cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power within Parties: The Strength of the Local Party and MP Independence in Postcommunist Europe

This study argues that organizationally stronger local party branches are more powerful within the party than organizationally weaker branches: they can better perform the tasks central to the party, which include communication with, and mobilization of, voters. I further argue that this subunit power should be manifested in the parliamentary behavior and status of MPs: those from districts where the local party organization is strong are more likely (1) to behave independently in parliament and break party unity and (2) to hold leadership positions in parliamentary committees. I find support for these propositions in the analysis of 12 legislatures from four postcommunist democracies—Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, and Poland. The results remain robust against various alternative explanations.
Stabilized virtual buffer (SVB) - an active queue management scheme for Internet quality-of-service

We present a virtual queue-based active queue management (AQM) scheme, called stabilized virtual buffer (SVB). The SVB scheme uses the packet arrival rate and queue length information to drop/mark packets probabilistically in a congested Internet router. System goodput, packet loss rate, average queue length, and stability of the queue are used to compare the proposed SVB scheme with prior AQM schemes (RED - random early detection; REM - random exponential marking; AVQ - adaptive virtual queue). Simulation results indicate that the SVB algorithm can provide better goodput and lower loss rate than the other three AQMs. The most striking feature of the proposed scheme is its robustness to workload fluctuations in maintaining a stable queue for different workload mixes (short and long flows) and parameter settings.
Experimental Investigation and Mathematical Modeling of Cold Cap Behavior in High‐Level‐Waste Glass Melter

The cold cap is a layer of reacting melter feed floating on the surface of molten glass in a glass-melting furnace. The cold cap consists of two distinct portions, of which the upper allows the reaction gases to escape through open pores, whereas the lower portion traps the gases within the continuous glass-forming melt, creating foam. The temperature span over the cold cap is ~1000 K. Data needed to simulate the cold cap mathematically include the kinetics of multiple reactions, reaction enthalpies, heat capacity, density, porosity, and heat conductivity as functions of both the temperature and the rate of heating. These data were produced via crucible experiments. The mathematical model has been completed. It relates the cold cap thickness, the rate of melting, the temperature field, and cold cap structure (foaming, dissolution of quartz particles, and formation and subsequent dissolution of crystalline phases, such as spinel) to the cold cap bottom temperature, the fraction of heat flow to the upper cold cap surface, the melt foaminess, and the chemical and physical nature of melter feed materials. To verify the model, cold caps were produced in a laboratory-scale melter and their structure is currently investigated.
Hyperpolarized Carbon‐13 MRI and MRS Studies

Imaging of hyperpolarized nuclei provides significant new insights into previously inaccessible aspects of disease biology. Many of the biomolecules crucial for understanding and monitoring metabolism are present in low concentration and are often beyond the detection threshold of traditional magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. A solution is to improve sensitivity by a factor of 10 000 or more by temporarily redistributing the populations of nuclear spins in a magnetic field, a process termed hyperpolarization. Nuclei such as 13C in metabolically active biomolecules can be hyperpolarized, providing unprecedented gains in sensitivity for imaging biologic compounds. Although the first US National Cancer Institute-sponsored white paper describing the potential of this new molecular imaging technique was published only 3 years ago, over 60 biomolecules have been polarized and tested in preclinical studies. Moreover, a phase 1 clinical trial of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate in prostate cancer patients has demonstrated that this powerful technology can be translated to the clinic. This review is focused on the dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-based polarization technique and summarizes the acquisition techniques used for hyperpolarized 13C imaging, in vivo applications of some of the most promising hyperpolarized 13C labeled biomolecules, and its clinical translation. Keywords: hyperpolarized dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP); carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI); pyruvate; lactate; metabolic imaging; molecular imaging
Serotonin transporter inhibition attenuates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia without compromising L-DOPA efficacy in hemi-parkinsonian rats

Long-term dopamine replacement therapy with l-DOPA in Parkinson’s disease often leads to the development of abnormal involuntary movements known as l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Growing evidence suggests that, following dopamine cell loss, serotonin neurons acting as surrogates for dopaminergic processes take up l-DOPA, convert it to dopamine and release it in an unregulated fashion that precipitates dyskinesia. Although most studies have focused on serotonin 5-HT1 receptor stimulation as an antidyskinetic strategy, targeting the serotonin transporter modulation of dopamine activity has been overlooked. Therefore, in the current study, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were tested for their ability to reduce l-DOPA- and apomorphine-induced dyskinesia. In Experiments 1 and 2, hemi-parkinsonian rats were primed with l-DOPA until stable dyskinesia developed. Rats in Experiment 1 were administered the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors paroxetine, citalopram or fluoxetine, followed by l-DOPA. Abnormal involuntary movements and forepaw adjusting steps were recorded to determine the effects of these compounds on dyskinesia and motor performance, respectively. Brains were collected on the final test day, after which striatal and raphe monoamines were examined via high-performance liquid chromatography. In Experiment 2, dyskinesias were measured after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and apomorphine. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors dose-dependently attenuated l-DOPA- but not apomorphine-induced dyskinesia, and preserved l-DOPA efficacy. Neurochemically, serotonin transporter inhibition enhanced striatal and raphe serotonin levels and reduced its turnover, indicating a potential mechanism of action. The present results support targeting serotonin transporters to improve Parkinson’s disease treatment and provide further evidence for the role of the serotonin system in l-DOPA’s effects.
The Influence of Women's Empowerment on Child Immunization Coverage in Low, Lower-Middle, and Upper-Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

