cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass Transit Infrastructure and Urban Health

Mass transit is a critical infrastructure of urban environments worldwide. The public uses it extensively, with roughly 9 billion mass transit trips occurring annually in the United States alone according to the U.S. Department of Transportation data. Its benefits per traveler include lower emissions of air pollutants and energy usage and high speeds and safety records relative to many other common modes of transportation that contribute to human health and safety. However, mass transit is vulnerable to intrusions that compromise its use and the realization of the important benefits it brings. These intrusions pertain to physical conditions, security, external evironmental conditions, and equity. The state of the physical condition of transit facilities overall has been summarized in the low ratings the American Society of Civil Engineers gives to mass transit, and the large dollar estimates to maintain existing conditions as well as to bring on new improvements, which are, however, many times lower than investments estimated for roadways. Security has become a growing issue, and numerous incidents point to the potential for threats to security in the US. External environmental conditions, such as unexpected inundations of water and electric power outages also make transit vulnerable. Equity issues pose constraints on the use of transit by those who cannot access it. Transit has shown a remarkable ability to rebound after crises, most notably after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, due to a combination of design and operational features of the system. These experiences provide important lessons that must be captured to provide proactive approaches to managing and reducing the consequences of external factors that impinge negatively on transit.
Conservative management of a severely Rh-sensitized pregnancy.

Abstract A case of severe rhesus isoimmunization managed without intrauterine fetal transfusions is presented.
The distribution and cellular localization of glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) mRNA in the forebrain and midbrain of domestic chick.

Abstract The distribution and cellular localization of GAD65 mRNA in the forebrain and midbrain of domestic chick were examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry with 35[S]-UTP labeled cRNA probes, using film and emulsion autoradiography. Film autoradiograms showed intense GAD65 labeling in many structures of the basal telencephalon, such as the medial and lateral striatum, the septum, the olfactory tubercle, the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the intrapeduncular nucleus, while the pallial telencephalon showed only a low level of labeling. Emulsion-coated sections revealed that GAD65 mRNA-containing neurons were at least six times more abundant in striatum than pallium, with only a uniformly scattered subpopulation labeled in pallium, and that the vast majority of the large scattered projection neurons of globus pallidus were heavily labeled for GAD65. Prominent labeling was also evident in the nucleus taeniae and subpallial amygdala, but not in the arcopallium in film autoradiograms. Within the diencephalon, the hypothalamus was more GAD65-rich than the thalamus. Additional subtelencephalic cell groups showing prominent labeling included the thalamic reticular nucleus and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus of the diencephalon, the nucleus pretectalis, subpretectalis and spiriformis lateralis of the pretectum, and the magnocellular isthmic nucleus of the optic lobe. Tectal layers 9–10 were also rich in GAD65. These results further clarify GABAergic circuits of the avian forebrain and midbrain, and show them to closely resemble those in mammals.
Reply to “Phenomenology or Physicalism?”

The history of the term "phenomenology" is discussed; the term is rich in meaning and has varied depending on its temporal and spatial context. One common contemporary usage in modern psychiatry is to refer to the signs and symptoms in mental illness. Research strategies for studying schizophrenia are also discussed.
A Primer on Economic Evaluations Related to Expansion of Newborn Screening for Genetic and Metabolic Disorders

Newborns in every state are screened for genetic/metabolic disorders, but there is no uniform national screening program. Recently, a federal panel concluded that the number of disorders screened should be increased from 9 to Twentynine. In order for state leaders, and for the clinicians who inform them, to make sound decisions about expanding newborn screening programs, they need to be aware of the costs and outcomes of the entire screening program. This paper examines newborn screening from several perspectives: status of state programs, screening technology, and financing. In addition, various types of economic evaluations are defined, and a number of economic studies are explored. JOGNN, 35, 692‐699; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552‐6909.2006.00098.x
Induction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by Porphyromonas gingivalis in human endothelial cells

The association between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases could be mediated by direct interaction of periodontal pathogens with cardiac tissue. In order to explore this possibility, the effect of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production by endothelial cells was investigated. When incubated with live P. gingivalis 381, MCP-1 production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was potently increased. Compared to the type strain 381, non-adhesive/invasive strains (W50 and DPG3) did not increase MCP-1 production, which was also demonstrated at the mRNA level. Killed P. gingivalis 381 was much less effective than live bacteria for MCP-1 induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, prevented MCP-1 mRNA up-regulation by P. gingivalis 381, suggesting that internalization of P. gingivalis is necessary for MCP-1 induction. In conclusion, the secretion of high levels of MCP-1 resulting from interactions of P. gingivalis with endothelial cells could enhance atherosclerosis progression by contributing to the recruitment of monocytes.
A particle model of ground state H2

Abstract A particle model is developed for the ground state H2 molecule. Interparticle forces are formulated which are noncoulombic, but nearly coulombic. The vibration is simulated by a numerical method which conserves the molecule's energy exactly. Numerical examples are described and discussed.
Androgens, androgen receptors, and male gender role behavior.

