cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Insecurity and Terrorism in Nigeria: Implication for National Development

Insecurity and terrorism has been a major challenge to the Nigerian government in recent times. The activities of the Islamic sect (Boko Haram) had led to loss of lives and properties in the country especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. Some of these activities include bombing, suicide bomb attacks, sporadic shooting of unarmed and innocent citizens, burning of police stations, churches, kidnapping of school girls and women, etc. Kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and political crises, murder, destruction of oil facilities by Niger Delta militants alongside the attacks carried out by Fulani Herdsmen on some communities in the North and South have been another major insecurity challenge facing the country. Nigeria has been included among one of the terrorist countries of the world. Many lives and properties have been lost and a large number of citizens rendered homeless. Families have lost their loved ones. Many women are now widows. Children become orphans with no hope of the future. This has implications for national development. Government had made frantic efforts to tackle these challenges posed by terrorism and insecurity in the country and put an end to it but the rate of insurgency and insecurity is still alarming. The events surrounding September 11, 2001 and other recent events of terrorism across the globe especially the current wave of terrorism in Nigeria, had focused our minds on issues of terrorism and insecurity. This study therefore, investigated empirically the challenges of insecurity and terrorism on national development in Nigeria. The scope of the study spans from 1990 to 2012. Data used for this study was sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, Newspapers and related journal articles on security issues. Using ordinary least square method of analysis, the result showed that terrorism and insecurity impacts negatively on economic development. It has made government to divert resources meant for development purposes to security votes. Expenditure made by government on security matters had significantly and positively impacted on economic development implying that expenditure on security matters has helped to ameliorate the negative effect of terrorism and insecurity despite the fact there is a crowding-in effect of security expenditure on economic development. This finding is in line with other studies on different countries of the world. It is therefore recommended that government should declare war on terrorism and seek assistance/advice from international communities who have in the time past faced this kind on challenge and were able to tackle it. The Nigerian Military should be empowered more with arms to fight this insurgency. Government should beef up security in the eastern and southern parts of the country to curb the menace of insecurity. Grazing grounds or/and ranches should be built in all states of the country for Fulani herdsmen who rear cattle.
An Encouragement of Learning (Gakumon no susume)

In light of his 1885 essay Datsu-A ron (Departure from Asia), one might be tempted to consider Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901), a reformist who indiscriminately denounced Asia and embraced things West...
Purification and characterization of a soybean flour-induced cytochrome P-450 from Streptomyces griseus.

A soybean flour-induced, soluble cytochrome P-450 (P-450soy) was purified 130-fold to homogeneity from Streptomyces griseus. Native cytochrome P-450soy is a single polypeptide, with a molecular weight of 47,500, in association with one ferriprotoporphyrin IX prosthetic group. Oxidized P-450soy exhibited visible absorption maxima at 394, 514, and 646 nm, characteristic of a high-spin cytochrome P-450. The CO-reduced difference spectrum of P-450soy had a Soret maximum at 448 nm. When reconstituted with spinach ferredoxin and spinach ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase, purified cytochrome P-450soy catalyzed the NADPH-dependent oxidation of the xenobiotic substrates precocene II and 7-ethoxycoumarin. In vitro proteolysis of cytochrome P-450soy generated a stable and catalytically active cytochrome P-450, designated P-450soy delta. Images
Human B-cell activation in vitro: T cell-dependent pokeweed mitogen-induced differentiation of blood B lymphocytes

Abstract Human blood lymphocytes were separated into T and non-T cells and cultured with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). It was found that in the absence of T cells no differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-containing blasts and plasma cells took place. Moreover, the cell yields and the rate of DNA synthesis and blast transformation were very low. The influence of T cells on PWM-induced B-lymphocyte differentiation was studied in mixtures of T/non-T cells at various ratios. Addition of even a few T lymphocytes caused a considerable stimulation of B cells by all parameters used. The responses of T/non-T mixtures of the original cellular composition were of the same order as those of cultures of unseparated cells. It is concluded that the differentiation of human blood B lymphocytes into cells actively synthesizing immunoglobulins, as induced by PWM, is strongly dependent upon the presence of T cells.
p-n Junction Diodes

In this chapter, we present basic device physics, general characteristics, and operation principles of a p-n junction diode. A p-n junction diode is referred to as a minority carrier device since its current conduction is controlled by the minority carrier diffusion process (i.e., electrons in the p-region and holes in the n-region). This is in contrast to the metal-semiconductor Schottky diode discussed in Chapter 10, which is known as a majority carrier device since current conduction in such a device is due to majority carrier transport.
Security Implications for Personal Assistive Technology in Voting