An estimated 1.5 million children under five die annually from vaccine preventable diseases, and 17 % of these deaths can be averted with vaccination. Predictors of immunization coverage, such as maternal schooling, are well documented; yet, preventable under-five mortality persists. To understand these patterns, researchers are exploring the mother–child relationship through an empowerment framework. This systematic review assesses evidence of the relationship between women’s agency as a component of empowerment and vaccine completion among children <5 years in lower-income countries. We searched in Socindex, Pubmed, Web of Science and Women’s Studies International for peer-reviewed articles focused on two measures of women’s agency—decision-making and freedom of movement—and child vaccination. Our initial search identified 406 articles and abstracts for screening; 12 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A majority (83 %) of studies revealed at least one positive association of measures for women’s agency with immunization coverage. These relationships varied by geographic location, and most studies focused on women’s decision making rather than freedom of movement. No included study came from Latin America or the Middle East. Overall, women’s agency, typically measured by decision-making, was positively associated with the odds of complete childhood immunizations. Yet, the concept of agency was inconsistently defined and operationalized. Future research should address these inconsistencies and focus on under-represented geographic regions including Latin America and the Middle East.
Multilocus phylogeography of the flightless darkling beetle Nyctoporis carinata (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the California Floristic Province: deciphering an evolutionary mosaic.

The California Floristic Province (CFP) is considered a global biodiversity hotspot because of its confluence of high species diversity across a wide range of threatened habitats. To understand how biodiversity hotspots such as the CFP maintain and generate diversity, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis of the flightless darkling beetle, Nyctoporis carinata, using multiple genetic markers. Analyses of both nuclear and mitochondrial loci revealed an east‐west genetic break through the Transverse Ranges and high genetic diversity and isolation of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overall, the results obtained suggest that this species has a deep evolutionary history whose current distribution resulted from migration out of a glacial refugium in the southern Sierra Nevada via the Transverse Ranges. This finding is discussed in light of similar genetic patterns found in other taxa to develop a foundation for understanding the biodiversity patterns of this dynamic area. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99, 424‐444. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: cytochrome oxidase I (COI/CoxI) ‐ guftagu ‐ southern Sierra Nevada.
Lethality of the morphinan isomers levorphanol and dextrorphan

Abstract Significantly different (P<0·05) LD50 values were found in Swiss-Webster mice for levorphanol (73 mg/kg, i.p.) and dextrorphan (120 mg/kg, i.p.). A subcutaneous injection of naloxone 15 min before challenge prevented the lethal effect of an LD98 of levorphanol, with ED50 value of 1·36 mg/kg. Naloxone, in doses from 2 to 100 mg/kg, did not prevent death caused by 150 mg/kg of either dextrorphan or levorphanol. Levorphanol was lethal for mice pretreated with 10 mg/kg of naloxone, a dose sufficient to block opiate-specific lethal effects, but the LD50 value was 109 mg/kg, in contrast to 73 mg/kg in the absence of naloxone. By the criteria of stereospecificity and naloxone blockade, levorphanol-induced mortality in mice is a typical opiate effect in the lower of the two dose ranges studied. At higher doses of levorphanol a non-specific effect supervenes, with an LD50 value virtually the same as that of dextrorphan.
Glucose tolerance test periodicity: the effect of glucose loading.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that glucose abnormality, as shown by glucose tolerance test (GTT) periodicity, is not affected by different glucose loads, allowing for the identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) under varying glucose challenges. Methods: Eighty subjects were tested by multiple GTTs 1 week apart. Each woman served as her own control, undergoing a standard 3-hour, 100-g GTT; then, half of the subject group randomly underwent a 50-g and the other half a 75-g, 2-hour GTT. Subjects were classified using National Diabetes Data Group thresholds for the 100-g GTT. Those with two or more abnormal values were classified as gestational diabetic (GDM group); the rest of the women were considered to be nondiabetic. The projected time for the GTT to revert to fasting value, GTT periodicity, was then determined for each glucose load in the GDM and nondiabetic groups. Results: All glucose values for the nondiabetic group were significantly lower at 1 and 2 hours than those for the GDM group, regardless of the glucose load ( P P P P P P Conclusion: Glucose tolerance test periodicity will identify subjects with GDM regardless of GTT load because the physiologic disturbance of glucose level measured by this time period remains comparably longer than in normal subjects. We speculate that the relatively shorter cycle of the 50-g load may reflect an insufficient challenge to pancreatic function.
HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 regulates brain IL-1 β system and TNF-α mRNAs in vivo

