cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thérapie génique des cancers de l'enfant: État des lieux et perspectives

Malgre les progres extraordinaires realises ces trente dernieres annees dans le traitement des cancers de l’enfant, environ 30 % des patients rechuteront ou demeureront refractaires aux therapeutiques conventionnelles ou intensifiees. Les sequelles des traitements sur un organisme en croissance et la survenue de seconds cancers restent une preoccupation quotidienne des pediatres oncologues, amenes a traiter des patients parfois en tres bas âge. Il est desormais clairement etabli que des approches de biotherapies geniques et cellulaires peuvent induire des remissions tumorales durables chez l’enfant. L’approche la plus probante a ce jour consiste a induire une immunite antitumorale soit en ameliorant l’immunogenicite des cellules tumorales par modification genetique, soit en stimulant les proprietes des cellules effectrices de l’immunite. D’autres approches, a des stades divers d’applicabilite clinique, consistent a transferer des genes correcteurs du processus malin, modulateurs de l’invasivite tumorale ou de susceptibilite aux drogues cytotoxiques. Les ameliorations progressives des vecteurs du transfert de gene et la meilleure connaissance des processus permettant a la tumeur d’echapper au controle immunitaire de l’hote incitent a un optimisme raisonne et permettent d’envisager a moyen terme l’integration de la therapie genique dans l’arsenal des moyens de lutte contre les cancers de l’enfant.
From Pink Frilly Dresses to ‘One of the Boys’: A Social-Cognitive Analysis of Gender Identity Development and Gender Bias

In middle childhood, many girls go through a curious metamorphosis, in which their earlier embrace of all-things-feminine appears to transform into an identity as a tomboy. We believe this striking shift, observed in girls but not boys, signifies a critical development in children’s socio-cognitive functioning, with implications for their understanding of gender as it relates to their identity and their social relationships. In this article, we review the evidence for this identity shift and present a theoretical account that integrates ideas from social cognition and social development. We argue that this identity shift involves the emergence of public regard and status awareness, with concurrent increases in the complexity with which knowledge associated with gender categories is represented in the mind. We then posit that these changes have important implications for the developmental trajectory of implicit and explicit gender attitudes and stereotypes, and we present a set of predictions generated by our theoretical analysis.
Mexican American youths' and mothers' explanatory models of diabetes prevention.

PURPOSE. To describe Mexican American mothers' and youths' explanatory models of promoting health and preventing diabetes in 12–14 year olds. DESIGN AND METHODS. In this descriptive study, interviews produced mothers' (n= 21) and adolescents' (n= 20) explanatory models. RESULTS. Mothers' and youths' views of causes of diabetes were mostly concordant with the biomedical model. They saw shared responsibility for health promotion and prevention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Mothers and youths want help to promote health and prevent diabetes. Providers can apply explanatory models in interventions.
Crime types: a text/reader

Text/readers are becoming increasingly common offerings on the textbook market. They provide instructors who want to integrate real-world research articles into their courses with a less expensive ...
Incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of depression in residents of a long-term care facility with dementia.

Background The course of depression in residents of long-term care with dementia is not well studied. Objectives To estimate the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of depression in long-term care residents with dementia. Method 201 residents of Copper Ridge, a long-term care facility for the memory impaired, were followed every six months during the first year after their admission. Results On admission 19.9% of the residents had depression, the majority (75%) occurring in persons with a prior history of depression. At six months, only 15% of the original 40 depressed patients were still depressed, while at twelve months only 7.5% were depressed. The incidence of depression at six and twelve months was 1.8% and 6.4% respectively. Most persons with new depression at six months were no longer depressed at one year. The annual attack rate (cumulative likelihood of depression over one year) for the total population was 26.4%. The rates for the subgroup of Alzheimer's were similar to the rates of the total population, except for an annual attack rate of 17.5%, reflecting a lower rate of depression on admission. The decline in depression over the year after admission is noteworthy and likely reflects appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depression. Conclusions These results indicate that, over the course of one year, depression afflicts a considerable proportion of long-term care residents with dementia. Admission to a long-term care facility may actually result in a reduction of depression within the year after admission in part due to rapid recognition, appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on Wayne Martin, Theories of Judgment

Martin offers an intriguing account of nineteenth century challenges to the traditional theory of judgment as a synthesis of subject and predicate (the synthesis theory)—criticisms motivated largely by the problem posed by existential judgments, which need not have two terms at all. Such judgments led to a theory of “thetic” judgments, whose essential feature is to “posit” something, rather than to combine terms (as in synthetic judgment). I argue, however, that Kant’s official definition of judgment already implicitly recognizes the importance of positing, and that its (otherwise confusing) abstract generality actually affords Kant’s own logic an adequate way to accommodate existential judgments within the traditional synthesis theory. Preservation of a synthetic account of judgment is also found to be independently important for Kant’s larger aims in the theory of cognition.
The Electrical Conductivity of Packed Beds Containing Macroporous Cation Exchanger

