cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information Provision, Voter Coordination, and Electoral Accountability: Evidence from Mexican Social Networks

How do social networks moderate the way political information influences electoral accountability? We propose a simple model in which incumbent malfeasance revelations can facilitate coordination around less malfeasant challenger parties in highly connected voter networks, even when voters update favorably about incumbent party malfeasance. We provide evidence from Mexico of this mechanism by leveraging a field experiment in a context where the provision of incumbent malfeasance information increased support for incumbent parties, despite voters continuing to believe that challengers were less malfeasant than incumbents. Combining this experiment with detailed family network data, we show that—consistent with the model—the increase in incumbent party vote share due to information provision was counteracted by coordination around less malfeasant challengers in precincts with greater network connectedness. Individual-level data further demonstrate that networks facilitated explicit and tacit coordination among voters. These findings suggest that networks can help voters coordinate around information to help remove poorly performing politicians.
Berberine decreases plasma triglyceride levels and upregulates hepatic TRIB1 in LDLR wild type mice and in LDLR deficient mice.

TRIB1 is a GWAS locus associated with plasma cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) levels. In mice, liver-specific overexpression of TRIB1 lowers plasma lipid levels. Berberine (BBR) is a natural lipid lowering drug that reduces plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and TG in hyperlipidemic patients and in mice by mechanisms involving upregulation of hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR). Here, we demonstrated that BBR treatment reduced plasma LDL-C, TC and TG in LDLR wildtype (WT) mice fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet and it only lowered TG in LDLR WT mice fed a normal chow diet. In hypercholesterolemic LDLR deficient mice (Ldlr−/−), BBR treatment reduced plasma TG levels by 51% compared to the vehicle control without affecting plasma cholesterol levels. Hepatic gene expression analysis revealed that Trib1 mRNA levels were significantly elevated by BBR treatment in all three mouse models and increases of Trib1 mRNA expression were associated with reduced expression of lipogenic genes including Cebpa, Acc1 and Scd1. In vitro studies further demonstrate that BBR induces TRIB1 mRNA expression by a transcriptional mechanism via ERK signaling pathway. These new findings warrant future in vivo studies to determine the causal role of Trib1 in BBR-mediated TG lowering independent of LDLR regulation.
Contextualizing negative sense of community and disconnection among urban youth of color: “Community…We ain't got that”

We explore the experiences of urban youth of color, as well as perceptions, of feeling disconnected and having an overall negative sense of community (SOC). Drawing on data from 11 focus groups, youth (N = 59) describe their communities and lived experiences. We document several themes put forward through the lens of SOC and community connection that highlight perceived lack of membership, needs fulfillment, influence, and overall emotional connection to their community. Unpacking youth's perceptions of their community, we suggest that-in the face of such realities-community-based organizations, such as those the youth find themselves in, aid in creating connectedness and help heal youth from the effects of social conditions experienced daily.
The Social Awakening and the News: A Progressive Era Movement’s Influence on Journalism and Journalists’ Conceptions of Their Roles

This study examines the relationship of the press to a general awakening of the social consciousness in American society popularly known as the “social awakening” during the last decade of the nine...
Analyzing essays about treating adults with special health care needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Objective Analyze reflection essays written by one graduating class of students after an initial experience in a clinic for adults with special health care needs (SHCN) and intellectual and developmental disabilities, to draw insights from the patterns of observations expressed. Methods Essays were written by students from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine during the 2016-2017 academic year after completing a 1-day clinical experience treating this patient population. Readers identified 18 primary themes (PTs) previously identified in essays written during 2012-2013. Results The PT Complex communicating through third party was identified in 79.4% of essays. Least common were Frustrated patient could not understand (1.9%) and Frustrated patient could not talk (1.9%). Nine PTs were grouped to represent 3 component themes (CTs): CT1 Communication challenges, CT2 Behavioral challenge, and CT3 Altruistic responses. This grouping showed moderate internal reliability. A fourth, CT4 Emotional challenges, was rejected due to low internal reliability. CT1 was most frequently identified, followed by CT3 then CT2. Three PTs were chosen as indicative of desirable outcomes and were labeled outcome themes (OTs): OT1 Willing to see patients with SHCNs after graduation, OT2 Would like more Special Care Clinic (SCC) experiences in the future, and OT3 Looking forward to next SCC experience. Associations between CTs and OTs were not statistically significant, but provided useful insights. Conclusion Reflection essays indicate discussion of strategies to manage behavioral challenges and encouragement of altruistic feelings are both vital in orientation sessions. These topics may be critical to positive student perceptions of the experience.
The Preferred Treatment of Sternoclavicular Joint Infections: A Systematic Review.

