cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prejudice Events and Traumatic Stress among Heterosexuals and Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals.

This mixed-methods study examined associations between prejudice events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 382 lesbians, gays, and bisexuals (LGB) and 126 heterosexuals. Using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, we assessed PTSD but relaxed Criterion A1, that is, allowed prejudice events that did not involve threat to life or physical integrity to also qualify as traumatic. First, we tested whether exposure to prejudice events differed with respect to sexual orientation and race. White LGBs were more likely than White heterosexuals to encounter a prejudice event, but Black and Latino LGBs were no more likely than White LGBs to experience a prejudice event. Second, we used qualitative analysis to examine the prejudice events that precipitated relaxed Criterion A1 PTSD among 8 participants. Two specific themes emerged: the need to make major changes and compromised sense of safety and security following exposure to the prejudice event.
The Expected Environment for Waste Packages in a Salt Repository

This paper discusses results of recent efforts to define the very near-field (within approximately 2 m) environmental conditions to which waste packages will be exposed in a salt repository. These conditions must be considered in the experimental design for waste package materials testing, which includes corrosion of barrier materials and leaching of waste forms. Site-specific brine compositions have been determined, and standard brine compositions have been selected for testing purposes. Actual brine compositions will vary depending on origin, temperature, irradiation history, and contact with irradiated rock salt. Results of irradiating rock salt, synthetic brines, rock salt/brine mixtures, and reactions of irradiated rock salt with brine solutions are reported. 38 references, 3 figures, 2 tables.
Cardiorespiratory health effects associated with sulphurous volcanic air pollution.

Summary Objective To investigate cardiorespiratory health effects associated with chronic exposure to volcanogenic sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) and fine sulphate particle (⩽0.3μm) air pollution emitted from Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Study design Environmental–epidemiological cross-sectional study. Methods An air study was conducted to measure exposure levels in the downwind area, and to confirm non-exposure in a reference area. Cross-sectional health data were collected from 335 adults, ⩾20 years of age, who had resided for ⩾7 years in the study areas. Prevalence was estimated for cardiorespiratory signs, and self-reported symptoms and diseases. Logistic regression analysis estimated effect measures between exposed and unexposed groups considering potential confounding including age, gender, race, smoking, dust and body mass index (BMI). Student's t -tests compared mean differences in blood pressure (BP), pulse and respiratory rates. Results There were statistically significant positive associations between chronic exposure and increased prevalence of cough, phlegm, rhinorrhoea, sore/dry throat, sinus congestion, wheezing, eye irritation and bronchitis. The magnitude of the associations differed according to SO 2 and fine sulphate particulate exposure. Group analyses found no differences in pulse rate or BP; however, significantly faster mean pulse rates were detected in exposed non-medicated, non-smoking participants with BMI Conclusions Long-term residency in active degassing volcanic areas may have an adverse effect on cardiorespiratory health in adults. Further study at Kilauea is recommended, and the authors encourage investigations in communities near active volcanoes worldwide. Public health interventions of community education, and smoking prevention and cessation are suggested.
Decidua-associated changes in guinea pig uterine blood flow and volume: Relation to uterine norepinephrine concentrations

Changes in uterine blood flow (UBF) and uterine blood volume (UBV) during decidual tissue (DT) formation in the guinea pig were assessed at 2, 6, and 10 days postuterine trauma (PT). Uterine weight increased steadily between days 2 and 10 PT in DT-bearing animals as compared with the constant uterine weights observed in controls. Both UBF and UBV levels were elevated between days 2 and 10 PT in DT-bearing animals as compared with controls with the vascular changes being histologically related to the progressive stromal differentiation. Uterine norepnephrine (NE) levels were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05-0.01) depressed in the hyperemic, DT-bearing uteri as compared with controls. These results indicate that the uterine hyperemia associated with DT formation in the guinea pig involves a sustained increase in uterine vascular volume as well as vascular perfusion rate under conditions of depressed uterine NE levels. These events are intimately associated with the support of stromal differentiation in the guinea pig.
Synergistic Targeting of Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm and Nucleus of Cancer Cells using Rod-Shaped Nanoparticles

