cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oregon's Advance Directive for Mental Health Treatment: Implications for Policy

The poet narrates that Ulysses was forewarned about seductive sirens whose bewitching song lured sailors to their rocky island, near Scylla and Charibdis. These fabulous creatures promised seafarers knowledge, but brought about their death, Ulysses ordered his crew to fill their ears with wax. But he, desiring to hear the enchanted song, bade his sailors bind him to the mast. His heart throbbed with desire,
Evaluating methods of restraint for holding animals during kosher and halal slaughter

Abstract Welfare concerns about religious slaughter are usually centered on the painfulness of the throat cut. Improving the method of restraint for positioning the animal for the throat cut would also contribute greatly to improve welfare. The following numerical animal-based outcome-based measure should be used to evaluate restraint methods; Percentage of cattle vocalizing (moo/bellow). Stressful restraint and handling methods increase the cattle vocalization score. For all species, score the following four variables: Percentage of animals that fall, refuse to enter the restraint device, struggle during restraint, and moved with an electric goad. Measurement can be used as part of a program for continuous improvement.
Using the ACTFL OPIc to Assess Proficiency and Monitor Progress in a Tertiary Foreign Languages Program.

Language tests are useful for many purposes, including monitoring language learning progress and evaluating language programs. This study investigated the interpretations and usefulness of the Amer...
Disruptions in the Amount and Timing of Sleep and Repetitive Negative Thinking in Adolescents

Objective/Background: Numerous psychiatric conditions characterized by repetitive negative thinking (RNT) are also frequently associated with disruptions in the duration and timing of sleep. The emerging literature supports that these types of sleep disruptions may be associated with negative psychological consequences such as depressed mood, anxiety, and poor emotion regulation, all of which have features of RNT. There is a paucity of research on the association between RNT and disruptions in sleep duration and timing in adolescents. The aim of the current study was to examine if sleep duration and timing in an adolescent sample would be predictive of RNT. Participants: Participants included 1,021 adolescents (ages 11 to 17) from a public school district in upstate New York. Methods: Participants completed a survey about their sleep practices, symptoms of psychopathology, and RNT. Results: Results indicated that sleep timing was predictive of RNT, but sleep duration was not. This result remained even after controlling for symptoms of psychopathology. Further, sleep onset latency was also predictive of RNT. Conclusions: These results indicate that it may be important to make the distinction between sleep duration and sleep timing. Sleep timing may uniquely impact RNT in adolescents.
Management of perinatal depression with non-drug interventions

Perinatal depression is a common disorder that has been associated with serious risks to mother and child. Recently, screening for depression in pregnant and postpartum women has increased, as has the development of new psychotherapy and non-drug treatment modalities. Matching patients to treatments can be challenging, and although research into personalized treatment of major depression in the general population has increased, no published guidelines focus on personalized treatment approaches to perinatal depression. In particular, guidelines on non-drug treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the evidence on personalized non-drug treatment of perinatal depression, how to incorporate patients' preferences, novel treatments under investigation, and the potential role of biomarkers in matching patients to treatment. The review provides recommendations for future research in personalized care of perinatal depression.
Evolving together: the biology of symbiosis, part 1.

Symbioses, prolonged associations between organisms often widely separated phylogenetically, are more common in biology than we once thought and have been neglected as a phenomenon worthy of study on its own merits. Extending along a dynamic continuum from antagonistic to cooperative and often involving elements of both antagonism and mutualism, symbioses involve pathogens, commensals, and mutualists interacting in myriad ways over the evolutionary history of the involved “partners.” In this first of 2 parts, some remarkable examples of symbiosis will be explored, from the coral-algal symbiosis and nitrogen fixation to the great diversity of dietary specializations enabled by the gastrointestinal microbiota of animals.
The Nanjing Massacre. Changing Contours of History and Memory in Japan, China, and the U.S.

