cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overt Peace, Covert War?: Covert Intervention and the Democratic Peace

Proponents and critics of the democratic peace have debated the extent to which covert attempts by democracies to overthrow other elected governments are consistent with or contradict democratic peace theory. The existing debate, however, fails to acknowledge that there are multiple democratic peace theories and that inter-democratic covert intervention might have different implications for different arguments. In this article, we first distill hypotheses regarding covert foreign regime change from three theories of democratic peace. Relying primarily on declassified government documents, we then investigate these hypotheses in the context of U.S. covert intervention in Chile (1970–73). The evidence suggests that covert intervention is highly inconsistent with norms and checks-and-balances theories of democratic peace. The evidence is more consistent with selectorate theory, but questions remain because democratic leaders undertook interventions with a low likelihood of success and a high likelihood that ...
Effect of a xanthine analog on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Alexander) in culture and in xenografts in SCID mice

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently overexpresses the MDR1 gene and is resistant to drugs transported by the multidrug-resistance efflux pump. A xanthine analog, 1-(11-dodecylamino-10-hydroxyundecyl)- 3,7-dimethylxanthine (CT-2584,CTI), is cytotoxic to many tumors in culture and was four times more effective than verapamil in inhibiting Rhodamine 123 secretion in MDR1-overexpressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. However, studies using PRF/PLC/5 (Alexander) cells revealed that CT-2584 is cytotoxic by another mechanism not involving inhibition of MDR1 function. Alexander cells have integrated the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) gene and quantitatively secrete HBsAg. The parent cell line, Alex 0, has low MDR1 expression and is drug-sensitive, whereas a derived line, Alex 0.5, is drug-resistant and overexpresses MDR1 100 times. Both cell lines were similarly killed within 24 or 48 hours by CT-2584. Freshly isolated rat and human hepatocytes were considerably more resistant to killing by CT-2584. In vivo, CT-2584 significantly reduced tumor growth in SCID mice bearing Alex 0 or 0.5 xenografts as determined by serial measurements of HBsAg. Hepatic parenchyma was normal, whereas apoptosis and cellular loss were observed in xenografts. The xenograft model is useful for testing pharmacological therapy of HCC. (Hepatology 1997 Nov;26(5):1195-202)
Foreign Aid and the Policy Process: 1957.

For students of government the annually recurring debates over foreign aid are a stethoscope held to the heart of the United States foreign policy process. They reveal in classic form the political strains and stresses that have come to afflict this country's postwar external relations. Foreign aid has required new concepts, skills, personnel, institutions, legislation, and funds. This modern brand of “dollar diplomacy” has not only jostled traditional structures and processes within the executive branch but has called upon the legislator and the man in the street to adjust to a new vision of the American mission and to what it involves in material terms as well. Herewith is a case study of that reappraisal.The foreign aid debate of 1957, centering around the preparation and approval of the authorization and appropriation acts for fiscal 1958, was especially instructive because it was the occasion for a resounding collision between a greatly intensified crusade to redirect and reinvigorate the program, particularly in support of long-range economic development, and an equally determined campaign to bear down on the brakes. The present commentary focuses primarily on the roles of the official executive and legislative participants, as well as of influential non-governmental interests, during the course of this debate. The story sheds some light on both the foreign policy process in general and on some of the major substantive and administrative issues at stake in this particular case.
Subjective idiopathic tinnitus: a unified plan of management.

Management protocols and treatment methods for the symptom of tinnitus, particularly of the severe disabling type, are numerous and varied.’ Although no definitive single protocol and/or cure exists at this time, clinical guidelines are now available that, when followed, can offer both the professional and the patient a significant degree of tinnitus control. Guidelines for successful tinnitus management are both medical and audiologic. In the past, both the evaluation and treatment of the symptom of tinnitus have been primarily audiologic, stressing the psychophysical and psychoacoustical aspects of the complaint. Medical evaluation has been primarily to exclude regional and/or systemic disease that may accompany the symptom of tinnitus. Single and/or combined methods of treatment exist and have been reported.‘,’ This article presents a management protocol, the Medical Audiologic Tinnitus Patient Protocol (MATPP), for the symptom of subjective tinnitus, particularly of the severe disabling type (SIT). It consists of the clinical experience since 1977 of more than 2,500 patients observed at the Tinnitus Clinic of the Health Science Center at Brooklyn-State University of New York [HSCB-SUNY]. The MATPP offers a unified strategy for both diagnosis and attempted treatment/control (TT/
Rapid Killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae with a Bacteriophage Cell Wall Hydrolase

Nasopharyngeal carriage is the major reservoir for Streptococcus pneumoniae in the community. Although eliminating this reservoir would greatly reduce disease occurrence, no suitable intervention has been available for this purpose. We show here that seconds after contact, a purified pneumococcal bacteriophage lytic enzyme (Pal) is able to kill 15 common serotypes of pneumococci, including highly penicillin-resistant strains. In vivo, previously colonized mice revealed undetectable pneumococcal titers 5 hours after a single enzyme treatment. Pal enzyme had little or no effect on microorganisms normally found in the human oropharynx, and Pal-resistant pneumococci could not be detected after extensive exposure to the enzyme.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy--initial experience at a tertiary center.

