cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Puritan Notion of the Covenant in Jonathan Edwards' Doctrine of Faith

The immense importance of the idea of the covenant for the Puritans of England and New England has been thrown into sharp relief by recent Puritan studies. Many problems regarding the origin and function of the Puritan covenant-idea still await the careful attention of the student of Puritanism, but this much is clear: the notion of the covenant was decidedly a pervasive idea in Puritan theology, and the idea was developed in a rather elaborate scheme by a host of Puritan theologians. As Leonard J. Trinterud has discerned, the idea of the covenant so permeated the thinking of the Puritans that in "the first decades of the seventeenth century . . . scarcely a single important figure was not a covenant theologian" among "the Presbyterian and Independent Puritans."' Peter Bulkeley, a leading exponent of the Covenant Theology in early New England, voiced his view of the significance of the covenant this way: "Among all the parts of Gods heavenly truth, there is none I know of, more worthy of our diligent inquisition, and affectionate acceptation, than is that which concerns the covenant passed betwixt God and us." Attention to the covenant is of the utmost importance because God's "goodness towards man, together with man's observance towards him, are therein contained. . .2 Perry Miller, to whom every contemporary student of Puritan history is profoundly indebted, was something of a pioneer in uncovering the crucial role which the covenant played for the Puritans. Yet at one point Miller's understanding of the covenant must be seriously questioned. The point appears quite clearly in his interpretation of the relation between the covenant theology and the thought of America's greatest Puritan theologian in the eighteenth century, Jonathan Edwards. Miller contends that Edwards "threw over the whole covenant scheme" and "declared God unfettered by any agreement or obligation."3 Miller's understanding of the covenant underlying this contention has made a formative impact on Puritan studies.4 It will be the argument of this paper, however, that Miller errs in two critical respects. First, Edwards did not "throw over the whole covenant scheme" but definitely adhered to some of the basic features of his forefathers' Covenant Theology. Secondly, the "agreement" nature of the covenant did not bind the Almighty to a human contract, as Miller suggests, but expressed rather a characteristically Puritan way of construing the meaning of Christological revelation.
Is delayed normalization of alanine aminotransferase a poor prognostic predictor in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with a combined interferon and ribavirin therapy

Background and Aims : Decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is the accepted basic indicator of an interferon (IFN) therapeutic effect in chronic hepatitis C. This study assessed whether delayed normalization of ALT predicts a poor response to a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: Patients were treated with IFN-α 2b three times weekly and oral ribavirin for 24 weeks. The ALT values were assessed monthly and patterns of changes in ALT activity were analyzed. Serum HCV-RNA was checked at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 48. Results: A total of 103 patients completed therapy and 69 (67%) of them achieved a sustained viral response (SVR). There was no significant difference in the SVR between patients with or without early normalization (week 12) of ALT level (69 vs 56%). Of the sustained responders, nine patients (13%) with delayed ALT normalization had a SVR. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) with abnormal ALT and negative HCV-RNA at week 12 had a SVR compared with none of four patients who had positive HCV-RNA at week 12 (P = 0.0192). Conclusions: Lack of normalization of the ALT level at week 12 does not preclude successful virological outcome in hepatitis C patients receiving a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin. Hepatitis C virus RNA at week 12 may be a useful predictor of treatment outcome in patients without early biochemical response. © 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Heat transfer from a horizontal tube in a magnetofluidized bed

Abstract Heat transfer coefficient values are reported for a horizontal Nylon 24.1 mm diameter heated probe immersed in an iron shot bed of 1511 μm average diameter and exposed to an external uniform magnetic field collinear with the fluidizing air velocity. The electromagnet produces a maximum constant magnetic-field intensity of 27,850 A/m in a cylindrical central region, 152.4 mm in diameter and 152.4 mm in height, within a constancy of 1%. Total and local heat transfer coefficients are measured at different axial and angular positions over a range of air velocity (0.28–2.50 m/s) and magnetic-field intensity (0.0–19,974 properties, viz., minimum fluidization and bubbling velocities and mean bed voidage.
An Endoscopic and Robotic Tooth-like Compliance and Roughness Tactile Sensor

This paper reports on design, fabrication and testing of a prototype Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) tactile sensor for endoscopic and robotic applications. The sensor can measure both compliance and surface roughness. It consists of rigid and compliant elements. A relative deformation between adjacent parts of the contact object is used to measure the compliance, and the deformation of the compliant element of the sensor is used to measure the profile of a rough surface. The sensor in miniaturized form can be integrated with both endoscopic graspers and robotic end effectors. The theoretical analysis of the sensor is made and compared with experimental values. The advantages and limitations of the sensor are also discussed.
Giant fibroadenoma of the breast: Immediate reconstruction following excision

