cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological functionalization and surface micropatterning of polyacrylamide hydrogels.

Abstract Hydrogels are useful for linking proteins to solid surfaces because their hydrophilic nature and porous structure help them to maintain these labile molecules in the native functional state. We have developed a method for creating surface-patterned, biofunctionalized hydrogels on glass or silicon, using polyacrylamide and the disulfide-containing polyacrylamide crosslinker, bis(acryloyl)cystamine. Treatment with a reducing agent created reactive sulfhydryl (–SH) groups throughout these hydrogels that were readily conjugated to iodoacetyl biotin and streptavidin (SA). Immobilization efficiency was approximately 1–2% of the total potential binding capacity of the hydrogel. Porosity of the hydrogel was not a limiting factor for SA immobilization, as determined using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Rather, steric hindrance due to the binding of SA decreased the effective porosity near the surface of the hydrogel, restricting access to the rest of the gel. Using microcontact printing, we indirectly patterned SA on the surface of the hydrogel, generating well-resolved feature sizes of 2 μm in width. Through repeated rounds of microcontact printing, multiple, adjacent protein patterns were generated on the surface of the hydrogel. Biotinylated immune complexes and lipid vesicles readily bound to SA-functionalized hydrogels, demonstrating the feasibility of using this hydrogel system to generate complex biofunctionalized surfaces.
Solar water splitting in a molecular photoelectrochemical cell

Artificial photosynthesis and the production of solar fuels could be a key element in a future renewable energy economy providing a solution to the energy storage problem in solar energy conversion. We describe a hybrid strategy for solar water splitting based on a dye sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell. It uses a derivatized, core–shell nanostructured photoanode with the core a high surface area conductive metal oxide film––indium tin oxide or antimony tin oxide––coated with a thin outer shell of TiO2 formed by atomic layer deposition. A “chromophore–catalyst assembly” 1, [(PO3H2)2bpy)2Ru(4-Mebpy-4-bimpy)Rub(tpy)(OH2)]4+, which combines both light absorber and water oxidation catalyst in a single molecule, was attached to the TiO2 shell. Visible photolysis of the resulting core–shell assembly structure with a Pt cathode resulted in water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen with an absorbed photon conversion efficiency of 4.4% at peak photocurrent.
Properties of the Neurospora crassa plasma membrane ATPase

Abstract A variety of the biochemical properties of the electrogenic plasma membrane ATPase of Neurospora crassa are described. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP, resulting in the formation of ADP and inorganic phosphate. Optimal activity is observed between pH 6 and 6.5. ATP hydrolysis approaches a maximum rate at an Mg-ATP concentration of 10–20 m m with a half-maximal velocity around 2 m m Mg-ATP. The enzyme requires a divalent cation for activity in the following order of preference at 10 m m : Mg2+, Co2+ > Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Fe2+, Ca2+, Cu2+. The enzyme is quite specific for ATP compared to the other nucleotides tested. Treatment of the plasma membranes with sodium deoxycholate inactivates the ATPase and the inactivation can be prevented by the addition of certain acidic phospholipids with the deoxycholate. Other classes of lipids cannot prevent the deoxycholate inhibition. The organic mercurials parachloromercuribenzoate and parachloromercuriphenylsulfonate are potent inhibitors of the ATPase, but N-ethylmaleimide at a similar concentration is not inhibitory. The organic mercurial inhibition is not reversed by mercaptoethanol. Under appropriate conditions, the inhibitory effect of p-chloromercuribenzoate is suppressed in the presence of ATP. Treatment of the plasma membranes with trypsin leads to a marked inhibition of the ATPase activity and this inhibition can be prevented by Mg-ATP. Neither the organic mercurial reactive site(s) nor the trypsin-sensitive site(s) are accessible from the outer surface of the plasma membranes. Some of the implications of the above findings are discussed.
Prefrontal control of trace eyeblink conditioning in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) II: Effects of type of unconditioned stimulus (airpuff vs. periorbital shock) and unconditioned stimulus intensity

Previous research has implicated the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the control of classically conditioned autonomic and somatomotor responses. In eyeblink (EB) classical conditioning prefrontal involvement appears to be limited to paradigms that are more difficult to learn, in that acquisition is slower. These include trace conditioning and discrimination/reversal. Some of this research suggests that the participation of mPFC in classical EB conditioning is related to the intensity or type of unconditioned stimulus (US) employed. In the present two experiments we thus studied the effects of manipulation of periorbital shock intensity as the US in Experiment 1 and in Experiment 2 the intensity of a corneal airpuff as the US on Pavlovian trace EB conditioning. The results indicate that there are optimal intensities of both airpuff and periorbital shock as the US in the demonstration of mPFC control of trace classical EB conditioning.
Understanding Gifted Adolescents: Another Legacy of Leta Stetter Hollingworth.