In Japan, China, the United States and beyond, arguably no Japanese wartime atrocity against China is more widely known than the Nanjing Massacre. [1] Whatever the significance of mere name recognition, however, the history and memory of the Nanjing Massacre are profoundly complex. Indeed, even the phrase “Nanjing Massacre” (hereafter NM) remains contested, and to this day there are circles within which the words cannot be spoken without stirring deep feeling and disagreement.
Abstract 2505: Comprehensive molecular and genomic characterization of pancreatic tropism in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Introduction & Objectives : Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) involving the pancreas have been shown to exhibit a relatively indolent course, yet the biologic explanation is unclear. We sought to characterize the genomic landscape of patients with mRCC harboring pancreatic metastases (PM) to identify molecular drivers of pancreatic tropism. Materials & Methods : mRCC patients harboring PM from UTSW and Cleveland Clinic were identified. Clinicopathologic data and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. Samples were obtained from primary tumors, metastatic sites (including pancreatic or other distant metastases), and matched normal tissue. Whole exome (WES) and RNA sequencing of tumors was conducted. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were generated from a subset of patients, and the engrafted tumors were analyzed. Results : 31 mRCC patients with PM were included with 54 tumor samples derived from the primary tumor or thrombus (24), PM (21), or other metastatic sites (9). Median follow-up was 101 months. Clinicopathologic characteristics were similar between the two institutional cohorts, and all but one patient were favorable or intermediate IMDC risk. All patients had clear cell histology. 8 patients (26%) were metastatic at diagnosis, and median time to metastasis in the remaining patients was 74 months (IQR 32-120). Overall (OS) and cancer-specific (CSS) survival did not vary by IMDC risk group. OS was strikingly superior for mRCC patients with PM than a historic control of mRCC patients without PM (p Conclusions : mRCC patients with PM exhibit remarkably favorable survival outcomes. The relatively indolent biology of these tumors is reflected histologically and genomically and can be recapitulated in PDX models. Understanding tumor heterogeneity may help refine prognostic models for mRCC and hold implications for improved personalization of therapy. Citation Format: Nirmish Singla, Jacob Choi, Oreoluwa Onabolu, Layton Woolford, Christina Stevens, Vanina Tcheuyap, Tiffani McKenzie, Zhiqun Xie, Tao Wang, Renee McKay, Alana Christie, Payal Kapur, Brian Rini, James Brugarolas. Comprehensive molecular and genomic characterization of pancreatic tropism in metastatic renal cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2505.
Research studies as texts: Sites for exploring the beliefs and learning of researchers and teachers

This chapter considers teachers’ assumptions and beliefs within studies of teaching. It examines researchers’ beliefs about knowledge or text, and discusses how these beliefs might influence not only the “findings” that they present, and also the way that the results of their research “are read” by others, including teachers. One way in which Annie Keith is different from most other teachers is that Annie now participates is the community of researchers and university professors. Another way that Annie differs from other cognitively-guided instruction teachers is that Annie feels comfortable in challenging a researcher’s thinking just as she might challenge her first graders and ask them to provide evidence for their thinking. The case of Keith presents a puzzle for researchers on teaching for Annie’s teaching has gone well beyond the original frameworks and knowledge she was given about addition and subtraction word problems and children’s strategies.
Simulation of Eocene extreme warmth and high climate sensitivity through cloud feedbacks

The Early Eocene, a period of elevated atmospheric CO2 (>1000 ppmv), is considered an analog for future climate. Previous modeling attempts have been unable to reproduce major features of Eocene climate indicated by proxy data without substantial modification to the model physics. Here, we present simulations using a state-of-the-art climate model forced by proxy-estimated CO2 levels that capture the extreme surface warmth and reduced latitudinal temperature gradient of the Early Eocene and the warming of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Our simulations exhibit increasing equilibrium climate sensitivity with warming and suggest an Eocene sensitivity of more than 6.6°C, much greater than the present-day value (4.2°C). This higher climate sensitivity is mainly attributable to the shortwave cloud feedback, which is linked primarily to cloud microphysical processes. Our findings highlight the role of small-scale cloud processes in determining large-scale climate changes and suggest a potential increase in climate sensitivity with future warming.
Multi-fidelity surrogate models for flutter database generation

Abstract In this article, multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS) models of critical flutter dynamic pressures as a function of Mach number, angle of attack and thickness to chord ratio are constructed in lieu of solely using computationally expensive high-fidelity engineering analyses. Once an accurate MFS is constructed, it can be used for evaluating a large number of designs for design space exploration as well as of Monte-Carlo samples for uncertainty quantification. To demonstrate that accurate MFS models can be obtained at lower computational cost than high-fidelity ones the well known AGARD 445.6 dynamic aeroelastic test case model is employed. The highest and lowest fidelity levels considered are Euler and panel solutions, respectively, all combined with a modal structural solver.
Designing Block-Based Programming Language Features to Support Upper Elementary Students in Creating Interactive Science Narratives

Recent years have seen a growing recognition of the importance of enabling K-12 students to engage in computational thinking, particularly in elementary grades where students' dispositions toward STEM are developing. Block-based programming has emerged as an effective tool for engaging these novice learners in computational thinking. At the same time, digital storytelling has emerged as a promising avenue for creating motivating problem-solving scenarios that engage students in science investigations. Although block-based programming and digital storytelling are in many ways synergistic, there is a lingering question of how to design block-based languages at an age-appropriate level to enable effective and engaging storytelling. In this work, we review design principles from prior block-based and digital storytelling systems as well as propose the design of block-based programming language features to enable the creation of rich, interactive science narratives by upper elementary students.
A wearable video-oculography based evaluation of saccades and respective clinical correlates in patients with early onset ataxia.

