cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power in the 21st Century

Power, the ability to affect the behaviour of others to get what the actor in question wants, is an abstract concept in international relations but one which fundamentally reflects the way in which relations between states takes place. Although some theorists argue that power in primarily the stockpiles of resources that a particular state has access to, this power is untenable unless it undergoes the process of power conversion whereby the use of resources is translated into a change in behaviour. There are three basic ways to manifest power: coercion, payment, and attraction. Hard power is the use of coercion and payment, while soft power is the ability to obtain preferred outcomes through attraction and persuasion. Traditionally, hard power has been the focus of international relations theorists, with structural realists arguing that it is the only form of power that matters in the international system. Liberals, like Joseph S. Nye, contest this conjecture and posit that soft power is inherent in the international system and is gaining increasing prominence as the premier form of power while hard power declines in the 21st Century. This paper looks at the different forms of hard and soft power and the ways in which they manifest themselves in the modern era, and determines that, although hard power is still the salient form of power in the 21st Century, states must undertake a policy of 'smart power' in order to effectively translate resources into lasting influence.
Shifting the Risk of Mortgage Defaults from Taxpayers to Investors

Since Congress has not been able to pass needed reforms to the GSEs, they have taken the initiative to create Credit Risk Transfer Securities (CRTs). CRTs transfer much of the default risk on mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae ( and Freddie Mac ) from taxpayers to investors. We support this initiative, including the recent efforts to qualify CRTs as pass- through REMICs for tax purposes. But we suggest two changes. First, the GSEs should transfer more risk to investors in anticipation of a future downturn worse than the 2008 crisis. Second, the guarantee fees charged to mortgage originators ( and passed on to borrowers) should be reduced to reflect the cost of issuing CRTs.
Current update on vaginal malignancies

Primary vaginal cancers are rare and account for 1-3% of all gynecologic malignancies. There are several histological subtypes that affect a wide range of the population. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning of vaginal cancers. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, clinical findings, imaging characteristics, and recent advances in the management of vaginal malignancies.
Asynchronous learning environment for integrating technical communication into engineering courses

This work-in-progress describes a collaboration between two faculty members at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (USA) to build a Web-supported integration of technical communication into a sophomore-level course in engineering practices. The collaboration was begun in the summer of 1998. While the integrated delivery environment is still in its formative stages, the authors believe this presentation is appropriate for FIE because it covers two timely issues for engineering education: (1) the efficacy of asynchronous modules for course delivery; and (2) the meaningful integration of technical communication at early levels in the engineering curriculum.
Influencing public policy: an embedded criminologist reflects on California prison reform

Criminologists bemoan their lack of influence on U.S. crime policy, believing that the justice system would be improved if their research findings were more central in decision making. I had an opportunity to test that notion as I participated in California’s historic attempt to reform its prisons over the past 4 years. I became an embedded criminologist, where I was able to observe and contribute to the inner workings of state government. This article reports on my accomplishments with respect to fostering research activities and shifting the department’s focus towards prisoner reintegration. It discusses some of the lessons I learned, including the personal toll that such work entails, the importance of the timing of policy initiatives, and the power of rigorous methodology and clear communication. I conclude by recommending that other policy-oriented criminologists seek out similar experiences, as I believe our academic skills are uniquely suited and ultimately necessary to create a justice system that does less harm.
Preprocessing of Edge of Light images: towards a quantitative evaluation

A computer vision inspection system, named Edge of Light TM (EOL), was invented and developed at the Institute for Aerospace Research of the National Research Council Canada. One application of interest is the detection and quantitative measurement of “pillowing” caused by corrosion in the faying surfaces of aircraft fuselage joints. To quantify the hidden corrosion, one approach is to relate the average corrosion of a region to the peak-to-peak amplitude between two diagonally adjacent rivet centers. This raises the requirement for automatically locating the rivet centers. The first step to achieve this is the rivet edge detection. In this study, gradient-based edge detection, local energy based feature extraction, and an adaptive threshold method were employed to identify the edge of rivets, which facilitated the first step in the EOL quantification procedure. Furthermore, the brightness profile is processed by the derivative operation, which locates the pillowing along the scanning direction. The derivative curves present an estimation of the inspected surface.
Pulmonary Mycobacterial Infections due to Mycobacterium intracellulare-avium Complex:Clinical Features and Course in 100 Consecutive Cases

