cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mary Doe ex rel. Satan?: Parody, Religious Liberty, & Reproductive Rights

In 2015, a woman known as “Mary Doe” challenged a Missouri abortion restriction requiring her to wait seventy-two hours after receiving certain “informed consent” materials before she could obtain an abortion. Mary Doe challenged the restrictions in federal and state court on religious grounds as a member of the Satanic Temple. This paper examines the Satanic Temple’s litigation through the lens of parody — a literary technique that involves repeating another text’s form or content in order to critique it. Mary Doe’s litigation mirrored that of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, in which a for-profit corporation claimed a religious accommodation from the ACA’s contraceptive mandate. The litigation forces two comparisons — between mainstream religious beliefs and other strongly held matters of conscience, and between abortion and other constitutional claims — and illuminates the “distortions” that often appear in reproductive rights litigation.
Interaction of viral and cellular factors with the HTLV-III LTR target sequences in vitro.

The location of cis-acting regulatory sequences within the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III was determined by eukaryotic cell transfection and chloramphenicol ace-tyltransferase (CAT) assay or in vitro cell-free transcription. A 160 base pair (bp) region of the LTR at position −104 to 56 is required for trans-activation (cap site 1). A 24 bp enhancer element (EHE) capable of increasing the rate of transcription, irrespective of orientation, is located between nu-cleotides −105 to −80. It contains two 10 bp repeats. Three Sp1 binding sites (Sp1 III-I) are located between −78 and −45. A deletion of Sp1 III allowed for limited TATIII response while the presence of a functional enhancer restored the activity in HTLV-III infected cells. Complete loss of transcriptional activity and CAT gene expression could be attributed to the absence of EHE and Sp1 III-I at position −48. However, reinsertion of the enhancer restored accurate initiation but at a decreased level suggesting that the presence of a Sp1 binding site is not a prerequisite for the accurate initiation of transcription but is required for transcriptional activation independent of a promoter. The presence of a negative regulatory element (NRE) has been demonstrated by removal of the 5′ part of U3 to position −117.
Hemostasis Management of Patients Undergoing Emergency Cardiac Surgery After Ticagrelor Loading.

Summary Ticagrelor, a direct and reversible inhibitor of P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor, has become one of the most commonly used oral antiplatelet agents in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Consequently, an increasing number of patients are presenting for emergent cardiac surgery with extensive platelet inhibition, and a potential risk for major perioperative bleeding. Herein, we describe the management of 3 patients, each of whom required an emergent cardiac surgical procedure following a loading or maintenance dose of ticagrelor for presumed ACS. Preoperative platelet function assessment was performed using a whole blood platelet aggregation test to confirm the extent of platelet P2Y12 inhibition. Platelet transfusion in the presence of therapeutic drug levels of ticagrelor have minimal impact on cessation of bleeding. Appropriate timing of surgery, and use of adjunctive hemostatic therapies is therefore imperative to achieve intraoperative hemostasis, and to minimize the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.
Changing the Channel: the Relation Between Information Complexity and Disclosure Channel Richness

I examine the role of information complexity in disclosure channel choice and the implications of the channel decision for market participants. Organizational communication theory suggests that managers who prefer efficient communication match underlying information complexity to internal communication channel richness (e.g. interaction, language variety and cues). Although external disclosures diverge from internal firm communication in important ways, I find evidence consistent with the management theory in the external quarterly reporting setting. Specifically, I find information complexity is associated with the allocation of information across channels with differing richness (e.g. earnings press release and conference call). The positive relation between complexity and richness is mitigated when managers have weakened preferences for (or ability to facilitate) communication efficiency. Moreover, placing complex information in channels with insufficient cues is associated with slower price formation. The results are consistent with managers, on average, choosing disclosure channels to reduce investors’ processing costs.
Escape the Evil Professor! Escape Room Review Activity:

In this article, the author describes an exam review activity in which students answered questions and solved puzzles in order to escape the review session. In a general psychology (100-level) cour...
Constructing a Secured, Reactive and Scalable Data Platform for a Better Exploitation of Rich Data Assets in the Tourism Industry.

This paper presents our endeavor to construct a secured, reactive and scalable data platform as a response to the increasing needs for reliable, real-time, and actionable insights that are refined from data. The adventure starts with the design and share of a business-driven data platform implementation strategy by several business and IT teams. Based on that, we demonstrate the main functions and features of this platform and justify the reason for which we had selected a virtual private cloud solution. Then, we described the types of ingested data and our data ingestion method. We further discussed several business & engineering problems and our method to solve them. Finally, we present our prospection of future efforts to improve our data platform at the end of this paper.
Medical education in the time of COVID-19.