The author examines some of Hollingworth's works and pursues current work in psychology to derive a view of special needs for understanding on the part of gifted adolescents. By defining disequilibrium as discrepancy between expectancy and achievement, the gifted adolescent is seen as constantly in a process of adjusting to difference.
Photoacceleration of development in chick embryos

Abstract 1. 1. Continuous illumination of White Rock eggs caused a significant reduction in incubation period when compared to eggs incubated in darkness. There was no change in hatchability. 2. 2. The most pronounced influence was observed when exposure to light was during the first week of incubation. Only 10 hr of incubation were required to demonstrate the accelerated development of eggs incubated in light. 3. 3. Air cell temperatures were the same for eggs incubated in light and dark suggesting that the phenomenon observed is due to light rather than temperature.
AP sites and AP endonucleases

Resume Nous decrivons la sensibilite des sites apuriniques/apyrimidiniques (AP) internes et terminaux a l'hydrolyse alcaline et a la beta-elimination. Nous comparons les modes symetriques et asymetriques de l'hydrolyse endonucleolytique par des endonucleases AP specifiques et nous discutons de la discrimination entre leurs mecanismes non-enzymatique et catalytique.
Use of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Kirsten Rat Sarcoma 2 Viral Oncogene Homolog Mutation Testing to Define Clonal Relationships Among Multiple Lung Adenocarcinomas : Comparison With Clinical Guidelines

Background The incidence of multiple lung adenocarcinomas is rising, making it difficult to determine the stage and assign treatment in an increasing number of patients following surgery. Clinical guidelines have been developed to distinguish independent non-small cell lung cancers from metastases, that is, criteria developed by Martini and Melamed and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). However, these guidelines can be difficult to apply and may give conflicting results. Here, we report on seven patients in whom epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten-rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) tumor mutation status was used to determine clonal relationships among multiple lung lesions. Methods We identified seven patients whose paired lung adenocarcinomas were found to harbor distinct EGFR or KRAS mutations. We assessed these patients' disease status using established clinical guidelines. We also explored the use of comprehensive histologic subtyping (CHS) of tumor sections to distinguish multiple primaries. Results According to the Martini-Melamed criteria, six of the seven patients had multiple primary lung tumors. By ACCP criteria, three patients had multiple primaries, and three patients had metastases. Classification of the seventh patient by ACCP criteria was indeterminate. Mutational testing suggested that all paired tumors were multiple primary adenocarcinomas, which was consistent with results from CHS. Conclusions Assuming that independent tumor clones harbor distinct mutations, these seven cases highlight discrepancies between the existing clinical criteria used to distinguish independent tumor foci from metastases. EGFR/KRAS mutation testing of multiple lung adenocarcinomas can assist in differentiating multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas from metastatic lesions. Use of CHS in this setting should also be further explored.
Total war and social change

(1990). Total war and social change. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 868-870.
Direct Fabrication of Arbitrary‐Shaped Ferroelectric Nanostructures on Plastic, Glass, and Silicon Substrates

A complementary metal-oxide-semico-nductor (CMOS)-compatible method for the direct fabrication of arbitrary-shaped Pb(Zr0.52 Ti0.48)O3 and PbTiO3 ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanostructures on plastic, silicon, and soda-lime glass substrates is reported. Thermochemical nanolithography is used to induce nanoscale crystallization of sol-gel precursor films. Ferroelectric lines with width ≥30 nm, spheres with diameter ≥10 nm, and densities up to 213 Gb in(-2) are produced.
Obstructive sleep apnea and risk of stroke: time for a trial.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among patients with cardiovascular disease; however, the association between OSA and risk of cardiovascular events is not clear. Valham and colleagues studied the effect of OSA on incident stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and death in patients with angina pectoris who were referred for coronary angiography. Patients with OSA were not more likely to die or experience a myocardial infarction than were individuals without OSA, but, after adjusting for potential confounders, patients with OSA were approximately three times more likely to experience a new stroke. Furthermore, there was a dose–response effect, with patients who had mild OSA and those who had severe OSA being 2.4 times and 3.6 times more likely to experience stroke, respectively. While this study contributes to our understanding of the interactions between OSA and the risk of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, it also raises several important questions.
The Chandra M101 Megasecond: Diffuse Emission

Because MIOl is nearly face-on, it provides an excellent laboratory in which to study the distribution of X-ray emitting gas in a typical late-type spiral galaxy. We obtained a Chandra observation with a cumulative exposure of roughly 1 Ms to study the diffuse X-ray emission in MlOl. The bulk of the X-ray emission is correlated with the star formation traced by the FUV emission. The global FUV/Xray correlation is non-linear (the X-ray surface brightness is roughly proportional to the square root of the FUV surface brightness) and the small-scale correlation is poor, probably due to the delay between the FUV emission and the X-ray production ill star-forming regions. The X-ray emission contains only minor contributions from unresolved stars (approximates less than 3%), unresolved X-ray point sources (approximates less than 4%), and individual supernova remnants (approximates 3%). The global spectrum of the diffuse emission can be reasonably well fitted with a three component thermal model, but the fitted temperatures are not unique; many distributions of emission measure can produce the same temperatures when observed with the current CCD energy resolution. The spectrum of the diffuse emission depends on the environment; regions with higher X-ray surface brightnesses have relatively stronger hard components, but there is no significant evidence that the temperatures of the emitting components increase with surface brightness.
Ethical considerations in the management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Abstract Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was once considered a lethal congenital heart defect; yet, the prognosis is improving with advances in health care. Many ethical dilemmas still surround this diagnosis and treatment. This article explores the ethical side of hypoplastic left heart syndrome care. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
The evolution of premodern demographic regimes: A research note

