cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doctrinal Myths and the Management of Cognitive Dissonance: Race, Law, and the Supreme Court’s Doctrinal Support of Jim Crow

This article, published in 2005 as part of a symposium on Brown v. Board of Education, addresses the contradiction between long-professed and deeply-held equality and liberty principles and a devastating history of racism manifest itself in the Supreme Court’s doctrinal support for Jim Crow segregation. I argue that the Supreme Court managed this dissonance between the legal ideal of equality and the actual practice of racial subordination through the implementation of doctrinal myths, myths which enabled white legal actors and society to retain a formal belief in equality. Through the doctrinal myths of state action, federalism, separate-but-equal, and reasonable segregation, the Court was able to facilitate the white South’s re-establishment of legalized white supremacy, which contravened the basic principles of Reconstruction and the Reconstruction Amendments to the Constitution, and yet at the same time argue that it was all along implementing and preserving the equality ideals of those very Amendments. I also consider how, by studying this period of doctrinal myth-creation, we can perhaps more fully analyze current doctrines affecting racial and legal equality, and, in particular, how appeals to the doctrinal rhetoric of equal citizenship may or may not result in actual movement towards that principle even in the face of societal racial subordination.
Evaluating Competitiveness: A Closer Examination of Social Service Contracting Bids

In this paper, I examine the level of competition in social service contracting using data from Florida’s largest social service agency. I account not only for the number of bids received for competitive tendering efforts, but also the quality of the bids as defined by administrative indicators and formal bid scores. I then attempt to link these measures of competitiveness to vendor performance to test if market theory holds in that competitive vendors should outperform noncompetitive (or lesser competitive) vendors in efforts to maintain their contracts. I find very low levels of competition regardless of the measure used. I also find no relationship between competitiveness of the process and quality of service delivery.
Constitutive Activation of Stat5b Contributes to Carcinogenesis in Vivo

The development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies for solid tumors is limited by an incomplete understanding of the critical growth pathways that are activated in carcinogenesis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins have been linked to transformation and tumor progression. Studies to date have not elucidated clear and distinct roles for Stat5genes (Stat5a and Stat5b) in human epithelial cancers. We analyzed the role of Stat5a/b isoforms in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck using expression and activation studies in human tissues and in a xenograft model after selective targeting. In a xenograft model, blockade of Stat5b, but not Stat5a, using antisense oligonucleotides resulted in tumor growth inhibition and abrogation of Stat5 target genes in vivo. Blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor resulted in partial abrogation of Stat5 activation, thus linking epidermal growth factor receptor to Stat5 in vivo. In tissues from 33 individuals with head and neck cancer, Stat5 activation levels were correlated with progression to a malignant phenotype, where increased expression and phosphorylation of Stat5b were detected consistently in tumors compared with their epithelial counterparts. Thus, constitutive activation of Stat5b contributes to squamous cell tumorigenesis and may serve as a therapeutic target.
Local heat transfer coefficients for forced-convection condensation of steam in a vertical tube in the presence of a noncondensable gas

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the local condensation heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of steam in the presence of air or helium flowing downward inside a 46-mm-i.d. vertical tube. The gas-steam mixture flow rate was measured with a calibrated vortex flowmeter before it entered the 2.54-m-long test condenser. Cooling water flow rate in an annulus around the tube was measure with a calibrated rotameter. Temperatures of the cooling water, the gas-steam mixture, and the tube inside and outside surfaces were measured at 0.3-m intervals in the test condenser. Inlet and exit pressures and temperatures of the gas-steam mixture and of the cooling water were also measured. The local heat flux was obtained from the slope of the coolant axial temperature profile and the coolant mass flow rate. It was found that for the same mass fraction of the noncondensable gas, compared with air, helium has a more inhibiting effect on the heat transfer, but for the same molar ratio, air was found to be more inhibiting. An application where there is important is the proposed advanced passive boiling water reactor design (Simplified Boiling Water Reactor), which utilizes the isolation condenser as a main component of the passive containmentmore » cooling system (PCCS).« less
Techniques for the Facilitation of Peptide Synthesis

Synthesis of a peptide chain comprising a large number of amino acid residues can be a difficult task and proteins with over a hundred and sometimes hundreds of residues are formidable objectives. The steps of protection, coupling, deprotection, isolation and characterization of the intermediates - is not only a time consuming but also adiscouragingly repetitive endeavor. An additional source of frustration is the scarcity of solvents which are suitable for reactions with high molecular weight intermediates. Such difficulties lead to a search for techniques which can alleviate the burden of peptide chemists, for methods which can facilitate the building of long peptide chains from amino acids. The repetitive character of chain lengthening with active esters prompted speculations [1] about the mechanization of peptide synthesis. The first realization of such ideas came from Merrifield [2] and, simultaneously, from Letsinger and Kornet [3]. In both methods an amino acid is attached to an insoluble polymeric support and the subsequent operations are carried out on the peptidic material linked to the resin. The version proposed by Merrifield [2] developed into a major discipline, solid phase peptide synthesis. One of the most conspicuous characteristics of the new technique is that it stimulated further thoughts toward improvements and analogous solutions to an unprecedented extent. Research grew in this area in an exponential manner and has been reviewed repeatedly. A recent, comprehensive review of solid phase peptide synthesis by Barany and Merrifield [4] required almost 300 pages for a full account. The “solid” phase idea permeated other fields as well and is used now, with success, in the sequencing of proteins and in the synthesis of oligo- and polynucleotides. In this chapter we can give only the outlines of solid phase peptide synthesis particularly because it seems to be necessary to discuss in this connection also alternative techniques of facilitation even if these do not match in importance the solid phase method, at this time.
Balancing atoms probe fundamental symmetries