The treatment of sternoclavicular joint infection is a topic of controversy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the preferred treatment of sternoclavicular joint infections. A literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE®/Embase databases was conducted to identify publications on the surgical management of sternoclavicular joint infections. Case reports and studies without surgical management were excluded. The outcomes of interest included patient demographics, comorbidities, infectious etiologies, radiographic features, surgical management, and complications. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the subjects was 53.4 years; there was a predominance of males (65%), and a minority of the subjects were obese (15%). The most common infectious etiology was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (48%). CT scan was reported in 46% of cases. The most common treatment was surgical resection of the joints (85%), followed by muscle flap closure of the wounds (54.2%). The complication rate ranged from 0-40%. Specifically, recurrence of infection was low with resection of the joint, followed by muscle flap closure. Given the heterogeneity of the methodology and inconsistency in the outcomes, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Overall, the current literature favors the resection of the sternoclavicular joint as the gold standard treatment. Closure of the wound using muscle flap seems to adequately treat this problem without any major untoward events.
Increased Patient Satisfaction in the Postanesthesia Care Unit with the Implementation of a Controlled Noise Reduction Program.

Abstract Purpose Noise in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is a significant source of postoperative patient discomfort and can affect patient sleep and recovery. Interventions involving structural alterations in the environment reduce noise and improve patient satisfaction; however, there are no studies focusing on staff education as a method to reduce PACU noise. Design We designed and implemented a prospective PACU noise reduction program using education and training to minimize staff contributions to noise. Methods Noise levels, measured hourly with a decibel meter, patient satisfaction, and patient rest were assessed before and after implementation. Findings We found statistically significant decreases in noise levels and increases in patient satisfaction scores after the implementation of our noise reduction project. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that an inexpensive and easily implemented noise reduction program can effectively reduce environmental noise, increase patient satisfaction, and potentially improve recovery.
Social Media Use and Monitoring for Adolescents With Depression and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study of Parent and Child Perspectives.

Background: Although youth report many positive experiences with social media (SM) use in their daily lives, adolescents with depression are more vulnerable to the risks of SM use than adolescents without depression. Parents protect adolescents with depression from the risks of SM use by monitoring their child’s SM activity; however, this comes into conflict with the adolescent’s need for autonomy in their web-based communication. The implications of SM use and monitoring for adolescents with depression and their parents are of particular relevance to the COVID-19 pandemic, as rates of SM use have increased in response to physical distancing measures. Objective: This study aims to explore parent and child perspectives regarding the use and function of SM in the daily lives of adolescents with depression and parents’ perceptions of and experience with monitoring their child’s SM use. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with adolescents with depression (n=23) and one parent of each adolescent (n=23) between July 2013 and September 2014. The adolescents were patients seeking treatment for depression in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Data analysis included dyadic analysis of the adolescents’ and parents’ perspectives and qualitative descriptions of individual parent interviews to explore their experiences with SM use and monitoring. The construct of parental knowledge and factors hypothesized to contribute to parental knowledge, including adolescent disclosure, parental solicitation, and parental control, were used to guide the codebook and dyadic data analysis. Results: Dyadic analyses showed that parents and their children disagreed on the use and function of SM in the daily lives of adolescents with depression, with adolescents viewing SM as a forum for honest expression of their emotions, whereas parents felt that their children’s posts were inconsequential and interfered with the adolescents’ lives. Furthermore, parents reported using a wide range of strategies to gain knowledge of their child’s SM use to monitor their safety on SM, including direct solicitation and indirect solicitation, such as keeping the child's passwords, asking friends or siblings about their child's SM use, and restricting SM behavior and access to devices. Conclusions: Clinicians should support adolescents with depression and their parents in finding common ground for an effective and acceptable monitoring approach. Resources are provided for clinicians navigating conversations about SM use and monitoring with adolescents with depression and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessing Required Rework in a Design Reuse Scenario

Reuse of proven designs is a common practice in complex engineering systems. However, contextual differences between missions or products - that is, differences in objectives, destinations, environments, and constraints - mean that design reuse can rarely be a "copy and paste" effort. Some amount of rework can be expected to adapt designs from their native or original missions to new missions of interest. This paper develops a generalized process-driven approach for assessing the required rework effort to adapt a given design for a new mission or system. A more structured approach than what is available in the literature and practice, to date, is presented. The paper also describes how the process may be implemented primarily using SysML within an MBSE environment and thereby leverage the significant benefits of MBSE namely, digitizing and centralizing system information, and facilitating reuse via superior storage and access to information. The resulting process forms part of a larger MBSE Reuse Methodology for supporting system architects in making design reuse decisions.
Hubble Space Telescope Spectrophotometry and Models for Solar Analogs