Using Japan and Sweden during the period 1650-1850 as examples the author attempts to explain the marked diversity of pre-modern population growth rates even among societies with similar family systems. He argues that in peasant societies characterized by stem family systems life cycle considerations involving old-age security the securing of an heir and the maintenance of an adequate labor force condition households to adopt a strategy in which age at marriage adjusts to levels of natural fertility and mortality which in turn depend on the standard of living and the environment. This hypothesis is tested using the SOCSIM micro-simulation program and the results provide support for the authors argument.
Lessons from the experience of OECD nations on macroeconomic growth and economic freedom, 2004–2008

This study empirically investigates the impact on per capita real economic growth of each of the ten measures of economic freedom computed annually by the Heritage Foundation. Within the context of the Random Effects Model, panel least squares estimations using a 5-year panel (2004 through 2008) dataset for the OECD nations as a group reveal that the percentage growth rate in the purchasing-power-parity adjusted per capita real GDP for OECD nations was, at the 5 % statistical significance level or better, an increasing function of at least seven of the ten economic freedom measures. The results underscore the critical role that economic freedom plays in a nation’s economic growth and prosperity and the importance of pursuing policies that are consistent with increasing economic freedom.
Patient safety and quality care.

This whole journey began with a very busy day in my procedure clinic; at this point in time, Duke Dermatology was in the midst of a very active growth period. Several new dermatologists, including myself, had joined the faculty over the previous 2 years, and our nursing support structure was in the process of growing in parallel to keep pace. As a result, clinics not infrequently were relatively understaffed with nursing team members. On this particular day, two patients had been added to my schedule with fairly short notice; I had a new resident working with me; and we had no dedicated nursing support. I saw two patients that day for spot check of concerning lesions; I’ll call them Mr. Ear and Mr. Chest. Mr. Ear had a raised keratotic papule on his left ear; Mr. Chest had a stuckon–appearing thin plaque on his right upper chest that was partially avulsed. Mr. Ear was concerned that his spot might be a small squamous cell skin cancer; I agreed. Mr. Chest was worried that his spot might be a melanoma; I greatly favored a traumatized seborrheic keratosis. The resident and I were in and out of examination rooms several times to gather procedural supplies, generate
Peptide Transporter 1 Is Responsible for Intestinal Uptake of the Dipeptide Glycylsarcosine: Studies in Everted Jejunal Rings from Wild-type and Pept1 Null Mice

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) in the uptake of peptides/mimetics from mouse small intestine, using glycylsarcosine (GlySar). After isolating jejunal tissue from wild-type and Pept1 null mice, 2 cm intestinal segments were everted and mounted on glass rods for tissue uptake studies. [ 14 C]GlySar (4 μM) was studied as a function of time, temperature, sodium and pH, concentration, and potential inhibitors. Compared with wild-type animals, Pept1 null mice exhibited a 78% reduction in GlySar uptake at pH 6.0 at 37°C. GlySar uptake showed pH dependence, with peak values between pH 6.0 and 6.5 in wild-type animals, whereas no such tendency was observed in Pept1 null mice. GlySar exhibited Michaelis–Menten uptake kinetics and a minor nonsaturable component in wild-type animals. In contrast, GlySar uptake occurred only by a nonsaturable process in Pept1 null mice. GlySar uptake was significantly inhibited by dipeptides, aminocephalosporins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and the antiviral prodrug valacyclovir; these inhibitors had little, if any, effect on the uptake of GlySar in Pept1 null mice. The findings demonstrate that PEPT1 plays a critical role in the uptake of GlySar in jejunum and suggest that PEPT1 is the major transporter responsible for the intestinal absorption of small peptides.
On the Computation of Power in Volume Integral Equation Formulations

We present simple and stable formulas for computing power (including absorbed/radiated, scattered and extinction power) in current-based volume integral equation formulations. The proposed formulas are given in terms of vector-matrix-vector products of quantities found solely in the associated linear system. In addition to their efficiency, the derived expressions can guarantee the positivity of the computed power. We also discuss the application of Poynting's theorem for the case of sources immersed in dissipative materials. The formulas are validated against results obtained both with analytical and numerical methods for scattering and radiation benchmark cases.
Planting the seeds for a Mechatronic curriculum at UALR