In current circumstances one rightfully wonders if persistence of SARS-Cov-2 will fundamentally alter the landscape of medical education and hospital training. Absent a vaccine, the prevalence of this virus adds to annual respiratory illnesses caused by seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, and other coronaviruses. Faced with a looming new-normal, many educators are ruminating on how best to ensure rigorous medical training that produces a steady stream of competent physicians. By way of background, the umbrella of medical education covers a highly structured curriculum in a variety of pre-clinical and clinical environments whose architecture and requirements are set by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME) ( 1 ) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) ( 2 ). These requirements reflect established habits for producing quality outcomes. Capricious changes to these requirements can alter the carat of each uncut gem matriculating to medical school. And for this reason, students follow inviolate course work to their doctorate. Graduates can apply for state licensure to become physicians after receiving accredited training as interns and residents. Only later when seen serving a public good are physicians fully vested professionals. Such training can last 7-10 years. Modern training encompasses a well-thought-out system of educational milestones …
Novel Peptide-Based Inhibitors of Protein Kinases

Protein kinases are a class of enzymes that modulate the function and activity of other proteins through phosphorylation. Protein kinases regulate many aspects of cellular metabolism including signal transduction, transcription, translation, cell-cycle progression, and biosynthesis. Owing to their profound influence over such critical cellular processes, mutations or aberrant expression of protein kinases can have major implications on cell health and viability. Indeed, dysfunctional protein kinase activity has been linked to such pathological conditions as neurodegeneration, inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Despite their therapeutic importance, our ability to target discrete protein kinases using small-molecule-based inhibitors has been hindered due to high degrees of structural similarity among protein kinase active sites. Recently, peptides have emerged as powerful, yet selective, modulators of protein kinase activity by virtue of their ability to mimic highly specific substrate-interaction domains of protein kinases. This chapter provides an overview of the development and application of novel peptide-based protein kinase inhibitors. The goal here is to highlight how the various binding modes of peptide-based kinase inhibitors and efforts to enhance their binding affinities have contributed to the understanding of the complex nature of protein kinase–substrate interactions. Furthermore, the therapeutic relevance of peptide-based kinase inhibitors is explored, focusing on the advantages and limitations of such molecules as they are applied in the treatment of kinase-mediated disease.
J-integral measured from experimental torque load versus torque-ends rotation angle obtained from a spiral notch torsion test

Abstract Spiral Notch Torsion Test (SNTT) was developed to measure the intrinsic fracture toughness of structural materials using small specimens. The SNTT system operates by applying pure torsion to cylindrical specimens with a notch line that spirals around the specimen at a 45° pitch. 3-D finite-element analysis has been used to estimate the fracture toughness obtained from SNTT test specimen with 3-D non-coplanar crack front. Here a newly developed SNTT protocol to estimate J-integral directly from the experimental torque load versus torque-ends rotation angle trend curve without the aid of 3-D finite element analyses is presented and its applicability is illustrated by applying it for the evaluation of fracture toughness of SS304/308 weldment. The estimated JQ’ for the SS304/308 weld is 144.2 kJ/m2, which is consistent with that obtained from CT specimen.
Six-axis Load Head with Application to Electrical Conductor Nonlinear Dynamics

The development of a six-axis load head based on the Stewart platform concept is described in this paper. The intended application of the device is in quantifying terminal forces and moments in flexible conductors interconnecting equipment in electrical substations. Such quantification is important is assessing seismic demand both at the terminal connections and in the equipment. In particular, nonlinear effects have been observed in the dynamics of such interconnected systems, and the load head is designed to capture such effects. For this purpose, it has a large range, thus being able to record force spikes, as well as high sensitivity needed to measure low-level fluctuations that influence equipment base moments. Performance of the load head is assessed through static and dynamic tests, and implications of design modifications on performance are explored. An example application of the load head to a dynamic test is presented, where a conductor is fixed at one end and excited at the other. Results demonstrate the ability of the load head to capture nonlinear dynamic effects. Specifically, force and moment characteristics as nonlinear effects develop in the form of period-doubling are reported. A physical understanding of these phenomena is invaluable in interpreting characteristics observed in flexibly interconnected equipment.
Outpatient Interventions in Clinical Behavior Analysis

Clinical behavior analysis (CBA) is the term used to refer to applications of behavior analysis to behavioral health presentations, such as anxiety, depression, or other disorders that interfere with quality of life. Assessment and intervention typically address lifestyle changes (e.g., management of sleep, diabetes, or hypertension) and build novel repertoires (e.g., in the case of mood disorders or serious mental illness). Therapists who consider themselves clinical behavior analysts translate the philosophy and science of behavior into action, implementing strategies consistent with a radical behavioral epistemology and based on behavioral principles emerging from the experimental analysis of behavior. The range of settings in which clinical behavior analysts work is expanding as the relationship between behavior and overall health is increasingly recognized. An overview of behavior analytically informed cognitive behavior therapies (CBTs) is provided as well as a description of the assessment, treatment, and broader professional repertoires necessary to be successful in this diverse profession.
Pestiferous scale insects on native epiphytic orchids in South Florida: a new threat posed by introduced species.