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1)-derived envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) is proposed to play an important role in HIV-1 neuropathology. Gp120 may act through mediators including proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we investigated the regulation of the IL-1 β system [IL-1 β , IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)], TNF- α and TGF- α mRNAs in the rat central nervous system (CNS) in response to the constant intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinfusion of HIV-1 gp120 for 72 h and 144 h. The results show that gp120: (1) increased IL-1 β and IL-1Ra mRNAs levels in the same samples from the cerebellum, hypothalamus and midbrain, with the largest increase in the hypothalamus; (2) induced profiles of IL-1 β mRNA and IL-1Ra mRNA that were highly intercorrelated; (3) increased the hypothalamic TNF- α mRNA levels; and (4) did not affect the IL-1RI mRNA and TGF- α mRNA levels in any brain region. A dysregulation in the IL-1 β /IL-1Ra CNS balance and a mutual induction and synergistic activity of IL-1 β and TNF- α could result in a deleterious amplification cycle of cellular activation and cytotoxicity with implications to HIV-1-associated encephalitis, encephalopathy, and neurological manifestations.
Ultraviolet Microscopy Distinguishes the Insoluble Polysaccharides from the Non-Polysaccharides in Periodic Acid-Schiff-Colored Biological Tissues

SUMMARYIn bright field microscopy of plant material, the cytoplasm, nucleoli and insoluble polysaccharides are colored magenta by the periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Blue-violet light causes an obvious distinction between the polysaccharide and non-polysaccharide tissue components by producing a yellow fluorescence of the cytoplasm and nucleoli, while the polysaccharides appear red.
Amygdala and hippocampal volumes in Turner syndrome: a high-resolution MRI study of X-monosomy.

Turner syndrome (TS) results from partial or complete X-monosomy and is characterized by deficits in visuospatial functioning as well as social cognition and memory. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated volumetric differences in the parietal region of females with TS compared to controls. The present study examined amygdala and hippocampus morphology in an attempt to further understand the neural correlates of psychosocial and memory functioning in TS. Thirty females with TS age 7.6–33.3 years (mean = 14.7 ± 6.4) and 29 age-matched controls (mean age = 14.8 ± 5.9; range = 6.4–32.7) were scanned using high resolution MRI. Volumetric analyses of the MRI scans included whole brain segmentation and manual delineation of the amygdala and hippocampus. Compared to controls, participants with TS demonstrated significantly larger left amygdala gray matter volumes, irrespective of total cerebral tissue and age. Participants with TS also showed disproportionately reduced right hippocampal volumes, involving both gray and white matter. Amygdala and hippocampal volumes appear to be impacted by X-monosomy. Aberrant morphology in these regions may be related to the social cognition and memory deficits often experienced by individuals with TS. Further investigations of changes in medial temporal morphology associated with TS are warranted.
Review of supplemental views and stress radiography in musculoskeletal trauma: lower extremity.

The standard radiographic series is not always sufficient to diagnose and characterize subtle musculoskeletal injuries. Missed or delayed diagnoses can negatively affect patient acute morbidity and long-term outcomes. Similarly, management based on erroneous diagnoses may lead to unnecessary treatment and restrictions. Body part or joint specific supplemental radiographic views and stress radiography offer an alternative for further evaluation of subtle injuries in specific clinical situations and may obviate the need for the added cost and potential ionizing radiation exposure of further cross-sectional imaging. Familiarity with these complementary exams allows radiologists to play an important role in patient care, as their utilization can improve diagnostic accuracy, clarify subtle or uncertain findings, and direct timely patient management. This review highlights important supplemental views and stress radiographic examinations useful in the evaluation of emergent upper extremity musculoskeletal trauma.
Infrared study of Ba1-xKxBiO3 from charge-density-wave insulator to superconductor

Measurements of the reflectivity of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{BiO}}_{3}$, for x=0 to 0.4, in the frequency range from \ensuremath{\simeq}250 to 25 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ are used to obtain the conductivity as a function of frequency and composition. The end-member compound, ${\mathrm{BaBiO}}_{3}$, has a half-filled electronic band, and a charge-density-wave (CDW) ground state, while at x\ensuremath{\simeq}0.4 this material is a superconductor with ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}30 K. Excitations across the CDW energy gap produce a large peak in the optical conductivity at about 16 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ (2 eV), which shifts to lower energy and broadens as the band filling is reduced by doping (xg0). For compositions near x=0.4 a broad contribution to the conductivity extending from \ensuremath{\simeq}3000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ to 10 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, which appears to have evolved from the CDW peak, is still observed. These observations suggest that a remnant CDW-like order may still be present even in the composition range where superconductivity occurs. They also highlight fundamental differences in the electronic properties of bismuthate and cuprate materials.
Halley's method and schwarzian derivatives