In February 1999, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) launched a program in systems engineering. The program recognises the need for highly multidisciplinary, design-oriented education. This created a natural context into which a mechatronics discipline can be introduced. A course sequence in mechatronics is being developed to supplement the systems engineering curriculum and consists of the sequence Introduction to Engineering, C Programming, Elements of Mechanical Design, Circuits and Systems, Digital Systems, Control Theory, Instrumentation and Measurements, and Mechatronics. Facilities have been developed to allow students to design and analyse their parts in CAD, export them to a CAM program, which generates NC code for the CNC milling machine or lathe. This allows students to rapidly generate parts, and therefore create synergistic, integrated mechanical/electrical designs within a semester.
The Lappajärvi meteorite crater, Finland: petrography, Rb-Sr, major and trace element geochemistry of the impact melt and basement rocks

Abstract Impact melt lithologies of the 77 m.y. old Finnish meteorite crater Lappajarvi as well as the Precambrian target rocks have been studied in detail, to identify and characterize different impact melt types (clast-poor, clast-rich, suevitic melt) and to study their chemical (major and trace elements) and isotopic (Rb-Sr) compositions in comparison to the composition of the target rocks. The Rb-Sr system of the whole melt body—including the suevitic melt—is shown to have been reequilibrated by the impact by extensive turbulent mixing of the various melted or vaporized target rocks. Chemical interactions (exchange of alkali elements, 87Sr-redistribution) between feldspar clasts and impact melt surrounding them are the result of thermal metamorphism following the incorporation of target rock fragments of various degrees of shock metamorphism into the superheated melt. Exchange reactions between clasts and melt are determined by thermal activation, but the degree of shock metamorphism in the clasts plays an important role, too. Major and trace element distributions in impact melt and basement rocks indicate that the Lappajarvi melt body chemically is extremely homogeneous. Even volatile elements (such as Zn and Cu) were not strongly fractionated. Comparison of the abundances of siderophile elements in the impact melt (e.g., 118–177 ppm Cr, 195–340 ppm Ni, 6–12 ppb Ir) and calculated target rock mixture (79% mica schist, 11% granite-pegmatite, 10% amphibolite) (e.g., 85.6 ppm Cr, 54.8 ppm Ni, 0.5 ppb Ir) revealed the chondritic nature (C or H chondritic) of the meteoritic projectile. Less than 2% of the meteorite can be detected in the coherent melt, whereas the suevitic melt is uncontaminated by the projectile.
LINGUISTIC HEDGES: THEIR RELATION TO CONTEXT AND THEIR EXPERIMENTAL REALIZATION

Abstract We first discuss the fuzzy subset representation of the class of monotonic type linguistic values, i.e., small and large. We next show that for each of these the context, i.e., large apartment, determines the window or range in which the significant change in membership degree occurs. We discuss Zadehs approach to modifying a linguistic value by a hedge such as “very.” We next show that one interpretation of the effect of this hedge is to act as a context changer. We finally reconcile the experimental realizations of the effect of linguistic hedges with the approach suggested by Zadeh.
A Survey for Infall Motions toward Starless Cores. II. CS (2-1) and N 2 H + (1-0) Mapping Observations

We present the results of an extensive mapping survey of starless cores in the optically thick line of CS (2-1) and the optically thin lines of N2H+ (1-0) and C18O (1-0). The purpose of this survey was to search for signatures of extended inward motions. A total of 53 targets were observed in the three lines with the FCRAO 14 m telescope. Thirty-three regions were mapped in both CS and N2H+, and thirty seven well-defined N2H+ cores have been identified. The N2H+ emission is generally compact enough to find a peak, while the CS and C18O emissions are more diffuse. For each core, we have derived the normalized velocity difference (?VCS) between the thick CS and thin N2H+ peak velocities. We define 10 strong and nine probable infall candidates, based on ?VCS analysis and on the spectral shapes of CS lines. From our analysis of the blue-skewed CS spectra and the ?VCS parameter, we find typical infall radii of 0.06-0.14 pc. Also, using a simple two-layer radiative transfer model to fit the profiles, we derive one-dimensional infall speeds, the values of half of which lie in the range of 0.05-0.09 km s-1. These values are similar to those found in L1544 by Tafalla et al., and this result confirms that infall speeds in starless cores are generally faster than expected from ambipolar diffusion in a strongly subcritical core. In addition, the observed infall regions are too extended to be consistent with the inside-out collapse model applied to a very low mass star. In the largest cores, the spatial extent of the CS spectra with infall asymmetry is larger than the extent of the N2H+ core by a factor of 2-3. All these results suggest that extended inward motions are a common feature in starless cores, and that they could represent a necessary stage in the condensation of a star-forming dense core.
PRICE‐COST MARGINS AND INDUSTRY STRUCTURE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF KOREA*

The structure-conduct-performance paradigm is tested using 4-digit SIC Korean industry data for 1981 and 1986. The study investigates whether the observed institutional differences between developed and developing countries affects the performance hypothesis. The results suggest that structure and conduct variables influence price-cost margins in much the same way as they do in developed countries. Nevertheless, the Korean government's credit rationing policies, by creating entry barriers, have the most important effects on industry performance.
In-Situ Scanning Probe Microscopy of Solid-Liquid Interfaces: Role of Epitaxial Oxide Adlayers on Cu Electrodeposition

We discuss how the nanoscale structural and chemical properties of copper (Cu) single crystal surfaces immersed in acidic aqueous solutions affect local electrochemical function. In particular, perturbation of oxide adlayers with in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) is shown to locally enhance the electrochemical deposition of Cu on Cu electrode surfaces. The results are consistent with a heterogeneous nucleation and growth mechanism in which the tip-sample interaction creates surface defect sites in passivating oxide adlayers which are active towards the electrochemical adsorption of Cu species. This “protect-deprotect-react” scheme enables precise control of feature sizes and allows this technique to be used for fabrication and constructive modification of solid-liquid interfaces.
Using dental technology to fabricate an abdominal prosthesis to aid in the management of intestinal cutaneous fistulas.