One hundred consecutive cases of pulmonary infection due to Mycobacterium intracellulare-avium seen during a 3½-year period qualified for review on the basis of a compatible chest x-ray film, repeated isolations from cultures of sputum, and follow-up of three to eight years. Infections with M intracellulare-avium represented 27 percent of all mycobacterial infections seen during this period, including those due to M tuberculosis. The cases of disease due to M intracellulare-avium were predominantly in men with preexisting pulmonary disease, with a peak incidence in the sixth decade, but nearly one-third of the cases were in younger persons free of coexisting disease. The disease was chronic and indolent in most cases, and only a few showed a progressive course. A stable course was frequently observed despite prolonged persistently positive cultures of sputum. A favorable prognosis was most often found in those with previously treated tuberculosis. Poor prognosis was often due to a serious associated disease, such as cancer, rather than to advancing mycobacterial infection itself. Age, sex, or race was unrelated to prognosis. Conversion to negative status on culture was attained in one-half of the cases. Those with extensive radiographic involvement or cavitation were more likely to have treatment fail bacteriologically. No combination of chemotherapy appeared to be particularly effective, including the use of five or more drugs in eight cases demonstrating progressive disease. Surgery, too, was ultimately disappointing in that recurrence appeared in six of 18 carefully selected cases.
Groups generated by 3-state automata over a 2-letter alphabet, I

This is the second in a series of papers presenting results on the classification of groups generated by 3-state automata over a 2-letter alphabet. Among the examples treated here, one can find automata generating the free product of 3 cyclic groups of order 2, a virtually free abelian group of rank 3, a solvable group of derived length 3, some virtually torsion-free weakly branch groups, and other interesting self-similar groups.
Thinning and chipping small-diameter ponderosa pine changes understory plant communities on the Colorado Front Range.

Abstract Novel fire mitigation treatments that chip harvested biomass on site are increasingly prescribed to reduce the density of small-diameter trees, yet the ecological effects of these treatments are unknown. Our objective was to investigate the impacts of mechanical thinning and whole tree chipping on Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) regeneration and understory plant communities to guide applications of these new fuel disposal methods. We sampled in three treatments: (1) unthinned forests (control), (2) thinned forests with harvested biomass removed (thin-only), and (3) thinned forests with harvested biomass chipped and broadcast on site (thin + chip). Plots were located in a ponderosa pine forest of Colorado and vegetation was sampled three to five growing seasons following treatment. Forest litter depth, augmented with chipped biomass, had a negative relationship with cover of understory plant species. In situ chipping often produces a mosaic of chipped patches tens of meters in size, creating a range of woodchip depths including areas lacking woodchip cover within thinned and chipped forest stands. Thin-only and thin + chip treatments had similar overall abundance and species richness of understory plants at the stand scale, but at smaller spatial scales, areas within thin + chip treatments that were free of woodchip cover had an increased abundance of understory vegetation compared to all other areas sampled. Relative cover of non-native plant species was significantly higher in the thin-only treatments compared to control and thin + chip areas. Thin + chip treated forests also had a significantly different understory plant community composition compared to control or thin-only treatments, including an increased richness of rhizomatous plant species. We suggest that thinning followed by either chipping or removing the harvested biomass could alter understory plant species composition in ponderosa pine forests of Colorado. When considering post-treatment responses, managers should be particularly aware of both the depth and the distribution of chipped biomass that is left in forested landscapes.
The Relationship Between Eastern Equatorial Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures and Rainfall over India and Sri Lanka

Abstract Monsoon season (June–September) precipitation data from 31 Indian subdivisions and mean monthly precipitation data from 35 Indian and Sri Lanka stations, spanning the period 1875–79, were analyzed to determine the relationship between equatorial Pacific warm episodes (El Nino events) and interannual fluctuations in precipitation over India and Sri Lanka. The data reveal a strong tendency for a below normal summer monsoon during the 25 moderate/strong warm episodes which occurred during the period. For example, area-averaged June–September rainfall over India was below the median value in 21 of the 25 warm episode years. These years include the five largest, and nine of the eleven largest, negative monsoon season anomalies. Considerably smaller average departures occurred during the monsoon seasons of the year preceding and the year following the warm episode, and during the remaining months of the warm episode year. The anomaly pattern over Sri Lanka and extreme southern India is quite different,...
Hematopoietic stem cells contribute to lymphatic endothelium.

Background Although the lymphatic system arises as an extension of venous vessels in the embryo, little is known about the role of circulating progenitors in the maintenance or development of lymphatic endothelium. Here, we investigated whether hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have the potential to give rise to lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). Methodology/Principal Findings Following the transfer of marked HSCs into irradiated recipients, donor-derived LEC that co-express the lymphatic endothelial markers Lyve-1 and VEGFR-3 were identified in several tissues. HSC-derived LEC persisted for more than 12 months and contributed to ∼3–4% of lymphatic vessels. Donor-derived LECs were not detected in mice transplanted with common myeloid progenitors and granulocyte/macrophage progenitors, suggesting that myeloid lineage commitment is not a requisite step in HSC contribution to lymphatic endothelium. Analysis of parabiotic mice revealed direct evidence for the existence of functional, circulating lymphatic progenitors in the absence of acute injury. Furthermore, the transplantation of HSCs into ApcMin/+ mice resulted in the incorporation of donor-derived LEC into the lymphatic vessels of spontaneously arising intestinal tumors. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that HSCs can contribute to normal and tumor associated lymphatic endothelium. These findings suggest that the modification of HSCs may be a novel approach for targeting tumor metastasis and attenuating diseases of the lymphatic system.
Behavior of type-II superconductors around κcr

