cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U.S. Planning Expeditions to Postcolonial India: From Ideology to Innovation in Technical Assistance

Problem: American planning expertise is routinely transferred to the developing world, but there is very little systematic reflection on the experiences and outcomes of such transfers, especially on innovations and their diffusion in the host countries. Purpose: I consider how ideology, values, and paradigms lead to innovation and the role of local circumstances in shaping such innovation and their diffusion. Methods: I use both published and unpublished archival materials to document and analyze American planning expeditions to India immediately after India's independence. Results and conclusions: I focus on three case studies over a period of 25 years (1949–1974): Albert Mayer's original plan for Chandigarh, done at the behest of Prime Minister Nehru; the 1962 Delhi Master Plan by the Ford Foundation team; and the 1966 Basic Development Plan for Calcutta (now Kolkata), also by the Ford Foundation team. I find that along with planning expertise the Americans brought their own ideologies and predilections...
THE CALL AND THE GIFTED IN CHRISTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: A CONSIDERATION OF BRIAN ROBINETTE'S CRITIQUE OF JEAN-LUC MARION

In his recent article, ‘A Gift to Theology? Jean-Luc Marion's ‘Saturated Phenomena’ in Christological Perspective’, Brian Robinette has critiqued Marion's phenomenology for confining theology to a one-sided approach to Christology, one that stresses only the passive, mystical reception of Christ. To correct this imbalance, Robinette brings Marion into dialogue with those more active Christologies or ‘prophetical-ethical’ liberation theologies of Gustavo Gutierrez, Johann Baptist Metz and others that stress a life-praxis focused on confronting evil and suffering. In this essay I am arguing that Robinette has not fully developed the ‘logic’ of Marion's phenomenology of the ‘call and the gifted’, in which both a passive and an active element are operative. I explore more fully that very dynamic phenomenological process of the call-and-the-gifted as developed in Marion's work Being Given: Toward a Phenomenology of Givenness. Once viewed in Christological perspective, and especially in light of Christ's death and resurrection, Marion's phenomenology entails an ethical trope consistent with the mission of Christ as rendered in Scriptural revelation, and thus the gap between Marion's work and the prophetical-ethical theologies of Gutierrez and Baptist Metz becomes narrowed.
Econometrics of Diffusion Models

We review some of the econometric and statistical methods available to estimate and test continuous-time diffusion models from discrete observations, with a particular emphasis on likelihood methods. Keywords: maximum likelihood; transition density; closed-form expansion; efficient estimation
On the ‘computation of two- and three-dimensional steady transonic flows by relaxation methods

The paper is concerned with the application of the Murman and Cole (1971) relaxation scheme to steady, inviscid transonic flow problems in two and three dimensions. This scheme, which automatically accounts for weak shock waves, uses separate difference operators in elliptic and hyperbolic regions. The details of the scheme are described in terms of the original small disturbance formulation of Murman and Cole. In particular, Murman's recent (1973) introduction of fully conservative difference operators to obtain the correct shock jumps is examined. The extension to treating the exact isentropic equation is then covered with special attention given to Jameson's (to appear) rotated difference scheme for supersonic flow regions. The bulk of the discussion is related to two-dimensional procedures, and some comparisons with experiment are made, with emphasis on the effects of viscosity and wind-tunnel walls. Application of the Murman-Cole scheme is then discussed for small disturbances in three dimensions.
The Politics of Crisis Management: Public Leadership Under Pressure by Arjen Boin, Paul 't Hart, Eric Stern, and Bengt Sundelius

This compact monograph should be required reading for anyone who wishes to engage with the institutional implications of extreme natural or political events in the coming decade. “Crises” are conce...
The history of dermatology at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania

Abstract There is little written about the history of women in dermatology. In this paper, we summarize the information obtained from archival records from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the first medical schools for women, where several of the early prominent women in dermatology obtained their medical degrees and practiced. Among others, graduates include Rose Hirschler, MD, and Margaret Gray Wood, MD. The school and its graduates made important contributions to dermatology and to the advancement of women in the field. The history of women in dermatology is not well documented, and this historical research provides background in the biographies of pioneering women in an effort to preserve and honor their important work.
Avoiding Sorrow in Morrow: A Special Relationship Should Exist between a School and its Students

In 2013, in Morrow v. Balaski, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held that a school did not have a constitutional duty to protect two students from being bullied. The court reasoned that no special relationship existed between the school and the students and the school’s actions did not create the harm that was inflicted on the students. This Comment argues that courts should find a special relationship between a school and its students when a school’s behavioral restrictions render the students dependent on the school for their safety.
A synapse-specific carbohydrate at the neuromuscular junction: association with both acetylcholinesterase and a glycolipid

