cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of fibrinogen receptors during activation and subsequent desensitization of human platelets by epinephrine

Epinephrine causes platelet aggregation and secretion by interacting with alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on the platelet surface. Platelet aggregation requires the binding of fibrinogen to a specific receptor on the membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex. Although the IIb-IIIa complex is identifiable on the surface of resting platelets, the fibrinogen receptor is expressed only after platelet activation. The current studies were designed to examine the effect of occupancy of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors by epinephrine on the expression of fibrinogen receptors and on the aggregation of platelets. The ability of epinephrine to induce the expression of fibrinogen receptors was studied under two different conditions: acute stimulation (less than 1 min) and prolonged stimulation (50 to 90 min), the latter of which is associated with a reduction or "desensitization" of the platelet aggregation response. Expression of the fibrinogen receptor was monitored with 125I-fibrinogen as well as with 125I-PAC-1 (PAC-1), a monoclonal antibody that binds to the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex only after platelets are activated. Epinephrine caused an immediate increase in PAC-1 and fibrinogen binding that was dependent on occupancy of the alpha 2-receptor by epinephrine and on the presence of extracellular free Ca (KCa = 30 mumol/L). By itself, 1 mmol/L Mg was unable to support induction of the fibrinogen receptor by epinephrine. However, it did decrease the Ca requirement by about two orders of magnitude. Prolonged stimulation of unstirred platelets by epinephrine led to a 70% decrease in the aggregation response when the platelets were subsequently stirred. Despite their decreased aggregation response, desensitized platelets bound PAC-1 and fibrinogen normally, indicating that the loss of aggregation was not due simply to a decrease in fibrinogen receptor expression. Although desensitization was not affected by pretreatment of the platelets with aspirin, it was partially prevented when extracellular Ca was chelated by EDTA during the long incubation with epinephrine. These studies demonstrate that once platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors are occupied by epinephrine, extracellular Ca is involved in initiating the aggregation response by supporting the induction of the fibrinogen receptor and the binding of fibrinogen. Furthermore. Ca-dependent reactions subsequent to fibrinogen binding may be necessary for maximal platelet aggregation and are impaired when platelets become desensitized to epinephrine.
The effect of various tax and redistribution models on the Gini coefficient of simple exchange games.

The Bennati-Dragulescu-Yakovenko (BDY) game is an agent-based simple exchange game that models a basic economic system. The BDY game results in the agents' wealth following a Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution. In other words, the result of the game is many "poor" agents and few "wealthy" agents. In this paper, we apply several tax and redistribution models to study their effect on the population's wealth distribution by computing the resulting Gini coefficient of the system. We find that income taxes, both flat and progressive, that evenly redistributed taxed monies do little to change the Gini coefficient from the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution. However, income taxes that are redistributed to the poorest agents can significantly lower the Gini coefficient, resulting in a more evenly distributed wealth distribution. Furthermore, we find that a very small wealth tax can lead to significant decreases in the Gini coefficient.
Commentary - "Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated With Very Long-Term Overall Sleep-Related Quality-of-Life Improvement".

Purpose We sought to evaluate the effect of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) on long-term subjective quality of life (QOL) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients and Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis of long-term postoperative QOL issues in patients who underwent MMA for polysomnogram-confirmed severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > 30). The inclusion criteria included a history of MMA in the treatment of OSA, willingness to complete the Ottawa Sleep Apnea Questionnaire (OSA-Q) survey, and minimum of 5-year follow-up. The OSA-Q was used to evaluate sleep quality, daytime function, physical health, mental and emotional health, and sexual health. The independent variable was time of follow-up, and the dependent variables were the responses to the OSA-Q. Data collection was completed, and statistical analyses were performed with the 1-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test with a median score of 3 (no change) to evaluate for significant changes in the categories. P Results A total of 27 of 51 eligible patients (53% response rate) responded to the questionnaire (15 men and 12 women). The average postoperative age was 59.1 ± 11.7 years, with an average follow-up period of 12.7 ± 3.8 years. Statistically significant long-term QOL improvements from MMA for OSA were found in overall QOL (mode, 4; P Conclusions MMA for OSA provided significant improvement in overall patient QOL as well as personal satisfaction, sleep quality, and functional outcomes at very long-term follow-up at an average of more than 12 years after surgery. MMA for OSA produces significant very long-term subjective QOL improvement.
Robust Optimization via Discrete-Time Saddle Point Algorithm

We discover discrete-time counterpart of the continuous-time saddle point algorithm developed in [1] for solving robust optimization problems. Under the assumption that the cost function is convex in the decision variable and uncertainties enter concavely in the robust optimization problem, we prove global asymptotic convergence of the saddle-point algorithm to the robust optimal solution. The sub-gradient nature of the proposed discrete-time algorithm allows us to handle robust optimization problems with discontinuous cost function and constraint.
Implementation of a radial long sheath protocol for radial artery spasm reduces access site conversions in neurointerventions