Abstract Agiant fibroadenoma is the most common cause of massive enlargement of one breast in adolescent females (Hines and Geurkink, 1965). Very rapid growth may occur and cause concern about the possiblity of malignancy. In any case, excision of the tumour is indicated and reconstruction of the resultant defect will probably be necessary.
Topological disorder and Bi-level states in the 2-D electron glass

Abstract We have investigated the topological disorder and the inherent structure of an electron glass on a corrugated surface by the molecular dynamics method. Dislocations and grain-boundary loops are found to be the dominant defects in the system. Direct evidence for two-level states is obtained in the electron glass and the transitions between them are found to be due to co-operative positional changes in a small number of electrons.
Differential Regulation of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels by Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

In addition to its well known actions in stimulating TSH and PRL synthesis and secretion, TRH has been shown to decrease the concentration of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in GH4Ci cells as measured by nuclear thyroid hormone (T3) binding. In the present study we have investigated the effects of TRH on the levels of mRNA encoding the different forms of TR, TRβ-1, TRβ-2, and TRa-1 as well as that of the non-T3-binding variant, c-erbAa-2. GH3 cells were incubated with 100 nM TRH in the presence or absence of 1 nM T3 for 48 h, and mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. Results revealed that there is differential regulation of the individual TRs by TRH at the pretranslational level. The mRNA for the pituitary-specific form of TR, TRβ-2, was down-regulated by 60% by TRH in GH3 cells, while that of its alternative splice product, TRβ-1, was unchanged. A modest change was observed in TRa-1 mRNA levels, which were down-regulated by 20%; there was no change in c-er…Aa-2 mRNA levels. Levels of nuc...
Unique aspects of central nervous system immunology.

In this review the authors discuss three immunologically unique aspects of the central nervous system (CNS). The first relates to whether the CNS is really an immunologically privileged site. Although still somewhat controversial, the answer to that question is that the CNS is, to a large extent, an immunologically privileged site. The second unique aspect of the CNS is the origin and significance of the microglial cell. Some microglial cells seem to originate from the systemic circulation, whereas other microglial cells seem to have a primary CNS origin. The function of the microglial cell is that of a macrophage. In addition it may play an important role in the immune response of the CNS. Present evidence suggests that the microglial cell can be classified as a lymphoreticular cell and as such is the only member of this cell type present in the CNS under normal circumstances. The final unique aspect of the central nervous system is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Under normal circumstances this fluid is essentially acellular, and the only immunoglobulins present are those that are passively derived by diffusion from the systemic circulation. However, in pathological situations (i.e., demyelinating diseases, infections, and possibly even tumors) a local immune response occurs within the CNS and can result in the production of immunoglobulins. At present the detection of such local immune responses in CSF is predominately of diagnostic value only. However, these local CNS immune responses almost certainly play an important role in the pathogenesis of the diseases in which they occur.
U(VI) Sorption and Reduction Kinetics on the Magnetite (111) Surface

Sorption of contaminants onto mineral surfaces is an important process that can restrict their transport in the environment. In the current study, uranium (U) uptake on magnetite (111) was measured as a function of time and solution composition (pH, [CO3]T, [Ca]) under continuous batch-flow conditions. We observed, in real-time and in situ, adsorption and reduction of U(VI) and subsequent growth of UO2 nanoprecipitates using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and newly developed batch-flow U LIII-edge grazing-incidence X-ray absorption spectroscopy near-edge structure (GI-XANES) spectroscopy. U(VI) reduction occurred with and without CO3 present, and coincided with nucleation and growth of UO2 particles. When Ca and CO3 were both present no U(VI) reduction occurred and the U surface loading was lower. In situ batch-flow AFM data indicated that UO2 particles achieved a maximum height of 4–5 nm after about 8 h of exposure, however, aggregates continued to grow laterally after 8 h reaching up to about 300 nm in d...
Analysis of diffusion in lithium niobate

Possible diffusion paths in lithium niobate are discussed. The preferred path for diffusion is strongly influenced by the distribution of ions between the lithium and niobium sites; site swapping is important both for creating non-stoichiometric material and for impurity incorporation. Various literature reports of diffusion rates are surveyed for comparison with the possible diffusion mechanisms. Titanium (which is thought to substitute primarily for niobium) appears to diffuse more rapidly on the lithium sublattice in lithium-deficient samples.
Spreading and Enhanced Motility of Human Keratinocytes on Fibronectin