Atomic collisions are often unavoidable in physics experiments, and they can be quite a nuisance. In particular, collisions between atoms that possess intrinsic or spin angular momentum can cause the atomic spins to be disoriented. This phenomenon is known as spin exchange and it has many undesirable consequences. Spin-exchange collisions can, for example, kick atoms out of laser-cooled Bose–Einstein condensates or cause changes in the "ticking rate" of atomic clocks.
Self Diffusion Coefficients and Atomic Mean-Squared Displacements in Entangled Hard Chain Fluids

Highlights of a molecular dynamics simulation study of the dynamic properties of entangled hard-chain polymer melts are described. Self diffusion coefficients and atomic mean-squared displacements of dense fluids containing chains of length n = 192 are monitored. The diffusion coefficient and mean-squared displacement for the inner segments are consistent with the predictions of the tube model, the latter displaying the three scaling regimes that are postulated to occur. Unusual plateaus in the inner segment mean-squared displacement towards the end of the third scaling regime appear to be related to knot formation and release.
Diverticular Hemorrhage of the Appendix

A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of maroon-col. ored stools followed by a syncopal episode. He had stable vital signs on presentation and a benign abdominal examination. His initial hemoglobin level was 10.9 g/dL and white blood cell count was 11.87 x 109/L. An esopha-gogastroduodenoscopy revealed only mild gastritis. The following day, the patient underwent a colonoscopy, which showed old and fresh blood throughout the entire colon, 3 small diverticula in the ascending colon, and one 0.8-cm x 1.2-cm sessile polyp in the cecum. Interestingly, intermittent, active bleeding from the appendiceal orifice also was observed (Figure 1). Malignancy, such as lymphoma or carcinoid, led the differential diagnosis. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a thickened appendix without fat stranding and thickened proximal colon without obstruction (Figure 2). There were isolated proximal colonic diverticula, fatty liver, and an incidental 2-cm hypervascular lesion in the left kidney that was suspicious for renal cell carcinoma. Figure 1 An endoscopic view of bleeding from the appendiceal orifice. Figure 2 An abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrating a thickened cecum. As the patient continued to have maroon-colored stools, his hemoglobin level continued to decline despite blood transfusion (7.4 g/dL by the third day of hospital-ization). He received 6 units of packed red blood cells by the fourth hospital day. A red blood cell nuclear scan failed to identify the bleeding source, likely due to the fact that the bleed was noted to be slow and intermittent during colonoscopy. The patient underwent an uneventful right hemicolectomy, with removal of the ileocecal valve and 4 cm of terminal ileum. During the perioperative period, the patient received an additional 3 units of packed red blood cells. Pathology studies of the surgical specimen revealed an appendix with 3 diverticula and evidence of diverticulitis (Figure 3). The cecum polyp was a tubular adenoma. The remainder of the colon and small bowel was unremarkable. The patient had an excellent postoperative recovery and was discharged home on the tenth hospital day. He underwent curative left nephrectomy a few months later for the incidentally found renal cell carcinoma. Figure 3 A low-power photomicrograph of inflamed diverticulum (A). The inset shows the presence of focal acute and chronic inflammation in a diverticulum (diverticulitis; B).
Nasal Sculpting: Calculated and Predictable Tip Elevation With Cephalic Trim.