Halley's method is derived and compared with Newton's method. We show that Halley's method converges to a regular zero of a function of with an order of convergence that equals or exceeds 3. We prove for a quadratic irrational that Halley's method is equivalent to f3(z) which was derived previously.
Effective graded-index guides for millimetre-wave applications

A novel dielectric waveguide that simulates optical graded index fibre is proposed for millimetre-wave applications. It is shown that a gradually varying refractive index across the guide can result in a well confined, single-mode propagation even in a guide several wavelengths wide. The desired index profile is achieved by varying the thickness or height of the waveguide. The effective-dielectric-parameter concept is introduced and used in generating the thickness profile which is approximated by a roof-top. Experimental results for a trial guide are presented and discussed together with the relative merits of this guide.
A real time ex-vivo potassium analyzer for human cardiopulmonary bypass

Potentially lethal changes in plasma potassium concentrations occur during cardiopulmonary bypass. A simple and reliable ion-selective potassium analyzer suitable for continuous ex-vivo monitoring is described. The system incorporates a novel reference electrode design and uses an inverse modelling approach for on-line temperature compensation to minimize problems related to stability, drift and temperature changes. Traces illustrating its performance in aqueous potassium standards and in dog blood are shown.
ON THE MAXIMUM EMPTY RECTANGLE PROBLEM

Abstract Given a rectangle A and a set S of n points in A , we consider the problem, called the maximum empty rectangle problem , of finding a maximum area rectangle that is fully contained in A and does not contain any point of S in its interior. An O( n 2 ) time algorithm is presented. Furthermore, it is shown that if the points of S are drawn randomly and independently from A , the problem can be solved in O( n (log n ) 2 ) expected time.
A joint layered scheme for reliable and secure mobile JPEG-2000 streaming

This article presents a novel joint layered approach to simultaneously achieve both reliable and secure mobile JPEG-2000 image streaming. With a priori knowledge of JPEG-2000 source coding and channel coding, the proposed joint system integrates authentication into the media error protection components to ensure that every source-decodable media unit is authenticated. By such a dedicated design, the proposed scheme protects both compressed JPEG-2000 codestream and the authentication data from wireless channel impairments. It is fundamentally different from many existing systems that consider the problem of media authentication separately from the other operations in the media transmission system. By utilizing the contextual relationship, such as coding dependency and content importance between media slices for authentication hash appending, the proposed scheme generates an extremely low authentication overhead. Under this joint layered coding framework, an optimal rate allocation algorithm for source coding, channel coding, and media authentication is developed to guarantee end-to-end media quality. Experiment results on JPEG-2000 images validate the proposed scheme and demonstrate that the performance of the proposed scheme is approaching its upper bound, in which case no authentication is applied to the media stream.
Shared Storage Policies Based on the Duration Stay of Unit Loads

This paper addresses duration-of-stay-based shared storage policies for a unit load warehouse. We show that, for single command storage and retrieval, shared storage policies based on duration of stay of individual unit loads have the potential to significantly decrease travel time. An optimal storage policy with respect to travel time and storage space is developed for systems with balanced input and output. Based on the same principles, two heuristic policies are developed for more complex systems. Simulation results are provided which compare travel times for dedicated storage, random storage, turnover-based storage classes, and duration-of-stay-based storage classes.
TH-C-19A-05: Evaluation of a New Reusable 3D Dosimeter

Purpose: PRESAGE is a radiochromic plastic which has demonstrated strong potential for high resolution single-use 3D dosimetry. This study evaluates a new PRESAGE formulation (Presage-RU) in which the radiochromic response is reversible (the dosimeter optically clears after irradiation), enabling the potential for reusability. Methods: Presage-RU dose response and optical-clearing rates were evaluated in both small volume dosimeters (1×1×4.5cm) and a larger cylindrical dosimeter (8cm diameter, 4.5cm length). All dosimeters were allowed to fully optically clear in dark, room temperature conditions between irradiations. Dose response was determined by irradiating small volume samples from 0–8.0Gy and measuring change in optical density. The cylindrical dosimeter was irradiated with a simple 4-field box plan (parallel opposed pairs of 4cm×4cm AP-PA beams and 2cm×4cm lateral beams) to 20Gy. High resolution 3D dosimetry was achieved utilizing optical-CT readout. Readings were tracked up to 14 days to characterize optical clearing. Results: Initial irradiation yielded a response of 0.0119△OD/(Gy*cm) while two subsequent reirradiations yielded a lower but consistent response of 0.0087△OD/(Gy*cm). Strong linearity of dose response was observed for all irradiations. In the large cylindrical dosimeter, the integral dose within the high dose region exhibited an exponential decay in signal over time (halflife= 23.9 hours), with the dosimeter effectively cleared (0.04% of the initial signal) after 10 days. Subsequent irradiation resulted in 19.5% lower initial signal but demonstrated that the exponential clearing rate remained consistent. Results of additional subsequent irradiations will also be presented. Conclusion: This work introduces a new re-usable radiochromic dosimeter (Presage-RU) compatible with high resolution (sub-millimeter) 3D dosimetry. Sensitivity of the initial radiation was observed to be slightly higher than subsequent irradiations, but the clearing time remained constant, indicating the dosimeter can be re-used after 10 days. Presage-RU has potential to dramatically improve cost-effectiveness and thereby lower the barrier for implementing comprehensive, high resolution 3D dosimetry. John Adamovics is the president of Heuris Inc., which commercializes PRESAGE.
Use of Corn and Potato Chipping By-Products in Rations for Lactating Dairy Cattle