Voting security and accessibility are important concerns that must be addressed when designing new voting systems or integrating technologies into the voting process, e.g., remote voting, mobile voting, and/or supporting personal assistive technologies in the polling place. We researched the security implications of allowing users with disabilities to vote using their personal assistive technologies, which would significantly improve the accessibility of the voting process, as well as potentially reduce the risks to security, such as data security, data reliability, voter verification, and auditability, among others. Based on this research and feedback from users with disabilities regarding using a tablet device to vote, we proposed using an intermediary device such as a computer or tablet to enable the secure use of personal assistive technologies in voting and enhance the user experience.
Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y on energy metabolism

Our objective was to find out if central injection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) would alter brown fat thermogenesis and white fat lipoprotein lipase activity. The following three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats received five injections over 24 h into the right lateral ventricle: 1) NPY (5 micrograms/injection) and ad libitum food; 2) NPY (5 micrograms/injection) and food restricted to control intake; 3) saline injection and ad libitum food. The NPY ad libitum-fed group consumed more food than the saline controls or NPY food-restricted animals. Brown fat thermogenic activity, assessed by GDP binding, was decreased relative to saline controls in both NPY-treated groups. White fat lipoprotein lipase activity was greatly increased in both NPY treatment groups compared with saline controls. The NPY effects on brown and white fat were not explained by measures of serum insulin, glucagon, glucose, or other metabolites. In a follow-up experiment, we asked whether food was necessary for expression of the NPY effects. Brown fat mitochondrial GDP binding indicated NPY effect even when no food was ingested. We conclude that intracerebroventricular administration of NPY promotes white fat lipid storage and decreases brown fat thermogenesis in addition to its known effect of stimulating food intake.
Flt3 in aml

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor and its ligand play a significant role in human hematopoiesis and the proliferation and malignant transformation of primitive hematopoietic cells. FLT3 mutations are observed in approximately 30 % of adult AML, 1–3 % of adult B-ALL and 2–5 % of MDS patients. Binding of FLT3 ligand to FLT3 receptor results in autophosphorylation and activation of downstream pathways that promote cell proliferation including the MAPK/ERK, Pi3K/AKT, signal transducer activator of transcription (STAT5), and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) pathways. There are two major types of FLT3 mutations: The FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) results from duplication and insertion of a fragment of the juxtamembrane domain coding sequence, whereas the less common tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) results from a missense point mutation within the activation loop of the second TKD. Studies suggest that patients with FLT3-ITD have significantly elevated peripheral blood white cell counts and increased bone marrow blasts at diagnosis. Furthermore, they have a significantly higher induction death rate, increased relapse risk, inferior event-free survival, and decreased overall survival. Recent studies have further indicated that FLT3-ITD mutations may be a significant prognostic indicator in patients with AML and diploid karyotype, but not in those with core-binding factor AML or AML with unfavorable cytogenetics. Also, presence of FLT3-ITD mutation may be a negative prognostic marker, not only at diagnosis but also at first relapse. Several small-molecule FLT3 inhibitors are currently in clinical trials and may improve responses for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.
Hepatic artery adjuvant chemotherapy for patients having resection or ablation of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver

Background Colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver, when technically feasible, is resected with a moderate chance of cure. The most common site of failure after resection is within the remaining liver. With this pattern of clinical failure in mind and in order to enhance survival, chemotherapy has been delivered directly to the liver post resection via the hepatic artery. Objectives To assess the effect of post hepatic resection hepatic artery chemotherapy on overall survival. Secondary objectives include adverse events related to the chemotherapy, the risk of intra-hepatic tumour recurrence and tumour free survival. Search strategy Randomised trials were sought in MEDLINE; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register; and through contact of trial authors and reference lists using key words: Colorectal, cancer, hepatic metastases, hepatic artery, chemotherapy. Searches were performed in December 2003. Selection criteria Trials in which patients having resection of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver were randomised either to hepatic artery chemotherapy or any alternative treatment. Data collection and analysis Survival data were obtained principally from abstraction from survival curves in published studies using the method of Parmar. A study specific log hazard ratio and then combined effect log hazard ratio were calculated, as well as a combined Kaplan-Meier survival probability curve. Main results Seven randomised trials addressed this issue, encompassing 592 patients. No significant advantage was found in the meta-analysis for hepatic artery chemotherapy measuring overall survival and calculating survival based upon "intention to treat" (lnHR = 0.0848; favouring the control group, 95% confidence interval = -0.1189 to 0.2885, or a Hazard Ratio of 1.089, an 8.9% survival advantage for the control group, 95% CI of the HR = 0.887 - 1.334). Adverse events related to the hepatic artery therapy were common, including five therapy related deaths. Intra-hepatic recurrence was more frequent in the control group (97 patients versus 43 in the HAI group), though denominators are not reported, and additional outcomes could not be subjected to a combined analysis. Reviewers' conclusions Though recurrence in the remaining liver happened less in the hepatic artery chemotherapy group, overall survival was not improved, and even favoured the control group, though not significantly. This added intervention cannot be recommended at this time.
Development of Multi-Hazard Contingency Plans and Tools for the National Marine Sanctuary System1