Background: Rhinoplasty techniques to affect nasal tip rotation are well described. Cephalic alar trim is a powerful method for achieving tip elevation. Previous studies and texts provide aesthetic guidelines for nasolabial angles. Often, surgeon experience determines the degree of lower lateral cartilage resection to achieve optimal results. This study analyzes the change in tip elevation with measured resections of the lower lateral cartilages. This can aid the surgeon in accurately predicting the effect of cephalic alar trim on tip elevation. Methods: Ten fresh cadaveric dissections were performed to determine the change in nasolabial angles after cephalic trim of the lower lateral cartilage. Closed rhinoplasty technique was performed using marginal and intercartilaginous incisions to expose the lower lateral cartilage. Caliper measurements of the lower lateral cartilage were recorded. Serial cephalic trim was performed in 25% increments. True lateral photographs were obtained before and after each serial excision. Nasolabial angle measurements were obtained using a digital goniometer for digital photo analysis. Results: Four female and 6 male cadavers were evaluated. The mean initial nasolabial angle was 106° ± 2°. The mean lower lateral cartilage width was 9.45 ± 1.38 mm. Serial 25% reductions in lower lateral cartilage height resulted in a mean total nasolabial angle change of 7.4°, 12.9°, and 19.6°, respectively. The mean incremental change in the nasolabial angle was 6.47° ± 1.25°. Conclusion: The nasolabial angle is an essential aesthetic feature. Cephalic trim is a key maneuver in affecting the nasolabial angle. A 25% lower lateral cartilage cephalic trim correlates with an average change in the nasolabial angle of 6.47°. Knowledge of the cephalic trim to nasolabial angle relationship aids in achieving desired tip elevation.
Nanostructured conducting polymer hydrogels for energy storage applications

Conducting polymer hydrogels are emerging as a promising class of polymeric materials for various technological applications, especially for energy storage devices due to their unique combination of advantageous features of conventional polymers and organic conductors. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional synthesis, new synthetic routes in which acid molecules are adopted as both crosslinkers and dopants have been developed for conducting polymer hydrogels with unique 3D hierarchical porous nanostructures, resulting in high electrical conductivity, large surface area, structural tunability and hierarchical porosity for rapid mass/charge transport. The newly developed conducting polymer hydrogels exhibit high performance when applied as active electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors or as functional binder materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. This feature article summarizes the synthesis of conducting polymer hydrogels, presents their applications in energy storage, and discusses further opportunities and challenges.
Evaluation of hybrid power system alternatives: a case study

Pursuant to executive and statutory policies, the National Park Service (NPS) has been evaluating the use of photovoltaic (PV) hybrid power systems for many of its remote, off-grid areas. This paper reports the results of a detailed technical and economic evaluation for one such area: the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The study evaluates the present power system and five alternative power generation configurations, four of which utilize PV. Projections are provided for the generator run-time and fuel use associated with each configuration as well as all initial and future costs. Included in the study are specific recommendations for energy efficiency improvements at the site. Results show that the generation system presently in use, two full-time diesel generators, has the lowest conventional20-year life cycle cost (LCC) of the six systems evaluated. However, when emissions costs are included (per NPS guidelines), several of the PV hybrid alternatives attain a lower LCC than the diesel-only system. General discussion of the effects of initial versus future costs for PV hybrids as they compare with engine generator systems is presented. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fe 2+ -Ti 4+ charge transfer in stoichiometric Fe 2+ ,Ti 4+ -minerals

Optical absorption spectra are presented for taramellite, traskite and neptunite, all of which have both Fe^(2+) and Ti^(4+) as major elements. The spectra of each of these minerals are dominated by a single, intense absorption band in the 415 to 460 nm region with 7000 to 9000 cm^(−1) half width. These transitions, assigned to Fe^(2+)-Ti^(4+) intervalence charge transfer, showed little difference in intensity at 80 and 300 K and have molar absorptivities which range from ∼100 to ∼1300 M^(−1) cm^(−1). The Fe^(2+)-Ti^(4+) absorptions in these standards generally compare well to other mineral spectra in which Fe^(2+) — Ti^(4+) intervalence absorption has previously been proposed with the exception of the most cited example, blue corundum.
A new species of Ischyomius from Venezuela (Coleoptera, Tenebrionoidea, Pythidae) with a revised key to world species

A new species – Ischyomius escalonai – is described from Venezuela (type locality: Lara, Yacumbu National Park, El Blanquito). Males of I. escalonai have distinctive genitalia with very short accessory lobes, and both sexes have simple elytral apices, without the spine that is present in almost all other species of the genus. Th e type specimens of I. escalonai were collected in association with dry leaves of Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia sp.) plants. A revised key to species of Ischyomius is provided.
Proverb comprehension in context: a developmental study with children and adolescents

Although previous studies have reported that proverb comprehension remains quite literal before adolescence, the results of the present study indicated that fourth graders performed well on a proverb comprehension task involving contextual information and a written multiple choice format. It was also found that performance on the proverb task steadily improved at least through the eighth grade and was significantly correlated to performance on a perceptual analogical reasoning task. The study contributes to the small but growing body of information concerning language development during the preadolescent and adolescent years and may have some important implications for the assessment of youngsters of this age range who have comprehension deficits that are troublesome, yet difficult to document.
A tax incentive tool for environmental management: an environmental scorecard

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to outline a recently developed environmental management tool, the environmental scorecard. The scorecard is an incentive-based instrument which established an explicit formula for determining the percentage of a property tax exemption a facility would receive. Tax exemption programs are typical economic development tools. However, they traditionally do not incorporate other factors than development criteria. This creates the possibility that economic development inducements can be contrary to environmental goals. The scorecard was designed to bridge the gap between the use of pure development and pure environmental management tools. It was actually implemented in Louisiana for one year before it was terminated for political reasons. This paper illustrates the application and costs to firms of the implemented scorecard.
METABOLIC IMAGING BIOMARKERS FOR MUTANT IDH1 GLIOMAS

