cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposing a New Logic for Data Analysis in Marketing and Consumer Behavior: Case Study Research of Large-N Survey Data for Estimating Algorithms that Accurately Profile X (Extremely High-use Consumers)

Rather than taking a variable-oriented approach, the study here extends Ragin's (1999) perspective on studying conjunctive paths or “causal recipes” for a limited number of cases (usually n 300 – or, in the study here, n>30,000). The aim here is to provide a primer in theory and practice of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) — a method that goes beyond considering the net contributions of individual variables in influencing a dependent variable. The study aims to describe alternative conjunctive paths (estimated algorithms using Boolean algebra and set theory) that associate with a given outcome. The “outcome condition” being modeled (predicted) in the study are cases (travelers) who complete more than 24 airline trips for personal reasons annually; the label “extreme” or “X” air travelers identifies these cases. Though small in share of numbers (.2%) of Americans, X air travelers are mighty in share (7%) of air-trips for personal reasons....
Application of immunocytochemistry and BRAF mutational analysis to direct smears of metastatic melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The cytodiagnosis of melanoma in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens can be challenging, often requiring the use of immunocytochemistry. As constitutively activating mutations in the BRAF oncogene are present in at least 40% of melanomas, the use of FNA material to interrogate the BRAF mutational status is likely to increase. Because cell blocks, traditionally used for these studies, can occasionally exhibit insufficient tumor cellularity, the authors investigated the utility of direct smears for immunocytochemistry and BRAF mutational analysis. METHODS: Immunocytochemistry for S-100, HMB-45, and Mart-1 was prospectively performed on direct smears in 17 FNAs of metastatic melanoma. Next, BRAF sequencing was performed using DNA isolated from archived Diff-Quik–stained direct smears for 15 cases. In parallel, sequencing was performed using DNA obtained from corresponding cell blocks. RESULTS: S-100 positivity in the tumor cells was observed in all 17 cases. HMB-45 and Mart-1 positivity was noted in 81% and 88% of cases, respectively. All 3 markers were positive in 76% of cases. Next, of the 15 archived melanoma FNAs tested, BRAF mutations were observed in 8 (53%); 5 and 3 melanomas harbored the V600E and V600K mutation, respectively. Corresponding cell blocks were also tested for all 15 cases, yielding concordant BRAF results in 14 (93%); 1 cell block yielded a false-negative result. CONCLUSIONS: Cytologic direct smears represent a robust and valuable source of cellular material for immunocytochemistry and molecular studies, especially in instances in which inadequate cell block cellularity is anticipated or encountered. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Stock Market Wealth Effects and the New Economy: A Cross‐Country Study

This paper investigates the impact from changes in ‘new’ and ‘old’ economy stock valuations on private consumption. The results from estimating a reduced form VAR for seven OECD countries for the 1990s suggest that the impact from changes in old economy stock valuations on consumption is, in general, larger in countries with market-based financial systems (USA, Canada and the UK) than in countries with bank-based financial systems (continental Europe). Furthermore, the results indicate that the impact from changes in new economy valuations to consumption is roughly the same in the USA, Canada, the UK and in continental Europe. In addition, the results suggest that, in continental Europe, the impact on consumption from changes in the valuation of new economy stocks is bigger than from the old economy stocks, whereas for the Anglo-Saxon countries, the impact is more or less the same between the two sectors.
Transmission and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Infrared Spectra of Bone and Collagen

Transmission and attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectra of collagen and normal, adult human bone have been compared with literature data and band assignments for bone spectra are given. Except for slight shifts in some absorption bands (the amide I band at 1650 cm−1 and some of the phosphate absorption bands), most frequencies of both spectra are in fair agreement with previously reported values for the individual components. An improvement in resolution of some protein bands was achieved with the ATR technique.
Moire processing of acoustic field holograms

Abstract A moire method for processing optical image-plane holograms of acoustic fields is introduced. Derivatives of acoustic pressure with respect to space, time and other system variables can be obtained by this extension of holographic interferometry methods. The new method is employed to obtain simultaneous, independent measurements of acoustic pressure and particle acceleration. It is also demonstrated that moire processes can improve the sensitivity of optical, whole field measurements at least 30 times.
A Critical View of Land Value Taxation as a Progressive Strategy for Urban Revitalization, Rational Land Use, and Tax Relief

This paper reviews arguments for land value taxation (LVT) as a tool to stop urban sprawl, eliminate land speculation, reduce housing costs, and provide tax relief. It is found that LVT would increase, not lower land prices and would provide only a small incentive to building construction. LVT would not favorably affect the distribution of wealth, nor reduce housing costs. It could provide some residential tax relief, but less effectively than other methods such as a progressive property tax.
Purification and Characterization of Rat Plasma Kallikrein1,2