Absolute flux distributions for seven solar analog stars are measured from 0.3 to 2.5 μ mb yHubble Space Telescope (HST) spectrophotometry. In order to predict the longer wavelength mid-IR fluxes that are required for James Webb Space Telescope calibration, the HST spectral energy distributions are fit with Castelli & Kurucz model atmospheres; and the results are compared with fits from the MARCS model grid. The rms residuals in 10 broadband bins are all <0.5% for the best fits from both model grids. However, the fits differ systematically: the MARCS fits are 40–100 K hotter inTeff, 0.25–0.80 higher in log g, 0.01–0.10 higher in log z, and 0.008–0.021 higher in the reddening E(B − V ), probably because their specifications include different metal abundances. Despite these differences in the parameters of the fits, the predicted mid-IR fluxes differ by only ∼1%; and the modeled flux distributions of these G stars have an estimated ensemble accuracy of 2% out to 30 μm.
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Lung Transplant Using Radiofrequency Ablation to the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (Stretta Procedure)

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction after lung transplant. Treating GERD after lung transplant has been shown to improve lung allo...
Chronic venous disease increases placental villous angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and villous cell apoptosis

Objective To investigate the changes of key factors such as placental villi and lymph vessels in chronic venous disease (CVD) during pregnancy. Methods According to the CEAP classification criteria, tissues of CVD patients were collected, and was divided into control group and CVD group. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA level of CD31, D2-4, fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT-1), placental growth factor (PlGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) in placental tissues. Immohistochemical staining was performed to measure the expression level of CD31, D2-40, FLT-1, PlGF, HIF-1α, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-related X protein (BAX), caspase 3 and caspase-9. The change in average number of syncytiotrophoblast cell nodes in placental villi was observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining was used to detect the PAS-positive substances in placental villi. Results Compared with the control group, the average numbers of placenta villi, syncytiotrophoblast cell nodes, syncytiotrophoblast cell nodes/villi and the connection bridges between villi of the average syncytrotrophoblast cells increased significantly in the CVD group, while the average number of fibrinoid necrosis showed no significant changes. The mRNA levels of CD31, D2-40, FLT-1, PlGF, and HIF-1α in the CVD group also increased significantly, and the proportion of villi cells positive of BAX, caspase-3 and caspase-9 rose significantly, while that of villi cells positive positive of Bcl2 showed no obvious change. CVD group also reported a marked increase in the number of blood vessels positive of CD31, D2-40, FLT-1 and PlGF. The expression level of HIF-1α in syncytiotrophoblast cells, cytotrophoblast cells and fetal capillary villi increased significantly in the CVD group. The percentage of placenta with PAS positive substances observed an increase in the villi, in comparison to the control group. Conclusion The production of blood vessels and lymph vessels increased in the placental villi of patients with CVD, coupled with an accelerated apoptosis of villi cells. Meanwhile, CVD patients show an impaired function of placental villi and obstructed gas exchange between mother and infant.
Case 77: Technical Staff must be Well Trained

You have been working for a year in Northern Angola as the only anesthesiologist in a Lutheran Mission hospital. Today is a big day as the hospital has just received a new Apollo Anesthesia Workstation. You know this machine as you have worked with a similar machine in Hamburg, Germany. The instructions are in English and German. Your anesthesia technician/nurse speaks only Portuguese, but your Portuguese is reasonable and you spend several hours going over the machine with him. Since the technician/nurse has never seen a disposable CO2 absorber (Clic Absorber 800+), you spend time explaining and showing him how to attach it to the machine. (See picture below). You also tell her that prior to insertion of the CO2 absorber, the red cap that is covering the inlet must be removed. The red cap is there to keep the soda-lime dry (Fig. 77.1).
American technological assistance, technology transfers and Taiwan’s drive for defense self-sufficiency

American technological assistance and a plentiful supply of hard currency have enabled Taiwan to make impressive strides in its campaign for defenses self-sufficiency. This study examines American’s support for Taiwan’s drive for defense self-sufficiency. It outlines present American policy on Taiwan’s arms development, explores recent progress in its weapons research and development program, and discusses potential benefits and liabilities that such a program may pose for the United States. In conclusion, it explains why continuing the present policy is in the best interests of the United States.
Galaxy Motions in The Nearby Universe

In this paper we review the history of the search for and study of the motions of nearby galaxies with respect to the Hubble Flow. The current status of the field is that (1) convincing infall has been detected into dense clusters, especially the Virgo cluster, (2) the microwave background direction is moderately well aligned with the measured flow nearby but not apparently on larger scales, and (3) there is good but not perfect consistency between the nearby density fields and velocity fields. Particular problems exist in the different required to fit the density field derived from optically selected and IRAS (60µ) selected galaxy samples.
Research Spotlight: Potential pathways of radioactive contaminants to surface waters