Abstract Background Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) combines skin-sparing mastectomy with preservation of the nipple–areolar dermis and intraoperative pathologic assessment of the nipple core. We evaluated our initial experience with NSM in terms of clinical outcomes. Methods An Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective review of patients undergoing NSM between November 2005 and June 2007 was performed. Results Eighteen NSM and two areola-sparing mastectomies were performed. Indications for surgery were invasive cancer (n = 4), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n = 5), pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (n = 3), and risk reduction (n = 8). The average distance of tumor from the nipple on imaging was 4.8 cm (range 4 to 5.7). Nipple cores were all benign, and 2 patients developed self-limited superficial desquamation of the nipple. At a mean follow up of 10.8 months, all nipple–areolar complexes were intact, and there were no local or systemic recurrences. Conclusions NSM can be successfully achieved with low morbidity in appropriately selected patients.
Designing and Validating a Customized Virtual Reality-Based Laparoscopic Skills Curriculum

Objective We developed and instituted a laparoscopic skills curriculum based on a virtual reality simulator, LapSim (Surgical Science, Goteborg, Sweden). Our goal was to improve basic skills in our residents. The hypothesis of this study is that performance in our course will differentiate levels of experience in the training program, establishing construct validity for our curriculum. Design We designed a novel curriculum that consisted of 17 practice modules and a 7-part examination. All residents who completed the curriculum successfully were included in this study. Performance to complete the examination was analyzed. Data were stratified by level of training. Setting University surgical skill training laboratory. Participants In all, 29 residents of all levels of training and 3 attending surgeons completed the curriculum. Results The average number of practice repetitions required was 243. To complete the examination component, junior residents (R1–R3) required more repetitions than senior residents (R4, R5), 28.3 versus 13.9, respectively (p Conclusions Individual performance in our curriculum correlates with the level of training for many drills, which establishes construct validity for this curriculum. Noncontributory drills may need to be revised or removed from the curriculum. Successful completion of this curriculum may lead to improved resident technical performance.
Neurophysiologic inhibition of strength following tactile stimulation of the skin

A modified shoulder abduction manual muscle test was incor porated in this study to demonstrate strength changes following tactile stimulation of the skin. Resistance was applied to the distal radioulnar joint and the stimulus (scratching) was applied inferior to the clavicle on the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle after maximum contraction. An electromechani cal device quantified the isotonic (eccentric) measurements. A standard dynamometer system (Cybex II) was used to measure isometric strength. The nondominant side was used as the "control." Two populations, a normal (random) and a strong (athletic) group, were studied. Twenty-three persons (52% women, 48% men; mean age, 27 years; mean height, 67 inches (170 cm); and mean weight, 147 Ib (66.7 kg)) were in the "normal" group and 17 persons (100% men; mean age, 25 years; mean height, 74 inches (188 cm); and mean weight, 215 Ib (97.5 kg)) were in the "strong" group. The random population showed a 19% decrease in strength following tactile s...
Genetics of Childhood Disorders: XIII. Genomic Imprinting: The Indelible Mark of the Gamete

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Vol. 39 - N° 4 - p. 532-535
The role of fibroblast growth factor and the extracellular matrix in the control of proliferation and differentiation of corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract Recent observations made in our laboratory on the control of corneal endothelial cell proliferation by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and the extracellular matrix produced by these cells in culture are being reviewed. Our results indicate that maintaining cells on an extracellular matrix results in the same rapid proliferation and subsequent cellular differentiation as that observed with cultures maintained on plastic and exposed to FGF. The extracellular matrix therefore has the same effect as FGF insofar as the induction of cell growth is concerned. This confirms previous observations that the substrate upon which cells rest is an important factor in controlling their proliferation.
Motivational Adequacy and Educational Faith.