With the aim of investigating the roles of carbohydrates in synapse formation, we have characterized a synapse-specific saccharide at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction. Two lectins of similar specificity (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, DBA, and Vicia villosa-B4 agglutinin, VVA-B4) stain synaptic but not extrasynaptic regions of the rat muscle fiber surface and thus define a synapse-specific carbohydrate. Using these and other probes, we show that the carbohydrate moiety concentrated at the neuromuscular junction resembles N- acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) linked in the beta-anomeric form to the termini of oligosaccharides. VVA-B4 also selectively stains neuromuscular junctions in human, mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, chick, frog, axolotl, snake, fish, and lamprey muscles, a phylogenetic conservatism that suggests a synapse-related role for GalNAc beta- terminal saccharides. AChE from muscle binds to DBA- and VVA-B4- agarose, and is thereby identified as a glycoconjugate bearing the synapse-specific carbohydrate. Assay of AChE isoforms reveals that asymmetric, collagen-tailed forms, known to be highly concentrated at the rat neuromuscular junction, bind DBA and VVA-B4, while globular forms, which are more widely distributed, do not. A second class of GalNAc-bearing glycoconjugates is demonstrable immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies to stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-3 (Shevinsky et al., 1982) and GM2 (Natoli et al., 1986), which recognize GalNAc-bearing glycolipids. These antibodies selectively stain neuromuscular junctions, where they recognize glycolipid-like molecules that bind VVA-B4 but are distinguishable from AChE. The association of a synapse-specific carbohydrate with at least 2 different synapse- specific molecules raises the possibility that the former plays a role in determining a property that the latter share, such as concentration at the synapse.
Protective association of milk intake on the risk of hip fracture: Results from the Framingham Original Cohort

Dairy foods are rich in bone-beneficial nutrients, yet the role of dairy foods in hip fracture prevention remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the association of milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, and milk + yogurt intakes with incident hip fracture in the Framingham Original Cohort. A total of 830 men and women from the Framingham Original Cohort, a prospective cohort study, completed a food-frequency questionnaire (1988 to 1989) and were followed for hip fracture until 2008. In this population-based study, Cox-proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) by categories of energy-adjusted dairy intake (servings/wk), adjusting for standard confounders and covariates. The exposure was energy-adjusted intakes of milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, and milk + yogurt (servings/wk). Risk of hip fracture over the follow-up was the primary outcome; the hypothesis being tested was formulated after data collection. The mean age at baseline was 77 years (SD 4.9, range 68 to 96). Ninety-seven hip fractures occurred over the mean follow-up time of 11.6 years (range 0.04 to 21.9 years). The mean ± SD (servings/wk) of dairy intakes at baseline were: milk = 6.0 ± 6.4; yogurt = 0.4 ± 1.3; cheese = 2.6 ± 3.1; and cream = 3.4 ± 5.5. Participants with medium (>1 and <7 servings/wk) or higher (≥7 servings/wk) milk intake tended to have lower hip fracture risk than those with low (≤1 serving/wk) intake (high versus low intake HR 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–1.06, p = 0.078; medium versus low intake HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.08, p = 0.071; p trend = 0.178]. There appeared to be a threshold for milk, with 40% lower risk of hip fracture among those with medium/high milk intake compared with those with low intake (p = 0.061). A similar threshold was observed for milk + yogurt intake (p = 0.104). These associations were further attenuated after adjustment for femoral neck bone mineral density. No significant associations were seen for other dairy foods (p range = 0.117 to 0.746). These results suggest that greater intakes of milk and milk + yogurt may lower risk for hip fracture in older adults through mechanisms that are partially, but not entirely, attributable to effects on bone mineral density. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Defining the Links Between Oxidative Stress–Based Biomarkers and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. In 2010, an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million patients in the United States displayed AF.[1][1] The prevalence of AF continues to grow, with an estimated prevalence in the United States between 5.6 and 12 million cases by 2050.[1][1
Assessment of the effectiveness of the post-Fukushima food monitoring campaign in the first year after the nuclear accident: A hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not the food monitoring campaign after the Fukushima nuclear accident has been successful in reducing the number of above-limit-food from reaching the consumers. The hypothesis of this study is that the fraction of "post-market" food can be used for this purpose, when the post-market fraction in the above-limit (p') items is compared to the post-market fraction in the entity of food items (p) that have been screened for radionuclides ((134)Cs and (137)Cs). Indeed the post-market fraction in most vegetarian produce decreased significantly in the above-limit food items (p'/p 1), indicating a much lower effectiveness of the monitoring action for beef. The author speculates that, by following the governmental monitoring manual (which gives "meat" only second priority), the sudden exceedances caught the monitoring agencies unprepared and triggered a much higher density monitoring of beef with the delay of several weeks. Even then, many above limit items reached the market (mainly because the monitoring during this period had focused on the post-market). Therefore, it is likely that some above-limit beef has been consumed by the public. For other meat products, the fraction of post-market samples was very low, which does not allow for the validation of the effectiveness of the monitoring campaign. Overall, the monitoring seemed to have been more effective for vegetarian produce than for meat.
Eckstein and the Study of Private Governments: An Appreciation, Critique, and Proposal