ABSTRACT In the last few years, incidents such as the crash of Alaska Air Flight #261, the M/V Cape Mohican and SS Jacob Luckenbach spills and over 600 groundings a year in the Florida Keys have highlighted the need for coordinated, multi-hazard contingency planning to safeguard the marine, historical and cultural resources protected by the National Marine Sanctuary System. American waterways are a critical component of heightened homeland security; including the waters encompassed by marine protected areas. The challenge has been to develop consistent contingency plans that address a broad range of hazards from oil spills to hurricanes across 13 sites that are widely divergent in size, geographic location and type of resources. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is larger than Yellowstone National Park and protects habitat ranging from coastal dunes to deep-ocean trenches while Fagatele Bay in American Samoa encompasses a coral reef inlet less than one square mile in size. Thunder Bay in Lake Huron a...
Inscrutability and its Discontents

That reference is inscrutable is demonstrated, it is argued, not only by W. V. Quine's arguments but by Peter Unger's “Problem of the Many.” Applied to our own language, this is a paradoxical result, since nothing could be more obvious to speakers of English than that, when they use the word “rabbit,” they are talking about rabbits. The solution to this paradox is to take a disquotational view of reference for one's own language, so that “When I use ‘rabbit,’ I refer to rabbits” is made true by the meaning of the word “refer.” The reference relation is extended to other languages by translation. The explanation for this peculiarly egocentric conception of semantics—questions of others’ meanings are settled by asking what I mean by words of my language—is to be found in our practice of predicting and explaining other people's behavior by empathetic identification. I understand other people's behavior by asking what I would do in their place.
Animal models of depression: are there any?

Simple tests for antidepressant-like activity, such as 5-HTP-induced syndrome or reserpine-induced hypomotility, are often mechanism-based tests, pharmacologically specific for certain known classes of therapeutically successful antidepressant agents. Many of these behavioural assays have been superseded by neurochemical techniques such as in vivo microdialysis. In contrast to these mechanistic-based models, investigators have also endeavoured to reproduce in the laboratory, factors that are believed to precipitate depression in people. It is a strong assumption in this approach that depression is a response to stress. This strategy profiles the consequences of chronic stress particularly psychosocial stress or early life events, in order to reproduce in animals the behavioural signs and pathologies associated with depression. The advances in the social psychological, clinical pathological and new areas such as neuroimaging research offer the possibility of establishing more sophisticated models for depression in animals with a broader range of biomarkers from the immunological and endocrinological to neurochemical and behavioural. Combining these novel insights with more traditional tests of depression may not only increase our understanding of the neurobiology of depression but also afford more precise and predictive preclinical models of depression. The responsiveness of different strains or genetically modified animals to stress is likely to be a key area of study. Furthermore we must look to individual differences in subjects, even within the same strain, to more fully understand why some individuals show pathological responses to stress whereas others appear unaffected. Conversely in validating our models using currently available treatments we must include the concept of non-responders so as not to disregard models that may extend therapeutic possibilities in these patients. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are Virgo cluster spirals deficient in molecular gas

An analysis is presented of the data on atomic and molecular gas for a sample of far-infrared/optically-selected galaxies observed by Young et al. The analysis based on this larger sample confirms the increase in the ratio of molecular hydrogen to galaxy mass as the latter increases. From a comparison of distance-independent normalized H 2 masses, it is concluded that there is a good indication of deficiency of H 2 in the Virgo galaxies as compared to the field (non-Virgo) galaxies. This deficiency of H 2 is also indirectly confirmed by the deficiency of far-infrared and Hα luminosities, which correlate well with the mass of molecular hydrogen
Activation of weak IR fundamentals of two species of astrochemical interest in the T(d) point group--the importance of amorphous ices.

New measurements are reported on the weak ν1 and ν2 fundamentals of frozen CH4, a solid of considerable astrochemical interest. Infrared spectra in the ν1 and ν2 regions are presented for three CH4-ice phases at 10–30 K with new absorption coefficients and band strengths to quantify the results. In contrast to the situation with the two crystalline phases of CH4, both ν1 and ν2 were seen clearly in methane's amorphous phase. To support our CH4 work, we also present new results for NH4SH, a component of Jupiter's atmosphere, showing that the ν2 vibration of NH4+ undergoes a dramatic loss of intensity during an amorphous-to-crystalline phase transition, but is regenerated in equally-dramatic fashion by radiation-induced amorphization of the sample. Results are compared to work recently published in this journal and elsewhere.
Usefulness of lymphography in childhood neoplasia.

