cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ADHD Preschoolers with and without ODD: Do They Act Differently Depending on Degree of Task Engagement/Reward?.

Objective: To examine the impact of reinforcement on reaction time (RT) and RT variability (RT standard deviation [RTSD]) in preschoolers with ADHD with and without oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and a typically developing (TD) comparison group. Method: Participants were administered a computerized task consisting of two conditions: simple RT (SRT) and reinforced SRT (SRTr). Data were analyzed using two-way (Group × Condition) mixed ANOVAs and followed-up using pairwise comparisons. Results: RTs were significantly shorter and less variable during the SRTr than the SRT condition. A significant Group x Condition interaction was observed for RTSD (F= 3.38, p < .05); post hoc analyses indicated that the RTSD of the ADHD + ODD group was significantly more variable than that of the TD group during the SRT condition (F = 4.81, p < .05). However, their RTSD was statistically indistinguishable from the other groups during the SRTr condition. Conclusion: Preschoolers who are oppositional/defiant and hyperacti...
The neuroprotective agent riluzole inhibits release of glutamate and aspartate from slices of hippocampal area CA1.

Riluzole is believed to exert its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions by reducing glutamate release. This study demonstrated that 10–30 μM riluzole reduces the K+-evoked release of glutamate and aspartate from slices of hippocampal area CA1. Only higher concentrations reduced γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) release. These actions of riluzole were not occluded by tetrodotoxin. Riluzole did not diminish the ability of glutamate analogues to depolarize CA1 pyramidal cells, as determined from grease-gap recordings. Therefore the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions of riluzole in the hippocampus may be at least partly explained by its ability to inhibit glutamate/aspartate release from synaptic terminals.
Direct method of calculating the dynamic scattering spectrum

A method of obtaining the scattering spectrum that bypasses the need to solve for the configurational distribution function of the macromolecules is presented. It involves the direct calculation of averages that appear in the structure factor expression. Application of the method to Rouse coils recovers Pecora's classical results. The method is applied to obtain the coherent spectrum of a solution of “encapsulated” dumbbells for which the configurational distribution is not available.
New Oxidation of β-Hydroxy α-Methyl Ketones: A Convenient Synthesis of 3-Methylalkane-2,4-diones

The synthesis of 3-methylalkane-2,4-diones, which are intense strawlike and fruit-flavored compounds, has been performed by the aldol condensation of n-alkanal (C2−C7) and methyl ethyl ketone to give 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-alkanones in 31−72% yield, followed by oxidation using sodium hypochlorite in the presence of 4-benzoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxide in 60−86% yield.
Socio-Economic Determinants of Chinaâ€™s Recent Economic Growth

Â This paper analyzes various socio-economic aspects of China and Japan in order to identify the major determinants for Chinaâ€™s recent ascendancy over Japan as the worldâ€™s second largest economy. Those aspects considered include Chinaâ€™s aggressive policies for promoting exports, including high tech, capital formation, foreign direct investments, research and development, and tertiary education. Chinaâ€™s economic growth also generated several serious adverse effects, such as income inequity, import of energy resources, environmental degradation, and international tension in the South China Sea, which may become serious bottlenecks for Chinaâ€™s future economic growth.
Determination of 10–20 system electrode locations using magnetic resonance image scanning with markers

Abstract We determined locations of 33 scalp electrodes used for electroencephalographic (EEG) recording by placing markers in the positions determined by the 10–20 system and performing magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanning on volunteer subjects. Small Vaseline-filled capsules glued on the scalp with collodion produced easily delineated regions of increased signal on standard MRI head images. Measurements of each capsule's coordinates in 3 dimensions were made from MRI scans. A spherical surface was fitted through the marker positions, giving an average radius and an origin (center of sphere). The coordinate axes were rotated to ensure that electrode C z was on the z-axis and that the y-axis was oriented in the posterior-anterior direction. Two spherical (angular) coordinates were determined for each electrode. Spherical electrode coordinates for different subjects differed by less than 20° in all cases. An average and standard deviation of the spherical coordinates were calculated for each electrode. Standard deviations of several degrees were obtained. The average spherical coordinates obtained were close to those expected on the basis of applying the 10–20 system of placement to an ideal sphere. These measurements provide data necessary for various analyses of EEG performed to help localize epileptic foci.
The control of death and lysis in staphylococcal biofilms: a coordination of physiological signals

The processes involved in the development of complex multicellular communities, including the programmed elimination of individual cells during the formation of specialized structures, exhibit fundamental similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Mechanistic similarities may also exist at the molecular level, as bacterial proteins hypothesized to be related to the apoptosis regulator Bax/Bcl-2 family have been identified, fueling speculation about the existence of bacterial PCD. Here we review the regulatory networks controlling cell death and lysis in Staphylococcus aureus and examine the environmental parameters that might influence them during the development of a biofilm. We hypothesize that the heterogeneous environmental conditions found within a developing biofilm generate distinct physiological signals that coordinate the differential expression of cell death and lysis effectors.
CANONICAL TRANSFORMATION APPROACH TO THE ULTRAFAST NONLINEAR OPTICAL DYNAMICS OF SEMICONDUCTORS

