cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical mechanics of simple models of protein folding and design

It is now believed that the primary equilibrium aspects of simple models of protein folding are understood theoretically. However, current theories often resort to rather heavy mathematics to overcome some technical difficulties inherent in the problem or start from a phenomenological model. To this end, we take a new approach in this pedagogical review of the statistical mechanics of protein folding. The benefit of our approach is a drastic mathematical simplification of the theory, without resort to any new approximations or phenomenological prescriptions. Indeed, the results we obtain agree precisely with previous calculations. Because of this simplification, we are able to present here a thorough and self contained treatment of the problem. Topics discussed include the statistical mechanics of the random energy model (REM), tests of the validity of REM as a model for heteropolymer freezing, freezing transition of random sequences, phase diagram of designed ("minimally frustrated") sequences, and the degree to which errors in the interactions employed in simulations of either folding and design can still lead to correct folding behavior.
In vitro analysis of pulmonary inflammation using rat lung organ cultures.

We have analyzed leukocyte to lung adhesive interactions and neutrophil-mediated lung injury using a rat lung organ culture system. Rat lung slices were maintained in tissue culture on gelatin sponges floating at the gas-liquid interface. Maintenance of three-dimensional alveolar structure, critical to the viability of lung tissue, was achieved by instilling 0.5% agarose (in 37°C RPMI 1640) into the lungs during tissue explanation. Quantitative neutrophil to lung adhesive interactions were examined using an adaptation of the Woodruff-Stamper frozen section binding assay. Pretreatment of organ cultures with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rhTNF) resulted in a protein synthesis-dependent three- to fourfold increase in adhesiveness for neutrophils. Time course and mononuclear leukocyte binding experiments revealed that TNF-induced rat lung adhesiveness peaks at 4 h and is largely neutrophil-specific. Agonist-induced activation of neutrophils in the presence of [3H]leucine-labeled organ cultures resu...
Serum immunoglobulin levels in farmer's lung disease

Abstract The serum concentrations of the five major classes of immunoglobulins were measured in 27 farmer's lung patients and compared with a group of normals and a group of patients with diffuse lung disease, but no precipitins to our antigen panel. The mean IgG and IgA levels in the sera of the farmer's lung patients were found to be significantly higher than that of the normal group. In addition, the IgG level of the farmer's lung group was also significantly higher than the group with negative precipitin tests. The remaining immunoglobulin classes, IgM, IgD, and IgE, were not remarkably different from normal in either diffuse lung disease group.
Variations in interstate migration of men across the early stages of the life cycle

This paper examines the impact of job characteristics and of length of residence in one place on the likelihood of interstate migration for young men at different points in the early life course. An event history analysis of a sample of U.S. white males between the ages of 14 and 39 indicates that job rewards and location-specific resources vary at different stages of the life cycle, that the effects of some of these job-related factors differ according to marital status, and that the rate of interstate migration is significantly more dependent on length of residence for married men with children than for single men.
Moat-guarded Josephson SQUIDs

We report experimental investigations of a simple structure, called a moat, which significantly reduces the probability of flux-trapping in Josephson SQUIDs. Proper operation of Josephson logic and memory circuits requires that the SQUIDs be free of stray magnetic flux that may become trapped in the superconducting groundplane upon cooling through the critical temperature. The problem is particularly severe for so-called holey SQUIDs which rely on holes in the groundplane to obtain suitably large device inductances. Moats are rectangular channels in the groundplane surrounding the SQUID's which provide preferred sites for trapping flux, thus preventing such flux from coupling to the SQUID. We have measured the effectiveness of moats by monitoring the flux trapped in the moats and comparing it to the flux trapped in the associated SQUID as a function of applied field. The number of flux quanta in the moat is determined by measuring the shift of the threshold curve of a two-junction SQUID coupled to the moat. The data indicates that at fields on the order of a mG, moats reduce the sensitivity of holey SQUIDs to trapped flux by at least several orders of magnitude. As the chips are cooled through T c , transient magnetic fields are produced in the metallic sample holder parts surrounding the chip by thermal-gradient-induced EMF's. The effects of such magnetic fields on the flux trapping behaviour of the SQUIDs are also reported.
Behavioral Indicators of Predator Space Use: Studying Species Interactions Through the Behavior of Predators

Predation has major impacts on survival and reproductive success for many species. To quantify these effects, ecologists often choose to intensively study prey populations to measure predation rates and/or estimate predator abundance. But in some cases, predation rates are less strongly related to predator abundance per se than to spatial and temporal patterns of predator space use; thus, quantifying the latter may provide meaningful surrogates of predation rates that scale up to larger areas. This is particularly true when safety for prey, especially sessile and vulnerable prey, is strongly linked to predator-free space. Our own research programs have used two general types of behavioral indicators to quantify space use by predators: giving-up densities, as a surrogate for patch quitting harvest rates, and activity density. We discuss two general mechanisms by which predator-free (or predator-poor) space is created and link these mechanisms to behavioral indicators that can be easily collected in the fie...
Contemporary plate motions from Lageos: A decade later