Background Many neurointerventionalists have transitioned to transradial access (TRA) as the preferred approach for neurointerventions as studies continue to demonstrate fewer access site complications than transfemoral access. However, radial artery spasm (RAS) remains one of the most commonly cited reasons for access site conversions. We discuss the benefits, techniques, and indications for using the long radial sheath in RAS and present our experience after implementing a protocol for routine use. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing neurointerventions via TRA at our institution from July 2018 to April 2020 was performed. In November 2019, we implemented a long radial sheath protocol to address RAS. Patient demographics, RAS rates, radial artery diameter, and access site conversions were compared before and after the introduction of the protocol. Results 747 diagnostic cerebral angiograms and neurointerventional procedures in which TRA was attempted as the primary access site were identified; 247 were performed after the introduction of the long radial sheath protocol. No significant differences in age, gender, procedure type, sheath sizes, and radial artery diameter were seen between the two cohorts. Radial anomalies and small radial diameters were more frequently seen in patients with RAS. Patients with clinically significant RAS more often required access site conversion (p Conclusion In our experience, we have found that the use of long radial sheaths significantly reduces the need for access site conversions in patients with RAS during cerebral angiography and neurointerventions.
Challenges of Educational Technology Adoption in Africa

Several micro and macro challenges thwart the success of educational technology adoption in Africa. They range from personal, to community, cultural, infrastructural, policies, inadequate training, or absolutely lack of training. This chapter lists and explains these challenges that African countries have faced in their adoption of educational technology and proffers measures that have been employed and those that can be employed to ameliorate such challenges. While the manifest challenges are costs, lack of, or inadequate training for teachers to fully implement the technology in classrooms, lack of infrastructure and power supply and so on; equally, latent challenges such as inadequate evaluations are detrimental to educational technology adoption. This evaluation includes the prerequisite of needs assessment to ascertain which technology is congruent to a particular school or region and formative and summative evaluations to measure performance and recommend improvement.
Some 6-dimensional Hamiltonian S1-manifolds

In an earlier paper we explained how to convert the problem of sym- plectically embedding one 4-dimensional ellipsoid into another into the problem of embedding a certain set of disjoint balls into CP 2 by using a new way to desingu- larize orbifold blow ups Z of the weighted projective space CP 2 1,m,n. We now use a related method to construct symplectomorphisms of these spaces Z. This allows us to construct some well known Fano 3-folds (including the Mukai-Umemura 3-fold) in purely symplectic terms using a classification by Tolman of a particular class of Hamiltonian S 1 -manifolds. We also show that (modulo scaling) these manifolds are uniquely determined by their fixed point data up to equivariant symplectomorphism. As part of this argument we show that the symplectomorphism group of a certain weighted blow up of a weighted projective plane is connected.
Process Design to Use Amazon MTurk for Cognitively Complex Tasks

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a very popular method for researchers to complete large volumes of repeatable, cognitively simple tasks such as data labeling. However, MTurk is currently challenging to use for more cognitively complex tasks. This article presents a procedure to help researchers interested in using MTurk to complete large volumes of repeatable, cognitively complex tasks. By combining batches, dummy variables, and worker qualification, it is possible for researchers to design a simple one-click user interface to assign the same task to a targeted set of MTurk workers and gather data from all these workers in one place. By scanning the marketplace for good workers and assigning tasks only to these workers, it is possible for researchers to greatly simplify the use of MTurk for cognitively complex tasks.
A database of CEO turnover and dismissal in S&P 1500 firms, 2000–2018

Research Summary We introduce an open‐source dataset documenting the reasons for CEO departure in S&P 1500 firms from 2000 through 2018. In our dataset, we code for various forms of voluntary and involuntary departure. We compare our dataset to three published datasets in the CEO succession literature to assess both the qualitative and quantitative differences among them and to explore how these differences impact empirical findings associated with the performance‐CEO dismissal relationship. The dataset includes eight different classifications for CEO turnover, a narrative description of each departure event, and links to sources used in constructing the narrative so that future researchers can validate or adapt the coding. The resulting data are available at (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4543893). Managerial Summary This article describes the development of an open‐source database of all CEO dismissals and departures in the S&P 1500 between 2000 and 2018. Prior research on CEO turnover either does not capture the cause of departure or has coded the event independently, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in coding schemes. This has made it difficult to generate knowledge on the causes and consequences of CEO dismissal. We describe how we developed the database, and we explore how our dataset compares to prior CEO dismissal research. The resulting data are available at (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4543893).
Multi-platform simulations facilitate interdisciplinary instruction in undergraduate neuroscience