We develop a theory describing the effects of many-particle Coulomb correlations on the coherent ultrafast nonlinear optical response of semiconductors and metals. Our approach is based on a mapping of the nonlinear optical response of the "bare" system onto the linear response of a "dressed" system. The latter is characterized by effective time-dependent optical transition matrix elements, electron/hole dispersions, and interaction potentials, which in undoped semiconductors are determined by the single-exciton and two-exciton Green functions in the absence of optical fields. This mapping is achieved by eliminating the optically-induced charge fluctuations from the Hamiltonian using a Van Vleck canonical transformation. It takes into account all many-body contributions up to a given order in the optical fields as well as important Coulomb-induced quantum dynamics to all orders in the optical field. Our approach allows us to distinguish between optical nonlinearities of different origins and provides a physically-intuitive interpretation of their manifestations in ultrafast coherent nonlinear optical spectroscopy.
Caveolar and lipid raft localization of the growth hormone receptor and its signaling elements: impact on growth hormone signaling.

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a cell surface receptor that mediates the somatogenic and metabolic effects of the growth hormone (GH). GHR signaling is transduced via the receptor-associated cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase called Janus protein kinase 2 (JAK2). The major intracellular signaling systems activated by JAK2 in response to GH include the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1 and -2 pathways. In this report, we investigate the role of cholesterol-rich plasma membrane microdomains (caveolae and lipid rafts) in GH signaling. By subcellular fractionation of the GH-responsive 3T3-F442A murine preadipocyte, we found dramatic enrichment (6.7-fold) of plasma membrane GHR in the caveolae membranes (CM). JAK2 was also represented in the CM fraction, but was less enriched (2.5-fold) than GHR. ERK1/2 and the important ERK pathway upstream small adaptor protein, Grb2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2), were also enriched in caveolae (2.3- and 8.3-fold, respectively), but STAT5 was barely detected in the same fraction. Correspondingly, GH-induced tyrosine-phosphorylated GHR, JAK2, and ERK1/2 were highly represented in the CM fraction, whereas tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT5 was enriched in the non-membranous fraction of the post-nuclear supernatant. Additionally, GH induced further accumulation of GHR, Grb2, and SHC proteins in the CM fraction. Interestingly, treatment of the cells with the caveolae-disrupting agent, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD), selectively inhibited GH-induced ERK1/2 activation but not STAT5 phosphorylation; repletion of cholesterol in mβCD-treated cells restored GH-induced ERK activation. Comparison of 3T3-F442A cells with the GHR-expressing human IM-9 lymphoblasts revealed similar enrichment of GHR in the lipid raft fraction of IM-9 as in the CM fraction of 3T3-F442A, but there were dramatic differences in the ERKs and Grb2. The IM-9 cell, in which ERKs are not activated by GH, displayed no enrichment of ERKs and Grb2 in the lipid raft fraction. Our results suggest that localization of GHRs in the CM fraction of the plasma membrane plays important roles in signaling.
Oral retinoid therapy for dermatologic conditions in children and adolescents.

Abstract The efficacy of systemic retinoid therapy in a number of dermatologic diseases is well established; however, concerns about potential side effects limit their use, especially in children. We review the efficacy and toxicity of oral retinoids in the pediatric population. The acute mucocutaneous toxicities commonly observed are typically well tolerated, readily treatable, and reversible. Systemic toxicities include teratogenicity and effects on the musculoskeletal, neurologic, and gastrointestinal systems. Children, like adults, generally tolerate short-term retinoid therapy without major complications. Concerns regarding serious systemic side effects are greater for those on high doses of oral synthetic retinoids for longer periods of time. Close patient monitoring and patient education can minimize the occurrence of complications. Learning objective At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with use of oral retinoids for childhood dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and ichthyoses as well as safety and risks associated with oral retinoid use in children and adolescents.
Are heart attacks infectious? A critical look at the link between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, and recent evidence suggests that it may also contribute to atherosclerosis. This review evaluates the literature to date and proposes further research to determine if there is in fact a cause and effect relationship between C. pneumoniae infection and atherosclerosis.
Data Integrity Evaluation in Cloud Database-as-a-Service

Data integrity is a major concern in outsourced IT services like cloud computing. Cloud computing has become popular because of cost reductions, time saving and mobility in service. However data integrity is still an unresolved issue in cloud services. We present an efficient mechanism for evaluating data integrity in cloud database-as-a-service. Our approach is based on inserting fake tuples into the database. In our model the owner of the data is the only trusted party and the server as a service provider or any other users are not trusted. We refer to distrusted party as a potentially malicious attacker. In our approach we define generating functions to create fake tuples with uniform distribution. Malicious attackers are not able to distinguish between fake tuples and real tuples. Our approach does not use encryption which makes it more efficient. We explore the strengths and limitations of these generating functions by describing our approach.
Criterion for the binding of two electrons at a fixed center with one- and two-body potentials

Abstract We construct the phase diagram for two electrons attracted to a point-like defect but repelling one another by point-like two-body forces. Above a given curve in the U - ν plane ( U is the strength of repulsion, v is the strength of attraction) only one electron can be bound to the center, which is therefore paramagnetic. Below this curve, both particles are bound in a nonmagnetic S = O state by the defect. We obtain this “critical curve” exactly.
Hypoglycemia in inpatients after gatifloxacin or levofloxacin therapy: nested case-control study.