Harry Eckstein's Theory of Stable Democracy briefly revolutionized thinking about authority structures in nongovernmental organizations but has left little lasting mark. Indeed, the theory failed as an account of stable democracy but, by emphasizing correctly the commonalities between public and private authority, it pointed the way to a general theory of authority in organizations. Such a theory is now emerging, chiefly from work on authority in capitalist firms. It is time for students of politics again to look beyond the state, as Eckstein argued, to the much wider universe of authority relations.
High-performance carbon fibers

Graphite has a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure which is strong and stiff in the two directions of the basal plane and, in the third direction—perpendicular to the basal plane—is weak and compliant. High-performance carbon fibers must make use of the strong directions while suffering from the poor properties of the third. This paper describes, from fundamentals, the processes used to produce high-performance carbon fibers. The resulting fiber microstructures and the consequences of these structures on properties are presented.
Hepatic copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B: function and inactivation at the molecular and cellular level

Copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B (Wilson disease protein) is a member of the P-type ATPase family with characteristic domain structure and distinct ATP-binding site. ATP7B plays a central role in the regulation of copper homeostasis in the liver by delivering copper to the secretory pathway and mediating export of excess copper into the bile. The dual function of ATP7B in hepatocytes is coupled with copper-dependent intracellular relocalization of the transporter. The final destination of ATP7B in hepatocytes during the copper-induced trafficking process is still under debate. We show the results of immunocytochemistry experiments in polarized HepG2 cells that support the model in which elevated copper induces trafficking of ATP7B to sub-apical vesicles, and transiently to the canalicular membrane. In Atp7b-/- mice, an animal model of Wilson disease, both copper delivery to the trans-Golgi network and copper export into the bile are disrupted despite large accumulation of copper in the cytosol. We review the biochemical and physiological changes associated with Atp7b inactivation in mouse liver and discuss the pleiotropic consequences of the common Wilson disease mutation, His1069Gln.
Partial restoration by in vivo thymosin of E-rosettes and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in immunodeficient cancer patients

Thymosin, fraction V, a partially purified extract of calf thymus, was administered to 14 patients with disseminated, far-advanced malignant disease. It increased the number of positive delayed-type hypersensitivity skin tests in 69% of the patients and the number of recall KLH responses in 85% of the subjects. Thymosin significantly increased T-lymphocyte rosettes in the group of patients with percentages originally less than 50%. Thymosin administration resulted in no toxic manifestations aside from local cutaneous hypersensitivity in one subject. Suggestive evidence of thymosin clinical activity was detected in three subjects. Thymosin's activity in these patients is compatible with and complementary to results obtained in vitro, in animals, and in children with certain primary immunodeficiency diseases. Thymosin may prove to be a major addition to the group of agents effective in the immunorestoration and immunotherapy of immunodeficient cancer patients.
Integrating Hypermedia in Professional Development Opportunities for Elementary Teachers of Science: A Literature Review:

Recent calls for improvements in the teaching of science have supported the implementation of numerous reform strategies in the elementary classroom. Reviews of the different reform strategies have indicated varying levels of effectiveness. One method shown to be effective in producing changes in teachers, the teaching process, and student learning is the professional development workshop. With the success of professional development workshops in other subject areas, researchers have suggested this could be an effective strategy in addressing concerns related to the teaching of elementary science. However, for a variety of reasons, past elementary science professional development workshops have not met with the same levels of success as other content areas. The integration of hypermedia into professional development settings is one method of improving the effectiveness of elementary science professional development workshops. This review of the published literature examines the role hypermedia can play in...
Pathology caused by the bacterium Edwardsiella tarda in striped bass.

Abstract Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from moribund age-0 hatchery-reared striped bass Morone saxatilis for the first time. Pathogenicity was confirmed by contact infection. Characteristic histopathology consisted of epithelial hyperplasia and necrosis associated with the lateral line canals, and abscess formation in the anterior kidney and other internal organs.
Federal Policies, State Responses, and Community College Outcomes: A Test of an Augmented Bennett Hypothesis

We estimate the impact of increases in Federal student aid and funding, such as the recently proposed American Graduation Initiative (AGI), on the outcomes of community colleges, including enrollments, list and average tuitions, and variables related to educational quality. We develop a model of state-level education policy in which state policy makers, who may have objectives and constraints that differ from those of Federal policy makers, respond to changes in Federal policies. Our empirical specification treats state and institutional policy variables as endogenous, and we interpret the coefficients as measuring the responses of state and institution officials to changes in Federal policies. We simulate the effects of the AGI and find little evidence that state policy makers recapture Federal resources. We find the AGI will have a significant effect on educational quality but a limited effect on enrollments. An equivalent increase in Federal student aid would have greater impact on access and enrollments, but decrease educational quality.
Imipramine in the Treatment of Depressed Alzheimer's Patients: Impact on Cognition