Abstract Modern corn and potato chipping plants produce large volumes of waste material consisting primarily of potato peelings, culls, and slivers as well as fragments of corn kernels and starch. The analysis of the material used in this trial was 33.6% dry matter, 4.70% crude protein, 18.5% acid detergent fiber, .248% calcium, and .16% phosphorus. This material had been examined for beef cattle rations but had not been tested with lactating dairy cattle. Therefore, we undertook to determine the feasibility of using this by-product in rations for lactating dairy cattle. Twenty-four Holstein cows were fed total mixed rations for a 238-day experimental period wherein 0, 12, 24, or 36% of the ration dry matter was provided by the wet by-product. The balance of the isonitrogenous rations was based on corn silage and a combination of commercial dairy concentrates. Means of daily dry matter intake, milk production, body weight gains, and fat percentage were: 20.5, 20.5, 18.6, and 18.4 kg; 24.6, 26.7, 24.5, and 23.0 kg; 248, 351, 328, and 381 g; 3.75, 3.85, 3.93, and 3.82% for the 0, 12, 24, and 36% treatment groups.
Empirical probability‐density functions for the radii of gyration of linear random‐flight chains

A number of empirical equations are presented that are good approximations to computed probability density functions of the one, two and three-dimentional radii of gyration of linear random-flight chains. Equations are given that are in good agreement with the distributions over the range of the radii of most physical interest. Alternative equations are presented that give especially good fit for small values of the one and two-di-mensional radii.
Suboptimal shape control for Quasi-Static distributed-parameter systems

An on-line control approach which will adjust the steady-state shape of a large antenna arbitrarily close to any achievable desired profile is approached. The method makes use of distributed-parameter system theory and allows refocusing using a limited number of control actuators and sensors. The controller gains are calculated by approximating the solution to an infinite-dimensional optimal quasi-static control problem. The controller gain calculation is computationally simpler than that previously proposed. The Galerkin (finite element) approximation method is used for model reduction. It is proved that both gain and state convergence can be achieved by using the proposed approximation scheme.
Photoaffinity Labeling of Human Placental S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase with [2-3H]8-Azido-adenosine

Abstract The potential photoaffinity probe 8-azido-adenosine (8-N3-Ado) was shown to serve as a substrate for the 3′-oxidative activity of human S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase (Aiyar, V. N., and Hershfield, M. S.(1985) Biochem. J. 232, 643-650). In this study, we have determined the equilibrium binding properties of 8-N3-Ado with AdoHcy hydrolase (NAD+ form) and identified the specific amino acid residues that are covalently modified. After irradiation of the reaction mixture of [2-3H]8-N3-Ado and AdoHcy hydrolase (NAD+ form) and followed by tryptic digestion, peptides specifically photolabeled by [2-3H]3′-keto-8-N3-Ado were effectively separated from peptides nonspecifically labeled with [2-3H]8-N3-Ado using boronate affinity chromatography. After purification by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, two photolabeled peptides were isolated and identified as Val-Lys and Val-Arg, in which Ala and Ile were associated with radioactivity. The specificity of the photoaffinity labeling with [2-3H]3′-keto-8-N3-Ado was demonstrated by the observation that these photolabeled peptides were not isolated when [2-3H]8-N3-Ado was incubated with apo AdoHcy hydrolase and irradiated. The two photolabeled peptides are assumed to be parts of the adenine-binding domain for substrates. They are both within well conserved regions of AdoHcy hydrolases. The peptide Val-Lys is located very close to Cys and Glu-Ser, both of which were indicated to be located in the active site of the enzyme by chemical modification and limited proteolysis methods. The peptide Val-Arg is adjacent to Leu, which is proposed by a computer graphics model to interact with the C-6-NH2 group of Ado.
Total body skin examination for skin cancer screening among U.S. adults from 2000 to 2010.