Abstract Kallikrein enzyme initially was isolated from rat plasma by passage of citrated plasma through a DEAE-Sephadex column at pH 7.2. The active fraction was purified to electrophoretic apparent homogeneity by precipitation to 60% ammonium sulfate saturation, sequential passage through DE-52 cellulose, Sephadex G-200 and SP-Sephadex columns and finally by chromatofocusing on a PBE-94 column. The kallikrein content of each fraction during purification was monitored on the synthetic substrate N-α-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME) and by its ability to form kinin from heat-treated rat plasma. The molecular weight was estimated by gel filtration to be 50,000 and by SDS-gel electrophoresis 41,000. Multiple isozymic forms were obtained with pI values ranging from 4.2 to 5.0. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 8.3. The Km and Vmax values for TAME, Bz-pro-phe-arg-pNA and H-D-val-leu-lys-pNA were 1.6, 0.16 and 1.7 mM and 3.09, 0.96 and 0.25 uM/mg/min respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by soybean trypsin inh...
Seed banks in plant conservation: Case study of Santa Cruz tarplant restoration

Although conservation and restoration practitioners have focused on maximizing aboveground population size and seed set of rare plants, a clear understanding of seed bank dynamics is crucial to managing these species. Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) is a threatened annual forb restricted to coastal prairie habitats in central California. Holocarpha produces disk achenes germinating within a year of production and ray achenes forming a persistent seed bank. We constructed both deterministic and stochastic demographic models for a restored Holocarpha population, using demographic rates measured separately for unmanipulated plants and plants growing in plots where vegetation was clipped. The deterministic models indicated that regardless of germination from the seed bank, the population would decline without clipping or similar treatments that enhance survival and reproductive output. Deterministic models showed only a slight positive effect of increased ray seed germination rates on population growth, which would need to be balanced against a potential loss of buffering against environmental variation as the dormant seed bank was reduced. Our stochastic simulations suggested that extinction risk for Holocarpha populations would be minimized by intermediate levels of ray seed germination. Thus, managers should focus on improving the performance of aboveground plants before considering actions to stimulate germination, since the former will yield a greater increase in deterministic population growth and not sacrifice any buffering effect of the seed bank. This case study emphasizes the importance of considering dormant seeds and seed banks in designing successful restoration and management strategies for plant species at risk of extinction.
Using the Quality of Life Index in a Cancer Rehabilitation Program

The purpose of the study reported in this article was to describe the uality of life of a group of cancer patients and to 9 examine the use ulness of the Quality of Life Index (QLI) in a clinical setting. All 283 patients referred to the Cancer Rehabilitation Service at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon, during a one-year period were assessed, and the physicians who referred them were surveyed to determine their opinions about the usefulness of the QLI. Although significant variations were found in the QLI scores by type of cancer, all patients scored highest in the support category. The QLI is useful in identifying patterns and areas of need rather than in making decisions about the care of individual patients. Health care professionals may find this information helpful for planning rehabilitation services.
Stability of freely propagating flames revisited

The stability of a plane, premixed flame is re-examined for finite activation energies. This stability problem must be solved numerically; however, the calculations are performed in the spirit of the infinite activation energy theory. Numerical difficulties in determining the steady solution for both adiabatic and non-adiabatic flames are identified and resolved. The stability equations are solved using the compound matrix method. The theory and calculations presented resolve all discrepancies between the infinite activation energy results and numerical calculations reported previously.
Electro-Optics In Two Years

Texas State Technical Institute-Waco (TSTI-WACO) was the first school in the United States to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Laser Electro-Optics Technology. The program began in September 1969 and has produced 1,827 graduates since inception. These graduates are readily adaptable to any area of the laser electro-optics industry. Areas of study include Optics, Electronics, Vacuum, Physics, Mathematics, and English with emphasis on Electro-Optics. Graduate placement is centered around research and development, life sciences and manufacturing in technical and engineering areas.
Seeking a vaccine against Coccidioides immitis and serologic studies: expectations and realities.

The studies reported in this review indicate that, whereas the expectations from the molecular approach help to excite and enlighten us, the realities suggest that even some less modern approaches may provide the necessary practical solutions to problems of serology and vaccination against coccidioidomycosis. Concurrent conduct of the two approaches should maximize the chances for success.
The Suppressor of Killer of prune, a unique glutathione S-transferase

The prune-Killer of prune conditional dominant, lethal interaction in Drosophila was identified in the 1950s, but its mechanism remains unknown. We undertook a genetic screen for suppressors of this lethal interaction and identified a gene we named, Suppressor of Killer of prune Su(Kpn). Su(Kpn) is a unique protein with four N-terminal FLYWCH zinc-finger domains, an acidic domain and a C-terminal glutathione S-transferase (GST) domain. The GST domain of Su(Kpn) is of particular interest because GSTs are usually independent of other protein domains. While GSTs are generally thought of as detoxifying enzymes, they are also associated with cellular toxicity. We predict that the GST domain of the Su(Kpn) creates a toxic product in prune-Killer of prune flies that is lethal. The substrate of the Su(Kpn) remains unknown.
Neutron-Activation Cross Sections

