cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisioning “new women”: Feminist readings of representative modern Chinese fiction☆

Abstract The changing roles of women in early 20th-century China were influenced deeply by prominent images of “New Women” characters in the popular fiction of the May Fourth Cultural Movement. The Movement, with its aggressive departure from traditional Confucian ideology and its assimilation of Western feminist thinking, provided a context for these New Women characters, who stood in clear contrast to the submissive “ideal” woman. Two representative works that present New Woman protagonists, Lu Xun's “Regret for the Past” and Ding Ling's “Ms. Sophie's Diary,” are reexamined in order to answer the question: To what extent does each work depart from a Confucian patriarchal view of women? It is shown that while Lu Xun's work has been judged as more mature and revolutionary in its social criticism, his heroine is essentially a silenced, marginalized object without female consciousness, smothered and enclosed in the phallogocentric text. Ding Ling's “Sophie,” which has been viewed as sentimental on the other hand, represents a radical departure not only through the subversive character of Sophie, who constantly eludes categorical definition, but also through the writer's innovative use of diary form, language, and narrative devices of her own.
Clustered Mutations in Human Cancer

Mutations are the frequent cause of cancer. They are mostly viewed as independent events distributed randomly across chromosomes. However, mutation distribution can be affected by permanent or transient features of genome structure and function. The extreme form of nonrandom distributions is a mutation cluster with multiple mutations concentrated in a tiny fraction of the genome. Multiple lesions in abnormally long regions of transient single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can cause mutation clusters, which have been found in a majority of human cancer types. Mutation spectra indicated that many clusters in cancer genomes were caused by a subclass of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing polypeptide-like (APOBEC) cytidine deaminases. These enzymes function to restrict retroviruses and retrotransposons by converting cytidine to uridine in single-stranded complementary DNAs (cDNAs). The simple mutation spectra in clusters aided in highlighting APOBECs among the complex set of mutagenic mechanisms operating throughout many cancer genomes. Thus, clusters are an analytical tool for deciphering cancer mutation mechanisms. Key Concepts: Mutation clusters are unusually tightly spaced groups of mutations. Error-prone translesion synthesis across multiple lesions in single-stranded DNA is a mechanism of clustered mutagenesis. Mutation clusters have been found across many types of human cancers. Strand-coordinated clusters can be a tool for deciphering mutagenic mechanisms operating in cancer. Mutations in C- or G-coordinated clusters in human cancers are caused by a subclass of APOBEC cytidine deaminases normally serving to restrict viral and endogenous retroelements. APOBEC-induced mutation clusters as well as single mutations are widespread through many types of human cancers. Keywords: APOBEC ; mutation cluster; kataegis; DNA damage; DNA repair; hypermutation
Professionals' utilization of a telephone helpline for Alzheimer's disease: What do I do now?

The literature has well documented the needs of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. Little attention, however, has been devoted to the needs of the professionals who serve this population. This study begins to address those needs by examining professionals' utilization of a helpline operated by the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern Massachusetts. The Association's stated mission is to provide access to comprehensive services as well as to offer support to family and professional caregivers.Helpline volunteers and staff members screened for professional callers who sought information during Fall 1992. About 69 percent (49) of the callers consented to a follow-up telephone interview by graduate social work students during January 1993. Approximately 55 percent of the callers identified social work as their professional discipline. About 61 percent reported that they had participated in specialized training in Alzheimer's disease. Those who had training tended to score higher in overall k...
DIRECT PHARMACOLOGIC EFFECTS OF DHT ON THE ALVEOLAR TYPE II CELL IN VITRO

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibits the production of pulmonary surfactant in vivo and its de novo synthesis in tissue culture (J. Cell Biology, 97, 86a, 1983). Studies in tissue culture suggest that DHT has no effect on the fibroblast-type II cell interaction which gives rise to surfactant, but blocks this mechanism in response to cortisol at very low doses (≤ 10−8M) comparable to the circulating level of androgens in the fetus and to the Kd of the androgen receptor. More recent studies suggest that 10−7M to 10−5M DHT stimulates the growth of the fetal type II cell by 40-100% while reducing the synthesis of saturated phosphatidylcholine in a reciprocal manner. These results may explain the observed in vivo effects of DHT initially on the female fetuses (10−8M) and at pharmacologic levels on both sexes at serum androgen levels at an order of magnitude greater. We conclude that the native sex difference in pulmonary surfactant production is due to the effects of androgen on mesenchymal-epithelial interactions, but that DHT may have direct, pharmacologic effects on type II cell maturation as well. (Supported by NIH Grant #HL28315-02).
Pediatric eye injuries presenting to United States emergency departments: 2001-2007