Design of carriers for effective delivery and targeting of drugs to cellular and subcellular compartments is an unmet need in medicine. Here, we report pure drug nanoparticles comprising camptothecin (CPT), trastuzumab (TTZ), and doxorubicin (DOX) to enable cell-specific interactions, subcellular accumulation, and growth inhibition of breast cancer cells. CPT is formulated in the form of nanorods which are coated with TTZ. DOX is encapsulated in the TTZ corona around the CPT nanoparticle. Our results show that TTZ/DOX-coated CPT nanorods exhibit cell-specific internalization in BT-474 breast cancer cells, after which TTZ is recycled to the plasma membrane, leaving CPT nanorods in the perinuclear region and delivering DOX into the nucleus of the cells. The effects of CPT-TTZ-DOX nanoparticles on growth inhibition are synergistic (combination index = 0.17 ± 0.03) showing 10-10 000-fold lower inhibitory concentrations (IC50) compared to those of individual drugs. The design of antibody-targeted pure drug nanoparticles offers a promising design strategy to facilitate intracellular delivery and therapeutic efficiency of anticancer drugs.
Multiple triggers of oocyte maturation in nemertean worms: the roles of calcium and serotonin.

To analyze the process of oocyte maturation in nemertean worms, oocytes with a large nucleus (=germinal vesicle, or GV) were removed from gravid ovaries of Cerebratulus lacteus and Micrura alaskensis. Following transfer to natural seawater (NSW), fully grown oocytes spontaneously matured as indicated by their completion of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), whereas GVBD was reversibly blocked if the oocytes were initially placed in calcium-free seawater (CaFSW). Similarly, calcium ionophore treatments triggered GVBD in calcium-containing artificial seawater (ASW) but not in CaFSW, suggesting that external calcium influx may facilitate maturation. However, compared to the overall levels of maturation elicited by ASW, significantly higher percentages of GVBD were achieved with NSW or with ASW that had been conditioned with marine sediment. Moreover, calcium channel blockers decreased GVBD rates in ASW but not in NSW, which is consistent with the view that substances other than external calcium ions can trigger maturation. Accordingly, oocytes underwent equally high levels of GVBD when treated with serotonin (=5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) in ASW or CaFSW. The 5-HT-induced maturation was blocked by inhibitors of 5-HT receptors but continued to occur in the presence of calcium channel blockers or the calcium chelator BAPTA. In addition, oocytes microinjected with fluorescent calcium indicators underwent GVBD in response to 5-HT without displaying marked calcium transients during confocal imaging runs. Collectively, such findings suggest that nemertean oocytes can mature via multiple pathways that may include external calcium influx or a 5-HT-induced signaling cascade that lacks prominent calcium fluctuations. J. Exp. Zool. 287:243-261, 2000.
Fermi- and non-Fermi-liquid behavior in the anisotropic multichannel Kondo model: Bethe Ansatz solution.

We solve the Multichannel Kondo model with channel anisotropy using the Bethe Ansatz method. The model generates energy scales, characterizing the neighborhoods of the various infrared fixed points, in correspondence to the structure of the symmetry breaking in the channel sector. The nature of these fixed points also depends on the magnitude of the impurity spin $S$. We present a detailed discussion for the two channel case.
A Dramaturgical Analysis Of Movement Accommodation: Building Idiosyncrasy Credit As A Movement Mobilization Strategy*

Addressed in this paper are two problems that have received little empirical attention in the social movement literature: the problem of outward-reaching strategies and tactics and the problem of movement adaptation and accommodation to its environment of operation. The paper sheds some empirical and theoretical light on these two problems by examining how a contemporary religious movement in America has strategically sought to establish a viable, accommodative relationship with the larger society by attempting to render itself respectable and legitimate in the public eye. The findings suggest that movement accommodation might be best understood as an outward-reaching strategy aimed at securing “idiosyncrasy credit”—which is conceptualized as a movement-related resource that has the property of allowing a certain amount of idiosyncratic behavior or nonconformity.
Relativistic corrections to the triton binding energy with local potentials

Abstract Solutions to the Faddeev equations with local potentials indicate that relativistic kinematics and relativistic unitarity increase the triton binding energy by 0.25 ± 0.05 MeV.
Taste phenomena influences on stimulation of deprivation-induced fluid consumption of rats.