Justice is often thought to require that students receive educations that are, in some important sense, equal. I lay out, and raise questions about, an argument that seems to support this conclusion. The questions I raise about the argument suggest that what justice requires is not equality, but adequacy, of education. More specifically, I contend that justice demands that education be motivationally adequate. It must position students to appreciate and be moved by the intrinsic interest of the subjects they are studying and by the extrinsic rewards that come with age-appropriate mastery of them. I then argue that, if an education is to satisfy this condition, students must have reasonable faith that the educational system and society’s distributive scheme satisfy robust standards of fairness.
Molecular mechanisms of ion permeation of membranes

Two mechanisms of selective ion permeation of membranes, that of carriers and that of channels, are discussed with emphasis on molecular conformation. The plasma membrane and excitation-contraction coupling of cardiac cells are noted as examples implicating both carriers and channels. Correlations between carrier and channel conformations are utilized to develop descriptions of polypeptide channels. Two types of channels, with series- and parallel-aligned repeating units, are discussed. Both types are shown to have the potential for electric field-dependent conductance by utilizing the peptide dipole moment and both could be expected to adhere to Hodgkin-Huxley kinetics, wherein the turning on of conductance is a high-order process and the turning off is a first-order process. In the case of a series alignment all units must be in a conducting conformation for conduction to occur and the change of a single unit to a nonconducting state would close the channel. The β-helix-β-spiral conformation transition is an example of the field-dependent series channel. In the case of a parallel alignment if, as Bauman and Mueller assumed, a critical number of units, say six, are required to form a conducting channel, this would then give the high order of kinetics and loss of a single unit could collapse the channel size, rendering it nonconducting. The helix rack model was developed where the peptide dipoles of an α-helix, which all point in one direction along the helix axis, would couple with the electric field.
The Effect of Wilting on Proline Metabolism in Excised Bean Leaves in the Dark

The effects of wilting on the fate of proline and on the rates of nonprotein proline formation and utilization have been determined in excised bean leaves. Wilting did not alter the fate of exogenously added (14)C-l-proline (2 mm) in either non-starved leaves (from plants previously in the light) or starved leaves (from plants previously in the dark). The fate of proline in nonstarved leaves was protein synthesis and in starved leaves was protein synthesis and oxidation to other compounds.Wilting caused an increase in non-protein proline formation, possibly including release by proteolysis and synthesis from precursors in both starved and nonstarved leaves. Wilting caused a decrease in proline utilization in nonstarved leaves by decreasing protein synthesis. In starved leaves, wilting caused an increase in the rate of proline utilization but this is due to the higher content of proline in wilted leaves compared to the turgid leaves which causes more proline utilization by oxidation. Thus, the primary effects of wilting which lead to the accumulation of proline were to decrease protein synthesis and to increase proline formation. The source of the proline is not known but the increased formation due to wilting is not affected by the carbohydrate content of the leaf. The role of carbohydrates is to prevent the loss of accumulating proline by oxidation.
Population Redistribution And Changes In The Size Density Slope

As regional population density increases territorial units tend to subdivide. For maximum societal time-efficiency the slope relating the logarithms of unit areas to those of unit densities should be −2/3. When boundaries become fixed, however, observed slopes tend to drift toward a value of zero. It was earlier hypothesized that such slope-erosion was due to increasing concentration of the population. Historical data for the primary political divisions of ten nations shows general support for the hypothesis.
Benign Sinonasal Neoplasms: A Focus on Inverting Papilloma

Benign sinonasal neoplasms are a pathologic and clinically varied group of tumors. Inverting papilloma is a notable member of this group, and it is renowned for its high rate of recurrence, its ability to cause local destruction, and its association with malignancy. This article aimed to familiarize the clinician with all the practical aspects of inverting papilloma and its management. The treatment algorithm for this tumor has undergone a complex evolution that continues today.
Acute severe visual loss and a brainstem mass.

In January, 2011, a 24-year-old Afro-Colombian woman presented to us with acute decrease in vision in both eyes. Her visual acuity was 20/200 in the left eye and she could see only hand motions in the right eye. On fundoscopy she had hypopyon-associated panuveitis with large confl uent areas of retinitis (fi gure A) and ischaemic vasculitis. She complained of mild right leg pain and intermittent episodes of mild gastrointestinal discomfort in recent years. She denied a history of oral or genital ulcers, rashes, neurological defi cits, sexually transmitted diseases, gestational problems, or recent travel. A presumptive diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis was made. A vitreous sample was sent for herpesviridae PCR. Infectious disease laboratory tests were done, including HIV, HTLV 1 and HTLV 2, RPR, FTA-ABS, and toxoplasma antibodies. A Quantiferon-TB test (LabCorp, Houston, TX, USA) was positive and the IgG test for toxoplasma indicated past exposure. The rest of the physical exam ination was normal. ESR was raised (60 mm/h), and she had mild anaemia with a haemoglobin of 107 g/L. She was admitted to our hospital and given intravenous acyclovir. The next day she complained of right sided weakness, nausea, and vomiting. A neurological examination showed upper motor neuron defi cits. MRI showed an infi ltrative lesion of the pons, midbrain, and left thalamus (see appendix), consistent with lymphoma or an astrocytoma. The vitreous sample was negative for all herpesviridae, which left the diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis in doubt. Additional laboratory tests for rheumatological and demyelinating disorders, including rheumatoid factor, p-ANCA, c-ANCA, ANA, SS-A, SS-B, and serum electrophoresis were negative. A Lancet 2012; 380: 1790
Effect of coblation polypectomy on estimated blood loss in endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background We conducted a pilot study comparing estimated blood loss (EBL) using coblation-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery (CAESS) where coblation is used to debulk nasal polyps before microdebridement with a traditional microdebrider technique in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with sinonasal polyps undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed at a tertiary care center on patients with nasal polyposis undergoing ESS between January 2008 and July 2008. The University of Miami CT staging system was used preoperatively to evaluate the extent of sinonasal disease. The duration of surgery, blood loss per minute, total EBL, and demographic data were collected. Results Twenty-one patients underwent nasal polypectomy/ESS using CAESS and 16 patients underwent nasal polypectomy/ESS using microdebridement. The two groups had comparable University of Miami CT staging scores (p>0.05). The average EBL was 307.1+/-169.8 mL using coblation compared with 627.8+/-424.2 mL using microdebridement (p 0.05). The average blood loss per minute was 2.8+/-1.7 mL in the coblation group compared with 4.8+/-2.1 mL in the microdebridement group (p 0.05). Conclusion Coblation-assisted nasal polypectomy/ESS is associated with a statistically significant lower EBL and blood loss per minute when compared with traditional microdebridement technique. Coblation represents a new device that can reduce blood loss in patients with nasal polyposis undergoing traditional revision ESS. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to validate these findings.
The Growth of Gamma Prime Precipitates in Aged Ni-Ti Alloys