Neuroscience is a highly interdisciplinary field, but more collaboration among STEM disciplines is needed to advance undergraduate neuroscience education. This paper reports the development of code-based virtual laboratories to cross-foster ideas from engineering and biology in the neuroscience classroom. The simulations use a combination of NEURON and Python code to model neurophysiological processes. We report that the use of computational tools in the classroom increases student self-reported comfort in participating in a computational research project. The tools we developed have potential to increase persistence and retention of undergraduate students by encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and reducing barriers to entry.
Hospitality and Related Virtues: Gülen’s Understanding

This chapter argues that the Hizmet movement draws on an understanding of tolerance more closely alligned with the more robust virtue of hospitality found in various religious traditions and far richer than the problematic modern Western conception of tolerance. The Hizmet practice of hospitality, theological in origin and goal, is focused on human flourishing and well-being in a way that enables positive engagement with other cultural and religious traditions. This chapter explores a range of virtues related to hospitality within the Hizmet movement and other religious traditions and references conceptions of the virtues developed in the Western philosophical tradition.
Factors underlying the perception of effort during constant heart rate running above and below the critical heart rate

This study examined: (1) the sustainability of the critical heart rate (CHR) minus 5 b min−1 (CHR − 5) and CHR plus 5 b min−1 (CHR + 5); (2) the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), velocity, $$ \dot{V}O_{2} $$ , minute ventilation ( $$ \dot{V}_{E} $$ ), breathing frequency (f b ), and electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) and EMG mean power frequency (MPF) responses during treadmill running at CHR − 5 and CHR + 5 to determine what factors underlie the perception of effort when heart rate (HR) is held constant; and (3) the relationships among RPE, $$ \dot{V}O_{2} $$ , and HR, to determine which variable(s) reflect exhaustion during exercise performed at a constant HR. The CHR was determined in eight runners (mean ± SD; age = 24 ± 3 years) from a series of four exhaustive, constant velocity runs. The RPE, velocity, $$ \dot{V}O_{2} $$ , $$ \dot{V}_{E} $$ , f b , EMG AMP, and EMG MPF responses were recorded during runs at the CHR − 5 and CHR + 5. At CHR − 5, RPE, f b, and EMG MPF increased, while velocity, $$ \dot{V}O_{2} $$ , $$ \dot{V}_{E} $$ , and EMG AMP decreased. At CHR + 5, RPE and f b increased, velocity, $$ \dot{V}O_{2} $$ , $$ \dot{V}_{E} $$ , and EMG AMP decreased, and EMG MPF remained constant. The close association between f b and RPE throughout the run at CHR − 5 and during the last 50 % of the run at CHR + 5 indicated that muscle afferents may have provided feedback from metabolic and mechanical stimuli that contributed to the perceptual responses. In addition, only RPE consistently indicated exhaustion and the current findings supported its use to monitor exercise performed at a constant HR.
About the Course, and These Notes

The nonstandard approach to teaching that I try to follow in the course taught from these notes is discussed, and advice is given on writing up homework (applicable to any advanced math course). Some features of the structure of the book are noted, and some related literature described .
Classification of Dissolved Organic Carbon

This chapter discusses the classification scheme used in this book to describe the nature of dissolved organic carbon. The classification is based on adsorption and ion-exchange chromatography and definitions of classes of organic compounds that constitute dissolved organic carbon. The chapter is divided into three sections: the histogram of dissolved organic carbon, humic and hydrophilic substances, and specific dissolved organic compounds. Chapter 1 discussed the amount of dissolved organic carbon in different waters, and how it varies with climate and season. This chapter asks the question, “Now that the amount of DOC is known, how can we classify and identify it?”
A Prospective, Multicenter Study of the AIMS65 Score Compared With the Glasgow-Blatchford Score in Predicting Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Outcomes

BACKGROUND The AIMS65 score and the Glasgow-Blatchford risk score (GBRS) are validated preendoscopic risk scores for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH). GOALS To compare the 2 scores' performance in predicting important outcomes in UGIH. STUDY A prospective cohort study in 2 tertiary referral centers and 1 community teaching hospital. Adults with UGIH were included. The AIMS65 score and GBRS were calculated for each patient. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, in-hospital rebleeding, 30-day rebleeding, length of stay, and a composite endpoint of in-hospital mortality, transfusions, or need for intervention (endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical treatment). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated for each score and outcome. RESULTS A total of 298 patients were enrolled. The AIMS65 score was superior to the GBRS in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUROC, 0.85 vs. 0.66; P<0.01) and length of stay (Somer's D, 0.21 vs. 0.13; P=0.04). The scores were similar in predicting 30-day mortality (AUROC, 0.74 vs. 0.65; P=0.16), in-hospital rebleeding (AUROC, 0.69 vs. 0.62; P=0.19), 30-day rebleeding (AUROC, 0.63 vs. 0.63; P=0.90), and the composite outcome (AUROC, 0.57 vs. 0.59; P=0.49). The optimal cutoffs for predicting in-hospital mortality were an AIMS65 score of 3 and a GBRS score of 10. For predicting rebleeding, the optimal cutoffs were 2 and 10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The AIMS65 score is superior to the GBRS for predicting in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay for patients with UGIH. The AIMS65 score and GBRS are similar in predicting 30-day mortality, rebleeding, and a composite endpoint.
The Angiogenic Factor Interleukin 8 Is Induced in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer/Pulmonary Fibroblast Cocultures