The epidemiology of pediatric eye injuries is not well-documented. This study describes the characteristics of non-fatal eye injuries in pediatric patients (<18 years of age) presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). Retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) from 2001 to 2007 to perform a descriptive analysis of eye injury case information for patients <18 years of age, including demographic variables, locales, diagnoses, causes, and hospital disposition. In 2001–2007, an estimated 1,048,500 (95% confidence interval [CI] 878,198–1,218,801) ED visits for eye injury occurred among children less than 18 years of age, representing a rate of 14.31 per 1,000 children. Males accounted for 61.75% (CI 541,971–752,839) of visits. The rate of eye injury was highest in the 15–17 year old age group (18.74 per 1,000 children; CI 199,224–267,132). The most common diagnosis was contusion/abrasion (53.68%; CI 468,035–657,638). The most frequent cause of eye injury was being struck by or against an object (56.63%; CI 491,760–695,758). The majority of injuries occurred at home (65.84%; CI 382,443–588,416) and took place during the spring and summer (39.26%; CI 343,535–479,888). This study suggests that the risk for pediatric eye injuries is highest for adolescents 15–17 years of age and at home. Further research is needed to determine risk and protective factors associated with injuries in this age group and location to design appropriate prevention strategies.
Backward and forward recurrence times, and their interrelationships in Bellman-Harris branching processes

Abstract Random variables are constructed for a Bellman-Harris branching process which are the extensions of backward and forward recurrence times from an ordinary renewal process. The sum of the two extended random variables is also constructed, and then the distribution functions for all three random variables are developed. The asymptotic limits for all three time-dependent distributions are also obtained.
Discovery of Spiro-Piperidine Inhibitors and Their Modulation of the Dynamics of the M2 Proton Channel from Influenza A Virus

Amantadine has been used for decades as an inhibitor of the influenza A virus M2 protein (AM2) in the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A infections, but its clinical use has been limited by its central nervous system (CNS) side effects as well as emerging drug-resistant strains of the virus. With the goal of searching for new classes of M2 inhibitors, a structure−activity relation study based on 2-[3-azaspiro(5,5)undecanol]-2-imidazoline (BL-1743) was initiated. The first generation BL-1743 series of compounds has been synthesized and tested by two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEV) assays. The most active compound from this library, 3-azaspiro[5,5]undecane hydrochloride (9), showed an IC50 as low as 0.92 ± 0.11 μM against AM2, more than an order of magnitude more potent than amantadine (IC50 = 16 μM). 15N and 13C solid-state NMR was employed to determine the effect of compound 9 on the structure and dynamics of the transmembrane domain of AM2 (AM2-TM) in phospholipid bilayers. Compared to amantadine, sp...
An experimental study of the effects of gravity on flame spread in high oxygen concentration environments

Abstract The downward rate of spread of laminar flames over sheets of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in high oxygen concentration environments under free convective flow conditions is studied experimentally. Experimental results are compared with exisiting theoretical predictions. The range of applicability of the theory, as well as its limitations, is discussed.
Neutron-Hydrogen Mass Difference from the T 3 (p,n)He 3 Reaction Threshold

The threshold for the ${\mathrm{T}}^{3}(p,n){\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ reaction has been carefully measured using protons from the Los Alamos electrostatic generator and a thick target of tritium absorbed in a zirconium disk. The neutrons were observed at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and the proton energy was measured relative to the accurately measured ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Si}}^{28}$ resonance at 993.3 kev. The threshold for neutrons is found to be at a proton energy of 1019\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 kev, giving for this reaction $Q=\ensuremath{-}764\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ kev. Assuming the rest mass of the neutrino to be zero, and the maximum energy of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-particle from the decay of tritium to be 18.5 kev, 782\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 kev is obtained for the neutron-hydrogen mass difference.
Secondary Irregularities in the Equatorial Electrojet

Although the two-stream instability theory, discussed by Farley, has been quite successful in accounting for many observed features of the plasma-wave irregularities produced in the equatorial electrojet, increased equipmental sensitivity and improved experimental techniques of observing the power spectrum of radio echoes from the electrojet have resulted in the resolution of weaker irregularities not predicted by that theory. In particular, such irregularities are observed both when a VHF radar located near the magnetic equator is directed vertically and when the radar is directed obliquely in the equatorial plane. In the latter case, the irregularities have lower Doppler shifts than are suggested by the theory. Experimental spectra are presented that demonstrate features consistent with the first-order two-stream theory for observations of a well-developed electrojet at oblique angles of incidence. However, the relative contribution of the weaker irregularities can be resolved in spectra for incidence angles approaching the zenith or, when the electrojet is comparatively weak, at most angles. The spectral width obtained at vertical incidence is shown to be narrow for a weak electrojet and to be broadened as the electrojet becomes stronger. The weaker irregularities probably result from the nonlinear interaction among the stronger irregularities, as is demonstrated by Dougherty and Farley in a companion paper. Experimental results are presented that indicate an asymmetry not predicted by either theory; i.e. the upward irregularities (observed at angles of incidence west of the zenith) are stronger than the downward irregularities (observed at angles of incidence east of the zenith). This asymmetry may be accounted for by the variation with height of the physical properties of the region of instability.
Ecology of North Indian Ramapithecus.