The kinetics of growth of the γ′ precipitate in a Ni-8.74 wt pct Ti alloy were studied by magnetic analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The variation of the titanium content of the nickel-rich matrix as a function of aging time was studied by measuring the ferromagnetic Curie temperature of alloys aged at 692°, 593°, and 525°C. The kinetics of this process accurately obeyed the predictions of the Lifshitz-Wagner theory of diffusion controlled coarsening after relatively short aging times at all aging temperatures. Dark-field transmission electron microscopy was used to measure the particle-size distributions and the average particle sizes of samples aged for various times at 692°C. The kinetics of particle growth also obeyed the time law predicted by the Lifshitz-Wagner theory within the limits of experimental error. Additional analysis of the data provided a value of approximately 21 erg per sq cm for the interfacial free energy of the γ′-matrix interface, and a value for the diffusion coefficient of titanium in nickel which is in very good agreement with an independently determined value. The distribution of γ′ particle sizes was found to be significantly broader than the theoretical distribution of the Lifshitz-Wagner theory. It is suggested that this is due to the relatively large lattice parameter mismatch between γ′ and the Ni−Ti matrix. The results and conclusions of this study are critically compared with those of other investigations.
Dantrolene sodium: Effects on isolated cardiac tissues

Abstract The effects of dantrolene sodium on dog Purkinje fibers, cat atrial and ventricular muscles were studied. Action potential duration was significantly increased and contractility was significantly decreased by dantrolene in all three types of tissue. The plateau phase of Purkinje fiber and occasionally atrial action potential was slightly depressed. Dantrolene sodium had no significant effect on resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude or upstroke velocity of phase 0. The negative inotropic effects were most pronounced in Purkinje fibers, followed by atrial muscle while papillary muscles were least sensitive. Contractile force of Purkinje fibers was decreased by relatively the same amount at all frequencies of stimulation. At faster rates, atrial and ventricular muscle contractility was depressed relatively more than at slower rates. Slow response action potentials in cat papillary muscles were diminished slightly, but this effect was not significant. All drug effects took 10 to 15 min to develop, reached a steady state after 30 to 40 min, and were irreversible upon washout. Increasing the extracellular calcium concentration reversed the dantrolene-induced changes. These findings suggest that effects of dantrolene are mediated in part by a decrease in the intracellular free calcium concentration in cardiac tissues.
Trisomy 13q in a case of acute leukemia with lineage inconsistency

A case of acute leukemia has two distinct immature blast lines, lineage inconsistency with CD 4 positivity, and trisomy 13q as the effective cytogenetic abnormality. This case represents another instance of trisomy 13 with acute leukemia developing in a more primitive pluripotent stem cell.
Effect of lattice mismatch on gate lag in high quality InAlN/AlN/GaN HFET structures

Grown lattice matched to GaN, InAlN-based heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) are promising due to the relatively large band discontinuity at the interface and lack of misfit strain. Despite the recent progress in the growth, there still exists some questions as to the true lattice matching condition of InAlN to GaN due to discrepancies in the value of the lattice parameters of the InN binary, as well as the literature value of the InAlN bowing parameters. In order to address this, we used the gate lag as a supplementary measurement to verify lattice matching to the underlying GaN, as strain-free layers would not have piezoelectric charge at the surface, which would be one source of lag. We observe very low lag for a nearly lattice matched barrier, and a marked increase as the composition deviates from the lattice matched condition. Additionally, FETs fabricated on a nearly matched layer boast a maximum drain current of over 1.5 and ∼2.0 A/mm and transconductances of ∼275 and ∼300 mS/mm at DC and in pulsed modes, respectively, and a cutoff frequency of 15.9 GHz (an fT * LG product of 10.3) for a gate length of 0.65 μm.
Autobiographical antecedents and correlates of neuroticism and extraversion