Abstract A technique has been described for fabricating a prosthesis for the control of secretions from an abdominal intestinal cutaneous fistula.
The cyanogen bromide fragment I of asialoorosomucoid is transported more efficiently than asialoorosomucoid in rat hepatocytes.

Cultured rat hepatocytes internalized and degraded 125 I-labeled asialoorosomucoid ( 125 I-ASOR) through asialoglycoprotein receptor at rates about half that of its cyanogen bromide fragment I ( 125 I-ASCNBr-I). Reduction and carboxymethylation of the fragment resulted in decreased rates of internalization and degradation which were still greater than those of 125 I-ASOR. In the presence of 5 μM colchicine, degradation of all three ligands was inhibited. However, the intracellular level of 125 I-ASOR at steady state remained unchanged, while those of the fragments increased continuously. Study of the binding of these ligands to hepatocytes at 4°C indicated that there was no significant difference in binding parameters between ASOR, ASCNBr-I and RC-ASCNBr-I (reduced and carboxymet ASCNBr-I). Studies of the fate of these ligands preloaded in the cell at 37°C indicated that a higher fraction of the internalized ASOR than of the fragments was released by diacytosis. In contrast to ASOR, diacytosis of the fragments was not enhanced by colchicine. Studies of the distribution of intracellular ligands by Percoll density gradient centrifugation indicated that they were internalized initially into two early endosomol compartments of d = 1.037g/ml and d = 1.045 g/ml. In the presence of colchicine, accumulation of the ligands in a third endosomal compartment of d = 1.08–1.095 g/ml was revealed, while in the presence of leupeptin accumulation of the ligands in lysosomes was observed. The results of a kinetic analysis indicated that both cyanogen bromide fragments were transported to all these compartments more rapidly than was ASOR. It appears that they are internalized and degraded more rapidly than ASOR due to a more efficient sorting of the internalized ligand into the pathway of lysosomal degradation.
Identification in Iterative Learning Control: A Model Based, Iteration Varying Learning Filter for Precision Control

Linear Iterative Learning Control (ILC) algorithms have been known to also perform well for nonlinear systems whose dominant system dynamics are linear. In order for the learning filter to take advantage of more system information, we propose here a model based ILC algorithm which uses an iteration varying learning filter. Before the next iteration’s feedforward control is computed, the linearized system model is first estimated using a least squares approximation. We implement this algorithm on a wafer stage prototype whose dominant system dynamics are linear with a weak nonlinear actuator disturbance. Because the nonlinear disturbance is state dependent, the linear dynamics will shift as the ILC algorithm is converging. We show that as the system converges to the desired trajectory the plant parameter also converge.© 2009 ASME
Effects of optical feedback on the filamentation and mode control of broad-area semiconductor lasers

In this work, modeling along with associate experiments of the broad-area laser with an external optical cavity which employs a mode-selecting mirror has been conducted to study the effects of optical feedback on the filamentation and mode control of broad-area semiconductor lasers. By using split-step FFT algorithm in a propagation mode, mode profiles of the broad-area lasers with a spherical cavity are simulated in detail, the simulation results agree very well with experimental measurements and verify the validity of the simulation model. Mode control of broad-area semiconductor lasers has also been studies through employing the same simulation model and associates experiments have also been conducted. The results will be presented in this paper.
Remarks on robustness of stability with respect to thickness for elastic structures

Models of elastic systems are often inherently dependent upon small parameters such as thickness. Using the results on the original model to obtain information on the system as the thickness tends to zero can be far from straightforward. An illustration of stability results and discussion of the difficulties that arise in deriving stability for the limiting system are presented.
Earnings forecasts in enterprise information systems environment

With the globalisation and integration of world financial markets, the application of enterprise information systems has become more and more popular in the financial service sector. This paper examines the analyst's decision regarding allocation of effort to the precision and timeliness of earnings forecasts with financial decision support systems. Once an analyst decides to follow a firm, the analyst must choose the level of effort to devote to generating outputs, such as earnings forecasts. This paper provides insights into this by examining three issues concerning the forecasts of the individual analyst. First, forecast accuracy and frequency are modelled simultaneously. Then, whether these two effort allocation choices are complements or substitutes is tested. Finally, how competition affects these two characteristics is examined. The accuracy and frequency are examined with simultaneous equations. Results from this analysis suggest that analysts allocate effort among these two forecast criteria in a...
Pharmacists' Decision Making in the Selection of Generic Pharmaceuticals