From 1967 to 1970, 94 children ranging in age from 15 months to 15 years underwent lower limb lymphography with Lipiodol Ultra Fluide. While 63.8% of patients had either Hodgkin's disease (31 cases) or lymphoreticular sarcomas (29 cases), 36.2% of the children had different types of solid tumors (32 cases). In almost every patient, the procedure was performed bilaterally and without difficulty. There were no significant side effects. Lymphograms were positive in 45.9% of the cases; some of the cases were controlled with surgery. The importance of lymphography in also determining the clinical stage in children with malignant lymphoma is emphasized. In solid tumors, the number of our patients is not yet sufficient to draw definite conclusions. However, positive lymphograms were observed in 10 of 11 patients with neuroblastoma, in 3 of 4 with rhabdomyosarcoma, and in 2 of 3 with Ewing's sarcoma. The possibility that the initial spread of these diseases could also occur through the lymphatic pathway is discussed.
Performance characteristics of countercurrent separation in analysis of natural products of agricultural significance.

A standard test mix consisting of 21 commercially available natural products of agricultural significance, termed the GUESSmix, was employed to measure the countercurrent chromatography performance characteristics of a very popular quaternary solvent system family made up of hexane−ethyl acetate−methanol–water (HEMWat). The polarity range of the GUESSmix combined with the elution−extrusion countercurrent chromatography (EECCC) technique and the newly developed reciprocal symmetry (ReS) and reciprocal shifted symmetry (ReSS) plots allow liquid–liquid distribution ratios (KD) to be plotted for every compound eluted on a scale of zero to infinity. It was demonstrated that 16 of the 21 GUESSmix compounds are found in the optimal range of resolution (0.25 < KD < 16) of at least one HEMWat solvent system. The HEMWat solvent systems represented by the ratios 4:6:5:5, 4:6:4:6, and 3:7:4:6 possess the most densely populated optimal ranges of resolution for this standard mix. ReS plots have been shown to reveal the...
Derivation of chiral Lagrangians from lattice QCD

Abstract We propose a method to calculate the coefficients of effective chiral Lagrangians that uses the formulation of a lattice chiral Lagrangian as an intermediate step. We derive the lattice chiral Lagrangian in the strong coupling, large Nc approximation.
Estimation of interregional migration streams from place-of-birth-by-residence data

Place-of-birth-by-residence data, tabulated by age and sex for the same areal units in two successive censuses, have been used to estimate intercensal net migration flows. However, a fuller use of the same data permits the estimation of place-to-place flows. This paper describes a method for estimating intercensal migration streams from place-of-birth-by-residence data and illustrates its application with data on the white female native population of the United States.
The brightness and lightcurve of Triton in 1987

At the 8900 A wavelength of the CCD and photoelectric photometry obtained for Triton in 1987, where than moon's methane absorption might be reflected as a strong contrast, no rotational lightcurve has been noted to a level of below 0.02 mag, in contradiction of Franz's (1981) apparent lightcurve of 0.06 mag observed in 1977. Triton's photoelectrically determined 1987 V magnitude is consistent with the most reliable of previous measurements, exhibiting no clear indication of long-term change.
Selective attention effects on retinal and forebrain responses in humans: A replication and extension

Eason, Oakley, and Flowers (1983) reported that the amplitude of the b-wave and afterpotential of the electroretinogram is affected by the attentional state of the subject. Two follow-up studies were conducted primarily to replicate their findings. The composite results confirmed those previously reported, providing further evidence for early sensory filtering of irrelevant, unattended information. The results also provide additional evidence for the existence of retinopetal fibers in humans.
Restitution of fibroblast-transforming ability in srcdeletion mutants of avian sarcoma virus during animal passage

Abstract The Schmidt-Ruppin strain of Rous sarcoma virus subgroup D (SR-D) gives rise to transformation defective ( td ) mutants which have lost either all or almost all of the src gene (standard td or std viruses) or have only a partial deletion of src . These partial deletion mutants, designated ptd viruses, contain genomic RNA slightly larger than std isolates, and heteroduplex analyses suggest that ptd viruses retain approximately 25% of src from the 5′ end of that gene [ Lai et al. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74 , 4781–4785 ]. Several ptd isolates of SR-D were injected into newly hatched chickens and after prolonged latent periods caused sarcomas in about 30% of the birds. The tumors occurred in internal organs away from the site of injection. Infectious sarcoma viruses isolated from these growths show the envelope markers of subgroup D are nondefective for replication and induce a transformation in vitro which is morphologically distinct from that of SR-D. Electrophoresis of 35 S genomic RNA from these recovered sarcoma viruses shows it to be of the size characteristic for nondefective sarcoma viruses. Fingerprint analysis of 32 P-labeled RNA from one of the new sarcoma viruses detected all oligonucleotides present in ptd viruses, the src -specific oligonucleotides of SR-D, and one new oligonucleotide not present in SR-D. This new RNase T 1 -resistant oligonucleotide and the src-specific oligonucleotides identical to those of SR-D map close to the 3′ end in the genome of the recovered sarcoma virus, which is the position expected for the src gene. These studies suggest that recovered avian sarcoma viruses have acquired cellular sequences which are closely related in structure and function to the viral src gene.
An Evaluation of Differences between Cash and Accrual Income for Illinois Farms