The interactions between tumor cells and surrounding stromal elements may promote the release of angiogenic factors. Although interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a major angiogenic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the stromal contribution to IL-8 expression in primary NSCLC remains to be defined. To elucidate the role of stromal elements in NSCLC IL-8 production, normal pulmonary fibroblasts were cocultured with six representative NSCLC lines in direct and transwell assays. IL-8 transcripts and protein were consistently induced in fibroblasts and a subset of NSCLCs as a consequence of tumor/stromal coculture. In these cocultures, IL-8 was induced by IL-1alpha and an additional, as yet unidentified, soluble factor. These data underscore the importance of tumor/stromal interaction in the production of angiogenic peptides such as IL-8 in NSCLC.
Gastroparesis on the rise: incidence vs awareness?

Background Recent reports provide a conflicting picture with a stable prevalence of gastroparesis (GP) in a population-based study, but a more than doubling in hospitalizations for gastroparesis within the last 10 years. We hypothesized that this apparent discrepancy is due to changes in disease recognition and coding rather than prevalence. Methods Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare cost and utilization project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we examined time trends of resource utilization for GP and related disorders. Key Results Between 1994 and 2009, annual hospitalizations for gastroparesis as primary diagnosis increased more than 18-fold from 918 to 16 736. In the same time frame, hospitalizations for not otherwise specified functional disorders of the stomach decreased by nearly 50% from 13 430 to 6480 per year. Conclusions & Inferences Although hospitalizations rates and emergency encounters for gastroparesis have increased dramatically within the last 2 decades, there was a concomitant decrease in resource utilization for other functional disorders of the stomach, suggesting that increased awareness contributed to this trend, which represents a shift in diagnoses rather than a true difference in the incidence and/or prevalence of these illnesses.
The search for externally sourced knowledge: clusters and alliances

External sources of knowledge have become more important to firms as they have dispersed their value-adding operations around the globe and outsourced them t...
Modelling and testing of interfaces

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a laboratory test device for static and cyclic testing of interfaces including (1) measurement of pore water pressure, (2) the disturbed state concept (DSC) for constitutive modelling of interfaces and joints, (3) validations of the model with respect to typical laboratory test data, and (4) computer implementation aspects of the DSC models. It is suggested that development of accurate constitutive models for the characterization of the mechanical response of interfaces including factors, such as adhesion, friction, roughness and asperities, irreversible deformations, existence of fluids and microstructural changes leading to hardening, and degradation or softening, is important for reliable solution of the associated boundary value problems. For calibration and determination of the parameters involved in a constitutive model, it is vital to develop and utilize appropriate laboratory or field test devices. Implementation of these advanced models in computational procedures, such as the finite element and boundary dement methods toward reliable and robust solution require special considerations.
On Information Asymmetry Metrics

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic empirical comparison of the different proxy variables used to measure information asymmetry. We construct different information asymmetry measures based on a firm's growth opportunities, the market microstructure of the firm's stock, and analysts' forecasts of a firm's earnings per share and examine their correlations under different sampling situations. We also study the ability of the microstructure-based measures, which can be calculated at any point in time, to detect trends in corporate finance proxies, which are measured quarterly. We find that the market microstructure measures tend to be highly correlated with one another. Moreover, they are related to firm characteristics that ex ante should be associated with information asymmetry. The market microstructure measures tend to be related to analyst forecast errors only for large, widely followed firms. Our results also indicate that monthly changes in the microstructure measures of information asymmetry are significantly correlated with annual changes in the corporate finance proxy variables.
Near-field phenomena in optical nanostructures with monochromatic and ultrashort pulse illumination

Summary form only given. Modern nanofabrication techniques enable the construction of sub-micron dielectric and semiconductor nanostructures in which near-field effects strongly affect the macroscopic optical properties, including birefringence, resonant filter characteristics, and optical nonlinearities. We will describe the investigation of near-field phenomena in optical nanostructures under monochromatic and femtosecond pulse illumination, emphasizing the design, fabrication and testing of functional photonic devices.
Effects of soil nutrients on the sequestration of plant defence chemicals by the specialist insect herbivore, Danaus plexippus