Criteria that influence pharmacists' decisions to stock generic pharmaceuticals and criteria that influence pharmacists' decisions to recommend generic pharmaceuticals to patients were examined. The sample consisted of 298 Ohio independent community pharmacy owners or managers. Data were collected by mail questionnaires. Questions pertained to background information about each participating pharmacy and respondent, criteria used in stocking generic pharmaceuticals, and criieria used in recommending generic pharmaceuticals to patients. Economic considerations, the of generic pharmaceuticals, the generic distributor and the manufacturer, and the therapeutic class of the brand-name product influenced pharmacists' decisions to stock generic pharmaceuticals. Third-party programs, physicians, and patients influenced pharmacists' decisions to recommend generic pharmaceuticals to patients.
Forecasting retail sales using alternative models

Abstract This paper explores the issues associated with adapting forecasting techniques used by manufacturers to produce accurate forecasts for retail sales. A case study is presented that is developed using a retail situation because retailers often view their sales forecasting problems as being very different from a manufacturer's problems. Sales volumes are dramatically impacted by competitor promotional actions, discounts, store promotions and weather. Finally, consumption holidays like Christmas, Easter, Mother's day, have a large impact on sales as well as back to school shopping. The findings in this paper indicate that forecasting retail sales can be accomplished with a high degree of accuracy.
Air Quality Control Expenditures in the American States

This research note examines air quality control expenditures by the American states from 1970 to 1979 in light of the theory of budgetary incrementalism. Utilizing a longitudinal correlation analysis the findings reveal little fluctuation in relative spending levels during this decade. However, in an examination of the change in expenditures from one year to the next, states are found to exhibit a high degree of variability, with increases and decreases commonly exceeding 20 percent. In subsequent years these gains and losses are partially offset by expenditure cuts or increases. These results suggest that compensatory, rather than incremental, outcomes characterize expenditure changes in the states.
Benzocyclynes adhere to Hückel's rule by the ring current criterion in experiment (1H NMR) and theory (NICS)

Abstract The experimental 1H NMR chemical shift values of six benzocyclynes (benzodehydroannulenes) have been assigned and, in combination with nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations, shown to indicate diatropic behavior for 4n+2, paratropic behavior for 4n π systems.
Enhancement of Video Quality for Energy Constrained Cellular Applications

In this paper we consider the problem of faded wireless image and video transmission schemes under energy transmission constraints. An example of such a constrained system experiencing Rayleigh fading is code division multiple access (CDMA) where power control is used. We imposed on the average energy transmitted per an image or image sequence. A computationally inexpensive analytic mean square error (MSB) distortion rate (D-R) estimator for progressive wavelet coders which generates an exact distortion rate (D-R) function for 2-D and 3-D SPIHT algorithm is utilized from our previous research. Using the D-R function, the expected mean square error(MSE) at the receiver is minimized by optimally assigning the energy and parity allocation per each transmission block among the packets. A gain of 1.09 dB relative to optimal equal error protection (EEP) is obtained by varying both energy and parity among the transmission blocks. The results can be used to to increase image and video quality in CDMA systems.
EFFECTS OF MEDIUM- AND LONG-CHAIN SATURATED TRIGLYCERIDES ON BLOOD AND LIVER CHOLESTEROL OF CHICKENS AND RATS.

SummaryStudies were carried out with chickens and rats to relate the ingestion of medium- and long-chain saturated triglycerides to the blood and liver cholesterol level. It was found that MCT significantly elevated the plasma cholesterol level of chickens compared with LCT. The reverse observation was made in rats where MCT was effective in lowering serum cholesterol. On the other hand, MCT-fed chickens and rats had a significantly lower liver cholesterol level than LCT-fed individuals. The significance of these findings with reference to the relationship between dietary fat and blood lipid concentration is discussed.We woulil like to acknowledge with thanks, excellent technical assistance of Mrs. Olga Donis and Messrs. Neil Boorman and Hans 1, utz. Wc would also like to thank Mr. V. K. Babayan of the E. F. Drew Co. for a supply of the medium- and longchain saturated triglycerides used in these studies.
Issues for chlamydial susceptibility testing

Summary It becomes painfully clear that there are a number of critical issues that must be addressed if susceptibility testing of chlamydiae is going to be regarded in the same light as that for other microorganisms. The NCCLS should be encouraged to institute a subcommittee to study this problem as has been done with other areas of susceptibility testing. It is through this consensus mechanism that uniformity of testing, if not clinical relevance will be achieved.
Is Chromodacryorrhea a Diapedesis of the Red Corpuscles

ConclusionThese facts definitely prove in our minds that the bloody tears contain no erythrocytes, and the red pigment in chromo-dacryorrhesis is not hemoglobin. The minute pink corpuscular bodies are in reality colorless fatty globules, tinged red by the pigment that surrounds them. In other words, chromodacryorrhesis is not a dia-pedesis of erythrocytes, and the tears do not even contain hemoglobin. It is really a most surprising fact for those who are familiar with the phenomenon of chromodacryorrhea that such obviously bloody fluid coming out of mammalian tissue does not contain any blood.On the other hand, these findings now seem to help explain many puzzling facts. One of us (with Stix)1 found that dacryorrhetin causes bloody tear production only in rats (with occasional exceptions with mice), milky tears in guinea pigs, rabbits and mice, and clear tears in cats and dogs. Just why rats alone should shed bloody tears has been one of the perplexing problems. On the basis of the above findings, we can ...
Quantification of valve regurgitation by radionuclide angiography before and after valve replacement surgery.