Abstract Biographical data can register differential information about individuals and can invoke a post hoc view of their development. The Autobiographical Data Form was utilized to examine the development and behavioral antecedents associated with neuroticism and extraversion. Subjects were 1030 males and 901 females, all first year college students. Neuroticism was assessed by the total score on the Neuroticism scale of the Maudsley Personality Inventory. Extraversion was similarly assessed by the total score on the Extraversion scale of the same inventory. It was hypothesized that clusters, comprised of items from the Autobiographical Data Form which correlated significantly with each of the criteria, would identify the antecedents. The resulting clusters associated with neuroticism conveyed information about perceived parental expectations and evaluations, mode of disciplinary control, parental affective reactions and family relations. Prior behaviors antedating neuroticism included emotional functions, adjustment modes, psychological needs and social maturity. Physical health, academic performance and attitudes, work and leisure time interests were also identified. With regard to extraversion, 45 clusters resulted, dealing with parental training, standards and socialization practices, intimate behaviors, socioeconomic indicators and relations with important others. Behavioral antecedents of extraversion, were found to be reliance on people, extensive participation in diverse activities and leadership tendencies, self-reliance, inquisitiveness and interests in many subjects. Feelings of self-satisfaction and good health, were likely to be present in the lives of many extraverts.
Neurogenic dysphagia: what is the cause when the cause is not obvious?

The potential causes of neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia in cases in which the underlying neurologic disorder is not readily apparent are discussed. The most common basis for unexplained neurogenic dysphagia may be cerebrovascular disease in the form of either confluent periventricular infacts or small, discrete brainstem stroke, which may be invisible by magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis of occult stroke causing pharyngeal dysphagia should not be overlooked, because this diagnosis carries important treatment implications. Motor neuron disease producing bulbar palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, or a combination of the two can present as gradually progressive dysphagia and dysarthria with little if any limb involvement. Myopathies, especially polymyositis, and myasthenia gravis are potentially treatable disorders that must be considered. A variety of medications may cause or exacerbate neurogenic dysphagia. Psychiatric disorders can masquerade as swallowing apraxia. The basis for unexplained neurogenic dysphagia can best be elucidated by methodical evaluation including careful history, neurologic examination, videofluoroscopy of swallowing, blood studies (CBC, chemistry panel, creatine kinase, B12, thyroid screening, and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies), electromyography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, plus additional procedures such as lumbar puncture and muscle biopsy as indicated. Little is known about aging and neurogenic dysphagia, specifically the relative contributions of natural age-related changes in the oropharynx and of diseases of the elderly, including periventricular MRI abnormalities, in producing dysphagia symptoms and videofluoroscopic abnormalities in this population.
A new IP lookup cache for high performance IP routers

IP lookup is in the critical data path in a high speed router. In this paper, we propose a new on-chip IP cache architecture for a high performance IP lookup. We design the IP cache along two important axes: cache indexing and cache replacement policies. First, we study various hash performance and employ 2-Universal hashing for our IP cache. Second, coupled with our cache indexing scheme, we present a progressive cache replacement policy by considering Internet traffic characteristics. Our experiments with IP traces show that our IP cache reduces the miss ratio by 15% and a small 32KB IP cache can achieve as high as 2Tbps routing throughput.
The excess enthalpies of (carbon dioxide + toluene) at 470.15 and 573.15 K from 7.60 to 12.67 MPa☆

Abstract The excess molar enthalpies H m E [ x CO 2 + (1 − x )C 6 H 5 CH 3 ] were measured in the vicinity of their critical locus and in the supercritical region. Large positive H m E values were observed depending on the compositions, pressures, and temperatures of the mixtures, in contrast to large negative values measured previously at lower temperatures. A modified Redlich-Kwong equation of state was used to correlate H m E over a temperature range of 308.15 to 573.15 K with an average standard deviation of 278 J·mol −1 .
Fructose and oxidized low-density lipoprotein in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot study

Diet changes are a primary lifestyle change recommended in the treatment of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, it is not clear which diet components are the most important to target. In the U.S., the consumption of fructose has increased nearly 50% and, on average, adolescents have a high intake (12% of total daily calories).1 Diets high in fructose are known to increase plasma lipids and oxidative stress2, both areas suspected in NAFLD pathogenesis. Recently, NAFLD patients were found to consume more fructose compared to matched controls.3 Given this and our previous animal studies4, we designed a pilot study evaluating a low-fructose diet in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AXIAL DISPERSION IN LIQUID-PHASE FIXED-BED ADSORPTION OPERATIONS