Studies of genetic males with single gene mutations that impair testosterone formation or action and consequently prevent development of the normal male phenotype provide unique insight into the control of gender role behavior. 46,XY individuals with either of two autosomal recessive mutations [17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (17 beta-HSD3) deficiency or steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (5 alpha-R2) deficiency] have a female phenotype at birth and are raised as females but frequently change gender role behavior to male after the expected time of puberty. In contrast, genetic males with mutations that impair profoundly the function of the androgen receptor are also raised as females and have consistent female behavior as adults. Furthermore, the rare men with mutations that impair estrogen synthesis or the estrogen receptor have male gender role behavior. These findings indicate that androgens are important determinants of gender role behavior (and probably of gender identity) and that this action is mediated by the androgen receptor and not the result of conversion of androgen to estrogen. The fact that all genetic males with 17 beta-HSD3 or 5 alpha-R2 deficiency do not change gender role behavior indicates that other factors are also important determinants of this process.
Collegial Librarians: The Faculty-Librarian-Student Partnership in Distance Education.

Distance librarians working with graduate programs often discover many of their students have specialized information needs and require additional instruction. However, it can be impossible to discover these students without first becoming deeply involved with the program. Librarians at Benedictine University have developed a method for becoming professional colleagues with graduate faculty, which begins with identifying opportunities to form relationships with them and becoming involved with new programs. The second step is orientation, involving social contact and personalizing the librarian-student relationship, allowing students to realize their librarians are part of the community of engaged experts that they can draw upon. Step three is to develop an individual counseling/coaching relationship with those students who need additional mentoring. Distance services librarians can become empowered to act as instructional partners with both faculty and students through this personalizing approach to the r...
Phase transformation of AlAs to NiAs structure at high pressure

The crystal structure of AlAs has been studied in a diamond anvil cell using energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction to 46 GPa. AlAs undergoes a first order phase transformation from zinc blende to NiAs structure. This is the first experimental observation of a III-V compound transforming to the NiAs structure. The decrease in volume on transformation is 17\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1% at 7 GPa. The transformation is reversible but has large hysteresis. The equilibrium transformation pressure is 7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 GPa. Equations of state were obtained for both phases. The bulk modulus at zero pressure, ${\mathit{B}}_{0}$, of zinc blende AlAs was measured to be 74\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 GPa. These results are in good agreement with theoretical calculations.
Effect of Processing Variables on The Magnetic Field Orientation of Liquid Crystalline Thermosets

We have investigated the effect of various processing variables on the magnetic field orientation of a liquid crystalline epoxy. By using a modified fractional factorial design, we created an empirical model which can be used to predict the degree of orientation as a function of these variables. The model predicts the correct qualitative trends, namely that orientation increases with increasing magnetic field strength, increases with increasing time in the field, and decreases with increasing B-staging. The model also reveals some surprising effects of B-staging on the degree of orientation.
Ibotenic acid lesions of the dorsal prefrontal cortex disrupt the expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine

Abstract The present study determined the effect of bilateral lesions of specific cortical or thalamic nuclei that provide excitatory amino acid afferents to the nucleus accumbens (i.e. the dorsal prefrontal cortex, ventral prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus and periventricular thalamus) on the expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. Lesions of these nuclei were made during a three-week withdrawal period following repeated daily injections of cocaine or saline. The results indicate that dorsal prefrontal cortex lesions block the expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine, while ventral prefrontal cortex, fimbria–fornix, amygdala and thalamic lesions have no effect. A subsequent microdialysis experiment was performed in order to evaluate the effect of dorsal prefrontal cortex lesions on glutamate transmission in the nucleus accumbens core of cocaine- and saline-pretreated rats. The systemic injection of cocaine produced a significant increase in extracellular glutamate in the nucleus accumbens core among animals with a sham surgery; this effect was blocked by a bilateral lesion of the dorsal prefrontal cortex. Taken together, these results indicate that the dorsal prefrontal cortex, which provides excitatory amino acid input selectively to the core region of the nucleus accumbens, enhances the expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine by increasing glutamate transmission in this subnucleus.
Determination of Degradation Products of Ascorbic Acid