BACKGROUND: The IDH1 mutation is now recognized as an important driver in the etiology of low-grade brain tumors. In contrast to wild-type IDH1, which catalyzes the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (αKG), mutant IDH1 converts αKG into the oncometabolite 2-hydroxygluatrate (2HG). In an effort to noninvasively image the activity of mutant IDH1, we have previously shown that we can use hyperpolarized αKG together with 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to noninvasively detect the production of hyperpolarized 2HG in vivo. In more recent studies we have focused on identifying additional metabolic alterations associated with the presence of the IDH1 mutation in order to develop complementary metabolic imaging approaches that might serve to inform on the presence of mutant IDH1 and its modulation with targeted therapies. METHODS: Two mutant and wild-type IDH1 cell models were generated by using either U87 glioblastoma cells or E6/E7/hTERT immortalized normal human astrocytes (NHAs) and lentivirally transducing with either wild-type IDH1 (wt cells) or wild-type and mutant IDH1 (mutant cells). Using 1H MRS we investigated cell extracts to determine steady state metabolite levels. We also determined metabolic fluxes by using 13C MRS and probing the fate of 13C-labeled precursors (at thermal equilibrium or hyperpolarized) in live cells grown in a bioreactor or in orthotopic tumors in rats. RESULTS: We found that in both U87 and NHA-based cell models not only was the IDH1 mutation associated with elevated levels of 2HG, but other metabolite levels were also altered. In particular, steady state glutamate levels were lower. This was associated with an increased flux of glutamine to 2-HG and a concomitantly reduced flux of glutamine to glutamate. The flux of glucose into the TCA cycle and towards glutamate was also reduced. At the same time the activity and expression of BCAT1 and aspartate aminotransferase dropped. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was also reduced, associated with an increase in its phosphorylation and the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3. Collectively our findings likely explain the lower glutamate levels observed in mutant IDH1 cells. Importantly, we were also able to detect a drop in the potentially translatable in vivo imaging of hyperpolarized glutamate produced from hyperpolarized αKG in mutant IDH1 orthotopic tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the production of 2HG, the presence of mutant IDH1 leads to MRS-detectable metabolic changes that could serve as complementary imaging biomarkers of mutant IDH1 activity or its inhibition with treatment. SECONDARY CATEGORY: n/a.
The PsbP Domain Protein 1 Functions in the Assembly of Lumenal Domains in Photosystem I

Photosystem I (PS I) is a multisubunit membrane protein complex that functions as a light-driven plastocyanin-ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The PsbP domain protein 1 (PPD1; At4g15510) is located in the thylakoid lumen of plant chloroplasts and is essential for photoautotrophy, functioning as a PS I assembly factor. In this work, RNAi was used to suppress PPD1 expression, yielding mutants displaying a range of phenotypes with respect to PS I accumulation and function. These PPD1 RNAi mutants showed a loss of assembled PS I that was correlated with loss of the PPD1 protein. In the most severely affected PPD1 RNAi lines, the accumulated PS I complexes exhibited defects in electron transfer from plastocyanin to the oxidized reaction center P700+. The defects in PS I assembly in the PPD1 RNAi mutants also had secondary effects with respect to the association of light-harvesting antenna complexes to PS I. Because of the imbalance in photosystem function in the PPD1 RNAi mutants, light-harvesting complex II associated with and acted as an antenna for the PS I complexes. These results provide new evidence for the role of PPD1 in PS I biogenesis, particularly as a factor essential for proper assembly of the lumenal portion of the complex.
‘Cross Talk’ Between Opioid Peptide and Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Isolated Rat Heart

Background Cardiac myocyte sarcolemma contains both catecholamine and opioid peptide receptors (OPRs). Opioid peptides are coreleased with catecholamines from nerve terminals in the heart. We investigated whether OPR stimulation influences the effects of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation in the isolated, isovolumic rat heart and whether the mechanism of such an interaction involves both β-AR subtypes or an alteration in β-AR–mediated increase in cAMP. Methods and Results Norepinephrine (NE, 10−7 mol/L) increased peak left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and cAMP more than twofold compared with controls. The δ-OPR agonist leucine-enkephalin (LE, 10−8 mol/L) markedly inhibited the β1-AR–induced positive inotropic effect and increase in cAMP but alone had no effect on basal LVSP or basal cAMP levels. The OPR antagonist naloxone 10−8 mol/L added to LE+NE perfusate reversed the LE-induced decrease in cAMP and LVSP even though naloxone alone had no effect on LVSP and cAMP levels. LE could not counte...
Removal of phytohemagglutinin from conditioned medium by affinity chromatography

