton excitation. We describe two regimes of multiphoton optical stimulation. Low intensity, long duration laser irradiation produces a sustained depolarization, insensitive to sodium channel blockers yet sensitive to antioxidants. On the other hand, high intensity, short duration irradiation can induce fast depolarizations, which appear due to different mechanism. The combination of multiphoton stimulation and optical probing could enable systematic analysis of circuits.
A General Structure of Job Performance: Evidence from Two Studies

The purpose of this study is to test alternative models of job performance based on competing categorization criteria. Survey-based data were collected from individuals in two separate studies. In Study 1, proficiency ratings of job performance were collected from individuals (N = 553) across multiple jobs in four organizations in three Latin America countries. Similar data (N = 489) were collected as part of a second study in order to provide additional support for the results observed in the first study. Modest support was obtained for performance models based on prior literature and a modified ten-factor solution. Follow-up analyses, on the basis of multidimensional scaling, suggested an alternative categorization that unveiled three underlying proficiency-dimensions. Emerging dimensions suggest that proficiency can be classified according to (a) the target of work behaviors (i.e., data, persons, and things), (b) the degree of influence behaviors convey (controlling others versus do-it-yourself), and (c) the degree of interaction involved (integration vs. working in isolation). The modest fit of the data with performance models derived from the extant literature calls for further investigations of the structure emerging from the current studies. These studies contrasted existing methods to categorize employee proficiency and provided empirical evidence of the shortcomings of these methods. Results also provided alternative criteria to discriminate performance behaviors.
MagicPhotobook: designer inspired, user perfected photo albums

Computer-assisted photo album creation continues to be a challenging application as it requires integrated technical solutions to many difficult problems. Effective solutions must leverage both design knowledge and image understanding algorithms to automate time-consuming tasks like image selection, grouping, cropping, layout and background selection. At the same time, they should allow the user to cater to personal tastes by fine-tuning aspects of album appearance. MagicPhotobook is a photobook authoring system that takes steps in these directions by providing advances over prior solutions in the following areas: automatic image selection and theme-based image grouping; dynamic page layout; automatic cropping; automatic background selection; design-preserving background artwork transformation; and a simple yet powerful user interface for personalization.
REMARKS ON 4CST-ELEMENTS FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE MATERIALS*

Abstract Three-node triangular elements obtained from the intersecting diagonals of quadrilaterals are thoroughly investigated for the penalty method formulation of incompressible problems such as Stokes flow, Navier-Stokes flow, and small-deformation rubber elasticity. Equivalence of the present formulation to the one using 4-node quadrilateral isoparametric elements with selective reduced integration, is presented. Convergence, instability phenomenon, smoothing of the pressure distribution are studied together with decompositions into triangular elements.
High precision relocation of earthquakes at Iliamna Volcano, Alaska

Abstract In August 1996, a period of elevated seismicity commenced beneath Iliamna Volcano, Alaska. This activity lasted until early 1997, consisted of over 3000 earthquakes, and was accompanied by elevated emissions of volcanic gases. No eruption occurred and seismicity returned to background levels where it has remained since. We use waveform alignment with bispectrum-verified cross-correlation and double-difference methods to relocate over 2000 earthquakes from 1996 to 2005 with high precision (~ 100 m). The results of this analysis greatly clarify the distribution of seismic activity, revealing distinct features previously hidden by location scatter. A set of linear earthquake clusters diverges upward and southward from the main group of earthquakes. The events in these linear clusters show a clear southward migration with time. We suggest that these earthquakes represent either a response to degassing of the magma body, circulation of fluids due to exsolution from magma or heating of ground water, or possibly the intrusion of new dikes beneath Iliamna's southern flank. In addition, we speculate that the deeper, somewhat diffuse cluster of seismicity near and south of Iliamna's summit indicates the presence of an underlying magma body between about 2 and 4 km depth below sea level, based on similar features found previously at several other Alaskan volcanoes.
Aerodynamic effects of an attitude control vane on a tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system

One possible technique for obtaining longitudinal control on a tilt-nacelle V/STOL aircraft is the use of a variable attitude vane assembly mounted in the propulsion system exhaust. Deflecting the vane produces large forces and moments without depending on forward speed of the aircraft. Tests are carried out in the Ames 40 by 80 ft wind tunnel on a large-scale tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system with and without a variable attitude control vane assembly. Aerodynamic characteristics are analyzed in terms of nacelle aerodynamics, vane aerodynamics, and vane-induced effects on the nacelle aerodynamics. It is shown that the aerodynamic forces due to the nacelle without the vane can be a significant part of the total forces produced by the propulsion system. The control vane effectively produces large changes in pitching moment which are accompanied by significant changes in total lift and drag. The vane has a substantial effect on the propulsion-system aerodynamics. Other pertinent results are also given.
Corruption and reforms: A case of Poland's medical sector