Abstract The electrical conductivity of packed beds containing macroporous Duolite C-25 polystyrene sulfonate cation exchanger equilibrated with aqueous solutions of a single electrolyte (NaCl or HCl) has been measured over a range of electrolyte concentrations. The results are interpreted in terms of a two-phase model for the resin particle involving (1) the resin matrix, with the conventional properties of polystyrene sulfonate cation exchanger, and (2) a macropore dispersed phase which is assumed to have the same conductance as the solution outside the particle. The resin particle conductivity is calculated from the Bruggeman equation using measured bed and interstitial solution conductivities. The external void fraction is assumed to be 0.36. Applying the Bruggeman equation to the two-phase model, the resin matrix conductivity can be calculated from the previously calculated resin particle conductivities and the solution phase conductivities. A nearly constant resin matrix conductivity (which seems re...
Generation of diverse paths in 3D environments

In this paper we propose a deterministic algorithm to produce a set of diverse paths between a given start and goal configuration in 3D environments. These diverse paths have the following properties: 1) They are bounded in length and 2) They are non-visibility-deformable into one another. Maintaining multiple path alternatives is important in practical applications such as planning in dynamic environments, in which a path may unexpectedly become infeasible due to unforeseen environmental changes. We present our approach, the distance cost considered (based on the path deformability concept previously introduced in [11]) and finally show results of simulated experiments that exemplify the effectiveness of our algorithm.
New Paleogene paleoclimate analysis of western Washington using physiognomic characteristics from fossil leaves

Abstract The Chuckanut and Manastash formations were deposited in a lowland fluvial environment in western Washington during the Paleocene–Eocene. We provide a thorough paleotemperature analysis using the physiognomic characteristics from the fossil dicotyledonous leaves from these formations using two techniques, Leaf Margin Analysis (LMA) and Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP). This work differs from previous analyses by 1) analyzing more localities and including the assessment of the never-before described Taneum Ridge Body and Manastash Main Body within the Manastash Formation and the Maple Falls Member of the Chuckanut Formation, and 2) using two different techniques to decipher mean annual temperatures through time. In this study, mean annual temperatures (MAT) were determined from 125 distinct morphotypes and are several degrees higher at each locality than previously reported. MAT values derived from LMA ranged from 17.0° to 28.8 °C for the lowermost and 13.4° to 19.5 °C for the uppermost Chuckanut Formation. The Manastash Formation had MATs ranging from 17.1 °C to 29.1 °C. Using CLAMP, paleotemperatures ranged from 15.3° to 19.4 °C for the lowermost and 12.3° to 15.6 °C for the uppermost Chuckanut Formation and 15.8 to 21.3 °C for the Manastash Formation. These data are compared to other Eocene–Paleocene formations in the western US; the Chuckanut and Manastash formations record some of the warmest paleotemperatures in the Paleogene in the western US because of their low-elevation locations. These paleotemperatures may reflect the terrestrial signal of paleoclimate optima defined in marine rocks during the Paleocene–Eocene.
Moderate Aortic Enlargement and Bicuspid Aortic Valve Are Associated With Aortic Dissection in Turner Syndrome Report of the International Turner Syndrome Aortic Dissection Registry

Background—Girls and women with Turner syndrome are at risk for aortic dissection and rupture. However, the size of the aorta and the clinical characteristics among those with Turner syndrome and dissection have received little attention. Methods and Results—We obtained medical records from 20 individuals who voluntarily participated in the International Turner Syndrome Aortic Dissection Registry. Type A dissections occurred in 17 of 20 (85%) cases, and type B occurred in 3 cases of which 1 occurred after coarctation stent placement. Of those with spontaneous aortic dissections, 18 of 19 (95%) had an associated cardiac malformation that included a bicuspid aortic valve. In 1 individual there was no predisposing finding other than the presence of Turner syndrome. Associated pregnancy was documented in 1 of 19 (5%). More than half (13/19, 68%) came to medical attention >24 hours after the onset of symptoms. For those with type A dissections, the mean ascending aortic size index was 2.7±0.6 cm/m2 (n=9). Conc...
Simultaneous Binary Mixed Homopolymer Brush Formation by Combining Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization and Living Cationic Ring‐Opening Polymerization

A simple approach for one-pot, one-step binary mixed homopolymer brush synthesis was devised by combining nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization of styrene and living cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline. Surface characterization techniques such as ATR-FTIR, ellipsometry, XPS, and contact angle measurements were performed in this research. The mixed homopolymer brush exhibited reversible surface property changes when subjected to different solvents.
Desertification alters patterns of aboveground net primary production in Chihuahuan ecosystems