Abstract Background Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) and other inherited chronic ataxias (CAs) are common causes of early onset ataxias (EOA), a group of conditions still lacking effective therapies and biomarkers. Ocular saccades are considered a reliable paradigm of motor control, useful to track the functioning of underlying neural networks and serving as potential markers for neurological diseases. New Method A non-invasive video-oculography device (EyeSeeCam) was used to test saccadic parameters (latency, amplitude, duration, velocity) and peak velocity/amplitude ratio (“main sequence”) in pediatric patients with FRDA, CAs and healthy controls, providing correlations with standard clinical scores. Results Pattern of saccadic features differed between CA and FRDA. The main sequence analysis was impaired respectively in vertical saccades in CA, and in horizontal saccades in FRDA. In CA, the amplitude of vertical saccades was reduced, and the size inversely correlated with the Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) score. In FRDA the amplitude of horizontal saccades directly correlated with SARA score. Comparison with Existing Method EyeSeeCam allowed testing saccades easily and quickly even in pediatric patients with EOA. Conclusions The pattern of saccadic impairment differed between FRDA and CAs, resulting a prominent involvement of vertical saccades in CA and of horizontal ones in FRDA, which respectively correlated with SARA score. Since such differences may reflect distinct pathophysiological substrates, saccades emerged as a potential source of biomarkers in EOAs. Availability of handy tools, such as EyeSeeCam, may facilitate future research in this field.
The Heuristic for Thinking About Culturally Responsive Teaching (HiTCRiT)

Michele was hurrying to class. How, she thought, could she offer the students in her African American English in Society and Schools class a method of understanding, comparing, and abstracting the ...
Outcome of trauma and orthopaedic surgery at a UK District General Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction There are suggestions that elective surgery performed during the incubation period of COVID-19 infection may cause an immediate impairment of cell-mediated immunity, leading to high morbidity and mortality. However is contrasting data about the associated mortality. Since the outbreak, our unit has maintained a prospective database recording Trauma and Orthopaedic surgical activity. Our aim was to share our experience of the first 3 months with prospective data on outcome of essential surgery during the covid-19 peak. Our focus in this report was on the mortality rate as services begin to open. Methods: We prospectively collected data during the peak of the pandemic in the UK, for fracture neck of femur patients (NOF) the most commonly performed surgical procedure and the most vulnerable during this period. We compared this Covid-19 cohort of NOFs against a cohort of NOF’s during the same time in 2019 and another cohort of NOF’s in 2020 outside the lockdown period to compare mortality rates and give a broader perspective. Results During the period March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020, total of 206 patients were operated. Ninety-four fracture NOF and another one hundred twelve essential surgical procedures were performed. In the NOF cohort, there were nine patients that died. Three of them were covid-19 positive, one was not tested and the rest five were covid-19 negative. There was no mortality reported in the non NOF group. Conclusion: In our unit, during the lock down period, mortality rate in patients undergoing fracture NOF was not significantly different from a similar cohort earlier in the year and similar period last year. We have not observed any mortality, to date in the Non NOF procedures carried out.
Multi-omics analysis reveals contextual tumor suppressive and oncogenic gene modules within the acute hypoxic response

Cellular adaptation to hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer, but the relative contribution of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) versus other oxygen sensors to tumorigenesis is unclear. We employ a multi-omics pipeline including measurements of nascent RNA to characterize transcriptional changes upon acute hypoxia. We identify an immediate early transcriptional response that is strongly dependent on HIF1A and the kinase activity of its cofactor CDK8, includes indirect repression of MYC targets, and is highly conserved across cancer types. HIF1A drives this acute response via conserved high-occupancy enhancers. Genetic screen data indicates that, in normoxia, HIF1A displays strong cell-autonomous tumor suppressive effects through a gene module mediating mTOR inhibition. Conversely, in advanced malignancies, expression of a module of HIF1A targets involved in collagen remodeling is associated with poor prognosis across diverse cancer types. In this work, we provide a valuable resource for investigating context-dependent roles of HIF1A and its targets in cancer biology.
Oncologic Anthropology: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Association Between Genetically Defined African Ancestry and Susceptibility for Triple Negative Breast Cancer

