cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A structured approach to corporate technology strategy

There is currently a resurgence in recognition of the vital role technology plays in corporate profitability. Unfortunately, interest in technology has been coupled with the difficult problem of the proliferation of technological options, many of which are unknown to the company at the time they become important. This means that much careful attention to acquiring and deploying advanced technology is needed. This paper describes a structured approach called ASSETS, which integrates business and technology actions. The process is based on a set of basic questions that must be addressed in seeking a well–grounded business and technology strategy. Answers to these questions follow a number of conventional planning steps with both the technological and business issues integrated through the use of a basic technology strategy. The paper describes these steps and shows how they are used to generate and use a strategy based on future impacts. Resource allocation, implementation and control considerations are included.
Rapidly exploring application design through speed dating

While the user-centered design methods we bring from humancomputer interaction to ubicomp help sketch ideas and refine prototypes, few tools or techniques help explore divergent design concepts, reflect on their merits, and come to a new understanding of design opportunities and ways to address them. We present Speed Dating, a design method for rapidly exploring application concepts and their interactions and contextual dimensions without requiring any technology implementation. Situated between sketching and prototyping, Speed Dating structures comparison of concepts, helping identify and understand contextual risk factors and develop approaches to address them. We illustrate how to use Speed Dating by applying it to our research on the smart home and dual-income families, and highlight our findings from using this method.
Political Ecology, Mountain Agriculture and Knowledge in Honduras

Political Ecology, Mountain Agriculture and Knowledge in Honduras. Kees Jansen. Amsterdam: Thela Publishers, 1998.
Leveraging Wire Properties at the Microarchitecture Level

In future microprocessors, communication will emerge as a major bottleneck. The authors advocate composing future interconnects of some wires that minimize latency, some that maximize bandwidth, and some that minimize power. A microarchitecture aware of these wire characteristics can steer on-chip data transfers to the most appropriate wires, thus improving performance and saving energy
Pressor responses to tyramine and norepinephrine after subchronic administration of fluoxetine to man

The effects of subchronic, oral administration of fluoxetine (60 mg daily for 45 days) were studied in three healthy male volunteers. The pressor responses to intravenous bolus tyramine injections or norepinephrine infusions were assessed during the one-week placebo period, periodically after daily fluoxetine dosing, and then for 11 days post-fluoxetine dosing. The dose-pressor responses, determined from the incremental elevation of systolic blood pressure, were unchanged in each of the three dosing intervals. These results indicate that fluoxetine does not significantly impair the catecholamine uptake mechanism in the peripheral adrenergic neuron on acute or subchronic dosing, nor is any rebound-increased sensitivity evident after subchronic administration. Further, fluoxetine does not appear to demonstrate peripheral alpha-adrenolytic properties in man.
Thyroxine Secretion Rate in Chicks and Poults

Abstract Based on studies reported by Smyth and Fox (1951) and by Biellier and Turner (1955), it is generally believed that the thyroxine secretion rate (TSR) of young turkey poults is significantly higher than that in young chickens. These investigators found that TSR’s of various varieties of poults, as estimated by goiter-prevention assay, were higher than those previously reported for several breeds and crosses of chicks, but lower than those reported for Pekin ducklings; and commented on the apparent inter-species correlation of TSR with growth rate. To the best of the author’s knowledge, however, no one has actually compared TSR in these species at the same time and in the same environment. During the course of a study on I131 conversion ratio (Wentworth and Mellen, 1961) as a criterion of thyroid activity in domestic birds, a TSR comparison between chicks and poults was carried out in this laboratory. White Plymouth Rock…
Mitochondrial DNA in residual leukemia cells in cerebrospinal fluid in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

This feasibility study was designed to assess the ability to measure mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells that contributed to minimal disease/persistent or residual disease (MD/PRD) from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Increase in mtDNA copies in cancer cells has been suggested to play a role in MD/PRD. CSF as well as blood specimens from 6 children were assayed for MD/PRD and mtDNA copy numbers by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of 7 MD/PRD-positive specimens, 6 had increased mtDNA copy numbers; while 11 MD/PRD-negative specimens had no increase in mtDNA copy numbers, p < 0.003. This is the first proof-of-concept study to measure mtDNA copy numbers in MD/PRD-positive CSF specimens from children with ALL. Increase of mtDNA copy numbers in MD/PRD childhood ALL cells and its significance as a mechanism for recurrence requires further investigation. Keywords Minimal residual disease; Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Central nervous system; Cerebrospinal fluid; Mitochondria
Approval of Violence by Males in Western Canada

Violent and defensive attitudes were surveyed in a sample of 1,010 males in western Canada.
Highly Regioselective Alkyne Cyclotrimerization Catalyzed by Titanium Complexes Supported by Proximally Bridged p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Ligands