The (n, ) activation cross sections of several nuclides were measured as a function of neutron energy. The neutron energy range covered was from 31 kev to 6 Mev. The nuclides studied were Hf/sup 180/, Ta/sup 181/,W/sup 186/,Au/ sup 197/, and Th/sup 232. (auth)
Modeling and Experimental Study of NHERF1 PDZ Domain Specificity

Na/H Exchanger Regulatory Factor-1 (NHERF1) is a scaffolding protein containing 2 PDZ domains that coordinates the assembly and trafficking of transmembrane receptors and ion channels. PDZ domains bind a short sequence of amino acids at the C-terminus of their targets. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations characterized interactions between NHERF1 PDZ1 or PDZ2 and the C-terminus of the type II sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter (NPT2a), the parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR), and NHERF1 ezrin-binding domain (EBD) (self-associated conformation). Modeling and earlier results determined optimal peptide length for experimental binding. NPT2a and PTHR (22 and 9 residues, respectively) peptides were used for fluorescent polarization measurements of solution-state affinities with isolated PDZ domains or intact protein. Mutations in the core-binding sequence permitted analysis of binding to a single PDZ domain in full-length NHERF1. The Kd for interaction of NPT2a with PDZ1 or PDZ2 in full-length NHERF1 was 1.6μM and 33μM, respectively. Only isolated PDZ1 interacted with NPT2a (Kd=11μM). Isolated PDZ1 and PDZ2 interact with PTHR with Kd's of 2.9μM and 1.3μM, respectively. In the context of full-length NHERF1 PTHR binds PDZ1 and PDZ2 with a Kd of 1.7μM and 2.2μM, respectively. We conclude that variances are evident between measurements of isolated PDZ domains and full-length NHERF1. The lower affinity of the PDZ2 domain in full-length NHERF1 compared to isolated PDZ2 is due to adoption of the self-associated conformation. Graded occupancy of PDZ domains may impart differences in NHERF1 signaling and trafficking. We suggest that energetic barriers separating NHERF1 self-associated and open states in the cellular environment may be reduced by phosphorylation. MD simulations predict that upstream residues in the C-terminus contribute to the binding and specificity of interaction with PDZ domains. The results provide novel molecular insights into the recognition of major PDZ binding partners.
Parameterization of subgrid plume dilution for use in large-scale atmospheric simulations

Abstract. A new model of plume dynamics has been developed for use as a subgrid model of plume dilution in a large-scale atmospheric simulation. The model uses mean wind, shear, and diffusion parameters derived from the local large-scale variables to advance the plume cross-sectional shape and area in time. Comparisons with a large eddy simulation of aircraft emission plume dynamics, with an analytical solution to the dynamics of a sheared Gaussian plume, and with measurements of aircraft exhaust plume dilution at cruise altitude show good agreement with these previous studies. We argue that the model also provides a reasonable approximation of line-shaped contrail dilution and give an example of how it can be applied in a global climate model.
α2-Adrenergic receptor levels in obstructive and spastic Raynaud's syndrome

The present study examines the hypothesis that alterations in the activity of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (A2R) may underlie the clinical vasospasm seen in patients with Raynaud's syndrome. Platelets were isolated from 13 normal subjects, from 50 patients with vasospastic Raynaud's syndrome, and from 20 patients with obstructive Raynaud's syndrome and A2R levels measured. Binding capacity as determined in femtomoles per milligram of protein (fmol/mg of protein) and affinity were measured by Scatchard plot analysis. In a separate experiment normal human platelets were incubated with either buffer, normal serum, or serum from patients with spastic Raynaud's syndrome and A2R levels were measured. A2R levels in normal subjects averaged 112 +/- 18 fmol/mg; in the patients with spastic Raynaud's syndrome, 191 +/- 14 fmol/mg, p less than 0.01; and in the patients with obstructive Raynaud's syndrome, 164 +/- 31 fmol/mg, p greater than 0.05 (ns). Of the patients with spastic Raynaud's syndrome, 26% had values that were less than the mean value of the normal subjects (69 +/- 7 fmol/mg, p less than 0.05). The A2R levels decreased after incubation with serum from patients who had spastic Raynaud's syndrome by 17.4 +/- 3.1 fmol/mg (p less than 0.05). These results indicate that most patients with vasospastic Raynaud's syndrome have increased platelet A2R levels, which may constitute a primary pathophysiologic abnormality underlying this condition. The presence of subnormal A2R levels in a portion of the patients and the finding of a decrease in measurable A2R levels after incubation in serum from patients with spastic Raynaud's syndrome suggests the possibility of receptor modulation as a mechanism for increased cellular receptor synthesis.
Effect of temperature and pH on 31P nuclear magnetic resonances of phospholipids in cholate micelles.