Progress made due to Lageos tracking and the participation of over 20 countries in the acquisition and analysis of precise range measurements is reviewed. Results of both the observed global and regional plate kinematics are presented. Mission accomplishments include the following: (1) laser technology advancements of more than an order of magnitude in single point range precision over the last ten years, (2) station positioning at the few centimeter accuracy level for annual solutions, and (3) the emergence of a global picture of plate kinematics.
Hindlimb Unloading of Growing Rats: A Model for Predicting Skeletal Changes During Space Flight

A model that uses hindlimb unloading of rats was developed to study the consequences of skeletal unloading and reloading as occurs during and following space flight. Studies using the model were initiated two decades ago and further developed at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Ames Research Center. The model mimics some aspects of exposure to microgravity by removing weightbearing loads from the hindquarters and producing a cephalic fluid shift. Unlike space flight, the forelimbs remain loaded in the model, providing a useful internal control to distinguish between the local and systemic effects of hindlimb unloading. Rats that are hindlimb unloaded by tail traction gain weight at the same rate as pairfed controls, and glucocorticoid levels are not different from controls, suggesting that systemic stress is minimal. Unloaded bones display reductions in cancellous osteoblast number, cancellous mineral apposition rate, trabecular bone volume, cortical periosteal mineralization rate, total bone mass, calcium content, and maturation of bone mineral relative to controls. Subsequent studies reveal that these changes also occur in rats exposed to space flight. In hindlimb unloaded rats, bone formation rates and masses of unloaded bones decline relative to controls, while loaded bones do not change despite a transient reduction in serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) concentrations. Studies using the model to evaluate potential countermeasures show that 1,25D, growth hormone, dietary calcium, alendronate, and muscle stimulation modify, but do not completely correct, the suppression of bone growth caused by unloading, whereas continuous infusion of transforming growth factor-beta2 or insulin-like growth factor-1 appears to protect against some of the bone changes caused by unloading. These results emphasize the importance of local as opposed to systemic factors in the skeletal response to unloading, and reveal the pivotal role that osteoblasts play in the response to gravitational loading. The hindlimb unloading model provides a unique opportunity to evaluate in detail the physiological and cellular mechanisms of the skeletal response to weightbearing loads, and has proven to be an effective model for space flight.
Immunomodulation of transplant rejection using monoclonal antibodies and soluble receptors.

The main objective of our studies has been to optimize the effects of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and other immunosuppressive reagents to enhance organ graft survival. One such agent is OKT3, a MAb that is directed against the CD3 component of the human T-cell receptor (TCR) complex. Treatment of a rejection episode with OKT3 results in a rapid and efficient clearing of circulating T cells and reversal of most rejection episodes. Its wider use in transplantation and in the treatment of immune-mediated disease is limited by adverse reactions that follow the initial dose, the production of neutralizing Abs, and the transient nature of the immunosuppression. We have engineered CDR-grafted “humanized” anti-CD3 MAbs that lack Fc-receptor binding activity through mutagenesis of amino acids in the Fc portion of the MAb. This results in an immunosuppressive anti-CD3 MAb that is less antigenic and one that does not induce the first-dose side effects. In addition, we have pursued a goal of developing a therapy that will induce donor-specific tolerance while maintaining overall recipient immune competency. Because antigen-specific T-cell activation depends not only on TCR-ligand interaction, but also on additional costimulatory signals mediated by accessory molecules such as CD28, blocking the binding of CD28 on T cells to its ligand B7, during TCR engagement, might modulate transplantation responses. Using a soluble fusion protein of human CTLA4, CTLA4-Ig, that binds B7 with high affinity, inhibition of human pancreatic islet rejection that occurs, at least in part, by affecting T-cell recognition of human B7+ antigen-presenting cells has been demonstrated. In addition, CTLA4-Ig induces long-term, donor-specific unresponsiveness.
A Contribution to the Origin of the Green River Formation and Its Oil Shale