Soluble human plasma fibronectin or collagen types I or IV, when preincubated with tissue culture plastic dishes, were effective spreading agents for cultured human keratinocytes and increased spreading in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. Spreading on fibronectin, but not on type IV collagen, was inhibited by antifibronectin; therefore, the contribution of fibronectin to the spreading activity of the natural matrix produced by keratinocytes could not be determined using antifibronectin. Fibronectin mediated spreading at both high (1.1 mM) and low (0.1 mM) Ca++ concentrations, and spreading was not altered by cycloheximide. Insoluble fibronectin deposited by keratinocytes correlated with phagokinetic tracks on particulate gold salts, and added fibronectin, as well as type I collagen and type IV collagen, enhanced motility of keratinocytes. These studies show that production of fibronectin and responsiveness to it are similar in fibroblasts and keratinocytes and demonstrate that fibronectin can act as a matrix factor for keratinocytes.
May 2003 Disaster in Sri Lanka and Cyclone 01-B in the Bay of Bengal

Heavy rainfall deluged South-Western Sri Lanka between the 11th and19th of May 2003 and led to its worst disaster in 50 years. Floods andlandslides claimed 260 lives. The World Meteorological Organizationcited it as evidence for the increase of anomalous climatic extremes inrecent years. Here, a meteorological analysis is presented of this disasteras part of a sustained effort to undertake meteorological applications fordisaster management. There were intense low-level westerlies over SriLanka related to cyclone 01-B that made its way across the Bay of Bengalat least 700 km away. The southeastwardly traverse of the cyclone wasstalled for a few days by anomalous north-westerly geostrophic windsver South Asia. Here, it is argued that orographic rainfall induced bythis stalled cyclone and seasonal inter-tropical convergence zone cloudbands over Sri Lanka led to the deluge. The trajectory of the cyclone wasremote from Sri Lanka and this led to no cyclone hazard warnings beingissued. No cyclones have made landfall in Sri Lanka in May in the last100 years. This study shows that one must exercise vigilance not only inthe path of the cyclone but also remotely due to the modulation of thecyclone by other atmospheric phenomenon and topographic features.This flood may have been predicted with contemporary local area weatherprediction models and this example points to the need for the developmentof local area weather prediction models as part of disaster warning systems.This study also demonstrates the use of meteorological diagnostics forpost-event analysis of hydrometeorology of disaster events.
Heritage awareness and appreciation among community residents: Perspectives from Arizona, USA

This study aims to examine public awareness of heritage properties in Arizona, USA. Data for this study were collected from a random sample of 600 participants from the public in Arizona using a telephone survey. Heritage awareness is conceptualised using a combined measure of heritage awareness and residents’ visits to heritage sites. Based on these two measures, this study proposed a four‐cell matrix that represents: 1) aware/visited, 2) aware/not visited, 3) unaware/visited, and 4) unaware/not visited. When the four types of residents were compared against demographic variables, attitudes toward preservation, preservation criteria, and importance of feature and facilities, most of these variables were significant. The results indicate that the aware/visited group members had more positive attitudes toward heritage preservation than other groups. This paper suggests that visiting heritage sites by residents and tourists can help create heritage awareness. The findings of this study provide important inf...
Short-run forecasting of United States coal production

This paper focuses on short-range modelling and forecasting of aggregate US monthly coal production. The 1976–83 time-series data suggest a multiplicative autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to replicate national level monthly coal production. The identified model required 12-month seasonal differencing and has an autoregressive component of lag 1 and a moving average component of lag 12. Model predictions for 1984 were very reasonable when compared with actual production: cyclical patterns were correctly replicated and the deterministic increasing trend was properly identified. The estimated model was enhanced by updating it with data for 1984. Intervention analysis was used to determine the impact of labour negotiations in coal production. Information relative to the identified ARIMA model was then used to model the intervening event of labour negotiations. Intervention modelling produced forecasts for 1984 superior to those identified by the ARIMA model. The mean predicted 1984 US monthly coal production of 1976–84 ARIMA and intervention models were 96.05 and 99.65% of the observed value of 74 178 thousand short tons per month, respectively. Simplicity of the ARIMA and intervention models, the realiability of their predictions, and the ease of updating make them very attractive when compared with large scale econometric models for use in short-term coal production forecasting.
An introduction to smart assemblies for robust design

Research conducted over the past decade has resulted in a suite of methods for robust design which can be applied during different design stages. These methods focus on reducing the sensitivity of the design to variation without removing its causes. In this paper we propose an additional and very powerful means for achieving robustness that complements other methods developed to date. We have called this approach “smart assemblies.” A smart assembly has features, not otherwise required by the function of the design, which allow the design to absorb or cancel out the effects of variation. This paper provides an introduction to smart assemblies. Specifically, we define passive and active smart assemblies and provide examples of each. We discuss the close connection between smart assembly design and exactly constrained design. We present an example from industry illustrating the benefits of exactly constrained smart assemblies. We discuss a design methodology for smart assembly design and present the beginnings of a classification system for 2D smart features.
More than skin deep: measuring effects of the underlying model on access-control system usability