Abstract The dipsogenic actions of barbital and chlordiazepoxide are selectively influenced by the taste of the consummatory fluid presented to deprived rats. The potency of barbital as a consummatory stimulant is reduced relative to distilled water or tartaric acid by the use of a pleasant tasting fluid, saccharin. The potency of chlordiazepoxide as a dipsogenic agent was reduced by the use of either tartaric acid or saccharin as a consummatory fluid as compared to water. Promazine depressed deprivation-induced fluid consumption with a similar potency regardless of the consummatory fluid used.
Roles of water molecules in bacteria and viruses.

In addition to water, microbes mainly comprise lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids. Their structure and function singularly and conjointly is affected by water activity. Dessication leads to dramatic lipid phase changes whereas carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids initially suffer spontaneous, reversible low activation energy Maillard reactions forming products that more slowly re-arrange, cross-link etc. to give non-native states. While initial products spontaneously may reverse to native states by raising water activity, later products only do so through energy consumption and enzymatic activity eg. repair. Yet, native states of lipid membranes and associated enzymes are required to generate energy. Consequently, good reserves of high energy compounds (e.g. ATP) and of membrane stabilisers (e.g. trehalose) may be expected to enhance survival following drying and rehydration (e.g. anhydrobiotic organisms).
Ultraviolet-B irradiation alters the cell cycle machinery in murine epidermis in vivo.

Ultraviolet radiation of mouse skin leads to epidermal hyperplasia, inflammation, and subsequent tumor development. In this study we determined to what extent the cell cycle machinery is altered during epidermal proliferation after ultraviolet B radiation. A minimal erythema dose, 90 mJ per cm 2 , increased the protein expression of the G1 phase cyclins, cyclin D1 and E, by 12 h. The majority of epidermal cells entered S phase between 18 and 24 h as determined by 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and cyclin A immunohistochemistry. An increase in cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk-2) protein expression occurred after 12 h, but no changes in cdk-4 or cdk-6 protein levels were observed. The increase in cyclin D1, E, and A protein expression was associated with an increase in cyclin D1-cdk-4, cyclin E-cdk-2, and cyclin A-cdk-2 complex formation. p53 protein expression was elevated through 48 h, and the cdk inhibitor protein p21 Cip1/WAF1 was elevated 6-fold to 7.5-fold between 12 and 24 h. The elevated p21 Cip1/WAF1 protein contributed to an enhanced association with cdk-2 and cdk-4 at 3–24 h and 6–24 h post-ultraviolet B irradiation, respectively. These data indicate that 90 mJ per cm 2 of ultraviolet B irradiation induces a DNA damage response, by increasing p53 and p21 Cip1/WAF1 protein expression, but also induces a rapid and sustained increase in S phase by 18 h.
Taxation and revenue policies for future federal highway programs

Abstract In a word of tight budgets and growing investment needs, the question of how highways of national significance will be financed in the future has never been more important. This paper provides a background for addressing this question by tracing the development of current Federal highway tax and revenue policies, describing recent trends in Federal highway finance, and discussing several limitations on the productivity of existing Federal highway revenue sources. Principles of taxation that can be used to guide the search for future revenue sources are then described, current Federal highway user fees are reviewed within the context of those principles, and the additional revenue potential of the existing highway tax structure is discussed. Potential alternative sources of highway revenue are then discussed and selected alternative funding mechanisms are described.
Early Receptor Potential: Photoreversible Charge Displacement in Rhodopsin