The environment in which Ramapithecus lived may have been one of tropical forests interspersed with broad rivers and tree savanna.
Thermoregulatory and metabolic changes during fever in young and old rats

We injected old and young rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg ip) at two ambient temperatures (Ta; 21 and 31°C). Young rats mounted equivalent fevers at both Tas [peak body temperatures (Tb...
Inferences of Competence from Faces Predict Election Outcomes

We show that inferences of competence based solely on facial appearance predicted the outcomes of U.S. congressional elections better than chance (e.g., 68.8% of the Senate races in 2004) and also were linearly related to the margin of victory. These inferences were specific to competence and occurred within a 1-second exposure to the faces of the candidates. The findings suggest that rapid, unreflective trait inferences can contribute to voting choices, which are widely assumed to be based primarily on rational and deliberative considerations.
PSON: predictable service overlay networks

We describe the design of PSON, an overlay network, which improves the predictability of end-to-end communication latency on the Internet. Predictable Service Overlay Networks (PSON) monitor the paths between overlay nodes and continuously estimates an upper bound on communication latency to provide a soft synchrony guarantee to application. Through network measurements on PlanetLab nodes we observe that the upper bound estimation provides long durations of synchrony and rapidly adjusts the bound in response to an asynchronous event. Upper bound estimation is enhanced by the use of routing and overlay configuration to provide stable routes while reducing overhead. We describe the architecture, design and interface for the PSON and discuss various issues related to its performance.
A dilemma for wolterstorff’s theistic grounding of human dignity and rights

In a number of recent works, Nicholas Wolterstorff defends the claim that human rights inhere in the dignity of every human. He further contends that the explanation of this dignity cannot be found in the intrinsic features of humans; rather, the only plausible explanation for human dignity is that it is bestowed upon humans by God’s love. In this paper, I argue that Wolterstorff’s theory concerning the ground of human dignity falls prey to something quite similar to the classic Euthyphro dilemma: either God must love every existing human in a dignity-bestowing manner or he need not, and either option is problematic. If the former, then whatever it is about humans that ensures God’s love can reasonably be thought to be the independent source of human dignity and/or rights, thereby leaving us without cause to appeal to God’s love for the explanation of this dignity. If the latter, the implication is that moral statements which appear to be necessarily true are only contingently so. Wolterstorff’s theory will thus require substantial modification, or else abandonment.
TEMPORAL AGGREGATION AND TESTING FOR TIMBER PRICE BEHAVIOR

. Different harvest timing models make different assumptions about timber price behavior. Those seeking to optimize harvest timing are thus first faced with a decision regarding which assumption of price behavior is appropriate for their market, particularly regarding the presence of a unit root in the timber price time series. Unfortunately for landowners and investors, the literature provides conflicting guidance on this subject. One source for the ambiguous results of unit root tests of timber prices may involve data problems. We used Monte Carlo simulations to show that aggregating observations below their observed rate resulted in similar power reductions and empirical size distortions across three classes of unit root tests. Moving-average error structures can also affect power and sizes of tests on period-averaged data. Such error structures can also be created by the kind of temporal averaging common in reported timber prices. If we take timber prices at their face value and therefore ignore these sampling error and temporal aggregation complications, we find that unit root tests on southern timber prices support a unit root in 158 out of 208 product-deflation combinations tested, random walks in 38 of the series found to be nonsta-tionary, and stationarity in none. However, if we recognize temporal aggregation errors, unit root tests more commonly favor stationarity, especially for pulpwood stumpage. Because price trends for sawtimber and pulpwood products may behave differently even in the same region, stochastic harvest timing models must be developed that allow their multiple products to follow different price paths.
CRL4Cdt2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Monoubiquitinates PCNA to Promote Translesion DNA Synthesis

Monoubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a critical posttranslational modification essential for DNA repair by translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). The Rad18 E3 ubiquitin ligase cooperates with the E2 Rad6 to monoubiquitinate PCNA in response to DNA damage. How PCNA is monoubiquitinated in unperturbed cells and whether this plays a role in the repair of DNA associated with replication is not known. We show that the CRL4(Cdt2) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex promotes PCNA monoubiqutination in proliferating cells in the absence of external DNA damage independent of Rad18. PCNA monoubiquitination via CRL4(Cdt2) is constitutively antagonized by the action of the ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1). In vitro, CRL4(Cdt2) monoubiquitinates PCNA at Lys164, the same residue that is monoubiquitinated by Rad18. Significantly, CRL4(Cdt2) is required for TLS in nondamaged cells via a mechanism that is dependent on PCNA monoubiquitination. We propose that CRL4(Cdt2) regulates PCNA-dependent TLS associated with stresses accompanying DNA replication.
Homo- and Heterometallic Mono-, Di-, and Trinuclear Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ Complexes of the “Heteroscorpionate” Ligand (2-Hydroxyphenyl)bis(pyrazolyl)methane and Its Derivatives

1H NMR spectra on the paramagnetic CoII and NiII, ML2 “sandwich” complexes of the “heteroscorpionate” ligands (2-hydroxyphenyl)bis (pyrazolyl)methane and its derivatives revealed the presence of isomeric, cis ↔ trans equilibria of these complexes in solution. The presence of some of the cis isomer in solution at equilibrium has been exploited to synthesize new heterometallic trinuclear species of the type [M1(L1O)2M2(L1O)2M1][BF4], where M1 (octahedral) and M2 (tetrahedral) are Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+. Rearrangements during the synthesis of some of these heterometallic species provided an interesting experimental confirmation of the site preferences (octahedral vs tetrahedral) for the first-row transition metals as predicted on the basis of crystal field stabilization energies. X-ray crystallographic characterization of many of the complexes reported in this study gives the following structural parameters: [Co2(L2O)2Cl2]·MeCN, C36H41N9Cl2Co2O2, monoclinic, a = 10.742(1) A, b = 21.387(2) A, c = 16.890(...
COLLAGEN DISEASE PRIMARILY AFFECTING THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

Two patients with intractable vomiting and abdominal distention, but evidencing no mechanical obstruction at laparotomy, demonstrated a visceral collagen disease at necropsy. There were no external manifestations present to suggest these diagnoses clinically. The difficulties in making an antemortem diagnosis of a collagen disease primarily involving the gastrointestinal tract are presented.
Hot Spot Peacekeeping

One of the goals of peacekeeping operations is limiting the amount of violence that takes place during a civil war. However, peacekeeping forces cannot occupy every part of a country that is engulfed in a civil conflict. This raises the question as to where peacekeeping forces decide to go once they are deployed to a civil war-torn country. In this article, we contribute to the burgeoning research that examines peacekeeping at the microlevel by attempting to determine whether peacekeeping operations go to those areas that are in most need of their help. Utilizing geocoded data from the UCDP GED and PKOLED projects, we use spatial analysis techniques to create kernel density estimates of civil war violence and peacekeeping operations at site-specific locations. We then use these newly generated variables in a variety of regression models to determine whether the location of civil war battles influences the location of peacekeepers. The analysis confirms our expectations in that the location of violence significantly predicts the location of peacekeeping operations, but only after these operations have been in a civil war-torn country for a considerable length of time. Contrary to our expectations, however, peacekeeping operations do not seem more adept at identifying and responding to government and rebel violence relative to attacks against civilians.
Bundling governance mechanisms to efficiently organize small firm loans

Abstract Bank loans are a common source of financing for small firms. While scholars have examined specific conditions that affect small firm loan approval and interest rates, practical questions remain about how these loans are structured to address characteristically acute challenges from asymmetric information. This paper suggests collateral, reputation, and relationship banking each perform unique exchange-organizing tasks, and that small firms systematically use them in predictable combinations. A multiple discriminant analysis of 796 small firm loans suggests four governance bundles are commonly employed in this setting. The implications for managers focus on how loan governance mechanisms are most efficiently bundled together.
A note on computing r-squared and adjusted r-squared for trending and seasonal data

Abstract Modified r-squareds are offered to overcome the deficiencies of the usual and adjusted r-squareds in linear models with trending and seasonal data. These modified measures are shown to be consistent for the population r-squared when the data contain deterministic trends in the mean, or deterministic seasonal components in the mean, or both.
Adding exhaustibility to the traditional theory of the gold standard

Abstract This paper integrates a natural resource constraint into the traditional theory of the gold standard. In addition, it incorporates a dependence of money demand on the relative price of gold. Together, these modifications of the traditional theory cause the convergent path of the price level to depend upon the form of the money demand function. In particular, the traditional inflationary convergence is guaranteed if the demand for money depends on total income; but deflation occurs if the relevant transactions variable in money demand excludes the value of gold output. Adding exhaustibility requires making important qualifications to the effects of disturbances of the long-run price level and money stock. In effect, there will be more variability in price and less in the quantity of money. Finally, we address the question of the optimum quantity of money, concluding that there is no tendency for it to be established automatically in any realistic model with exhaustibility.
The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace: Enhancing Online Choice, Efficiency, Security, and Privacy through Standards

Password-centric attacks are increasingly common, and reliance on weak password technology has been a growing attack vector that threatens to erode confidence in the online world. Alternative technologies are needed to replace passwords as the primary method of online authentication. The US government's National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) focuses on working in partnership with the private sector to remove the barriers that have precluded most of the country from easily adopting online identification technologies that are secure and trusted and looks to technologies such as the Common Access Card to securely manage identities.
The Use of Faculty Rank in the Community-Junior College System of Florida.