In access-control systems, policy rules conflict when they prescribe different decisions (allow or deny) for the same access. We present the results of a user study that demonstrates the significant impact of conflict-resolution method on policy-authoring usability. In our study of 54 participants, varying the conflict-resolution method yielded statistically significant differences in accuracy in five of the six tasks we tested, including differences in accuracy rates of up to 78%. Our results suggest that a conflict-resolution method favoring rules of smaller scope over rules of larger scope is more usable than the Microsoft Windows operating system's method of favoring deny rules over allow rules. Perhaps more importantly, our results demonstrate that even seemingly small changes to a system's semantics can fundamentally affect the system's usability in ways that are beyond the power of user interfaces to correct.
Magnification of Switching Surges

MAGNIFICATION of transient voltages in one part of an electric power system may occur in another part of that system, possibly at a different voltage level. Experiences such as these have resulted in system flashovers or equipment damage. The degree of voltage magnification does not necessarily involve circuit-breaker restriking or prestriking, although these factors may increase the severity of the disturbance.
Dust characteristics over the North Pacific observed through shipboard measurements during the ACE-Asia experiment

Abstract To examine the diversity of chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles, in particular dust, over the North Pacific, aerosols were collected along ∼32°N latitude between 140°E and 170°W longitude aboard the NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown during the Asian Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) in the spring 2001. A total of 11,482 aerosol particles were examined through individual-particle analysis. Results indicate that dust particles over this region were dominated primarily by Si-rich particles, including aluminosilicates that contain Fe. Fe is also present as separate Fe-rich particles. Additional common particle types include Ca- and S-rich particles; many of the later appear to represent soil-derived calcium carbonate and its reaction products whereas the former are predominantly reaction products of sea salt and sulfate. Particles are often aggregates of different types including pollution-derived substances and highly heterogeneous, both internally and externally. Dust particles are non-spherical, having circularities from 1.0 up to 4.5, suggesting the high degree of complexity of particle shape. The majority of dust particles were dominated by particles with median diameters from 0.67 to 1.26 μm. However, dust particles with diameters of 5 μm or even larger do exist associated with those events of dust originated from Asian desert areas. The existence of soot and Fe-rich particles over this region indicates the influence of fossil fuel sources in Asia. Aerosol Fe from both Asian desert and fossil fuel combustion may contribute to the nutrient Fe in the surface waters of the North Pacific basin. Therefore, the transport of Asian dust associated with species of fossil fuel burning in the spring may play an important role in altering the natural composition of aerosols over the North Pacific.
Visualization of time-of-flight neutron diffraction data

Abstract The glass, liquids and amorphous materials diffractometer (GLAD) is a new instrument at the intense pulsed neutron source (IPNS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The GLAD currently has 218 linear position sensitive detectors arranged in five banks. Raw data collected from the instrument are typically split into 1000–1500 angular groups each of which contains approximately 2000 time channels. In order to obtain a meaningful overview of such a large amount of data, an interactive system to view the data has been designed. The system was implemented in C using the graphical kernel system (GKS) for portability. The system treats data from each bank of detectors as a three-dimensional data set with detector number, position along detector and time of flight as the three coordinate axes. The software then slices the data parallel to any of the coordinate planes and displays the slices as images. This approach has helped with the detailed analysis of detector electronics, verification of instrument calibration and resolution determination. In addition, it has helped to identify low-level background signals and provided insight into the overall operation of the instrument.
Self-instructional “virtual pathology” laboratories using web-based technology enhance medical school teaching of pathology