Abstract The calculation of the critical κ separating type II/1 superconductors from type II/2 is presented.
The synthesis and content of neurotransmitters and their effect on cyclic nucleotide accumulation in the central nervous system of Manduca sexta

Abstract In this study the ability of the intact nerve cord of Manduca sexta to synthesize 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and acetylcholine from labelled precursors is shown. The endogenous levels of amino acids in haemolymph and nervous tissue and the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptamine are presented. The accumulation of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in nerve cords from Manduca sexta was investigated after in vitro incubation in solutions containing putative neurotransmitters. Basal cyclic AMP levels were in agreement with results of other workers using insect systems. Serotonin elevated cyclic AMP levels. Acetylcholine and the amino acids aspartate, glutamate, glycine and γ-aminobutyrate, elevated cyclic GMP levels. These results support roles for serotonin and acetylcholine in neuronal function mediated by cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively.
Now you see it, now you don't

Cell doctrine: modern biology and medicine see the cell as the fundamental building block of living organisms, but this concept breaks down at different perspectives and scales.
The Law and Its Interaction With Medical Ethics in End-of-Life Decision Making

The previous two articles in this series explored the historical and theoretical development of medical decision making from initial reliance on medical beneficence to a more recent emphasis on patient autonomy. The law of withholding and withdrawal of treatment has much in common with medical ethics. It is based on concerns about patient autonomy expressed by courts, legislatures, and the executive branch of the government. Legally, the patient's right of self-determination has been based on a variety of sources ranging from state and federal constitutions to the common law of torts and from cases to statutes and regulations. Understanding the various sources of the law, the distinctions among those sources, and the interaction of the branches of government in this context assists in understanding the law itself. In our federalist system of government, significant legal variations can exist among the states, but although technically valid, excessive concern about compliance with the precise contours of each state's statute when surrogate decision makers are engaging in bedside deliberations is unnecessary. Regardless of source or precise legal contours, the overall goal, which neither the physician nor the patient's surrogate or proxy decision makers should forget, is to honor what the patient would want to have done. Physicians and attorneys will agree on that as a matter of both ethics and the law.
Streptococcal pancreatitis and toxic shock syndrome in a 2-month-old infant

The rare clinical scenario of an infant with group A streptococcal pancreatitis associated with toxic shock syndrome is reported. The presentation, evaluation, and management of this unusual clinical entity are discussed.
Acute pemphigus vulgaris; dental significance.

Abstract A discussion and case history of pemphigus vulgaris is given. If body lesions resembling oral lesions are seen, a systemic condition should be expected. When pemphigus is suspected, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately because of the very high fatality, and the possibility of death occurring in a few weeks. It is brought out that if oral blisters or gray, ulcerated areas recur and are present for several weeks, pemphigus must be suspected. Body lesions may be covered and out of the dentist's sight, so the patient certainly should be questioned about the possibility of body lesions in all cases.
MTCMOS hierarchical sizing based on mutual exclusive discharge patterns

Multi-threshold CMOS is a popular circuit style that will provide high performance and low power operation. Optimally sizing the gating sleep transistor to provide adequate performance is difficult because the overall delay characteristics are strongly dependent on the discharge patterns of internal gates. This paper proposes a methodology for sizing the sleep transistor for a large module based on mutual exclusive discharge patterns of internal blocks. This algorithm can be applied at all levels of a circuit hierarchy, where the internal blocks can represent transistors, cells within an array, or entire modules. This methodology will give an upper bound for the sleep transistor size required to meet any performance constraint.
The Effect Of Salinity On The Crowth Of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii were grown in the four salinity treatments; freshwater, 2 ppt, 8.5 ppt and 15 ppt. Best growth occurred in the lower salinity (2 ppt), while growth was impaired at the highest salinity (15 ppt). Implications of the results on the hypothesis that growth in aquatic organisms may be enhanced in isosmotic media are discussed.
HMGA1 correlates with advanced tumor grade and decreased survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Although pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a common and almost uniformly fatal cancer, little is known about the molecular events that lead to tumor progression. The high-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) protein is an architectural transcription factor that has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of diverse human cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In this study, we investigated HMGA1 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines and surgically resected tumors to determine whether it could be a marker for more advanced disease. By real-time quantitative RT-PCR, we measured HMGA1a mRNA in cultured pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines and found increased levels in all cancer cells compared with normal pancreatic tissue. To investigate HMGA1 in primary human tumors, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of 125 cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 99 precursor lesions (PanIN 1-3). We found nuclear staining for HMGA1 in 98% of cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but only 43% of cases of PanIN precursor lesions. Moreover, HMGA1 immunoreactivity correlates positively with decreased survival and advanced tumor and PanIN grade. These results suggest that HMGA1 promotes tumor progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and could be a useful biomarker and rational therapeutic target in advanced disease.
Review of recent practices in the field of gastro-enterology at the university of minnesota hospitals