This review aims to present contemporary research regarding the association between genetic/germline African ancestry and risk of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is more common in African American compared to White American women and contributes to breast cancer outcome disparities. Variation in the frequency of TNBC across different regions of Africa suggests that population migration (the African diaspora) and the genetics of African ancestry contribute to this epidemiology. Our group has coined the nomenclature “oncologic anthropology” to describe the study of these global breast cancer patterns. Cancer-associated founder mutations which have been identified for most ancestral heritage groups represent examples of oncologic anthropology. Herein, we present the expanding body of research related to the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC)/atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) and its association with cancer-related cytokines as a factor in the etiology of differences in breast cancer burden. DARC/ACKR1 expression on erythrocytes is also widely known as the “Duffy blood group,” and the genotype resulting in its absence (Duffy-null) was under strong evolutionary selection pressure in western, sub-Saharan Africa several thousand years ago because of the protection afforded by this phenotype against malaria pathogens. The Duffy-null allele is therefore nearly fixed among populations in this region of Africa, and it has varying prevalence among populations with admixed western sub-Saharan African ancestry (such as African Americans and East Africans). Recently characterized associations between an African ancestry-specific DARC/ACKR1 variant, breast tumor DARC/ACKR1 expression, and DARC/ACKR1 influence on cancer-associated chemokines indicate that this gene is important in understanding disease progression as well as breast cancer disparities.
Nuclear-magnetic-resonance analysis of the capsular antigen of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 9. Its identity with the capsular antigen of Escherichia coli K62 (K2ab), Neisseria meningitidis serogroup H and Pasteurella haemolytica serotype T15.

The specific capsular antigen of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 was characterized by one-dimensional and two-dimensional high-field nuclear-magnetic-resonance methods, and by chemical analyses, as a teichoic-acid-type polymer of a repeating unit having the structure The basic polymer structure is identical to capsular antigens of Neisseria meningitidis group H, Escherichia coli K62 (K2ab) and Pasteurella haemolytica serotype T15.
Hamlin Garland, Prairie Radical: Writings from the 1890s

Review of: "Hamlin Garland, Prairie Radical: Writings From the 1890s," edited by Donald Pizer.
Diltiazem and Granulomatous Hepatitis

A caste of granulomatous hepatitis proven by biopsy and related to diltiazem use is described. Clinicians should be alert to the possible presence of this complication in patients who develop fever, laboratory abnormalities, or clinical evidence of hepatic injury while taking diltiazem.
Summary of Delsarte's "Nombre de Solutions des Equations Polynomiales sur un Corps Fini"

An English summary is given of Jean Delsarte's article "Nombre de solutions des equations polynomiales sur un corps fini."
Using A Fortran Interface to POSIX Threads

Pthreads is the library of POSIX standard functions for concurrent, multithreaded programming. The POSIX standard only defines an application programming interface (API) to the C programming language, not to Fortran. Many scientific and engineering applications are written in Fortran. Also, many of these applications exhibit functional, or tasklevel, concurrency. They would benefit from multithreading, especially on symmetric multiprocessors (SMP). We summarize here an interface to that part of the Pthreads library that is compatible with standard Fortran. The contribution consists of two primary source files: a Fortran module and a collection of C wrappers to Pthreads functions. The Fortran module defines the data structures, interface and initialization routines used to manage threads. The stability and portability of the Fortran API to Pthreads is demonstrated using common mathematical computations on three different systems.
Decision Support Systems: An Applied Managerial Approach

INTRODUCTION TO DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS. Decision Making. COMPONENTS OF A DSS. Data Components. Model Components. Intelligence and Decision Support Systems. User-Interface Components. Mail Components. ISSUES OF DESIGN. International Decision Support Systems. Designing a Decision Support System. Object-Oriented Technologies and Decision Support Systems Design. Implementation and Evaluation of Decision Support Systems. RELATED SYSTEMS. Group Decision Support Systems. Executive Information Systems. Photo Credits. Index.
A senior design experience

For some time electrical engineering students at Loyola Marymount University have been required to complete, what has become, an undergraduate thesis. Emphasis was on individual research. In an attempt to place increased emphasis on creativity, the course was modified to provide student with a group design experience. A project is selected which would require students to incorporate material from most of their upper division engineering courses, provide a service component, and familiarize the student with the various facets of the design process. Teams completed the same, assigned project. As expected, since a variety of solutions are possible, different solutions result. At the end of the semester, a student survey of the class is taken. In addition, the Dean, at his interviews with each of the graduating students obtained comments concerning the class. The response of the students has been very positive. Additionally, faculty teaching related engineering courses reported that students are more interested and involved in their courses than in previous years. The project provides them with ready-made real world examples.
Anatomy of the 2008 Financial Crisis (Part II): Institutional Fragility in the Supply of Money and Credit

This document continues (see, Part I) my attempt to understand and build consensus about the causes and solutions to the financial crisis. The document summarizes my ideas and is intended to be written so that a non-specialist can grasp the content and contribute to the discussion. Part II differs from Part I because of its focus on institutional structures in the current US monetary system that give rise to contagion - thus having caused the crisis to spread from the financial sector to the broader economy.
Do insiders have inside tracks: An examination of Wall Street Journal's Inside Track columns?