As a result of the writer's field work on the Green River formation, and his study of the microfossils of the oil shale and of the analogy of the shale with the deposits of modern lakes, there appears to be the following trend in the formation's geologic history: The Green River lakes were formed as relatively stable, shallow, fresh-water bodies; under climatic influence they gradually changed to lakes that periodically filled and evaporated but that supported a luxuriant microflora. In the third stage they became quite strongly alkaline ponds, perhaps playa-like, in the muds of which considerable glauberite crystallized out. In the shallow, expanding and contracting fresh or mildly alkaline lakes of the intermediate stage organic ooze consisting almost wholly of plankton organisms (dominantly microscopic algae) accumulated in large quantities. Bacteria caused active putrefaction of the ooze and evaporation reduced the decaying mass to a syrupy consistency or occasionally to actual dryness. This macerated organic matter was covered by the deposits of the next cycle and subsequently lithified into oil shale.
Occurrence of squalene in skin surface lipids of the otter, the beaver and the kinkajou

In a previous survey of the skin surface lipids of 46 mammalian species, it was found that only 3, the otter, the beaver and the kinkajou, contained components with chromatographic mobility similar to squalene, and in each case, this material was the predominant constituent. The materials in question have now been isolated from each of these species and identified as squalene by thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography and infrared spectroscopy. The occurrence of squalene in the surface lipids of these particular species cannot be explained on the basis of either their evolutionary relationship or ecological niche.
Influence of dry matter and nitrogen intakes on fecal nitrogen losses in cattle.

Abstract Dietary factors influencing loss of fecal nitrogen in Holstein steers have been examined in data on metabolism from forage diets. Two factors, total nitrogen and dry matter intake, accounted for a large part of the variation in fecal nitrogen. Nitrogen intake expressed as grams per kilogram dry matter intake more accurately accounted for variability in total fecal nitrogen than did nitrogen intake expressed as grams per animal per day. Data were from trials on 68 forages covering a range of nitrogen intakes and of nitrogen concentration in dry matter of forage. Correlations were .93 between total fecal nitrogen and dry matter intake, .90 between total fecal nitrogen and total nitrogen intake, and .95 between total fecal nitrogen and total fecal dry matter. However, at high and low nitrogen intake there was evidence of departure from a linear relationship. The relative usefulness of three regression analyses to estimate metabolic fecal nitrogen is discussed.
Dietary heterogeneity among Western industrialized countries reflected in the stable isotope ratios of human hair.

Although the globalization of food production is often assumed to result in a homogenization of consumption patterns with a convergence towards a Western style diet, the resources used to make global food products may still be locally produced (glocalization). Stable isotope ratios of human hair can quantify the extent to which residents of industrialized nations have converged on a standardized diet or whether there is persistent heterogeneity and glocalization among countries as a result of different dietary patterns and the use of local food products. Here we report isotopic differences among carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope ratios of human hair collected in thirteen Western European countries and in the USA. European hair samples had significantly lower δ13C values (−22.7 to −18.3‰), and significantly higher δ15N (7.8 to 10.3‰) and δ34S (4.8 to 8.3‰) values than samples from the USA (δ13C: −21.9 to −15.0‰, δ15N: 6.7 to 9.9‰, δ34S: −1.2 to 9.9‰). Within Europe, we detected differences in hair δ13C and δ34S values among countries and covariation of isotope ratios with latitude and longitude. This geographic structuring of isotopic data suggests heterogeneity in the food resources used by citizens of industrialized nations and supports the presence of different dietary patterns within Western Europe despite globalization trends. Here we showed the potential of stable isotope analysis as a population-wide tool for dietary screening, particularly as a complement of dietary surveys, that can provide additional information on assimilated macronutrients and independent verification of data obtained by those self-reporting instruments.
A Minus-I Quadrupole System for Containing Aberration-Correction Octupoles

Octupoles may be used to correct the third order spherical aberration of quadrupole transport systems. Crosstalk in the coupling of an octupole placed at a given point causes it to add a term with the wrong sign in the y-channel if it has the right sign in the x-channel, thus severely reducing efficiency. It is often convenient to utilize a special correcting section insertion which is seen as a +I transfer matrix by the first order focussing. Within point-to-point thin lens optics we give two-parameter systems with 16 magnets having locations with large Sx where Sy = 0 and vice versa for octupole placement.
A loop-free algorithm for generating the linear extensions of a poset

A precise concept of when a combinatorial counting problem is “hard” was first introduced by Valiant (1979) when he defined the notion of a #P-complete problem. Correspondingly, there has been consistent interest in the notion of when a combinatorial listing problem admits a very special regular structure in which transition times between objects being listed are uniformly bounded by a fixed constant. Early descriptions of suchloop-free listing algorithms may be found in the bookAlgorithmic Combinatorics by Even (1973). Recently, the problem of counting all linear extensions of a partially ordered set has received attention with regard to both of these combinatorial concepts. Brightwell and Winkler (1991) have shown, by a very ingenious argument, that the poset-extension counting problem is #P-complete. Pruesse and Ruskey (1992) have shown that the corresponding listing problem can be solved in constant amortized time and have posed the problem of finding a loop-free algorithm for the poset-extension problem. The present paper presents a solution to this latter problem. This sequence of results represents an interesting juxtaposition, in a fixed, naturally-occurring combinatorial problem, of intricate and precisely defined “irregularities” with respect to counting with very strong regularities with respect to listing.
Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Films: Phase Transition, Stabilization, and Nanoscale Templates