Summary The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine test for ascorbic acid was used to determine both ascorbic and gulonic acid in milk. Data are presented in support of the validity of the test and simplification of procedure. Comparisons are also made with the 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reduction procedure. Interpretation of the observed phenomena is made in view of other known facts found in the literature. One- to two-day-old raw milk was found to contain small quantities of gulonic acid. Immediately following pasteurization, the gulonic acid content was also found to be low, but upon storage at 40° F. it increased considerably. Analysis of nonfat dry milk failed to reveal any gulonic acid, regardless of source of the powder, and only questionable amounts were found in evaporated milk. Temperature of storage had a decided effect on the decomposition of dehydroascorbic acid and the rate of oxidation of the resulting gulonic acid in sterile milk. The oxidation of gulonic acid was generally found to proceed rapidly at elevated temperatures. Evidence is presented that exposure to sunlight and copper catalyzed the oxidation of gulonic acid, but not nearly to the same extent as elevated temperatures. The rate of formation of gulonic acid under these conditions was greater than its oxidation.
Comment on "Monte Carlo Evaluation of Functional Integrals Using Coherent-State Slater Determinants"

In a recent letter [1], Avishai and Richert proposed a Monte Carlo evaluation of many-fermion functional integrals using real coherent-state Slater determinants.
The terminal Eocene event: formation of a ring system around the Earth?

It is suggested that the formation of a ring system about the earth by particles and debris related to the North American strewn tektite field is responsible for the terminal Eocene event of 34 million years ago, in which severe climatic changes accompanied by widespread biological extinctions occurred. Botanical data is cited which implies a 20-C decrease in winter temperature with no change in summer temperature, and evidence of the correlation of the North American tektite fall, which is estimated to have a total mass of 10 to the 9th to 10 to the 10th tons, with the disappearance of five of the most abundant species of radiolaria is presented. The possible connection between the tektites and climatic change is argued to result from the screening of sunlight by an equatorial ring of trapped particles of extraterrestrial origin in geocentric orbit which would cut off sunlight only in the winter months. Such a ring, located at a distance of between 1.5 and 2.5 earth radii (the Roche limit) is estimated to have a lifetime of a few million years.
Iterative Learning Velocity and Tension Control for Axially Moving Materials

Precise tension and speed control of axially moving material systems enables high speed processing of paper, plastics, fibers, and films. This paper proves that PD tension/speed control can ensure strong and weak boundedness of distributed displacement and tension, respectively, in a single span axially moving material system. An iterative learning controller (ILC) is proven to provide the same theoretical result but greatly improved simulated response.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Townes Laser Institute

The State of Florida has recently established a new center of excellence in advanced core laser technologies, associated with the College of Optics & Photonics. This center, dedicated in 2007 in tribute to the pioneering work of Charles Townes, whose insight lead to the development of the maser and the laser, will invest in next generation laser technologies for applications to medicine, advanced manufacturing and defense. It joins the cluster of photonics-related centers at UCF, adding a focused national center for the education and training of scientists and engineers in laser technology. This paper describes the mission and objectives of the Townes Institute, the educational and training programs it is creating, its current investments and opportunities, and the future institutional and industrial partnerships and global reach it hopes to create.
Defining higher order thinking

(1993). Defining higher order thinking. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 32, Teaching for Higher Order Thinking, pp. 131-137.
Government policy and citizen passion: A study of issue publics in contemporary America

This article describes the findings of a program of research exploring the cognitive and behavioral consequences of passionate concern about government policy issues. American citizens vary a great deal in terms of the personal importance they attach to their attitudes on particular policy issues. Citizens whose policy attitudes are especially important to them are likely to think frequently about those attitudes, to perceive competing candidates as being relatively polarized on the issue, and to form presidential candidate preferences on the basis of those attitudes. Also, policy attitudes that citizens consider personally important are highly resistant to change and are therefore especially stable over long periods of time. The American public appears to be structured into many small issue publics, each composed of citizens who are passionately concerned about a single issue. Most Americans fall into very few issue publics, the particular ones being determined by each individual's unique self-interests, social identifications, and cherished values. The implications of these findings for the workings of democracies are discussed.
Free-p: A Practical End-to-End Nonvolatile Memory Protection Mechanism

Free-p-fine-grained remapping with error checking and correcting (ECC) and embedded pointers-remaps worn-out nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) blocks at a fine granularity without requiring large dedicated storage and protects NVRAM against both hard and soft errors. Furthermore, Free-p can be implemented purely in the memory controller, avoiding custom NVRAM devices.
The basics of orthodontic mechanics

Abstract The biologic cascade of events that ultimately results in bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement begins with the mechanical activation of an orthodontic appliance. The force systems produced by orthodontic appliances, consisting of both forces and moments, displace teeth in a manner that is both predictable and controllable. By varying the ratio of moment to force applied to teeth, the type of tooth movement experienced can be regulated by the orthodontist. Orthodontic appliances obey the laws of physics and can be activated to generate the desired force systems to achieve predetermined treatment goals for individual patients. Likewise, any orthodontic appliance can be analyzed to define the mechanical force systems it produces. Understanding the biomechanical principles underlying orthodontic appliance activations is essential for executing efficient and successful orthodontic treatment.
Pomalidomide therapy for multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis: an update.