Abstract Methods are given for computing concentration profiles and breakthrough curves in fixed bed adsorbers for Freundlich and Langmuir equilibria, for cases of zero and non-zero axial dispersion. The methods are limited to situations in which either particle diffusion or external film diffusion is the dominant mass transfer process. By considering parameter values typical of liquid phase systems, it is shown that the values of parameters representing the ratios of mass transfer resistances to the axial dispersion coefficient serve as indicators of whether or not axial dispersion effects are important. Axial dispersion can be significant whenever the particle size and/or flow rate is substantially smaller than usual.
Interpreting the language of histone and DNA modifications

article i nfo A major mechanism regulating the accessibility and function of eukaryotic genomes are the covalent modifications to DNA and histone proteins that dependably package our genetic information inside the nucleus of every cell. Formally postulated over a decade ago, it is becoming increasingly clear that post- translational modifications (PTMs) on histones act singly and in combination to form a language or 'code' that is read by specialized proteins to facilitate downstream functions in chromatin. Underappreciated at the time wasthelevelofcomplexityharboredbothwithinhistonePTMsandtheircombinations,aswellaswithinthepro-
Form follows function : developmental and physiological view on ventricular myocardial architecture

The arrangement of myocytes within the ventricle is critical for its contractile performance, as evidenced by significant functional impairment seen in cardiomyopathies associated with myofiber disarray or post-infarction remodeling. A review on this topic by Anderson and associates provides anatomical insight gained from a multitude of approaches, and concludes that the best concept is that of syncytial continuum with supporting collagenous matrix. The overall arrangement is in the form of several intertwined helices, and the authors find no support for a recently suggested ventricular myocardial band hypothesis. This commentary aims at providing a developmental and physiological perspective on this purely anatomical concept. Unlike some other organ systems, the developing heart has to function since very early stages to support the oxygen and nutrition demands of the growing embryo, thus putting some constraints on heart development. The ventricular myocardial architecture transforms from a single-layered tube through trabeculated stages into a mature form that relies on a multi-layered compact zone. The first evidence of helical patterns is found in trabeculated hearts during ventricular contraction, and layers with different helix pitch develop during later fetal stages as the compact zone thickens. The second major point determining ventricular contraction is the sequence of its electrical activation. The ventricular activation sequence changes concomitantly with its morphology, from slow peristaltoid through base-to-apex pattern found in looped trabeculated hearts, to mature apex-to-base direction. Thus, adult ventricular myocardial architecture is best understood when one also considers the way it developed together with its electrical activation sequence and contraction pattern.
Methylphenidate effects on avoidance learning at two ages in the rat.

Abstract The major purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of methylphenidate on avoidance learning at two ages. The subjects were 96 naive albino rats, equally divided between the sexes. One-half received daily drug administrations beginning at 47 days of age; one-half began at 87 days of age. Both groups were divided into three drug dosage levels (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg) and a distilled water control group. Methylphenidate was administered s.c. for a total of 18 days. Following 3 days of drug administrations only, 10 daily trials on avoidance conditioning were administered approximately 10 min after drugging to a total of 150 trials. The major findings indicated that: (1) no significant difference in avoidance response acquisition was obtained in the comparison between drug and control groups, (2) a dose effect was obtained in that the M 4.5 group made significantly more correct responses than the M 1.5 group, and (3) animals drugged beginning at 87 days made significantly more correct responses than those drugged beginning at 47 days.
Low angle x-ray diffraction and biology

The use of the low-angle x-ray diffraction method in biology is described. Some x-ray diffraction patterns have been known since the early 1930's but, in the last decade, many new patterns, which show more reflections than previously, have been recorded. An interpretation of these improved patterns of biological systems provides detailed information on the molecular structure of living cells. The theory and the current status of the low-angle x-ray diffraction method is presented. A brief account of the x-ray studies on collagen, muscle, nerve and membranes is given. Emphasis is given to the history of ideas underlying progress in this area and the current unsolved problems in this field of biophysical research are indicated and discussed.
Brain Development: Neural Signature Predicts Autism's Emergence

A new study has found that neural sensitivity to eye gaze in early infancy is associated with subsequent development of autism. This discovery provides a much-needed biomarker for autism spectrum disorder prior to emergence of behavioral symptoms.
Device synchronization using an optimal linear filter

Abstract To be convincing and natural, interactive graphics applications must correctly synchronize user motion with rendered graphics and sound output. We present a solution to the synchronization problem that is based on optimal estimation methods and fixed-lag dataflow techniques. A method for discovering and correcting prediction errors using a generalized likelihood approach is also presented. And finally, Music World, a simulated environment employing these ideas, is described.
Fault-tolerance schemes for clusterheads in clustered mesh networks