A morphological transition of asymmetric poly(styrene-b-acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) films is observed by in situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in aqueous media. Upon initial exposure to buffer solution at pH 7.4, spherical PAA domains swell through a glassy PS surface layer to form negatively charged mushroom caps. With further exposure, the PAA caps coalesce to produce a smooth, highly wettable surface. However, if films are exposed to a buffer solution containing 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) for 1 h, the PAA domain swelling is greatly reduced and the mushroom caps stabilize at a diameter of 33 nm. This stabilization results from a cross-linking reaction between PAA and APTES, which also converts the PAA domains from a net negative to net positive charge. By varying molecular weights of PAA block in PS-b-PAA, the feature size and spacing can be tuned. To demonstrate an application for this template with positively charged domains, a cytoskeletal filament, F-Actin with a net negative charge, is org...
Simultaneous Basepoint Correction and Signal Recognition in Multidimensional NMR Spectra

Abstract A new algorithm is presented for basepoint correction of real, frequency-domain, NMR spectra. The algorithm uses an iterative approach to simultaneously accomplish the mutually dependent tasks of signal recognition and basepoint correction. The algorithm requires ( n + 1) adjustable parameters for n -dimensional spectra and is applicable to any type of NMR spectrum.
Production control in a kanban-like system with defective outputs

Abstract We analyze a simple model of a production system, controlled using a variant of the kanban system, where each stage may produce defective items. We use the model to compare alternative product-test sites and to explore in detail the benefits of improving production quality. We find, for example, that inspecting close to the source of production has clearly measurable economic benefits, and that quality-improvement efforts should be focused first on downstream stages.
On Choice and Memory

Social scientists often use variable ratio (VR) schedules to represent probabilistic choice. This application of VR schedules is an apparent contradiction of a well-established psychological expectation. In this letter we attempt to explain this contradiction, and we conclude that so many factors affect human choice in VR situations that conventional applications are likely to be approximately correct when applied to humans.
Two conformational states of amyloid β-peptide: implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Since the discovery of soluble amyloid-beta (sA beta), it became clear that the same amino acid sequence can have both a fibrillar or a soluble state. In this work, we describe the isolation of two different species derived from synthetic A beta(1-40) differing in their conformational and fibrillogenesis properties. The separation was performed taking advantage of the fact that only one species is sedimentable by centrifugation after 2 weeks of incubation at 1 mg/ml. One species is highly amyloidogenic (A beta ac) and has an antiparallel beta-sheet structure and the other one is poorly amyloidogenic (A beta nac) and contains mainly random coil or alpha-helix structure. Chemical changes were not detected in the primary structure of both species and the differences in the physical properties and very likely in biological behaviour are thought to have a conformational basis. We propose that the transformation of the non-amyloidogenic into the amyloidogenic conformation could be the fundamental event in the pathological polymerization of sA beta and in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
New developments in bond‐forming initiation: Lewis acids accelerate spontaneous initiation of copolymerizations of olefins and dienes

Lewis acids have long been known to influence the free radical propagation of donor-acceptor olefin monomer pairs, changing random copolymers into strictly alternating ones, by complexing to the lone pair electrons of the acceptor monomer, and enhancing its electron-poor character. This work reports that this same interaction enhances the rates of the spontaneous initiation in these systems. In agreement with earlier literature, we found that styrene-acrylonitrile copolymerizations proceed readily in the presence of ZnCl2 at 40° where no copolymerization occurs in the absence of the Lewis acid. p-Methoxystyrene and isobutyl vinyl ether with AN gave more complicated results, due to competitive complexation of oxygen lone pairs with ZnCl2. Reaction of more electrophilic olefins with these donor monomers gave steadily increasing rates and a shift in product from spontaneous copolymer to inverse Diels-Alder adduct (in the case of ester substituents) to cyclobutane. As for substituted diene monomers as the donor component, reactions of isoprene and 2,3-dimethylbutadiene with AN are accelerated in the presence of ZnCl2 and the Lewis acid affects the competition between the [4+2] cycloaddition and the copolymerization. All of these results are interpreted in the context of formation of Lewis-acid complexed initiating diradicals by bond-formation.
Training, empowerment, and creating a culture for change