Abstract Objective Melanoma incidence and mortality are increasing among United States adults. At present, routine skin cancer screening via total body skin examinations (TBSEs) by a physician is not recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF); while organizations such as the American Cancer Society recommend screening. Currently, there are limited data on the prevalence, correlates, and trends of TBSE among United States adults. Methods We analyzed data by race/ethnicity, age, and skin cancer risk level, among other characteristics from three different National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) cancer control supplements conducted every five years since 2000 in random United States households. High-risk status and middle-risk status were defined based on the USPSTF criteria (age, race, sunburn, and family history). Results Prevalence of having at least one TBSE increased from 14.5 in 2000 to 16.5 in 2005 to 19.8 in 2010 ( P Conclusions TBSE rates have been increasing since 2000 both overall and among higher-risk groups. Data on screening trends could help tailor future prevention strategies.
Cutaneous nasal malignancies: Is primary reconstruction safe?

Background: The nose is particularly vulnerable to cutaneous malignancies, making it the most common location for presentation. Recurrence of these cutaneous lesions is not uncommon, often compromising the timing of nasal restoration. It is the purpose of this report to reexamine the safety of primary nasal reconstruction in selected patients. Methods: Seventy-one patients who underwent nasal reconstruction at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1987 and 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 35 men and 36 women with an average age of 60 years. All nasal reconstructions were performed for defects secondary to malignancies. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common lesion (n = 49), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (n = 10) and melanoma (n = 7), with five additional variable malignancies. The most common location of the cutaneous lesions was the nasal dorsum, and the forehead flap was the most common adjacent tissue used for reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction was performed for 42 of the basal cell carcinomas, 6 of the squamous cell carcinomas, 6 melanomas, and 3 other lesions. Delayed restoration was performed for 7 basal cell carcinomas, 4 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 melanoma, and 2 additional lesions. The average time between surgical extirpation and the start of nasal reconstruction was 8.2 months for basal cell carcinoma, 29 months for squamous cell carcinoma, and 10 months for melanoma. Results: Twenty-six recurrent lesions were identified at an average of 36 months after extirpation. Despite these numbers, only three recurred after nasal reconstruction at our institution. Follow-up averaged 41 months, with none less than 1 year. Seventy patients are still alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: Primary reconstruction is safe in selected patients. Surgical delay in reconstruction should be considered if margins are questionable, the pathology is determined to be aggressive, if there is perineural or deep bony invasion, or if postoperative radiotherapy is to be initiated. Nasal reconstruction ultimately is based upon a complex series of issues but can be performed with few complications in an effort to restore self-image.
SECOND THOUGHTS ON ANALYTICAL INCOME COMPARISONS

Swamy (i984) and Keren-Weinblatt (i984)1 earn thanks for identifying a logical error in my analysis2 of international real-income measures, and for constructive discussions of sufficiency and necessity conditions. The global result stated by me, erroneous as an alleged logical necessity, is suggested by the Keren and Weinblatt geometry to be at best a plausible presumption as the countries in comparison are far enough apart in levels of well-being, as their income elasticities diverge sufficiently from unity, and provided their price differences are not too great.3 Fig. i below presents a summary of the possibilities that takes into account the valid criticisms and breaks some new ground. But first a recasting of emphasis is in order.
Corn Grain Endosperm Type and Brown Midrib 3 Corn Silage: Ruminal Fermentation and N Partitioning in Lactating Cows

Interactions of endosperm type of corn grain and the brown midrib 3 mutation (bm3) in corn silage on ruminal fermentation and microbial efficiency of lactating dairy cows were evaluated. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated cows (72 +/- 8 d in milk; mean +/- SD) were used in a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were corn grain endosperm type (floury or vitreous) and corn silage type (bm3 or isogenic normal). Diets contained 26% neutral detergent fiber and 30% starch. Increasing ruminal starch digestibility by replacing vitreous corn grain with floury grain reduced mean and minimum ruminal pH. Brown midrib 3 corn silage reduced mean and minimum ruminal pH and increased total volatile fatty acid concentration. Ruminal pH was positively associated with rate of valerate absorption. Although floury endosperm reduced acetate:propionate ratio in both control and bm3 corn silage diets, it had a greater effect on reducing acetate:propionate ratio for control silage compared with bm3 corn silage. Nonammonia N flow to the duodenum did not differ among treatments and no effects of treatment were detected for microbial N and nonammonia, nonmicrobial N flow. Although treatment effects on ruminal fermentation and ruminal pH were observed, few interactions of treatment were detected and treatments did not affect flow of N fractions to the intestines.
Thin Lithosphere Beneath the Ethiopian Plateau Revealed by a Joint Inversion of Rayleigh Wave Group Velocities and Receiver Functions