This investigation was undertaken to determine the extent to which academic ranking of faculty exists in the community‐junior college system of Florida and whether the use of academic rank is on the increase or decrease. A questionnaire was submitted to each of Florida's 28 two‐year colleges. Responses were received from all the institutions included in this study, which is a replication of an earlier study done in 1974. Eight of Florida's 28 community‐junior colleges use some form of academic rank. Most of these award the traditional rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor. In general, promotion is determined by degree, advanced graduate credit, experience, effective teaching, professional growth, and service. Six of the eight colleges have adopted a salary schedule related directly to the rank held.
Bubble growth in rhyolitic melt

We report experimental data of bubble growth in natural rhyolitic melt with 1.4–2.0 wt% initial total H2O at 0.1 MPa and 500–600°C. Growth of many bubbles is monitored in every experiment. Bubble growth rate increases with temperature and initial total H2O. At a given temperature and initial total H2O, bubble growth rate also increases slightly with bubble size. The average growth rate for bubbles growing in an infinite rhyolitic melt at a bubble radius of 25 μm is ∼0.038 μm/s at 600°C and 2.0 wt% H2Ot,i, ∼0.0064 μm/s at 550°C and 2.0 wt% H2Ot,i, ∼0.00034 μm/s at 500°C and 2.0 wt% H2Ot,i, and ∼0.007 μm/s at 600°C and 1.45 wt% H2Ot,i. Our data show that bubble growth is controlled by both viscous flow and diffusion, with viscous flow playing a dominant role at the initial stage. We used the numerical bubble growth model of Proussevitch and Sahagian [J. Geophys. Res. 103 (1998) 18223–18251] to calculate bubble growth rate. Using recently assessed solubility, diffusivity, and viscosity models, the bubble growth model can reproduce our experimental data to within a factor of about 2. Adjusting the viscosity model by a factor of up to 5 (within the stated 2σ uncertainty of a factor of 8.3) generates almost perfect fits to our data. (Adjusting other parameters within uncertainty does not help significantly.) Other recent bubble growth data, except those at 0.1 MPa and 375–460°C with 5.0 wt% initial H2O, are also consistent with the calculation. This is the first experimental verification of a bubble growth model in a silicate melt. We suggest that the verified model can be applied with confidence to quantify bubble growth during volcanic eruptions.
The Skeptical Business Searcher: The Information Adviser's Guide to Evaluating Web Data, Sites and Sources

AbstractLinda Heichman reviews The Skeptical Business Searcher, Kitti Canepi reviews Fundamentals of Collection Development and Sarah Sutton reviews Building an Electronic Resources Collection. Serials Review 2005; 31:230–235.
Development and validation of a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in serum of dogs

Objective To develop and validate a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for measuring canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) in serum obtained from dogs. Sample population Serum samples from 47 healthy dogs. Procedures Canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) was purified from pancreatic specimens of dogs. Antibodies against cPL were raised in rabbits and purified by use of affinity chromatography. A tracer was produced by iodination of cPL with 125I. An RIA was established and validated by determination of sensitivity, working range, dilutional parallelism, spiking recovery, and intra- and interassay variability. A reference range for cPLI in serum was established by use of the central 95th percentile for samples obtained from 47 healthy dogs. Results Sensitivity and upper limit of the working range were 0.88 and 863 microg/L, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for serial dilutions ranged from 84.9 to 116.5% for 4 samples. Observed-to-expected ratios for spiking recovery ranged from 82.8 to 128.6% for 4 samples. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay variability for 4 serum samples were 18.3, 4.2, 3.5, and 8.9%, whereas interassay coefficients of variation were 29.2, 6.2, 3.9, and 4.4%, respectively. The reference range was 4.4 to 276.1 microg/L. Conclusions and clinical relevance We conclude that the RIA described is sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible, with limited accuracy in the high end of the working range and limited precision and reproducibility in the low end of the working range. Additional studies are needed to evaluate whether this degree of accuracy, precision, and reproducibility will negatively impact clinical use of this assay.
Local and endogenous patient-related factors may affect dental implant failure up to the abutment stage