Net farm income is a measure of farm financial performance frequently used by farmers, leaders, and financial consultants. However, distortions may arise if cash income is used to measure performance. Results of this study suggest large differences between cash and accrual measures of net farm income and these differences vary by farm type, size, level of growth and degree of financial stress. Tax savings due to the cash method are also found to be large, especially on farms undergoing expansion.
The Foley Acoustic Wave Front Slides

In 1912 Arthur L. Foley of Indiana University published an article in Physical Review about his technique for photographing acoustic wave fronts. Subsequently, the Central Scientific Company published a series of glass lantern slides of his illustrations. These have been unavailable for about 60 years. Here I discuss how Foley made his slides and give examples of use to the present-day physics teacher.
The small GTP-Binding Protein, Rho, Is Required for IL-2 Production a nd Sustained Calcium Influx in Activated T Cells

The small GTP-Binding Protein, Rho, Is Required for IL-2 Production a nd Sustained Calcium Influx in Activated T Cells
Exacerbation Prevention Strategies: Fiscal Impact of a Dedicated Advanced Heart Failure and Chronic Disease Management Rehabilitation Program

There is a statistically significant correlation between 6-MHW and device measured activity (r2 5 0.27). Moreover, there was also a statistically significant correlation between 6-MHW and device measured activity when activity was measured the day before (r2 5 0.18) and the day after (r2 5 0.24) the 6-MHW test. Conclusions: The six-minute hall walk test has been proven to be a valuable measure to monitor the clinical status of heart failure patients. However, the 6-MHW is limited due to the need for visiting the clinic for assessment and only provides an instantaneous snapshot of the patient’s activity. Using device-measured activity may give more longitudinal information in heart failure patient. This data indicates that device measured patient activity correlates with the 6-MHW test. Therefore, it may be that device measured patient activity may be used a surrogate for the 6-MHW test.
Study of single-stage axial flow compressor performance deterioration

Abstract Compressors operating in a polluted atmosphere with solid particles are subjected to performance deterioration. This paper presents an investigation carried out on a single-stage axial flow compressor to study the effect of erosion on performance deterioration.
Physiological, psychological and performance effects of massage therapy in sport: a review of the literature

Abstract Objectives: Massage is widely used by the athletic population for a variety of purposes such as injury prevention, recovery from fatigue, relaxation, and to increase performance. This paper reviews the scientific literature on the use and effects of massage therapy in sport. Specifically, the review addresses physiological, psychological and performance effects. Method: A literature search was conducted using Medline, Psychlit and Sport Discus databases. In addition, the author's own files were considered. Results: Past studies on blood flow, blood lactate removal and delayed onset of muscle soreness are seen to have produced equivocal results, with blood lactate removal following exercise more efficiently removed through active recovery strategies rather than through massage. Studies on the psychological effects are few in number, however recent research seems to demonstrate massage having positive effects on perceptions of recovery. Few studies exist which assess massage effects on performance, and current findings appear to show little support for the use of massage for performance enhancement. Conclusions: Massage research has been affected by a lack of comparable instrumentation and different research designs that make interpretation and extrapolation of results difficult. It appears the use of massage may largely be based upon anecdotal accounts that convey positive testaments about this form of therapy. The evidence from this review suggests that more scientific research on the effects of massage needs to be undertaken to clarify the precise effects of massage for athletes, however applying scientific principles to the study of massage does pose methodological challenges for the researcher.
Analysis and modelling of holographic measurements of in situ stress