Supernatants of lymphocytes cultured with phytohemagglutinin (PHA-induced conditioned medium) are known to contain residual lectin. Studies with T cells specifically sensitized against a given antigen and maintained in culture by the T cell growth factor in conditioned medium may be hampered by the presence of PHA since the lectin could induce polyclonal activation of T cells. We developed a procedure for removing lectin from conditioned medium by affinity adsorption on porcine thyroglobulin-Sepharose. The affinity method was capable of removing detectable amounts of lectin since the mitogenic capacity for peripheral blood lymphocytes was lost after adsorption. In contrast, thyroglobulin-Sepharose adsorbed CM retained good mitogenic activity and growth-supporting capacity for human cultured T cells.
SU‐GG‐T‐611: Investigation of Different Carbon Fiber Tabletops Used in Radiation Therapy

Purpose: The dose changes in the buildup region and beam attenuation by several carbon fiber tabletops were investigated for 6 and 10 MV photon beams. Method and Materials: Measurements were performed for 3 × 3, 10 × 10, and 25 × 25 cm2field sizes. The surfacedose and percentage depth doses (PDD) were measured using a Markus parallel plate ionization chamber. A Farmer type ionization chamber with appropriate buildup caps have been used for attenuation measurement at several gantry angles (from 0° to 180°). Oncor's couch (Siemens schematic G5499), Primus' couch (MED‐TEC model IL3005), and CT's couch (MED‐TEC model IL3302) have been studied. Results: For a 6 MV beam Oncor couch increases the surfacedose from 16.8% to 77.6% for small fields. Attenuation varies from 1% to 4.7% for 180° and 120° gantry angles. At 6 and 10 MV beams respectively, Siemen's couch increases the dose from 17.8% to 43.2% and from 10.0% to 28.5%, the beam attenuation varies from 0.1% to 8.6% and 0.2% to 3.1% for 180° and 120° gantry angles. The increase of the surfacedose for the CT couch is from 17.5% to 77.8% and 9.6% to 58.9% for 6 and 10 MV beams respectively, and beam attenuation varies from 1% to 4.7% and 1% to 2.4% for 180° and 120° gantry angles. Conclusion: The carbon fiber tabletops significantly decrease the skin sparring effect. Our data show that the surfacedose increase in the buildup region is about the same for the three couches. The dosimetric effect of the tabletop may be higher, especially for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy depending on the beam orientation. Attenuation should be considered and corrected such as any material under the patient at the treatment planning stage. Keywords: Carbon fibre tabletops, Oncor, Primus, CT, PDD
Peptide map analysis of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor: Elimination of methionine modification and nonspecific cleavages

Abstract Procedures for HPLC peptide map analysis of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor include reduction and S -carboxymethylation of the denatured protein, as well as protease digestion with Staphyloccus aureus endoproteinase Glu-C followed by reverse-phase liquid chromatographic separations. Under nonoptimized experimental conditions analytical problems including methionine modification during carboxymethylation, as well as generation of large, insoluble fragments and nonspecific cleavages during proteolytic digestion, occurred. These problems have complicated the analysis of peptide digests and affected the performance of HPLC columns. This report describes the elimination of these problems by optimizing peptide mapping procedures. We found that mild reduction and alkylation conditions can prevent methionine modification, while protease digestion in the presence of urea at room temperature alleviates generation of peptides derived from incomplete digestion and nonspecific cleavage by endoproteinase Glu-C. Peptide maps generated using the optimized procedures contain fewer peptide peaks with higher recovery. Elimination of incomplete digestion, which generates fewer larger, insoluble peptides, substantially extends the life of reverse-phase columns. The optimized method reproducibly produced peptide maps suitable for routine analysis.
Sequence fluctuation‐dependent adsorption–depletion transition for random heteropolymers

We develop a model for the adsorption of random heteropolymers onto solid surfaces from solutions that have a finite concentration of polymer. Previous studies that properly average over the quenched sequence distribution have been concerned with isolated chains near surfaces. Our self‐consistent‐field theory predicts a transition from situations where the surface segment density is enhanced compared with bulk solution concentration to one wherein the surface segment density is depleted. For a specific chemical identity of the random heteropolymer segments and the surface, this adsorption–depletion transition occurs above a threshold value of the strength of the sequence fluctuations. This intriguing finding can be tested directly via neutron scattering experiments (in the reflection mode), and offers opportunities for manipulating interfacial properties. The variation of the excess surface density of segments with polymer concentration in solution near the adsorption–depletion transition is also elucidated.
In vitro stimulation of cell death in the moulting glands of Oncopeltus fasciatus by 20-hydroxyecdysone

Abstract The moulting glands of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, normally degenerate just before the time of ecdysis to an adult (day 7 of the fifth instar). Morphologically normal cell death can be prematurely stimulated in vitro by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Breakdown is triggered by a 24-hr period of exposure to 20-hydroxyecdysone, but an additional incubation period is required before clear signs of degeneration are manifested. Glands removed after the onset of endogenous ecdysteroid secretion degenerate in vitro in the absence of added hormones. Thus, in the moulting glands of Oncopeltus, ecdysteroids appear to act as an important trigger for metamorphic cell death.
A practice gap in pediatric dermatology: does breast-feeding prevent the development of infantile atopic dermatitis?

