cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systems Biology: Basic Concepts in Systems Biology

In the early 1960s, there was a bifurcation of emphasis in biology. Molecular biology had arrived, providing a growing understanding of DNA, protein, and other chemical components of cells. A science was emerging that had rigor in terms of analytical chemistry and controlled experimentation, and relevance to biochemical and genetic functions of cells and occasionally to their phenotypes. Holistic emphasis in biology, which had primarily been practiced through physiology, faded into the background as it is much more difficult to state hypotheses, do controlled experiments, or execute the scientific process for the behavior of systems and networks in biology. However, as outlined in the introductory chapter, this situation has now changed. We now have technology that allows for the detailed enumeration of biological components, enabling us to study cells and complex biological processes as systems. As a consequence, systems biology has arisen as a new field. This new field does not yet have a well-defined and articulated conceptual basis. In this chapter, we will attempt to collect some of the key issues that represent to the conceptual foundations of systems biology. Its content is not intended to be, and cannot be, complete but rather represents an attempt to initiate this process. Components vs. Systems Biological components all have a finite turnover time. Most metabolites turn over within a minute in a cell, mRNA molecules typically have 2-hour halflives in human cells, 3% of the extracellular matrix in cardiac muscle is turned over daily, and so forth.
Transplantation: Sustained benefits of islet transplants for T1DM.

In a retrospective multicentre study of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, islet transplantation was associated with sustained HbA1c levels of <7% and freedom from severe hypoglycaemia for 5 years in 60% of immunosuppressed recipients, including those with recurrent severe pretransplant hypoglycaemia. Will islet transplant utilization in patient care now expand?
On the measurement of competency

Across multiple societal sectors, demand is growing to measure individual and group competencies. This paper unpacks Hartig et al.’s (2008) competency definition as a complex ability construct closely related to real-life-situation performance to make it amenable to measurement. Unpacked following the assessment triangle (construct, observation, inference), competency measurement is exemplified by research from business, military and education sectors. Generalizability theory, a statistical theory for modeling and evaluating the dependability of competency scores, is applied to several of these examples. The paper then pulls together the threads into a general competency measurement model.
Everything is Brandable

Seven products which achieved the commodity-to-brand transition were analyzed -for strategic and tactical factors related to product and brand position. Differentiating mix elements are presented to aid marketers of consumer durables and non-durables transitioning from commodity to brand.
Heavy metals and gene expression in plant stomata

Stomata are structures that regulate leaf gas exchange with the atmosphere, allowing the entrance of CO2 to promote photosynthesis and the exit of O2 as a byproduct. Many studies have documented th...
Diagnostic and Prescriptive Bias in School Psychologists' Reports of a Learning Disabled Child.

Twenty-four experienced school psychologists independently assessed a simulated learning disability case of a fourth grade girl. Bias due to the child's race, socioeconomic status, and the reading level of the child's home school was analyzed with both an unprompted report written by each subject (recall), and a checklist of descriptive and prescriptive statements about the case (recognition). Only 17 of the 744 possible diagnostic main effects and 2-way interactions which might indicate bias were significant at p<.01, while seven such differences would be expected purely by chance. No statements about intelligence, classroom behavior, or social relationships had statistically significant differences. However, the simulated low SES black child did tend to be classified as “not eligible for special education” much more often than either the white or upper class black child on both the written reports and on the checklist, while the upper SES child was labelled learning disabled more frequently than the low...
HOW ADULT CHILDREN RESPOND TO ROLE TRANSITIONS IN THE LIVES OF THEIR AGING PARENTS

This study explored ways adult children respond to role transitions in the lives of their aging parents and the preferences of these adult children for educational activities that would enhance their abilities to respond to future parental transitions. The sample consisted of 29 adult children who were working full time outside the home and had identified themselves as responsible for the current or future care of at least one parent 65 years or older who was still living independently in the community. Data were obtained from personal interviews conducted by the researcher using a semistructured interview guide with closed and open‐ended questions. The adult children identified several significant parental role transitions: divorce, grandparenthood, retirement, and widowhood. In order to enhance their abilities to handle future transitions in the lives of their aging parents, these adult children identified the need for information in three content areas: communication skills, normal and abnormal aging, ...
Helium and hydrogen isotopes in ocean-ridge basalts north and south of Iceland