Study Objectives. To compare the incidence of hypoglycemic events in patients exposed to gatifloxacin or levofloxacin, and to measure the odds of experiencing a hypoglycemic event after receiving gatifloxacin versus levofloxacin while adjusting for confounders. Design. Nested case-control study within a historical cohort. Setting. A tertiary care, 730-bed, teaching hospital in central Illinois. Patients. Seven thousand two hundred eighty-seven hospitalized patients who received gatifloxacin or levofloxacin therapy. Measurements and Main Results. A total of 113 patients (case patients) had blood glucose levels below 51 mg/dl; 113 control patients, matched for age and sex, had no hypoglycemia. Matched conditional logistic regression models adjusted the odds of having hypoglycemia for significant covariates. The 12-month incidence of hypoglycemia was 11/1000 patients after levofloxacin administration and 21/1000 patients after gatifloxacin (absolute risk increase 10/1000 patients, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4–16/1000). Renal failure, sepsis syndrome, and concomitant hypoglycemic drug therapy significantly predicted hypoglycemia. After adjustment for significant predictors, the odds of having hypoglycemia were 2.81 (95% CI 1.02–7.70) times higher after gatifloxacin than levofloxacin therapy. Conclusion. Among inpatients, the incidence of hypoglycemic events is greater after treatment with gatifloxacin than levofloxacin. The odds of experiencing hypoglycemic events are greater with gatifloxacin even after adjusting for other hypoglycemia risk factors, such as concomitant hypoglycemic drugs, renal failure, and sepsis syndrome.
A Note on Nuclear Isomerism

It is suggested that nuclear isomerism may be due to the fact that the two lowest nuclear states have zero angular momentum and opposite parity. The lifetime of the first excited state is estimated under these conditions for the emission of two quanta and for the ejection of two electrons from the $K$ or $L$ shell. The possibility of distinguishing experimentally between this hypothesis and that of Weizs\"acker is discussed.
Communicating Culture in the 21st Century

AbstractThis paper explores the potential of digital media technologies and new storytelling techniques in giving objects an emotional dimension and thus encouraging affective learning. The use of new immersive and participatory techniques is a means of contextualizing real objects, and perhaps a more effective way to reach diverse audiences and create more meaningful learning than the object labels and traditional video experiences still in vogue in many museums.
Palmitate-induced Activation of Mitochondrial Metabolism Promotes Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in H4IIEC3 Rat Hepatocytes

Abstract Objective Hepatic lipotoxicity is characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excessive apoptosis, but the precise sequence of biochemical events leading to oxidative damage and cell death remains unclear. The goal of this study was to delineate the role of mitochondrial metabolism in mediating hepatocyte lipotoxicity. Materials/Methods We treated H4IIEC3 rat hepatoma cells with free fatty acids in combination with antioxidants and mitochondrial inhibitors designed to block key events in the progression toward apoptosis. We then applied 13 C metabolic flux analysis (MFA) to quantify mitochondrial pathway alterations associated with these treatments. Results Treatment with palmitate alone led to a doubling in oxygen uptake rate and in most mitochondrial fluxes. Supplementing culture media with the antioxidant N -acetyl-cysteine (NAC) reduced ROS accumulation and caspase activation and partially restored cell viability. However, 13 C MFA revealed that treatment with NAC did not normalize palmitate-induced metabolic alterations, indicating that neither elevated ROS nor downstream apoptotic events contributed to mitochondrial activation. To directly limit mitochondrial metabolism, the complex I inhibitor phenformin was added to cells treated with palmitate. Phenformin addition eliminated abnormal ROS accumulation, prevented the appearance of apoptotic markers, and normalized mitochondrial carbon flow. Further studies revealed that glutamine provided the primary fuel for elevated mitochondrial metabolism in the presence of palmitate, rather than fatty acid beta-oxidation, and that glutamine consumption could be reduced through co-treatment with phenformin but not NAC. Conclusion Our results indicate that ROS accumulation in palmitate-treated H4IIEC3 cells occurs downstream of altered mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which is independent of beta-oxidation and precedes apoptosis initiation.
Repopulating defect of mismatch repair–deficient hematopoietic stem cells