Thalidomide possesses potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiangiogenic properties. Thalidomide combined with corticosteroids is therapeutically active in multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis (MF). Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are second-generation immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) that were created by chemical modification of thalidomide with the intent to reduce toxicity and enhance therapeutic activity. Both drugs have also been shown to be active in the treatment of myeloma and MF. Thalidomide is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for use in acute erythema nodosum leprosum and, in combination with dexamethasone, in newly diagnosed myeloma. Lenalidomide is approved for use in low/intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes associated with transfusion-dependent anemia and a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality and, in combination with dexamethasone, in relapsed myeloma. Pomalidomide is currently not FDA-approved. Herein, we summarize what is currently known about the biologic and t...
Radiation therapy effects on white matter fiber tracts of the limbic circuit.

Purpose : To segment fiber tracts in the limbic circuit and to assess their sensitivity to radiation therapy (RT). Methods: Twelve patients with brain metastases who had received fractionated whole brainradiation therapy to 30 Gy or 37.5 Gy were included in the study. Diffusion weighted images were acquired pre-RT, at the end of RT, and 1-month post-RT. The fornix, corpus callosum, and cingulum were extracted from diffusion weighted images by combining fiber tracking and segmentation methods based upon characteristics of the fiber bundles. Cingulum was segmented by a seed-based tractography, fornix by a region of interests (ROI)-based tractography, and corpus callosum by a level-set segmentation algorithm. The radiation-induced longitudinal changes of diffusion indices of the structures were evaluated. Results: Significant decreases were observed in the fractional anisotropy of the posterior part of the cingulum, fornix, and corpus callosum from pre-RT to end of RT by –14.0%, –12.5%, and –5.2%, respectively (p < 0.001), and from pre-RT to 1-month post-RT by –11.9%, –12.8%, and –6.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant increases were observed in the mean diffusivity of the corpus callosum and the posterior part of the cingulum from pre-RT to end of RT by 6.8% and 6.5%, respectively, and from pre-RT to 1-month post-RT by 8.5% and 6.3%, respectively. The increase in the radial diffusivity primarily contributed to the significant decrease in the fractional anisotropy, indicating that demyelination is the predominant radiation effect on the white matter structures. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the fornix and the posterior part of the cingulum are significantly susceptible to radiation damage. We have developed robust computer-aided semiautomatic segmentation and fiber tracking tools to facilitate the ROI delineation of critical structures, which is important for assessment of radiation damage in a longitudinal fashion.
A study of railway bridge/vehicle interaction and evaluation of fatigue life

Utilisation d'un nouveau modele de vehicule et d'un modele partiel de pont pour etudier l'interaction dynamique entre un pont en treillis d'acier a tablier ouvert et un train de marchandises en mouvement. Les reponses en terme de contraintes dynamiques dans certaines membrures critiques dans le pont etaient generees pour prevoir la vie en fatigue en utilisant une methodologie basee sur la fiabilite
Pathological changes in the nervous system following in utero exposure to halothane.

Abstract Tissue samples from the cerebral cortex of rats which had been exposed in utero to 10 ppm halothane (8 hours/day/5 days/week throughout pregnancy) were studied electron microscopically. In the neonatal animals, focal weakening and out-pouching of the nuclear envelope in many neurons were observed. Leakage of nuclear material and myelin-figure formation also occurred at the site of the weakening. Vacuolation of the Golgi complex of the neurons was a frequent finding. Similar changes of the Golgi complex was also found in the neurons of the 100-day-old animals. Moreover, residual degenerative changes were still observable in the neurons of animals 100 days after the exposure. The present investigation indicates that trace amounts of halothane may still be hazardous to the nervous system of the developing fetus and such pathological effects may be long lasting.
The fall and rise of prostate-specific antigen. Kinetics of serum prostate-specific antigen levels after radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Background. The serum kinetics of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after radiation therapy for prostate cancer are not well characterized, and the potential prognostic significance of serum half-lives and of serum doubling times is unclear. This study was designed to address those issues. Methods. One hundred fifty-four patients with at least four serial PSA determinations who received external-beam radiation therapy alone were analyzed to determine PSA kinetics and to correlate kinetic parameters with outcome. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to estimate PSA half-lives and doubling times. Results. The PSA data fitted well to exponential models consistent with the hypothesis that PSA kinetics after radiation follow first-order (exponential) kinetics. The mean PSA half-life was 1.9 months (range, 0.5 to 9.2 months). No significant correlation existed between half-life and grade, stage, acid phosphatase level, serum testosterone level, or patient age. A weak correlation between half-life and pretreatment PSA level was observed: patients with low PSA levels tended to have longer half-lives. Half-life did not correlate with disease relapse or with the likelihood of developing a rising PSA profile. PSA doubling time in 37 patients with rising values ranged from 1.6 to 53 months (mean, 12.5 months). Doubling times were significantly longer than half-lives by an average factor of 6.5 and there was no correlation between half-life and subsequent doubling time. Doubling times were longer in low-grade tumors. Conclusions. Serum kinetics of PSA in particular its rate of fall after radiation provide little, if any, useful clinical information. It is possible that serum kinetics of PSA are related to tumor cell kinetics but such relationships remain speculative. Correlative cell kinetic—PSA kinetic studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the changes in PSA level after radiation therapy.
Apoptotic pathways in primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis.