When the eye is illuminated by an intense flash, the visual pigment rhodopsin begins to pass rapidly through a series of intermediate states, eventually becoming bleached. If a second flash is delivered during the lifetimes of these intermediates the rhodopsin can be photoregenerated. A fast electrical response of the visual receptors, the early receptor potential, is elicited by the first flash. A similar response is elicited by the second flash, but the polarity of this response is reversed. Moreover, this response can be separated into three components, each arising from the action of light on a different intermediate. It is likely that all these fast responses, including the early receptor potential, arise from charge displacements in the visual-pigment molecule.
Factors in conversion from minimally invasive parathyroidectomy to bilateral parathyroid exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background Ongoing experience has documented equivalence of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) and standard bilateral parathyroid exploration (BPE) for primary hyperparathyroidism in most patients; however, intraoperative conversion of MIP to BPE is required for multiple indications. This study analyzes the factors, predictors, and cure rates in converted MIP. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a database of 1,002 patients undergoing initial parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism from 2008 to 2011 for rate of successful MIP, converted MIP, planned BPE, and factors leading to conversion from MIP to BPE. Results Of 989 included parathyroidectomies, 647 (65%) were successful MIP, 186 (19%) were converted MIP, and 156 (16%) were planned BPE. The most common indication for conversion included intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) criteria not met (46%), localization incorrect (36%), and evidence of multigland disease (17%). Converted MIP had lower preoperative calcium and PTH and lower baseline IOPTH compared with successful MIP. Complication rates were similar; however, rates of persistent hyperparathyroidism were highest in converted MIPs (6%) versus planned BPEs (3%) and successful MIPs (2%; P Conclusion Patients requiring conversion of MIP to BPE have lower preoperative serum calcium and PTH levels, a less dramatic decrease in IOPTH, and a greater rate of persistent disease than successful MIP.
FACTORS IN STUDENTS' DISHONESTY

This paper summarizes the findings from surveys of faculty and students on academic dishonesty conducted at an American university. Two separate surveys administered to a sample of 364 engineering students and 80 faculty indicated the attitudes and occurrences of cheating. While 62% of the students admitted to copying homework or laboratory reports, only 51% of the faculty considered this cheating. Students (38%) and faculty (86%) believe “second-time” cheaters should be expelled from the university. Of students, 68% believe competition for grades is the major reason for cheating. Over 56% of the students admitted to cheating but methods of prevention or detection are not adequate as only 3% were caught. Monitoring during exams is a deterrent to cheating according to almost half the students. Surveys of students and faculty and a quiz for faculty on cheating have increased awareness about students' cheating and reduced its incidence.
Uncertainties in interferometric measurements of radius of curvature

The radius of curvature of spherical surfaces may be determined using the well-known radius, or optical, bench. In this method, a figure measuring interferometer is employed to identify the null positions at the center of curvature (confocal) and surface (cat's eye) of the test optic. A linear slide provides motion between these positions and one or more displacement transducers is used to record the displacement between the cat's eye and confocal positions and, hence, the radius of curvature. Measurements of a polished Zerodur sphere have been completed on the X-ray Optics Calibration Interferometer (XCALIBIR) using both Twyman-Green and Fizeau configurations. Mechanical measurements of the spherical artifact have also been completed using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Recorded disagreement between the individual transmission sphere measurements and CMM measurements under well-controlled environmental conditions is larger than the limits predicted from a traditional uncertainty analysis based on a geometric measurement model. Additional uncertainty sources for the geometric model, as well as a physical optics model of the propagation of light, are therefore suggested. The expanded uncertainty analysis is described.
Analysis of a Low-Temperature Magnetic Helium Pump

In an effort to improve reliability of cryocoolers, concepts involving no moving parts are being investigated. One concept utilizes an Active Magnetic Regenerator, AMR, to produce refrigeration. However, circulation of the helium working fluid is required for operation of the device. Currently available helium pumps have moving parts and; therefore, result in poor reliability.
Evolutionary Optimization of Software Quality Modeling with Multiple Repositories