Abstract Radionuclide gated cardiac blood pool imaging was used to quantify the severity of valve regurgitation in 20 patients, by calculating the ratio of left ventricular to right ventricular stroke counts (end-diastolic minus end-systolic counts in right and left ventricular regions of interest). This ratio (the stroke index ratio) was substantially higher in patients with aortic and mitral regurgitation (3.91 ± 1.45) than in a control group of 10 patients without regurgitation (1.32 ± 0.15), p After aortic and mitral valve replacement in 18 patients, the stroke index ratio decreased from 4.03 ± 1.46 to 1.38 ± 0.23 (p 1.62), whereas the remaining 15 patients, who had no evidence of regurgitation, had values within the normal range. Therefore, radionuclide gated blood pool scanning provides a noninvasive method of quantifying valve regurgitation and assessing the results of medical or surgical interventions.
Women as Mothers and Wives in Paternally Incestuous Families: Coping with Role Conflict.

Although role conflict is well recognized for women in general, it has not been explored for women who are mothers and wives in paternally incestuous families. This study sought to remedy that oversight by analyzing the data gleaned from in-depth life history interviews with 20 women from paternally incestuous families who were just entering treatment. The women reported a moderate degree of conflict between their roles as mother and wife. Their strategies for coping with that conflict varied. Each described strategy was categorized according to the level of the role process at which it intervened, and was also evaluated in terms of its efficacy and its empowerment. The level of the coping strategy was somewhat, although not significantly, related to the duration of the paternal incest, and significantly related to its severity. The implications of these findings for the allegation of collusion made against women is discussed, and suggestions for therapeutic intervention with women from paternally incestuous families are presented.
Machining of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics/Polymers: A Literature Review

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics/polymers (CFRPs) offer excellent mechanical properties that lead to enhanced functional performance and, in turn, wide applications in numerous industrial fields. Post machining of CFRPs is an essential procedure that assures that the manufactured components meet their dimensional tolerances, surface quality and other functional requirements, which is currently considered an extremely difficult process due to the highly nonlinear, inhomogeneous, and abrasive nature of CFRPs. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review on machining of CFRPs is given with a focus on five main issues including conventional and unconventional hybrid processes for CFRP machining, cutting theories and thermal/mechanical response studies, numerical simulations, tool performance and tooling techniques, and economic impacts of CFRP machining. Given the similarities in the experimental and theoretical studies related to the machining of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) and other FRPs parallel insights are drawn to CFRP machining to offer additional understanding of on-going and promising attempts in CFRP machining.
Primary Lymphatic Dissemination of Malignant Elements in a Mature Cystic Ovarian Teratoma

This case of malignant transformation in a mature cystic ovarian teratoma (dermoid cyst) is significant for the atypical manner in which the malignant elements metastasized to lymph nodes without evidence of intraperitoneal dissemination. The disease rapidly progressed and proved to be fatal in this premenopausal woman. The lesson learned is that lymph node inspection should be an integral component of the physical examination and exploratory laparotomy when this apparently benign ovarian neoplasm is encountered. Abnormal findings may be indicative of metastasis from an occult malignant transformation.
The distribution of the chlorinated solvents dichloromethane, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene in the global atmosphere.

Dichloromethane, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene are commercially important chlorinated solvents whose health and environmental impacts are under scrutiny in the industrial world. Their distributions in the global atmosphere have been computed based on data from the Reactive Chlorine Emissions Inventory (RCEI) project using the Global Balance Environment (GLOBE) model, a 3-D radiative-dynamical-chemical model. Their atmospheric lifetimes, scaled to an observed methyl chloroform lifetime of 4.8 years, are 158 days, 105 days, and 4.3 days, respectively. They have strong interhemispheric gradients, with maximum zonal mean surface concentrations in the winter mid-latitude northern hemisphere of ∼40 ppt, 9 ppt, and 2.5 ppt, respectively. Their spatial distributions show significant seasonal variability, and are sensitive to vertical mixing by cumulus convection and horizontal mixing by synoptic-scale turbulence. While the model interhemispheric exchange time (1.0 years) and computed atmospheric lifetimes are very sensitive to sub-grid scale diffusion, interhemispheric gradients of the chlorinated solvents are not. The simulated results suggest a greater importance for oceanic emissions of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene than has previously been assumed.
Differential effect of activators of protein kinase C on cytoskeletal changes in mouse and hamster eggs