The concentrolion and isotopic composi1ion of helium and hydrogen have been measured in submarine basalt glasses from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between 52° and 73°N and in recent volcanic rocks from Iceland. Observations or “plume-type” 3 He/ 4 He ratios ( R greater than the mean MORB value of 8 R A ) show that the effect of the Icelandic mantle plume on helium isotope rn1ios is observable along the entire length of the Reykjanes Ridge ( R = 11−16.1 R A ) and to 70°N on the Kolbeinsey Ridge ( R = 10.3−12 R A ). These two ridges are unique among all mid-ocean ridge segments so for studied in possessing high 3 He/ 4 He ra1ios along their entire length. Northof 70°N, basalts associated with the Jan Mayen province (based on major element chemistry) have 3 He/ 4 He ratios somewhat lower than the MORB average ( R = 6.8−8.0 R A ) and similar to other alkali-enriched provinces such as the Azores Platform. In detail, however, the 3 He/ 4 He distribution does not correspond to trace element variations. A maximum ratio of 16.1 R A is present near 60°N on the Reykjanes Ridge: north of this point, toward Iceland, the ratio decreases to a minimum of 12.7 R A at 63°N. The 3 He/ 4 He ratios increase again on Iceland, reaching a maximum in south-central Iceland. In the area between 60° and 63°N, the 3 He/ 4 He ratios tend to be inversely correlated with La/Sm and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, which suggests that the isotopic heterogeneities beneath Iceland and the Reykjanes Ridge are long lived (> 10 8 years). The concentration and hydrogen isotopic composition of the water in this suite of basalts display a good positive correlation with trace clement data (e.g. La/Sm). Between 61°N and 63°N on the Reykjanes Ridge, the water concentration in the basalt is high (0.22–0.41 wt.%) and its isotopic composition is enriched in deuterium (δD = −61 to −74‰; with one extreme value to −50‰), relative to MORB levels (0.2 wt.% and −77‰). South of 61 °N, both the concentration and isotopic composition of water are normal MORB values (0.11–0.25 wt.% and δD = −71 to −91‰). The Mohns Ridge basalts have elevated water concentrations (0.37–1.23 wt.%) and an isotopic composition (−44 to −60‰) which is unique among all MOR basalts so far studied. It remains to be seen if thesehigh δ D values represent a “primary” mantle water, distinct from the MORB source, or “secondary” water, the result of recycling during subduction.
Mass murder goes to college: An examination of changes on college campuses following Virginia Tech

Notwithstanding the historical significance of the Columbine shooting, recent attention has shifted to college campuses following high-profile massacres at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. In this article, the authors compile and discuss the recommendations most often put forth by task force reports published in the wake of these episodes. Although some proposals can increase the security and well-being of the campus community, others may be inappropriate and even carry unacceptable negative consequences. The problem rests partly in the implicit assumption that effective strategies for secondary schools will seamlessly translate to a college environment. However, campus shootings are not just Columbine graduated to higher education, as differences in assailant motivation and setting warrant divergent strategies for prevention and response.
EPA small pen tests I. Effects of pen and group sizes, sex combinations, and feeding levels on bobwhite activity.

Six-bird groups of bobwhites in large pens exhibited significantly more movement than did corresponding pairs of bobwhites in small pens, indicating a need to standarize pen and bird-group sizes in EPA small pen tests if results are to be comparable. Although in this study we did not detect any statistically significant differences in activity levels of bobwhites attributable to pen or bird-group size, the fact that the activity of pairs of bobwhites in small pens were consistently higher than those of 6-bird groups in larger pens reinforces the need to standardize pen and bird-group sizes in EPA small-pen tests. High er levels of aggression noted in the 6-bird groups compared with the 2-bird groups further substantiate this need. Additionally, the all-male 6-bird groups traveled significantly less distance than did male-female 6-bird groups, suggesting the need to also standardize sex combinations of birds used in EPA small pen tests. Dietary levels did not appear to affect either activity levels or movements of birds. Therefore this study produced no data to support the need to standardize dietary levels provided birds used in EPA small pen tests.
MAGNETO-FLUID-MECHANIC PIPE FLOW IN A TRANSVERSE MAGNETIC FIELD WITH AND WITHOUT HEAT TRANSFER

An Experimental investigation was conducted in order to understand the influence of a transverse magnetic field on the fundamental structure Of shear turbulence. drop profiles, skin friction, mean velocity fluctuation intensity, velocity Pluctuation spectra, heat transfer, and temperature profiles are presented which quantitatively exhibit the Hartmann effect, damping of the velocity fluctuations, and resulting inhibition of heat transfer over a broad range of Reynolds numbers and magnetic fields. Measurements with a hot film anemometer showed that the velocity fluctuations are damped out strongly in the neighborhood of the center of the flow and then, as the magnetic field is increased, an sngular dependence appears. The last fluctuations to be damped out (near the wall, at 90° from the field) have an intermittent character. the temperature profiles indicated the presence of free convection in the flow at Reynolds numbers much higher than previously reported. Data covering axial pressure The influence of,the magnetic field on
Extracellular Matrix-Contractile Response Coupling of the Aortic Heart Valve Interstitial Cell