Abstract Accurate and precise determination of phospholipid composition by 31P NMR spectroscopy requires correct assignments and adequate spectral resolution. Because temperature and pH may affect chemical shifts (δ), our first aim was to establish the temperature coefficient (Δδ/ΔT) of common phospholipid classes when using sodium cholate as detergent. This parameter can then be used to aid in resonance assignments. The second goal was to investigate the pH dependence of δ so that, in addition to temperature, pH control can be used to minimize spectral overlap. For phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, dihydrosphingomyelin and phosphatidylglycerol, δ values were invariant with pH and temperature. Whereas the Δδ/ΔT for phosphatidylinositol was 4 × 10−3 ppm/°C, regardless of pH, these coefficients were highly pH-dependent for phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine, exhibiting maximal variations with the deprotonation of the headgroup, particularly for phosphatidic acid. These trends indicate the importance of H-bonding on δ and Δδ/ΔT for phospholipid resonances.
Mapping the surface radiation budget and net radiation in a sand hills wetland using a combined modeling/ remote sensing method and Landsat thematic Mapper Imagery

Abstract A method combining modelled values of incoming short and longwave radiation and remotely sensed measurements of surface temperature and albedo is used to map the surface radiation budget and net radiation of a wetland site in the Nebraska Sand Hills. Results indicate that the Landsat Thematic Mapper performed adequately in this case, but that the size of the study site could substantially effect the accuracy of values in other circumstances. Problems associated with deriving biophysical values from image data are analyzed. Implications of these findings in hydrology, geochemistry and climatology are discussed.
Mettius Fufetius in Livy

Abstract This essay makes the case that Livy9s version of the tale of Mettius Fufetius transmits certain facts that relate to inherited ritual practices (horse-sacrifice among them) along with formulas used in early law and diplomacy. Although the author may not be fully aware of the original meaning of all he is handing down (e.g., the etymology of mitis ) because he has simply taken materials from his sources without much critical investigation, the traditional elements are important to him because they seem to authenticate this legend about the reign of Tullus Hostilius. For the moralizing historian that Livy certainly is, the treason of Mettius Fufetius and his execution at the command of the Roman king comprise the starting point of a remarkable sequence of episodes in his narrative that demonstrate the dishonorable behavior of Rome9s chief rivals in Italy. The legend of Mettius Fufetius thus embodies a kind of ““original sin”” in the political realm, and becomes the paradigm for Rome9s harsh dealing with faithless allies over the next five centuries. The essay concludes that this story typifies many Roman fabulae , insofar as they were often composed on the basis of outdated or unfamiliar idionyms, toponyms, ceremonial words and phrases, and ancient legal terms. In such fabulae characters like Tullus Hostilius and Mettius Fufetius, perhaps mere names in annals and king-lists, become the performers whose ceremonial acts turn into the foundational moments of Rome9s public life.
Trustworthiness of detectors in quantum key distribution with untrusted detectors

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) protocol has been demonstrated as a viable solution to detector side-channel attacks. One of the main advantages of MDI-QKD is that the security can be proved without making any assumptions about how the measurement device works. The price to pay is the relatively low secure key rate comparing with conventional quantum key distribution (QKD), such as the decoy-state BB84 protocol. Recently a new QKD protocol, aiming at bridging the strong security of MDI-QKD with the high e ciency of conventional QKD, has been proposed. In this protocol, the legitimate receiver employs a trusted linear optics network to encode information on photons received from an insecure quantum channel, and then performs a Bell state measurement (BSM) using untrusted detectors. One crucial assumption made in most of these studies is that the untrusted BSM located inside the receiver's laboratory cannot send any unwanted information to the outside. Here in this paper, we show that if the BSM is completely untrusted, a simple scheme would allow the BSM to send information to the outside. Combined with Trojan horse attacks, this scheme could allow Eve to gain information of the quantum key without being detected. Ultimately, to prevent themore » above attack, either countermeasures to Trojan horse attacks or some trustworthiness to the "untrusted" BSM device is required.« less
Botulinum type A neurotoxin digested with pepsin yields 132, 97, 72, 45, 42, and 18 kD fragments