Holographic in situ stress measurements were made at five azimuths at a single depth in a horizontal borehole in a mine pillar. For the first time, all six components of the stress tensor were determined by this technique. The stressmeter data indicate a vertical stress of −10.2MPa (compressive), in good agreement with the predicted vertical stress for the mine pillar depth and dimensions. The maximum horizontal stress is in ,an approximate E-W direction. The minimum principal stress is 3.2 MPa (tensile) and is oriented in an approximate N-S direction, along the axis of the borehole. The principal stresses are not strongly aligned in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the borehole. Analysis of holographic stress data uses the analytic solution for displacements induced by drilling a small stress-relief hole in an infinite plate subjected to plane stress. Two-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted in order to compare the displacement of a thin plate to the displacements in a thicker body more closely resembling the situation in the borehole. The results suggest that the values of stress predicted by the current method of analysis may be overestimated for some states of stress of the borehole wall.
Viral effects on metabolism: changes in glucose and glutamine utilization during human cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes dramatic alterations of intermediary metabolism, similar to those found in tumor cells. In infected cells, glucose carbon is not completely broken down by the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for energy; instead, it is used biosynthetically. This process requires increased glucose uptake, increased glycolysis and the diversion of glucose carbon, in the form of citrate, from the TCA cycle for use in HCMV-induced fatty acid biosynthesis. The diversion of citrate from the TCA cycle (cataplerosis) requires induction of enzymes to promote glutaminolysis, the conversion of glutamine to α-ketoglutarate to maintain the TCA cycle (anaplerosis) and ATP production. Such changes could result in heretofore uncharacterized pathogenesis, potentially implicating HCMV as a subtle cofactor in many maladies, including oncogenesis. Recognition of the effects of HCMV, and other viruses, on host cell metabolism will provide new understanding of viral pathogenesis and novel avenues for antiviral therapy.
College Success: High School Librarians Make the Difference

Many students who enroll in a community college Information Research course come from three local school districts. Of those three districts, only one has librarians. Through examining grade rosters, this study demonstrates that student achievement is substantially higher for students who come from high schools that have librarians and library programs.
Introduction to the Symposium on the Econometrics of Matching

The papers in this symposium address issues in the econometrics of matching. In this literature, interest typically focuses on nonparametric estimation of a relation Yi f(Di,Xi), where Yi is an outcome variable for individual i,Di is a dichotomous indicator of having received a treatment at some point in the past, and Xi is a set of other characteristics. However, unlike the case of general nonparametric regression, the interest in this case is in a nonparametric estimate of the average effect of Di on Yi, E(YiDi 1) E(YiDi 0), taken over the Xi distribution as well as over the conditional distribution of Yi, recognizing that the effect of the treatment can vary arbitrarily with Xi. This effect is estimated by comparing the values of Yi for a group of individuals having Di 1 with those drawn from a comparison group of individuals having Di 0. The two groups are nonparametrically matched on common values of Xi. For consistent estimation of the effect, matching methods require at a minimum that there be no unobservable differences between the two groups after conditioning on Xi (the “conditional independence” or “se lection on observables” assumption). Thus the issues considered in the large literature on endogenous treatment effects and selection bias (“selection on unobservables”) are ruled out. However, compared to least squares estimation of the relationship, with its attendant assumptions of linearity and additivity that can only awkwardly be relaxed in full, matching provides a method by which no functional form restrictions on the relation between Yi, Di, and Xi need be made. The ten papers in the symposium fall into distinct groups. Two overview papers, one by Imbens and the other by Heckman and Navarro-Lozano, provide, respectively, a review of the literature on matching and a comparison of matching with control function and instrumental variable methods (the latter two methods allow selection on unobservables). Two theoretical papers, by Angrist and Hahn and by Hahn, address efficiency issues in choice of matching
Measurement of Sample Quenching of Liquid Scintillator Solutions with X-ray and Gamma-ray Sources

DOBBS1 recently reviewed several methods commonly used for determining the degree of quenching in a liquid scintillator sample. In another method used in this laboratory2–5 the relative pulse heights for the Compton edges produced by high-energy γ-rays or for the photo-peaks produced by low-energy (<60 keV) γ-rays and X-rays are used for measuring the degree of quenching in liquid scintillator samples. This method differs from one devised by Higashimura et al.6 which depended on the counting rate of an external γ-ray source.
Recognition Masking-Level Differences Spondaic Words for 10 Cid W-1

Psychometric functions for the SoNo and Sπ.N o conditions and masking level differences were obtained for a subgroup of 10 words having the largest masking-level differences of 36 CID W-1 spondaic ...
On Passive Non-Iterative Variable-Step Numerical Integration of Mechanical Systems for Haptic Rendering

This paper consists of three parts. First, with a slightly-different, yet, more physically-plausible, discrete supply-rate (i.e. power), we propose a non-iterative (i.e. fast) and variable-step numerical integration algorithm for (scalar) discrete-passive mechanical systems, consisting of constant mass and damper, and a certain class of nonlinear spring. In the second part, we propose a fast passive collision handling algorithm with a spring-damper type virtual wall, which, to detect exact time of contacts, requires at most three intermediate non-iterative computations within each integration-step. We then propose a way of how to passively connect this discrete-passive, non-iterative, and variable-step mechanical integrators (with passive collision handling) to a continuous haptic device.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Universal evolution of Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements.