Scale insects belong to the superfamily Coccoidea, which includes serious plant pests such as soft scales, armored scales, and mealybugs. In 2009, in a natural habitat surrounded by urban development in Naples, FL, pestiferous scale insects (Coccidae) and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) were discovered on inflorescences of Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid). The next year, a follow-up survey was initiated to also include plants in two orchid-rich habitats within the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. There, exotic scales were found on six different epiphytic orchid taxa. Of the scales encountered, Coccus hesperidum (Brown Soft Scale) and Diaspis boisduvalii (Boisduval Scale) are both well-known and serious pests of cultivated plants. Of particular concern is the possibility that these invasive insects have thoroughly infiltrated isolated, natural habitats of rare native orchids.
Characteristics and Longitudinal Patterns of Erectile Dysfunction Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the U.S.

We investigated the longitudinal relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) drug use with behavioral factors, including substance use and sexual activities in men who have sex with men from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study during 1998-2016 (n = 1636). We used a bivariate random-intercept model to evaluate ED drug use along with other behavioral factors to assess relationships between the two outcomes over time on a population level and also at the individual level. Average ED drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV was positively correlated with average use of marijuana (r = .19), poppers (r = .27), and stimulants (r = .25). In this group, testosterone use (r = .32), multiple partners (r = .41), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .40), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .43) all showed moderate correlations over time with average ED use (p < .001). Associations among MSM without HIV were similar, with average marijuana use (r = .19) and stimulant use (r = .22) being positively correlated with average ED drug use, and were also correlated with having multiple partners (r = .36), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .22), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .18) over time. Positive within-individual associations between ED drug use and multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse with and without condom were observed regardless of HIV serostatus. This study showed that MSM who reported use of ED drugs were also, on average, more likely to use recreational drugs and engage in sexual activities, such as having multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse. Within individuals, average ED drug use was also positively correlated with sexual behaviors.
The CAD Design Studio: 3D Modeling As a Fundamental Design Skill

Until now, books on CAD aimed at architects have addressed the use of computer-aided design and drafting as a recording tool, a faster means of producing and storing finished working drawings-and not as an adjunctive creative tool for the design process. Without being software specific, this book will guide the professional and student architect and graphics designer in how to use the computer as an electronic modelling tool, exploring graphic and geometric forms and systems with the freedom and speed of the computer. The reader will be led through a progression of design exercises and design problems, learning how to come up with multiple solutions to a given program. Beautifully illustrated throughout, including 10 four-color CAD drawings!
The Latest Challenge to Health Privacy: Health Care Consolidation

The American health care industry is undergoing a transformation in several respects, including the substantial integration and consolidation of health care providers. Three of the leading ways in which this is taking place are through mergers of hospitals and health systems, development of accountable care organizations (networks of providers that share responsibility for coordinating patient care), and hospitals purchasing physician practices. There has been considerable discussion about the effects of consolidation on health care cost and quality, but there has been virtually no discussion about the significant effects of consolidation on health privacy.
General Characteristics of Developing Country Capital Markets and Asymmetry Related Allocation Problems

Abstract This paper examines developing country capital markets. In particular, the shortcomings of developing country capital markets relative to developed capital markets are discussed. These deficiencies include factors such as illiquidity, lack of long term debt markets, crowding out of the private sector from the publicly traded debt markets, illiquidity derivatives markets that hinder hedging of interest rate and exchange rate exposure of firms. It is argued that all these factors introduce distortions and asymmetries in the capital allocation mechanism by raising the cost of both debt and equity and resulting in an underinvestment problem for these markets. Additionally, the potential impact of the spread of “equity culture” for developing country capital markets and their economies is analyzed.
Transient dayside reconnection and its effects on the ionosphere

In this paper we discuss the source of cusp particle precipitation using the “pulsating cusp” concept. In this model, which has been postulated for southward IMF conditions, transient dayside magnetic reconnection produces the observed ion dispersion, flow, and field-aligned current signatures observed in the cusp. We will discuss how the particles gain access to the magnetosphere and the characteristic signatures arising from the reconnection process. Using the velocity filter effect the reconnected particle spectrum can then be “mapped” into the ionosphere to produce the well-known energy-latitude dispersion of cusp ions. In addition, it will be shown that the dayside low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) and mantle populations also arise naturally from this pulsating cusp model. The effects of varying the dayside reconnection rate will then be discussed.
Yeast tRNA-splicing endonuclease cleaves precursor tRNA in a random pathway.