:Background/Aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are two autoimmune diseases with unknown etiologies that primarily target the liver. In both diseases, liver lesions are accompanied by large infiltrates of mononuclear cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if either the Fas-mediated or the granule-exocytosis pathways contribute to apoptosis in these diseases. Methods: To determine the involvement of apoptosis in tissue injury we examined liver tissue for DNA fragmentation and morphological characteristics of apoptosis. The major cytotoxic pathways of activated lymphocytes were compared by quantitating the levels of transcripts for FasL and granzyme B, and expression was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of these molecules. Results: In both diseases, apoptosis was observed. However, the main cell types undergoing apoptosis were hepatocytes in AIH, and biliary epithelial cells in PBC. In AIH the levels of FasL and granzyme B mRNA were increased over the levels detected in normal liver, while in PBC only the levels of granzyme B were elevated. Additionally, in AIH, the ratio of FasL transcripts to granzyme B transcripts was elevated, reflecting a possible increase in the relative contribution of FasL to the progression of the disease. Immunoprecipitation studies further support an increase in FasL protein expression in AIH. Conclusions: These data suggest that both FasL and granzyme B contribute to the apoptosis observed in AIH and PBC. However, FasL appears to play a more prominent role in the induction of hepatocyte apoptosis and tissue destruction in AIH.
Lack of reciprocity of proton vicinal coupling constants and chemical shifts in ternary tridentate dipeptidePd(II)-nucleotide complexes

Abstract In tridentate dipeptide complexes of Pd(II) such as those with glycyltyrosine, the aromatic side chain is directed toward the metal ion. Binding of purine nucleosides or nucleotides at the fourth tetragonal position about Pd(II) results in a marked upfield chemical shift of the H(2) resonance when Pd(II) is at N(7). On the other hand in complexes with st at N(7). On the other hand in complexes with Pd(II) at N(7) neither the chemical shift of the aromatic tyrosyl protons nor the rotamer distribution about the αβ bond in the side chain is affected. Thus there is a lack of reciprocity evidenced by a marked upfield shift of the nucleic base component and the lack of a significant change in chemical shift or coupling constant of the aromatic amino acid side chain in ternary Pd(II) complexes. The results may be accounted for by edge-on binding of the nucleic base so that it is perpendicular to the face of the aromatic amino acid side chain.
Blacks as donors for transplantation: suboptimal outcomes overcome by transplantation into other minorities.

Background. In 1977, Opelz et al (Transplant Proc 9:137, 1977) introduced research that identified ethnic disparities in the relative risk of graft loss when African American donors or recipients were targeted. Current research from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) reveals a continuation of these trends. While 1-year graft survival rates for a kidney are 92.1% for Caucasians, 94.1% for Asians, and 92.9% for Latinos, the comparative rate is 88.9% for African Americans. This study extends research on health disparities by examining relative differences in graft and patient survival rates when the organ donors are African American. A number of factors have been introduced as possible determinants of disparate outcomes by ethnicity in terms of graft survival rates. This descriptive study was designed to test the hypothesis: There are no differences in the relative risks associated with graft survival rates and mortality based upon differences in the ethnicity of the donors. Materials and Methods. Data were obtained from the OPTN/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Registry from April 1, 1994 to December 31, 2000. A total of 118,769 transplants were analyzed, including 77,689 living and deceased donor kidney transplants, 26,124 deceased donor liver transplants, and 14,956 deceased donor heart transplants. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to determine the relative risk of graft loss and cardiac transplant mortality for different ethnicities when the organ donors were African American. Results. The study found that the relative risk of kidney graft loss was 21.3% (P <.01) higher between African American donors and Caucasian recipients than between Caucasian donors and other recipients. With liver transplants, the use of an African American donor increased the risk of graft loss by 21.5% (P <.001). When African American donors gave kidneys and livers to other African Americans, the relative risks of kidney graft loss were 50.9% higher for a kidney (P <.001) and 36.6% higher for a liver (P <.001) if both the donors and recipients were African American. The relative risk of mortality was 51.3% higher (P <.001) when African American hearts were transplanted into other African Americans. No significant differences existed in terms of the relative risk of cardiac mortality (P <.29) when African American hearts were transplanted into Caucasian recipients. When African American donors provided kidneys and livers to Latinos and Asians, the relative risk of graft loss fell below the rates for Caucasian donors and recipients. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Our data have identified a pressing need to conduct clinical and prospective research that can isolate the causes of these suboptimal outcomes. This is particularly important since the number of African American organ donors has escalated as a result of recent health outreach and education efforts.
Leadership Centrality and Corporate Social Ir-Responsibility (CSIR): The Potential Ameliorating Effects of Self and Shared Leadership on CSIR