This study investigates how the stock market reacts to the publications of the Wall Street Journal's “Inside Track” columns in two distinct time periods, 1988 to 1993 and 2002 to 2004. It first examines the stock return behavior during the trading period, the filing period, and the publication day for firms appeared in the Inside Track columns in the period of 1988 to 1993 and then provides a validity test with a sample from 2002 to 2004. The evidence indicates that the market tends to under-react to the insider trading information and insiders tend to be information-motivated traders. The significant filing period returns along with significant publication period returns are consistent with the gradual price adjustment argument. The study also finds that market reactions to the publications are significantly related to insider trading when the trades involve the board chairman.
The Great Explanandum

ALFRED W. CROSBY'S The Measure of Reality: Quantification and Western Society, 1250-1600 is a broad survey of measurement animated by captivating examples drawn from four centuries of mathematics, astronomy, music, painting, and bookkeeping. The thesis he develops from this survey is that the unique success of European imperialism can be explained by a shift in Western mentalite in the late thirteenth century from a qualitative to a quantitative perception of reality. The larger significance of this book is that it is one of the more careful attempts to provide rigorous argument and historical documentation for a set of themes common in the historical literature of the twentieth century-radical breaks in Western thought and the uniqueness of the West. And as such, the shortcomings of Crosby's book suggest some of the larger problems in an entire genre of world history. The more focused historical problem that Crosby addresses-setting aside for a moment larger claims about the West and its uniqueness-is an exceedingly complex one: the explication of a series of historical contingencies that led to the superiority of specific European empires (and not others) as of the nineteenth century in weaponry, navigation, and bureaucratic administration. Tracing any facet of these developments in Europe is a monumental task. Weaponry alone, for example, requires analyses of the developments in chemistry, metallurgy, and technology, to name a few, that transformed cannons from ineffective to deadly weapons.' Another aspect of the explanation would be the enormous manpower invested in the study of cannons by Italian mathematicians,2 and the fortuitous fact that the problems of ballistics turned out to have mathematical solutions. But a complete explanation would also require comparative analysis, examining why other nations invested less in developing these particular technologies. The most obvious approach to explaining superiority in weapons, then, might be a comparative history of weapons. However, victors of military conquest often prefer loftier explanations for their superiority; and Europeans are hardly unique in their attempts to attribute their success to more noble cultural traits claimed to be uniquely their own. Crosby
Mechanisms of the stimulation of rat uterine peroxidase activity by methoxychlor.

Abstract Methoxychlor (MXC) has adverse effects on fertility and rat uteri via its active metabolite HPTE (2,2-bis( p -hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane). Uterine peroxidase, a marker of estrogen action, was used to probe potential mechanisms of MXC's adverse effects. Specifically, our objective was to compare the regulation of the effects of estrogen and MXC on uterine peroxidase. Immature female rats were treated with MXC (250 mg/kg; gavage) 24 h prior to the measurement of uterine peroxidase activity, with or without concurrent treatment with actinomycin D, cycloheximide, progesterone, or tamoxifen. MXC alone produced an increased in peroxidase activity. The prior and/or concurrent treatment with the compounds listed blocked the MXC-induced stimulation of peroxidase. These data show similarities between the mechanisms of estrogen MXC action. Both estrogen and MXC act to stimulate uterine peroxidase activity via increased RNA and protein synthesis and this stimulation can be blocked by progesterone and tamoxifen.
Teaching NeuroImage: one-and-a-half syndrome.

A 28-year-old right-handed man with no medical history presented with sudden onset of double vision. The patient stated that the double vision was worse when looking to the right, and he was not able to move his eyes to the left. On examination, the patient had a conjugate gaze palsy to the left …
Application of Horizon Sensor Measurements in Kalman Filtering Techniques for On-Board Orbit Navigation During Aerobraking

The problem of determining the dynamic state vector, i.e., the position and velocity of a spacecraft as it proceeds along its trajectory, is known as orbit navigation. One approach to this problem is to process a sequence of measurements of the position or velocity through some form of batch or recursive estimation. Numerous approaches to orbit navigation that utilize Kalman filtering of on-board sensors are described in the literature. These sensors include the global positioning system (GPS), magnetic field, star trackers, and horizon sensor measurements. Optical measurements, such as star cameras and horizon sensors, have the advantage of being applied to high-altitude Earth orbits and planetary missions where GPS and magnetic field measurements are not available. In this study, the extended Kalman filtering technique, using horizon sensor measurements, is applied to the problem of real-time on-board navigation during the aerobraking phase of a Mars mission. The technique of aerobraking is used to lower a satellite into its final mission orbit from an initial highly elliptic orbit using successive drag passes at the periapsis to control the removal of orbital energy. The results of Monte Carlo simulations of the inplane orbit dynamics demonstrate the usefulness of the extended Kalman filter approach in the navigation of spacecraft during an aerobraking operation. An improvement in the filter performance is realized when the Kalman filter prototype is augmented with an atmospheric drag force model.
Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of folded and unfolded states of an integral membrane protein.