Mismatch repair deficiency is associated with carcinogenesis, increased spontaneous and induced mutagenesis, and resistance to methylating agents. In humans, leukemias and lymphomas arise in the background of mismatch repair deficiency, raising the possibility that hematopoiesis is abnormal as well. To address hematopoiesis in MSH2–/– mice, we collected marrow and performed serial transplantations of these cells, alone or mixed with wild-type cells, into lethally irradiated healthy mice. Transplant recipients were observed or treated with the methylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). Methylating agent tolerance was evident by the competitive survival advantage of MSH2–/– marrow progenitors compared with wild-type cells after each TMZ exposure. However, serial repopulation by MSH2–/– cells was deficient compared with wild-type cells. In recipients of mixed populations, the MSH 2–/– cells were lost from the marrow, and mice receiving MSH2–/– cells plus TMZ could not be reconstituted in the third passage, whereas all wild-type cell recipients survived. No differences in telomere length, cell cycle distribution, or homing were observed, but an increase in microsatellite instability was seen in the MSH2–/– early progenitor colony-forming unit (CFU) and Sca+Kit+lin–-derived clones. Thus, mismatch repair deficiency is associated with a hematopoietic repopulation defect and stem cell exhaustion because of accumulation of genomic instability.
Patterns and variability of summer NDVI in response to climate variables in Minnesota

This study examines the relationship between summer season NDVI and local-level climate variables, consisting of precipitation and temperature, in Minnesota from 1990 to 1997 using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). In comparison to traditional global techniques of Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) regression, there is a substantial improvement in the analysis using GWR. The overall relationship among the different variables was broadly consistent for the diverse types of land uses across the state. The spatial patterns of the association in the form of regression coefficients were not very consistent over the years as a result of interannual variations in the local climate.
Blood pressure responses to stress: Relation to left ventricular structure and function.

The relations of resting blood pressure, blood pressure during standardized stressors, and workplace blood pressure to left ventricular structure and diastoKc filling were evaluated in 133 healthy young adults (mean age = 30 + 7 years) without hypertension. Each subject underwent the following." (a) measurement of basal blood pressure at the end of 15 minutes of rest; (b) measurement of blood pressure during a competitive reaction time task (a laboratory stressor which elicits a beta-adrenergically mediated increase in cardiac output); (c) measurement of blood pressure during a forehead compressor test, which results primarily in an increase in total peripheral resistance due to alpha-adrenergic stimulation; and (d) ambulatory blood pressure monitoring during a typical workday. Left ventricular structure (indexed left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness) and diastolic filling (peak filling velocity) were evaluated by echocardiography.
Sorption pumping at high and ultra-high vacua

Abstract It is demonstrated that the operating range of a liquid nitrogen-chilled synthetic zeolite sorption pump can be extended into the high and ultra-high vacuum regions, without sarificing system cleanliness, by pre-evacuating the system prior to cooling the zeolite through a sorption pump of new design. Pressures as low as 5 × 10 −11 torr were produced in a small system by sorption pumping with liquid nitrogen-chilled Linde 13X molecular sieve (a synthetic zeolite) after pre-evacuation of the system by a small oil diffusion pump. The design of this new type of sorption pump, its operating characteristics, and its application in ion-getter-pumped vacuum systems are briefly discussed.
Neuromorphic model for information fusion

A neural architecture is presented for fusion of multisensory information at the feature level. The inputs to the network are in the form of binary edge patterns from multiple sensors. Each input is processed by a hierarchical neural structure similar to the forward path of MARA, which was previously proposed by the authors (1990). Since the neurons at higher levels are insensitive to distortion, noise, scaling, and displacement of the activities at lower levels, the activities of higher-level neurons in these networks processing different sensor information can be combined. The proposed architecture consists of a fusion path to carry the combined information to indicate the final decision. The fusion architecture is used to recognize the traces of trained patterns in low-quality images from different sensors. >
Traits and Training: Attributes and Skills of Pennsylvania Academic Library Managers

What makes a good library manager? Is a good library manager born or bred? To find out, Pennsylvania academic library managers were surveyed to determine their education and training backgrounds. The survey also illuminates the skills and personal traits these managers find most important in managing an academic library. Interpersonal skills and integrity were found to be the most important traits for an academic library manager to possess. Human resources and personnel issues were found to be the most difficult issues faced by academic library managers. In addition to presenting a snapshot of what today’s academic library leadership qualifications look like, the study will also provide future managers with an idea of what sort of training they should be seeking.
Direct measurements of excited-state lifetimes in Mg, Ca, and Sr†

The lifetimes of the lowest 3S1 states in Mg, Ca, and Sr have been measured. In addition, the lifetimes of a number of excited 1S0 and 1D2 states in Ca have been determined, as well as the lifetime of the 4s4p1P1 state of Ca. The measurements were made by observing the exponential decay of the intensity of the fluorescence emitted from excited states selectively populated by one- and two-step dye-laser excitation. The values obtained for the 3S1 lifetimes were τ(Mg) = (9.7 ± 0.5) ns, τ(Ca) = (11.7 ± 0.6) ns, and τ(Sr) = (12.9 ± 0.7) ns.
Damage Quantification Using Wave Propagation Data With Integrated Numerical and Experimental Approach