Recent scandals involving executive leadership have significantly contributed to the topic of corporate social responsibility (CSR) becoming one of the most important concerns of the management literature in the twenty-first century. The antithesis of CSR is embodied in executive corruption and malfeasance. Unfortunately such things are all too frequent. We view the degree of centrality of leadership, and the primary power motivation of leaders, as key factors that influence the engagement in corruptive leader behavior and consequent corporate social ir-responsibility (CSIR) in organizations. Shared and self-leadership, on the other hand, we introduce as alternatives to traditional top-down centralized views of leadership that can establish needed checks and balances capable of reducing corruptive tendencies. We offer a conceptual model along with several propositions to help guide future research and practice.
Viral IL-10 Gene Transfer Inhibits DTH Responses to Soluble Antigens: Evidence for Involvement of Genetically Modified Dendritic Cells and Macrophages

Expression of the viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10) gene within one joint of an animal with polyarticular, inflammatory arthritis suppresses disease in both treated and untreated joints (the "contralateral effect"). We used a mouse delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) model to investigate this phenomenon. Adenoviral delivery of the vIL-10 gene suppressed DTH reactions in injected and contralateral paws. T lymphocytes recovered from immunized mice injected with the adenoviral vector (ad-vIL-10) were unable to transfer the DTH response, but were not inhibitory. Peritoneal exudate cells recovered from mice injected intraperitoneally with ad-vIL-10 inhibited DTH reactions in recipient mice, but only when the donor mice had been sensitized to the antigen used to incite the DTH response. Dendritic cells (DCs) recovered from the draining lymph nodes of mice injected with ad-vIL-10 behaved similarly. Bone-marrow-derived DCs cultured ex vivo with ad-vIL-10 or recombinant mouse IL-10 also suppressed DTH reactions by adoptive transfer when pulsed with the inciting antigen. Collectively, these data suggest a mechanism for the contralateral effect in which genetically modified macrophages and DCs present antigen in the context of high, local concentrations of vIL-10, thereby generating unresponsive T lymphocytes. These findings suggest new ways in which to treat immune-driven diseases by gene and cell therapy.
A new species of Peperomia (Piperaceae) from the Venezuelan Guayana Highland

Peperomia delascioi Steyermark is described from the summit of Camarcai-barai-tepui, a sandstone table mountain of the Venezuelan Guayna Highland. It is related toP. emarginella andP. rotundifolia.
Reducing pressure on natural forests through high-yield forestry

Abstract High-yield forestry can make a valuable contribution to the conservation and sustained use of forest ecosystems. Despite the pressing reasons for conserving forest resources, population growth creates pressures for exploiting them. Unless needs for forest products, export credits, and local employment can be met by new devices, such as high-yield forestry, these pressures will be irresistible. Concentrating wood production on high-yield plantations increases flexibility in the use of forests and forest lands, making it possible to allocate native forest to parks and reserves. High-yield plantation managemnet implies the following: (1) choosing the appropriate species; (2) improving the composite genotype of the plantation trees; (3) optimizing the morphological and physiological condition of the trees prior to and at planting time; (4) improving the physical environment of the crop at all stages of development; (5) protecting the plantation from pests and catastrophic events; and (6) modifying the shapes, dimensions, and qualities of crop trees to enhance the utility and value of harvested timber. In addition to the advantages that plantations have demonstrated in the temperate zones, tropical plantations capture the benefits of a benign physiological environment, namely near-constant year-round temperature, and the absence of frost. Relative to the productivity of undisturbed or partially logged humid tropical forests, plantation growth rates represent 4–10-fold increases in volume production. Displacement of some proportion of shifting agriculture and natural forest management (or mismanagement) systems by high-yield forest plantations is desirable and biologically feasible. The ultimate key to both conservation and succesful tropical-forest management is population stability, a condition toward which integrated wood-processing facilities, supplied by a reliable plantation system, can make a major contribution.
Graph-theoretical resonance energies of benzene and heterobenzenes from photoelectron spectra