Abstract Introns interrupt many of the tRNA genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a constant position in the anticodon loop. Pre-tRNA transcripts must be accurately cleaved at 3' and 5' splice sites by tRNA endonuclease to release these introns. In order to study splice site cleavage order, substrates were prepared in which the ribose 2'-OH at each of the splice sites was phosphorylated. This modification blocked cleavage by the endonuclease. We found that whichever splice site was blocked the endonuclease can cleave the other site, indicating that the two splice sites were cleaved independently. The endonuclease also cleaved both 3'- and 5'-nicked pre-tRNA(Phe). In addition, both kinds of "2/3 molecules" (exon+intron) were observed in kinetic studies, indicating that they were true biochemical intermediates. The rates of cleavage at the 3' and 5' splice sites of pre-tRNA were compared in several ways. The results showed that the endonuclease cleaves 3' and 5' sites at almost the same rate in the first cleavage, whereas in the second cleavage the 3' site was cleaved faster, indicating that the rates of the two routes for cleavage were unequal. These results demonstrated that the endonuclease cleaved pre-tRNA in a random order, creating two routes for removal of introns from pre-tRNA.
Adopting a Unit Pricing System for Municipal Solid Waste: Policy and Socio-Economic Determinants

Concerns about the environmental and aesthetic damages of municipal solid waste pollution have triggered policy reform at all levels of government. As part of this effort, public officials are integrating market-based policy instruments such as unit pricing into their solid waste plans. Despite the economic advantages of unit pricing, constituency response has been mixed and hence adoption rates have been below expectations. If the associated gains are to be realized, public officials must identify the key factors that influence this decision. To that end, this research empirically estimates the determinants of unit pricing adoption at the community level of analysis. Based on data for all cities and towns in Massachusetts, the results indicate that demographics, socio-economic attributes, fiscal capacity, and policy instruments influence this decision.
Dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) up-regulates astrocytic chloride-dependent l-[3H]glutamate transport and expression of both system xc− subunits

Recent studies have shown that N(6),2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) increases the expression of specific subtypes of Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters in cultured astrocytes. Our group also found that treatment of astrocytes with dbcAMP for several days increases the Na(+)-independent accumulation of L-[3H]glutamate. In this study, the properties of this Na(+)-independent accumulation were characterized, and the mechanism by which dbcAMP up-regulates this process was investigated. This accumulation was markedly reduced in the absence of Cl(-) and was also inhibited by several anion-exchange inhibitors, including 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, suggesting that this activity is mediated by a Cl(-)-dependent transporter. In addition, this activity was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of several inhibitors of another Cl(-)-dependent (Na(+)-independent) transport activity frequently referred to as system xc(-) (L-cystine, L-alpha-aminoadipate, L-homocysteate, quisqualate, beta-N-oxalyl-l-alpha,beta-diaminopropionate, ibotenate). This activity was competitively inhibited by several phenylglycine derivatives previously characterized as inhibitors of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation. The concentration-dependence for Na(+)-independent, Cl(-)-dependent L-[3H]glutamate uptake activity was compared for dbcAMP-treated and untreated astrocytes. Treatment with dbcAMP increased the V(max) of this Cl(-)-dependent transport activity by sixfold but had no effect on the K(m) value. System xc(-) requires two subunits, xCT and 4F2hc/CD98, to reconstitute functional activity. We found that dbcAMP caused a twofold increase in the levels of xCT mRNA and a sevenfold increase in the levels of 4F2hc/CD98 protein. This study indicates that dbcAMP up-regulates Cl(-)-dependent L-[3H]glutamate transport activity in astrocytes and suggests that this effect is related to increased expression of both subunits of system xc(-). Because this activity is thought to be important for the synthesis of glutathione and protection from oxidant injury, understanding the regulation of system xc(-) may provide alternate approaches to limit this form of injury.
Direct Analysis of the Dynamics of the Intestinal Mucosa CD8 T Cell Response to Systemic Virus Infection

The CD8 T cell response to vesicular stomatitis virus infection was characterized in the spleen and intestinal mucosa using MHC tetramers. Surprisingly, the primary response persisted in the lamina propria long after the splenic response had declined. Furthermore, the response was characterized by a protracted effector phase in which cytolytic activity in the lamina propria, but not in the spleen, was maintained. The appearance of Ag-specific cells in the intestinal mucosa was largely, though not exclusively, a result of beta(7) integrin-mediated migration. Infection with Listeria monocytogenes or with vaccinia virus also led to sustained mucosal responses. After reinfection of vesicular stomatitis virus-primed mice with a serotypically distinct virus, a sustained recall response was detected in all tissues. In CD40(-/-) mice, the mucosal, but not the splenic, response was compromised, resulting in diminished mucosal memory. The recall response was CD40 independent and correlated with memory levels, indicating that the mucosal and systemic responses operated independently. These findings illustrated the integrated yet distinct nature of systemic vs mucosal immune responses.
The effect of acute postoperative pain and chronic neuropathic pain on subsequent weight gain in the rat