Botulinum neurotoxin (NT) serotype A is a dichain protein made of a light and a heavy chain linked by at least one interchain disulfide; based on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis their molecular masses appear as 147, 52, and 93 kD, respectively. Digestion of the NT with pepsin under controlledpH (4.3 and 6.0), time (1 and 24 hr), and temperature (25 and 30°C) produced 132, 97, 42, and 18 kD fragments. The three larger fragments were isolated by ionexchange chromatography. The 132 and 97 kD fragments are composed of 52 kD light chain and 72 and 45 kD fragments of the heavy chain, respectively. The sequences of amino terminal residues of these fragments were determined to identify the pepsin cleavage sites in the NT, which based on nucleotide sequence has 1295 amino acid residues (Binzet al., J. Biol. Chem. 265, 9153, 1990). The 42 kD fragment, beginning with residue 866, is the C-terminal half of the heavy chain. The 18 kD fragment, of which the first 72 residues were identified beginning with residue 1147, represents the C-terminal segment of the heavy chain. The 132 kD fragment (residue 1 to ∼1146) is thus a truncated version of the NT without its 18 kD C-terminal segment. The 97 kD fragment (residue 1 to ∼865) is also a truncated NT with its 42 kD C-terminal segment excised. These peptic fragments contain one or two of the three functional domains of the NT (binds receptors, forms channels, and intracellularly inhibits exocytosis of the neurotransmitter) that can be used for structure-function studies of the NT. This report also demonstrates for the first time that of the six Cys residues 453, 790, 966, 1059, 1234, and 1279 located in the heavy chain the later four do not form interchain disulfide links with the light chain; however, Cys 1234 and 1279 contained within the 18 kD fragment form intrachain disulfide. The electrophoretic behaviors of type A NT and its fragments in native gels and their comparison with botulinum NT serotypes B and E as well as tetanus NT suggest that each NT forms dimers or other aggregates and the aggregation does not occur when the 42 kD C-terminal half of the heavy chain is excised. Thus, the C-terminal half of the heavy chain appears important in the self-association to form dimers.
Risk factor modification trials: Implications for the elderly

The scientific foundations for risk factor modification in the elderly are three-fold: (1) data from long-term prospective population studies demonstrating significant independent relationships between established major risk factors--particularly blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), serum cholesterol, cigarette use, clinical diabetes--and risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality; (2) data from population studies on time trends of mass changes in major risk factors and parallel changes in CV mortality rates, including large sustained declines; (3) data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs, the focus of this presentation, have been both unifactorial and multifactorial. The former include several trials of antihypertensive drug treatment, and of diet or drugs to lower serum cholesterol. When each of these two sets of unifactorial trials is considered in its totality, the positive nature of the findings is apparent. Among the antihypertensive drug trials, two--the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program in the U.S.A. and the study by the European Working Party on High Blood Pressure in the Elderly--involved older men and women, both with significantly favourable outcomes for their intensive treatment groups. Among the several trials on serum cholesterol reduction, the Los Angeles Veterans Administration domiciliary study involved elderly men, and showed significant reductions in incidence and mortality from atherosclerotic events in its fat-modified diet group. Multifactorial trials have involved middle-aged men. Their findings are generally positive, particularly in regard to efficacy of life-style interventions to modify diet and smoking habits. Degree of efficacy is apparently related to degree of net change in risk factors in the intervention group compared to the control group. All these findings lend strong support to the judgment that risk factor modification, in the elderly as well as at younger ages, is useful for the prevention of the major adult CV diseases and for increasing longevity with health.
Inhibition of human glutathione S-transferases by bile acids

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes isolated from various human tissues are differentially inhibited by bile acids. Trihydroxy bile acid (lithocholate) was found to be more inhibitory to all the human GST isoenzymes tested in this study, as compared to the monohydroxy (cholate) and dihydroxy (chenodeoxycholate) bile acids. Among the three major classes of GST, mu class isoenzymes are generally inhibited to a greater extent than the alpha and pi class isoenzymes. The results of this study also indicate that differential inhibition of GST by various bile acids may be used to distinguish closely related GST isoenzymes within the mu class of GST isoenzyme. Likewise, the pi class or the anionic isoenzymes of human kidney, placenta, and erythrocytes can be distinguished using bile acid inhibition studies. These studies also provide further support for tissue-specific expression of GST isoenzymes in humans.
A comparison of cancer burden and research spending reveals discrepancies in the distribution of research funding.

Ideally, the distribution of research funding for different types of cancer should be equitable with respect to the societal burden each type of cancer imposes. These burdens can be estimated in a variety of ways; “Years of Life Lost” (YLL) measures the severity of death in regard to the age it occurs, "Disability-Adjusted Life-Years" (DALY) estimates the effects of non-lethal disabilities incurred by disease and economic metrics focus on the losses to tax revenue, productivity or direct medical expenses. We compared research funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to a variety of burden metrics for the most common types of cancer to identify mismatches between spending and societal burden. Research funding levels were obtained from the NCI website and information for societal health and economic burdens were collected from government databases and published reports. We calculated the funding levels per unit burden for a wide range of different cancers and burden metrics and compared these values to identify discrepancies. Our analysis reveals a considerable mismatch between funding levels and burden. Some cancers are funded at levels far higher than their relative burden suggests (breast cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia) while other cancers appear underfunded (bladder, esophageal, liver, oral, pancreatic, stomach, and uterine cancers). These discrepancies indicate that an improved method of health care research funding allocation should be investigated to better match funding levels to societal burden.
Neuroleptic influences on a lateralized behavioral bias in unoperated rats