Abstract Experimental values of π ionization potentials, non-subjective linear regression techniques, and graph theory are used to calculate resonance energies with the results, C6H6, 0.821 eV; C6H5N, 0.618 eV; C6H5P 0.661 eV; C6H5As, 0.545 eV; C6H5Sb, 0.607 eV.
Modeling both the mechanical and hypoxic features of traumatic brain injury in vitro in rats

Abstract In traumatic brain injury, the brain is subjected to mechanical shear and varying degrees of hypoxia/ischemia. To compare effects of stretch injury, hypoxia, and the combination of both insults on neurons, mixed neuronal and astrocytic cultures were established from day 17 fetal rat brains. On days 17–19 in vitro, cultures were subjected to stretch injury or hypoxia of varying degrees, alone and in combination. Cultures were assayed for lactate dehydrogenase release and Trypan Blue uptake. Hypoxia or Stretch injury alone induced a graded response ( P P P
Bcl-Xshort is elevated following severe global ischemia in rat brains

Abstract Hippocampal CA1 neurons are highly susceptible to short periods of transient global ischemia. We have previously reported in a rat model of transient forebrain global ischemia that activation and nuclear localization of NF-kB occurs in the CA1 neurons at 24 and72 h post reperfusion. Events following NF-kB activation would ultimately determine whether damaged cells will undergo programmed cell death. We have selected bcl-x gene expression for study because there is increasing evidence that proteins encoded by the bcl-2 gene family (bcl-2, bcl-x, bax etc) play a role in the regulation of programmed cell death. We have observed that the bcl-x gene promoter contains a putative consensus sequence for NF-kB/CS4 responsive activation. We also can show that other members of the bcl-2 multigene family contain the NF-kB/CS4 sequence in their five prime regulatory regions. In this study, we show that NF-kB p50 and NF-kB p65 act in synergy to transactivate the bcl-x promoter in co-transfected 293 cells. We also report that following ischemia and NF-kB activation, bcl-x messenger RNA levels increase in the CA1 hippocampal region. As a result of this transcriptional increase, surprisingly, it is bcl-xs, the apoptotic form of bcl-x, that is elevated. These results suggest that activation of NF-kB can lead to increased expression of bcl-x as manifested by the increase in the short form of bcl-x.
What could be possible with mature biofuels technologies

This special issue of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefi ning features a series of papers that result from a project called ‘Th e Role of Biomass in America’s Energy Future’ (RBAEF). Th e most comprehensive study of its kind, the RBAEF project began in early 2003 with the goal of better understanding the role biomass could ultimately play in meeting the energy needs of the United States. Accordingly, the focus was in defi ning the likely performance of mature technologies and how these could be confi gured to make a large contribution to meeting energy needs while preserving environmental quality and accommodating competing land uses. Th e RBAEF project is of tremendous importance in light of the limited options we have for sustainably meeting our ever-growing energy needs and particularly of powering a transportation sector that depends almost totally on a strategically vulnerable energy source with such high price volatility: petroleum. Only three options are known for providing sustainable energy for transportation on a meaningful scale: i) batteries if charged by electricity from renewable energy sources, ii) hydrogen when generated from renewable sources, and iii) biomass. Of these, biomass is the only resource that can be converted into liquid transportation fuels that have desirable characteristics for mobility and are likely required for such applications as aviation and long-haul trucking. Th e current controversy surrounding fi rst-generation biofuels for making ethanol from corn has clouded the biomass picture and can lead decision-makers,
Reduction of Parasitic Capacitance Impact in Low-Power SAR ADC

Many low-power successive approximation register analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) use separate small capacitors, instead of the entire charge scaling (CS) capacitor arrays, to sample the analog inputs. While reducing power consumption, it makes these ADCs prone to gain errors and input range reduction caused by parasitic capacitance of the CS array. This paper presents an effective technique with negligible hardware overhead to address this problem. Simulation results are also presented to validate the proposed technique.
Interest Groups in Comparative Analysis

GROUPS, LIKE NATURAL RIGHTS, cannot be easily laid to rest. After the pluralists (mostly with normative rather than scientific pretensions) had been silenced, the rediscovery of Arthur F. Bentley provided political scientists in the United States with the much sought empirical focus. The pioneering work of Pendleton Herring was hailed-and rightly so-as a contribution bo;th to the study of the political process and to the understanding of the power configuration of the American political society. Gradually, however, what was meant to involve one factor, albeit an important one, for the study of politics, was elevated to the level of a general theory. David B. Truman's The Governmental Process not only signified the full resurrection of the ghost but led the way in the last few years to a number of group studies both in the United States and in Europe not only for the purpose of studying individual political systems but for comparative analysis as well.1 It is not accidental, for instance, that the International Political Science Association devoted its meeting at Pittsburgh to a country-bycountry study of interest groups.2 It is equally revealing that the Comparative Politics Committee of the Social Science Research Council chose to study, even if on the grounds of convenience, interest groups as the first step toward comparative analysis. "The general conclusion" of a study group of the Committee was, according to Professor Gabriel Almond, that "by being concerned
Research evaluation activities of ten federal agencies