The role of aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions of the aortic valve (AV) are not well understood. Distinct differences in the composition and structure of the AV leaflet layers (fibrosa and ventricularis) have been shown to influence mechanical properties 1. Our ability to measure the effects of changes in cellular stiffness in the dense collagenous AV leaflets (AVL) 2 offers a unique opportunity to explore the in-situ AVIC stiffness and local AVIC-ECM mechanical interactions. In the present study, a multi-scale finite element model approach was developed based on our simulations of our flexural stiffness experiment 2 were used to develop effective layer dependent mechanical properties. In addition, we present a predictive model for the alteration of AVL tissue mechanical properties resulting from AVIC contraction. This model provides a means to probe the layer dependent properties under the influence of AVIC contraction relative to an intact tissue state. By establishing a procedure to examine ECM stiffness in situ, through coupled experimental and computational methods, insights into relative contributions of ECM components were developed. Finally, in contrast previous study, where tissue stiffness was reported in terms on an instantaneous elastic modules, this work provides a more complete mechanical response of AVL in flexure.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The times they are a-changing: PC graphics moves in

PCs with substantial 3D graphics are arriving on desktops everywhere. It was only a few years ago that people sniggered at PC graphics and laughed out loud at the notion of PCs with robust and versatile operating systems. Now, however, PC operating systems-especially Windows NT-have software development, networking, multiprocessing, and other tools to rival Unix environments. A user or developer can add a 3D graphics accelerator offering pipelined rendering, full texture mapping, and a complete set of graphics tools with performance that competes with mid-range graphics workstations. And no one is going to beat the price point. On top of all this, it's clear that Intel and Microsoft take this market seriously.
An initial study of full parsing of clinical text using the Stanford Parser

Full parsing recognizes a sentence and generates a syntactic structure of it (a parse tree), which is useful for many natural language processing (NLP) applications. The Stanford Parser is one of the state-of-art parsers in the general English domain. However, there is no formal evaluation of its performance in clinical text that often contains ungrammatical structures. In this study, we randomly selected 50 sentences in the clinical corpus from 2010 i2b2 NLP challenge and manually annotated them to create a gold standard of parse trees. Our evaluation showed that the original Stanford Parser achieved a bracketing F-measure (BF) of 77% on the gold standard. Moreover, we assessed the effect of part-of-speech (POS) tags on parsing and our results showed that manually corrected POS tags achieved a maximum BF of 81%. Furthermore, we analyzed errors of the Stanford Parser and provided valuable insights to large-scale parse tree annotation for clinical text.
Nongrazing high-reflective narrowband multilayer x-ray coatings

We report designs of multilayer narrowband reflective x-ray coatings that operate at non- grazing angles of incidence. The coatings are designed for the x-ray region from 0.1 nm - 7 nm with angles of incidence (measured relative to the film surface normal) (theta) 0, ranging from 45 degree(s) - 85 degree(s). At 85 degree(s) angle of incidence the peak reflectance is more than 65% at 0.44 nm with bandwidth less than 0.006 nm. The grazing angle of incidence provides reflectance of more than 90% but without any spectral discrimination. This design provides very high spectral purity with reflectances as high as 65% for angles of incidence between 80 degree(s) and 85 degree(s).
Comparison of cycle lengths between induced and spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia during concordant antiarrhythmic therapy associated with healed myocardial infarction

Abstract We propose that in clinical practice, whenever possible, the VT detection interval should be selected by adding ≥60 ms to the induced maximal VT cycle length in order to ensure a high sensitivity for the detection of future spontaneous VT episodes.
DE SITTER GRAVITY AND SUPERGRAVITY IN THREE DIMENSIONS AS CHERN-SIMONS THEORIES

We construct a de Sitter supergravity theory in 2 + 1 dimensions as the Chern-Simons gauge theory of the supergroup OSp(1|2; C). The resulting action is a consistent classical supergravity theory with a positive cosmological constant. As in other three dimensional Chern-Simons theories, diffeomorphisms are shown to be equivalent to gauge transformations of OSp(1|2; C) on shell. Consistency of the corresponding classical theory is briefly discussed.
Relation of coxarthrosis to stresses and morphogenesis A finite element analysis

We calculated subchondral deformations and stresses in the femoral head and acetabulum during weight bearing using finite element models. Areas of high joint contact pressures on the femoral head were shown to correspond to high hydrostatic compression in subchondral bone. The magnitude of the subchondral bone compressive hydrostatic stress correlated with cartilage thickness and was highest in the superior femoral head and moderate at the acetabular roof. The seldom contacting surfaces of the medial-inferior and peripheral areas of the femoral head and the roof of the acetabulum had lower hydrostatic compression and significant subchondral bone tensile strains tangential to the joint surface. Initial cartilage fibrillation and osteophyte formation are often found in these areas. These findings suggest that fluctuating hydrostatic pressure inhibits vascular invasion and the degeneration and ossification of articular cartilage. The generation of tensile strain may promote the degenerative process by direct...
Elevated plasma deoxyuridine in patients with thymidine phosphorylase deficiency.