The vibrational structure of native anchoring tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine residues in an integral membrane protein, bacterial outer membrane protein A (OmpA), have been investigated using UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy for the first time. Spectra of native OmpA, a single-Trp mutant, and a Trp-less mutant were recorded in folded and unfolded states, and reveal significant changes in tryptophan structure and local environment. Salient alterations upon folding include loss of hydrogen-bonding character of indole N1H, evidenced by a shift in W17 frequency from 874 and 878 cm−1, and growth in hydrophobicity of the local tryptophan environment, supported by increase in the ratio I1361/I1340. In addition to these site-specific changes in a single tryptophan residue, modification of the vibrational structure of the remaining native tryptophan and tyrosine amino acids is also evident. Finally, the UVRR data presented here indicate that the structures of OmpA folded in vesicle and folded in detergent may ...
Geochemistry of a subarctic salt marsh environment

Abstract Sediment and soil samples were collected along three transects located in a subartic salt marsh at North Point on the southwest coast of James Bay, Ont. Canada. Samples were analysed for major elements (Ti, Mg, Ca, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Si, Al, P and S) and trace metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, Cr, Hg and Zn). In addition, inorganic and organic carbon, clay mineralogy, and particle size were determined. Results were subjected to a geological factor-analysis program. In general, the elemental composition of sediments reflected the contributions from major sources of bedrock in the area, Paleozoic carbonates, and Canadian Shield igneous and metamorphic rocks. Important factors controlling elemental composition appear to be: (1) the composition of parent material, (2) chemical/physical changes which occur during erosion and transportation, and (3) chemical/physical changes which occur in situ, either during sedimentation or diagenesis.
Robomech-II: a stack of two four-bar mechanisms for dual-function task applications

This paper presents Robomech-II, the second in a new class of linkage arms called Robomechs. A robomech is a parallel architecture arm. It represents an inter-marriage between a mechanism and a robot, devised to perform coordinated multi-function tasks. In particular, Robomech-II is formed of a stack of two four-bar (4R) linkages. It requires two independently actuated joints to perform a specific dual-function task. In this paper, the features of Robomech-II are discussed, a procedure for its synthesis is outlined and an application example is given.
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism from an autotransplanted parathyroid adenoma.

AUTOTRANSPLANTATION of human parathyroid tissue into the forearm prevents hypoparathyroidism after total removal of parathyroid tissue from the neck.1 , 2 This procedure has been principally applied at the time of first operation in patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure. Since the secondarily hyperplastic cells presumably retain normal functional capacity, a small autograft can restore approximately normal mineral homeostasis.1 2 3 4 This procedure could be applied to all forms of parathyroid hyperplasia,1 although concern has been expressed about the possible risk of recurrent or persistent disease.5 This report illustrates one possible long-term complication of autotransplantation using tissue with abnormal cellular function. We . . .
Chromatophore systems in teleosts and cephalopods: a levels oriented analysis of convergent systems.

The neural control of chromatophore display in cephalopod mollusks and teleost fishes is reviewed in the context of convergence of functional-anatomical pathways and mechanisms at several levels of organization. The effector elements or chromatophores are different in origin and design in the two groups of animals. Major functional differences appear to be in the speed of response (greatest in cephalopods) and the magnitude of non-neural control mechanisms (greatest in teleosts). Despite the differences, the elements demonstrate striking overall functional similarity. Elements of different types form highly organized array patterns of similar general complexity. Innervation patterns in cephalopods and teleosts seem comparable, with control being unidirectional (albeit in opposite directions); some elements demonstrate polyaxonal innervation. Motor units in both groups are generally composed of many chromatophores. Packard's concept of 'cronological units' of similar age-classes of chromatophores being innervated by similar age-classes of motor neurons greatly simplifies the understanding of relationships between the static arrays and the physiological units that utilize them to produce chromatic displays. The lower motor control areas for both groups have been grossly identified. Chromatomotor neurons in cephalopods are mostly located in the chromatophore lobes of the subesophageal brain while comparable systems in teleosts are situated in sympathetic chain ganglia (preganglionics) and the rostral spinal cord (postganglionics). Chromatic components are the simplest visually detectable units of color display, e.g. vertical bands and fin spots. They combine to form more complex chromatic patterns, which, in turn, are integrated with components of skin texture, posture and movement to produce display behaviors. Complexity of such systems seems to be of the same order of magnitude in both cephalopods and teleosts. Areas of the CNS related to each of the categorical levels have not been clearly defined. Crude patterning may take place in the basal and, perhaps, peduncle lobes in cephalopods and in the lower and intermediate medulla in teleosts. In both groups, higher level control relates to areas involved in sensorimotor integration and mediation of agonistic, sexual, and, perhaps, other types of behavior: the peduncle and optic lobes in cephalopods and the hypothalamus, tegmentum, otic tectum, torus semicircularis, thalamus and telencephalon in fishes. The systems appear to parallel each other in being organized hierarchically, with similar levels of complexity. Some of the regions may be especially important for regulating color patterns in response to visual input. Overall, chromatomotor control systems in cephalopods and teleosts demonstrate many apparent convergent features. Possible factors responsible for the similarities are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Brain calcium - Role in temperature regulation.