Examines an innovative first step which one organization took on the road to employee empowerment. States that although this first step was a small one, it resulted in large benefits to the organization. Reveals that this field study was conducted during the information system conversion phase of a larger organizational change, at 52 recently‐acquired branches of a $40‐billion interstate bank. Discovers that the payoffs were surprisingly large when employees are given a small empowering opportunity just before their training. Indicates that empowered employees are more able to adapt to change and less likely to resist it, and their need for control is being met through their empowerment, rather than by their resistance. Finds that even in small quantities, empowerment can be a large contributor to success. Also believes that small, low‐cost empowerments with large payoffs can almost always be found.
The genes for myelin

Abstract Molecular biological analysis of the major myelin proteins has revealed much about their biosynthesis and biochemical characteristics. This knowledge has been applied in the characterization of the genotypic flaws in two mutant strains of mice, both with deficient neurological function.
A plant fiber reinforced polymer composite prepared by a twin-screw extruder

Polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced using a novel plant fiber, sunflower hull sanding dust (SHSD), were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. Thermal and mechanical properties of the SHSD/PP composites were characterized and compared to an organically modified clay (organo-clay)/PP composite. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of PP exhibited changes with addition of SHSD and organo-clay. Mechanical properties of the PP were enhanced with the addition of SHSDs. Both the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the PP composites containing 5% (w/w) SHSD were comparable to that of the 5% (w/w) organo-clay reinforced PP. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that no obvious agglomeration of SHSD existed in the PP matrix. Compared to the neat PP and organo-clay/PP, the SHSD/PP composites exhibited a relatively decreasing rate of thermal degradation with increase in temperature. Experimental results suggest that SHSD, as a sunflower processing byproduct, may find promising applications in composite materials.
Effect of a 48-hour intravenous Δ4-androstenedione infusion on the pregnant rhesus monkey in the last third of gestation: Changes in maternal plasma estradiol concentrations and myometrial contractility

Increased myometrial activity in the pregnant rhesus monkey occurs in situations in which plasma estrogen concentrations are elevated. Examples of such situations are after laparotomy, with or without hysterotomy, and before delivery. The increased activity occurs primarily in the hours of darkness. To investigate the possibility of a causal relationship between the rise in estrogens and myometrial activity, we infused androstenedione intravenously for 48 hours to the rhesus monkey in the last third of gestation. Myometrial activity was quantified either as an increase in the number of individual contraction events or as a change in the power spectrum at high frequencies characteristic of contractions. Androstenedione infusion was followed by increased myometrial activity. Maternal plasma 17β-estradiol concentration was significantly elevated at 10 Ann on the second day of androstenedione infusion. We conclude that, in the rhesus monkey late in gestation, estradiol may play a role in the regulation of the contraction activity observed during the hours of darkness in several different situations.
Letter Regarding Article by Gage et al, “Selecting Patients With Atrial Fibrillation for Anticoagulation: Stroke Risk Stratification in Patients Taking Aspirin”

To the Editor: The use of meta-analysis to refine stroke risk stratification in atrial fibrillation has enabled the separation of the stroke incidences in patients with pure arrhythmic syndromes from patients with ≥1 additional significant cardiovascular comorbidities. Accordingly, the new report by Gage et al1 reiterates that patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation designated “low risk” by virtue of the absence of any major cardiovascular comorbidities exhibit very low stroke incidence. Stroke incidence in the “low-risk” subgroups defined by several methods ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 events per 100 patient-years, which closely parallels the findings of previous independent patient-level meta-analyses from the same authors. Importantly, this range of stroke incidence is comparable to but not higher than the normal baseline stroke incidence of age- and sex-matched standard populations.2 What the authors have not …
Time-resolved laser desorption mass spectrometry. I. Desorption of preformed ions

Abstract A laser desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectrometer has been used to study the time-resolved desorption of nonvolatile organic salts following a laser pulse. An electron beam, pulsed prior to the pulse which draws the ions from the source, can be used to examine the neutral species desorbed by the laser. Experiments on tetraalkylammonium halides indicate desorption rates for neutral decomposition products vastly different from those for intact ions and neutral clusters, so that the method can be used to resolve competing thermal processes.
Local function of the notch gene for embryonic ectodermal pathway choice in drosophila

Mutations at the Notch locus affect the fate of cells in the neurogenic region of the Drosophila embryo so that epidermal precursors become neuroblasts. We have analyzed the cellular requirements for wild-type Notch gene function by means of genetic mosaics, using a cuticle marker to distinguish hypodermal cell genotype. Cells that were genotypically Notch never gave rise to hypoderm within the neurogenic region of mosaic embryos. Mosaic dividing lines within the neurogenic region juxtapose N+ hypoderm with regions of neural hypertrophy. This autonomous action of Notch in hypodermal cells is consistent with a local function of the protein during neurogenesis. Comparison of clone distribution in Notch mosaics and controls suggests that islands of wild-type hypodermal cells fail to differentiate cuticle.
The O. J. Simpson criminal trial verdict: Racism or status shield?