1. Although anthropogenic nitrogen (N) enrichment has significantly changed the growth, survival and reproduction of herbivorous insects, its effects on the defensive sequestration of secondary chemicals by insect herbivores are less well understood. Previous studies have shown that soil nutrient availability can affect sequestration directly through changing concentrations of plant defence chemicals, or indirectly through altering growth rates of herbivores. There has been less exploration of how nutrient deposition affects the consumption of secondary chemicals and subsequent sequestration efficiency. In the current study, the overall effect of soil N availability on cardenolide sequestration by the monarch caterpillar Danaus plexippus was examined. Specifically, the effects of soil nutrient availability on growth, consumption, excretion and sequestration efficiency of cardenolides by D. plexippus larvae fed on the tropical milkweed Asclepias curassavica were measured. 2. The results showed that soil N and phosphorus (P) fertilisation significantly reduced caterpillar growth rate and the sequestration efficiency of cardenolides by monarch caterpillars feeding on A. curassavica. The lowered sequestration efficiency was accompanied by higher concentrations of cardenolides in frass. Although the total cardenolide contents of caterpillars were lower under high N or P fertilisation levels, caterpillar cardenolide concentrations were constant across fertilisation treatments because of lower growth rates (and therefore lower body mass) under high fertilisation. It is concluded that anthropogenic N deposition may have multiple effects on insect herbivores, including their ability to defend themselves from predators with sequestered plant defences.
Measurement of fluid contents by light transmission in transient three‐phase oil‐water‐air systems in sand

Most three-phase flow models lack rigorous validation because very few methods exist that can measure transient fluid contents of the order of seconds of whole flow fields. The objective of this study was to develop a method by which fluid content can be measured rapidly in three-phase systems. The method uses the hue and intensity of light transmitted through a slab chamber to measure fluid contents. The water is colored blue with CuSO4. The light transmitted by high-frequency light bulbs is recorded with a color video camera in red, green, and blue and then converted to hue, saturation, and intensity. Calibration of hue and intensity with water, oil, and air is made using cells filled with different combinations of the three fluids. The results show that hue and water content are uniquely related over a large range of fluid contents. Total liquid content is a function of both hue and light intensity. The air content is obtained by subtracting the liquid content from the porosity. The method was tested with static and transient experiments. Measurements made with the light transmission method (LTM) and synchrotron X rays of the static experiment agreed well. In the transient experiments, fingers were formed by dripping water on the surface in a two-dimensional slab chamber with partially oil-saturated sand. The LTM is able to capture the spatial resolution of the fluid contents and can provide new insights in rapidly changing, three-phase flow systems.
Gene knockout on P-selectin: Its biology and function

P-selectin is a leukocyte adhesion molecule present on the surfaces of activated platelets and endothelial cells. Its expression has been documented at sites of active inflammation including that resulting from cardiovascular disease. Mice deficient in P-selectin, generated by gene targeting, have provided tools for understanding the role of P-selectin in mediating the complex processes that lead to leukocyte extravasation in inflammatory processes. This review discusses the generation and characterization of P-selectin-deficient mice and our current understanding of P-selectin's role in mediating leukocyte-endothelial and leukocyte-platelet interactions.
Effect of the time of day on the success and adverse events of ERCP

Background Physician fatigue and decreased concentration have been proposed as causes of lower completion and adenoma detection rates in afternoon colonoscopies compared with morning colonoscopies. ERCP is a technically demanding and highly operator-dependent procedure, and its success may similarly be affected in the afternoon compared with the morning. Objective To compare cannulation success and adverse events between ERCP procedures performed in the morning and afternoon. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Patients with no previous papillary intervention who underwent ERCP at our institution between November 2006 and November 2008. Main Outcome Measurements Cannulation success, procedure completion rates, length of procedures, and adverse events. Results A total of 296 patients were studied; 114 patients (38.5%) underwent a procedure in the morning and 182 patients (61.5%) underwent a procedure in the afternoon. There were 139 male patients (47.0%). The mean patient age was 59.1 years. The deep cannulation success rate was 95.3% overall, with similar rates when performed in the morning (98.3%) and afternoon (94.0%) ( P = .08). When the start time was evaluated as a continuous hour-by-hour variable, there was also no significant difference in deep cannulation success rates ( P = .30). Procedure completion rates were similar in both groups (morning, 93.9%; 94.0%, afternoon; P = .97). Adverse events (8.8% for morning procedures vs 7.1% for afternoon procedures, P = .61) and length of procedures (40 minutes for morning procedures vs 40 minutes for afternoon procedures, P = .87) were also similar between the 2 groups. Limitations Small sample size and retrospective study. Conclusions The timing of ERCP, morning versus afternoon, does not seem to affect cannulation success, procedure completion rates, length of procedures, or adverse events.
Studies on R-phycoerythrins from two Antarctic marine red algae and a mesophilic red alga