Perfusion of the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus with excess calcium ion in ground squirrels produces a drop in core temperature. The magnitude of the drop is directly dependent on ambient temperature. Respiration, heart rate, and oxygen consumption are also reduced during perfusion of calcium ion. It is concluded that the depression of body temperature during calcium ion perfusion is due to generalized depression of the neurons of the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus.
Citizen Contacting In An Urban County: Hillsborough County, Florida

This paper reports the results of citizen contacting in a large, urban county in Florida-Hillsborough County. Three surveys, conducted in 1989, studied the differences among three types of residents: those living in incorporated areas, those living in unincorporated areas, and those living in unincorporatd areas with urban characteristics. The results indicate that important differences exist between residents in their propensity to contact county officials. These findings support the need for a contingency-based model of citizen demand-making.
Human Dermal Fibroblast Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1ra) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA and Protein Are Co-Stimulated by Phorbol Ester: Implication for a Homeostatic Mechanism

Although the major functions of fibroblasts are to produce extracellular matrix and to maintain a structural framework for organ systems, recent studies have demonstrated that fibroblasts are active participants in inflammatory processes by synthesizing various inflammatory mediators. In this report, we provide evidence that fibroblasts may contribute to the regulation of inflammation by the synthesis of both the intracellular form and the secretory form of interleukin-1 receptor antagonists in conjunction with interleukin-1 beta production. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy localized interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1 beta proteins primarily in the fibroblast cytoplasm. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of reverse-transcribed mRNA with primers specific for the intracellular form of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist detected cDNA fragments present in both unstimulated and phorbol ester-stimulated fibroblasts, identical in molecular size to that in unstimulated keratinocytes. Amplification with primers specific for the secretory form of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, however, detected cDNA fragments in phorbol ester-stimulated fibroblasts and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells, but not in unstimulated fibroblasts or keratinocytes. The amplified fibroblast cDNA sequences for both intracellular and secretory interleukin-1 receptor antagonists were confirmed by digestion with three restriction endonucleases. By ethidium bromide visualization of amplified cDNA derived from serially diluted total cellular RNA and by Southern blot hybridization analysis of amplified cDNA, we have demonstrated that fibroblast interleukin-1 receptor antagonist mRNA and interleukin-1 beta mRNA were co-stimulated by phorbol ester. Similarly, ELISA demonstrated that fibroblast cytoplasmic interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein and interleukin-1 beta protein were co-stimulated by phorbol ester. Our data suggests that the intracellular form of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist may be important in maintaining physiologic homeostasis in fibroblasts during interleukin-1 beta induction and release.
β-Endorphin inhibits insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets

Intravenous administration of small doses of beta-endorphin causes immediate suppression of basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in normal rabbits. The purpose of the present study was to determine if beta-endorphin directly inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from rabbit pancreatic islets. Islets were isolated from male New Zealand White rabbits and perifused for 1 h with medium containing 100 mg/dl glucose (M100) followed by a 1-h challenge with medium containing 300 mg/dl glucose (M300) with or without beta-endorphin and/or the specific opioid antagonist naloxone. Samples were collected every 5 min during the last 30 min of the baseline perifusion with M100 and during the 1-h challenge with the stimulatory concentration of glucose (M300). Total insulin secretion for each 1-h period was calculated by adding the areas under the curves for twice the 30-min baseline period and for the 1-h challenge period. The mean +/- SE area for the control islets during perifusion with M100 was 5.9 +/- 0.8 microU/islet.h. M300 stimulated a 4.2-fold increase in the amount of insulin secreted (24.5 +/- 3.6 microU/islet.h). The stimulated rate of insulin release was sustained throughout the 1-h test period with M300, averaging 0.42 +/- 0.02 microU insulin/islet.min. beta-Endorphin inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Maximal suppression of insulin secretion to a level well below the baseline secretion rate was produced by 300 nM beta-endorphin (1.9 +/- 0.3 microU/islet.h). The first 15 min of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was 6 times less sensitive to the inhibitory effect of beta-endorphin than was the next 45 min. The concentrations of beta-endorphin causing 50% inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (IC50) for the 5- to 15-, 20- to 60-, and 5- to 60-min intervals were 1.96, 0.35, and 0.57 nM, respectively. Naloxone (3 microM) had no effect on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but partially antagonized the inhibitory effect of 30 nM beta-endorphin (10.2 +/- 2.9 microU/islet.h naloxone plus beta-endorphin vs. 2.6 +/- 1.1 microU/islet.h beta-endorphin; P less than 0.05). These data demonstrate that beta-endorphin, at low concentrations, has a direct inhibitory effect on insulin secretion, and they support the idea that a naloxone-sensitive beta-endorphin-binding component is present in pancreatic islets.
Court-ordered treatment of spouse abuse