A double-blind study evaluated the impact of imipramine on cognitive function in 61 patients with Alzheimer's disease. Twenty-eight patients had coexistent depression and dementia; 33 had dementia only. All were randomly assigned to an 8-week trial of imipramine or placebo. For both depressed and nondepressed subjects, the effect of imipramine on cognition was minimal. A subtle decrement in general cognitive function was evident in those treated with imipramine, as compared with those treated with placebo. No effects were observed on memory. Clinicians are advised that very low doses of imipramine (25 mg/daily) may be tolerated in depressed Alzheimer patients, but that cognitive changes do occur in some patients and should be carefully monitored.
Magneto-Electro-Chemical Behavior of BaTiO3-CoFe2O4 Self-Assembled Thin Films

Two-phase CoFe 2 O4 (CFO) and BaTiO 3 (BTO) self-assembled nanocomposite thin films were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. The epitaxial relationships between the CFO and BTO phases, and the substrate, were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Magnetoelectric (ME) coupling between the two phases was studied. We found a magneto-electro-chemical behavior, where induced charge can be used to deposit metal nanoparticles on the surface of films placed in an ionic solution.
2D cohesive zone modeling of crack development in cementitious digital samples with microstructure characterization

Abstract This paper presents two-dimensional (2D) cohesive zone modeling (CZM) techniques to simulate microscale crack propagation with cementitious digital samples under various loading conditions. The 2D multiphase bilinear cohesive zone models were employed to investigate the fracture behavior within heterogeneous cementitious material samples. The microstructure of concrete and cement paste samples were characterized with scanned surface (SS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging techniques, respectively. The digital concrete sample was generated from gray-scale SS images in millimeter. The single-edge notched beam (SEB) simulation on crack propagation within aggregate-cement microstructure was favorably compared with the tested sample. The digital cement samples with pores and unhydrated cement particles were generated from SEM images in micron scale. The compact tension (CT) test was simulated to predict crack propagation through pores. The study finally simulated the internal frost damage caused by ice crystallization with the SEM digital sample. The pore pressure calculated from thermodynamic analysis was input for model simulation. The CZM predicted the crack initiation and propagation within cement microstructure. The favorably predicted crack paths in concrete and cement paste samples indicate the developed CZM techniques have the ability to capture crack initiation and propagation in concrete or cement microstructure system with multiphase and associated interfaces.
My sister's keeper: Negative effects of social welfare and affirmative action programs on black women

The campaign rhetoric of a former neo-Nazi and Klan grand wizard who won a seat in the Louisiana state legislature in 1989 encapsulated two of this article's key points: that black women on welfare bear the brunt of derision, anger, and calls for their forcible control, and that black women who use affirmative action programs for advancement bear the brunt of derision, anger, and calls for their systematic devaluation. This “white backlash” is one of the negative effects of social welfare and affirmative action programs described in the article, which focuses on black women because of their particular vulnerability in a sexist and racist society. The article is both a warning to black women of an insidious widening gap between their “haves” and “have-nots,” and a plea that they work hard together to close this gap by acknowledging the fundamental similarities of their struggles to survive, and by recognizing that they and their children need each other to effectively continue the struggle.
HPA Axis Reactivity: A Mechanism Underlying the Associations Among 5-HTTLPR, Stress, and Depression

Background Recent evidence indicates that individuals who are homozygous for the short (s) allele in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene have higher rates of depression and other psychiatric disorders as a function of exposure to increasing levels of stressful life events than do individuals who have one or two copies of the long (l) allele. Despite the reliability of this association, the mechanism by which this polymorphism confers risk for psychopathology in the presence of stress is not understood. This study was designed to examine the formulation that individuals who are homozygous for the s allele are characterized by a greater biological reactivity to stress than are their counterparts who have one or two copies of the l allele. Methods Girls at high (n = 25) and low (n = 42) risk for depression by virtue of the presence or absence of a family history of this disorder were genotyped and exposed to a standardized laboratory stress task. Cortisol levels were assessed before the stressor, after the stressor, and during an extended recovery period. Results Girls who were homozygous for the s allele produced higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in response to the stressor than did girls with an l allele. Conclusions These findings indicate that the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with biological stress reactivity, which may increase susceptibility to depression in the face of stressful life events.
Sample Preparation Affects Separation of Whey Proteins by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Measured concentrations of whey proteins in single milk samples often differ by more than 20% when analyzed by different separation methods. In the current study, we examined the effects of using guanidine hydrochloride or urea at zero and 8.5 h after sample preparation and the effects of using dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol on the separation of bovine milk proteins by reversedphase high-performance liquid chromatography. Treatment with guanidine hydrochloride or urea resulted in similar separation of milk proteins when samples were injected immediately after preparation. Separation was repeatable over 8.5 h for samples prepared with guanidine hydrochloride, whereas the resolution of R-lactalbumin and � -lactoglobulin decreased for samples treated with urea. Treatment with dithiothreitol improved the resolution of R-lactalbumin and � -lactoglobulin in comparison with treatment with 2-mercaptoethanol. Quantitation of whey proteins is more reliable when milk samples are treated with dithiothreitol and guanidine hydrochloride than when treated with 2-mercaptoethanol or urea.
Chemical sensing using electrospun polymer/carbon nanotube composite nanofibers with printed-on electrodes