Object Acute postoperative pain has demonstrated effects on appetite and weight gain in human studies. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that chronic neuropathic pain has a more significant effect on weight than acute postsurgical pain. Methods One hundred eighteen rats were separated into 3 groups: common sciatic nerve ligation, surgery without ligation, and no surgery. Each group was further divided to undergo testing at 3, 7, and 14 days. On the day of testing, the rats were tested for signs of pressure and heat hyperalgesia and were weighed. Results The effect on the percentage of change in body weight from the day of surgery to the day of testing was statistically significant for both the condition (F = 15.0, p < 0.0001) and the day of testing (F = 43.3, p < 0.0001). The rats that received no surgery had a change in weight of 2.3% on Day 3, 4.0% on Day 7, and 10.7% on Day 14. In the nonligation surgery group, the change was −3.8% on Day 3, 2.0% on Day 7, and 9.7% on Day 14. In the ligati...
A otimização do valor do produto aplicada ao projeto de componentes automotivos em produção.

The objective of this project is to present, analyse and propose, in detail form, the product value optimization process applied to current production components in automotive industries, wherein the necessary requirements of quality, performance and cost reductions are priority. The subject begins with a description of technical and economical apologies of the theme. Next, in the context, are emphasized and detailed two methodologies: the current product development and product value optimization engineering, the PVOE because an analysis of both methodologies clarifies the advantages of optimize the value of product. In order to have a better comprehension of described concepts, in sequence case studies of PVOE are presented applied in automotive components with and without direct client perception (customer). The acquired results show: technical differences between current and proposal parts, mainly aspects applied on design during development and validation, the automaker annual saving, benefits to automaker and customer and lessons learned in order to address for new design developments of automotive products.
The 1971 San Fernando earthquake: A double event?

Evidence is presented which suggest that the 1971 San Fernando earthquake may have been a double event that occurred on two separate, subparallel thrust faults. It is postulated that the initial event took place at depth on the Sierra Madre fault zone which runs along the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Rupture is postulated to have occurred from a depth of about 15 km to a depth of about 3 km. A second event is thought to have initiated about 4 sec later on another steeply dipping thrust fault which is located about 4 km south of the Sierra Madre fault zone. The surface trace of this fault coincides with the San Fernando fault zone which was the principal fault associated with surface rupture. It is postulated that rupture propagated from a depth of 8 km to the free surface. The moments of the first and second events are approximately 0.7 × 10^(26) dyne-cm and 1.0 × 10^(26) dyne-cm, respectively. This model is found to explain the combined data sets of strong ground motions, teleseismic P and S waveforms, and static offsets better than previous models, which consist of either a single fault plane or a plane having a dip angle which shallows with decreasing depth. Nevertheless, many features of the observed motions remain unexplained, and considerable uncertainty still exists regarding the faulting history of the San Fernando earthquake.
Left ventricular afterload and systemic hydraulic power during in-series cardiac assistance: studies using intraaortic balloon pumping in dogs.

The effects of in-series mechanical assistance on left ventricular (LV) afterload and aortic power dissipation were studied in four groups of open chest mongrel dogs: control, acute myocardial ischemia, cholinergic and beta-adrenergic blockade, and combined ischemia and blockade. Aortic root pressure, flow, power, and impedance and LV pressure and power were obtained. Assistance was provided by intraaortic balloon pumping. Times of inflation and deflation of the balloon were controlled to maintain a phase difference of 180° between the fundamental components of aortic root pressure and flow. Differences in hemodynamic parameters before and after 2–5 min of cardiac assistance were calculated. The results confirm other observations regarding effects of in-series assistance on LV and aortic pressure, cardiac output, and peripheral resistance. No consistent changes were obtained in the pulsatile components of aortic input impedance. A significant decrease (14–20%) was observed in the dc component of the impedance in all animals. The results reported here contradict previous reports regarding decreased LV power generation. It was found that LV power generation and aortic power dissipation increased significantly during assistance (LV, 3–17%; aortic, 4–19%). The results of this investigation also appear to conflict with previous reports regarding the role of cardiovascular control in “counteracting” the effects of assistance in the normal experimental preparation. They suggest that the short term effects are attributable directly to the device and are not mediated by the autonomic nervous system.
Potential Entry of Chile into NAFTA: Are There Lessons from U.S./Mexican Fruit and Vegetable Trade?