The above review is a broad rather than a detailed survey of our present diagnostic methods and forms of treatment. An attempt has been made to present timeproven rather than “new” procedures. The result of further study and clinical experience will undoubtedly modify many of them. Some of the commoner problems of gastro-enterology as the etiology of peptic ulcer, pathogenesis of gall stones, prevention of peritonitis, etc., still await final solution. Periodic reviews and the interchange of ideas between various clinics will do much to clarify these problems.
Salicylate-induced degeneration of cochlea spiral ganglion neurons-apoptosis signaling.

Aspirin, whose active ingredient is sodium salicylate, is the most widely used drug worldwide, but it is not recommended for children because it may cause Reye's syndrome. High doses of salicylate also induce temporary hearing loss and tinnitus; while these disorders are believed to disappear when treatment is discontinued some data suggest that prolonged treatment may be neurotoxic. To investigate its ototoxicity, immature, postnatal day 3 rat cochlear organotypic cultures were treated with salicylate. Salicylate did not damage the sensory hair cells, but instead damaged the spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) and their peripheral fibers in a dose-dependent manner. The cross-sectional area of SGN decreased from 205 microm(2) in controls to 143, 116, and 91 microm(2) in cultures treated with 1, 3, or 5 mM salicylate, respectively. Morphological changes and caspase upregulation were indicative of caspase-mediated apoptosis. A quantitative RT-PCR apoptosis array identified a subset of genes up- or down regulated by salicylate. Eight genes showed a biologically relevant change (P or =2 fold change) after 3 h treatment with salicylate; seven genes (Tp53, Birc3, Tnfrsf5, Casp7, Nfkb1, Fas, Lta, Tnfsf10) were upregulated and one gene (Pycard) was downregulated. After 6 h treatment, only one gene (Nol3) was upregulated and two genes were downregulated (Cideb and Lhx4) while after 12 h treatment, two genes (Il10, Gadd45a) were upregulated and 4 (Prok2, Card10, Ltbr, Dapk1) were downregulated. High doses of salicylate in a physiologically relevant range can induce caspase-mediated cell death in immature SGN; changes in the expression of apoptotic genes particularly among members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family appear to play an important role in the degeneration.
Small cumuli observed with a 3 mm wavelength Doppler radar

The paper presents quantitative millimeter wave Doppler radar observations of radar reflectivity and air vertical velocity inside shallow cumuli whose vertical development is restricted by a capping inversion layer. The maximum observed radar reflectivity is −34 to −30 dBZ, which is equivalent to a cloud liquid water content of 0.1 to 0.25 g/m³ depending on cloud droplet size. The main updraft region, which coincides roughly with the maximum reflectivity region, occupies the center of the cloud and extends throughout the radar-visible cloud depth. Downdrafts exhibit more complex structure and are found on the cloud edges.
Differential induction of transcription for glucocorticoid-responsive genes in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Dexamethasone rapidly stimulated transcription of the tyrosine aminotransferase and metallothionein-I genes — but not the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene — in rat hepatocytes cultured in serum-free medium. This differential response was not observed for cyclic AMP. The results suggest that the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene — but not the tyrosine aminotransferase and metallothionein-I genes — requires a factor which is permissive for stimulation of transcription by the glucocorticoid receptor.
Quantitative Determination of Molecular Chain Tilt Angles in Monolayer Films at the Air/Water Interface: Infrared Reflection/Absorption Spectroscopy of Behenic Acid Methyl Ester

Monolayers of behenic acid methyl ester at the air/H2O and air/D2O interfaces provide a convenient test for quantitative analysis of infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) intensities. Spectra were acquired for both s- and p-polarized radiation at angles of incidence of 35°, 40°, 45°, and 50°. The observed ∼10 cm-1 splitting (at a surface pressure of 14 mN/m) for both the methylene scissoring and rocking modes provides direct evidence for the occurrence of a perpendicular orthorhombic subcell structure and for the existence of all-trans acyl chains. Analysis of the IRRAS intensities of the methylene and carbonyl stretching vibrations reveals that, of the limited set of chain tilt angles possible with respect to the surface normal, a chain tilt angle of 0° provides by far the best fit to the data. For each vibration, data for both polarizations at all four angles were fit with a single set of three parameters: chain tilt angle, effective extinction coefficient (kmax), and the overall degree o...
New Methodology to Find the Healing and Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixes Using Overlay Tester