R-phycoerythrin was purified from two benthic red algae, Iridaea cordata and Phyllophora antarctica, obtained growing at −2°C under thick sea ice off the coast of Antarctica. For the I. cordata protein, the molecular mass was 245,000 Da, and its secondary structure was 60% α helix, 17% β sheet, 16% turn, and 7% other. The light-harvesting faculties of the I. cordata protein resembled those of R-phycoerythrins from mesophilic red algae and were distinctive from the novel R-phycoerythrin from P. antarctica. Deconvolution of the visible absorption spectrum of R-phycoerythrin from I. cordata indicated a minimum of five component bands having maxima at 568, 558, 534, 496, and 481 nm. R-phycoerythrins from the mesophilic Porphyra tenera and psychrophilic Phyllophora antarctica had the same five bands. The protein from Phyllophora antarctica obtained its unique spectrum from a more intense component at 482 nm, and a less intense band at 533 nm. This change was probably produced by a replacement of phycoerythrobilin by phycourobilin. A temperature study of the circular dichroism CD was obtained for R-phycoerythrin from I. cordata from 4 to 80°C. Laser time-resolved fluorescence studies on R-phycoerythrin showed bilin to bilin energy transfer with a 60.2-ps lifetime, which should occur by the Forster resonance. The similarities in spectra between the proteins from I. cordata and Porphyra tenera and the different spectrum for the protein from Phyllophora antarctica show that only particular antarctic habitats require unique R-phycoerythrins.
Structure and phase behavior of the Ir(001) surface: X-ray scattering measurements

Abstract We present the results of X-ray scattering studies of the structure and phase behavior of the Ir(001) surface between room temperature and T=2000 K. Two distinct phases have been identified. For temperatures above T=1950 K, the Ir(001) surface is rough, similar to what has been observed for Pt(001) at elevated temperatures. Below about T=1950 K, the surface reconstructs to form a quasi-hexagonal unit cell, which is commensurate with the substrate lying beneath it. The measured X-ray intensities, both inplane and along the specular rod, are consistent with a buckled, (5×1) description of the structure, including a 15% expansion of the top layer spacing and an enhanced surface Debye–Waller factor. A detailed comparison is made of the phase behavior determined here for Ir(001) to that found earlier for Pt and Au(001).
Electronic structure of arsenic chalcogenides

A nonempirical localized-orbital approach is used to calculate the electronic structure of ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{As}}_{4}$${\mathrm{S}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{As}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{4}$, and ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Te}}_{3}$ crystals. Contributions of $s$, $p\ensuremath{\sigma}$, and $p$ lone-pair orbitals to the various molecular levels are illustrated. Densities of occupied states agree closely with experimental photoemission data. The fundamental absorption edges in ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ are found to correspond to indirect gaps, but with several other indirect and direct transitions within a few tenths of an eV of the indirect edge, consistent with most of the optical-absorption studies. The method is readily applicable to the electronic structure of fully coordinated random networks but because of the severe self-consistency problems we are unable to tackle problems associated with thermal relaxation at wrongly coordinated atoms.
Prognosis in lymphoblastic leukaemia related to plasma mediated inhibition of incorporation of tritiated thymidine by transformed lymphocytes.

Abstract The inhibitory effect of plasma from 20 consecutive untreated patients with lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) on phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) induced DNA-synthesis of normal homologous lymphocytes was assessed to determine whether the degree of inhibition had any relation to prognosis. Plasma from the patients, as a group, caused a significant reduction in incorporation of tritiated thymidine compared to healthy matched controls, and the 9 patients with the most inhibitory plasmas showed a median first remission length of only 6 months compared to over 3 y for the other 11. There was no association between the possession of strikingly inhibitory plasma and age or sex. There was, however, a marked correlation with the presence of a high white cell count, known to be associated with a poor prognosis in its own right. Even in the absence of a very high count, 4 4 of such patients who had marked inhibitory plasma proved to have refractory disease compared to only 4 10 of those with less inhibitory plasma. Consequently as an indicator of a poor outlook such inhibitory activity may be of value in ‘standard risk’ ALL.
The Effects of Manifest Anxiety on the Reading Achievement of Fifth Grade Students.