Acoustic Emission (AE) has been studied as a nondestructive testing method for real time damage detection and location studies. The method relies on the propagation of the elastic waves due to the formation of new crack faces. While the method is capable of detecting damage initiation and location with an array of sensors, the variations in geometries and material properties, which change the output response, limit the capabilities of the method in further quantifications in terms of damage size and orientation. The ability to accurately model elastic waves offers significant potential for understanding the AE data; however, the oscillatory nature of wave equation requires very fine meshing and small time step for a stable numerical solution. In this paper, the AE signature of the damage initiation is predetermined using effective numerical models. The numerical model reduces the required degrees of freedom about 60% as compared to conventional finite element formulation and the computational time. Through studying different geometries and materials, it is demonstrated that the crack size and orientation can be identified if the magnitude and the phase of the surface motion are preserved without any modifications due to data acquisition electronics. When the AE sensors are positioned properly, the phase difference of two sensors indicates the crack orientation and direction. The numerical results are validated on monotonic testing of aluminum coupon samples with induced notches at different angles. Understanding the crack orientation provides the directions of the acoustic wave patterns, which improves the source location accuracy with proper wave velocity selection.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Calcium Requirements of Various Species of Azotobacter.

SummaryCalcium ion requirements of strains representing 5 species of the Azotobacteriace have been studied. Quantitative differences in growth response on molecular nitrogen and on urea-N were readily detected with strains of A. vinelandii and A. chroococum and less definitely with A. beijerinckii and possibly A. macrocytogenes. No specific requirement for calcium was detected with strains of A. agilis, and the ion inhibited growth of A. indicus on either source of nitrogen. Acetate and ethanol replaced the calcium required for nitrogen fixation by 3 strains of A. vinelandii tested.
Does Puffery Deceive? An Empirical Investigation

This paper reports four experiments that investigated whether puffery in advertising deceives or not. The first study tested the effects of six levels of puffery on consumer perceptions of ad truthfulness and brand attitude. Study 2 tested the effect of puffery on perceptions of ad truthfulness under conditions of low- and high-product involvement. Study 3 compared puffery to fact-based claims and found that fact-based claims increased perceptions of ad truthfulness. Study 4 found that perceptions of ad truthfulness decreased when the consumer was exposed to puffery in an ad and also in a competitor’s ad.
Microroughness at the Si/SiO2 Interface from Pre-Oxidation Annealing, Measured Using Quantum Oscillations in Fowler-Nordheim Tunneling Currents

As design rules shrink to conform with ULSI device dimensions, gate dielectrics for MOSFET structures are required to be scaled to even thinner proportions. Upon scaling the gate oxides below ∼60A some properties of the device, such as interface roughness, that are negligible for thicker films become critical and must be evaluated. Microroughness at the interface of ultrathin MOS capacitors has been shown to degrade these devices. We are studying the interfacial region of ∼50A SiO2 on Si using the quantum oscillations in Fowler-Nordheim tunneling currents. The oscillations are sensitive to the electron potential and abruptness of the film and its interfaces. In particular, inelastic scattering and/or thickness inhomogeneities in the film will reduce the amplitude of the oscillations. We are using the amplitude of the oscillations to examine the degree of microroughness at the interface that results from a pre-oxidation high temperature anneal in an inert ambient containing various amounts of H2O. Preliminary AFM imaging has shown correlations supporting our microroughness interpretation of the quantum oscillation amplitudes.
Women's liberation, stuttering, and the concern for fluency

Abstract At a large urban speech and hearing center, the sex ratio of male to female stutterers was found to be decreasing, showing that more female stutterers were referring themselves or being referred for treatment. This may or may not indicate that the women's liberation movement is having a deleterious effect on stuttering incidence for females. However, it may indicate more of a concern for fluency among females when compared to males. The study could be an indication that concern for fluency among upward striving females should be studied in more depth.
Echocardiographic Assessment of the Donor Interatrial Septumn in Heart Transplant Recipients

The donor interatrial septa of 46 heart transplant recipients were measured from 4 serial echocardiograms. The purpose of the study was to determine the thickness of the donor interatrial septum and to assess whether changes in the septal thickness occur over time, either with ischemic duration at the time of surgery or with the number of treated rejection episodes during the first year after transplant. This study showed that the donor interatrial septum has increased thickness after heart transplantation but returns to normal by the 12 months after transplant. However, there was no correlation with the number of treated rejection episodes or ischemic time.
Roots of the American Anti-Terrorism Crusade*

Abstract The 11 September 2001 attacks are a denning moment for the USA. They have changed its perception of international reality by formulating an ideological framework to justify a new political and military strategy that is changing the terms of international relations. This article analyses the strategy towards ‘rogue states’ and ‘regime change’, and explores the emergence of the crusade against terrorism. It examines the domestic roots of this crusade, particularly the roles played by the Christian Right, the Neo-Conservatives, and the pro-Israeli lobbies. These combined forces push US domestic politics to the right, leading to an aggressive interventionist policy in the Middle East. Israeli actions dovetail with this crusade, thus becoming intertwined with domestic American issues. With their self-serving definition of terrorism, the US and Israeli governments prepare to launch a war against Iraq. Whether these combined efforts succeed will depend on the extent of domestic and international opposition.
The Relationship between Self-Esteem and Maladaptive Behaviors in High School Students.