Mutations in the nuclear gene encoding thymidine phosphorylase (TP) cause mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE), an autosomal recessive disease with mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities. We have demonstrated alterations of thymidine (dThd) metabolism in MNGIE patients. Here, we report the accumulation of another substrate of TP, deoxyuridine (dUrd), whose circulating levels ranged from 5.5 to 24.4 μM (average 14.2) in MNGIE and were undetectable (<0.05 μM) in both TP mutation carriers and controls. The dramatic accumulation of dUrd may contribute to nucleotide pool imbalances and, together with the increased levels of dThd, is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of MNGIE.
On scalable information retrieval systems

Implementing scalable information retrieval systems requires the design and development of efficient methods to ingest data from multiple sources, search and retrieve results from both English and foreign language document collections and from collections comprising of multiple data types, harness high performance computer technology, and accurately answer user questions. Some recent efforts related to the development of scalable information retrieval systems are described. Particular emphasis is placed on those efforts that were adopted into commercial use.
Understanding U.S. healthcare providers' practices and experiences with molluscum contagiosum.

Introduction: Molluscum contagiosum is a common superficial skin infection caused by the poxvirus, Molluscum Contagiosum virus. The study objective is to obtain a better understanding of physician practices and experiences with molluscum contagiosum in order to focus informational and guidance material. Methods: A cross-sectional survey to assess medical practitioners’ knowledge and practices with molluscum contagiosum was conducted using the 2009 DocStyles survey. Questions regarding category and number of molluscum contagiosum patients seen, treatments used and advice given to patients were included in the survey. Results: Dermatologists saw the most cases, with the majority seeing 51–100 molluscum contagiosum cases/year. The most common cases seen were children with multiple lesions and adults with genital lesions. Respondents were most likely to recommend treatment to immunocompromised individuals, HIV patients, adults with genital lesions and children with multiple lesions. Cryotherapy was the top choice for all specialties with the exception of OB/GYNs, whose top choice was curettage. ‘‘Avoid intimate contact until lesions resolve’’, ‘‘Avoid touching lesions to reduce further spread’’, and ‘‘Don’t be concerned, this will go away’’ were the top advice choices. Discussion: Most survey respondents have dealt with molluscum contagiosum in their practice during the previous year. Overall, respondents picked appropriate choices for treatment and advice given; however some ineffective or unnecessary treatments were chosen and recommendations to prevent spread were chosen infrequently. Knowledge gaps for appropriate transmission precaution advice might cause unnecessary spread or autoinoculation. This survey has demonstrated that molluscum contagiosum is a common infection seen by many types of practitioners and therefore guidance on treatment considerations and infection control is valuable.
Transition temperature considerations for thick-wall steel nuclear pressure vessels☆

The operation of nuclear power plants is limited by the properties of their steel pressure vessels. Of particular concern is the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of the steel and how it is affected by irradiation. The current technique for assessing the effects of irradiation ignores two facts: 1. the maximum fluence is imposed on the inner surface and 2. the thick-walled vessel is self-shielding. When these facts are considered, the predicted maximum 30 ft lb CV temperature of the pressure vessel is near 150°F for a fluence of 6 × 1019 neutrons/cm2 (> 1 MeV). Further, the maximum 30 ft lb temperature occurs at a location about 2 in. below the inner surface. The weld metal, which does not exhibit the through-the-thickness variation in toughness, may have the highest 30 ft lb CV temperature, and this will be at the inner surface.
Biocompatibility Evaluation of Ti–15Al–33Nb(at%) and Ti–21Al–29Nb(at%)

In this work the biocompatibility of two vanadium-free Ti-Al-Nb alloys. Ti-15Al-33Nb and Ti-21Al-29Nb, was evaluated and compared to that for commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and alumina (Al 2 O 3 ). Fine particles were milled from sheet-processed material and implanted onto mice calvaria using an established animal model. Various stains, including methylene blue/acid fuchsin, TRAcP, and immunohistochemistry, were used on the particle-treated calvaria to measure the extent of bone deterioration of the calvaria, quantify the amount of osteoclasts, and approximate the presence of T-cells. In addition, reaction with particle-stimulated macrophages was observed and the production of the cytokine TNFα was recorded and quantified. The results indicated that the Ti-Al-Nb alloys statistically outperformed both CP Ti and Al 2 O 3 in terms of their overall biocompatibility with respect to the experiments performed.
Alternative methods for the reconstruction of trees from their traversals

It is well-known that given the inorder traversal of a binary tree's nodes, along with either one of its preorder or postorder traversals, the original binary tree can be reconstructed using a recursive algorithm. In this short note we provide a short, elegent, iterative solution to this classical problem.
Plantation Slavery and Economic Development in the Antebellum Southern United States