A novel search-based approach to software quality modeling with multiple software project repositories is presented. Training a software quality model with only one software measurement and defect data set may not effectively encapsulate quality trends of the development organization. The inclusion of additional software projects during the training process can provide a cross-project perspective on software quality modeling and prediction. The genetic-programming-based approach includes three strategies for modeling with multiple software projects: Baseline Classifier, Validation Classifier, and Validation-and-Voting Classifier. The latter is shown to provide better generalization and more robust software quality models. This is based on a case study of software metrics and defect data from seven real-world systems. A second case study considers 17 different (nonevolutionary) machine learners for modeling with multiple software data sets. Both case studies use a similar majority-voting approach for predicting fault-proneness class of program modules. It is shown that the total cost of misclassification of the search-based software quality models is consistently lower than those of the non-search-based models. This study provides clear guidance to practitioners interested in exploiting their organization's software measurement data repositories for improved software quality modeling.
An experimental test of quantitative genetic theory

An experiment was conducted withDrosophila melanogaster to test a theory of quantitative inheritance. The covariances among half and full sibs did not increase with increasing levels ofF. The results pose the question “Why did inbreeding not behave as expected?” Some possible causes include: (1) selective elimination of particular genotypes during inbreeding, (2) inbreeding and/or selection within the reference population, (3) maternal age effects, (4) linkage. Linkage and selective elimination of some genotypes appear most likely to be of greatest importance.
Cicatrization of Women Among the Kwoma

Etude des scarifications abdominales des Kwoma (Sepik, Nouvelle-Guinee-Papouasie). Description des differents motifs et essai d'interpretation symbolique.
21.3: Mode separation in a magnetron with diffraction output driven by a transparent cathode

We demonstrate using particle-in-cell (PIC) computer simulations that symmetric axial extraction of radiation from a magnetron driven by a transparent cathode provides good separation of eigenmodes switched by the applied axial magnetic field, even for a large number of identical cavities. In addition, high efficiency magnetron operation and stable π-mode generation over a wide region of magnetic field and for various cathode radii are demonstrated.
Perceived Infant Feeding Preferences of Significant Family Members and Mothers’ Intentions to Exclusively Breastfeed

Background:Breastfeeding intention is a significant predictor of initiation and duration. The decision to breastfeed may be influenced by the opinions of family and friends.Objective:This study aim...
Objects in concurrent logic programming languages

Concurrent Prolog supports object-oriented programming with a clean semantics and additional programming constructs such as incomplete messages, unification, direct broadcasting, and concurrency synchronization [Shapiro 1983a]. While it provides excellent computational support, we claim it does not provide good notation for expressing the abstractions of object-oriented programming. We describe a preprocessor that remedies this problem. The resulting language, Vulcan, is then used as a behicle for exploring new variants of object-oriented programming which become possible in this framework.
A simple scheme for interconnecting wireless networks to ATM broadband networks

With the emerging ATM broadband networks and next generation wireless networks, there will be a need for connectivity between these networks. The interconnection of these networks has received some consideration in the literature. For providing seamless interconnection, it is desirable to introduce ATM technology in the wireless networks also. In an ATM network, VPI (virtual path identifier) and VCI (virtual circuit identifier) are allocated to a virtual-path consisting of switches and links between two fixed (stationary) users. However, the same is not true for wireless networks due to the user mobility. Therefore, for the interconnection of ATM based wireless and ATM networks, a mechanism will be required to maintain an end-to-end ATM connection with user mobility. Some schemes have been proposed in the literature including the use of multiple circuit numbers per mobile and assigning VPI/VCI to a base station. However, the ATM networks are likely to be operating at a speed much higher than the wireless networks and are therefore less likely to become a bottleneck under a high rate of handoffs. Thus the increased processing due to an interconnection scheme should be introduced in the ATM networks. This paper presents one such scheme, termed RAC, based on rearranging connections. The scheme has been analyzed to derive an expression for the overhead introduced and some preliminary results are presented.
Ceramic greensheet technology for glass-ceramic/copper multilevel substrates (ES9000 system)