Asphalt layers under different repeated loading and rest periods experience both fatigue and healing processes. The tests are costly and time consuming and the results are highly variable. Current methods of evaluating these phenomena using the overlay tester (OT) rely on counting the number of load repetitions until the crack breaks through the sample. This research provides a novel analysis method based on viscoelastic fracture mechanics and finite-element modeling to predict the actual crack growth rate in asphalt mixes, both in laboratory compacted and field samples, by using the OT. Furthermore, the new method uses the principles of viscoelastic fracture mechanics to find the fracture and healing properties of the asphalt mixes. The resulting test is fast, less costly, and more repeatable than previous methods using the OT. The precision of the test method was determined and improved by testing lab compacted specimens. The coefficients of variation of the undamaged properties of the laboratory compacted mixture are comparable with the test results.
Medical and obstetric complications among pregnant women with cystic fibrosis

Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the nationwide prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in pregnancy and determine what medical complications exist at delivery among pregnant women with CF. Study Design The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all delivery-related discharges. Women with CF were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modifications codes and compared with women without CF. The prevalence of selected severe medical complications was compared between the 2 groups (NIS years 2008-2010) using multivariable logistic regression and the linear change in prevalence of CF at delivery determined (NIS years 2000-2010). Results From 2000 to 2010, there was a significant linear increase in the prevalence of CF at delivery from 3.0 to 9.8 per 100,000 deliveries, in 2000 and 2010, respectively (R 2 = 0.92, P P Conclusion Pregnant women with CF are more likely to die, require mechanical ventilation, and have infectious complications compared with women without CF, although the absolute risks are low and these events are relatively rare.
Fibre groups in the auditory nerve of the locust.

I HAVE shown that the tympanal nerve of the male migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) contains two dissimilar groups of fibres, which can be distinguished by their conduction velocities and by the sensitivities of the receptors from which they derive.
FREQUENCY STABILITY OF HIGH-FINESSE INTERFEROMETERS

The effects of temperature and pressure on the stability of a high-finesse interferometer are considered, and the design of a high-finesse interferometer that minimizes these effects is presented. The high-finesse interferometer has a free spectral range of 23,600 MHz, a finesse of greater than 30,000, and a measured stability of better than 7 MHz/h (0.3 mfringes/h).
Surgery of rheumatoid hand and wrist

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease which cannot be cured by surgery. There is no substitute for good medical management. Surgery, however, can be a very valuable aid in the management of the rheumatoid arthritis patient. What can be expected from surgery in the rheumatoid patient? Relief of pain in the involved joint that is operated upon is dramatic. Synovectomy will relieve the chronic aching pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than resorting to steroids or other drugs, the patient with one or several joints involved may benefit from surgical relief of the pain. This can greatly aid the physician Who is taking care of the patient. Improved function of the hand and wrist may be obtained by surgical reconstruction of the joints, as well as repairing ruptured tendons. Cosmetic improvement can be extremely dramatic after reconstruction of the hand or wrist. It is surprising how often the patient is extremely disturbed about the appearance of the hand but will not admit this unless questioned specifically. The patient may have a complete change in her personality and outlook towards life if something can be done to correct these horrible deformities. One should not overlook this factor as it can be extremely important.
Humpback Whale Song and Foraging Behavior on an Antarctic Feeding Ground

Reports of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song chorusing occurring outside the breeding grounds are becoming more common, but song structure and underwater behavior of individual singers on feeding grounds and migration routes remain unknown. Here, ten humpback whales in the Western Antarctic Peninsula were tagged in May 2010 with non-invasive, suction-cup attached tags to study foraging ecology and acoustic behavior. Background song was identified on all ten records, but additionally, acoustic records of two whales showed intense and continuous singing, with a level of organization and structure approaching that of typical breeding ground song. The songs, produced either by the tagged animals or close associates, shared phrase types and theme structure with one another, and some song bouts lasted close to an hour. Dive behavior of tagged animals during the time of sound production showed song occurring during periods of active diving, sometimes to depths greater than 100 m. One tag record also contained song in the presence of feeding lunges identified from the behavioral sensors, indicating that mating displays occur in areas worthy of foraging. These data show behavioral flexibility as the humpbacks manage competing needs to continue to feed and to prepare for the breeding season during late fall. This may also signify an ability to engage in breeding activities outside of the traditional, warm water breeding ground locations.
Complementary mechanisms of enhanced oxytocin-stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis in rabbit amnion at the end of gestation.