(1974). The Effects of Manifest Anxiety on the Reading Achievement of Fifth Grade Students. The Journal of Experimental Education: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 36-41.
Better Compliance Management Using Service Oriented Approach for Non-profit Organizations

In this article, we present our experience on exploiting service oriented approach and methodology to deliver better IT support system so that the goal of IT development is in line with the strategy goal and objectives of the organization. The non-profit organization in our discussion provides various services to disabilities. The funding of the organization is given mostly by the government such as Medicaid. Complying with government laws and regulations when providing quality services and when reimbursing cost is crucial to the survival and success of the organization. Our project is to have an IT support system that embeds various requirements into business processes so that compliance management is dealt with in a systematic way rather than by manual process. We believe our unique experience could be valuable by many similar organizations around the nation. The service oriented approach guides us from a unique service angle to visualize and analyze main business processes of the organization. We are able to identify compliance requirements and risks and vulnerabilities that affect the bottom-line of the organization. By adopting Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) methodologies in the IT support system, we not only loosen the tightly coupled the existing business applications for better management and for services reuse in any new business processes, but also shift government laws and regulations into the IT system for systematic compliance management.
Rotating Platform versus Fixed-bearing Total Knees: An In Vitro Study of Wear

One of the assumed benefits of mobile bearings is the reduction of UHMWPE wear. However, to date, such benefit has not been categorically proven. To test the hypothesis that rotating platform total knee arthroplasty would have less wear than a fixed-bearing of the same design, this in vitro study compared the wear and kinematics (which influence wear) of one type of mobile with fixed-bearing tibial components of otherwise identical design. We tested four fixed bearing (FB) and four rotating platforms (RP) on force control knee simulators using identical ISO standard force inputs and simulated soft tissue restraint for 6 million walking cycles. The internal/external rotations peaked just before toe off, reaching an average maximum of 7° internal (tibial rotation) in the RP, 1.5 times that of the FB, which peaked at approximately 4.5° internally. Two of the RP specimens showed infrequent and mostly temporary dislocations of the UHMWPE insert. The wear rate for the FB averaged 8.14 ± 2.63 mg/million cycles and the RP averaged 6.78 ± 1.74 mg/million cycles. Both were very low wear rates compared with most other implants tested similarly in the same laboratory. We concluded polyethylene wear was similar for both designs.
The clinical value of vectorcardiography

Abstract 1. 1. Vectorcardiograms of 1,000 adult patients were studied and correlated with clinical data. Autopsy findings were also available in 11 per cent of the group. 2. 2. The cube system was used in all cases, and the tetrahedron system of vectorcardiography was also employed in 477. The tetrahedron system usually revealed abnormalities better than the cube system in right ventricular hypertrophy, combined left and right ventricular hypertrophy, inferior myocardial infarction and posterior myocardial infarction. The cube system, on the other hand, was generally more helpful than the tetrahedron in cases of anterior myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block. 3. 3. The vectorcardiogram provided additional and more decisive information in about half of 525 patients with somewhat equivocal electrocardiographic findings; the electrocardiogram revealed abnormalities better than the vectorcardiogram in only 6 per cent of the same group of cases. However, the vectorcardiogram and the electrocardiogram were interpreted similarly in the majority of the 1,000 cases. The vectorcardiogram was extremely unlikely to be diagnostic of an abnormality when the electrocardiogram was well within normal limits. 4. 4. The vectorcardiogram offered additional help in the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy, combined left and right ventricular hypertrophy, right bundle branch block and myocardial infarction in various locations with the exception of lateral or high anterior infarcts.
Site specific factors influencing the visual range calculated from teleradiometer measurements

Abstract This paper presents conclusions and recommendations on the interpretation of data gathered from teleradiometers. As part of Project VIEW (Visibility Investigation Experiment in the West), multiwavelength teleradiometers were used to measure apparent target contrast in 14 southwestern national parks and monuments. Statistical results show that the accurate measurement of visual ranges by teleradiometer in an atmosphere containing significant amounts of aerosol depends on observer-target distance and observation angle, and in clean atmospheres on inherent contrast. Target illumination, sun angle, and mean altitude of the sight path may also affect visual range. The relative contribution of each of these factors to the variance in calculated visual range at different sites as a function of air pollution levels is examined through the use of principal component and regression analysis.
Attractivity and global stability for linearizable difference equations

Consider the difference equation x"n"+"1=f(x"n,...,x"n"-"k),n=0,1,... where [email protected]?{0,1,...} and the initial conditions are real numbers. We use the linearization of this equation in the form x"n"+"[email protected]?i=1-lkg"ix"n"-"i,n=0,1,... where [email protected]?{1,2,...} and the functions g"i:R^k^+^l->R to investigate the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of the considered equation. We illustrate our results with various examples.
Simplified muscle-sparing thoracotomy for patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates

To reduce operative morbidity we have developed a simplified muscle-sparing thoracotomy that provides excellent exposure for patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates. Operative time has not increased and seroma formation has not occurred. Improved functional and cosmetic results as well as less postoperative pain may be obtained by preserving the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles.
Hardware-in-the-loop test facility for dual-mode infrared and radar guidance systems