Rationale: Abnormalities of the ascending dopaminergic system have been associated with hemineglect, and evidence suggests that neuroleptic treatments normalize the right hemispatial attentional impairment that is sometimes observed in acutely psychotic schizophrenic patients. Objective: A research program was initiated to develop an animal model of hemineglect-drug interactions. Methods: Female rats were tested repeatedly on removing a ”nuisance stimulus”– strips of surgical tape applied loosely to the forelimbs. Subjects were assigned to groups dependent upon showing a behavioral orientation preference (BOP) during pre-drug baseline tests. Animals representing left-BOP, right-BOP and no preference continued to be tested during chronic exposure either to a dopamine antagonist (0.05 mg haloperidol/kg) or agonist (1.0 mg d-amphetamine/kg) or vehicle only. Results: Three weeks of haloperidol treatments to rats only with an initial right BOP gradually eliminated the response bias, as revealed by declines in choosing the right forepaw and the latencies between attending to the two forepaws. Conclusion: The results recommend right BOP female rats as a simple, non-invasive behavioral animal model for evaluating and comparing neuroleptic medications.
Evaluating the Teaching Significance of Biblical Literature

HE common assumption of churchschool teachers that some teaching of the Bible is basic to achievement of character consonant with Jesus' attitudes toward life has of late come under scrutiny again, chiefly for two reasons: (1) the abysmal ignorance of many adults as to both meaning and content of the Bible in spite of past emphasis upon its study, and (2) the seemingly contradictory evidence that such teaching as lies in the Bible, long time asserted to be germane, even necessary, to the achievement of good character, has nevertheless not eventuated in a truly good society nor in a much higher level of conduct among church people than among those outside its sphere of influence. These suggest serious lack of skillful methology in the presentation of the biblical literature, the absence of the assumed values in the literature, and/or its presentation in such terms as not to make its germaneness to present-day life evident in such a degree as to provide guidance in living. Perhaps the primary difficulty stems from the assumption of the value of biblical literature for the guidance of human life without examination into the evidence. The reason for this unexamined assumption has doubtless been the inheritance now through some centuries of the idea of the authority of the Bible. That idea has become for a large section of Protestantism the bulwark of their security as a foil to the Roman Catholic emphasis upon the authority of the church. It is perhaps one of the strangest anomalies of human history that Protestantism which began with a primary emphasis upon the experiential aspect of religious awareness of God by the individual should have very shortly denied its basic tenet, which had its roots both in the prophets of Judaism and in the teaching of Jesus, and have substituted for it an authoritarianism of biblical literature;-in this, making even less appeal to the rationale of human history and the evidence of verifiable living than had Roman Catholicism in its exaltation of the church as authority. The teaching value of the Bible must be predicated upon the patent fact that all literature is but "frozen experience," actual deali s of real persons with the world of deity, m n, and events, caught and congealed in the language and thought forms of time when the matters under consideration were written
Qualitative dynamics of three species predator-prey systems

A qualitative analysis of some two and three species predator-prey models is achieved by application of the method of averaging in conjunction with a Lyapunov function constructed from the appropriate Volterra-Lotka model. We calculate the limit cycle solution for a two-species model with a Holling type functional response of the predator to its prey by means of a time-scaled transformation. The existence of a bifurcation of steady states for a community of three species is discussed and the periodic solution around one of the unstable steady states is calculated to the lowest approximation. Several comments are made regarding the behavior of these systems under changes of some control parameters.
Cadmium feeding: apparent depression of atrioventricular-his-Purkinje conduction system.

Male rats were exposed to 0, 10 and 130 p.p.m. cadmium administered in 0.5% saline drinking water for 71 days. Biweekly records of ECGs, Hct, body weight and blood levels of cadmium were made. Rats exposed to 130 p.p.m. cadmium showed slower growth rates and declining Hct indicative of acute cadmium poisoning. At the end of the experimental period, carotid artery blood pressures and whole heart cadmium levels were determined. Although no significant blood pressure changes were observed in the experimental groups, the cadmium content of the hearts of the higher dose group was significantly higher than in the hearts of the lower dose group. The PR interval of the ECG was lengthened progressively and to the same extent in both experimental groups with continued cadmium feeding. These experiments offer evidence that the accumulation of even moderate amounts of cadmium will be manifested in marked changes in cardiac conduction without overt signs of cadmium poisoning.
Transient water infiltration with constant surface flux

Abstract The water infiltration in vertical unsaturated porous media with constant water flux at the surface is investigated. The orthogonal collocation method is employed for solving the governing nonlinear partial differential equation. The present numerical solutions for water infiltration in the Rehovot sand are in good agreement with the previous ones obtained by the finite-difference method. However, because of its high accuracy, computational stability and easy application, the orthogonal collocation does provide a good alternative for solving the nonlinear water infiltration problems.
Measuring Perinatal Patient Safety: Review of Current Methods

Methods to measure patient safety include structure, process and outcome measures, safety attitude and climate surveys, focus groups, storytelling, executive walk rounds, and external review. Ideally, measures of patient safety should be meaningful, science based, psychometrically sound, feasible, and actionable. Accurate and timely data feedback to caregivers is critical to effect required changes. A balanced set of patient safety measures provides valuable data to guide efforts to improve perinatal patient safety. JOGNN, 35, 432‐442;2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552‐6909.2006.00060.x
Building quality into a digital library