In part because of a substantial increase in the number of cases of pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) in the developing world during the last 3 decades, 1 there is an urgency to determine if any preventative measure can reduce the disease incidence. Common questions that dermatologists encounter from parents with a family history of severe atopy or from mothers breast-feeding infants with AD are whether or not dietary restriction, maternal antigen avoidance, or breast-feeding can reduce the risk of onset of AD. After breast-feeding rates declined dramatically in the early 20th century, a movement to understand the health benefits of breast-feeding ensued that resulted in evidence-based recommendations for breast-feeding mothers. 2 There is strong evidence to support that breast-feeding during the first 4 months of life causes a reduction in the incidence andseverityofatopic disease in patients athigh risk. 3 However, the risk reduction from breast-feeding is modest, and is estimated to be at most 33%. 3-5 It is important to note that this risk reduction only applies to children at high risk, 4-6 defined as a child who has a first-degree relative with AD. Therefore, if the infant is not a child at high risk, breast-feeding has no effect on the incidence of AD. There is also no difference in atopic risk reduction between infants exclusively breast-fed for 6 months, as the World Health Organization recommends, and those in whom breast-feeding is supplemented with solids or nonbreast-milk liquids such as formula. 4-6
Invariant fermion correlator in the Schwinger model on the torus.

We construct the gauge invariant fermion correlator in the Schwinger model on the torus. At zero temperature, this correlator falls off with a rate given by the Coulomb energy of an infinitely heavy charge. At high temperature, the screening mass approaches {pi}{ital T}/2, and this in the presence of a mass gap. The fractional Matsubara frequency arises from the action of a pair of induced merons at high temperature that are localized over a range on the order of the meson Compton wavelength 1/{ital m}= {radical}{pi} /{ital g}. We discuss the quenched approximation in this model, and comment on the possible relevance of some of these results to higher dimensions.
Discharging fused silica optics occluded by an electrostatic drive

Charge accumulation on test masses is a potentially limiting noise source for gravitational-wave interferometers, and may occur due to exposure to an electrostatic drive (ESD) in modern test mass suspensions. We verify that an ESD can cause charge accumulation on a fused silica test mass at a rate of 8 × 10−16 C/cm2/h. We also demonstrate a charge mitigation system consisting of a stream of nitrogen ionized by copper feedthrough pins at 3750 VAC. We demonstrate that the system can neutralize positive and negative charge from 10−11 C/cm2 to 3 × 10−14 C/cm2 in under 2 h.
Formation of images from projections: Radon and Abel transforms*

The problem of determining the structure of an object from knowledge of its projections along straight lines arises in a variety of optical contexts. The general solution to this problem is given by the inverse Radon transform of the projections. A superposition principle is developed to show the relation between this general inversion and the more familiar inverse Abel transform that is associated with radially symmetric objects.
B-congenic chickens differ in macrophage inflammatory responses

Abstract The influence of the chicken major histocompatibility (B) complex (MHC) on monocyte and macrophage recruitment and activation was examined using fully developed 15I5-B congenic White Leghorn lines (ten backcross generations). The phagocytic activity of Sephadex-elicited peritoneal macrophages for sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) was highest in lines 15.7-B2 and 15.P-B13 and lowest in 15.15I-B5 and 15.N-B21. The same pattern of phagocytic activity was obtained when LPS (E. coli) was used as the in vivo elicitor-activator of peritoneal macrophages. Lines with B2 and B13 haplotypes had elevated percentages of phagocytic macrophages and a higher internalization activity per cell than did B5 and B21 congenic chickens. Differential peritoneal macrophage function between congenic lines was further supported by quantitation of superoxide anion release. B2 and B13 haplotypes were associated with high activity in contrast with B5, which was low, and 15I5 (B15) and B21 which were intermediate for superoxide anion release by macrophages. In vitro activation of blood monocytes with LPS resulted in similar line differences for SRBC phagocytic activity as were observed with in vivo Sephadex and LPS activation. In contrast, chemotaxis of blood mononuclear leukocytes to fmet-leu-phe produced a reciprocal response pattern among the haplotypes. Cells from lines with haplotypes B5 and B21 were superior to those of B2, B13, and B15 congenic lines in their directed migration towards this chemoattractant. All functional differences occurred despite similarities among lines in the cellular profiles of both elicited peritoneal exudate cells and isolated blood mononuclear cells.
Stereotaxic core needle biopsy of breast microcalcifications: correlation of target accuracy and diagnosis with lesion size.