Abstract An integrated sensor system was developed using mats formed of electrospun polymer/single-walled carbon nanotube composite nanofibers combined with inter-digitated electrodes directly printed on the surface to detect volatile organic compounds. When the polymer in the fibers swells due to vapor adsorption, the carbon nanotubes separate from each other and increase electrical resistance of the material. The conductivity change of the composite-sensing material was monitored with a multi-meter when exposed to volatile organic compounds. The response to different vapors showed a linear relationship between resistance change and vapor concentration. We obtained both sensitivity and selectivity data on the sensor with several different vapor analytes – methanol is used as an example in this paper.
On the Nature of Nonframework Cations in a Zeolitic deNOx Catalyst: Cu-Mordenite

The locations of extra-framework Cu2+ cations in hydrated copper ion-exchanged mordenite (formula Cu1384T48O2 · 28H2O, space group Cmcm, a = 18.1659(4) A,b = 20.375(1) A,c = 7.495(1) A, V = 2774.4(4) A3, Z = 1,R = 5.13%) and its partially dehydrated analog (formula Cu1.468T48O2 · 4.04H2O, space groupCmcm, a = 18.0546(7) A,b = 20.298(2) A,c = 7.4772(3) A,V = 2740.2(3) A3, Z = 1,R = 3.90%) have been determined from the analysis of room-temperature single-crystal X-ray data. Two copper sites were found in the hydrated sample: one in the elliptical 8-ring and the other in the center of the main 12-ring channel. Upon dehydration three copper sites were determined; one in the elliptical 8-ring, one above the 6-ring in the main channel and the last in the circular 8-ring that leads into the main channel. The low coordination, but high accessibility, of the latter two cation sites in the partially dehydrated sample provides a possible explanation for the high activity of mordenite and its related pentasil family members for nitrogen oxide decomposition.
Inhibition of lysozyme by polyvalent metal ions

The rate of hen egg-white lysozyme (mucopeptide N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.17), catalysis was determined in the presence of various metal ions (Co2+, Zn2+ and eight of the trivalent lanthanide ions). In the assay system employed, the lanthanides were found to inhibit more strongly than either Zn2+ or Co2+. The inhibition data was fitted to several models of the interactions of the metal ion with the enzyme. These models ranged in complexity from a single inhibitory metal binding site on the enzyme (two-parameter fit) to the presence of two non-independent and non-equivalent inhibitory metal binding sites (five-parameter fit). The more complicated models did not fit the data more precisely than the simplest one-site model, suggesting that the adoption of the simpler model is warranted. The fact that the association constants obtained from the simplest analysis for Co2+ (1.3 +/- 1.9 . 10(2) M-1) and Gd3+ (7.0 +/- 2.6 . 10(3) M-1) are consistent with literature values determined from spectroscopic measurements further supports the validity of the simplest model.
A generalization of a result of R. Lyons about measures on [0,1)

Letμ be a probability measure on [0, 1), invariant underS:x ↦px mod 1, and for which almost every ergodic component has positive entropy. Ifq is a real number greater than 1 for which logq/ logp is irrational, andT n sendsx toq nx mod 1, then for any e>0 the measureµT −1 will — for a set ofn of positive lower density — be within e of Lebesgue measure.
The effect of inhaled K+ channel openers on bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage in anaesthetised guinea pigs.