Although the Clinton administration has been unable to obtain fast-track negotiating authority, eventual expansion of free trade in the hemisphere is likely, and the U.S. position might be affected by the failure to negotiate Chile's entry into NAFTA. One hurdle to broad-based support for Chile's entry is U.S. horticulture producers' claims of "injury" from NAFTA trade. We argue that (a) considerable empirical evidence acquits NAFTA of these charges, (b) liberalizing Chile's strict trade barriers should yield significant U.S. gains, and (c) NAFTA's combined trade-investment reform facilitates U.S. foreign agricultural investment. Together these benefits imply that resistance to Chile's entry is unwarranted. the broader one, the presidents of nearly all Western Hemispheric nations agreed to begin efforts to construct a "Free Trade Area of the Americas" (FTAA) by the year 2005 with comprehensive trade and investment elements. In the more focused agreement, the NAFTA partners (the United States, Canada, and Mexico) agreed to invite Chile to negotiate its entry into the regional pact. Both agreements imply the opening of U.S. borders to additional trade, a prospect not welcomed by many U.S. horticultural producers. Indeed, U.S. trade with Mexico in fruits and vegetables has followed a somewhat bumpy road since NAFTA's implementation. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly apparent that free trade of one form or another is likely to be established among Western Hemispheric nations in coming years-with or without the United States-and that initial resistance' in the United States to opening trade to a relatively small trading partner is likely to diminish possibilities for a U.S.-led design of the FTAA. Recent analyses conclude that although annual agricultural gains from U.S. participation in the FTAA will likely be small (less than 1%), an FTAA that excludes the United States would result in
AN EFFICIENT SYNTHESIS OF 4-ARYL-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROISOQUINOLINES

Abstract An efficient synthesis of 4-aryl substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines is described. Suzuki coupling of 4-bromoisoquinoline with arylboronic acids gives the 4-arylisoquinolines which can be reduced with NaBH3CN to the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines.
The impact of cognitive distortions, stress, and adherence on metabolic control in youths with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the role of cognitive distortions in the relationship between adherence behavior, diabetes-specific stress, general stress, and metabolic control. Methods Obtained questionnaire data, glucometer readings, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbgA 1c ) assays from 143 youths (11–18 years old) with type 1 diabetes. Examined path model of relationships between cognitive distortions, stress, adherence behavior, and metabolic control. Data were analyzed using path analysis. Results Higher levels of negative cognitive distortions were associated with more stress (both diabetes-specific and general). Higher levels of general stress then led to less adherent behavior and subsequently poorer metabolic control (higher HbgA 1c ). More diabetes-specific stress also led to poorer metabolic control, as well as general stress. Conclusions The findings indicate an indirect role of negative cognitive distortions in metabolic control. The current findings suggest that instead of the proposed direct link between cognitive distortions and adherence behavior, an indirect relationship may exist through stress.
Pyrolysis of Polycyclic Perhydroarenes. 3. 1-n-Decylperhydropyrene and Structure−Reactivity Relations

1-n-Decylperhydropyrene (DPP) was pyrolyzed neat at temperatures between 400 and 475 °C. DPP disappearance followed first-order kinetics, and the Arrhenius parameters for the first-order rate constant were A (s-1) = 109.5±5.0 and E = 42.9 ± 16.5 kcal/mol, where the uncertainties are the 95% confidence intervals. DPP pyrolysis generated numerous primary products, and the primary products with the highest initial selectivities were, in order of decreasing abundance, perhydropyrene plus 1-decene, methylene perhydropyrene plus n-nonane, tetradecahydropyrene plus n-decane, and methylperhydropyrene plus nonene. This ordering of product pairs is completely analogous to that observed from pyrolysis of an alkylcyclohexane, but it differed from that observed for the pyrolysis of other polycyclic n-alkylnaphthenes. Eight other n-alkylperhydroarenes were pyrolyzed at temperatures between 400 and 450 °C. The resulting kinetics data were used to test three structure−reactivity correlations in the literature for the pyr...
Microvascular free-flap coverage of mechanical injuries to the upper extremity.