Abstract The Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico, USA, has changed in historical times from semiarid grassland to desert shrublands dominated by Larrea tridentata and Prosopis glandulosa. Similar displacement of perennial grasslands by shrubs typifies desertification in many regions. Such structural vegetation change could alter average values of net primary productivity, as well as spatial and temporal patterns of production. We investigated patterns of aboveground plant biomass and net primary production in five ecosystem types of the Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. Comparisons of shrub-dominated desertified systems and remnant grass-dominated systems allowed us to test the prediction that shrublands are more heterogeneous spatially, but less variable over time, than grasslands. We measured aboveground plant biomass and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) by species, three times per year for 10 years, in 15 sites of five ecosystem types (three each in Larrea shrubland, Bouteloua eriopoda grassland, Prosopis dune systems, Flourensia cernua alluvial flats, and grass-dominated dry lakes or playas). Spatial heterogeneity of biomass at the scale of our measurements was significantly greater in shrub-dominated systems than in grass-dominated vegetation. ANPP was homogeneous across space in grass-dominated systems, and in most growing seasons was significantly more patchy in shrub vegetation. Substantial interannual variability in ANPP complicates comparison of mean values across ecosystem types, but grasslands tended to support higher ANPP values than did shrub-dominated systems. There were significant interactions between ecosystem type and season. Grasslands demonstrated higher interannual variation than did shrub systems. Desertification has apparently altered the seasonality of productivity in these systems; grasslands were dominated by summer growth, while sites dominated by Larrea or Prosopis tended to have higher spring ANPP. Production was frequently uncorrelated across sites of an ecosystem type, suggesting that factors other than season, regional climate, or dominant vegetation may be significant determinants of actual NPP.
A general formulation of Peaceman and Rachford Adi method for the N-dimensional heat diffusion equation

Abstract A general formulation of an alternating direction implicit (ADI) method was derived by extending Peaceman and Rachford scheme from two-dimensions to a N -dimensional space ( N ≥ 2). The von Neumann stability analysis was performed to obtain a simple explicit stability criterion which takes a general form of r = αΔt / Δu 2 ≤ N /2( N − 2). For N = 2, the scheme is unconditional stable while for N ≥ 3, the scheme becomes conditional stable. A non-negative coefficient criterion was discussed which is more stricter than the stability criterion, but both of them approach 1 2 as a limit when N → ∞. The running time for the algorithm implementation of the general ADI scheme is O N Π i=1 N m i while the computational storage is O N Π i=1 N m i , where m i is the number of temperature nodes in i th , spatial direction.
Mechanism of the Effects of Hypothalamic Deafferentation on Prolactin Secretion in the Rat

Male rats with complete hypothalamic deafferentation had consistently lower serum prolactin concentrations than controls when the blood samples were obtained under ether anesthesia. However, when rats were decapitated, both groups had similar low prolactin levels. Posterolateral deafferentation was as effective as complete deafferentation in preventing the stress-induced prolactin release, whereas anterior frontal deafferentation had only a small effect. L-Dopa (100 mg/kg body wt, ip) decreased prolactin titers in both control and deafferented animals, whereas reserpine (1 mg/kg body wt, ip) had the opposite effect. Since both drugs inhibited prolactin release from pituitaries in vitro, the decrease of prolactin levels following L-dopa in vivo might have been caused not only by stimulation of PIF release but also at least partly by the direct effect of the drug on the pituitary. However, the increase of serum prolactin following reserpine was in all probability caused by inhibition of PIF secretion. Elect...
Mercury: A memory-constrained spatio-temporal real-time search on microblogs

This paper presents Mercury; a system for real-time support of top-k spatio-temporal queries on microblogs, where users are able to browse recent microblogs near their locations. With high arrival rates of microblogs, Mercury ensures real-time query response within a tight memory-constrained environment. Mercury bounds its search space to include only those microblogs that have arrived within certain spatial and temporal boundaries, in which only the top-k microblogs, according to a spatio-temporal ranking function, are returned in the search results. Mercury employs: (a) a scalable dynamic in-memory index structure that is capable of digesting all incoming microblogs, (b) an efficient query processor that exploits the in-memory index through spatio-temporal pruning techniques that reduce the number of visited microblogs to return the final answer, (c) an index size tuning module that dynamically finds and adjusts the minimum index size to ensure that incoming queries will be answered accurately, and (d) a load shedding technique that trades slight decrease in query accuracy for significant storage savings. Extensive experimental results based on a real-time Twitter Firehose feed and actual locations of Bing search queries show that Mercury supports high arrival rates of up to 64K microblogs/second and average query latency of 4 msec.
Calibration of auditors' probabilistic judgments: Some empirical evidence