Transition metal-catalyzed cycloaddition is involved in many of the most useful synthetic methods for assembling complex organic molecules.1 Many transition metals catalyze the cyclotrimerization of alkynes to yield substituted benzenes.1,2 However, the reaction rarely proceeds with high regioselectivity.1d Highly regiocontrolled synthesis of arenes is very attractive since arenes are important building blocks in organic synthesis. Our interest in the influence of ancillary ligands on organic transformations mediated by the group 4 metals led us to synthesize titanium complexes supported by a 1,2-alternate, dimethylsilyl-bridged p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (DMSC) ligand. Whereas alkoxides have been effectively used as ancillary ligands in early transition metal organometallic chemistry,3 the application of calixarenes as ancillary ligands in organotransition metal chemistry is relatively unexplored.4 Herein, we describe highly regioselective, catalytic cyclotrimerization of terminal alkynes by DMSC-based titanium complexes. The reaction of (DMSC)H2 with TiCl4 furnished [(DMSC)TiCl2] (1) in excellent yield, as an airand moisture-sensitive orange solid6 (eq 1). An X-ray crystallographic study of 1
Climatic and Agricultural Contributions to Changing Loads in Two Watersheds in Ohio

Trends in climatic variables, streamflow, agricultural practices, and loads of nutrients and suspended solids were estimated for 1976-1995 in the Maumee and Sandusky watersheds, two large agricultural basins draining to Lake Erie. To understand the contributions that various factors may have made to the trends in loads, earlier results of models linking loads to explanatory variables were combined with estimated trends in those variables. The study period was characterized by increases in temperature, wintertime precipitation and streamflow, conservation farming, and loads of nitrate and total suspended solids; decreases in snowfall and snow cover, fertilizer, manure from livestock, and loads of soluble reactive phosphorus; and relatively steady exports of total phosphorus. After removing the effects of trends in streamflow, nitrate loads increased much less while total suspended solids and total phosphorus loads declined. The analysis suggests that the nitrate increases were due largely to climatic factors, particularly increases in winter streamflow, decreases in snowfall and snow cover, and declining annual precipitation. Decreases in soluble reactive phosphorus were associated with changes in agricultural practices, particularly declines in fertilizer deliveries and head of livestock.
T-lymphocyte recognition of a portion of myelin basic protein encoded by an exon expressed during myelination.

Abstract The major isoform of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the healthy adult central nervous system is the 18.5-kDa protein which is produced by mRNA derived from exons 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the MBP gene. Since isoforms containing exon 2-encoded protein (X2MBP) are expressed during myelin formation, we examined T cell ractivity specific for X2MBP in a disease characterized by remyelination subsequent to demyelination, multiple sclerosis (MS). T cell lines specific for X2MBP were derived from three MS patients as well as one healthy control. This suggests that candidate autoantigens in demyelinating/remyelinating diseases should include not only the major isoforms of myelin proteins, but also isoforms expressed aberrantly during a disease process since they too may be the target of a T cell-mediated autoimmune process.
Polypeptides. 53. Water-soluble copolypeptides of L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, and L-alanine.

The synthesis and some of the physical-chemical properties of tricopolymers of L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, and L-alanine are reported here. The molar ratios of the glutamyl: lysyl: alanyl residues were 1:1:X or 3:2:X, where the alanyl content X was increased in regular steps. The α-helix content calculated from the optical rotatory dispersion of the polypeptides is compared with a predicted helix content estimated from the composition of the polymers and the known behavior of the homopolypeptides at pH 3, 8, and 12. At pH 3 copolypeptides containing 20 mole-% or more alanine exhibit a helix content equal to the sum of their alanyl and glutamyl residue contents. At pH 8 the helix content equals the alanyl content when the latter was 40 mole-% or higher; at lower alanyl contents the electrostatic interaction between charged glutamyl and lysyl residues makes some contribution. At pH 12 the amount of helix observed is proportional to the mole ratio of alanine residues present in the polymer. The helix content of a tricopolymer containing 1:1:3 mole ratios of glutamyl: lysyl: alanyl residues was determined in solutions of lithium bromide and in urea solutions. Both reagents led to a decrease in helix content at pH 3 and 8 to a minimum of approximately 20% helix in 8M urea or 5.5M LiBr. The helix–random chain transition curves at pH 3 and 8 are parallel when the urea concentration is varied, but differ in shape when the lithium bromide concentration is varied at pH 3 and 8. The mode of action of these two “denaturing” reagents may thus be different. Heating the same tricopolypeptide at pH 3 or 8 from 5 to 80°C. also led to a helix–random chain transition centered at approximately 45°C.
Exon Silencing by UAGG Motifs in Response to Neuronal Excitation