Abstract Extensive soft-tissue avulsion injuries of the upper extremities with or without bony involvement are difficult reconstructive problems. They usually cannot be adequately managed by traditional methods using skin grafts or local flaps. Microvascular free-tissue transplantation may offer the best chance for success with these severe injuries. Free-tissue transfer is indicated in this type of injury (1) when no simpler method of obtaining a closed wound is available, or (2) when the quality of soft-tissue coverage by simpler methods would not be adequate from a functional standpoint. For example, if a skin graft is placed over bone and tendons, there may be impairment of function, and certainly this is a poor environment for tendon transfers, nerve repairs, and so forth. The much more adequate tissue of a free-flap coverage provides a better environment for reconstruction. Three cases demonstrating these principles have been presented.
The continental shelf benthic iron flux and its isotope composition

Abstract Benthic iron fluxes from sites along the Oregon–California continental shelf determined using in situ benthic chambers, range from less than 10 μmol m−2 d−1 to values in excess of ∼300 μmol m−2 d−1. These fluxes are generally greater than previously published iron fluxes for continental shelves contiguous with the open ocean (as opposed to marginal seas, bays, or estuaries) with the highest fluxes measured in the regions around the high-sediment discharge Eel River and the Umpqua River. These benthic iron fluxes do not covary with organic carbon oxidation rates in any systematic fashion, but rather seem to respond to variations in bottom water oxygen and benthic oxygen demand. We hypothesize that the highest rates of benthic iron efflux are driven, in part, by the greater availability of reactive iron deposited along these river systems as compared to other more typical continental margin settings. Bioirrigation likely plays an important role in the benthic Fe flux in these systems as well. However, the influence of bottom water oxygen concentrations on the iron flux is significant, and there appears to be a threshold in dissolved oxygen (∼60–80 μM), below which sediment–ocean iron exchange is enhanced. The isotope composition of this shelf-derived benthic iron is enriched in the lighter isotopes, and appears to change by ∼3‰ (δ56Fe) during the course of a benthic chamber experiment with a mean isotope composition of −2.7 ± 1.1‰ (2 SD, n = 9) by the end of the experiment. This average value is slightly heavier than those from two high benthic Fe flux restricted basins from the California Borderland region where δ56Fe is −3.4 ± 0.4‰ (2 SD, n = 3). These light iron isotope compositions support previous ideas, based on sediment porewater analyses, suggesting that sedimentary iron reduction fractionates iron isotopes and produces an isotopically light iron pool that is transferred to the ocean water column. In sum, our data suggest that continental shelves may export a higher efflux of iron than previously hypothesized, with the likelihood that along river-dominated margins, the benthic iron flux could well be orders of magnitude larger than non-river dominated shelves. The close proximity of the continental shelf benthos to the productive surface ocean means that this flux is likely to be essential for maintaining ecosystem micronutrient supply.
A physical gene map of the bacteriophage P22 late region: genetic analysis of cloned fragments of P22 DNA.

A physical gene map of the late region of the P22 chromosome has been constructed by genetic analysis of restriction enzyme fragments of P22 DNA cloned in a plasmid vector. Cleavage sites for restriction endonucleases SalI, SstI, SmaI, XhoI, and BglI were mapped on P22 DNA to provide physical reference points in addition to the EcoRI, HindIII, and BamHI cleavage sites previously mapped. Restriction enzymes KpnI, BgIII, and XbaI were found to have no cleavage sites on P22 DNA. Fragments of P22 DNA produced by cleavage with EcoRI, BamHI, or EcoRI plus BamHI were cloned in Escherichia coli using the plasmid vector pBR322, and the resulting recombinant plasmids were introduced into Salmonella typhimurium. The genes present on a cloned fragment were identified by the ability of the hybrid plasmid to complement or recombine with P22 amber mutations in known genes when mutant phage were used to infect S. typhimurium strains carrying the recombinant plasmids. These experiments place all phage genes required for P22 head morphogenesis except gene 3 on the physical map between coordinates 0.000 and 0.318. The coding capacity of this interval is in close agreement with the molecular weights of the proteins assigned to it. The single gene for the P22 base plate protein is placed between coordinates 0.376 and 0.420 on the physical map. These results also show that distances on the recombination frequency map are significantly distorted relative to the physical gene map of the late region. The recombination frequency map is expanded in the region of the physical gene map where terminally redundant ends of the circularly permuted mature chromosomes fall.
Early and late entry to prevent preterm delivery in adolescents

Abstract Eighty-four adolescents participated in a protocol to prevent preterm delivery. The adolescents were instructed on the detection of subtle and early signs of labor. Thirty-seven (44%) of these adolescents required active treatment to prevent preterm delivery. This consisted of bedrest, inpatient or outpatient tocolysis, and/or inpatient hydration, sedation, and tocolysis. Six of these girls were treatment failures with delivery before 37 weeks and 5 delivered low birthweight infants, thus, the success rate for active treatment was 84%. The 37 treated girls appeared to have lower gestational weeks and lower birth-weight infants than the 47 adolescents who received the educational program, but not active treatment. Girls who received active treatment entered the program earlier than their nontreated counterparts. This program entry may have increased the likelihood of compliance to the program, recognition of high risk status, and motivation to attend prenatal health visits.
Coupled mode behavior of the soft mode in single crystals of several perovskite ferroelectrics