IBM's high end computers, models 820 and 900 of the ES9000 systems, use one of the most advanced substrates to achieve their high ultimate performance. These substrates are fabricated using a multilayer ceramic (MLC) process based on a specially developed ceramic green sheet. The author discusses the development of the green sheet, emphasizing the importance of the polymeric binder system that provides a very stable sheet insuring the alignment of millions of vias and internal interconnections. Green sheet binder formulations are reviewed, illustrating the contribution of the solvents in controlling sheet microporosity. The continuous casting process used in sheet preparation, slurry rheology, and green sheet properties is described. >
The Relation of College Student Self-Efficacy toward Writing and Writing Self-Regulation Aptitude: Writing Feedback Perceptions as a Mediating Variable.

Despite the powerful effect feedback often has on student writing success more research is needed on how students emotionally react to the feedback they receive. This study tested the predictive and mediational roles of college student writing self-efficacy beliefs and feedback perceptions on writing self-regulation aptitude. Results suggested that students' perceptions of the feedback they receive on their writing assignments partially mediated the relationship between writing self-efficacy and writing self-regulation beliefs.
Robust political economy

This paper introduces the idea of "robust political economy." In the context of po- litical economic systems, "robustness" refers to a political economic arrangement's ability to produce social welfare-enhancing outcomes in the face of deviations from ideal assumptions about individuals' motivations and information. Since standard assumptions about complete and perfect information, instantaneous market adjustment, perfect agent rationality, political actor benevolence, etc., rarely, if ever actually hold, a realistic picture and accurate assessment of the desirability of alternative political economic systems requires an analysis of alternative systems' robustness. The Mises-Hayek critique of socialism forms the foundation for inves- tigations of robustness that relax ideal informational assumptions. The Buchanan-Tullock public choice approach complements this foundation in forming the basis for investigations of robustness that relax ideal motivational assumptions.
International Initiative and Domestic Reforms: European Union Efforts to Combat Violence against Women

Since the 1990s, many countries have adopted policies aimed at combating violence against women; however, despite widespread policy adoption, actual reform has been uneven at best. In this article, I analyze the role played by international organizations and transnational networks in promoting women's human rights. In the first section, I examine the different mechanisms by which states adopt new policies and the implications they have on prospects for implementation. I propose a new model, the umbrella pattern, that accounts for the decoupling of policy and practice caused by states with limited local capacity. In addition, I argue that international organizations can improve the prospects for domestic implementation by engaging in capacity-building strategies, such as resource distribution and the facilitation of transnational networks. In the second section, I present an empirical study of the European Union and its efforts to address violence against women. In regards to policy adoption, I evaluate its efforts at policy promotion and then provide a comparative and aggregate analysis of policy adoption in member and candidate states. To address EU capacity-building efforts, I focus on one particular initiative, the Daphne project, which is the EU's primary mechanism for addressing gender violence.
Optimization of Satellite Optical Transmission Subject to Log-Square-Hoyt Fading

In a recent paper, we developed a model for optical inter-satellite communications in which the swaying transmitter has identical variances in the azimuth and elevation axes. In the present work, we extend the investigation to the case where the variances are different. We prove that the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) follows the log-square-Hoyt distribution. With this model, we show that the outage probability can be minimized, subject to a specified transmitter power, by appropriately adjusting some system parameters such as the transmitter gain.
Simple permutations with order a power of two

Continuous maps from the real line to itself give, in a natural way, a partial ordering of permutations. This paper studies the structure of simple permutations which have order a power of two, where simple permutations are permutations corresponding to the simple orbits of Block.
Differential effects of sterol regulatory binding proteins 1 and 2 on sterol 12α-hydroxylase: SREBP-2 suppresses the sterol 12α-hydroxylase promoter