Abstract Two sets of auditors employed by public accounting firms participated in an experiment designed to measure the calibration of their prior probability distributions (PPDs) regarding financial statement account balances. Using six realistic cases, a total of 341 usable PPDs were elicited through the cumulative distribution function (CDF) fractiles method. Relative to most of the findings reported in the calibration literature, the results of this study indicate much less overconfidence and a tendency toward underconfidence. The findings suggest that auditors may be prone to gather more objective evidence than is necessary to achieve a desired level of audit risk. The paper considers possible reasons for and implications of these findings.
Three-dimensional stability analysis of laminated anisotropic circular cylinders

Abstract Linear bifurcation stability of laminated anisotropic circular cylinders is investigated on the basis of three-dimensional elasticity using Biot's incremental deformation theory. A finite element code employing radial discretization is formulated for the calculations. By this approach, the laminate's thickness profile may be composed of an arbitrary number of bonded elastic anisotropic layers, each of which may have its own mechanical properties, thickness and initial stress state. Using a solution that is periodic axially and circumferentially in the variationally derived equilibrium equations yields an algebraic eigenvalue problem, where the critical (lowest) eigenvalue is sought. It represents the ratio of the buckling stress state to initial stress state and its associated eigenvector contains the radial distribution of the displacements. A parametric study on a series of regular symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply and angle-ply laminated composite cylinders under axial compression and torsion was conducted, where the data can be used to assess the accuracy and range of validity of stability predictions based on shell theories. An example of the axial compression of a thick-walled laminated composite cylinder is presented to illustrate an instability phenomenon where internal and surface deformations are present.
Preparation and Testing of Value-Added Sulfur Sorbent Pellets from In Situ Mined Minnesota Manganese Deposits

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is developing an in situ leach mining process that would selectively extract manganese from low-grade oxide ores in the Cuyuna range deposits of central Minnesota. Aqueous sulfur dioxide solutions are used to leach the manganese contained in core samples, and the resulting sulfate stream contains about 28 g of Mn/L. The practical feasibility of manganese recovery by oxidation and selective precipitation of iron (major impurity) from the leach solution, followed by manganese precipitation in the form of carbonate, was established. To ensure the economic feasibility of this advanced mining process, it would be desirable to develop a manganese-based product having a potential market value of at least $1.00/lb. Such potential exists in the area of a regenerable sorbent for the desulfurization of coal-derived fuel gases at high temperatures (>500 °C). For these reasons, a number of pellet formulations consisting of the manganese carbonate product, alundum, and bentonite are prepared an...
Air Flow During Vocal Fry Phonation

Five male and five female speakers, who were free of any voice disorder, were required to sustain vocal fry phonation at three pitch levels; one an arbitrary Standard level, another lower than the ...
Occlusal abnormalities and resultant sequelae due to high caries incidence and early loss of the first permanent molar

Abstract 1. 1. In a uniform group of 433 children of both sexes of an average age of thirteen years careful mouth examination checked by radiographic study revealed the fact that the 162 children, or 37.4 per cent, had already lost from one to four first permanent molars. 2. 2. Of a total of 1,732 first permanent molars it was found that 20.2 per cent either were already lost or were beyond conservative treatment. 3. 3. Additional data relating to caries incidence serve to emphasize the need for early and constant supervision and treatment of these teeth. 4. 4. The importance of this unit in maintaining the integrity of the dental arch and the far-reaching effects of its frequently early loss upon occlusion are indicated from a study of the models in relation to articulation and of the data presented. 5. 5. This loss of function or interference with the normal function of the teeth is reflected by conditions other than by impairment of the efficiency of the masticatory mechanism and disharmony in maxillary growth and facial esthetics. Loss of the first permanent molar is seldom unaccompanied by actual or potential occlusal trauma, and the importance of traumatic occlusion in the establishment of a pathologic condition of the periodontium is now generally recognized.
The Diplomatic Education of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1882‐1933. By GrahamCross. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. 217 pp.