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing plays fundamental roles in neurons by generating functional diversity in proteins associated with the communication and connectivity of the synapse. The CI cassette of the NMDA R1 receptor is one of a variety of exons that show an increase in exon skipping in response to cell excitation, but the molecular nature of this splicing responsiveness is not yet understood. Here we investigate the molecular basis for the induced changes in splicing of the CI cassette exon in primary rat cortical cultures in response to KCl-induced depolarization using an expression assay with a tight neuron-specific readout. In this system, exon silencing in response to neuronal excitation was mediated by multiple UAGG-type silencing motifs, and transfer of the motifs to a constitutive exon conferred a similar responsiveness by gain of function. Biochemical analysis of protein binding to UAGG motifs in extracts prepared from treated and mock-treated cortical cultures showed an increase in nuclear hnRNP A1-RNA binding activity in parallel with excitation. Evidence for the role of the NMDA receptor and calcium signaling in the induced splicing response was shown by the use of specific antagonists, as well as cell-permeable inhibitors of signaling pathways. Finally, a wider role for exon-skipping responsiveness is shown to involve additional exons with UAGG-related silencing motifs, and transcripts involved in synaptic functions. These results suggest that, at the post-transcriptional level, excitable exons such as the CI cassette may be involved in strategies by which neurons mount adaptive responses to hyperstimulation.
Pathways of Memory and Power: Ethnography and History among an Andean People

Pathways of Memory and Power: Ethnography and History among an Andean People. Thomas A. Abercrombie. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1998. xxviii. 603 pp., illustrations, notes, glossary, references, index.
Verbal fluency deficits and altered lateralization of language brain areas in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia

Alterations of verbal fluency may correlate with deficits of gray matter volume and hemispheric lateralization of language brain regions like the pars triangularis (PT) in schizophrenia. Examining non-psychotic individuals at high genetic risk (HR) for schizophrenia may clarify if these deficits represent heritable trait markers or state dependent phenomena. We assessed adolescent and young adult HR subjects (N=60) and healthy controls (HC; N=42) using verbal fluency tests and Freesurfer to process T1-MRI scans. We hypothesized volumetric and lateralization alterations of the PT and their correlation with verbal fluency deficits. HR subjects had letter verbal fluency deficits (controlling for IQ), left PT deficits (p=.00), (controlling ICV) and reversal of the L>R PT asymmetry noted in HC. Right Heschl's (p=.00), left supramarginal (p=.00) and right angular gyrii (p=.02) were also reduced in HR subjects. The L>R asymmetry of the Heschl's gyrus seen in HC was exaggerated and asymmetries of L>R of supramarginal and R>L of angular gyri, seen in HC were attenuated in HR subjects. L>R asymmetry of the PT predicted better verbal fluency across the pooled HR and HC groups. Young relatives of schizophrenia patients have verbal fluency deficits, gray matter volume deficits and reversed asymmetry of the pars triangularis. A reversed structural asymmetry of the PT in HR subjects may impair expressive language abilities leading to verbal fluency deficits. Volumetric deficits and altered asymmetry in inferior parietal and Heschl's gyrii may accompany genetic liability to schizophrenia.
CK2 phosphorylation of SAG at Thr10 regulates SAG stability, but not its E3 ligase activity

Sensitive to Apoptosis Gene (SAG), a RING component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase, was shown to be phosphorylated by protein kinase CK2 at the Thr10 residue. It is, however, unknown whether this phosphorylation is stress-responsive or whether the phosphorylation changes its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. To address these, we made a specific antibody against the phosphor-SAGThr10. Transient transfection experiment showed that SAG was phosphorylated at Thr10 which can be significantly inhibited by TBB, a relatively specific inhibitor of protein kinase CK2. To determine whether this SAG phosphorylation is stress-responsive, we defined a chemical-hypoxia condition in which SAG and CK2 were both induced. Under this condition, we failed to detect SAG phosphorylation at Thr10, which was readily detected, however, in the presence of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, suggesting that the phosphorylated SAG has undergone a rapid degradation. To further define this, we made two SAG mutants, SAG-T10A which abolishes the SAG phosphorylation and SAG-T10E, which mimics the constitutive SAG phosphorylation. The half-life study revealed that indeed, SAG-T10E has a much shorter protein half-life (2 h), as compared to wild-type SAG (10 h). Again, rapid degradation of SAG-T10E in cells can be blocked by MG132. Thus, it appears that CK2-induced SAG phosphorylation at Thr10 regulates its stability through a proteasome-dependent pathway. Immunocytochemistry study showed that SAG as well as its phosphorylation mutants, was mainly localized in nucleus and lightly in cytoplasm. Hypoxia condition did not change their sub-cellular localization. Finally, an in vitro ubiqutination assay showed that SAG mutation at Thr10 did not change its E3 ligase activity when complexed with cullin-1. These studies suggested that CK2 might regulate SAG-SCF E3 ligase activity through modulating SAG’s stability, rather than its enzymatic activity directly.
Increased extracellular glutamate evoked by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium [MPP(+)] in the rat striatum is not essential for dopaminergic neurotoxicity and is not derived from released glutathione.