PURPOSE: To determine if lesion size or number of calcifications affects the ability to obtain microcalcifications or a specific histologic diagnosis at stereotaxic core needle biopsy (SCNB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic findings and histopathologic reports of 138 lesions in 124 patients (aged 30-87 years; mean age, 56.2 years) who underwent SCNB of calcifications were reviewed. Calcifications in the specimen and attainment of a specific diagnosis were correlated with lesion size and number of calcifications. RESULTS: Calcifications were obtained in 118 cases (86%). A specific diagnosis was reported in 72 cases (52%). Differences in retrieval of calcifications or ability to establish a specific diagnosis with decreasing lesion size or decreasing number of calcifications were not statistically significant. Attainment of a specific diagnosis was significantly related to retrieval of calcifications (P<.005). CONCLUSION: SCNB was successful in obtaining calcifications in a high percentage of cases rega...
CO hydrogenation over group VII metals: New insights into factors controlling catalyst activity and selectivity

The activation of adsorbed CO is an important of first step in the hydrogenation of CO to form hydrocarbons and alcohols. This paper focuses on the roles of metal composition, attack on the adsorbed CO by adsorbed hydrogen, and metal oxide additives. Results from both theoretical and experimental studies are presented.
Anti-hapten antibodies in the serum and bronchial secretions of dogs following respiratory tract immunization.

Im Serum und in Bronchialsekreten von Hunden konnten Antikorper gegen DNP, die uber die Atmungswege mit DNP-Proteinkonjugaten immunisiert worden waren, nachgewiesen werden. Die Titer der beobachteten spezifischen Antikorper waren fur eine detaillierte Analyse zu niedrig.
Decreased cervical epithelial sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 (N-9) after four daily applications in a murine model of topical vaginal microbicide safety

The disappointing clinical failures of five topical vaginal microbicides have provided new insights into factors that impact microbicide safety and efficacy. Specifically, the greater risk for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition associated with multiple uses of a nonoxynol-9 (N-9)-containing product has highlighted the importance of application frequency as a variable during pre-clinical microbicide development, particularly in animal model studies. To evaluate an association between application frequency and N-9 toxicity, experiments were performed using a mouse model of cervicovaginal microbicide safety. In this model system, changes in cervical and vaginal epithelial integrity, cytokine release, and immune cell infiltration were assessed after single and multiple exposures to N-9. After the initial application of N-9 (aqueous, 1%), considerable damage to the cervical epithelium (but not the vaginal epithelium) was observed as early as 10 min post-exposure and up to 8 h post-exposure. Subsequent daily exposures (up to 4 days) were characterized by diminished cervical toxicity relative to single exposures of like duration. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines released into the cervicovaginal lumen and the degree of CD14-positive immune cell infiltration proximal to the cervical epithelium were also dependent on the number of N-9 exposures. Rather than causing cumulative cervical epithelial damage, repeated applications of N-9 were characterized by decreased sensitivity to N-9-associated toxicity and lower levels of immune cell recruitment. These results provide new insights into the failure of N-9-based microbicides and illustrate the importance of considering multiple exposure protocols in pre-clinical microbicide development strategies.
The Multivariate Normal (MVN) Distribution

Abstract The MVN generalizes the familiar normal (“bell-curve”) distribution to vector data. It is mathematically tractable and possesses several other very useful characteristics. Good alternative multivariate parametric distributions are few, but often the MVN can be used with non-normal data for both inference and simulation after transformations. The multivariate generalization of the familiar t -test provides a framework for statistical inferences about vector means.
Analysis of data-based methods for approximating fisher information in the scalar case

The Fisher information matrix (FIM) has long been of interest in applied mathematics and statistics for its various uses. Its scalar case, the Fisher information number (FIN), is also widely used. However, in many cases it is challenging to obtain the true value for the Fisher information so we need to use approximations. In this paper, we compare the accuracy of two major approximation methods for FIN and provide numerical results as illustrations to our analysis.
Endomyocardial biopsy-proven light chain amyloidosis (AL) without echocardiographic features of infiltrative cardiomyopathy

Abstract In conclusion, we report 5 patients with endomyocardial biopsy demonstration of extensive cardiac AL without the classic findings of infiltrative cardiomyopathy. This subset lacking overt thickening represents one part of the spectrum of cardiac AL. All 5 patients had immunoglobulin light chain amyloid, with the demonstration of either a monoclonal protein in the serum or urine or detection of immunoglobulin light chains within the amyloid deposits themselves.
Differential regulation of muscarinic receptor subtypes in rat brain regions by repeated injections of parathion.