Abstract This study focuses on the effects of Poland's reforms in the period 1990–2005 on corruption in the health care system. In the last 15 years Poland has transformed its economy drastically, introducing market-oriented reforms into almost every aspect of its economy. In this study we consider how different reforms changed incentives and mechanisms facilitating corruption in the medical care sector. Our conclusion is that corruption in Poland's medical sector has worsened since the onset of the marketization reforms. We support this conclusion primarily by analyzing changes in incentives for corruption and the number of mechanisms facilitating it. In addition, where available, quantitative data are provided, though we recognize that numerical estimates of corruption are subject to substantial error. We focus on three major forms of corruption: patient payments to secure medical treatment or improve its quality, payments from industry (mostly pharmaceutical and medical equipment producers), and the use by physicians of free public facilities for private patients.
Does the relationship between student ratings of course easiness and course quality vary across schools? The role of school academic rankings

Student ratings of teaching effectiveness are widely used to make judgments of faculty teaching performance. Research, however, has found that such ratings may not be accurate indicators of teaching performance because they are contaminated by course easiness. Using student ratings of 9855 professors employed at 79 different colleges and universities, the author hypothesized and found that the relationship between perceived course easiness and perceived course quality was moderated by school academic rankings. More specifically, easiness ratings were more strongly correlated with quality ratings among low‐ranked schools than among high‐ranked schools. Furthermore, the easiness–quality relationship was slightly stronger among public schools than among private schools. The article concludes by discussing the practical implications of these findings.
Pore-Scale Simulations of Gas Displacing Liquid in a Homogeneous Pore Network Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method

A lattice Boltzmann high-density-ratio model, which uses diffuse interface theory to describe the interfacial dynamics and was proposed originally by Lee and Liu (J Comput Phys 229:8045–8063, 2010), is extended to simulate immiscible multiphase flows in porous media. A wetting boundary treatment is proposed for concave and convex corners. The capability and accuracy of this model is first validated by simulations of equilibrium contact angle, injection of a non-wetting gas into two parallel capillary tubes, and dynamic capillary intrusion. The model is then used to simulate gas displacement of liquid in a homogenous two-dimensional pore network consisting of uniformly spaced square obstructions. The influence of capillary number (Ca), viscosity ratio (\(M\)), surface wettability, and Bond number (Bo) is studied systematically. In the drainage displacement, we have identified three different regimes, namely stable displacement, capillary fingering, and viscous fingering, all of which are strongly dependent upon the capillary number, viscosity ratio, and Bond number. Gas saturation generally increases with an increase in capillary number at breakthrough, whereas a slight decrease occurs when Ca is increased from \(8.66\times 10^{-4}\) to \(4.33\times 10^{-3}\), which is associated with the viscous instability at high Ca. Increasing the viscosity ratio can enhance stability during displacement, leading to an increase in gas saturation. In the two-dimensional phase diagram, our results show that the viscous fingering regime occupies a zone markedly different from those obtained in previous numerical and experimental studies. When the surface wettability is taken into account, the residual liquid blob decreases in size with the affinity of the displacing gas to the solid surface. Increasing Bo can increase the gas saturation, and stable displacement is observed for \(Bo>1\) because the applied gravity has a stabilizing influence on the drainage process.
Solvation Model for Chloroform Based on Class IV Atomic Charges

We present a parametrization of the SM5.4 solvation model, previously applied to aqueous solutions and general organic solvents, for predicting free energies of solvation in chloroform. As in all SM5 models, the calculations are based on a set of geometry-based functional forms for parametrizing atomic surface tensions of organic solutes. In particular, the atomic surface tensions depend in some cases on distances to nearby atoms. Combining the atomic surface tensions with electrostatic effects included in a Fock operator by the generalized Born model enables one to calculate free energies of solvation by a quantum mechanical self-consistent reaction field method. Atomic charges are obtained by both the AM1-CM1A and PM3-CM1P class IV charge models, which yield similar results, and hence the same atomic radii and similar surface tension coefficients are used with both charge models. Experimental free energies of solvation and free energies of transfer from aqueous solution are used to parametrize the theor...
Constant returns to scale for prescription dispensing in U.S. community pharmacy

By using data from a sample of 1767 community pharmacies, a total cost function was estimated by a polynomial regression of total cost on output. The Cobb—Douglas production function was estimated by a multiple linear regression of natural logarithmic transformations of output on natural logarithmic transformation of labor and capital. No economies of scale were found in prescription departments. Cost data led to a conclusion of constant marginal costs.