A number of studies have implicated the interactions of the excitatory amino acid L-glutamate (Glu) with its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors as important components of the mechanism underlying the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Furthermore, microdi-alysis experiments have demonstrated that perfusion of relatively high concentrations of MPP+ into the rat striatum evoke a delayed, massive release of Glu. Interestingly, perfusion of MPP+ also mediates a similar release of glutathione (GSH). Together, these observations raise the possibility that the rise of extracellular Glu mediated by MPP+ may be the result of hydrolysis of released GSH by γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). In the present investigation it is demonstrated that perfusions of solutions of 0.7 and 1.3 mM MPP+ dissolved in artificial cerebro-spinal fluid into the rat striatum evoke neurotoxic damage to dopaminergic terminals, assessed by both a two-day test/challenge procedure and tyro-sine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, but without the release of Glu. Perfusions of ≤ 2.5 mM MPP+ cause more extensive dopaminergic neurotoxicity and a dose-dependent release of Glu. However, neither this release of Glu nor MPP+-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity are blocked by the irreversible γ-GT inhibitor acivicin. Together, these observations indicate that a rise of extracellular levels of Glu is not essential for the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of MPP+. Furthermore, the rise of extracellular Glu caused by perfusion of ≤ 2.5 mM MPP+ is not the result of the γ-GT-mediated hydrolysis of released GSH. It is possible that the rise of extracellular levels of Glu, L-aspartate, L-glycine and L-taurine evoked by perfusions of ≤ 2.5 mM MPP+ into the rat striatum may reflect, at least in part, the release of these amino acids from astrocytes.
Rovibrationally Selected and Resolved Pulsed Field Ionization-Photoelectron Study of Ethylene

We show that by preparing ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) in selected rotational levels of the C-H stretching v 9 (b 2 u ) = 1 or v 1 1 (h 1 u ) = 1 state by infrared (IR) laser excitation prior to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser photoionization, greatly simplified, rotationally resolved pulsed field ionization-photoelectron spectra can be obtained, leading to reliable rotational assignments of the vibrational bands for C 2 H 4 + (.B 3 u ; u 4 + (torsional) = 1 or v 1 1 + = 1) ← C 2 H 4 (. 1 A g ; v 1 1 = 1) and C 2 H 4 + (X 2 B 3 u ; 0 0 + ) ← C 2 H 4 (. 1 A g ; v 9 = 1). The observation of these Franck-Condon (FC) forbidden vibrational bands is indicative of a strong state-mixing mechanism, in which Rydberg states converging to the FC forbidden C 2 H 4 + (. 2 B 3 u ; 0 0 + and v 4 + = 1) levels are effectively coupled via intermediate states to Rydberg levels converging to FC allowed C 2 H 4 + (. 2 B 3 u ; v 9 + = 1 and v 1 1 + = 1) states, respectively. This conclusion is supported by strong autoionizing features observed in the IR-VUV photionization efficiency spectra.
Reservations about study on antidepressant use by young people and suicidal behaviour after FDA warnings.

We agree with several of Lu and colleagues’ conclusions.1 However, we have serious reservations about their conclusion that antidepressant warnings discouraged appropriate pharmacotherapy for depression, resulting in more suicidal behaviours by patients with unmedicated depression. Firstly, we agree that there was no appreciable increase in completed suicide rates in young people coinciding with the warnings, as confirmed by Barber and colleagues.2 Indeed, in 2007, after the warnings, the US adolescent suicide rate reached a 25 year low.3 The quarterly suicide rates in adults presented by Lu and colleagues are generally below age specific US suicide rates, which suggests under-reporting. However, we would not expect systematic under-reporting of suicides to affect the trend analyses if the level of under-reporting remained constant. We also agree that a trend change in antidepressant usage occurred after the warnings. However, it is unclear whether this change is entirely due to the warnings because promotional spending on antidepressants by drug companies dropped by about a third during the same period (by roughly $200m (£124m; €158m) per quarter between 2004 and 2006.4 We agree, too, that psychotropic …
An Active Flow Distortion Control System for Serpentine Inlets

An active flow control system for reducing distortion in serpentine inlets was developed using non-intrusive microphones as feedback sensors. While the serpentine inlet can provide large benefits to an air vehicle by reducing its overall size and therefore weight, it unfortunately delivers a non-uniform (spatially-distorted) flow to the compressor due to the formation of a secondary flow created by separation of the turbulent boundary layer in the aggressive turn. An active means of controlling distortion has been developed using an array of micro air jet vortex generators. It was hypothesized that microphones in the vicinity of the distorted flow would record higher amplitudes pressure fluctuations compared to those microphones in the vicinity of the undistorted flow. Experiments showed that the difference between the microphone readings in these two flow regimes was correlated to the distortion level. This difference in microphone signals was then used as feedback in a PID control system that regulated spatial distortion levels during steady flight conditions, as well as sudden ramps in aircraft speed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Readability and comprehension of self-report binge eating measures.