The Diplomatic Education of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1882-1933. By Graham Cross. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. 217 pp. Graham Cross focuses on the development of Franklin D. Roosevelt's (FDR's) internationalism prior to his presidency, arguing that presidential biographers and foreign policy scholars alike have neglected the importance of FDR's early internationalist worldview for his presidential policies. Based on a review of transcripts of FDR's prepresidential speeches, more than 20 of his articles related to foreign affairs, and his family correspondence, Cross traces the ways in which FDR's early life and career shaped his internationalist outlook. Cross downplays the influence of the Great Depression and World War II on FDR's internationalism, perhaps, attributable to his chosen chronological period, but, in more puzzling ways, also, that of both Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt. What emerges is a somewhat confusing depiction of FDR's "internationalist vision" (p. 167), absent any discussion of how a clearer understanding of FDR's early internationalism may settle any historiographic controversy surrounding FDR's presidency. To his credit, Cross clearly distinguishes the similarities and differences in international perspectives between a young FDR and the already legendary Theodore Roosevelt, on one side, and between FDR as early politician and Woodrow Wilson as president, on the other. He identifies FDR's eclectic and pragmatic borrowings from various ideological and political traditions. In Cross's narrative, FDR matured from a youthful "patrician internationalist" until 1910, when he was elected to the New York State Senate, to an "internationalist" until 1933, when he entered the White House. In his conclusion, Cross identifies FDR's internationalism as "practical" and "resilient" (p. 167), his youthful advocacy of unilateral military power increasingly tempered by a more mature appreciation for liberal multilateralism, mass democracy, and global reform. The author's analysis is balanced in that he acknowledges the influence of both earlier presidents without glossing over differences, namely that FDR shied away from Theodore Roosevelt's global imperial ambitions prior to World War I and from wholesale Wilsonian idealism and collective security in the interwar period. Cross's claim that FDR's internationalism contains, at its core, a "duality that valued power and idealism equally" (p. 166) is certainly not controversial in its generality; neither is his presentation of FDR as a skilled rhetorician advocating the use of "Hamiltonian means" for Jeffersonian ends in order to step out of Wilson's shadow during the 1920s (p. …
Is There WiFi Yet?: How Aggressive Probe Requests Deteriorate Energy and Throughput

WiFi offloading has emerged as a key component of cellular operator strategy to meet the rich data needs of modern mobile devices. Hence, mobile devices tend to aggressively seek out WiFi in order to provide improved user Quality of Experience (QoE) and cellular capacity relief. For home and work environments, aggressive WiFi scans can significantly improve the speed at which mobile nodes join the WiFi network. Unfortunately, the same aggressive behavior that excels in the home environment incurs considerable side effects in crowded wireless environments. In this paper, we analyze empirical data collected from large (stadium) and medium (classroom) venues, and show through controlled experiments (laboratory) how aggressive WiFi scans can have significant implications for energy and throughput for mobile nodes. We close with several thoughts on the disjoint incentives for properly balancing WiFi discovery speed and crowded network interactions.
Gaussian wave packet dynamics expressed in the classical interaction picture

Abstract The semiclassical Gaussian wave packet method is formulated in the classical interaction picture. Since the interaction-picture classical trajectories that govern the packet dynamics are slowly varying in time, the approximate temporal propagation of the wavefunction is more accurate. Two numerical examples of scattering calculations are presented.
X-ray study of oil-microemulsion and oil-water interfaces in ternary amphiphilic systems

We present x-ray reflectivity and diffuse scattering measurements from the interfaces between oil-rich and microemulsion bulk phases and between oil-rich and water-rich phases in three-component microemulsion systems (consisting of water, alkane, and C(i)E(j), where the last represents n-alkyl polyglycol ether with i=4,6,10 and j=1,2,4). The x-ray measurements are analyzed with a two-parameter fit that determines the interfacial roughness, varying from 25 A to 160 A, and the interfacial tension, varying from 1.4 mN/m to 0.03 mN/m, for these samples. Although a nonmonotonic profile at the oil-microemulsion interface is not observed, these measurements exclude the presence of oscillating profiles with repeat distances greater then 500 A.
Noninvasive Numerical Dissection And Display Of Anatomic Structure Using Computerized X-Ray Tomography

Three-dimensional reconstruction images of anatomic structure are obtained by compu-terized x-ray tomographic scanning of a three-dimensional volume containing the organ of interest. The three-dimensional image data are displayed using numerical projection (reprojection) images. Reprojection images of reconstructed volumes are generated numerically by summing the reconstructed volume element (voxel) x-ray density values along selected parallel paths through the reconstruction. In this manner, two-dimensional reprojection images of a three-dimensional reconstruction at any desired angle of view are generated. Obscuring superposed structures can be selectively removed from the reconstruction prior to reprojection to enhance the visibility of structures of interest. Noninvasive numerical dissection is the term applied to the process whereby the voxels representing obscuring structure are ignored in the parallel path summation process such that only the desired portions of a reconstruction are reprojected at selected viewing angles. The term noninvasive numerical tissue dissolution is applied to the process whereby structures are selectively "dimmed" but not removed from the reconstruction before reprojection, achieving a "see through" or "ghosting" effect. Under these conditions, specific anatomic structures can be observed while looking "through" superposed structures which serve as references for anatomic relationships.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Condensation by heterogeneous nucleation in a thermal boundary layer

Abstract Condensation can occur by the nucleation and growth of water droplets on particles in the air. This mode of mass transport can readily occur in a thermal boundary layer. The primary condition required for droplet nucleation is the existence of supersaturation in the boundary layer. Equations are developed to described droplet nucleation an d transport for the boundary layer on a horizontal, upward facing surface. These equations allow diffusion and nucleation mass fluxes and droplet concentration at a point in the boundary layer to be calculated. Experimental data were collected and compared to the theoretical calculations. Accurately predicting droplet concentration is difficult, but the presence of nucleation condensation can be readily predicted.
ETHANOL‐INDUCED SUPEROXIDE RADICALS IN FETAL CORTICAL NEURONS: CELLULAR ROS NETWORK