The relationship of plantation slavery in the Americas to economic and social development in the regions it was dominant has long been a subject of scholarly debate. The existing literature is divided into two broad interpretive models –‘planter capitalism’ (Fogel and Engerman, Fleisig) and the ‘pre-bourgeois civilization’ (Genovese, Moreno-Fraginals). While each grasps aspects of plantation slavery's dynamics, neither provides a consistent and coherent historical or theoretical account of slavery's impact on economic development because they focus on the subjective motivations of economic actors (planters or slaves) independent of their social context. Borrowing Robert Brenner's concept of ‘social property relations’, the article presents an alternative analysis of the dynamics of plantation slavery and their relation to economic development in the regions it dominated.
STATISTICAL MODELING OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY DATA FROM HIGH TEMPERATURE GLASS MELTS FOR ON-LINE MONITORING OF TEMPERATURE AND COMPOSITION

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.] The feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy and statistical models to develop an in-situ on-line melter monitoring system (OMMS) for waste glass and commercial glass melters was studied. Statistical..
Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin production in acid-treated maize

Abstract Isobutyric acid (IBA) and propionic-acetic acid (PA) were applied to comparable 52.8 m 3 lots of freshly harvested yellow dent maize containing 27% moisture. After 6 months storage, 30% Aspergillus flavus infection and low levels of aflatoxin were detected in adjacent bins of IBA-treated and PA-treated maize. Extensive samples were taken after 7 months from moldy spots in each bin and evaluated for aflatoxin, zearalenone, ochratoxin and microorganisms. Aspergillus flavus (10 6 propagules/g) was detected in 40% of the PA samples, but no aflatoxin was found. Also, counts of Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia and Penicillia were high. In addition to the molds found on PA maize, Aspergillus niger was identified on IBA-treated maize. Aspergillus flavus (10 4 –10 7 propagules/g) was present in 79% of the IBA samples; aflatoxin (from 2 to 857 ng/g) was detected in 57%. Aflatoxin contamination varied between locations within a moldy area. Among 20 individual kernels picked at random from each location, aflatoxin contamination ranged from 150 to 21.800 ng/g in positive kernels. Evidently, bulk quantities of maize must be appraised on the basis of individual kernels because toxin-free kernels often are adjacent to highly contaminated kernels.
Energetics of Double-Ion Occupancy in the Gramicidin A Channel

To understand the energetics of double-ion occupancy in gramicidin A (gA) channels, the 2D potential of mean force (PMF) is calculated for two ions at different positions along the channel axis. The cross sections of this 2D PMF are compared with available one-ion PMFs to highlight the effect of one ion on the permeation dynamics of the other. It is found that, if the first ion stays on one side in the channel, the second ion has to pass over an additional barrier to move into the outer binding site. At the same time, both outer and inner binding sites for the second ion become shallower than those in the one-ion PMF. The calculated ion-ion repulsion for a doubly occupied channel is about 2 kcal/mol, in good agreement with previous experimental estimates. The number of water molecules inside the channel and their dipole moment are calculated to interpret the energetics of double-ion occupancy. As the first ion moves into the outer binding site and then further into the channel, the oxygen atoms of the single-file water column in the channel are oriented to point toward the ion. The observed dipole moment distribution of a singly occupied channel has only one sharp peak, and the water alignment is essentially perfect once the ion is in the inner binding site. For this reason, there is an energy penalty to accommodate a second ion at the opposite end of the channel.
A high-pressure calculation used to determine the helium pair interaction

The pressures and compressibilities of solid3He and4He are calculated over the volume range 3 cm3/mole ≤V ≤ 13 cm3/mole, using a simple Heitler-London variational approach. For volumesV ≤ 8 cm3/mole, the calculation is sufficiently exact to make possible a meaningful comparison of the results, obtained using four different semiphenomenological forms for the potential, with experimental data. The results indicate that the Beck potential is the best existing representation of the helium pair potential.
Availability of enriched isotopic materials used for accelerator targets — Present and future

Abstract The availability of a broad spectrum of highly enriched stable isotopes is vitally important for the fabrication of nuclear targets for basic and applied research. The present separation effort at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is insufficient to maintain equilibrium for the stable isotope inventory. The current technology that is being applied in the electromagnetic isotope separation process to minimize the stable isotope depletion rate is discussed. Three alternative separation processes, gas centrifugation, plasma cyclotron resonance separation, and laser separation, are evaluated as candidates to augment the present stable isotopes separation facility. The applicability of each process to the isotopic enrichment of the calutron feed material and to the selective production of isotopes is determined. The process energy demands are compared to those of the existing facilities. The isotopic enrichment of the feed material prior to a first pass through the calutrons can result in significant savings in energy and cost.
Multi-user and self interference effects in a QPSK DS-CMA downlink with a Ricean dispersive channel

This paper derives the BER in synchronous (downlink) indoor direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) transmission over a Ricean multipath channel with a non-uniform delay profile. Computational results will show that the performance is much better than that predicted by models which assume that all resolvable paths have independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) power.
A Multibrand Concept‐Testing Methodology for New Product Strategy*