[1] The seismic velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Ethiopia and Djibouti has been investigated by jointly inverting receiver functions and Rayleigh wave group velocities to obtain new constraints on the thermal structure of the lithosphere. Most of the data for this study come from the Ethiopia broadband seismic experiment, conducted between 2000 and 2002. Shear velocity models obtained from the joint inversion show crustal structure that is similar to previously published models, with crustal thicknesses of 35 to 44 km beneath the Ethiopian Plateau, and 25 to 35 km beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and the Afar. The lithospheric mantle beneath the Ethiopian Plateau has a maximum shear wave velocity of about 4.3 km/s and extends to a depth of ∼70–80 km. Beneath the MER and Afar, the lithospheric mantle has a maximum shear wave velocity of 4.1–4.2 km/s and extends to a depth of at most 50 km. In comparison to the lithosphere away from the East African Rift System in Tanzania, where the lid extends to depths of ∼100–125 km and has a maximum shear velocity of 4.6 km/s, the mantle lithosphere under the Ethiopian Plateau appears to have been thinned by ∼30–50 km and the maximum shear wave velocity reduced by ∼0.3 km/s. Results from a 1D conductive thermal model suggest that the shear velocity structure of the Ethiopian Plateau lithosphere can be explained by a plume model, if a plume rapidly thinned the lithosphere by ∼30–50 km at the time of the flood basalt volcanism (c. 30 Ma), and if warm plume material has remained beneath the lithosphere since then. About 45–65% of the 1–1.5 km of plateau uplift in Ethiopia can be attributed to the thermally perturbed lithospheric structure.
Choose your buddy icon carefully: The influence of avatar androgyny, anthropomorphism and credibility in online interactions

In both online and offline interactions, the visual representation of people influences how others perceive them. In contrast to the offline body, an online visual representation of a person is consciously chosen and not stable. This paper reports the results of a 2 step examination of the influence of avatars on the person perception process. Specifically, this project examines the reliance on visual characteristics during the online perception process, and the relative influence of androgyny, anthropomorphism and credibility. In the first step, 255 participants fill out a survey where they rated a set of 30 static avatars on their credibility, androgyny, and anthropomorphism. The second step is a between subjects experiment with 230 participants who interact with partners represented by one of eight avatars (high and low androgyny, and anthropomorphism by high and low credibility). Results show that the characteristics of the avatar are used in the person perception process. Causal modeling techniques revealed that perceptions of avatar androgyny influence perceptions of anthropomorphism, which influences attributions of both avatar and partner credibility. Implications of these results for theory, future research, and users and designers of systems using avatars are discussed.
Uptake of DDT and DDE by the quail embryo and chick

Adult female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were dosed orally with pp'-DDT in order to produce residues of pp'-DDT and pp'-DDE in their eggs. Eggs were incubated and insecticide uptake by the developing embryos and chicks was compared with the results of other authors, who had injected chicken eggs with insecticide solution before incubation. Rate of uptake by quail embryos increased throughout the incubation period. At hatching and 2 days after hatching, the yolk sac was estimated to contain mean amounts of 37% and 7%, respectively, of the total residues in the chick. Quail eggs, without detectable organochlorine residues, were injected with either pp'-DDT or pp'-DDE in olive oil. At 6 days incubation significantly more DDE than DDT was found in the embryo, but this trend had stopped by 10 days incubation. Metabolism of pp'-DDT to pp'DDE was first detected after 9 days incubation. Embryonic development was slower in injected eggs than in eggs from treated females.
A hamiltonian approach to the roper resonance

Abstract The breathing modes along with the spin-isospin zero modes of the ω-stabilized skyrmion are quantized using Dirac's method. The result is a hamiltonian for the nucleon, the δ-isobar and the Roper with explicit meson couplings. The linear pion coupling is used to evaluate the decay width of the Roper into πN.
The Shadow Knows: The Counter-Fantasy of the American Antihero and Symbolic Divergence in Golden Age Radio

Various radio and pulp incarnations of The Shadow have played a pivotal role in shaping American superhero mythology and cultural unconscious. This essay explores The Shadow's origins within the 1930s, and then utilizes Fantasy Theme Analysis to uncover mythic tensions and conflicts within The Shadow's transition from noir-like dystopian antihero into the more romantic utopian superhero of Orson Welles' 1937 radio program. We conclude by contemplating rhetorical implications for The Shadow's “symbolic divergence,” a fantasy evolving into contradictory counter-fantasies and rhetorical visions in radio and pulps, as a provocative illustration of theoretical debates regarding the psychodynamic functions of rhetorical fantasy.
Invited Address: James Joyce, Alice in Wonderland, the Rolling Stones, and Criminal Careers

The study of criminal careers generally, and patterns of continuity and change in criminal offending in particular, has been a long-standing interest to social scientists across many disciplines. This article provides readers with an overview of this line of research. After an introduction to the criminal career perspective, the article presents several ‘facts’ that have emerged from criminal career studies. This material segues into a discussion of theories based on criminal careers research as well as a related discussion of the emerging methods and trends in the area. The article closes with some observations about public policy with respect to criminal careers knowledge and identifies some neglected research needs. A key summary conclusion is that the processes associated with continuity and change are not mutually exclusive, but instead are important and complimentary aspects of criminal careers research.
Feedback tolerance of DFB laser for silicon photonics packaging

Silicon photonics packaging without optical isolator is of significant importance to realize low fabrication cost and small device size. In this report, impact of external feedback on DFB laser performance is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Dynamic transfer matrix method and rate equation model are coupled to describe the dynamic interaction between optical field and carriers in a DFB structure under the feedback by external reflection. The calculation model exhibits laser spectrum splits and output intensity fluctuates with increase of the degree of external feedback, in good agreement with experimental results. The theoretical analysis is performed under various feedback parameters, and the optimum packaging condition for DFB laser chip in silicon photonics is guided.
Ultrastructural changes in embryonic mouse neural tube cells after urethane exposure.