Alcohol exposure to the developing brain compromises both neurons and glial functions. While neurons are considered the primary targets, microglia may play a neurotoxic role in this process. Previous studies demonstrated that neuron death is due to oxidative stress and mitochondrially mediated (Intrinsic). These studies showed a rapid increase (within minutes) in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to the diffusive nature of ethanol and multiple sources of free radicals, we sought to determine the primary source of superoxide targeted by ethanol. Confocal studies of neurons suggest that the superoxide radicals may originate from the mitochondria. Using whole neurons in a luminol-based chemiluminescence assay (Diogenes) we detected superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu. We observed a two-three fold transient increase in the steady state generation of superoxide radicals between 20 minutes to one hour of ethanol exposure (4mg/ml). However, the presence of Rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) and DPI (an inhibitor of all flavinoids) blocked the release of these superoxide radicals. Interestingly, cortical microglia treated identically with ethanol, showed a greater than five fold increase in superoxide generation with a maximum at one hour. Moreover, since ethanol is known to induce hydrogen peroxide generation, it was used as a mimetic. Hydrogen peroxide also induced the production of superoxide different time kinetics. Thus, together these data demonstrate that ethanol induces the steady state production of superoxide radicals in the extracellular mileu in a mitochondrial dependent manner. Since NOX2 an NADPH oxidase is expressed in neurons, it is a potential candidate for the secondary sites of superoxide generation. The ROS network between mitochondria and the plasma membrane highlights new therapeutical targets to counter ethanol toxicity.
c-myc protooncogene expression in mouse erythroleukemia cells

Murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells are erythroid progenitors whose programs of erythroid differentiation has been interrupted by transformation with the Friend virus complex. As a result of the ability of certain chemicals such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to induce terminal erythroid differentiation, the cells have been used as a model for understanding the molecular basis of cellular differentiation. Recent work on MEL cells as well as other differentiating systems indicates that expression of cellular protooncogenes is implicated in chemically mediated differentiation. In MEL cells the expression of the c-myc protooncogene undergoes unusual biphasic changes following inducer treatment. Levels of c-myc mRNA decrease 10- to 20-fold between 1 and 2 hr and are then reexpressed between 12 and 24 hr. These changes occur as a result of complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory events. Recent DNA transfection experiments, in which MEL cells were transfected with myc expression vectors, indicate that both the early decrease in c-myc expression and its subsequent reexpression are important events in the differentiation pathway. The work on MEL cells, as well as on other models of differentiation, is directed at understanding the molecular basis of leukemogenic transformation and cellular differentiation. The ability of c-myc, as well as other protooncogenes, to influence both of these events indicates that cellular protooncogenes play a central role in their regulation.
Systems analysis of electrodynamic tethers

A dynamic simulation model is developed and employed in a new system study to investigate the performance of electrodynamic tethers, both as power generators and thrusters. The electron collection performance of a contactor and a bare wire tether, both separately and in combination, are compared and contrasted. The power and thrust generated by a bare wire tether is found to have a higher dependence on the geomagnetic and ionospheric fluctuations. However, depending on the performance of the contactor, the combination of a bare tether and contactor can substantially boost performance for power generation. As a pure thruster, the contactor tether is examined at constant current, voltage, thrust, and power. It is found that the best mode of operation is with constant power, with resulting power/thrust ratios better than those for ion or magnetoplasmadynamic engines. It is concluded that tethers offer greater potential than previously envisioned.
Note on the Fermi–Amaldi correction for the Thomas–Fermi theory of atoms

The aim of this note is to ascertain the importance of the Fermi--Amaldi (FA) correction for the Thomas--Fermi (TF) theory of atoms. For this purpose, an analytic trial electron density has been chosen and the Thomas--Fermi--Amaldi (TFA) energy expression has been minimized by the Ritz method for the closed-shell atoms Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Rn. The variationally obtained electron densities have then been used for calculating the diamagnetic susceptibilities of these atoms. The calculated values show only a very small improvement over values calculated by Jensen by an analogous procedure from the TF energy expression.
Effects of 3-methylcholanthrene administration on the proteins of endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract The effects of the polycyclic hydrocarbon, 3-methylcholanthrene, have been studied on the proteins of the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The evidence indicated that 3-methylcholanthrene caused a more rapid increase in the incorporation of 14 C-labeled amino acid mixture into these components and a slower degradation of the proteins. The same major protein species incorporated [ 3 H]δ-aminolevulinic acid, a heme precursor, and the 14 C-amino acids. Pretreatment of rats with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, an inhibitor of heme synthesis, resulted in a reduction in the amount of both the 14 C-amino acid and the [ 3 H]δ-aminolevulinic acid incorporation. The evidence was consistent with the hypothesis that a substantial proportion of the microsomal proteins were hemoproteins and that 3-methylcholanthrene administration resulted in marked alterations in the turnover of these components.
Recovery of 15N Labeled Fertilizer by Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon: Effects of N Fertilizer Rates and Applied Water Amounts