Abstract Treatment of metaphase II-arrested hamster eggs with activators of protein kinase C has been reported to promote resumption of the cell cycle, second polar body emission, and pronucleus formation (G. I. Gallicano, S. M. Schwarz, R. W. McGaughey, and D. G. Capco, 1993, Dev. Biol. 156, 94-106). In contrast, we have not observed these responses in mouse eggs obtained from CF-1 mice treated with these activators. In this report, we evaluated if this difference was due to differences in the technique used for PKC stimulation in the two different laboratories or due to species differences. Metaphase II-arrested hamster or mouse eggs were treated with phorbol diesters for 5 min or with a membrane-permeable diacylglycerol for 1 hr. Treatment of hamster eggs resulted in (1) the formation of "second polar body-like structures" commencing 5 min after treatment and reaching a maximum by 20-40 min; (2) a remarkable increase in the staining of filamentous actin in the region of these polar body-like structures; and (3) the disassembly of spindle microtubules. A reduction in cdc2/cyclin B1 kinase activity, as assessed by a decrease in H1 kinase activity, as well as progression from metaphase to anaphase were not observed. Treatment of mouse eggs from either CF-1 or CD-1 mice with these activators of PKC did not result in the formation of these polar body-like structures, did not cause an increase in filamentous actin, and did not result in a reduction in histone H1 kinase activity. This treatment, however, did induce disassembly of the spindle microtubules and the formation of multiple "pronucleus-like structures" that were more discernible in eggs from CD-1 mice. We conclude that the "apparent" activation of hamster eggs by activators of PKC is due to the effect of these agents on the cytoskeleton, which gives rise to structures that appear similar to polar bodies, but without any evidence of cell cycle resumption. The different responses seen in mouse and hamster eggs are mainly due to differences in the sensitivity of the cytoskeleton to rearrangements induced by these agents.
Mini-beam collimator enables microcrystallography experiments on standard beamlines.

The high-brilliance X-ray beams from undulator sources at third-generation synchrotron facilities are excellent tools for solving crystal structures of important and challenging biological macromolecules and complexes. However, many of the most important structural targets yield crystals that are too small or too inhomogeneous for a ‘standard’ beam from an undulator source, ∼25–50 µm (FWHM) in the vertical and 50–100 µm in the horizontal direction. Although many synchrotron facilities have microfocus beamlines for other applications, this capability for macromolecular crystallography was pioneered at ID-13 of the ESRF. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences and National Cancer Institute Collaborative Access Team (GM/CA-CAT) dual canted undulator beamlines at the APS deliver high-intensity focused beams with a minimum focal size of 20 µm × 65 µm at the sample position. To meet growing user demand for beams to study samples of 10 µm or less, a ‘mini-beam’ apparatus was developed that conditions the focused beam to either 5 µm or 10 µm (FWHM) diameter with high intensity. The mini-beam has a symmetric Gaussian shape in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and reduces the vertical divergence of the focused beam by 25%. Significant reduction in background was achieved by implementation of both forward- and back-scatter guards. A unique triple-collimator apparatus, which has been in routine use on both undulator beamlines since February 2008, allows users to rapidly interchange the focused beam and conditioned mini-beams of two sizes with a single mouse click. The device and the beam are stable over many hours of routine operation. The rapid-exchange capability has greatly facilitated sample screening and resulted in several structures that could not have been obtained with the larger focused beam.
The search for genes contributing to the low level of response to alcohol: patterns of findings across studies.

Background: Alcoholism is a complex genetically influenced disorder in which multiple phenotypes [e.g., disinhibition, alcohol-metabolizing patterns, and the low level of response (LR) to alcohol] contribute to the risk. A low LR to alcohol is one of the more thoroughly studied risk phenotypes; data indicate that LR relates to the risk status, predicts future alcoholism, and has a heritability as high as 60%. This article reviews data from animal and human studies regarding the LR to alcohol, searching for a convergence of results that might lead to the identification of relevant genes. Methods: A literature search was performed regarding animal and human genetic studies focusing on genes that might affect the LR to alcohol as a risk factor for alcoholism. The goal was to synthesize these results and highlight potential patterns. Results: Focusing on both genetic linkage and association studies, a number of chromosomal regions and genes potentially relevant to findings across two or more sources were identified. The genes of potential interest fell into several categories, including second-messenger systems (e.g., G proteins, adenylyl cyclase, and protein kinases); neurotransmitters or drug-related receptors (e.g., γ-aminobutyric acid-A, glutamate, serotonin, and cannabinoid and opioid receptors); genes that affect alcohol metabolism; and genes that might relate to an overlap in the risk for alcoholism and some psychiatric conditions (e.g., catechol-O-methyltransferase regarding schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Conclusions: The review identifies several genes that may contribute to a low LR to alcohol and, thus, to an increased risk for alcohol use disorders. The chromosomal regions and genes highlighted here may form the basis for more focused genetic studies of alcohol use disorders, with the goals of developing more specific and effective prevention and treatment approaches.