Abstract Since orally administered K + channel openers may have cardiovascular side effects, it is possible that inhaled administration would be preferred for the treatment of asthma. We have investigated whether inhaled levcromakalim and HOE 234 inhibit histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and airway plasma exudation in anaesthetised guinea pigs. We have also investigated whether inhaled HOE 234 inhibits the bronchoconstriction and plasma exudation induced by vagus nerve stimulation, which is due to the release of tachykinins from sensory nerves. Lung resistance was measured by airway resistance ( R L ) computed from airway and transpulmonary pressures and plasma exudation by measurement of Evans blue dye extravasation. Inhaled levcromakalim (25 μg/ml) had a short duration of action, being effective against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction 2 min after pretreatment, but not at 10 min. Inhaled HOE 234 (25 μg/ml) was similarly effective against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction but had a longer duration of action. Inhaled levcromakalim partially attenuated histamine-induced plasma extravasation in small airways, but not in the trachea or main bronchi, whereas inhaled HOE 234 had no effect. HOE 234 protected against non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerve-induced bronchoconstriction, but had no effect on neurogenic- or substance P-induced plasma extravasation in the airway. Inhaled K + channel openers protect against induced bronchoconstriction, but provide little or no protection against plasma exudation, possibly because of an increase in airway blood flow. In addition, inhaled HOE 234 had no effect on neurogenic leakage, suggesting that its vagal inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction was on airway smooth muscle, rather than on release of neuropeptides from sensory nerves.
Taking the Measure of Congress: Reply to Chiou and Rothenberg

Chiou and Rothenberg raise important questions about how to measure key concepts in the study of legislative stalemate in the U.S. Congress. In challenging my choice of measures to capture bicameral differences, Chiou and Rothenberg argue that my findings are the artifact of measurement error. In this reply, I review the hurdles involved in measuring policy views over time and across institutions and suggest that the preferred measure of Chiou and Rothenberg falls short for measuring bicameral differences. Second, I assess the extent to which measurement choices affect the robustness of my findings about the determinants of gridlock. Drawing on new measures and model specifications, I show that my results are robust to alternative specifications. I conclude with an assessment of the broader challenges posed by how we measure critical concepts in the study of congressional performance.
Modeling study of two‐step photodissociation method of isotope enrichment

A general comprehensive model of the two-step photodissociation method of isotope enrichment for diatomic reactants was constructed. The model includes kinetic and absorption processes, isotopic species, and temperature. Criteria to measure different aspects of enrichment were established. The results show that, in general, isotopic mixing by kinetic processes can be controlled. The relative importance of intensities of excitation sources for the two steps depends on the degree of saturation of the first-step absorption transition. For the specific system modeled, i.e., the dissociation of HBr followed by scavenging with NO, the model predicts that detection of bromine enrichment is possible. The important processes and their influence on enrichment were identified, and optimization of experimental parameters was modeled.
Effect of Ti, Al and Mg Addition on the Impact Toughness of Heat Affected Zone in Low Carbon Steel

In order to understand the effects of deoxidizer such as aluminium, titanium and magnesium on the impact toughness of heat affected zone (HAZ), three low carbon steels deoxidized by Ti-Al, Mg and Ti-Mg were obtained. After smelting, forging, rolling and welding simulation, the effects of Al, Ti and Mg addition on the impact toughness of HAZ in low carbon steel were studied. The inclusion characteristics (size, morphology and chemistry) of samples before welding and the fracture pattern of the specimens after the Charpy-type test were respectively analyzed using optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The following results were found. The density of inclusion in Ti-Mg deoxidized steel is bigger than Ti-Al deoxidized steel. The average diameter is decreased for the former than the latter. The addition of Ti-Mg can enhance the impact toughness of the HAZ after welding simulation. The maximal value of the impact toughness is 66.5J/cm2. The complex particles of MgO-TiOx-SiO2-MnS are most benefit to enhance impact toughness. The improvement of HAZ is attributable to the role of particle pinning and the formation of intergranular ferrite.
Spiritual Borderlands: A Black Gay Male College Student’s Spiritual Journey

This case study explored the spiritual journey and spaces of one Black gay male college student. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, field observations, and photovoice. Findings indicate that the student experienced tension during his spiritual journey because of his racial and sexual orientation identities but was able to reconcile his multiple identities through family support, developing a personal relationship with a higher power, and finding spiritual spaces where all his identities were embraced.
Buffer standards for the physiological pH of the zwitterionic compound of 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) from T = (278.15 to 328.15) K

This paper reports the pH values of five NaCl-free buffer solutions and eleven buffer compositions containing NaCl at I = 0.16 mol·kg(-1). Conventional pa(H) values are reported for sixteen buffer solutions with and without NaCl salt. The operational pH values have been calculated for five buffer solutions and are recommended as pH standards at T = (298.15 and 310.15) K after correcting the liquid junction potentials. For buffer solutions with the composition m(1) = 0.04 mol·kg(-1), m(2) = 0.08 mol·kg(-1), m(3) = 0.08 mol·kg(-1) at I = 0.16 mol·kg(-1), the pH at 310.15 K is 7.269, which is close to 7.407, the pH of blood serum. It is recommended as a pH standard for biological specimens.
Sensitivity of Mesoscale‐Model Forecast Skill to Some Initial‐Data Characteristics, Data Density, Data Position, Analysis Procedure and Measurement Error