We derive the two-loop evolution equations for the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. We show that to leading order in the mass and CKM hierarchies the scaling of the mixings [vert bar][ital V][sub [ital u][ital b]][vert bar][sup 2],[vert bar][ital V][sub [ital c][ital b]][vert bar][sup 2],[vert bar][ital V][sub [ital t][ital d]][vert bar][sup 2], [vert bar][ital V][sub [ital t][ital s]][vert bar][sup 2] and of the rephase-invariant CP-violating parameter [ital J] is universal to all orders in perturbation theory. In leading order the other CKM elements do not scale. Imposing the constraint [lambda][sub [ital b]]=[lambda][sub [tau]] at the grand unified theory scale determines the CKM scaling factor to be [congruent]0.58 in the minimal supersymmetric standard model.
Immunopathology of reactivation of experimental ocular histoplasmosis.

Abstract We have established a non-human primate model of experimental ocular histoplasmosis. This model has been shown to result in chronic lesions that resemble typical 'histo spots' or choroidal scars but that contain infiltrates of lymphocytes for as long as 10 yr following intracarotid injection of live Histoplasma capsulatum . Using this model, we attempted to reactivate these late choroidal lesions via intracarotid challenge with specific antigen (heat-killed H. capsulatum). No clinical changes suggestive of reactivation of these lesions were observed following this antigenic challenge. However, immunopathologic analysis of choroidal lesions at 1, 3 and 7 days after antigenic challenge revealed significant increases in both the numbers of inflammatory cells and the relative percentages of the helper/inducer lymphocyte and macrophage populations. Our results demonstrate that, following antigenic challenge, a cellular change, consistent with a type IV delayed hypersensitivity, can be observed in previously active, but clinically quiescent, histoplasmosis lesions. In light of the many parallels between our primate experimental model and human ocular histoplasmosis, our findings suggest that, in the human, significant immunopathologic activity may occur subclinically in the choroid of affected individuals. It is possible that repeated bouts of subclinical reactivation may induce or enhance chronic choroiditis and, over many years, ultimately produce slow progressive damage to the Bruch's membrane/retinal pigment epithelium complex, resulting in clinically 'active' macular disease and, in selected cases, subretinal neovascularization.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus: Stability of its ribonucleic acid core to acid and to heat

Abstract The infectivity of the RNA core within FMDV, type A, was found to be very stable. Virus which was pre-acidified at pH 5.0 to destroy 99.99% of its infectivity for calf-kidney cultures gave fractional yields of RNA, after extraction with phenol, that were 500 to 2,100 times higher than were obtained from untreated virus. Moreover, RNA in situ was not completely inactivated when the virus was heated at 100°C for 5 minutes, even though the infectivity of the intact virus was entirely lost at 61°C and higher temperatures. It is concluded, therefore, that an acid- and thermal-labile property of the protein coat is required for the initiation of infection by whole virus. When the coat factor is damaged by acid or by heat, the resistant internal RNA cannot act unless first freed by phenol extraction. The infectivity of free RNA was only slightly less stable to heat than that of RNA in situ , and it was more stable to acid than the infectivity of intact virus.
Identification of parameters for embodied energy measurement: A literature review

The building construction industry consumes a large amount of resources and energy and, owing to current global population growth trends, this situation is projected to deteriorate in the near future. Buildings consume approximately 40 percent of total global energy: during the construction phase in the form of embodied energy and during the operation phase as operating energy. Embodied energy is expended in the processes of building material production (mining and manufacture), on-site delivery, construction and assembly on-site, renovation and final demolition. Recent studies have considered the significance of embodied energy inherent in building materials, with a specific focus on this fraction of sequestered energy. Current interpretations of embodied energy are quite unclear and vary greatly, and embodied energy databases suffer from problems of variation and incomparability. Furthermore, there is no reliable template, standard or protocol regarding embodied energy computations that could address these problems in embodied energy inventories. This paper focuses on the analysis of existing literature in order to identify differing parameters so that development of a consistent and comparable database can be facilitated.
Relation of Plasma Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine to Body Weight in Growing Male and Female Holstein Cattle

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine were measured in blood plasma to determine relationships with growth in male and female Holstein calves at 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, and 22 wk of age. Average initial body weights at 6 wk for male and female calves were 54 and 50 kg. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine were determined by specific double antibody radioimmunoassay on eight calves of each sex at each age. Sexes differed for body weight gains from 6 to 22 wk, average daily gains for males were .93 kg/day and for females .73 kg/day. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations increased gradually (38 and 96%) in both sexes during the 6 to 22 wk and were higher for males than females. Average concentrations of thyroxine and triiodothyronine were 53.3 and 1.21 ng/ml for males and 39.9 and 1.06 ng/ml for females. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations in blood plasma of male and female dairy calves were positively correlated with body weight during this initial growth period.
Myocardial self-preservative effect of heat shock protein 70 on an immature lamb heart