This article develops and tests multibrand concept testing (MCT): a new model and methodology for concept testing and new product development strategy. Methodologically, MCT provides two important advantages. First, by requiring respondents to provide a constant-sum, multibrand measure of intention, the data-collection method eliminates most of the biases inherent in scalar measures of intention. Second, MCT captures consumer heterogeneity by deriving unobserved segments using a latent class approach. Managerially, MCT allows the firm to forecast the impact of the new product introduction on the market shares of competing brands (including those marketed by the firm) at both the aggregate and segment levels. Hence, the firm can use the results to measure segment-specific cannibalization and switching effects; in addition, it can identify segment-specific adoption patterns following the introduction of the new product. Importantly, the method allows the firm to choose customized marketing mix strategies for different segments after allowing for the effects of competitive retaliation following the new product introduction. MCT was tested using intentions data for a major multibillion-dollar therapeutic prescription-drug category in the pharmaceutical industry. A few years ago, a new competitor announced its imminent entry into the marketplace. Soon thereafter, the market leader conducted a large-scale experimental study to predict the effects of the new product entry on the market shares of extant brands in the marketplace and to determine the optimal marketing strategy for responding to this new product entry. The internal and external validation analyses show that the proposed model accurately forecasts the market shares of the entrant and the competing brands in the marketplace. The results show that the leader's marketing mix has differential effects across segments. The market simulation results show that to minimize the impact of the entrant on the leader's product line, the leader should use customized message strategies for different segments. The results also show that the MCT methodology can be used to identify the physician segments most likely to adopt the entrant's brand. In addition, MCT can be used to determine those segments in which the leader will be particularly vulnerable to the entrant and the corresponding losses of market share to the entrant.
Risk factors for increased airway responsiveness to methacholine challenge among laboratory animal workers

As a first step in a prospective study of the incidence of asthma to laboratory animals, a group of 364 adults 18 to 48 yr of age who were beginning employment with laboratory animals were evaluated in terms of their past history, health status, allergy, and airway responsiveness to methacholine. At entry to the study, 269 had previous occupational contact with animals, 109 had chest symptoms in the previous year, 168 had a history of allergic symptoms to laboratory animals (any with asthmatic responses were systematically excluded), and 118 had positive immediate skin tests (29 had positive skin tests to laboratory animals). When defined as a PD20FEV1 of 80 breath units or less, 18.4% of these young adults had methacholine hyperresponsiveness (HRA). Significant risk factors for HRA were found to be younger age, female sex, lower educational level, a history of allergic symptoms to laboratory animals, and a history of chest symptoms. Positive skin tests to laboratory animals were present in 8% of workers; this was not a significant risk factor for HRA although positive skin tests to pollen and household allergens were. Previous work experience was a risk factor, especially among those with allergic symptoms, and a trend toward self-selection was suggested in that the rate of HRA was lowest in workers with more than 2 yr of experience or with two or more previous jobs with laboratory animals.
BOTTOM SAMPLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL NICHES1

Sampling diffcrcnt environments at the bottom lcvcl in marine waters indicates that arcas of small extent may have very diffcrcnt biotas, both as to component species, and as to total numbers. In fine particle (mud) bottoms, the algae and protozoa are concentrated in the 2 to s-mm mud-water interface. In sand at the tide line, they arc concentrated at somewhat decpcr lcvcls. If the bottom is anaerobic the biota is characterized by sulfur bacteria, certain colorless euglenids and ciliates. In aerobic bottom areas, this work indicates a smaller, less extensive biota. The amount of sampling howcvcr, was not sufficient to make this a conclusion. In the mud-water interface of 5 aquaria where 112s reached the surface in small patches, there was a larger and more varied population than in non-sulfurous mud a few centimeters away. It is apparent that microclimatic factors are responsible for large biotic differences within short linear distances, and that one should sample benthic populations in an undisturbed mud-water interface. Either a large arca should bc sampled, or many core samples should bc taken, the latter method being preferable.
Deforestation Drivers: Population, Migration, and Tropical Land Use

The tiny global minority residing in rural frontier areas--how long they remain there; the timing, magnitude, and characteristics of their consumption; and their demographic transitions--promises a vast impact on future tropical deforestation. It is here, not in cities and not in long settled rural areas, where fertility and native population growth is extremely high, rural migration is dynamic, and where land cover change remains extraordinarily expansive per capita. According to recent UN projections (United Nations 2011), the vast majority, indeed very likely all, the world’s net population growth over the next several decades will occur in the world’s poorest cities. Yet the direct imprint of this urbanization remains minute. Although urban food demand has a large and increasing impact on rural land change, less than 1% of the terrestrial surface is covered by urban settlements (Schneider et al. 2009). The highest population growth rates and old growth forest conversion will continue to occur in remote rural environments, with notable implications for land cover change research and policy (Turner et al 2007) specifically, and coupled human-environmental systems more broadly (An and Lopez-Carr 2012).
Picosecond Raman Studies of the Electron-Phonon Interactions in Al x Ga 1 − x As : Nonmonotonic Dependence upon the Alloy Composition