A simulation study investigated the factors that may have led the jury in the O. J. Simpson criminal trial to an acquittal verdict. Black and White mock jurors read a transcript of a murder trial that varied the defendant's race (Black or White) and celebrity status (high or low). Results confirmed a “Black racism” hypothesis, since Black jurors favored Black over White defendants by voting not guilty more often, recommending more lenient sentences and judging them more positively. In contrast, White jurors did not differentiate between Black and White defendants. The defendant's celebrity status did not affect verdicts or sentencing but did influence evaluative judgments. These results suggest that race rather than celebrity status more likely influenced the Simpson verdict. Limitations of the findings of this mock jury study are discussed.
French Imperialism and the Vietnamese Civil Service Examinations, 1862–1919

This article describes how the Civil Service examination system in Vietnam responded to the crisis French military aggression posed to that nation in the late 19th Century, and how it adapted to the French protectorate in the early 20th Century. It presents evidence that contests the notion that the examination declined in relevance along with “Chinese influence” over Vietnam, and that adoption of European-style modernity led to its elimination. Instead, this essay proposes that officials adapted the examination to fit with the circumstances of the time. Furthermore, the changes within the examination were not a realignment in emphasis from “China” to “Europe” but rather a shift from envisaging a universalistic world to imagining a particularistic, nationalist one. In support of this central argument, it will consider specifically the way that examination answers represented France. The examinations of 1862, 1877, and 1904 will receive particular attention as case studies demonstrating this shift.
A Tutorial on Analysis and Simulation of Boolean Gene Regulatory Network Models

Driven by the desire to understand genomic functions through the interactions among genes and gene products, the research in gene regulatory networks has become a heated area in genomic signal processing. Among the most studied mathematical models are Boolean networks and probabilistic Boolean networks, which are rule-based dynamic systems. This tutorial provides an introduction to the essential concepts of these two Boolean models, and presents the up-to-date analysis and simulation methods developed for them. In the Analysis section, we will show that Boolean models are Markov chains, based on which we present a Markovian steady-state analysis on attractors, and also reveal the relationship between probabilistic Boolean networks and dynamic Bayesian networks (another popular genetic network model), again via Markov analysis; we dedicate the last subsection to structural analysis, which opens a door to other topics such as network control. The Simulation section will start from the basic tasks of creating state transition diagrams and finding attractors, proceed to the simulation of network dynamics and obtaining the steady-state distributions, and finally come to an algorithm of generating artificial Boolean networks with prescribed attractors. The contents are arranged in a roughly logical order, such that the Markov chain analysis lays the basis for the most part of Analysis section, and also prepares the readers to the topics in Simulation section.
Importance of the ∇D term in frequency-resolved optical diffusion imaging

The effects of the approximation ?D=0 that is often used in frequency-resolved optical diffusion imaging are examined. It is shown that this approximation can affect the performance of integral-equation-based approaches to optical diffusion imaging, such as the Born iterative method and the distorted Born iterative method. The approximation introduces errors into the calculation of data used in simulations, which can lead to misleading evaluations of reconstruction algorithms. Numerical calculations show the magnitude of these effects and the appearance of artifacts in reconstructed images when conventional inversion algorithms are applied to more accurately calculated data.
Information Behavior Underground: New York City, Paris

People who live in large metropolitan areas spend a vast amount of time on public transportation, including the subway. Yet there are very few studies that examine commuters’ information behavior. We conducted a study of information behavior of commuters in two large metropolitan areas: New York City, USA and Paris, France. We found similarities and differences in the patterns of information consumption of French and American subway travellers. For example, one of the similarities between French and American riders is heavy readership of print media, especially books; one of the differences between the two groups is related to the much lower usage of electronic media by French riders. The article discusses the ways to integrate study methodology and findings into future work.
Frequency of the T228A polymorphism in the SORBS1 gene in children with premature pubarche and in adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism

Abstract Objective Because the metabolic actions of insulin are more impaired than the mitogenic pathways in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), genes coding for proteins involved in insulin-mediated glucose transport can be considered as candidate genes. The sorbin and SH3-domain-containing-1 ( SORBS1 ) gene codes for c-Cbl–associated protein (CAP) involved in insulin-mediated glucose uptake. An association study showed that a missense variant of the SORBS1 gene is protective against obesity and diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that the frequency of the protective allele would be decreased in children with premature pubarche and adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism. Design Association study. Setting Academic research environment. Patient(s) Children referred for the evaluation of premature pubarche (n = 79), adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism (n = 56), and healthy nondiabetic controls (n = 50). Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measure(s) Frequency of the T228A allele in our patients and the relationship of body mass index to presence or absence of the T228A variant in our patient population. Result(s) Using allele-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism, allele frequencies were found to be similar among the premature pubarche, hyperandrogenism, and control groups (6.0%, 4.6%, and 8.0%, respectively). No statistically significant relationships were found between the SORBS1 genotypes and body mass index or hormone status. Conclusion(s) This SORBS1 polymorphism does not play a major role in premature pubarche, hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovary syndrome in our patient population.
The Regular Education Initiative: Strategy for Denial of Handicap and the Perpetuation of Difference