Abstract The 10-day-old embryonic mouse neural tube was examined by electron microscopy at intervals after exposure to urethane. Early changes were hypertrophy of the Golgi elements, smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, and the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions. Thick-thin sectioning techniques were used to correlate staining affinities as seen by light microscopy with fine structure of cytoplasmic inclusions. Three types of inclusions were described: (1) small Feulgen-positive particles which may arise from nuclear extrusion or chromosomal breakage following urethane damage; (2) thionine-positive particles composed of ribosomal aggregates or, in later stages, aggregates of ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles, and disrupted membranes; and (3) complexes consisting of a dense core (Feulgen-positive) surrounded or capped by a less dense zone containing thionine-positive ribosomal aggregates or other ruptured cell organelles. The present study suggests that urethane-induced inclusions represent damaged cell components which may be either metabolized within the neural tube cells or extruded into the central canal.
Disrupted signaling and inhibited regeneration in obese mice with fatty livers: Implications for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathophysiology

The impaired regenerative capacity of fatty livers might promote the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To identify mechanisms involved, regenerative responses were compared in normal mice and ob/ob mice (a model for NAFLD) after partial hepatectomy (PH). We hypothesized that the usual PH activation of oxidant-sensitive, growth-regulatory kinase cascades would be abnormal in fatty hepatocytes, which have adapted to chronic oxidant stress, and expected that this might interfere with the induction of proliferative- and stress-related genes. The normal coordinated induction of Jun N-terminal kinases (Jnks) and extracellular regulated kinases (Erks) does not occur after PH in ob/ob mice, which cannot activate Jnks but can superinduce Erks. Jnk inhibition is associated with enhanced activation of Akt, which inhibits phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) induction, causing severe hypoglycemia and increased lethality in the ob/ob group. Activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is also inhibited, but liver damage is increased only modestly, perhaps because Akt-regulated survival factors are protective. Despite enhanced Erk activity, induction of cyclin D-1, an NF-kappaB target gene, is abolished and this, together with hyperphosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat-3) and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, arrests fatty hepatocytes in G(1). Thus, in mice with NAFLD that have adapted hepatocyte signaling mechanisms to survive chronic oxidative stress, the cellular response to an acute regenerative stimulus is altered. This contributes to NAFLD pathophysiology by inhibiting proliferation, increasing injury, and limiting function in fatty livers.
Conservation of coding and transcriptional control sequences within the snRNP E protein gene

The snRNP E protein is one of several proteins associated with the U family of small nuclear RNAs that are involved in RNA processing. Isolation and characterization of the snRNP E protein cDNA sequences from mouse and chicken revealed a 100% conservation of the predicted amino acid sequence when compared to that of the human homologue. Further characterization of a genomic clone for the mouse snRNP E protein gene revealed that the 5′ untranslated region and the immediate 5′ upstream region have also been highly conserved: 72 and 70%, respectively. Conserved 5′ regions include multiple copies of the CTTCCG hexamer sequence which are involved in regulating transcription of the human snRNP E protein gene. Mobility shift assays using corresponding DNA fragments from both human and mouse reveal that both fragments can compete for binding of at least one common transcription factor. These studies demonstrate that along with the amino acid sequence conservation between human and mouse, the snRNP E protein gene has also maintained a high DNA sequence conservation within its basal promoter structure.
Correlates of male mating success in a lekking bird with male-male cooperation

Correlates of male mating success were examined in a population of long-tailed manakins, Chiroxiphia linearis, that included 270 colour-banded individuals. Long-tailed manakins have a lek mating system and male-male cooperation in courtship display. Multivariate analysis of behavioural variables indicated that female visitation correlated with the number of unison ‘toledo’ calls given by male partners. Given a female vist, copulatory success was correlated with the ‘butterfly’ display component of the dual-male dance. Both ‘toledo’ output and dance display differed significantly between perch-zones. Only six to eight partnerships in a local population of as many as 55 males per season performed call displays at a level (75–335 toledos per h) that was correlated with any female visitation. Data on crown plumage of female visitors suggested that younger females may have been less discriminating than were older females. The relationship between variance in mating success and the evolution of cooperative male display is discussed.