[1] From the 1940s to the end of the Cold War, the U.S. Department of Energy maintained production facilities for manufacturing nuclear weapons along the Columbia River north of Richland, Wash. Known as the Hanford Site, the Rhode Island–sized area contains more than 53 million gallons of radioactive waste and is the location of a massive environmental cleanup. Of particular concern is that when the facility was active, fluids containing 33–59 tons of uranium were discharged into the shallow subsurface aquifer underneath Hanford. Studies suggest that this pollution is pervasively moving with the groundwater in the direction of the Columbia River. (Water Resources Research, doi:10.1029/2010WR009110, 2010)
Party Pressure in the U.S. State Legislatures

We extend Ansolabehere, Snyder, and Stewart's (2001) method of measuring party influence over roll-call voting to the comparative state legislative context. Examining 27 state lower chambers, we find that overall parties exert detectable influence on 44% of all roll calls and 69% of close votes, but that the incidence of party influence varies strongly across chambers. Taking advantage of the comparative leverage the state context brings, we find that party influence responds significantly to measures of legislative careerism and state socioeconomic diversity, with majority size playing some role. The effect of preference polarization is complicated and conditioned by challenges facing the legislature, and we find results both challenging and conditionally supporting the conditional party government account.
Stateful contracts for affine types

Affine type systems manage resources by preventing some values from being used more than once. This offers expressiveness and performance benefits, but difficulty arises in interacting with components written in a conventional language whose type system provides no way to maintain the affine type system's aliasing invariants. We propose and implement a technique that uses behavioral contracts to mediate between code written in an affine language and code in a conventional typed language. We formalize our approach via a typed calculus with both affine-typed and conventionally-typed modules. We show how to preserve the guarantees of both type systems despite both languages being able to call into each other and exchange higher-order values.
Oligonucleotide Pharmacotherapy: An Antigene Strategy

Oligonucleotide pharmacotherapy, although in a very preliminary stage, promises to provide new, highly specific tools for the treatment of human diseases, such as viral illnesses and cancer. The agents have several proposed mechanisms of action, including inhibition of translation, splicing, and transcription. In addition, the bioefficacy of oligonucleotides may be enhanced by phosphorothioates, methylphosphonates, and alpha-oligonucleotides. The agents are delivered by the ex vivo or topical route, and new methods of administration are under study. It is predicted that within the decade these agents will be used routinely to treat several serious illnesses.
Aspirin Activation of Eosinophils and Mast Cells: Implications in the Pathogenesis of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Reactions to aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) are triggered when constraints upon activated eosinophils, normally supplied by PGE2, are removed secondary to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition. However, the mechanism driving the concomitant cellular activation is unknown. We investigated the capacity of aspirin itself to provide this activation signal. Eosinophils were enriched from peripheral blood samples and activated with lysine ASA (LysASA). Parallel samples were stimulated with related nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Activation was evaluated as Ca2+ flux, secretion of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) release. CD34+ progenitor-derived mast cells were also used to test the influence of aspirin on human mast cells with measurements of Ca2+ flux and PGD2 release. LysASA induced Ca2+ fluxes and EDN release, but not CysLT secretion from circulating eosinophils. There was no difference in the sensitivity or extent of activation between AERD and control subjects, and sodium salicylate was without effect. Like eosinophils, aspirin was able to activate human mast cells directly through Ca2+ flux and PGD2 release. AERD is associated with eosinophils maturing locally in a high IFN-γ milieu. As such, in additional studies, eosinophil progenitors were differentiated in the presence of IFN-γ prior to activation with aspirin. Eosinophils matured in the presence of IFN-γ displayed robust secretion of both EDN and CysLTs. These studies identify aspirin as the trigger of eosinophil and mast cell activation in AERD, acting in synergy with its ability to release cells from the anti-inflammatory constraints of PGE2.
Assortative mating in mice. Iii. Genetic determination of female mating preference.

Females from the inbred strains BALB/Ibg and DBA/Ibg and females from the reciprocal crosses between these strains, which were fostered by BALB/Ibg and DBA/Ibg males, were tested for mating preference between BALB/Ibg and DBA/Ibg males. The tests included the use of both the standard and the tubetechnique methods. In these strains, it was found that the main determinant of female mating preference was the genotype of the foster father. Females reared by DBA/Ibg males had a tendency for negative mating preference, whereas females reared by BALB/Ibg did not. The genotype of the mothers had some effect on the degree of the preference. Females reared by BALB/Ibg mothers had somewhat lower preference for BDA/Ibg males than did daughters' of BDA/Ibg females. The effect of the female's own genotype on mating preference was found to be only minor in a comparison done between these strains and their F 1 crosses which had been raised by foster parents of the same genotype.
Dual imbeddings and wrapped quasi-coverings of graphs

This paper gives a new method for constructing imbeddings of graphs which are ''nearly'' coverings of given imbedded graphs. The method is based on the dual theories of current graphs and voltage graphs. Some applications are given, in particular the following theorem: Let G be any graph which has a triangular imbedding in the sphere. Then there are infinitely many integers n for which the composition G[nK"1] has a triangular (orientable surface) imbedding.
Propulsion of droplets on micro- and sub-micron ratchet surfaces in the Leidenfrost temperature regime