To improve the overall system performance for distributed systems using mesh as their underlying structure, a hierarchical approach was proposed in [7]. The hierarchical configuration divides the mesh into clusters, thus allowing for processing to occur in small local groups at the lower levels. After local operations, the results are passed to higher logical levels. This method has been shown to be able to significantly reduce the total communication cost for the entire system. This paper is concerned with the hierarchical system's ability to handle node failure. When using a hierarchical configuration, certain nodes in the mesh become more important to the overall system than others. It is important that the hierarchical system have a reorganising mechanism in case of node failure, in such a way that the performance gain from hierarchical configuration is salvaged as much as possible. The work presented in this paper focuses on minimising the loss of performance in the system hierarchy due to the presence of failing nodes. We will propose fault-tolerance schemes for that purpose. The performance results will be compared to that of an ideal, fault-free system. We will present strategies to reconstruct the hierarchy, accommodating to the situation that some nodes in the original hierarchy are not functioning anymore. To that end, new local heads may be selected and local nodes regrouped. We will also present experiment results that examine the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. Examples of both faulty and fault-free hierarchical mesh systems will be tested to quantify how good the proposed schemes are.
Implementation of a time expert in a data base system

This paper reports on the design and implementation of a time expert for a relational data base system. It demonstrates that a sophisticated expert can be written easily and cause minimal performance degradation. As a result, extending a data base system to support user defined data types is an easy operation.
Effect of formation conditions on biochars: Compositional and structural properties of cellulose, lignin, and pine biochars

Abstract The application of biochar to soil has been proposed as a long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide in terrestrial ecosystems while providing improved soil fertility and increased crop production. Because biochar differs from the widely documented activated carbon, initial characterization information on effects of formation conditions on physical and chemical properties of biochar is important prior to its large-scale incorporation into soils. Plant biomass is composed primarily of cellulose and lignin. As a means of predicting biochar characteristics, samples of cellulose, lignin, and pine were charred under a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 250 °C to 500 °C for times ranging from 1 h to 168 h. Mass loss, elemental composition (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen), Fourier transform infrared and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of the biochars produced were compared. Mass loss combined with NMR spectrometry showed that the initial rapid loss of material is attributed to aliphatic components, which are either lost or converted to aromatic carbon early in the charring process, and oxygen was lost more rapidly than carbon. The biomass contains a labile oxygen fraction that is quickly removed or lost upon initial heating, and a recalcitrant oxygen fraction which remains fixed in the char. If biochar is to be incorporated into agricultural soils, formation conditions should be tailored to optimize desirable characteristics, such as recalcitrance to degradation, soil fertility and pollutant sequestration, and minimize less desirable characteristics of degradability or low yield (mass loss).
Role of various tissues in metabolism of C14 labeled priscoline in the rat.

SummaryFurther studies on in vivo and in vitro metabolism of Priscoline are reported. Analyses of tissues, small intestinal contents, plasma, and urine of rats given radioactive Priscoline hydrochloride intravenously showed that almost all of the C14 was recovered as unchanged Priscoline both 1 and 2 hours after injection. Liver, small intestinal contents, and urine contained small but significantly increasing percentages of a 50% methanol soluble radioactive metabolite. About 27% of the C14 in liver was found as this fraction after 2 hours. When rat tissue slices were incubated with radioactive Priscoline under oxygen, liver and kidney took up the highest concentrations of C14. Liver slices metabolized small amounts of the drug to the 50% methanol soluble fraction under aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. There appeared to be no correlation between Qo2 values of tissues and their particular role in the disposal of Priscoline.
Metabolite-Based Biomarkers for Plant Genetics and Breeding

Harnessing the vast genetic potential that exists in wild exotic species and modern crop elite varieties for plant breeding requires the establishment of rapid, predictive tools and concepts to understand the mechanistic basis for traits and to associate traits with genomic or other diagnostic information. This first step enables subsequent crop improvement by breeding and selection, using the diagnostic information to guide plant breeding to combine key traits in improved varieties. In large-scale germplasm – enhancement programs working to develop techniques to associate markers with phenotypes impacting crop quality, phenotyping is the rate-limiting step (Zamir 2001). Commonly, phenotyping of plants requires growing a set of plants and assaying the organs of interest in a time- and cost- intensive process. Current technology links these phenotypes to genetic markers to allow marker-assisted selection. However, recently, metabolomics has emerged as a highly promising approach for prediction of a variety of agronomically important phenotypes of crop plants grown in different environments, and particularly for discovering signature metabolites or biomarkers for traits of interest (Sumner et al. 2003). Biomarkers are used to predict phenotypic properties before these features become apparent and, therefore, are valuable tools for both fundamental and applied research. Diagnostic biomarkers were discovered in medicine many decades ago and are now broadly applied in clinical studies. Although routine in medicine, this approach has only recently received attention in plant biology, specifically in breeding (Steinfath et al. 2010a, b). Such metabolite biomarkers can assist in developing fast, targeted and low-cost diagnostic assays that will facilitate crop breeding programs and quality control by increasing prediction power. At the early selection stages in breeding, when the number of independent lines is high and the number of individual plants per line is limited, the predictive ability of biomarkers can significantly increase the efficiency of selection. In addition, metabolite-based biomarkers can improve marker-assisted approaches, particularly when the prediction power of other molecular markers is limited.
A New Method for the Quantification of Breathing