Several next-generation air-defense missiles will use dual-mode IR and rf guidance systems to address increasingly sophisticated threats. Performing hardware-in-the-loop tests of these systems to characterize IR and rf seeker performance, as well as developing and validating guidance algorithms, requires synchronously controlled IR and rf test targets, backgrounds, and countermeasures. The standard `electrically connected' approach uses separate IR and rf generation devices located in different laboratories and synchronized by a common control computer. This method has the disadvantage that the IR seeker must be physically removed from the guidance section and electrically reconnected via a long interface. The complex `collocated' approach combines IR and rf environment generators in the same enclosure, thereby eliminating the need for disassembly of the guidance section. A collocated IR/rf test facility is near completion at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. This article describes the new facility with emphasis on the IR environment simulator, which simulates targets, counter-measures, and background clutter.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Correlation between column surface area and retention of polar solutes in packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography

Abstract The retention of organic acids, amines, aminophenols, and amides was directly proportional to the surface area of Diol coated silica particles. Surface area was measured in situ using the method of Hong and Parcher [Anal. Chem., 62 (1990) 2313–2317]. Linear regression analysis was performed on the results from four pore diameters (100, 300, 500 and 4000), plus the origin. Correlation coefficients between retention and surface area were as high as 0.9991. Both the surface area of the chromatographic support and solute retention changed by more than 14 times. All the solutes tested behaved similarly, indicating that changing the surface area is a viable means of retention control. The smallest pore diameter tested (100 A) produced the same efficiency as some of the larger pore sizes (i.e., 300 and 500 A) suggesting that still smaller sizes, like 60 A, might be useful for supercritical fluid chromatography. Particles with 4000 A pores produced poor efficiency, due to peak tailing, which suggests that deactivation was inadequate.
Classical conditioning of the extension response in the earthworm

Abstract Earthworms were observed to extend the anterior body segments reliably during the presentation of a strong vibratory stimulus. The response was classically conditioned and subsequently extinguished. Backward conditioning and contiguity control groups indicated that learning was possible only with a forward conditioning order of stimuli. The extension response was observed to be relatively unaffected by central nervous system lesions leading to the conclusion that future studies of the role of the earthworm nervous system in behavior utilize this response rather than the contraction response to bright light which is reversed by lesions.
Nuclear Elastic Scattering of High Energy Protons

The differential elastic scattering cross sections of carbon, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, copper, silver, tantalum, wolfram, lead, and bismuth for 340-Mev protons are measured as a function of the angle of scattering. The source of the 340-Mev protons is the external scattered deflected proton beam of the Berkeley 184-inch synchrocyclotron. The scattered protons are detected by a triple coincidence scintillation counter telescope whose detection threshold is set by copper energy attenuators placed between the last two transtilbene scintillators.The observed angular distributions are similar to the pattern observed in Fraunhofer diffraction of plane electromagnetic waves by an opaque disk. The details of the diffraction patterns indicate that the nuclei appear partially transparent to the 340-Mev protons.The observed patterns are found to be consistent with those predicted from elastic scattering of 83-Mev neutrons, indicating that the Coulomb forces are only important in changing the patterns at very small angles.An attempt is made to observe spin-dependent variations in the patterns from neighboring nuclei whose moments are known to differ appreciably. Within the statistics and resolution of the experiment no appreciable variations are detected.
Origins of spontaneous firing of motor units in the spastic-paretic biceps brachii muscle of stroke survivors.

One potential expression of altered motoneuron excitability following a hemispheric stroke is the spontaneous unit firing (SUF) of motor units at rest. The elements contributing to this altered exc...
Experimentally induced elevations in acid phosphatase activity in hemolymph of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca)

Abstract The levels of acid phosphatase activity in the hemocytes and serum of the following four groups of the pulmonate gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata were ascertained: (1) those injected with heat-killed Bacillus megaterium , (2) those challenged with sterile distilled water, (3) those shaminjected, and (4) those left untampered. It was determined that challenge with heat-killed bacteria sesulted in significant elevations in acid phosphatase activity in both cells and serum at 1, 2, and 4 hr postinjection, with the level being highest at 2 hr. Injection with water resulted in a significant elevation in cellular enzyme level at 1 hr postinjection but not at 2 and 4 hr; however, there were significant elevations at 2 and 4 hr in serum. This is interpreted to indicate that the elevated intracellular enzyme was subsequently released into serum. Sham injection resulted in significant elevations in acid phosphatase levels in hemocytes at 2 and 4 hr postinjection but no increase of enzyme activity in serum during the course of the experiment. This is interpreted to mean that this hydrolase was not released as a result of sham injection. The source of acid phosphatase was apparently the cytoplasmic granules of granulocytes, which are true lysosomes.