The electron--longitudinal-optical- (LO-) phonon interaction in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ has been studied for the alloy composition ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 by picosecond Raman spectroscopy. We have found that the relative strength of the Fr\"ohlich interaction of the two LO-phonon modes is a nonlinear function, and increases nonmonotonically with the Al composition. The possible origins of these novel results are discussed in terms of nonlinear dielectric theory and ordering in the alloy.
Testing a mediation model of customer service and satisfaction in outdoor recreation

Abstract This paper examines a model of customer service and satisfaction in the outdoor recreation experience. More specifically, it focuses on the question of whether domain-level satisfaction mediates the relationships between specific customer service attributes and the overall evaluation of an experience. Data were collected through a nationwide assessment of customer service at US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) lakes. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at 10 COE lakes located throughout the United States ( n =2933 completed interviews). The survey instrument measured three levels of visitor satisfaction (19 individual attributes, four domains, and overall satisfaction). Study results supported the hypothesized model by confirming the relationships between individual customer service attributes, satisfaction within customer service dimensions (or domains) and overall satisfaction. The influence of some items, however, overlapped across multiple dimensions. The relevant items accounted for between 29% and 41% of the variance associated with satisfaction within the customer service domains. In turn, satisfaction within the domains explained 15% of the variance in overall satisfaction. Management implications Visitor satisfaction is one of the fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation. This research investigated the relationship between subjective evaluations of overall client satisfaction with several of its components. Results suggest the following insights for managing outdoor recreation areas to improve visitor satisfaction: • Findings underscore the importance of maintaining and improving the esthetics of recreation areas. Feelings about the appearance of the area were the strongest predictor of satisfaction with facilities, and influenced satisfaction in the other domains as well. • Current and accurate information was found to be the most important determinant of satisfaction with information services, highlighting the need for recreation managers to continually review and update information provided to the public. • Surveys of customer satisfaction in outdoor recreation areas should not only consider tangible indicators of facilities, services, and information, but also intangible aspects of the outdoor recreation experience. Factors such as the opportunity to recreate without crowding affected visitors' feelings of satisfaction with facilities and services as well as their satisfaction with their overall outdoor recreation experience.
The Transformational and Transactional Leadership of Men and Women

Les donnees d'une etude en cours furent rassemblees dans trois conditions d'echantillonnage variees afin d'examiner si des cadres hommes et femmes, observes par leurs evaluateurs directs, avaient le meme style de commandement. L'etude en cours se demarque d'une recherche beaucoup plus ancienne sur les differences entre hommes et femmes en leadership, en ceci que nous y avons examine des differences dans les deux styles de leadership transformationnel et transactionnel, en utilisant le Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Dans les trois echantillons, les cadres feminins furent reconnues par des evaluateurs a la fois feminins et masculins comme manifestant des aspects-cles fondamentaux du leadership transformationnel (p. ex. charisme, consideration individualisee) plus frequemment que les hommes. Bien que la taille des echantillons fut generalement petites, les donnees de ces etudes suggerent que les femmes ne sont pas moins transformationnelles que leurs homologues masculins et pourraient en fait l'etre davantage. Le sexe des noteurs n'apparait pas comme influencant les resultats obtenus. Data for the current study were gathered in three diverse sample conditions to examine whether male and female managers differed in styles of leadership observed by their direct reports. The current study differs from most prior research on male-female differences in leadership, in that we examined differences in both transformational and transactional leadership styles using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. In three samples, women leaders were rated by both their female and male direct reports as displaying certain key aspects of transformational leadership (i. e. charisma, individualised consideration) more frequently than men. Although the effect sizes were generally small, the results of these studies suggest that women are no less transformational than their male counterparts, and may, in fact, be more so. The sex of the raters did not appear to make any difference in the results obtained.
Cross-Correlation Interference Effects in Multiaccess Optical Communications

The effects of the cross correlation between user codes in an opticalcode-division multiple-access communication system are investigated. The system model is a multiaccess satellite repeater in which the uplink and downlink channels are direct-detection, optical-polarization modulation links. The error probability is derived in terms of the cross correlation between the intended and interfering user codes. It is shown that the system error rate can be minimized by using code sequences in which the normalized second moment of the cross correlation between codes is small. The signalto- noise ratio (SNR) on the uplink is shown to be proportional to 1/K while the SNR on the downlink is proportional to 1/K1/2, where K is the number of users which are simultaneously accessing the system.
Ethanol-related smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilation in purkinje dendrites of aging rats.