A study was conducted to investigate the interaction of N fertilization rates and different irrigation amounts on N fertilizer recovery efficiency (REN) of Cabernet Sauvignon in a commercial vineyard near Oakville, California. The fertilizer treatments consisted of a control (no fertilizer) and two 15N labeled ammonium nitrate fertilizer applications (6.5 and 13.0 g N/vine). The N fertilizer was applied two weeks before anthesis. The irrigation treatments were various fractions (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0) of estimated vineyard water use (ETc), with the applied water amount for the 1.0 irrigation treatment from 7 Apr to 9 Sept equivalent to 312 mm. Midday leaf water potential (Ψl) was measured throughout the season to monitor vine water status. The labeled N fertilizer was detected in the petioles and leaf blades two weeks after application. Irrigation and fertilization treatments significantly affected midday Ψl. There were significant differences in aboveground vine biomass among the treatments. In general, those supplied with more water and/or N fertilizer had greater biomass compared with nonfertilized vines under deficit irrigation. Vine uptake of the 15N labeled fertilizer increased with increasing fertilization rates and irrigation amounts. The REN was significantly different between the two 15N fertilizer treatments (29% for 6.5 g N/vine and 24% for 13.0 g N/vine). REN at harvest for the 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 ETc irrigation treatments was ~24, 28, and 27%, respectively, although not significantly different. The data indicate that fertilizer amount had a significant effect on REN under the conditions of this study and that irrigation rates at full ETc tended to increase REN in this vineyard when compared with deficit irrigation.
Shifting Identities in the Kenyan Press: Representations of Wangari Maathai's Media Complex Protest

This historical analysis explores Kenyan press representation of environmentalist Wangari Maathai's 1989–1990 protest against the ruling party's plans to construct a 60-story skyscraper in a Nairobi park. I argue that an inconsistency in gender representation coincides with an instance of “weak hegemony,” an historical moment characterized by a dramatic, if temporary, shift in alliances engaged in the struggle to gain popular consent. The case study illustrates how such moments can be exploited for political advocacy.
THE METHOD OF FINITE SPHERES

The objective of this paper is to present some of our recent developments in meshless methods. In particular, a technique is given – the method of finite spheres – that is truly meshless in nature in the sense that the nodes are placed and the numerical integration is performed without a mesh. The method can be viewed as a special case of the general formulation known as the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) procedure. Some of the novel features of the method of finite spheres are the numerical integration scheme and the way in which the Dirichlet boundary conditions are incorporated. A new way of modeling doubly-connected domains is also presented. Various example problems are solved to demonstrate the method.
Clinical characteristics, course and prognosis of spinal multiple sclerosis

Retrospective examination. To define the clinical characteristics and response to therapy of spinal multiple sclerosis (MS). Italy. Retrospective review was performed on 563 patients with clinical definite MS. Selection criteria were two or more spinal cord lesions in the presence of normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Spinal MS was diagnosed in 13 patients (2.3%) out of 563 with clinical definite MS. There were seven female and six male patients; nine had a relapsing–remitting (RR) and four, a primary progressive (PP) course. All patients were treated with immunosoppressive or immunomodulatory therapy. Mean disease duration in patients with RR–MS was 13.1±10.1 years with a mean age at onset of 29.5±14.3 years; the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the time of the study was 3.5±2.5 with a progression index of 0.28. Mean disease duration in patients with PP course was 7±6.2 years with a mean age at onset of 56.7±10.4 years; the mean EDSS at the time of the study was 6.2±2.0 with a progression index of 1.48. Patients with spinal RR–MS are characterised by an early disease onset with minimal or moderate disability progression; patients with spinal PP–MS show a late disease onset and more rapid disability progression. In our series of spinal MS patients, disability progression seems to be mainly due to the disease course and age at onset rather than to the site of lesion.
Seroprevalence and immunization history of selected vaccine preventable diseases in medical students