The up-regulation of oxytocin (OT) receptors in rabbit amnion at the end of gestation is associated with a large increase in the ability of OT to stimulate PGE2 synthesis. The purpose of these investigations was to determine what other factors contribute to this increase. OT enhanced PGE2 synthesis at several levels. The concentrations of cytosolic phospholipase A2, which generates arachidonic acid for PGE2 synthesis, and PGH endoperoxide synthases (types 1 and 2), which catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostanoids, rose substantially in rabbit amnion at term. OT stimulated translocation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 to the cell particulate fraction, presumably by a Ca2+-mediated process, and phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 via the extracellular regulated protein kinase 2/1-mediated pathway. OT-stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and extracellular regulated protein kinase 2/1 phosphorylation were both mediated by Gq/11 activation. OT also increased the exp...
Perceptions of Nuclear and Other Risks in Japan and the United States

As part of a study of nuclear power development in Japan and the United States, surveys of perceptions of risk toward 30 activities, substances, and technologies have been carried out in the Pacific Northwest and Tokyo, Japan. The results show that people in both countries have the highest level of dread toward nuclear waste disposal, nuclear accidents, and nuclear war, greater even than their dread of crime and AIDS. In addition to comparisons of dread, the paper also discusses similarities and differences between Japanese and American responses for other dimensions of risk perception.
Coplanar conjugated β-nitroporphyrins and some aspects of nitration of porphyrins with N2O4

Abstract Sterically controlled N 2 O 4 nitration of a meso -2,3-unsubstituted porphyrin or a bis-α-unsubstituted pyrroloporphyrin affords coplanar conjugated β-nitroporphyrins displaying strong electronic interactions.
Low-temperature poly-Si TFT characteristics in the overlapped area of excimer laser long-axis scans

We have investigated the laser crystallized LT poly-Si TFT characteristics in the overlapped area of excimer laser scans in the long axis direction. Continuous TFTs located at the edges of single scan and overlaps of two scans were used. Different laser energy densities were dual-scanned to study the characteristics of the TFTs in overlapped area. It was found that the laser with higher energy density dominates the TFT characteristics, and their characteristics in the overlapped area can be as good as those in the non- overlapped area. Based on these results, large uniform LT poly-Si panel can be fabricated by overlapping the laser scans in the long axis direction.
SocialMirror: motivating young adults with autism to practice life skills in a social world

In this video, we present SocialMirror [1], an interactive mirror connected to an online social network that allows young adults with autism to seek advice from a trusted and responsive network of family, friends and professionals. We depict three social scenarios that show the feasibility and applicability of SocialMirror.
Surface states and insulator traps at the Si3N4GaAs interface

Abstract MIS capacitors were fabricated on p -type GaAs by pyrolytic deposition of a Si 3 N 4 film using the silane-ammonia-excess hydrogen reaction. Thermal conversion of bulk GaAs was found to be a problem in this reaction. The interface properties were investigated using the MIS conductance technique, and a tunneling model is proposed which accurately accounts for the observed conductance in depletion. A novel feature of the model is the assumption of a large density of states distributed well beyond 10 A into the bulk insulator. Difficulties encountered in the interpretation of results in weak inversion and weak accumulation are discussed.
Family life cycle differences for shopping styles, information use, and decision-making

This article identifies shopping styles, information use, and decision-making differences by family life cycle stage in a purchase of a durable good. Data were collected using mailed questionnaires. The sample consists of 378 cases. Data are analyzed using factor analyses, analysis of variance, and cross tabulations. The shopping style factor indicates younger adults are brand conscious. The consumer factor indicates that people in older life cycle stages read more than people in younger life cycle stages. The inexperience factor indicates single parents, younger families, and younger adults are more inexperienced. The decision-making variable indicates that younger adults and single parents make decisions by themselves and younger families make decisions with their spouses. Reasons for purchases indicate that single parents do not own the product, older families are replacing, and retirees want new product characteristics.
The Effect of Photon Source on Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol by a Silica-Titania Composite