Abstract The validity of self-report binge eating instruments among individuals with limited literacy is uncertain. This study aims to evaluate reading grade level and multiple domains of comprehension of 13 commonly used self-report assessments of binge eating for use in low-literacy populations. We evaluated self-report binge eating measures with respect to reading grade levels, measure length, formatting and linguistic problems. Results All measures were written at a reading grade level higher than is recommended for patient materials (above the 5th to 6th grade level), and contained several challenging elements related to comprehension. Correlational analyses suggested that readability and comprehension elements were distinct contributors to measure difficulty. Individuals with binge eating who have low levels of educational attainment or limited literacy are often underrepresented in measure validation studies. Validity of measures and accurate assessment of symptoms depend on an individual's ability to read and comprehend instructions and items, and these may be compromised in populations with lower levels of literacy.
Asymptotic solutions to a discrete airy equation

A nonstandard finite difference scheme for the Airy equation leads to a linear, second—order difference equation for which the theorems of Poincare and Perron do not apply if asymptotic representations of the solutions are desired. Using the method of dominant balance, a suggested form for the asymptotic solutions is obtained. This relation is then used to construct the required asymptotic representations for the two linearly independent solutions
Sample shape influence on the antiferroelectric phase transitions in dipolar systems subject to an external field

A continuous change in the macroscopic shape of a sample from a needle through a sphere to a plate is shown to greatly affect phase transitions in Ising dipolar systems. The first- and second-order phase transition lines with critical and tricritical points appear, coexist, and disappear on the phase diagram with varying sample shape. The values of the shape-dependent depolarization factor corresponding to the changes in the phase diagram are identified.
Memory decline shows stronger associations with estimated spatial patterns of amyloid deposition progression than total amyloid burden

The development of amyloid imaging compounds has allowed in vivo imaging of amyloid deposition. In this study, we examined the spatial patterns of amyloid deposition throughout the brain using Pittsburgh Compound Blue ((11)C-PiB) positron emission tomography data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. We used a new methodology that allowed us to approximate spatial patterns of the temporal progression of amyloid plaque deposition from cross-sectional data. Our results are consistent with patterns of progression known from autopsy studies, with frontal and precuneus regions affected early and occipital and sensorimotor cortices affected later in disease progression--here, disease progression means lower-to-higher total amyloid burden. Furthermore, we divided participants into subgroups based on longitudinal change in memory performance, and demonstrated significantly different spatial patterns of the estimated progression of amyloid deposition between these subgroups. Our results indicate that the spatial pattern of amyloid deposition is related to cognitive performance and may be more informative than a biomarker reflecting total amyloid burden, the use of which is the current practice. This finding has broad implications for our understanding of the relationship between cognitive decline/resilience and amyloid deposition, as well as for the use of amyloid imaging as a biomarker in research and clinical applications.
Winged booster performance with combined rocket and airbreathing propulsion

A conceptual level analysis was performed on a horizontal-takeoff, two-stage-to-orbit system consisting of a rocket and turboramjet powered hypersonic booster and a rocket-powered orbiter. The analysis includes estimates of vehicle aerodynamics, performance, and weights. Rocket and air breathing systems on the booster are operated in parallel and at full thrust for ascent to a Mach 6 staging point, whereas cruise back is accomplished using airbreathing propulsion alone. Rocket engines on the orbiter are ignited at staging to propel the orbiter. Booster weights were determined for various combinations of rocket and airbreathing propulsion. The combinations that resulted in the lowest vehicle gross and empty weights were determined. Results show that the lowest gross weight occurs when only airbreathing engines are used. The empty weight of the all airbreathing booster, however, is quite high. Significant reductions in booster empty weight is accomplished with the addition of rocket engines. Also, the use of rockets on the booster greatly decreases the time to staging and the cruise-back distance.
ON A CERTAIN FAMILY OF DETERMINANTAL-LIKE IDEALS

ABSTRACT In this paper we give a family of Cohen–Macaulay domains defined by “determinantal-like” ideals. We show that these rings have rational singularities over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero.
Interactions of an insecticide, herbicide, and natural stressors in amphibian community mesocosms

Amphibians developing in wetlands embedded within or near agricultural lands may frequently encounter chemical mixtures. The objectives of our study were to determine the effects that post-application concentrations of an insecticide (carbaryl) and an herbicide (atrazine) have on body mass, development, and survival of two anuran species (southern leopard frog, Rana sphenocephala; American toad, Bufo americanus) and two caudate species (spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum; small-mouthed salamander, A. texanum) reared in outdoor cattle tank mesocosms. In one experiment, we manipulated tadpole density (low or high), carbaryl exposure (0, 3.5, 7.0 mg/L), and atrazine exposure (0 or 200 μg/L) to test for effects on development, mass, and survival of larvae. In a second experiment, we manipulated pond hydroperiod (constant or drying), carbaryl exposure (0 or 5 mg/L), and atrazine exposure (0 or 200 μg/L) to test for effects on mass, time, and survival to metamorphosis. Salamanders were virtually eliminated...
The influence of different standards on the evaluation of pain: Implications for assessment and treatment * **

Pain is a personal event, yet much research concerns how people compare their pain to the pain of others. In this study, we assessed the relative impact of positive and negative versions of normative, ipsative, and imaginary standards on the experience of pain under laboratory conditions. We expected that self-referent standards (ipsative, imaginary) would have more influence than other-referent standards (normative) on the evaluation of pain. The effect of manipulating these standards on changes in subjects' tolerance times and pain intensity ratings from Trial 1 to Trial 2 was evaluated. The normative and ipsative standards significantly affected pain intensity ratings and the ipsative standard significantly affected tolerance times. These results do not support our intuitions about the relative importance of self-referent standards over other-referent standards in evaluating the experience of pain. The assessment and treatment implications of the enigmatic influence of normative information on pain is discussed.
Influence tactics and salary attainment: a gender-specific analysis