Quantification of the breath flow and nostril dominance reveals internal physiological cycles. There are very few existing methods for unobtrusive monitoring of the breath flow. In this paper we present a new method for the quantification of breath flow and evaluation of the symmetry of breathing through both nostrils. The system utilizes thermal film to visualize the flow of breath and implements image processing techniques to quantify the flow. We present system design and preliminary results from an experiment with 11 subjects. Preliminary results indicate a good correlation between subjective measure of the nostril dominance and two analyzed parameters - ratio of left/right area and average intensity. The proposed method can be used as a diagnostic tool, for stress monitoring, biofeedback techniques, and circadian rhythm analysis.
PMU placement based on power system characteristics

We present a novel method for placing PMU in power systems based on power system intrinsic characteristics. In the method power system was first analyzed for find out the major or critical interchanges and major load areas, major control systems, critical equipments and power plants in the power system. The overall PMU facilities should provide comprehensive information of line flows, bus conditions, and control actions for power system dispatcher. Then based on coherent characteristics of rotor angles as well as bus voltages, placement of PMU is optimized. All potentially critical-modes, critical bus-clusters and generators are identified by transient stability evaluation and small signal stability analysis, and then PMU are assigned to those critical buses or power plants. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified with a real large-scale power system. PMU placement scheme is being implemented in Northwest China power grid. The proposed approach can also be used to different sized power systems. As the power systems become more populated by PMU, the proposed novel method is a useful and convenient tool for systematic installation of PMU around the network, which may assist system planners in deciding on the location of new PMU installments for better dynamic monitoring and control.
The West German Electoral Law of 1953.

In the spring of 1953, with the approach of the regular parliamentary elections, the West German Bundestag began its deliberations on a new electoral law. The original law of 1949 had been enacted for the sole purpose of electing the first Parliament under the new Bonn Constitution. It was therefore necessary for the expiring Parliament to re-enact the old law, to modify it, or to supersede it with an entirely new system. It soon became apparent that there were wide differences of opinion among the various parties represented in the Bundestag. The Chancellor's party, the Christian Democrats (CDU), presented proposals to establish a single member district system, eliminating proportional representation.' The Social Democrats (SPD) presented a draft which largely re-enacted the 1949 law.2 The official government proposal, which was something of a compromise, leaned very heavily in the direction of the so-called Mehrheitswahl but also had provisions permitting a combination of party lists and additional votes (Hilfsstimmen).3 It bore some similarity to the law which de Gasperi had pushed through the Italian Parliament shortly before this time, but without the same justification.4 The various proposals were discussed on first reading on March 5, 1953, and again on March 18. After the report by the Election Law Committee, amended proposals were again discussed on second and third reading on June 17 and 19 and passed on third reading June 25.5 After the rejection of the draft election law brought forth by the government, discussions focused principally on two proposals, one drafted by the CDU Deputy Scharnberg and the other prepared by the FPD (Free Democratic party) Deputy Onnen. The Scharnberg proposal patently favored the coalition and provided for run-off elections in the event that no candidate in the first election secured a majority. There was also a procedure by which votes for parties could be pooled. After lengthy debate the Onnen draft, which was strongly opposed by the Chancellor and his party, passed the Bundestag on June 26, 1953, by 202 votes to 175.6 In the course of the deliberations, several significant changes were made in the draft proposal, including principally the restrictive clause against splinter parties. The Social Democrats provided the strongest opposition to the original
Identifying long-range structure in the intrinsically unstructured transactivation domain of p53.

Paramagnetic relaxation enhance- ment (PRE) was used to identify a compact dynamic structure for the intrinsically unstructured transac- tivation domain of the tumor suppressor protein, p53. Our results show that p53 residues essential for binding to the ubiquitin ligase, MDM2, and the 70 kDa subunit of replication protein A, RPA70, are separated by an average distance of 10-15 A u .T his result suggests that a more extended member of the ensemble must be populated prior to binding either MDM2 or RPA70. We also show that PRE can be used to detect intermolecular distances between p53 and RPA70. Proteins 2007;67:526-530. V C 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.