Second-year medical students have traditionally been taught pulmonary pathophysiology at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine using lectures, discussion groups, and laboratory sessions. Since 1998, the laboratory sessions have been replaced by 4 interactive, self-instructional sessions using web-based technology and case-based instruction. This article addresses nature of transformation that occurred from within the course in response to the infusion of new technologies. The vast majority of the course content has been digitized and incorporated into the website of the Pathophysiology of Disease course. The teaching histological slides have been photographed digitally and organized into "cases" with clinical information, digital images and text, and audio descriptions. The students study the materials from these cases at their own pace in 2 "virtual pathology" laboratory, with a few instructors supervising the on-site sessions. The students discuss additional cases available on the website in 2 other laboratory sessions supervised by a pulmonologist and a pathologist. Marked improvement in student participation and satisfaction was seen with the use of web-based instruction. Attendance at laboratory sessions, where the students had previously been required to bring their own microscopes to study histological slides at their own pace, increased from approximately 30% to 40% of the class in previous years to almost 100%. Satisfaction surveys showed progressive improvement over the past 4 years, as various suggestions were implemented. The value of web-based instruction of pathology at the UCLA School of Medicine is discussed.
Ceramide Selectively Displaces Cholesterol from Ordered Lipid Domains (Rafts) IMPLICATIONS FOR LIPID RAFT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Ceramide is a membrane lipid involved in a number of crucial biological processes. Recent evidence suggests that ceramide is likely to reside and function within lipid rafts; ordered sphingolipid and cholesterol-rich lipid domains believed to exist within many eukaryotic cell membranes. Using lipid vesicles containing co-existing raft domains and disordered fluid domains, we find that natural and saturated synthetic ceramides displace sterols from rafts. Other raft lipids remain raft-associated in the presence of ceramide, showing displacement is relatively specific for sterols. Like cholesterol-containing rafts, ceramide-rich "rafts" remain in a highly ordered state. Comparison of the sterol-displacing abilities of natural ceramides with those of saturated diglycerides and an unsaturated ceramide demonstrates that tight lipid packing is critical for sterol displacement by ceramide. Based on these results, and the fact that cholesterol and ceramides both have small polar headgroups, we propose that ceramides and cholesterol compete for association with rafts because of a limited capacity of raft lipids with large headgroups to accommodate small headgroup lipids in a manner that prevents unfavorable contact between the hydrocarbon groups of the small headgroup lipids and the surrounding aqueous environment. Minimizing the exposure of cholesterol and ceramide to water may be a strong driving force for the association of other molecules with rafts. Furthermore, displacement of sterol from rafts by ceramide is very likely to have marked effects upon raft structure and function, altering liquid ordered properties as well as molecular composition. In this regard, certain previously observed physiological processes may be a result of displacement. In particular, a direct connection to the previously observed sphingomyelinase-induced displacement of cholesterol from plasma membranes in cells is proposed.
Spin torque MRAM — Challenges and prospects

The ability of a spin-polarized current to reversibly switch the orientation of the magnetic moment of a nanomagnet, and/or to excite it into microwave precession, by the torque exerted through the transfer of spin angular momentum from the incident conduction electrons, have catalyzed what is now a quite broad and very active area of spin torque research. There has been very substantial progress in advancing the fundamental understanding of this new spintronics phenomenon, and in successfully moving it towards technological implementations, particularly spin-torque magnetic random access memory (ST-MRAM) and possibly spin-torque excited, nanoscale microwave oscillators. Major objectives of these research efforts are to reduce the current amplitude and the pulse width required to reliably switch a thin film nanomagnet, and to develop spin torque devices where the active element is incorporated in a reliable and high performance magnetic tunnel junction that is impedance matched to highly scaled CMOS transistors. In this presentation I will discuss some recent work that has sought to contribute to the rapidly advancing spin-torque research effort, by advancing the quantitative understanding of the details of the phenomenon, and by developing materials systems and magnetic nanostructures that enhance the efficiency and applicability of the effect. The latter includes tuning the magnetic anisotropy of the nanomagnet, which can reduce the onset current for reversal into the 100 microamp range, and the use of a perpendicular anisotropy reference layer to produce a spin current that is polarized in the direction orthogonal to the plane of the nanomagnet which has yielded reliable reversal behavior for pulse widths as short as 100 psec for an energy pulse of less than 0.2 pJ. I will also report on initial results with a three terminal spin valve device where a low impedance spin-valve contact is employed to drive the nanomagnet reversal while a high impedance tunnel junction contact senses the nanomagnet's magnetic orientation. I will conclude by briefly discussing some of challenges that remain to be overcome before spin-torque based technologies, particularly ST-MRAM, can be successfully implemented.
Performance Characteristics of Microparticle Enzyme and Chemiluminescence Immunoassays for Measurement of Anti-HBc Immunoglobulin M in Sera of Patients with HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The IMx, AxSym, and Architect immunoglobulin M anti-HBc assay systems for detecting hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection were compared. Despite good intra- and interassay coefficients of variation, significantly different values and low correlation (overestimation by AxSym and underestimation by Architect) were observed. Association and cutoff values for distinguishing patients with viral replication should be established for all methods.
Correcting Heterogeneous and Biased Forecast Error at Intel for Supply Chain Optimization

In 2007, Intel's Channel Supply Demand Operations launched an initiative to improve its supply chain performance. To ensure success, the process had to fit within the existing planning processes. In practice, this meant that setting service-level and inventory targets, which had previously been external inputs to the process, had to become part of the structured decision-making process. Although other Intel business units had achieved success implementing a multiechelon inventory optimization model, the boxed processor environment posed some unique challenges. The primary technical challenge required correcting for the impact of forecast bias, nonnormal forecast errors, and heterogeneous forecast errors. This paper documents the procedure and algorithms that Intel developed and implemented in 2008 to counter the impact of forecast imperfections. The process resulted in safety stock reductions of approximately 15 percent. At any given time, Intel applies this process to its 20--30 highest-volume boxed processors, determining an on-hand inventory commitment between $50 million and $75 million.
Pulmonary toxicity of indium-tin oxide production facility particles in rats