In this article the linkages between upward influence tactics and salary attainment were studied within the context of observed salary differences between men and women. The data for this field study were gathered from 212 male and 82 female business school graduates. Annual salary was regressed on a set of control variables and six dimensions of upward influence. Separate salary equations were estimated for men and women, and used to study sex-based salary differentials. The results indicated that even though there were few mean differences between men and women in terms of person-centered attributes, the characteristics of employing organizations, or the use of upward influence styles, women earned less than men. The set of upward influence tactics uniquely accounted for variation in salaries for both men and women, and there was evidence of gender specificity in the salarly allocation process. The usefulness of considering upward influence tactics when studying the salary allocation process is emphasized, particularly when the goal is to understand observed salary differences between men and women.
Site specificity of transverse crista terminalis conduction in patients with atrial flutter.

Introduction: The causes of transcristal conduction (TC) in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) are unknown. Methods and Results: In two groups of patients referred for AFL ablation, 36 had cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent flutter (Group I) and 24 had lower (n = 21) or upper loop reentry (n = 5) (Group II). After ablation, isthmus block was evaluated by pacing from the coronary sinus (CS) and low lateral right atrium and by alternative techniques, including mapping with electrodes spanning the CTI or electroanatomic mapping. After bidirectional CTI block was verified, 21/36 (58%) in Group I showed TC with CS pacing, including low TC in 16 (including 11 showing “pseudo” CTI conduction), higher TC in 6 and multiple breaks in 3. However, 8 with low TC during CS pacing showed unidirectional block by pacing outside of the CS os. Twelve (50%) in Group II had TC during CS pacing after bidirectional CTI block, with low TC in 5 (2 mimicking residual CTI conduction) and higher breaks in 9. There was no significant difference in the incidence of TC during CS pacing after CTI block between groups. In seven autopsied hearts, the muscle orientation between the proximal CS musculature and Eustachian ridge were examined. Muscular connections between the CS and Eustachian ridge coursing toward the orifice of inferior vena cava were found in one of the hearts. Conclusions: It is concluded that in patients with bidirectional CTI block, pacing from the CS may be associated with TC mimicking a conduction leak through the isthmus. Pacing just outside the CS os helps distinguish pseudo from true isthmus block.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Carcinoma of the Esophagus

1) A zoning of the esophagus into three divisions has proved helpful and practical as an aid to standardizing the surgical treatment for carcinoma of the esophagus, and has been applied in a personal series of 71 cases. 2) Typical case histories of Zone 2 and Zone 3 lesions and their surgical management have been cited. 3) Lesions involving Zone 2 (midthoracic esophagus) are best treated by transthoracic partial esophagectomy and partial gastrectomy with a supra-aortic esophagogastric anastomosis. 4) Zone 3 lesions (lower esophagus and cardiac end of the stomach) are best resected by a combined thoracolaparotomy incision which does not necessitate the removal of any rib or ribs. 5) A modification of the standard incisions is suggested. 6) With the advent of positive pressure anesthesia in the hands of qualified anesthetists, chemotherapeutic agents, expert pre- and postoperative care, and the perfection of surgical technic, such extirpations are made possible, thus providing a new lease on life for these patients who only a few years ago were considered doomed.
A new three-dimensional shell theory in general (non-lines-of-curvature) coordinates for analysis of curved panels weakened by through/part-through holes

Abstract A heretofore unavailable differential geometric formulation for representing the geometry of a doubly connected and doubly-curved three-dimensional shell-type deformable body is presented. This results in a three-dimensional shell theory in general non-lines-of-curvature coordinates, endowed with non-vanishing geodesic curvature and twist. Such a theory is useful in modeling exactly the geometry of, e.g., a perforated or semi-perforated shell. Using the Weingarten–Gauss relationship and Serret-Frenet formulas, the curvature, of a coordinate space curve lying on the reference (bottom) surface, is related to the normal curvature of the reference surface in that direction and also the geodesic curvature, while its torsion is related to the twist of the reference surface. The metrics of the reference surface are related to the geodesic curvature, normal curvature and twist of the reference surface, using the concept of the Darboux vector and the associated moving tri-hedron. Using the Weingarten–Gauss relationship, quantities of interest at a parallel surface are then derived in terms of the reference (generating) surface geometry and the thickness coordinate. One important consequence of this is that unlike its counterpart for the generating (reference) surface, the first fundamental form coupling quantity of a parallel surface does not vanish. The included angle between the projections of the orthogonal coordinate curves onto a parallel surface is then easily derived. Finally, the kinematic or strain–displacement relations are obtained in terms of displacement components, normal curvature, geodesic curvature and twist of the reference surface. Once these quantities are defined, an expression for the total potential energy can easily be obtained, which forms the basis for a variational principle, used in conjunction with the finite element discretization. A C 0 -type triangular composite degenerated shell element, based on the assumptions of a locally non-twisting approximation, transverse inextensibility and layer (piece)-wise constant shear-angle theory (LCST), is employed to analyze an edge-loaded deep cylindrical panel weakened by an internal (or embedded) part-through elliptical hole. The same triangular element formulation is employed, based on the assumptions of locally non-twisting approximation, transverse inextensibility and constant shear angle through thickness, for analysis of a perforated cylindrical panel under normal external pressure.
Cell-mediated lympholysis: a receptor-associated lytic mechanism.