The effects of horizontal and vertical data resolution, data density, data location, different objective analysis algorithms, and measurement error on mesoscale-forecast accuracy are studied with observing-system simulation experiments. Domain-averaged errors are shown to generally decrease with time. It is found that the vertical distribution of error growth depends on the initial vertical distribution of the error itself. Larger gravity-inertia wave noise is produced in forecasts with coarser vertical data resolution. The use of a low vertical resolution observing system with three data levels leads to more forecast errors than moderate and high vertical resolution observing systems with 8 and 14 data levels. Also, with poor vertical resolution in soundings, the initial and forecast errors are not affected by the horizontal data resolution.
Critical events surrounding the maternal recognition of pregnancy in mares

Summary An experiment was undertaken to determine whether the equine conceptus inhibits production of prostaglandin F2α in the pregnant mare. Endometrial tissue was obtained from two normally cycling mares and conceptus membranes were obtained from a further two mares which were pregnant. Endometrial tissue was cultured alone and with conceptus membranes and the prostaglandin F2α concentrations measured in the incubation medium over a 24 h period. With endometrium alone, prostaglandin F2α concentrations increased slowly for the first 9 h of incubation but then began to rise sharply. When the conceptus membranes were added, the prostaglandin F2α production rate was initially comparable to that of endometrium alone but the sharp increase seen after 9 h was large attenuated. By 18 to 24 h, the prostaglandin F2α concentration in the endometrium plus conceptus membranes was 63 per cent less than for endometrium alone. The results corroborate previous studies that conceptus membranes can inhibit prostaglandin F2α synthesis.
Comprehensive analysis of tandem amino acid repeats from ten angiosperm genomes

The presence of tandem amino acid repeats (AARs) is one of the signatures of eukaryotic proteins. AARs were thought to be frequently involved in bio-molecular interactions. Comprehensive studies that primarily focused on metazoan AARs have suggested that AARs are evolving rapidly and are highly variable among species. However, there is still controversy over causal factors of this inter-species variation. In this work, we attempted to investigate this topic mainly by comparing AARs in orthologous proteins from ten angiosperm genomes. Angiosperm AAR content is positively correlated with the GC content of the protein coding sequence. However, based on observations from fungal AARs and insect AARs, we argue that the applicability of this kind of correlation is limited by AAR residue composition and species' life history traits. Angiosperm AARs also tend to be fast evolving and structurally disordered, supporting the results of comprehensive analyses of metazoans. The functions of conserved long AARs are summarized. Finally, we propose that the rapid mRNA decay rate, alternative splicing and tissue specificity are regulatory processes that are associated with angiosperm proteins harboring AARs. Our investigation suggests that GC content is a predictor of AAR content in the protein coding sequence under certain conditions. Although angiosperm AARs lack conservation and 3D structure, a fraction of the proteins that contain AARs may be functionally important and are under extensive regulation in plant cells.
Deforestation and the Environmental Kuznets Curve in Iran

Property rights, the agricultural price index, forest area, population, income and timber price are important factors in the deforestation process. The aim of this study was to test the impact of these factors on deforestation in Iran using an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). The autoregressive distributed lag approach was also used to estimate the deforestation function. The existence of an inverted U-shaped EKC for deforestation in Iran was confirmed. In addition, there is evidence of a relationship between deforestation and property rights, forest area, agricultural price index and terms of trade. It is concluded that improvement of secure property rights and environmental policies can improve compliance regarding forest land use and reduce the deforestation rate in Iran.
Evaluating Schools and Teachers Based On Student Performance Testing an Alternative Methodology

As urban school systems continue to fail large segments of the school-age population, there has been an increasing concern with accountability. A major question has been: Can teachers be held accou...
Positron-lifetime study of copper irradiated by d -T fusion neutrons

Positron-lifetime characteristics have been investigated for samples of pure annealed copper irradiated by $d$-T fusion neutrons to a fluence of 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{16}$ n/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. It is found that the general characteristics of the data are similar to those obtained from proton irradiation under similar circumstances. While there are minor differences in the dose dependence, trap lifetime, and recovery between the two irradiations, there is quantitative agreement between the trapping-rate data and calculated damage production when damage from recoils below 50 keV is excluded.
Evolutionary strategy approach for improved in-flight control learning in a simulated Insect-Scale Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Insect-Scale Flapping-Wing Micro-Air Vehicles (FW-MAVs), can be particularly sensitive to control deficits caused by ongoing wing damage and degradation. Since any such degradation could occur during flight and likely in ways difficult to predict apriori, any automated methods to apply correction would also need to be applied in-flight. Previous work has demonstrated effective recovery of correct flight behavior via online (in service) evolutionary algorithm based learning of new wing-level oscillation patterns. In those works, Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) were used to continuously adapt wing motion patterns to restore the force generation expected by the flight controller. Due to the requirements for online learning and fast recovery of correct flight behavior, the choice of EA is critical. The work described in this paper replaces previously used oscillator learning algorithms with an Evolution Strategy (ES), an EA variant never previously tested for this application. This paper will demonstrate that this approach is both more effective and faster than previously employed methods. The paper will conclude with a discussion of future applications of the technique within this problem domain.
Technical refinements and precautions during ionomeric cement reconstruction of incus erosion during revision stapedectomy.