Indium-tin oxide (ITO) is used to make transparent conductive coatings for touch-screen and liquid crystal display electronics. Occupational exposures to potentially toxic particles generated during ITO production have increased in recent years as the demand for consumer electronics continues to rise. Previous studies have demonstrated cytotoxicity in vitro and animal models have shown pulmonary inflammation and injury in response to various indium-containing particles. In humans, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and fibrotic interstitial lung disease have been observed in ITO facility workers. However, which indium materials or specific processes in the workplace may be the most toxic to workers is unknown. Here we examined the pulmonary toxicity of three different particle samples that represent real-life worker exposures, as they were collected at various production stages throughout an ITO facility. Indium oxide (In2O3), sintered ITO (SITO) and ventilation dust (VD) particles each caused pulmonary inflammation and damage in rats over a time course (1, 7 and 90 days post-intratracheal instillation), but SITO and VD appeared to induce greater toxicity in rat lungs than In2O3 at a dose of 1 mg per rat. Downstream pathological changes such as PAP and fibrosis were observed in response to all three particles 90 days after treatment, with a trend towards greatest severity in animals exposed to VD when comparing animals that received the same dose. These findings may inform workplace exposure reduction efforts and provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of an emerging occupational health issue.
Clinical comparison of the Treponema pallidum CAPTIA syphilis-G enzyme immunoassay with the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption immunoglobulin G assay for syphilis testing.

Recently, a treponema-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme immunoassay (EIA), the CAPTIA Syphilis-G (Trinity Biotech, Jamestown, N.Y.), has become available as a diagnostic test for syphilis. A total of 89 stored sera previously tested by the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) IgG assay were evaluated by the CAPTIA EIA. The FTA-ABS IgG procedure was performed by technologists unblinded to results of rapid plasmid reagin (RPR) testing of the same specimens. Borderline CAPTIA-positive samples (antibody indices of ≥0.650 and ≤0.900) were retested; if the second analysis produced an index of >0.900, the sample was considered positive. Thirteen of 89 (15%) samples had discrepant results. Compared to the FTA-ABS assay, the CAPTIA EIA had a sensitivity and specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 70.7, 97.9, 96.7, and 79.7%, respectively. In another analysis, discrepancies between results were resolved by repeated FTA-ABS testing (technologists were blinded to previous RPR results) and patient chart reviews. Seven CAPTIA-negative samples which were previously interpreted (unblinded) as minimally reactive by the FTA method were subsequently interpreted (blinded) as nonreactive. One other discrepant sample (CAPTIA negative and FTA-ABS positive [at an intensity of 3+], unblinded) was FTA negative with repeated testing (blinded). For the five remaining discrepant samples, chart reviews indicated that one patient (CAPTIA negative and FTA-ABS positive [minimally reactive], blinded) had possible syphilis. These five samples were also evaluated and found to be negative by another treponema-specific test, the Treponema pallidum microhemagglutination assay. Therefore, after repeated testing and chart reviews, 2 of the 89 (2%) samples had discrepant results; the adjusted sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 96.7, 98.3, 96.7, and 98.3%, respectively. This study demonstrates that the CAPTIA IgG EIA is a reliable method for syphilis testing and that personnel performing tests which require subjective interpretation, like the FTA-ABS test, may be biased by RPR test results.
Preliminary experience using ticlopidine in clinical practice.

Although shown to be more effective than aspirin for secondary stroke prevention, the guidelines for utilizing ticlopidine in daily clinical practice are as yet undefined. We reviewed all entries into the Saint Louis University Stroke Registry for the period of January to December 1992 and identified individuals admitted with diagnosis of cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and who, upon discharge, were prescribed ticlopidine. The etiologic diagnosis, event recurrence during follow-up, compliance with medication, and side effects of all these patients were documented following review of inpatient and outpatient records. A total of 32 patients, 19 (69%) with cerebral infarction and 10 (31%) with TIA were identified. The etiologic diagnoses included: 11 patients with atherothrom-boembolic events, three with lacunar strokes, seven with cardioembolic events, and 11 with stroke of uncertain etiology. None of the patients reported recurrent cerebrovascular events. Sixteen (50%) patients continued to take the drug up to their last visit, whereas 9 (28%) had it discontinued. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and two died from cardiac arrest. The reasons for drug discontinuation included high cost in two patients, allergic reactions in two, and gastrointestinal side effects in three. Two additional patients stopped taking ticlopidine on their own due to uncertain reasons. In spite of its potential usefulness, intolerance to ticlopidine and its high cost result in treatment discontinuation in a significant proportion of patients. These factors and their effect on patients' compliance must be taken into account when prescribing this medication.
Design of enzyme‐pH electrodes