Abstract The mechanism of the lytic event in cell-mediated lympholysis is as yet incompletely understood. Two major hypotheses have been proposed: (1) lysis is a nonspecific result of the intimacy created between killer and target by specific antigen-receptor binding, and (2) lysis is effected by the killer cell receptor itself or by a closely linked cell surface component. Two populations of cytotoxic effector cells were coincubated, one relevantly sensitized to the second and the second irrelevantly sensitized to a third party; in some experiments the third party cells were also added. If target cell lysis occurred because of killer-target intimacy, the relevantly sensitized killers should have been lysed when incubated with cytotoxic targets. Relevantly sensitized killers were not lysed when coincubated with either cytotoxic targets alone or with cytotoxic targets and their appropriate third party targets. These findings suggest that the lytic event in cell-mediated lympholysis is accomplished by the receptor itself, or by a geographically closely linked cell surface component.
An Inorganic Double Helix: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism of Chiral [(CH3)2NH2]K4[V10O10(H2O)2(OH)4(PO4)7]·4H2O

Very complicated inorganic solids can be self-assembled from structurally simple precursors as illustrated by the hydrothermal synthesis of the vanadium phosphate, [(CH(3))(2)NH(2)]K(4)[V(10)O(10)(H(2)O)(2)(OH)(4)(PO(4))(7)].4H(2)O, 1, which contains chiral double helices formed from interpenetrating spirals of vanadium oxo pentamers bonded together by P(5+). These double helices are in turn intertwined with each other in a manner that generates unusual tunnels and cavities that are filled with (CH(3))(2)NH(2)(+) and K(+) cations, respectively. The unit cell contents of dark blue phosphate 1, which crystallizes in the enantiomorphic space group P4(3) with lattice constants a = 12.130 and c = 30.555 angstroms, are chiral; only one enantiomorph is present in a given crystal. Magnetization measurements show that 1 is paramagnetic with ten unpaired electrons per formula unit at higher temperatures and that antiferromagnetic interactions develop at lower temperatures.
Preparation and reactions of some methyl isocyanide complexes of rhodium

Abstract The preparation of [(C 6 H 5 ) 3 P] 2 Rh(CNCH 3 )Cl and [(CH 3 NC) 4 Rh][B(C 6 H 5 )] are reported. Oxidative addition of oxygen, tetracyanoethylene, mercuric chloride, and iodine to [(C 6 H 5 ) 3 P] 2 Rh(CNCH 3 )Cl and of methyl iodine and iodine to [(CH 3 NC) 4 Rh + ] are described. Hydrolysis of [(C 6 H 5 ) 3 P] 2 Rh(CNCH 3 )Cl yields [(C 6 H 5 ) 3 P] 2 Rh(CO)Cl.
Warning signals, wind speeds and what next: A pilot project for disaster preparedness among residents of Central Vietnam's lagoons

This paper describes a pilot disaster preparedness campaign for Central Vietnam. Central Vietnam is highly prone to water related disasters, which result in an enormous loss of lives and livelihood and make sustainable development almost impossible. Residents in the lagoons of Central Vietnam, who are particularly vulnerable because of their proximity to water, were the target audience for this project. The project first built social marketing capacity among Vietnamese government officials and community leaders, and then used their input as well as secondary and primary research to prepare the campaign.The significance of the project lies in the fact that this may be one of the first projects in Vietnam to systematically plan a campaign based on social marketing principles. These principles are new in Vietnam, a communist country that has only recently introduced economic reform. The project thus signals the greater acceptance of nonstructural and particularly social marketing/communication approaches to ...
Comparative metabolism of nitroaromatic compounds in freshwater, brackish water and marine decapod crustaceans

1. The metabolic pathways of p-nitroanisole, 4-nitro-m-cresol and methyl parathion in Malaysian prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), ridgeback prawns (Sicyonia ingentis) and crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were compared.2. The Malaysian prawns and ridgeback prawns were shown to O-demethylate 29% and 11%, respectively, of an accumulated level of p-nitroanisole, while crayfish were able to O-demethylate 98% of the accumulated level of nitroanisole. 4-Nitro-m-cresol oxidation was not detected in either prawn species. In contrast, 5-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde was the major metabolite formed from nitrocresol metabolism by crayfish.3. Both prawn species readily dearylated methyl parathion to form p-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenyl conjugates. Crayfish displayed a similar trend in methyl parathion metabolism.4. Nitroreduction was observed in the metabolism of 4-nitro-m-cresol by ridgeback prawns, which excreted 4-nitroso-m-cresol as a minor product. Reduction products were not observed in the metabolism of the three...
Foramen magnum decompression with cranioplasty for treatment of caudal occipital malformation syndrome in dogs.