Spatially periodic systems with localized asymmetric surface structures (ratchets) can induce directed transport of matter (liquid/particles) in the absence of net force. Here, we show that propulsion for the directed motion of water droplets levitating on heated ratchet surfaces in the Leidenfrost (film boiling) regime is significantly enhanced as the ratchet period decreases down to micro- and sub-micrometers. At the temperature range slightly above the threshold temperature of droplet motion, sub-micron ratchets yield water droplet velocities reaching ~40 cm/s, a speed that has never been achieved with any chemical and topological gradient surfaces. This dramatic increase in the droplet velocity is attributed to an enhanced heat transfer through the local contacts between ratchet peaks and bottom of the droplet. A hydrophobic coating on the ratchet surfaces is found to further increase the droplet velocity and decrease the threshold temperature of the droplet motion. The results suggest that miniaturized ratchet surfaces can potentially be used in diverse applications requiring control over fluid transport and heat transfer such as two phase cooling systems for microprocessors and fuel injection for combustion technology and that for those applications the design of ratchet dimensions and surface chemistry are critically important.
Halogenated hydrocarbon and hydroperoxide-induced peroxidation in rat tissue slices.

Abstract Tissue slices were used to compare relative peroxidation capacity of bromotrichloromethane (BrCCl3) and t-butyl hydroperoxide (BHP) by measurement of both peroxidation products and biochemical indices of damage. In liver and testes slices, BHP increased thiobarbituric acid reactive-substances (TBARS) and total aldehydes, measured as cyclohexanedione-reactive substances (CHDRS), to a greater extent than did an equimolar amount of BrCCl3. GSH was decreased more by BHP than by BrCCl3. Neither compound released lactate dehydrogenase or glutamic-pyruvicf transaminase from liver slices. Treatment of rats with cynamide, an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, increased the total CHDRS in liver slices and medium after incubation with BHP or BrCCl3. HPLC of the CHDRS showed hexanal and propanal increased to the greatest extent. The hydroperoxide, BHP, which does not require metabolism to an active species, was a better initiator of peroxidation than the halogenated hydrocarbon, BrCCl3, which must be metabolized to a radical species before it can initiate peroxidation.
Interaction of external conditions with the internal flowfield in liquid rocket engines - A computational study

Computational studies have been conducted to examine the capability of a CFD code by simulating the steady state thrust chamber internal flow. The SSME served as the sample case, and significant parameter profiles are presented and discussed. Performance predictions from TDK, the recommended JANNAF reference computer program, are compared with those from PHOENICS to establish the credibility of its results. The investigation of an overexpanded nozzle flow is particularly addressed since it plays an important role in the area ratio selection of future rocket engines. Experience gained during this uncompleted flow separation study and future steps are outlined.
An adaptive redundancy protocol for mesh based multicasting

Mesh-based multicast routing protocols for multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks (MANETs) build multiple paths from senders to receivers. Higher redundancy results in higher reliability because packets can be delivered even in the presence of links breaking. However, in less dynamic environments, in which links break less frequently, the additional redundancy may not be needed in terms reliability and may significantly increase overhead. This paper investigates the tradeoffs between reliability and efficiency in mesh-based multicast protocols for MANETs. We introduce an adaptive mesh-based multicast mechanism that controls mesh redundancy based on link reliability in the neighborhood of the node. Mesh redundancy is measured by the number of paths from each receiver to the core of the group's mesh, which serves as the address of the group. We introduce a metric called Mesh Reliability Index (MRI), which allows nodes to estimate the reliability of the mesh in their neighborhood, and determine whether redundancy needs to be increased or decreased. Through simulations, we compare the performance of the adaptive mesh-building protocol against the non-adaptive version (which builds the mesh with maximum redundancy), and against ODMRP for a wide range of scenarios with varying mobility, group members, number of senders, traffic load, number of multicast groups and terrain size. Our results show that adjusting mesh redundancy based on link reliability can maintain high packet delivery ratios with less overhead compared to non-adaptive mesh-based multicast protocols.
Electrically induced affective attack from the hypothalamus of the albino rat

Electrically induced mouse killing was elicited by stimulation of the anterior lateral hypothalamus. Rats learned to press a bar to escape current levels that yielded attack. Attack latencies increased as test chamber size increased. With repeated testing sessions the vigor and amount of aggression decreased and somtimes disappeared with no corresponding decrease in escape behavior.
Immobilized enzyme electron spin resonance: a method for detecting enzymatically generated transient radicals.