Abstract Repeated injections with increasing moderate doses of parathion into adult male rats for 21 days resulted in 84–90% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in the brain without overt signs of toxicity. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) affinities for ligands were unaffected, but there was significant down-regulation of the m4 receptor subtype gene product, ml mRNA and m3 mRNA in the frontal cortex as well as the m4 subtype and m4 mRNA in the striatum. However, in the hippocampus, there were no significant reductions in either the ml receptor subtype nor its mRNA. The data suggest that the receptor subtype down-regulations in the cortex and striatum are due to reductions in mRNA expression. Since the degrees of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase were similar in the 3 brain regions, it is suggested that the in situ concentrations of paraoxon were also similar. Accordingly, the absence of down-regulation of the ml receptor in the hippocampus is not due to a lower concentration of paraoxon than in the cortex or striatum. It is possible that injections of higher parathion doses would produce down-regulation of mAChRs in the hippocampus, and that the hippocampus may have differences in the feed-back mechanisms for receptor regulation from those in the frontal cortex and the striatum.
Communication and Voting With Double-Sided Information

We analyze how communication and voting interact when there is uncertainty about players' preferences. We consider two players who vote on forming a partnership with uncertain rewards. It may or may not be worthwhile to team up. Both players want to make the right decision but differ in their attitudes toward making an error. Players' preferences are private information and each player is partially informed about the state of the world. Before voting, players can talk to each other.We completely characterize the equilibria and show that the main role of communication is to provide a double check: When there is a conflict between a player's preferences and her private information about the state, she votes in accordance with her private information only if it is confirmed by the message she receives from her opponent. In a scenario where only one of the players is allowed to talk, the benefits of communication are independent of the identity of the sender.
Controversies in the treatment of Crohn's disease: the case for an accelerated step-up treatment approach.

The ideal treatment strategy for Crohn’s disease (CD) remains uncertain, as does the optimal endpoint of therapy. Top-down versus step-up describes two different approaches: early use of immunomodulators and biological agents in the former versus initial treatment with steroids in the latter, with escalation to immunomodulators or biological drugs in patients proven to be steroid refractory or steroid dependent. Top-down therapy has been associated with higher rates of mucosal healing. If mucosal healing proves to be associated with better long-term outcomes, such as a decreased need for hospitalization and surgery, top-down therapy may be the better approach for many patients. The main concern with the top-down approach is the toxicity of the immunomodulators and biological agents, which have been linked with infectious complications as well as an increased risk of lymphoma. It is unlikely that one strategy will be best for all patients given the underlying heterogeneity of CD presentation and severity. Ultimately, we must weigh the safety and efficacy of the therapies with the risks of the disease itself. Unfortunately our ability to risk stratify patients at diagnosis remains rudimentary. The purpose of this paper is to review the data that supports or refutes the differing treatment paradigms in CD, and to provide a rationale for an approach, termed the “accelerated step-up” approach, which attempts to balance the risks and benefits of our currently available therapies with the risk of disease related complications as we understand them in 2008.
Integration of heterogeneous networking testbeds

As networking research expands into new frontiers, the research community has felt a need for a heterogeneous networking research infrastructure to experiment with the interaction and integration of different types of networks, and to test the performance of various networking protocols in realistic environments. This requirement has led to the Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI) initiative to create a global infrastructure for conducting networking experiments across diverse substrates such as wired (local and wide-area), wireless, sensor and cellular networks. In this paper, we discuss and present two models for building such an experimental infrastructure. The first model enables a wired testbed to link with wireless edge nodes during an experiment, whereas the second model enables a wireless testbed to link to wired testbeds. Proof-of-concept experiments are also presented reinforcing the usefulness of the models in terms of facilitating experiments over the integrated heterogeneous infrastructure.
Estimating the daily contribution of carbon from zooxanthellae to coral animal respiration1

An equation is derived which rigorously defines the photosynthesis: respiration ratio (P:R) for any alga: invertebrate symbiotic association arid permits the computation of the fractional contribution of translocated algal carbon to the daily respiratory carbon requirement of the host animal. The equation is applied to two species of symbiotic reef corals, using O2 flux data from 24-h continuous measurements in situ. Given certain assumptions, the algae in the shallow-water Hawaiian reef corals Pocillopora damicornis and Fungia scutaria can supply of the order of 63 and 69% of the daily respiratory carbon demand of their respective animal hosts.
The scattering of plane waves from periodic surfaces

Abstract The reflection of scalar plane waves from periodic surfaces (in two dimensions) is studied. Particular attention is devoted to the sinusoidal surface upon which the wave function vanishes. The formulation of the problem rests upon Green's theorem, and it is shown that in the sinusoidal case one is led to an infinite set of coupled algebraic equations. These are essentially different from the equations derived by Rayleigh in his original formulation of the problem. Numerical results are obtained, and the more interesting properties of the results are discussed. As a sidelight, it is shown that the matrix of reflection coefficients for an arbitrary periodic nonabsorbing surface has interesting symmetry properties reminiscent of the quantum-mechanical S -matrix.
Questions in Lessons: Activity Settings in the Homes and School of Two Puerto Rican Kindergartners

This ethnographic study describes continuities and discontinuities between a bilingual kindergarten and the homes of two Spanish-dominant Puerto Rican children. The concept of activity setting was used to explore the relation of culture to question use in lessons taught in both settings. Findings highlight a complex web of continuities and discontinuities and the importance of the joint construction of a culture of teaching and learning by parents, teachers, and children.