The objective of this study was to distinguish the effect of photon flux (i.e., photons per unit time reaching a surface) from that of photon energy (i.e., wavelength) of a photon source on the silica-titania composite (STC)-catalyzed degradation of ethanol in the gas phase. Experiments were conducted in a bench-scale annular reactor packed with STC pellets and irradiated with either a UV-A fluorescent black light blue lamp ((gamma)max=365 nm) at its maximum light intensity or a UV-C germicidal lamp ((gamma)max=254 nm) at three levels of light intensity. The STC-catalyzed oxidation of ethanol was found to follow zero-order kinetics with respect to CO2 production, regardless of the photon source. Increased photon flux led to increased EtOH removal, mineralization, and oxidation rate accompanied by lower intermediate concentration in the effluent. The oxidation rate was higher in the reactor irradiated by UV-C than by UV-A (38.4 vs. 31.9 nM/s) at the same photon flux, with similar trends for mineralization (53.9 vs. 43.4%) and reaction quantum efficiency (i.e., photonic efficiency, 63.3 vs. 50.1 nmol CO2 (mu)mol/photons). UV-C irradiation also led to decreased intermediate concentration in the effluent . compared to UV-A irradiation. These results demonstrated that STC-catalyzed oxidation is enhanced by both increased photon flux and photon energy.
Xanthines alter behavior maintained by intracranial electrical stimulation and an operant schedule.

Caffeine and related alkylxanthines are widely used for recreation and therapeutic effects. In behavioral studies, both response rate-enhancing and attenuating effects have been described, depending upon the dose and behavioral measure used. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) and differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) were assessed after rats were administered one of a range of doses of caffeine or aminophylline. These measures were chosen because of their demonstrated sensitivity to psychotropic drugs and the potential for comparing the alkylxanthine data to the extensive literature of amphetamine effects on ICSS and DRL behavior. Caffeine and aminophylline elicited dose-and drug-dependent changes in ICSS responding, and increased response rates and decreased reinforcements on the DRL schedule. These behavioral results are discussed with reference to alkylxanthine interactions with adenosine receptors.
Multicultural Literacy Teacher Education: Seeking Micro-Transformations

Using Conceptual Change Theory, this qualitative study of literacy teacher education investigated how eight beginning teachers developed knowledge about multicultural literacy pedagogy. Teachers' written and spoken language was analyzed from data sources collected during and outside of a preparation course, part of a nighttime alternative certification program. Conceptual changes took place for several topics, but not for all. When changes occurred, they resulted in broadened conceptions, thus enabling the teachers to investigate and embrace a wider range of possibilities for literacy than they had previously acknowledged. Findings suggest multicultural teacher educators seek “micro-transformations” in teachers' knowledge in order to support the development of multicultural educators.
A feminist poststructuralist examination into the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Awards Program

The purpose of this viewpoint is to systematically synthesise the intersection of research that focuses on poststructuralism as related to a physical education discourse (namely President’s Challen...
Metals emitted from heavy-duty diesel vehicles equipped with advanced PM and NOX emission controls

Abstract Emission factors for elemental metals were determined from several heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDV) of 1998–2007 vintage, operating with advanced PM and/or NOX emissions control retrofits on a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer, under steady state cruise, transient, and idle conditions. The emission control retrofits included diesel particulate filters (DPF): catalyzed and uncatalyzed, passive and active prototype vanadium- or zeolite-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and a catalyzed DPF fitted on a hybrid diesel electric drive vehicle. The prototype SCR systems in combination with DPF retrofits are of particular interest because they represent the expected emissions controls for compliance with PM and NOX regulations in 2010. PM samples from a full-exhaust dilution tunnel were collected on bulk filters, and on a Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS) for total and water-soluble elemental analysis. All the DPFs significantly reduced emissions of total trace elements (>85% and >95% for cruise and for the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS), respectively). However, we observed differences in the post-retrofit metals emissions due to driving cycle effects (i.e., exhaust temperature) and type of retrofit. In general, the metals emissions over cruise conditions (which leads to higher exhaust temperatures) were substantially different from the emissions over a transient cycle or while idling. For instance, during cruise, we observed higher levels of platinum (1.1 ± 0.6–4.2 ± 3.6 ng km−1) for most of the retrofit-equipped vehicle tests compared to the baseline configuration (0.3 ± 0.1 ng km−1). The vanadium-based DPF + SCR vehicle during cruise operation exhibited emissions of vanadium (562 ± 265 ng km−1) and titanium (5841 ± 3050 ng km−1), suggesting the possible release of actual SCR wash-coat (V2O5/TiO2) from the catalyst under the higher temperatures characteristic of cruise operation. The vanadium emissions exhibited a bi-modal mass size distribution, with modes at
Management of dysfunction in the transplanted lung: Experience with 7 clinical cases

In a series of 34 lung transplant patients, donor lung dysfunction occurred on 7 occasions. One patient underwent retransplantation and the remaining 6 were treated conservatively. Survival was 100% in the donor lung dysfunction group. Percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, carbon monoxide diffusion, room air oxygen tension, and distance walked in 6 minutes were all lower (p less than 0.05) at 1 month after transplantation in those patients with donor lung dysfunction as compared with those without. These differences were not significant at 3 months after transplantation. We conclude that donor lung dysfunction can usually be managed conservatively with satisfactory results. Longer follow-up of this group of patients will be necessary to determine the long-term consequences of early graft injury.
Nerve decompression for complex regional pain syndrome type II following upper extremity surgery