The Web Characterization Repository contains a collection of internet log files used by researchers to analyze and improve on the architecture of the Web. This repository improves on prior collections by thoroughly testing the log files for format to assure a degree of data quality. Instituting quality control into the digital library addressed many complex issues including technical support for quality assessment, the definition of a workflow to achieve quality control, the assignment of tasks to different people and the definition and automation of quality assessment for log files. By reaching realistic compromises on these issues it was possible to build quality control as an integral part of the digital library.
Kinetics of transformations in the β solid solution of the magnesium-indium system

Abstract : Decomposition of the intermediate beta solid solution of the magnesium-indium system has been examined in respect of the characteristics and kinetics of the reactions, using a resistometric technique. The beta phase undergoes ordering of the type AI to LI(2) (beta') in alloys containing up to 39% indium, and AI to LI(0) (beta'') between 39 and 55% indium. Both transitions occur with great rapidity, and the disordered state could not be retained at any temperature below T(c). This behaviour is discussed with reference to the transformation kinetics expected of such first order reactions. Precipitation from the ordered solid solutions occurs within narrow homogeneity ranges at Mg3In beta(1) and Mg2In beta(2), although there are extensive two-phase regions about these compositions. The beta(1) phase forms by continuous precipitation, and the formal kinetics of the reaction have been determined. For beta(2), the precipitation changes from the continuous to the discontinuous mode as the indium concentration is increased through the stoichiometric composition. (Author)
The effect of nitroglycerin content on the quasi‐static compaction behavior of various ball propellants

The quasi-static compaction behavior of a number of single- and double-base ball propellants has been investigated to determine the effect of nitroglycerin (NG) content. Simultaneous measurements were obtained of axial applied and transmitted forces, circumferential strain, and porous bed displacement, resulting in the calculation of axial average solid stress and radial stress as a function of porous bed consolidation. Five Olin ball propellants designated as WC140, TS3660, TS3659, Winchester #231, and TS3661 in order of increasing NG content, were compacted. Their NG concentrations ranged from 0 to ∼35 wt%. The most significant effects of increased NG content were to decrease the various axial and radial stress levels present at constant degree of bed consolidation and to increase the coefficient of kinetic friction at the porous bed/mold wall interface. Microscopic examination of recovered samples that had been compacted revealed that extensive plastic deformation occurred in the absence of particle fracture.
Education Policy Under Cultural Pluralism

Many policymakers are shedding essential tenets of modern statecraft. Few seek to sustain the monolithic one best system of schooling: herding students through large institutions, regulated by bureaucracy and guided by professionals under monopolistic conditions. Instead, distinctly unmodern forms of policy and institutional reformation are in ascendance: even when common aims of schooling are advanced, big and impersonal schools are yielding to small and communal ones; networks of alternative schools that offer options to diverse families are preferred over tightly coupled systems; and the meaning of equity is being recast along relativist lines of communities and kids simply being different. The de-centered arrangement of charter schools and preschooling illuminates these shifts away from modern tenets of policymaking, strongly powered by cultural pluralism and political demands from below. These policy cases prompt the long-term question of how government can effectively balance this press for particul...
Oral toxicities of lauric acid and certain lauric acid derivatives

Abstract Subacute toxicity data for lauric acid and sorbitan monclaurate (Span 20) and chronic toxicity data for lauric acid glycerides (S-1062) and polyoxyethylene-20 monolaurate (G-2129) in rats have been presented. Sorbitan monolaurate tested at 25, 20, and 15% levels for 23 weeks caused significant growth depression beginning at the lowest dietary level and significant increase in mortality at the 25% level. There was progressive enlargement of the common bile duct with each increase in dosage, and gangrene of the tail at all feeding levels, with a greater number of rats affected at the 25% dosage. Histologically, liver damage was pronounced and lung changes were present. Polyoxyethylene-20 monolaurate tested at 25, 10, 5, and 2% levels for two years caused growth retardation in male rats at the 25% level. Mortality data showed no significant differences from the controls. There was a progressive increase in incidence of liver cysts and distention of the cecum as the dosage increased. Feeding of lauric acid glycerides at 25% of the diet for two years caused only minor histological changes in the liver. In a group of 5 rats, not microscopically examined, feeding of lauric acid at 10% of the diet for 18 weeks had no deleterious effect.
La esquizofrenia atenuada revisitada: la pérdida de la evidencia natural

Blankenburg aplico la fenomenologia de Husserl en pacientes aquejados de esquizofrenia hebefrenica que ya no poseen un sentido para lo que es socialmente adecuado. Estos pacientes pierden el sentido para las cosas que son evidentes para el sentido comun cotidiano. Blankenburg debate con Jaspers y Binswanger acerca del papel de la intuicion y el metodo fenomenologico en la hebefrenia. El retorna a la fenomenologia genetica para develar la perdida de la evidencia natural en la formacion de la esquizofrenia atenuada. La filosofia fenomenologica puede ayudar a clarificar los conceptos en el corazon de la esquizofrenia y asi conseguir relevancia practica. El pensar filosofico y un acercamiento en psiquiatria mas centrado en el paciente se debe integrar a la investigacion de los psiquiatras.
Defining a personal, allele-specific, and single-molecule long-read transcriptome.