The study of enzymatically generated, transient radicals provides valuable information about radical reactivity as well as enzyme function. ESR methods to detect transient radicals are generally based on continuous flow and have the potential to consume large quantities of enzyme, substrate, and buffer. Experimental approaches have been pursued to minimize sample volumes, although none have made the continuous-flow ESR approach generally applicable for enzymes and substrates available in limited quantities. We have developed an alternative approach to the traditional continuous-flow ESR method that provides the same high-resolution ESR spectra, but does not consume large quantities of enzyme, substrate, or buffer. The method utilizes enzyme immobilized onto an inert substrate packed directly into an ESR flat cell. Flowing substrate solution over the immobilized enzyme generates in situ, transient radicals, which can then be observed on the submillisecond time scale. We have termed this method “immobilized...
Scene To Scene Radiometric Normalization Of The Reflected Bands Of The Landsat Thematic Mapper

A technique for radiometric normalization of images of the same area acquired on different dates is discussed. The technique accounts for illumination and atmospheric variations between the scenes. Statistical analysis of segmented scene elements is used to generate band by band transformation functions. Examples are presented where Thematic Mapper subscenes (512 x 512 pixels) from 1982 and 1984 are normalized for each reflective band. Analysis of the transformed images indicates that the residual radiometric error after the transform is of the order of one reflectance value. Examples of the utility of the technique for change detection, environmental assessment, and as a general preprocessing technique for scene classification and analysis are discussed.
Student attitudes toward economic pluralism: survey-based evidence

A university education should enable and improve students’ cognitive abilities. An effective curriculum can help achieve this objective. Teaching that economics is more than just neoclassicism, for example, could aid the transition to higher stages of cognition. That said, even erstwhile supporters are sometimes reluctant to take this step for fear that students may become confused. Also open to question is how much students really develop an ability to select among various paradigms, or if they simply exit a course with their professor’s biases. To answer these questions, a survey was conducted among students enrolled in several sections of a Contending Perspectives in Economics course. The data suggest that, far from being disillusioned, they exit the course with great enthusiasm and increased confidence, although somewhat influenced by the instructor’s school of thought.
What have we really learned from ‘LIBERATE’ trial?

LIBERATE trial reports that Tibolone use increases the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients with vasomotor symptoms. However, there are some uncertainties and weak points in the study. Emerged questions are if interpretation of the results could be extrapolated to all breast cancer patients or there are specific subgroups that could use Tibolone without increasing relapse rate.
Human Cytomegalovirus pUL79 Is an Elongation Factor of RNA Polymerase II for Viral Gene Transcription

In this study, we have identified a unique mechanism in which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) protein pUL79 acts as an elongation factor to direct cellular RNA polymerase II for viral transcription during late times of infection. We and others previously reported that pUL79 and its homologues are required for viral transcript accumulation after viral DNA synthesis. We hypothesized that pUL79 represented a unique mechanism to regulate viral transcription at late times during HCMV infection. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the proteome associated with pUL79 during virus infection by mass spectrometry. We identified both cellular transcriptional factors, including multiple RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) subunits, and novel viral transactivators, including pUL87 and pUL95, as protein binding partners of pUL79. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) followed by immunoblot analysis confirmed the pUL79-RNAP II interaction, and this interaction was independent of any other viral proteins. Using a recombinant HCMV virus where pUL79 protein is conditionally regulated by a protein destabilization domain ddFKBP, we showed that this interaction did not alter the total levels of RNAP II or its recruitment to viral late promoters. Furthermore, pUL79 did not alter the phosphorylation profiles of the RNAP II C-terminal domain, which was critical for transcriptional regulation. Rather, a nuclear run-on assay indicated that, in the absence of pUL79, RNAP II failed to elongate and stalled on the viral DNA. pUL79-dependent RNAP II elongation was required for transcription from all three kinetic classes of viral genes (i.e. immediate-early, early, and late) at late times during virus infection. In contrast, host gene transcription during HCMV infection was independent of pUL79. In summary, we have identified a novel viral mechanism by which pUL79, and potentially other viral factors, regulates the rate of RNAP II transcription machinery on viral transcription during late stages of HCMV infection.
Theoretical vibrations of carbon chains C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9

The MBPT (2) procedure with the 6-31g (asterisk) basis set was used to study nearly linear carbon chains. The theoretical vibrational frequencies of the molecules C3 through C9 are presented and, for C3 through C6, compared to experimental stretching frequencies and their (C-13)/(C-12) isotopomers. Predictions for C7, C8, and C9 stretching frequencies are calculated by directly scaling the theoretical frequencies with factors derived from experimental-to-theoretical ratios known for the smaller molecules.
Rates of formation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in mild chronic bovine hypervitaminosis A.