General and area specific self-esteem scores of high school students were found to be inversely related to indices of maladaptive behavior. The specific maladaptive behaviors that were associated with self-esteem varied as a function of gender and social class. Implications for the possible causal relationship between self-esteem and maladaptive behaviors as they relate to gender and social class are discussed.
Spermine block of the strong inward rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1: dual roles of surface charge screening and pore block.

Inward rectification in strong inward rectifiers such as Kir2.1 is attributed to voltage-dependent block by intracellular polyamines and Mg2+. Block by the polyamine spermine has a complex voltage dependence with shallow and steep components and complex concentration dependence. To understand the mechanism, we measured macroscopic Kir2.1 currents in excised inside-out giant patches from Xenopus oocytes expressing Kir2.1, and single channel currents in the inside-out patches from COS7 cells transfected with Kir2.1. We found that as spermine concentration or voltage increased, the shallow voltage-dependent component of spermine block at more negative voltages was caused by progressive reduction in the single channel current amplitude, without a decrease in open probability. We attributed this effect to spermine screening negative surface charges involving E224 and E299 near the inner vestibule of the channel, thereby reducing K ion permeation rate. This idea was further supported by experiments in which increasing ionic strength also decreased Kir2.1 single channel amplitude, and by mutagenesis experiments showing that this component of spermine block decreased when E224 and E299, but not D172, were neutralized. The steep voltage-dependent component of block at more depolarized voltages was attributed to spermine migrating deeper into the pore and causing fast open channel block. A quantitative model incorporating both features showed excellent agreement with the steady-state and kinetic data. In addition, this model accounts for previously described substate behavior induced by a variety of Kir2.1 channel blockers.
Infrared emission from ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet states of PO in the cool phosphorus chemiluminescence flame

Abstract In this communication infrared emission corresponding to transitions between vacuum ultraviolet and ultraviolet states of PO is identified in the cool phosphorus chemiluminescent flame under atmospheric pressure. The emission originates from transitions between the vacuum ultraviolet G 2 Σ + and F 2 Σ + states of PO and the ultraviolet A 2 Σ + and B 2 Σ + states and between the two ultraviolet states A 2 Σ + and B 2 Σ + . Since 1924 it has been known that ambient phosphorus chemiluminescence includes unidentified vacuum ultraviolet radiation. The identification of infrared emission in the chemiluminescence from the G 2 Σ + and F 2 Σ + states of PO makes it probable that part at least of the vacuum ultraviolet emission arises from these states. This observation also provides new insight into the mechanism of the reaction; since if the G 2 Σ + and F 2 Σ + states of PO are present in the reaction sphere, then it is likely that PO is initially generated in these high energy states.
Construction of a high-copy "ATG vector" for expression in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We report the construction of an inducible, high-copy plasmid for the expression of foreign proteins in Escherichia coli . This plasmid, pPB1, combines the trc promoter, β-galactosidase translation start site, and polylinker of pKK233-2 with the origin of replication region of pUC19. Replacement of the origin of replication of pKK233-2 results in a threefold increase in plasmid copy number of pPB1 compared with pKK233-2. Subclones of the cDNA for rabbit muscle fructose- 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (E.C. 4.1.2.13) in the two expression plasmids exhibit a comparable difference in copy number. An increase in protein expression measured by SDS-PAGE and aldolase specific activities reflects the increased copy number. Specific activities of aldolases in bacterial extracts differ approximately sixfold between the two expression plasmids in E. coli JM83. Aldolase A can compose up to 40% of the total protein in E. coli JM83 when expressed in pPB1, from which more than 100 mg of purified enzyme can be obtained per liter culture.
Preparation, conformation, and mild hydrolysis of 1-glycosyl-2-acetylhydrazines of the hexoses, pentoses, 2-acetamido-2-deoxyhexoses, and fucose