ABSTRACT In the USA, some advocates of the Regular Education Initiative (REI) claim that separate special education reinforces socially constructed notions of difference. They further assert that most children, with very few exceptions, are capable of equally effective learning within the regular class setting. They further argue that, because all children are unique in many ways, there are no grounds for labelling handicapped children as is presently done by Public Law 94–142. The author maintains that the REI reflects a collective denial of the differences which profoundly affect children with handicaps who are placed in the regular classroom. This denial is undergirded by several assumptions which must be accepted if the REI is to be seen as valid. The author argues further that some proponents of the REI themselves clearly emphasize difference, especially by labelling those who oppose the tenets of the REI. Detractors are viewed as outcasts in need of conversion to the radical REI agenda.
Work stress and leadership development: The role of self-leadership, shared leadership, physical fitness and flow in managing demands and increasing job control

Abstract Leaders work in highly stressful environments, yet few leadership development efforts have focused on managing work stress. We posit that self- and shared leadership practices can help leaders manage high job demands and increase long-term job control. We examine the effects of high-strain jobs; identify the outcomes of active jobs, and highlight physical fitness as a key strategy of, and flow as a natural outcome of self- and shared leadership. We argue that self- and shared leadership, and the consequent and entailed fitness and flow benefits, support healthful regeneration and increased engagement and are thus vital to the leader's ability to manage work stress and create an active work environment. Our multi-disciplinary model offers a proactive way for leaders to manage the stressful demands of today's work environments.
Multicultural Art in the Therapy Office: Community and Student Perceptions of the Therapist

Multicultural sensitivity is important in clinical practice, yet we know little about how the physical environment projects this quality. Objects displayed in the therapy office are one possible source of multicultural expression. This study examined the display of art objects in a therapy office on judgments of the therapist’s characteristics, including openness to multiculturalism. In a 2 (cultural emphasis of art objects) 2 (number of art objects displayed) 2 (student vs. community sample) between-subjects design, 154 undergraduate participants from a small liberal arts college in the Northeast and 57 adults, most of whom were Latino residents of the surrounding community, rated a therapist based on 1 of 4 photos of a room arranged as a therapist’s office. Participants’ ratings of 43 therapist characteristics were grouped through factor analysis into 4 factors: Competence, Multiculturalism, Welcomeness, and Direct Style. In general the students gave more favorable ratings than did the community sample. The community sample was more favorable toward the therapist when more of the objects on display could be characterized as multicultural. Practice recommendations for psychologists regarding office decor and art are discussed.
Identifying youth at risk for psychosis using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition

Identification of youth at risk for or with early psychosis has become the focus of many research and clinical initiatives, as early intervention may be linked to better long-term outcomes. Efforts to facilitate identification have led to the development of several self-report instruments that intend to quickly assess "attenuated" psychosis, potentially screening people for further evaluation. The widely used Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) includes the atypicality scale, a scale that may be useful for risk screening as it is designed to recognize emerging symptoms of psychosis. The current study aimed to evaluate the utility of the BASC-2 for identifying youth at high clinical risk or with early psychosis within a sample of 70 help-seeking participants aged 12-22. Atypicality scores were compared to risk status (low-risk, high-risk or early psychosis) as determined by the clinician-administered Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS). The relative accuracy of the atypicality scale was evaluated against three self-report screeners specifically designed to identify this population. Results indicate that the BASC-2 atypicality scale may be a useful tool for identifying youth in early stages of psychosis. Moreover, the atypicality scale is comparable if not superior to other specialized risk screening instruments in terms of predictive ability. Given the widespread use of the BASC-2 across educational and mental health settings, evidence for convergent validity between the BASC-2 atypicality scale and SIPS diagnoses has the potential to make screening available to a greater population and facilitate earlier detection and intervention.
Changes in Self-Perceptions as a Result of Successfully Persuading Others

Can we change other people without changing ourselves as well? To test this question, participants used one of three techniques—door-in-the-face, authoritative influence, and rational arguments—to convince a confederate to attend a campus meeting that favored an issue opposed by the confederate, but supported by the subject. Following the confederate's compliance, participants evaluated their perceptions of their performance and the performance of the confederate. Participants using rational arguments described themselves as intelligent and friendly, participants using authoritative influence described themselves as dominant and unfriendly, and participants using door-in-the-face described themselves as submissive. As predicted from an earlier study (O'Neal, Kipnis, & Craig, 1994), the use of the three influence techniques also caused systematic changes in participants' evaluations of the target. Because the use of certain behavior techniques (e.g., controlling, deceptive) can cause users to devalue themselves and others, it is recommended that ethical safeguards governing the use of these techniques should be considered.
Loss of form vision impairs spatial imagery.