Abstract Ventriculocisternal perfusion (VCP) of eight control and six chronic hypervitaminotic A Holstein male calves was conducted to estimate the rates of formation \( V ˙ f \) and bulk absorption (inulin clearance, C In ) that are associated with the lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures observed in experimental hypervitaminosis A. The control and hypervitaminotic A calves received 108 and 10,800 μ g of retinol (as vitamin A acetate)/kg live wt/day and were 147 and 146±2 days of age, weighed 103 and 89±10kg with plasma vitamin A concentrations of 29.6 and 125.0μg/100ml, respectively. Initial intraventricular (IV) CSF pressures relative to the site of IV cannulation were -13 and -55mm of synthetic CSF for the control and hypervitaminotic A groups, respectively. V ˙ f , in grams per minute, was unaffected by the imposed perfusion pressure and equalled 0.342±0.059 for the control calves and 0.236±0.059 for the hypervitaminotic A calves. Regression of C In in g/min on imposed perfusion pressure (0 or +200mm of synthetic CSF) relative to the initial IV pressure, X, for the control calves was: C In = 0.324 + 0.00159 X±0.095 and for the hypervitaminotic A calves, C In = 0.322 + 0.00212 X±0.095. The lower CSF pressure of the chronic hypervitaminotic A calf is apparently due in part to a reduced rate of formation of CSF and possibly to a decreased resistance to bulk absorption.
Effect of vitamin B12, folate, and dietary supplements on breast carcinoma chemotherapy--induced mucositis and neutropenia.

BACKGROUND Although patients with malignant disease frequently use dietary supplements, the effects of these agents with regard to chemotherapy are unclear. Therefore, the authors investigated the influence of vitamin B12, folate, and nutritional supplements on chemotherapy-induced toxicity. METHODS Women with breast carcinoma were asked to complete a questionnaire that recorded their use of dietary supplements. Blood samples were obtained for the assessment of serum vitamin B12 and folate levels before and after the first cycle of chemotherapy and for weekly complete blood counts. Toxicity was evaluated by measuring absolute neutrophil counts and the frequency and severity of oral mucositis. RESULTS Of the 49 women who submitted questionnaires, 35 (71%) took a combined total of 165 supplements. Compared with patients in a previous study (performed in 1990), patients in the current study had dramatically increased serum folate levels. Initial neutrophil count, but not type of chemotherapy, patient age, or serum vitamin B12 level, was predictive of nadir absolute neutropenia and the decrease from initial neutrophil count to nadir (Nfall). After adjusting for initial neutrophil count, Nfall was found to be lower for women who were taking supplements compared with women who were not taking supplements (P = 0.01) and for women who were taking multivitamins (P = 0.01) or vitamin E (P = 0.03). Women with serum folic acid levels < 20 ng/mL had a smaller decrease in neutrophil count after chemotherapy than did women with higher folate levels (P = 0.04). No significant association between oral mucositis and initial neutrophil count, nadir neutrophil count, Nfall, age, vitamin B12 level, or folate level was found. CONCLUSIONS The decrease in neutrophil count caused by chemotherapy was ameliorated by dietary supplementation with a multivitamin or vitamin E. In contrast, high serum folate levels were associated with the exacerbation of this decrease in neutrophil count. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Waves, circulation and vertical dependence

Longuet-Higgins and Stewart (J Fluid Mech 13:481–504, 1962; Deep-Sea Res 11:529–562, 1964) and later Phillips (1977) introduced the problem of waves incident on a beach, from deep to shallow water. From the wave energy equation and the vertically integrated continuity equation, they inferred velocities to be Stokes drift plus a return current so that the vertical integral of the combined velocities was nil. As a consequence, it can be shown that velocities of the order of Stokes drift rendered the advective term in the momentum equation negligible resulting in a simple balance between the horizontal gradients of the vertically integrated elevation and wave radiation stress terms; the latter was first derived by Longuet-Higgins and Stewart. Mellor (J Phys Oceanogr 33:1978–1989, 2003a), noting that vertically integrated continuity and momentum equations were not able to deal with three-dimensional numerical or analytical ocean models, derived a vertically dependent theory of wave–circulation interaction. It has since been partially revised and the revisions are reviewed here. The theory is comprised of the conventional, three-dimensional, continuity and momentum equations plus a vertically distributed, wave radiation stress term. When applied to the problem of waves incident on a beach with essentially zero turbulence momentum mixing, velocities are very large and the simple balance between elevation and radiation stress gradients no longer prevails. However, when turbulence mixing is reinstated, the vertically dependent radiation stresses produce vertical velocity gradients which then produce turbulent mixing; as a consequence, velocities are reduced, but are still larger by an order of magnitude compared to Stokes drift. Nevertheless, the velocity reduction is sufficient so that elevation set-down obtained from a balance between elevation gradient and radiation stress gradients is nearly coincident with that obtained by the aforementioned papers. This paper includes four appendices. The first appendix demonstrates the numerical process by which Stokes drift is excluded from the turbulence stress parameterization in the momentum equation. A second appendix determines a bottom slope criterion for the application of linear wave relations to the derivation of the wave radiation stress. The third appendix explores the possibility of generalizing results by non-dimensionalization. The final appendix applies the basic theory to a problem introduced by Bennis and Ardhuin (J Phys Oceanogr 41:2008–2012, 2011).
Parent-caregiver communication and quality of care in diverse child care settings