A theoretical framework useful for predicting the steady state response of enzyme-pH electrodes is developed. The model takes into account that the catalytic activity of the enzymes as well as the degree of dissociation of the product acids and bases is strongly dependent upon the local pH, and that buffering salts present in solution facilitate the transport of H+ ions. It is shown that the electrode should operate under substrate diffusion-limited conditions and the concentration of H+ ions should not have steep variations within the enzymic membrane. This condition can be fulfilled by adjusting the buffer concentration in the bulk solution. In the latter conditions the electrode response does not depend on the actual kinetics of the enzymic reaction, and can be predicted by an algebraic equation. The predictions are in excellent agreement with the experiments on penicillinase-pH and urease-pH electrodes.
Model complexity affects transient population dynamics following a dispersal event: a case study with pea aphids.

Stage-structured population models predict transient population dynamics if the population deviates from the stable stage distribution. Ecologists' interest in transient dynamics is growing because populations regularly deviate from the stable stage distribution, which can lead to transient dynamics that differ significantly from the stable stage dynamics. Because the structure of a population matrix (i.e., the number of life-history stages) can influence the predicted scale of the deviation, we explored the effect of matrix size on predicted transient dynamics and the resulting amplification of population size. First, we experimentally measured the transition rates between the different life-history stages and the adult fecundity and survival of the aphid, Acythosiphon pisum. Second, we used these data to parameterize models with different numbers of stages. Third, we compared model predictions with empirically measured transient population growth following the introduction of a single adult aphid. We find that the models with the largest number of life-history stages predicted the largest transient population growth rates, but in all models there was a considerable discrepancy between predicted and empirically measured transient peaks and a dramatic underestimation of final population sizes. For instance, the mean population size after 20 days was 2394 aphids compared to the highest predicted population size of 531 aphids; the predicted asymptotic growth rate (A,max) was consistent with the experiments. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed.
Frequency-selective time-domain optical data storage by electromagnetically induced transparency in a rare-earth-doped solid

We report the experimental observation of optical data storage by frequency-selective stimulated spin echoes based on electromagnetically induced transparency in an inhomogeneously broadened rare-earth-doped solid. We find that the spin dephasing time T2 is almost constant in the range 2–6 K, whereas the optical T2 shortens rapidly above 4 K. This experiment demonstrates the potential of spin echoes excited by electromagnetically induced transparency for higher-capacity optical data storage at higher temperature.
Current Status and Management of Insect Vectors of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) in Africa

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is one of the most economically damaging diseases of rice in sub-Saharan Africa. It is found only in Africa and the surrounding islands, where it is transmitted by insect vectors such as Trichispa sericea Guerin, Chaetocnema pulla Chapius and Sesselia pusilla Gerst., (all Coleoptera) respectively within the subfamilies Hispinae, Halticinae and Galerucinae of the Chrysomelidae; Chnootriba (= Epilachna) similis Thunberg (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae); and Conocephalus longipennis de Haan (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). These vectors are leaf-feeders with biting mouthparts and are abundantly present on rice and grasses in irrigated lowland fields. Transmission of RYMV is mechanical as a result of feeding damage. However, the dynamics of virus spread and the role of the vector is poorly understood. A better understanding of RYMV epidemiology requires information on the distribution, biology, host range, nature of damage, and management strategies of the vectors. It is hoped that this review will be a useful source of information in the further development of integrated pest/disease management (IPM)in rice.
Research Note: Individual Cognition and Dual-Task Interference in Group Support Systems

Previous research shows that synchronous text discussion through group support systems (GSS) can improve the exchange of information within teams, but this improved information exchange usually does not improve decisions because participants fail to process the new information they receive. This study examined one potential cause for this failure: Dual-task interference caused by the need to concurrently process new information from others while also contributing one's own information to the discussion. Although prior research argues that dual-task interference should be minimal, we found that it significantly reduced participants' information processing and led to lower decision quality. The effect sizes were large, suggesting that dual-task interference is one of a handful of major factors that exert the greatest influence on information processing and decision-making performance. We believe that these results call for an increased emphasis on and understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of GSS and virtual team decision making.
Comparative quantitative genetics : evolution of the G matrix