A growing societal awareness of the frequency and seriousness of spouse abuse has brought with it increased reliance on clinical interventions. Over the past decade, the use of court-ordered psychotherapeutic treatments as a pretrial diversion or dispositional alternative has increased dramatically. Currently, little published research has documented the effectiveness of these court-ordered treatments. The studies reviewed here cast doubt on the assumption that mandatory psychotherapeutic treatments are effective in reducing future incidents of violence between spouses. The incremental benefit of court-ordered treatment over the deterrent effects of traditional criminal justice system remedies is unclear. Differences in abuse recidivism between subjects court-ordered into treatment and subjects arrested and untreated have been small. In addition, subjects withdraw from treatment despite a court order to attend, indicating that legal system involvement does not motivate many unwilling subjects. Furthermore, subjects who discontinue treatment prematurely remain violence-free almost as often as subjects who complete treatment programs, thus drawing into question the, specific impact of clinical treatment for men who abuse their spouses. Future research is necessary to elucidate the precise benefits and appropriate focus of court-ordered treatment programs.
Malignant neoplasms subsequent to treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with 6-mercaptopurine.

OBJECTIVE: Most complications of 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occur early, whereas neoplasms occur late in the course. Concern persists that the risk is increased when 6MP is used. We report our experience with malignant tumors developing over 27 yr of treating IBD patients with 6MP. METHODS: A total of 591 patients with IBD treated with 6MP between 1969 and 1997 were followed or traced until present to identify all malignant tumors and blood dyscrasias that had developed to determine the type, distribution, and duration of the IBD, the dose and duration of 6MP therapy, the concurrent versus previous use of 6MP, the incidence and probable relationship of 6MP to specific neoplasms, and whether the 6MP had been effective in treatment. RESULTS: A total of 550 patients (93%) fulfilled the criteria for follow-up; these included 380 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 170 with ulcerative colitis (UC). Twenty-five patients had developed neoplasms (16 of 380 CD and nine of 170 UC) (p = 0.66). In half of the cases, the goal of therapy had been achieved with 6MP. In 10 patients, the neoplasm was diagnosed while the patients were taking 6MP (40%) and in 15, many years after the 6MP had been terminated (60%). The incidence of neoplasms (25 of 550) was 2.7/1000 patient-years of follow-up. The most common neoplasms were found in the bowel (eight of 550, 1.6%; five CD, and three UC), and breast (three, 0.5%; two CD, and one UC). Non-Hodgkins lymphomas occurred in two patients with CD; one was cerebral and the other abdominal. One patient with CD developed leukemia. The duration of 6MP therapy ranged from 5 months to 22 yr, with a mean of 5 yr. The dose of 6MP ranged from a quarter of a tablet/day (12.5 mg) to 100 mg/day, with the majority in a range from 50 to 75 mg/day. CONCLUSION: In no instance could a neoplasm be attributed to the use of 6MP. The incidence of colon cancer is not greater than that with long standing colitis. Suspicion of a relationship between 6MP and leukemia/lymphoma persists, but the incidence is low. This must be weighed against the improved quality of life due to 6MP for patients with IBD.
Effective porosity of unconsolidated sand; Estimation and impact on capture zone geometry

Effective and total porosity were measured for three sand samples, and a computer model was used to evaluate the impact of effective porosity (ne) on the geometry of a groundwater capture zone. Estimates of effective porosity ranged from 90 to 94 percent of values obtained for total porosity. While the magnitude of effective porosity is inversely proportional to capture zone area, the upgradient radius of capture is most sensitive to changes in the magnitude ofne. Incremental changes in the magnitude ofne have the greatest impact on capture zone radii for low values ofne. The results of this study suggest that: (1) a simple permeameter and vacuum pump apparatus can facilitate the estimation of effective porosity for unconsolidated sands, (2) the magnitude of effective porosity is close to that of total porosity for unconsolidated sand, and (3) accurate estimates of effective porosity are important for modeling the remediation of contaminated groundwater with capture zones.
Tournament Behavior in Hedge Funds: High-water Marks, Fund Liquidation, and Managerial Stake

We analyze whether risk shifting by a hedge fund manager is related to the manager's incentive contract, personal capital stake, and the risk of fund closure. We find that the propensity to increase risk following poor performance is significantly weaker when incentive pay is tied to the fund's high-water mark and when funds face little immediate risk of liquidation. Risk shifting is also less prevalent when a manager has a significant amount of personal capital invested in the fund. Overall, high-water mark provisions, managerial stake, and low risk of fund closure appear to make a hedge fund manager more conservative with regard to risk shifting.