Purpose To evaluate the results of nerve decompression for the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome that developed after upper-extremity surgery. Methods Eight patients (5 men, 3 women) developed worsening severe pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion after an upper-extremity surgery. The diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome was made at an average of 6 weeks (range, 1–10 weeks) after the surgical procedure. A clinical diagnosis of either median or combined median and ulnar nerve compression at the wrist was confirmed in all patients with electrophysiologic testing. Nerve decompression was performed at a mean of 13 weeks after the procedure. Subjective (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; visual analog pain scale) and objective (forearm, wrist, and finger range of motion; grip strength) data from before and after nerve decompression were reviewed. Results The average score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire decreased from 71 to 30 (p Conclusions Traditionally surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with complex regional pain syndrome; however, in the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression surgical intervention may hasten recovery in these patients.
Were the Chinese reforms a feasible alternative for transition economies

Purpose – To examine China's reforms and successes could have been replicated to other transition economies.Design/methodology/approach – The applicability of the Chinese process as an alternative for transition economies involves an analysis of the necessary reforms regarding price liberalisation‐stabilisation; privatisation; institutions; monetary policy and the financial system; fiscal policy; international trade and foreign aid and social policy.Findings – The transition process in China has maintained political‐ideological authoritarianism and state control of the whole economy. Therefore, it was not the “special initial conditions” of China that made the model inappropriate but, rather, the switch to a democratic political‐ideological‐economic structure in transition economies.Originality/value – The paper contributes to the transition literature by demonstrating that the strategy was only rendered workable in China, as the governments of transition economies neither had the mandate nor wanted to re...
Comparative Immunochemistry of Phytochrome

Partially purified high molecular weight preparations of phytochrome, estimated to be close to 440,000 molecular weight based upon chromatography through a calibrated Bio-Gel P-300 column, were obtained from Garry and Newton oats (Avena Sativa L., cv. Garry and cv. Newton), rye (Secale cereale L., cv. Balbo), barley (Horedum vulgare L., cv. Harrison), and pea (Pisum sativum L., cv. Alaska) by a sequence of three chromatographic steps: brushite, diethylaminoethyl cellulose, and Bio-Gel P-300. No significant differences were observed between these preparations during purification or subsequent handling. In addition, a low molecular weight form of phytochrome was purified from Garry oats. Two specific antisera against a low molecular weight form of phytochrome (60,000 molecular weight) obtained from etiolated Garry oat seedlings are characterized and used to compare the phytochrome preparations. Double diffusion assays indicated antigenic identity between all preparations except that pea phytochrome yielded a spur when compared to oat phytochrome. Micro complement fixation assays yielded complete identity between Garry and Newton oat phytochrome, reduced activity with rye and barley phytochrome, and a complete lack of activity with pea phytochrome at the serum dilutions assayed. Immunoelectrophoretic assays indicated that all high molecular weight phytochrome preparations were homogeneous by this criterion and that there were only slight differences between the preparations in electrophoretic mobility. Large and small forms of phytochrome isolated from Garry oats were found to be very similar antigens when tested with the anti-small phytochrome sera, although the small form was observed to electrophorese at a much slower rate than the large.
Crystallinity of Calcium Chondroitin Sulphate

WELL-DEFINED macroscopic shapes containing symmetry elements are generally regarded as a sign of crystalline arrangement of molecules. Recently, Kargin1 demonstrated that polymer molecules might have a regular geometrical aggregate as viewed in the electron microscope without being crystalline so far as X-ray diffraction measurement is concerned and vice versa. In our work with calcium chondroitin sulphate A we encountered apparently a similar phenomenon. Einbinder and Schubert2 reported that calcium chondroitin sulphate (their so-called mid and tail fraction) showed crystalline shapes under the microscope when precipitated with ethanol from aqueous solution. These same fractions, however, proved to be amorphous in our X-ray diffraction experiments. Further investigation also revealed that the ‘head’ fraction of calcium chondroitin sulphate which Einbinder and Schubert2 reported as amorphous under the microscope was highly crystalline in X-ray diffraction studies. Detailed analysis of these results will be reported elsewhere.
The influence of level of illumination and size of pattern on the depth perception of the kitten and the puppy

Amount of illumination and size of pattern on the deep side of the visual cliff were varied during the development of visual depth perception of the kitten and the puppy. Neither amount of illumination or texture size was found to influence choice behavior. The study also presents normative data on visual cliff responding, the visual placing response, and eyeblink to an approaching object for the puppy.