Abstract Quantitative genetics provides one of the most promising frameworks with which to unify the fields of macroevolution and microevolution. The genetic variance–covariance matrix ( G ) is crucial to quantitative genetic predictions about macroevolution. In spite of years of study, we still know little about how G evolves. Recent studies have been applying an increasingly phylogenetic perspective and more sophisticated statistical techniques to address G matrix evolution. We propose that a new field, comparative quantitative genetics, has emerged. Here we summarize what is known about several key questions in the field and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the many statistical and conceptual approaches now being employed. Past studies have made it clear that the key question is no longer whether G evolves but rather how fast and in what manner. We highlight the most promising future directions for this emerging field.
PSEUDO STEADY STATE RECEDING CORE MODEL FOR DRYING WITH SHRINKAGE OF LOW RANKED COALS

Abstract A simple pseudo steady-state receding core model was used to analyze the data from this study as well as data available from the literature. The model showed that particle shrinkage during drying had little affect on the dimensionless drying curves provided that shrinkage did not cause the particle to fragment or to limit mass transfer. The model was in agreement with drying data using Mississippi lignite, Australian brown coal and Montana subituminous coal.
Activation-induced nuclear translocation of RING3

RING3 is a novel protein kinase linked to human leukaemia. Its Drosophila homologue female sterile homeotic is a developmental regulator that interacts genetically with trithorax, a human homologue of which is also associated with leukaemia. The RING3 structure contains two mutually related bromodomains that probably assist in the remodelling of chromatin and thereby affect transcription. Consistent with this hypothesis, a RING3-like protein has been identified in the mouse Mediator complex, where it is associated with transcription factors. We show that, whilst RING3 is constitutively localised to the nucleus of exponentially growing HeLa cells, it is delocalised throughout serum-starved fibroblasts. We use immunostaining and confocal microscopy to demonstrate that RING3 translocates to the fibroblast nucleus upon serum stimulation. After translocation, RING3 participates in nuclear protein complexes that include E2F proteins; it transactivates the promoters of several important mammalian cell cycle genes that are dependent on E2F, including dihydrofolate reductase, cyclin D1, cyclin A and cyclin E. We use site-directed mutagenesis of a putative nuclear localisation motif to show that the activation-induced nuclear localisation and consequent transcriptional activity of RING3 depends on a monopartite, classical nuclear localisation sequence. These observations refine and extend the mechanism by which RING3 contributes to E2F-regulated cell cycle progression. Deregulation of this mechanism may be leukaemogenic.
What Students Know about the History of Psychology before Taking the Course.

This article describes the use of a questionnaire at the beginning of a history of psychology course. The questionnaire assesses student knowledge of historical findings, major concepts, and assumptions about the nature of psychology. Responses indicate gaps in students' knowledge that are useful in guiding course instruction. Comparison of student responses with responses by faculty members has stimulated discussions of the need for more careful attention to historical roots and broad conceptual issues in other psychology courses.
OPC-88117 suppresses early and delayed afterdepolarizations and arrhythmias induced by cesium, 4-aminopyridine and digitalis in canine Purkinje fibers and in the canine heart in situ

The effects of OPC-88117, a new investigational antiarrhythmic drug, on early and delayed afterdepolarizations (EAD and DAD, respectively) were assessed in vitro in canine Purkinje fibers and in vivo in the canine right ventricle. OPC-88117 had similar electrophysiologic properties to class I antiarrhythmic agents in that it decreased Vmax. OPC-88117 decreased the amplitude and prolonged the coupling interval of DAD induced by acetylstrophanthidin. Likewise, OPC-88117 suppressed EAD induced in vitro by 4-aminopyridine. In vivo, cesium-induced EAD, ventricular arrhythmia, and atrioventricular block were suppressed by OPC-88117. In summary, OPC-88117 suppressed DAD and EAD in vitro and inhibited EAD and triggered activity in the in situ canine heart.
Nonpigtail optical coupling to embedded fiber Bragg grating sensors

In recent decades, optical fiber has proven useful for many sensor applications. Specifically, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have shown great utility for integrity management and environmental sensing of composite structures. One major drawback of FBG sensors, however, is the lack of a robust, nonpigtail technique for coupling to the embedded FBG sensor. In this paper, a novel method of free-space passive coupling of light into FBG sensors is described. An angled 45-deg mirror integrated directly into the fiber was used as an input coupling technique. We investigated the application of this approach to both single- and multimode glass fibers containing FBGs. For multimode FBGs, we studied the grating's uniformity across the fiber diameter and its effect on normal free-space coupling. In single-mode investigations, a novel method of coupling to the sensor via splicing a multimode fiber to a single-mode FBG (SMFBG) was developed. Finally, free-space coupling to an embedded SMFBG was employed to measure the tensile strain. Excellent agreement was found between the FBG and conventional electrical resistance strain gauges. We conclude that this coupling method might eliminate the need for pigtailing by providing a more robust coupling method for FBG sensors.