To evaluate protection against vaccine-preventable diseases in medical students, we obtained data on immunization status and history of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B from students with elective periods in our institution. Further, serum antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen were determined on a voluntary basis. For students with incomplete immunization status or lack of protective antibodies, vaccination was offered for free. Success of catch-up immunizations was serologically confirmed 4 weeks later. From May 1999 to April 2003, 170 students were enrolled; their mean age was 26 years with a median of 25 years (range 22-48 years). Immunization records were complete in 148 (87%), incomplete in 11 (6.5%) and missing in 11 (6.5%) students. Only 26% of the cohort had a complete and up-to-date immunization status. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella, VZV and HBs (> or = 10 IU/l) in 149 students were 85, 85, 92, 97 and 90%, respectively. Indications for > or = 1 catch-up immunization were found in 125 (74%) students and were accepted by 97 of them (78%). Sixty two (99%) of 63 immunized students available for follow-up demonstrated an adequate serological response. In conclusion, the great majority of medical students had immunization gaps. Systematic immunization programmes for medical students should be implemented.
Federal Indian Law Internet Tools: "Indian Territory Cases" at the Oklahoma State Courts Network and Kappler's "Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties" at the Oklahoma State University

Abstract In a thorough analysis of researching the regulation of the banking industry in the United States, Zoller (2000) . Demonstrated a number of paths among federal documents of various agencies within the Department of the Treasury, including the legislation that created these entities, and to relevant online resources. This latter opportunity included electronic access to several traditional reporting vehicles: for example, the Congressional Record , Federal Register , Code of Federal Regulations , United States Code , Statutes at Large , and decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. This leveraged ability to search among digitized versions of these materials has expedited research in the banking industry and has enhanced the chances to bring together for this area of study frequently scattered information. 1 Further, with regard to the availability of such assets, the enhanced openness of this model is particularly important to Cornwell's (1996, p. 304) . Concern that “no-fee access to government information would need to remain the cornerstone of any depository program.” This article reports a similar focused endeavor that involves the digital resources pertaining to treaties between the federal government and the American Indian tribes. It is a demonstration of the intersection of technology and of legal materials and data that have facilitated recent investigations of jurisprudence.
Poverty in Kathmandu: What do subjective and objective economic welfare concepts suggest?

Conventional definitions suggest that the concept of economic welfare underpins poverty. Unsettled issues abound with respect to using subjective versus objective approaches, however. Using micro-level survey data, this paper explores subjective and objective concepts of economic welfare to identify characteristics of poverty in Kathmandu. While application of the subjective and objective concepts of economic welfare yields rather different characteristics, the former appears to be more comprehensive with ability to incorporate the latter in poverty measurement and analysis. This indicates that subjective assessments of households can provide a more realistic picture of poverty when used with actual income and consumption data. Although this paper does not seek to develop any particular poverty standard, it provides a useful framework for integrating subjective and objective approaches with a promise of more comprehensive poverty measurement outcomes.
Feasibility study of Yb:YAG-derived silicate fibers with large Yb content as gain media

Abstract We present spectroscopic measurements and amplifier experiments on a new type of Yb-doped glass optical fiber derived from Yb:YAG crystal rods. The goal of this work is to provide a feasibility analysis of these novel silicate glasses as heavily-doped gain media for fiber-amplifier applications. Amplifier performance currently is limited by background losses arising from the precursor crystalline rod. Both basic spectroscopic measurements and fiber amplifier experiments, in addition to modeling efforts that include the background losses, are presented. The findings show that Yb:YAG-derived fibers are spectroscopically very similar to more conventional Yb-doped aluminosilicate materials but can be doped to considerably higher concentration, generally have greater doping and compositional uniformity, and possess advantageous stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) characteristics.
A single bifunctional enzyme, PilD, catalyzes cleavage and N-methylation of proteins belonging to the type IV pilin family.

Abstract Precursors of the type IV pilins of a number of bacterial pathogens, as well as related proteins involved in extracellular protein export and DNA uptake, are synthesized with short basic leader sequences. Maturation of these proteins involves two consecutive posttranslational modifications. The leader sequence is first proteolytically removed by specialized endopeptidases, of which the prototype is encoded by the pilD gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Subsequently, the amino termini of these proteins are methylated. Here we demonstrate that PilD, in addition to cleaving the amino-terminal leader sequences of prepilin, also catalyzes N-methylation of the amino-terminal phenylalanine of the mature pilin, using S-adenosyl-L-methionine as a methyl donor. Thus, to our knowledge, PilD is the first characterized bacterial N-methyltransferase. Complete inhibition of N-methylation, but not peptide cleavage, by structural analogues of S-adenosyl-L-methionine suggests that PilD is a bifunctional enzyme with proteolytic and methylation activities carried out within two distinct active sites.
The EMC effect at all x in the quark cluster model

Abstract It is shown that the quark cluster model gives a good, physically justifiable description at the parton level of all currently available deep inelastic lepton scattering data on the ratio of structure functions R (A/D) (on various nuclei A and deuterium) at all values of x . Our approach nicely accounts for the new EMC data which shows that R (A/D) falls below unity at x ≲0.1.