Objectives— To describe a cranioplasty procedure used in conjunction with foramen magnum decompression (FMD) for the treatment of canine caudal occipital malformation syndrome (COMS), and to evaluate the clinical outcome. Study Design— Prospective clinical study. Animals— Dogs (n=21) with COMS diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods— After FMD, titanium screws were placed around the perimeter of the foramen magnum defect and a skull plate fashioned from titanium mesh and polymethylmethacrylate was attached to the back of the skull, using the titanium screws as anchor posts. Follow-up was obtained by direct examination by the authors, telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians, and a questionnaire sent to owners of surviving dogs designed to assign objective measures of response to surgical intervention. Surgical success was defined as improvement in ≥1 aspects of clinical dysfunction (e.g. scratching, pain) postoperatively. Owner-assigned pre- and postoperative quality-of-life (QOL) scores (1–5) for surviving dogs were compared using a Wilcoxon's signed rank test for paired data (P≤.05). Results— No intraoperative complications occurred and postoperative complications were limited to transient worsening of a pre-existing head tilt and ataxia in 1 dog, and the need for oral pain medication for 1–4 weeks in 3 dogs. Seventeen dogs (81%) had clinical improvement after surgery. Although clinical signs resolved in 1 dog, it died after being hit by a car, 5 months after surgery. One dog had no change in clinical signs; this patient's clinical signs were not severe and the owners had opted for surgery primarily to prevent progression of disease. Two dogs were euthanatized; 1 because of no improvement of severe clinical signs, and 1 because of sustained recurrence of apparent head and neck pain 7 months later. One dog required a dorsal laminectomy at a second site (C1/C2 vertebral level), 2 months later. Four dogs has transient “flare-ups” of apparent head/neck pain 2–13 months later; all resolved with transient re-institution of oral analgesic therapy. Further surgery at the FMD was not needed. Based on the returned questionnaires, there was an overall significant improvement in QOL scores. Conclusions— FMD with cranioplasty was well tolerated, with no intraoperative complications, and minor postoperative complications. Most dogs improved clinically, and none required further surgery at the original FMD site. Clinical Relevance— FMD with cranioplasty may be an effective surgical method of treating dogs with COMS and is well tolerated. Based on prior reports of FMD for this disorder, it appears that cranioplasty may reduce the rate of surgical failure caused by formation of compressive scar tissue at the FMD site in the short term. Results of this preliminary study support further evaluation of the cranioplasty procedure in a larger group of dogs over a more extended follow-up period.
An HLA-E single chain trimer inhibits human NK cell reactivity towards porcine cells.

Abstract HLA-E, when expressed by pig cells, could alleviate human natural killer (NK) cell-mediated rejection of porcine xenografts by providing a potent inhibitory ligand for human NK cells expressing CD94/NKG2A. Yet cell-surface expression of HLA-E on porcine epithelial (LLC-PK1) cells was not observed after transfection with an expression vector harboring HLA-E alone or in combination with an expression vector containing human β2m. A single chain trimer (SCT) of HLA-E consisting of, in the following order (from N- to C-terminus), the leader peptide of human β2m, VMAPRTLIL (an HLA-E-binding peptide), a 15 amino acid linker, mature human β2m, a 20 amino acid linker, and mature HLA-E heavy chain was engineered. Cell-surface expression and correct folding of HLA-E SCT was shown by FACS analyses of stably transfected LLC-PK1 cells. Untransfected LLC-PK1 cells were readily lysed by the NK cell lines NKL and NK-92, while LLC-PK1 cells expressing HLA-E SCT were almost completely protected. In addition, the HLA-E SCT recapitulates the peptide dependent properties of normal HLA-E trimeric complexes in that an HLA-E SCT with an hsp60 derived peptide, though expressed at the cell-surface, did not inhibit NK cell-mediated lysis. The HLA-E SCT, which conferred protection against NK cell-mediated killing, also inhibited NK cell IFN-γ secretion elicited by co-culture of NKL cells with LLC-PK1 cells. Thus, HLA-E SCT, in which all three components of a normal HLA-E protein complex are in one polypeptide chain, is immunologically functional as it is able to modulate NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion.
Cross-talk noise reduction in volume holographic storage with an extended recording reference.

We propose and analyze a novel method of reducing cross-talk noise in angle-multiplexed volume holographic optical storage. The method records each hologram by using a reference beam that extends uniformly within a narrow spatial frequency bandwidth but reads the memory by using a plane wave. Our result shows that the signal-to-noise ratio obtained by the proposed method can be 20 dB higher than that obtained by the conventional method with planar reference waves. In addition, the extended reference method has a larger tolerance for angle misalignment during readout than the conventional method. Results of numerical simulation are presented and discussed.
An equilateral model for the 4He trimer

Abstract A scaled He–He potential is used in conjunction with a model involving the radial motion of an equilateral array of three 4 He atoms to study the bound state structure of the trimer. The separations between ground and first excited states are found to be considerably larger than some previous predictions.