The most important pathway for the catabolism and excretion of cholesterol in mammals is the formation of bile acids. Improper regulation of this pathway has implications for atherosclerosis, cholesterol gallstone formation, and some lipid storage diseases. Sterol 12 alpha-hydroxylase (12 alpha-hydroxylase) is required for cholic acid biosynthesis. The alpha(1)-fetoprotein transcription factor FTF is crucial for the expression and the bile acid-mediated down-regulation of 12 alpha-hydroxylase. Cholesterol, on the other hand, down-regulates expression of the 12 alpha-hydroxylase gene. In this study, we show that the two sterol regulatory binding proteins (SREBPs) have opposite effects on the 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter. SREBP-1 activated the 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter, as it does with many other cholesterol-regulated genes. In contrast, SREBP-2 suppressed 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter activity. SREBP-1 mediates the cholesterol-down-regulation of 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter by binding to two inverted sterol regulatory elements found approximately 300 nucleotides from the transcriptional initiation site. SREBP-2 mediated suppression of 12 alpha-hydroxylase without binding to its promoter. Data are presented suggesting that SREBP-2 suppresses the 12 alpha-hydroxylase promoter by interacting with FTF. This is the first report of a promoter responding oppositely to two members of the SREBP family of transcription factors. These studies provide a novel function and mode of action of a SREBP protein.
IMPLICATIONS OF CRITERION-REFERENCED MEASUREMENT1,2

During the past several years measurement and instructional specialists have distinguished between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced approaches to measurement. More traditional, a norm-referenced measure is used to identify an individual's performance in relation to the performance of others on the same measure. A criterion-referenced test is used to identify an individual's status with respect to an established standard of performance. This discussion examines the implications of these two approaches to measurement, particularly criterion-referenced measurement, with respect to variability, item construction, reliability, validity, item analysis, reporting, and interpretation.
Detention and mixing in free water wetlands

Mixing was studied in a free water surface wetland receiving pumped river water, by measurement of the non-interacting tracer lithium. The flow pattern was found to be intermediate between plug flow and well-mixed. The nominal detention time, calculated from volume and flow, was 50% larger than the mean tracer detention time. The peak time was found to be one-half the tracer detention time. Three models were constructed: plug flow with dispersion, tanks in series, and a series-parallel network of tanks. All proved capable of fitting the exit tracer concentration curves but the network model provided a better fit to internal measurements. Pumping frequency was high enough to allow use of an average flowrate. The degree of mixing, as characterized by the variance of the exit tracer response curve, was comparable to that found by other researchers for wetlands, ponds and rivers.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy Has an Immediate Effect on Thermal Pain Sensitivity in People With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Current evidence suggests that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is effective in the treatment of people with low back pain (LBP); however, the corresponding mechanisms are unknown. Hypoalgesia is associated with SMT and is suggestive of specific mechanisms. Objective The primary purpose of this study was to assess the immediate effects of SMT on thermal pain perception in people with LBP. A secondary purpose was to determine whether the resulting hypoalgesia was a local effect and whether psychological influences were associated with changes in pain perception. Design This study was a randomized controlled trial. Setting A sample of convenience was recruited from community and outpatient clinics. Participants Thirty-six people (10 men, 26 women) currently experiencing LBP participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 32.39 (SD=12.63) years, and the average duration of LBP was 221.79 (SD=365.37) weeks. Intervention and Measurements Baseline demographic and psychological measurements were obtained, followed by quantitative sensory testing to assess temporal summation and Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception. Next, participants were randomly assigned to ride a stationary bicycle, perform low back extension exercises, or receive SMT. Finally, the same quantitative sensory testing protocol was reassessed to determine the immediate effects of each intervention on thermal pain sensitivity. Results Hypoalgesia to Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception was not observed. Group-dependent hypoalgesia of temporal summation specific to the lumbar innervated region was observed. Pair-wise comparisons indicated significant hypoalgesia in participants who received SMT, but not in those who rode a stationary bicycle or performed low back extension exercises. Psychological factors did not significantly correlate with changes in temporal summation in participants who received SMT. Limitations Only immediate effects of SMT were measured, so the authors are unable to comment on whether the inhibition of temporal summation is a lasting effect. Furthermore, the authors are unable to comment on the relationship between their findings and changes in clinical pain. Conclusions Inhibition of Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception was similar for all groups. However, inhibition of temporal summation was observed only in participants receiving SMT, suggesting a modulation of dorsal horn excitability that was observed primarily in the lumbar innervated area.
Thymocytes Can Become Mature T Cells without Passing through the CD4 ÷ CD8+, Double-positive Stage