The title compounds were prepared and their conformations studied by 1H-NMR. Their acid hydrolysis under mild conditions was monitored by 1H-NMR.
Cooperative Localization and Tracking of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Cooperative localization and tracking technique relies on pairwise measurements to jointly estimate the positions and the velocities of multiple nodes in a mobile ad hoc network. The pairwise measurements include the range and the radial velocity between the transmitting and receiving nodes. For a large-scale network, we formulate the state-space models for the subsystems and develop the distributed extended Kalman filters for cooperative localization and tracking. The decentralized approach takes into account the limited resources of node memory, embedded computation, and communication bandwidth. The algorithm works well in a sparsely connected mobile network and can adapt to changes in network connectivity. Numerical results show that the performances of the decentralized cooperative localization and node velocity estimation are close to the posterior Cramer-Rao lower bounds of the centralized approach.
Current Status of Mammalian and Human Models for Predicting Drug Photosensitivity

The status of efforts to develop experimental models for drug photosensitivity reactions in small mammals is reviewed. Tests which are practical and also have a high predictive value in determining photosensitivity hazards to man are the goal of this research. The various animal model systems which have been used are evaluated with respect to these goals.
Altered hydrology effects on Louisiana salt marsh function

A marsh subject to “structural marsh management,” which changes natural wetland hydrology, was found to be functionally impaired when compared to an adjacent unimpounded reference marsh. The “managed” marsh had much lower sedimentation rates and tidal amplitude. Also, net annual primary production was lower in the managed marsh relative to the reference marsh. In light of the great importance of sedimentation, as well as primary production, to vertical accretion and maintenance of the salt marsh surface, our findings support the contention that structural marsh management (SMM) inhibits marsh surface accretion. Even so, much of the Louisiana coast has been proposed for this form of management in an effort to protect it from loss. However, our results show such management activities in the salt marsh could likely increase sediment aggradation deficits and wetland loss, especially in areas subject to high rates of subsidence or sea-level rise, such as Louisiana. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the results shown here are typical for saline SMM sites. In the absence of such research, the use of SMM in salt marshes is not presently recommended.
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Fungi native to agricultural soils that colonized commercially available biodegradable mulch (BDM) films were isolated and assessed for potential to degrade plastics. Typically, when formulations of plastics are known and a source of the feedstock is available, powdered plastic can be suspended in agar-based media and degradation determined by visualization of clearing zones. However, this approach poorly mimics in situ degradation of BDMs. First, BDMs are not dispersed as small particles throughout the soil matrix. Secondly, BDMs are not sold commercially as pure polymers, but rather as films containing additives (e.g. fillers, plasticizers and dyes) that may affect microbial growth. The procedures described herein were used for isolates acquired from soil-buried mulch films. Fungal isolates acquired from excavated BDMs were tested individually for growth on pieces of new, disinfested BDMs laid atop defined medium containing no carbon source except agar. Isolates that grew on BDMs were further tested in liquid medium where BDMs were the sole added carbon source. After approximately ten weeks, fungal colonization and BDM degradation were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Isolates were identified via analysis of ribosomal RNA gene sequences. This report describes methods for fungal isolation, but bacteria also were isolated using these methods by substituting media appropriate for bacteria. Our methodology should prove useful for studies investigating breakdown of intact plastic films or products for which plastic feedstocks are either unknown or not available. However our approach does not provide a quantitative method for comparing rates of BDM degradation.
Constraining τ -lepton dipole moments and gluon couplings at the LHC

We study the constraints that can be placed on anomalous $\ensuremath{\tau}$-lepton couplings at the LHC. We use an effective Lagrangian description for physics beyond the standard model which contains the $\ensuremath{\tau}$-lepton anomalous magnetic moment, electric dipole moment, and weak dipole moments in two operators of dimension 6. We include in our study two additional operators of dimension 8 that directly couple the $\ensuremath{\tau}$ leptons to gluons and are therefore enhanced at the LHC. We consider the two main effects from these couplings: modifications to the Drell-Yan cross section and to the $\ensuremath{\tau}$-lepton pair production in association with a Higgs boson. We find that a measurement of the former at the 14% level can produce constraints comparable to existing ones for the anomalous dipole couplings and that a bound on the latter at a sensitivity level of 500 ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{SM}}$ or better would produce the best constraint on the $\ensuremath{\tau}$-gluonic couplings.
FORMAL AND ANALYTIC RIGIDITY OF THE WITH ALGEBRA

A family of deformations of the Witt algebra parametrized by the space ℰ of even polynomials with vanishing constant terms is defined. The existence of an isomorphism , where refers to suitable completions of , is proved. A relation between and Krichever–Novikov algebras of genus 0 and 1 is given.
Theory of temperature coefficient of resistivity: Application to amorphous Si and Ge

By invoking the microscopic response method in conjunction with a reasonable set of approximations, we obtain new explicit expressions for the electrical conductivity and temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) in amorphous semiconductors, especially a-Si:H and a-Ge:H. The predicted TCR for n-doped a-Si:H and a-Ge:H is in agreement with experiments. The conductivity from the transitions from a localized state to an extended state (LE) is comparable to that from the transitions between two localized states (LL). This resolves a long-standing anomaly, a kink in the experimental log10σ-vs.-T−1 curve.
Are mangroves in the tropical Atlantic ripe for invasion? Exotic mangrove trees in the forests of South Florida