Abstract Temperature dependent Raman measurements are reported on small single crystals of the ferroelectrics Pb(Ti,Sn)O 3 and (Pb,Sr)TiO 3 . The low frequency E -mode spectra are emphasized since measurements in ceramic samples have been reported to show that the soft ferroelectric E -mode interacts with an impurity induced mode. The single crystal results corroborate the ceramic results and the larger signal to noise enables one to: very clearly the “no crossing”; clearly measure the extra mode when it is on the high energy side of the soft E -mode; directly measure the E -character of the extra mode. We have fit these and the earlier data with parameters in the coupled mode equations and discuss these results.
Injection of testosterone may be safer and more effective than transdermal administration for combating loss of muscle and bone in older men

The value of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for older men is currently a topic of intense debate. While US testosterone prescriptions have tripled in the past decade (9), debate continues over the risks and benefits of TRT. TRT is currently prescribed for older men with either low serum testosterone (T) or low T plus accompanying symptoms of hypogonadism. The normal range for serum testosterone is 300 to 1,000 ng/dl. Serum T ≤ 300 ng/dl is considered to be low, and T ≤ 250 is considered to be frank hypogonadism. Most experts support TRT for older men with frank hypogonadism and symptoms. Treatment for men who simply have low T remains somewhat controversial. TRT is most frequently administered by intramuscular (im) injection of long-acting T esters or transdermally via patch or gel preparations and infrequently via oral administration. TRT produces a number of established benefits in hypogonadal men, including increased muscle mass and strength, decreased fat mass, increased bone mineral density, ...
Exact solution of a nonlinear model of two-wave mixing in Kerr media

The coupling of two electromagnetic waves in Kerr media is considered. An exact solution of the coupled-mode equations is derived in the most general case when both pump depletion and material absorption are considered.
Photoluminescence spectroscopy of 2-nitrotoluene and its photo and photothermal decomposition derivatives

Abstract 2-Nitrotoluene (2-NT) is subjected to thermal, photo, and photothermal aging to determine its gas-phase decomposition products via GC/MS. Besides 2-nitrotoluene, the following decomposition products are detected in the gas phase: toluene, 2-nitrosotoluene, 2-cresol, and 2-toluidine. Time resolved laser spectroscopy is used to identify the spectroscopic signatures of these gas-phase products. 2-Nitrotoluene photodissociates during the measurement, leading to the formation of NO and atomic carbon C I, and the observation of their characteristic spectroscopic signatures. Energy transfer between molecular nitrogen and NO is observed. A spectroscopic signature from 2-nitrotoluene in nitrogen with concentrations as low as about 100 ppt is observed. The toluene spectra show a broad emission centered at about 280 nm. The spectroscopic signature of 2-nitrosotoluene is similar to that of 2-NT, and the spectrum is dominated by emission from NO. However, unlike for 2-nitrotoluene, no C I is observed and energy transfer from nitrogen is not apparent. Even with a poorly matched excitation wavelength, the spectrum of 2-cresol shows a strong and broad emission peak centered at about 300 nm, which is promising for the detection of aged 2-nitrotoluene. No useful spectroscopic signatures are seen in the spectra of 2-toluidine.
Online discrete optimization in social networks

We discuss collective decision-making and learning capabilities of social networks in the presence of uncertainty. We present a discrete-time decision-making model for a network of agents in an uncertain environment wherein no agent has a model of the environment evolution. The environment impact on the agent network is captured through a sequence of cost functions, where the costs are revealed to the agents after the agents' decision time. The costs include individual agent costs and local-interaction costs incurred by each agent and its neighbors in the social network. In this model, each agent has a default mixed strategy that stays fixed regardless of the state of the environment, and the agent must expend effort when deviating from this strategy in order to alleviate the impact of the uncertain costs coming from the environment. We construct decentralized agent strategies whereby each agent selects its strategy based only on its related costs and the decisions of its neighbors in the network. In this setting, we quantify social learning in terms of regret, which is given by the difference between the realized network performance over a given time horizon and the best performance that could have been achieved in hindsight by a fictitious centralized entity with full knowledge of the environment's evolution.
A Russian intelligent as a cultural relic The case of Felix Raskolnikov

• In the first decades after the emergence of the term `intelligentsia' at the end of the 19th century, almost everybody assumed that those who deserved to be members of this group should be highly educated and have a deep interest in culture, literature and the arts. By the end of the 20th century this type of person had almost disappeared from Russia. The article is a memoir of Felix Raskolnikov, a relic Russian intelligent, whom the author found in an American university in Michigan. •