Abstract Background . Heat shock proteins have been shown to enhance myocardial tolerance of ischemia-reperfusion injury and are induced in the myocardium of many animals by various stressors. Methods . To assess the effects and time course of the inducible form of heat shock protein 70, we raised the rectal temperature of 15 neonatal lambs to 43°C for 15 minutes. At 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes and 24 hours after heat shock, hearts were subjected to immunoblot analysis for heat shock protein (hsp 72/73). Twenty-four hours after heat shock, neonatal lamb hearts (n = 8) were subjected to 2 hours of cold cardioplegic ischemia (HSP group). Eight neonatal lamb hearts without heat shock served as control. After 60 minutes of reperfusion, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, coronary blood flow (CBF), myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ), and lactate levels were measured. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring in situ coronary vascular resistance response to acetylcholine and trinitroglycerine. Results . The HSP group showed a significantly higher recovery of systolic function as well as MVO 2 , and a lower lactate level compared to the control group at 60 minutes after reperfusion. Recovery of coronary endothelial function was also significantly better in the HSP group than in the control group. Inducible form of HSP 70 was expressed 15 minutes after heat shock and continued to be observed at 24 hours after the stress. Conclusions . Heat shock stress associated with the production of inducible heat shock proteins improved the recovery of ventricular function as well as endothelial function and aerobic metabolism after hypothermic cardioplegic ischemia. Induction of heat shock proteins by any means prior to planned hypothermic ischemia may lead to a new approach for myocardial protection.
Histologic Comparison of Allograft Myocardium Between Short- and Long-Term Survivors of Human Cardiac Transplantation

Myocardial histology of cardiac allografts differed between short-term ( 5 years) survivors after transplantation. These differences may partially be attributable to a higher prevalence of systemic hypertension and allograft rejection in the short-term survivors, affecting hemodynamics and allograft function.
Protein synthesis and axonal transport in goldfish retinal ganglion cells during regeneration accelerated by a conditioning lesion.

Abstract Axonal outgrowth in goldfish retinal ganglion cells following a testing lesion of the optic axons is accelerated by a prior conditioning lesion. Changes in protein synthesis and axonal transport were examined during the accelerated regeneration. The conditioning lesion was an optic tract cut made 2 weeks prior to the testing lesion, which consisted of a tract cut at the chiasma, so that nerves subjected to either a conditioning lesion (‘conditioned nerves’) or a sham operation (‘sham-conditioned nerves’) could be examined in the same animal. In the retinal ganglion cells of conditioned nerves, the incorporation of [ 3 H]proline into protein began to increase between 1 and 8 days after the testing lesion. The amount of fast-transported labeled protein was elevated to about 8 × normal by 1 day after the testing lesion but had decreased to about 3–5 × normal at 8 and 22 days. The 8 and 22 day values were not significantly different from those in sham-conditioned nerves or nerves that had received a testing lesion alone. For slow protein transport, the instantaneous amount transported was 15–16 × normal in the conditioned nerves at 1 and 8 days after the testing lesion, and the velocity of slow transport, which was already elevated above normal by 1 day after the testing lesion, was elevated still further by 8 days — to a value in excess of 1.5 mm/day (compared to 0.2–0.4 mm/day in normal animals). We believe that the enhanced outgrowth resulting from the conditioning lesion is due to a transient increase in the amount of fast transport (possibly responsible for a decreased delay in the initiation of sprouting), and a sustained increase in the amount and velocity of slow transport (which may account for an increased rate of elongation).
Imaging technology: harmonic pictures in a flash.

Making films of atomic-scale processes as they happen makes huge demands on any imaging system. One approach combines the advantages of pulsed laser harmonics and computerized image reconstruction.
Time-dependent alteration of epidermal growth factor receptor in rat stomach by ethanol feeding

This study investigated the time-dependent effects of ethanol (EtOH) feeding on epidermal growth factor binding and epidermal growth factor-mediated functions in the stomach. Adult male rats were fed either an isocaloric control or EtOH-containing liquid diet (36% total calories as EtOH) for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. At the end of each feeding period, animals were sacrificed and the stomach was dissected for the sample preparation. EtOH caused a time-dependent alteration (r = 0.89) of the 125I-epidermal growth factor binding to the gastric mucosal membrane (% control: week 2, 114%; week 4, 64%∗ and week 6, 45%∗, n = 5, ∗P < 0.05). Protein kinase analysis also showed that EtOH caused a time-dependent decrease of epidermal growth factor-stimulated autophosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor protein (180 kDa) during three feeding periods. Western blot analysis, using anti-tyrosine phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (active form) antibody, revealed a major immunoreactive protein band (180 kDa) in all samples pre-incubated with 1 μM epidermal growth factor. Consistent with data from kinase analysis, treatment of EtOH decreased the immunoreactivity of the active form of epidermal growth factor receptor (180 kDa) in the stomach. In conclusion, EtOH feeding caused a time-dependent alteration of epidermal growth factor receptor in the stomach, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the gastric pathology associated with alcohol abuse.