Two species of mangrove trees of Indo-Pacific origin have naturalized in tropical Atlantic mangrove forests in South Florida after they were planted and nurtured in botanic gardens. Two Bruguiera gymnorrhiza trees that were planted in the intertidal zone in 1940 have given rise to a population of at least 86 trees growing interspersed with native mangrove species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa along 100 m of shoreline; the population is expanding at a rate of 5.6% year−1. Molecular genetic analyses confirm very low genetic diversity, as expected from a population founded by two individuals. The maximum number of alleles at any locus was three, and we measured reduced heterozygosity compared to native-range populations. Lumnitzera racemosa was introduced multiple times during the 1960s and 1970s, it has spread rapidly into a forest composed of native R. mangle, A. germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus and now occupies 60,500 m2 of mangrove forest with stem densities of 24,735 ha−1. We estimate the population growth rate of Lumnitzera racemosa to be between 17 and 23% year−1. Populations of both species of naturalized mangroves are dominated by young individuals. Given the long life and water-dispersed nature of propagules of the two exotic species, it is likely that they have spread beyond our survey area. We argue that the species-depauperate nature of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests and close taxonomic relatives in the more species-rich Indo-Pacific region result in the susceptibility of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests to invasion by Indo-Pacific mangrove species.
Phase diagram of carbon dioxide: evidence for a new associated phase

The stability of CO(2) phases has been investigated up to 50 GPa and 750 K by in situ Raman spectroscopy and visual observations using externally heated diamond-anvil cells. A new phase (CO(2)-II) exists above 20 GPa and 500 K, which can be quenched to ambient temperature. The vibrational spectrum of this new CO(2) polymorph suggests the dimeric pairing of molecules. Based on the present in situ data and previous laser-heating results, we present new constraints for the phase diagram of carbon dioxide to 50 GPa and 2000 K. We find that carbon dioxide exhibits dramatic changes, both in the molecular configuration and in the nature of intermolecular interaction at high pressures and temperatures.
Plasticity of claustroneocortical connections via the corpus callosum in the cat

The cat's distribution of claustral cells that project to the contralateral visual cortex via the corpus callosum was examined. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was applied to severed callosal axons to label a heterogeneous population of callosal connections. Cats reared with optically induced strabismus, and Siamese cats, had HRP-filled cells extending more ventrally in the claustrum than in controls. In these groups the compaction of labeled cells was higher than in controls and the amount of increased labeled area was not dependent on the resulting eye alignment. This indicates possible plasticity of visual claustrocallosal connectivity in cats.
Effects of Nonlinearity and Heteroscedasticity on the Validity of Conscientiousness in Predicting Overall Job Performance

Most research on the relationship between personality and overall job performance assumes linearity and homoscedasticity. This study investigated the prevalence and nature of nonlinearities and heteroscedasticies in relationships between conscientiousness and supervisory ratings of overall job performance across five independent samples using both concurrent (k = 4) and predictive (k = 1) designs. Hierarchical polynomial regression analyses found evidence of robust linear effects but no evidence of statistically significant quadratic or cubic effects. A statistically and practically significant heteroscedastic effect was found in only one sample such that lower errors of prediction were evidenced in the ends in comparison to the middle of the bivariate distribution. Implications for the use of conscientiousness in personnel selection are suggested. Limitations of the current study and directions for future research are noted.
Embodied interaction in social virtual environments

The interaction models found in typical desktop virtual environments designed for social interactions need to be improved in order to provide an adequate sense of embodiment and appropriate levels of abstraction for collaborative tasks. In order to improve the kinds of user interfaces available in social desktop virtual environments, new mechanisms for embodied interaction are needed. Such mechanisms would allow the dynamic generation of user interface displaying currently available high-level actions that can be performed on objects. This paper evaluates the kinds of interactions currently available in social desktop virtual environments, explores how these interactions effect the end-user experience, and suggests possible solutions for improving a user's sense of embodiment and presence in such environments.
Do Institutions Care about Market Structure? A Case Study of Listing Firms

Trading by institutions on the NSYE and Nasdaq markets has grown dramatically. Yet, while listing effects for firms moving to an exchange have been studied for more than 60 years, evidence on whether listing is beneficial is mixed. This study focuses on listing effects to institutional traders by examining different factors that capture changes in block execution. Results indicate price impacts and liquidity costs decline for various types of block trades and block trade sizes, the average volume of which increases after listing.(JEL G20)
Elliptical-core, two-mode optical fibre sensors as vibration-mode filters

Reggedised two-mode elliptical-core fibre sensors are shown to be selective in sensing the different modal frequencies of vibration from a clamped-clamped beam. Sensor placement on a flexible structure is shown to be critical in the design of fibre sensors that measure an integral of strain over their entire sensing lengths. Experimental results confirm theoretical predictions and efficient vibration-mode selectivity is demonstrated.