Personal transcriptomes in which all of an individual’s genetic variants (e.g., single nucleotide variants) and transcript isoforms (transcription start sites, splice sites, and polyA sites) are defined and quantified for full-length transcripts are expected to be important for understanding individual biology and disease, but have not been described previously. To obtain such transcriptomes, we sequenced the lymphoblastoid transcriptomes of three family members (GM12878 and the parents GM12891 and GM12892) by using a Pacific Biosciences long-read approach complemented with Illumina 101-bp sequencing and made the following observations. First, we found that reads representing all splice sites of a transcript are evident for most sufficiently expressed genes ≤3 kb and often for genes longer than that. Second, we added and quantified previously unidentified splicing isoforms to an existing annotation, thus creating the first personalized annotation to our knowledge. Third, we determined SNVs in a de novo manner and connected them to RNA haplotypes, including HLA haplotypes, thereby assigning single full-length RNA molecules to their transcribed allele, and demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of RNA molecules. Fourth, we show how RNA molecules can be linked to personal variants on a one-by-one basis, which allows us to assess differential allelic expression (DAE) and differential allelic isoforms (DAI) from the phased full-length isoform reads. The DAI method is largely independent of the distance between exon and SNV—in contrast to fragmentation-based methods. Overall, in addition to improving eukaryotic transcriptome annotation, these results describe, to our knowledge, the first large-scale and full-length personal transcriptome.
‘La vida sonríe a quien le sonríe’: Cristina Guzmán como modelo de feminidad falangista

La consolidacion de la democracia en Espana en los anos ochenta y noventa, ha generado un fuerte deseo por parte de muchos de romper el ‘pacto de silencio’ que la Transicion politica hizo necesario...
Annual summary of vital statistics--1965.

A CONTINUED downward trend for births, slightly upward for marriages, and about the same rate as last year for deaths characterize the provisional vital statistics of the United States for 1965 (Table 1). Despite the falling birth rate almost 2,000,000 persons were added to the United States population through the excess of births over deaths. Births in 1965 were down about 7% from 1964, bringing the total number, estimated at 3,767,000, below 4,000,000 for the first time in 12 years. The number of births was the lowest since 1951, giving a crude birth rate of 19.4 births per 1,000 population and a fertility rate of 96.7.
A key role of C5a/C5aR activation for the development of sepsis

In recent studies, evidence has been provided for complement activation early during the onset of experimental sepsis. Excessive production of the anaphylatoxin C5a thereby appears to elicit various harmful effects. Blockade of C5a or C5a receptor (C5aR) at the start of experimental sepsis has been demonstrated to greatly improve survival in rodents. There is evidence that C5a, during the onset of sepsis, enhances the production of various proinflammatory mediators in different cell types. Besides its known, other proinflammatory effects, recent work suggested an inhibitory role of C5a for innate-immune functions of phagocytic cells (phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, chemotaxis) during experimental sepsis. This review article provides an overview of the important role of C5a/C5aR activation for the onset and development of sepsis. J. Leukoc.
Lasers as Light Sources for Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

Abstract Lasers have advantages compared to conventional light sources, which include high power, a monochromatic emission profile, stability, and rapid tuning across an atomic line. These advantages have resulted in superior analytical figures of merit and methods of background correction compared to conventional light sources. The most widely used lasers for atomic spectrometry include dye laser systems, optical parametric oscillator systems, and diode lasers. Three principal techniques employ lasers as light sources. Laser‐excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LEAFS) involves the use of laser light to excite atoms that emit fluorescence and serves as the analytical signal. Laser‐enhanced ionization (LEI) involves laser excitation of atoms to an excited state energy level at which collisional ionization occurs at a higher rate than from the ground state. Diode laser atomic absorption spectrometry (DLAAS) employs a DL as a source to excite atoms in an atom cell from the ground state to an excited sta...
Optimized extracorporeal shock-wave therapy improved pain and functioning in chronic plantar fasciitis

Source Citation Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomi...
Fuzzy ARTMAP with Feature Weighting

We introduce a novel Fuzzy ARTMAP (FAM) architecture: FAM with Feature Weighting (FAMFW). In the first stage, the features of the training data are weighted. In the second stage, the obtained weights are used to improve the FAMFW training. The effect of this approach is a more sensitive FAM category determination: Category dimensions in the direction of relevant features are decreased whereas category dimensions in the direction of non-relevant feature are increased. Potentially, any feature weighting method could be used, which makes the FAMFW very general. In our study, we use a feature weighting algorithm based on the Neural-Gas algorithm.