Abstract Original article van Steenberghe D, Jacobs R, Desnyder M, Maffei G, Quirynen M. The relative impact of local and endogenous patient-related factors on implant failure up to the abutment stage. Clin Oral Implants Res 2002;13:617-22. Level of evidence 3 Purpose To identify the impact of endogenous and local factors on early dental implant failure (up to the abutment stage) Source of funding Industry (Fund for Scientific Research [FWO], Flanders, Belgium) Type of study/design Prospective cohort study
Conservation of the sequence of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid peptide in dog, polar bear and five other mammals by cross-species polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Abstract Neuritic plaque and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits have been detected in the aged monkey, dog, and polar bear and have rarely been found in aged rodents (Biochem. Biophy. Res. Commun., 12 (1984) 885–890; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 82 (1985) 4245–4249). To determine if the primary structure of the 42–43 residue amyloid peptide is conserved in species that accumulate plaques, the region of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) cDNA that encodes the peptide region was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared to those species where amyloid accumulation has not been detected. The DNA sequences of dog, polar bear, rabbit, cow, sheep, pig and guinea pig were compared and a phylogenetic tree was generated. We conclude that the amino acid sequence of dog and polar bear and other mammals which may form amyloid plaques is conserved and the species where amyloid has not been detected (mouse, rat) may be evolutionarily a distinct group. In addition, the predicted secondary structure of mouse and rat amyloid that differs from that of amyloid bearing species is its lack of propensity to form a β sheeted structure. Thus, a cross-species examination of the amyloid peptide may suggest what is essential for amyloid deposition.
Adrenoleukodystrophy in female heterozygotes: Underrecognized and undertreated

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from mutations in the gene ABCD1 and alterations in peroxisomal beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acids. As it has been frequently discussed, it manifests a wide range of phenotypes in male, with progressive myelopathy being the most common. Even though the gene is localized to the X-chromosome and a region subject to X-inactivation, female carriers still are affected significantly by this condition. It has been stated that between 20 and 50% of women who are carriers may manifest some symptoms and recent evidence has suggested the differences in disease manifestations and relative rates of progression between men and women. However there have been only limited studies specifically addressing this and to date there has been no comprehensive review discussing the different phenotypes in female carriers, as well as the differences in disease onset, progression, disability, nervous system pathology and neuroimaging patterns compared to affected males. This is of key importance as similarities and differences between genders will assist in determining how best to target therapies in all affected individuals as opportunities for treatment present themselves. As will be further addressed in this review, we need to improve our understanding of the associations of emergent neuroimaging techniques to physical disability in this population. We reviewed the clinical presentations in the carrier population, the distinct disability profile and neuroimaging findings in order to put together pieces of this neglected segment in X-ALD and give direction to further studies.
School behavior of children in kinship care

This paper is based on the first comprehensive study of the health and educational status of children in kinship care, an increasingly frequent arrangement where children are placed in the care of relatives, mostly following neglect or abuse. Questionnaires were completed by teachers of 75% of the 374 school-age children in kinship care in one city, and additional information was obtained from caseworkers, caregivers, and school records. Compared to classroom peers, children in kinship care had poor study habits and attention and concentration skills. Other common problems included overactive, aggressive, and attention-seeking behavior. Most children had average or better relationships with teachers and peers. Multivariate analyses yielded several predictors that explained a modest amount of the variation in the children's school behavior. There was poor to moderate concordance in the assessments of teachers, caregivers, and caseworkers concerning various school related behaviors. Schools, caseworkers, and pediatricians should pay special attention to children in kinship care and ensure that this high-risk group of children receives necessary services. Language: en
Quarkyonic Matter and the Revised Phase Diagram of QCD

At high baryon number density, it has been proposed that a new phase of QCD matter controlsthe physics. This matter is confining but can have densities much larger than 3QCD. Its existenceis argued from large Nc approximations, and model computations. It is approximately chirallysymmetric.
Employee feedback technologies in the human performance system

Many authors have noted that organizations are realizing that employees can be a major source of competitive advantage. A hidden source of advantage can be the improved utilization of existing human capital. A method common to most organizations for improving existing human capital is using employee feedback technologies. During a review of the literature it was found that employee feedback is an expanding and poignant subject. This paper describes some of the current leading technologies in employee feedback, including coaching, 360 degree feedback, as well as other techniques found in the literature. Methodologies of employee feedback including approaches and timeframes will be investigated at the system and process level. Finally, the opportunities for dealing with a problem employee using feedback are discussed.
Strategy for Planning and Evaluating Health Risk Appraisal and Screening Interventions