Objective The study describes the technical precautions and short-term hearing results of fast-setting ionomeric cement (SerenoCem) for managing incus erosion in revision stapedectomy. Study Design Observational and retrospective chart review. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing ionomeric cement incus reconstruction during revision stapedectomy had surgery on an ambulatory basis in a tertiary care referral center. Main outcome measures included technical details, precautions, and recommendations for handling this new material and 6-week hearing outcomes comparing preoperative and postoperative air-conduction and bone-conduction thresholds. Results A small amount of ionomeric cement on the tip of otological picks applied to the incus remnant successfully reconstitutes the original length of the long process of the incus. In revision stapedectomy, a crimp-on prosthesis may be placed on the cement-lengthened incus. Six-week postoperative audiograms demonstrated significant closure of the air–bone gap in operated cases. Our experience in a failed case leads us to recommend that the setting time for the cement be increased to no less than 20 minutes as opposed to the manufacturer's recommendation of 10 minutes. Also, revision stapedectomy was more likely to be successful when the prosthesis was placed to the incus remnant and stabilized with cement, rather than placing the prosthesis on the cement itself. Conclusions Ionomeric cement permits direct reconstruction of a pathologically shortened incus in revision stapedectomy. Surgeons must be aware of precaution and limitations of this new material. Preliminary results indicate significant hearing improvement with this technique when appropriate precautions are taken.
In search of the new south

Henry Grady continues to be romanticized as a visionary of the New South. This essay argues that whatever his dreams, Grady tragically erred in selecting rhetorical symbols and devices which had more potential for hindering a genuinely new spirit among southerners. Walter Hines Page is offered as a more realistic spokesperson for southern innovations.
Belief propagation algorithm for computing correlation functions in finite-temperature quantum many-body systems on loopy graphs

Belief propagation —- a powerful heuristic method to solve inference problems involving a large number of random variables—was recently generalized to quantum theory. Like its classical counterpart, this algorithm is exact on trees when the appropriate independence conditions are met and is expected to provide reliable approximations when operated on loopy graphs. In this paper, we benchmark the performances of loopy quantum belief propagation (QBP) in the context of finite-temperature quantum many-body physics. Our results indicate that QBP provides reliable estimates of the high-temperature correlation function when the typical loop size in the graph is large. As such, it is suitable, e.g., for the study of quantum spin glasses on Bethe lattices and the decoding of sparse quantum error correction codes.
A rapid and efficient way to obtain modified chemokines for functional and biophysical studies.

Abstract Chemokines and their receptors control cell migration associated with routine immune surveillance, inflammation and development. They are also implicated in a large number of inflammatory diseases, cancer and HIV. Here we describe a rapid and efficient way to express and purify milligram quantities of multiple chemokine ligands (CCL7/MCP-3, CCL14/HCC-1, CCL3/MIP-1α and CXCL8/IL-8) containing C-terminal modifications to enable coupling to fluorescent dyes or small molecules such as biotin, in vitro . These labeled chemokines display wild-type behavior in both receptor binding and calcium mobilization assays. The ability to rapidly and inexpensively produce labeled chemokines opens the way for their use in many applications, including non-traditional chemokine–receptor interaction studies, both on intact cells and with purified receptor reconstituted in artificial membranes in vitro . Furthermore, the ability to immobilize chemokines to obtain ligand affinity columns aids in efforts to purify chemokine receptors for structural and biophysical studies, by facilitating the separation of functional proteins from their non-functional counterparts.
Fearing the uncertain: Self-uncertainty plays a role in mortality salience

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between self-uncertainty, self-esteem and mortality salience as they relate to group identification and defense of the ingroup. Experiment 1 (N = 140) tested the hypothesis that self-uncertainty mediates the interactive effect of self-esteem and mortality salience on group identification. Results demonstrated that mortality salience only increased self-uncertainty and identification under neutral self-esteem, and self-uncertainty mediated the interactive effect of mortality salience and self-esteem on ingroup identification. Experiment 2 (N = 294) tested the hypothesis that only when self-uncertainty is elevated does the interactive effect of self-esteem and mortality salience predict group identification and ingroup defense. As hypothesized, when self-uncertainty was reduced TMT results were attenuated. Results across the two experiments demonstrate that self-uncertainty plays a significant role in reactions to mortality salience.