The relationship between parent-caregiver communication and child care quality was investigated in 12 child care centers representing different types of sponsorship. Perceptions of one-way (school to home communication), two-way (school and home communication exchanges), and three-way (exchanges between school, home, and a community resource) communication patterns were determined by questionnaire responses of 201 parents and 49 caregivers in 4 each of subsidized, contracted subsidized, and nonsubsidized child care settings. Compared to parents, caregivers rated all forms of parent-caregiver communication as more frequently occurring and as more important. Greater frequency of communication was associated with increased importance of communication for each mode. Frequency of parentcaregiver communication and quality of child care were positively correlated. Nonsubsidized private profit centers were of lower quality and respondents reported less frequent parent-caregiver communications than in contracted subsidized and subsidized programs.
Radiation damage of alkoxy and siloxy ligands bonded to silica.

The pattern of radiation-induced bond dissociation in alkoxy and siloxy ligands bonded to silica was studied using EPR spectroscopy. Bond-specific damage to ligands was deduced from observation of grafted and physisorbed radicals. Our results show that ligand damage predominates over desorption of ligands from the surface and are consistent with studies of radiation-induced modification of self-assembled monolayers on various types of substrates. Dissociation of C−H bonds is the dominant process, followed by C−C dissociation. In siloxy ligands losses of hydrogen atoms and alkyl groups were both major processes. Direct excitation of dissociative excited states of the organic ligands and ionization are both important damage mechanisms.
Increases in mercury emissions from desert soils in response to rainfall and irrigation

As part of an international Hg flux intercomparison at the Steamboat Springs, Nevada, geothermal area, several dynamic soil flux chambers and micrometeorological gradient systems were operated over desert soils in early September 1997. A series of unanticipated convective rain cells impacted the site with the first rainfall in {approximately}90 days, and the initial 4-cm rainfall increased soil moisture from {approximately}0.01 to 0.06{percent} (vol/vol). Several chambers were operating prior to the events, and two were deployed over wet soils following rainfall. Rainfall resulted in an immediate and steep rise in ambient air Hg concentrations and soil Hg emissions which persisted for 12{endash}24 hours. Fluxes increased most quickly and to a greater degree over the wettest soils, and the rate of increase was related to chamber design and flushing rate. The flux response was also apparent in the micrometeorological data. In general, soil emissions increased by an order of magnitude following the rain, and reached levels {approximately}6 times above those at the same time the previous day. These fluxes were significantly correlated with temperature, radiation, humidity, wind speed, and soil moisture. After drying for {approximately}40 hours, selected soil plots were manually irrigated with low-Hg-distilled water. Mercury emissions responded similarly across the threemore » treated sites, uniformly increasing from {approximately}60 ng m{sup {minus}2} h{sup {minus}1} pretreatment to {approximately}650 ng m{sup {minus}2} h{sup {minus}1} posttreatment, which was a factor of {approximately}6 higher than adjacent control soils. Possible causes of the increases in flux include soil gas displacement, desorption of Hg{degree} by water molecules, and desorption of Hg(II) and subsequent reduction in solution. The kinetics of the flux response, combined with local soil and climatic conditions, suggest that Hg emissions were responding primarily to soil moisture and solar radiation. These data have interesting implications for the role of changing regional climates on biogeochemical cycling of Hg.« less
Relaxation of a System of Particles with Coulomb Interactions

The relaxation to a Maxwellian distribution of a system of particles interacting through inverse-square-law forces is investigated in the approximation of two-particle interactions resulting in small-angle deflections of particle trajectories. The time required for the relaxation of the distribution in the neighborhood of the average energy is found to agree with the self-collision time defined by Spitzer. The time required for the distribution to become Maxwellian throughout the range from zero energy to several times the average energy is found to be nearly ten times the self-collision time. Filling of the high-energy portion of the Maxwell distribution is also discussed.
Further studies of the atmospheric temperature change produced by the Mt. Agung volcanic eruption in 1963

Abstract Monthly mean geopotential data at five tropical stations for the period 1959–1969 have been used to estimate the vertical distribution of tropospheric temperature change associated with the Mt. Agung volcanic eruption in March 1963. The estimate is that tropospheric temperature decreased by up to 1K with the maximum cooling occurring between August 1964 and August 1965, it is complicated by sea surface temperature changes. It is suggested that the change occurs either directly, by absorption of nearinfrared radiation by the stratospheric aerosol leading to less gaseous absorption and less heating in the troposphere, or indirectly by absorption of solar radiation and a concomitant decrease in evaporation and latent heat release in the troposphere.