Abstract Health risk appraisal (HRA) has become a familiar component of comprehensive health promotion programs in a variety of settings. Originally intended to facilitate physician-patient communication, HRA has evolved to sophisticated computer programs capable of providing users with quantitative risk profiles based on epidemiologic data. Proponents of the technology suggest HRAs increase users' awareness of the link between lifestyle and disease. Selected physical measurements are typically added to enhance HRA validity resulting in the generation of personalized messages making relevant health information more salient to the individual. While HRA may be a formidable teaching tool, numerous authors have cited distinct limitations in its use. The objective evaluation of HRA's effects and the ethical use of its calculated results requires a comprehensive plan designed to maximize the benefits of the technique while mitigating potentially undesirable side effects. How results generated by HRA will be com...
Challenges to the American Two-Party System: Evidence from the 1968, 1980, 1992, and 1996 Presidential Elections

Recent successes by independent presidential candidates raise questions about the stability of the American two-party system. Students of electoral behavior point to party decline, whereas analysts...
Distracted drivers and unattended experience

Consider the much-discussed case of the distracted driver, who is alleged to successfully navigate his car for miles despite being completely oblivious to his visual states. Perhaps he is deeply engrossed in the music playing over the radio or in philosophical reflection, and as a result he goes about unaware of the scene unfolding before him on the road. That the distracted driver has visual experiences of which he is not aware is a possibility that first-order representationalists (FOR) happily accept, but higher-order representationalists (HOR) steadfastly deny. HOR claims that perceptual states become conscious only as the object of higher-order states; perceptual states are not intrinsically conscious. According to HOR, since the driver is supposed to be completely distracted by other cognitive tasks, he cannot form higher-order representations of his visual states, with the result that those states are disqualified
Impact of maternal age on obstetric outcome.

The objective was to estimate the effect of maternal age on obstetric outcomes. A prospective database from a multicenter investigation of singletons the FASTER trial was studied. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups: 1) less than 35 years 2) 35–39 years and 3) 40 years and older. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of age on outcomes after adjusting for race parity body mass index education marital status smoking medical history use of assisted conception and patient’s study site. A total of 36056 women with complete data were available: 28398 (79%) less than 35 years of age; 6294 (17%) 35–39 years; and 1364 (4%) 40 years and older. Increasing age was significantly associated with miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio {adjOR}2.0 and 2.4 for ages 35–39 years and age 40 years and older respectively) chromosomal abnormalities (adjOR 4.0 and 9.9) congenital anomalies (adjOR 1.4 and 1.7) gestational diabetes (adjOR 1.8 and 2.4) placenta previa (adjOR 1.8 and 2.8) and cesarean delivery (adjOR 1.6 and 2.0). Patients aged 35–39 years were at increased risk for macrosomia (adjOR 1.4). Increased risk for abruption (adjOR 2.3) preterm delivery (adjOR 1.4) low birth weight (adjOR 1.6) and perinatal mortality (adjOR 2.2) was noted in women aged 40 years and older. Increasing maternal age is independently associated with specific adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increasing age is a continuum rather than a threshold effect. (authors)
Staphylococcal hyaluronate lyase: multiple electrophoretic and chromatographic forms.

Abstract Semipreparative agar gel electrophoresis and agar gel enzymophoresis (substrateagar overlay method) permitted the fractionation and visualization of four electrophoretically distinct hyaluronidase-active zones. Gel filtration of an ammonium sulfate-fractionated, partially purified concentrate of the enzyme on Sephadex G-100 also resulted in the separation of four enzymically active fractions.
"Alternately divided" epidermal nevus of the fingers.

: A 2-year-old white girl with divided (or kissing) epidermal nevus of the third and fourth fingers of the left hand is described. The possible pathogenesis of this unique lesion is also discussed.
Proliferative activity in the rat epididymis during postnatal development.

The proliferative activity of the rat epididymis during postnatal development was investigated with the use of autoradiography. Animals at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 56 days of age were sacrificed 2 hours following the administration of 3H-thymidine. Cell types that showed a significant labeling index were columnar cells in 14- and 21-day-old animals; principal and basal cells in 28,35 and 56 day old rats. During this period of development, the pattern of cellular activity in the initial segment differed from the middle and terminal segments in having a peak of activity on day 28. The middle and terminal segments had similar proliferative patterns. In two additional experiments, 10- and 21-day-old rats were given 3H-thymidine and killed 1 week later on day 16 and 28. Labeled narrow cells were present in day 16 animals, whereas labeled narrow, principal, and basal cells were found in day 28 rats. It was concluded that columnar cells are the precursor to narrow, principal and basal cells.
Structural Studies of a Novel Zinc Finger Domain Required for Recognition of the Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Within the 3' UTR of MRNA