Previous studies have reported inconsistent results when comparing spatial imagery performance in the blind and the sighted, with some, but not all, studies demonstrating deficits in the blind. Here, we investigated the effect of visual status and individual preferences (“cognitive style”) on performance of a spatial imagery task. Participants with blindness resulting in the loss of form vision at or after age 6, and age- and gender-matched sighted participants, performed a spatial imagery task requiring memorization of a 4x4 lettered matrix and subsequent mental construction of shapes within the matrix from four-letter auditory cues. They also completed the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSoDS) and a self-evaluation of cognitive style. The sighted participants also completed the Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ). Visual status affected performance on the spatial imagery task: the blind performed significantly worse than the sighted, independently of the age at which form vision was completely lost. Visual status did not affect the distribution of preferences based on self-reported cognitive style. Across all participants, self-reported verbalizer scores were significantly negatively correlated with accuracy on the spatial imagery task. There was a positive correlation between the SBSoDS score and accuracy on the spatial imagery task, across all participants, indicating that a better sense of direction is related to a more proficient spatial representation and that the imagery task indexes ecologically relevant spatial abilities. Moreover, the older the participants were, the worse their performance was, indicating a detrimental effect of age on spatial imagery performance. Thus, spatial skills represent an important target for rehabilitative approaches to visual impairment, and individual differences, which can modulate performance, should be taken into account in such approaches.
Re-evaluation of the genome sequence of guinea pig cytomegalovirus

Congenital infection by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major cause of birth defects and developmental abnormalities. Since guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) crosses the placenta and causes infection in utero, GPCMV models are useful for studies of the mechanisms of transplacental transmission. During our characterization of a genomic locus required for GPCMV dissemination in animals, we found that the nucleotide sequence in and around the nearby immediate–early genes in our lineage of GPCMV strain 22122 [designated GPCMV (ATCC-P5)] showed clear differences from that reported previously for the same strain [designated GPCMV (UMN)] passaged extensively in vitro. Since in vitro passaging of HCMV is known to result in genetic alterations, especially in the UL128–UL131A locus, and loss of growth ability in particular cell types, in this study we determined the complete genome sequence of GPCMV (ATCC-P5), which grows efficiently in animals. A total of 359 differences were identified between the genome sequences of GPCMV (UMN) and GPCMV (ATCC-P5), and these resulted in structural differences in 29 protein-encoding regions. In addition, some genes predicted from our analysis but not from GPCMV (UMN) are well conserved among cytomegaloviruses. An additional 18 passages of GPCMV (ATCC-P5) in vitro generated no further marked alterations in these genes or in the locus corresponding to the HCMV UL128–UL131A. Our analyses indicate that the published sequence of GPCMV (UMN) contains a substantial number of sequencing errors and, possibly, some mutations resulting from a long history of passaging in vitro. Our re-evaluation of the genetic content of GPCMV will provide a solid foundation for future studies.
Service Personnel, Technology, and Their Interaction in Influencing Customer Satisfaction*

Managing both the technologies and the personnel needed for providing high-quality, multichannel customer support creates a complex and persistent operational challenge. Adding to this difficulty, it is still unclear how service personnel and these new communication technologies interact to influence the customer’s perceptions of the service being provided. Motivated by both practical importance and inconsistent findings in the academic literature, this exploratory research examines the interaction of media richness, represented by three different technology contexts (telephone, e-mail, and online chat), with six customer service representative (CSR) characteristics and their influences on customer satisfaction. Using a large-sample customer survey data set, the article develops a multigroup structural equation model to analyze these interactions. Results suggest that CSR characteristics influence customer service satisfaction similarly across all three technology-mediated contexts. Of the characteristics studied, service representatives contribute to customer satisfaction more when they exhibit the characteristics of thoroughness, knowledgeableness, and preparedness, regardless of the richness of the medium used. Surprisingly, while three other CSR characteristics studied (courtesy, professionalism, and attentiveness) are traditionally believed to be important in face-to-face encounters, they had no significant impact on customer satisfaction in the technology-mediated contexts studied. Implications for both practitioners and researchers are drawn from the results and future research opportunities are discussed.