Abstract This article summarizes results of research into the postperformance research evaluation measures in use by the ten federal agencies that have the highest budgets for support of basic and applied research. Two classes of research evaluations are identified: (a) those intended as tools for the management of research programs and projects, and (b) those that demonstrate the payoffs from research to a broader constituency. Few innovative or unexpected research evaluation approaches were found. The most widely used evaluation technique is some form of peer review of research results. A few specific evaluations or evaluation approaches are of particular interest, namely: • an elaborate, highly structured Peer Review Panel at the Department of Energy which reviews the results of basic energy sciences programs; • work in bibliometric analysis sponsored by the National Institutes of Health; • attempts to measure productivity and other impacts of research programs at the National Bureau of Standards; • attempts to trace links between research and its utilization by the office of Naval Research; and • a study prepared by the National Science Foundation that used a variety of measures to do postperformance evaluation of chemistry research supported by NSF.
Stabilization of perceived echo amplitudes in echolocating bats. II. The acoustic behavior of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus, when tracking moving prey

Big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, can be trained to use echolocation to track a small microphone with a food reward attached when it is moved rapidly toward them. This situation mimics prey interception in the wild while allowing very precise recording of the sonar pulses emitted during tracking behavior. The results show that E. fuscus intensity compensates, reducing emitted intensity by 6 dB per halving of target range so that the intensity incident upon the target is constant and echo intensity increases by 6 dB per halving of range. This increase in echo intensity is effectively canceled by the reduction in auditory sensitivity due to automatic gain control (AGC) of 6 to 7 dB per halving of range. Intensity compensation behavior and AGC therefore form a dual‐component, symmetrical system that stabilizes perceived echo amplitudes during target approach. The same system is present in the fishing bat, Noctilio leporinus, suggesting that it may be widespread in echolocating bats. Correlation analysis show...
Psychometric differentiation of biogenic and psychogenic impotence

In a sequential clinical sample of 64 subjects exclusively diagnosed as either biogenically or functionally impotent, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and California Psychological Inventory (CPI) standard scales and the Beutler, et al., MMPI signs were all found to be ineffective in realiably classifying patients into the correct diagnostic groupings. Specific item analysis of the MMPI and CPI did identify a significant number of significantly differentiating individual items. Most of these items were shown to be reliably characterizable as indicating either performance anxiety or somatic complaint. Using these classifications of the items, the performance anxiety items were shown, consistent with theory, to be clearly associated with the functional impotence group. The somatic complaint items were shown to be clearly associated with the biogenic impotence group, presumably reflecting the symptoms of physiopathology, such as diabetes, underlying the biogenic condition.
SmpB contributes to reading frame selection in the translation of transfer-messenger RNA.

Abstract Transfer–messenger RNA (tmRNA) acts first as a tRNA and then as an mRNA template to rescue stalled ribosomes in eubacteria. Together with its protein partner, SmpB (small protein B), tmRNA enters stalled ribosomes and transfers an Ala residue to the growing polypeptide chain. A remarkable step then occurs: the ribosome leaves the stalled mRNA and resumes translation using tmRNA as a template, adding a short peptide tag that destines the aborted protein for destruction. Exactly how the ribosome switches templates, resuming translation on tmRNA in the proper reading frame, remains unknown. Within the tmRNA sequence itself, five nucleotides (U85AGUC) immediately upstream of the first codon appear to direct frame selection. In particular, mutation of the conserved A86 results in severe loss of function both in vitro and in vivo. The A86C mutation causes translation to resume exclusively in the + 1 frame. Several candidate binding partners for this upstream sequence have been identified in vitro. Using a genetic selection for tmRNA activity in Escherichia coli, we identified mutations in the SmpB protein that restore the function of A86C tmRNA in vivo. The SmpB mutants increase tagging in the normal reading frame and reduce tagging in the + 1 frame. These results demonstrate that SmpB is functionally linked with the sequence upstream of the tmRNA template; both contribute to reading frame selection on tmRNA.
The equivalence of R.E. program schemes and data flow schemes

Abstract The expressive power of the data flow schemes of Dennis is evaluated. It is shown that data flow schemes have the power to express an arbitrary determinate functional. The proof involves a demonstration that “restricted data flow schemes” can simulate Turing Machines. This provides a new. simple basis for computability.