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB) plays an important role in interacting with mRNA, specifically in the translation regulation of oogenesis, cellular senescence and synaptic plasticity, by regulating poly(A) tail elongation via interactions with several other proteins. CPEB binds to mRNA at a specific region, the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE). The carboxy terminal region of CPEB contains six cysteine and two histidine residues that are conserved among all species suggesting a zinc finger structure with two zinc ions. This novel zinc finger region of CPEB is required for recognition of the uracil-rich cytoplasmic polyadenylation element within the 3′ UTR of mRNA and binding is dependent on the presence of zinc. We have purified the zinc finger domain alone and as a fusion protein with the immunoglobulin binding domain of streptococcal protein G (GB1) expressed in an E. coli host using ion exchange or metal affinity chromatography. Preliminary results of the structure determination by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will be presented. Structural studies, in conjunction with mRNA binding assays, will lead to a better understanding of translational regulation and the regulatory role of CPEB in cellular development and synaptic plasticity.
Management of a thoracic endograft infection through an ascending to descending extra-anatomic aortic bypass and endograft explantation

A 52-year-old man presented 33 months after thoracic aortic endovascular repair with hemoptysis and was found to have an aortobronchial fistula secondary to a mycotic aneurysm. The endograft infection was managed in a two-stage fashion. During the initial stage, the patient underwent an ascending-to-descending thoracic aortic bypass. Neither cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic circulatory arrest, nor aortic cross-clamping were used. During the same hospitalization, the patient underwent successful endograft explantation through a left thoracotomy. Imaging at 6 months demonstrated no anastomotic concerns and resolution of residual pulmonary inflammation. Thoracic aortic endograft infections necessitating endograft removal can potentially be successfully and safely managed without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic circulatory arrest, or interruption of aortic blood flow.
Reaction of isoprene on thin sulfuric acid films: kinetics, uptake, and product analysis.

A high vacuum Knudsen flow reactor was used to determine the reactive uptake coefficient, γ, of isoprene on sulfuric acid films as a function of sulfuric acid weight percent, temperature, and relative humidity. No discernible dependence was observed for γ over the range of temperatures (220 − 265 K) and pressures (10−7 Torr -10−4 Torr) studied. However, the uptake coefficient increased with increased sulfuric acid concentration between the range of 78 wt % (γi ∼ 10−4) and 93 wt % (γi ∼ 10−3). In addition to the Knudsen Cell, a bulk study was conducted between 60 and 85 wt % H2SO4 to quantify uptake at lower acid concentrations and to determine reaction products. After exposing sulfuric acid to gaseous isoprene the condensed phase products were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Isoprene was observed to polymerize in the sulfuric acid and form yellow/red colored monoterpenes and cyclic sesquiterpenes. Finally, addition of water to the 85 wt % sulfuric acid/isoprene p...
Regional compensation of the Greater Caucasus mountains based on an analysis of Bouguer gravity data

Abstract Teleseismic and geological observations of the continent-continent collision zone in the Greater Caucasus mountains of the southwestern Soviet Union indicate that the range is presently being underthrust primarily from the south. Since the onset of Alpide deformation, tectonic activity has been concentrated along the southern slope of the mountains, but ongoing deformation along the northern slope in the eastern part of the range may be associated with thrusting of the mountains northward over the Scythian platform in this area. To understand the present-day plate interactions in the Caucasian region and the mode of compensation of the Greater Caucasus mountains, we analyze Bouguer gravity anomaly data using both spectral (coherence and admittance calculations) and traditional spatial domain forward modeling techniques. As a whole, the range appears to be in regional isostatic equilibrium with compensation by flexure of an elastic plate of approximately 40 km thickness ( D = 6×10 23 Nm) loaded strongly from the bottom as well as the top. Subsurface loads corresponding to stacking of thrust sheets, uplifts of basement rocks, active volcanic zones, and thick sequences of basin sediments play an important role in improving the fit between observed and calculated Bouguer values. Closer examination of the individual tectonic provinces which make up the range yields results consistent with support by a 40–50 km thick plate in the eastern and central parts of the Greater Caucasus mountains and by a plate with no flexural rigidity in the western part of the range. Coupled with the active volcanism and the relative lack of seismicity in the western part of the Greater Caucasus region, these results indicate the presence of hot, thermally-altered lithosphere in this area contrasting to the colder, more brittle, and more elastic lithosphere of the seismically active eastern region.
Steady-state photoresponse theory for transition-metal-doped semiconductor photoanodes in aqueous electrolytes

Abstract The effect of the dopant ions on the steady-state photoresponse of transition-metal-doped semiconductor electrodes in aqueous electrolytes is examined with particular attention to minority carrier lifetime and transport characteristics. An approximate treatment is introduced which takes into account the variation in hole lifetime with position in the depletion region and the effect of the impurity centers on the effective hole mobility. The results obtained clearly resemble the known photocurrent-voltage characteristics of a number of such systems.