Background: Long-term ethanol consumption in aging rats results in degeneration and regression of the Purkinje neuron (PN) dendritic arbor. One marked ethanol-related change in Purkinje dendrite ultrastructure is dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) within PN dendritic shafts. The purpose of this study was to determine a time course for ethanol-related dendritic regression in PN dendritic shafts and spines. Methods: One-hundred eighty aging, male Fischer 344 rats were used. Four durations of treatment (5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks) and 3 dietary treatment groups (60 rats/treatment group) were studied. Ethanol-fed rats received a liquid ethanol diet (35% of dietary calories from ethanol). Pair-fed rats received an isocaloric liquid control diet and chow-fed rats received rat chow and water ad libitum. After each duration of treatment, 45 rats (15/treatment) were euthanized and 2 posterior cerebellar lobules/rat were viewed with electron microscopy and photographed. Diameters of SER profiles within PN shafts and spines were measured with image analysis. Results: Ethanol-related SER dilation in dendritic shafts occurred following 40 weeks of treatment. Ethanol-related SER dilation was not detected in PN dendritic spines. Conclusions: These results confirm that ethanol-related dilation of SER profiles in PN dendritic shafts occurs following the same duration of treatment as the dendritic regression previously reported in other studies. Degenerating bodies that may be linked to dendritic regression were also identified in PN dendrites.
Electrophoretic analysis of nuclear proteins isolated from sperm of the black abalone Haliotis crackeroidii

Abstract Nuclear proteins isolated from spermatozoa of the abalone, Haliotis crackeroidii , after sonication and CTAB treatment were characterized electrophoretically. Mature, sonication-resistant sperm nuclei contain only protamine and lack detectable levels of somatic histone. The amino acid composition and size of this protamine suggests that its structure must be intermediate between fish and mammalian protamines.
Activation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase induces positive inotropy in intact mouse heart in vivo.

Abstract Objective We have recently identified an activation site on (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and found that binding of antibody SSA412 to this specific site of the enzyme markedly augments (Na+ + K+)-ATPase catalytic activity. Demonstration of whether activation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase affects heart function in animal in vivo was the object of this investigation. Methods Male wild-type CD-1 mouse and specific antibody SSA412 were used for the study. A pressure–volume micromanometer-conductance catheter in anesthetized mouse assessed in vivo cardiac functions. Results Specific antibody SSA412 infusion in mouse shifted pressure–volume loop leftward with increased stroke volume and enhanced end-systolic elastance. Global systolic parameters such as ejection fraction and cardiac output, and load independent contractile parameters including dP/dtmax/IP, PMX/EDV, Ees, and PRSW, were all increased without any effect on relaxation following administration of SSA412. Cardiac preload indexed by EDV and afterload by ESP did not alter, suggesting that SSA412-enhanced myocardial performance is a direct cardiac effect caused by the activation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. Conclusion Our study provides the first in vivo physiological evidence to demonstrate that activation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase induces significant positive inotropic effect in intact animal heart. The finding may lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of heart failure.
Women's Movements in Asia: feminisms and transnational activismMINA ROCES & LOUISE EDWARDS (Eds)

The twelve essays in this edited volume survey and theorize about women's movements in South, South-East, and East Asia in the twentieth century. More specifically, the anthology examines ‘the orga...
Efficacy of d-cycloserine for enhancing response to cognitive-behavior therapy for panic disorder.

Background Traditional combination strategies of cognitive-behavior therapy plus pharmacotherapy have met with disappointing results for anxiety disorders. Enhancement of cognitive-behavior therapy with d-cycloserine (DCS) pharmacotherapy represents a novel strategy for improving therapeutic learning from cognitive-behavior therapy that remains untested in panic disorder. Method This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled augmentation trial examining the addition of isolated doses of 50 mg d-cycloserine or pill placebo to brief exposure-based cognitive-behavior therapy. Randomized participants were 31 outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, who were offered five sessions of manualized cognitive-behavior therapy emphasizing exposure to feared internal sensations (interoceptive exposure) but also including informational, cognitive, and situational exposure interventions. Doses of study drug were administered 1 hour before cognitive-behavior therapy sessions 3 to 5. The primary outcome measures were the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and Clinicians' Global Impressions of Severity. Results Results indicated large effect sizes for the additive benefit of d-cycloserine augmentation of cognitive-behavior therapy for panic disorder. At posttreatment and 1 month follow-up, participants who received d-cycloserine versus placebo had better outcomes on the PDSS and global severity of disorder and were significantly more likely to have achieved clinically significant change status (77% vs. 33%). There were no significant adverse effects associated with DCS administration. Conclusions This pilot study extends support for the role of d-cycloserine in enhancing therapeutic learning from exposure-based cognitive-behavior therapy and is the first to do so in a protocol emphasizing exposure to feared internal sensations of anxiety in panic disorder.