T cells bearing the class II-restricted, DO-T cell receptor (TCR) are CD4+ if their thymocyte precursors are positively selected on the class II protein, IAd, but they are almost all CD4- after positive selection on a class II for which they have higher avidity, IAb. DO-TCR+ T cells mature in H-2b mice lacking CD4. CD4- DO-TCR+ T cells appear in H-2b mice at the same rate as their CD4+ counterparts appear in H-2d animals, suggesting that the CD4- cells are not the product of some minor pathway of thymocyte development and selection. In H-2b CD4 knock out mice expressing human CD2 under the control of the mouse CD4 promoter, mature DO-TCR+ cells did not express human CD2. These results suggest that the CD4-CD8-, DO-TCR+ mature T cells have developed without ever passing through the equivalent of a CD4+,CD8+ stage. The early expression of alpha/beta receptors (TCRs) on thymocytes in TCR transgenic mice may allow maturation of this type. Passage through the equivalent of the CD4+ CD8+, double-positive stage is not essential for differentiation of thymocytes into mature T cells.
A process model for packaged software development

As software development migrates from its roots as a process for building a custom product to a process for building packaged products, there is a greater need for an appropriate product development process model that is market-oriented. Field data suggests that process models are not widely used in the package industry. An overview of normative process models in the software engineering, engineering management, and marketing disciplines reveals that all of them fall short in one way or another for packaged software processes. Eight special needs are identified that set the packaged software process model apart from other individual models: addressing multiple user types; differentiating the product; finding the remote customer; involving the remote customer; facilitating speed of development; creating the marketing interface; developing in a highly iterative mode; and releasing a near defect-free product. These needs are operationalized into the proposed packaged software process model. The process model is based on two central constructs: a requirements loop; and a quality loop. The loops are separated by a stage in which requirements specifications are frozen. The requirements loop's goal is to discover requirements early and comprehensively. It is incremental (relying on prototyping), has several evaluation and exit points, and structures involvement of customers and other external sources such as marketing. The quality loop addresses the need to reduce defects; it begins with design and coding stages. It is also incremental and has several evaluation and exit points. >
GCD aggregators: Scales and implementations

Generalized conjunction/disjunction (GCD) is a fundamental idempotent logic function that enables a continuous transition from conjunction to disjunction. GCD is a building block for all idempotent compound aggregation structures. In this paper we investigate various implementations of GCD. Our goals are to provide justifiable andness/orness rating scales, to propose GCD implementations that have adjustable granularity, sufficient precision, adjustable threshold andness and threshold orness and the ultimate computational simplicity. The proposed GCD implementations are sufficient for building compound criteria that have high expressive power and are suitable for a wide spectrum of applications in computational intelligence.
Theory of Diffraction by Small Holes

The diffraction of electromagnetic radiation by a hole small compared with the wave-length is treated theoretically. A complete solution is found satisfying Maxwell's equations and the boundary conditions everywhere (Section 4). The solution holds for a circular hole in a perfectly conducting plane screen, but it is believed that the method will be applicable to much more general problems (Section 8). The method is based on the use of fictitious magnetic charges and currents in the diffracting hole which has the advantage of automatically satisfying the boundary conditions on the conducting screen. The charges and currents are adjusted so as to give the correct tangential magnetic, and normal electric, field in the hole. The result (Section 5) is completely different from that of Kirchhoff's method, giving for the diffracted electric and magnetic field values which are smaller in the ratio (radius of the hole/wave-length) (Section 6). The diffracted field can be considered as caused by a magnetic moment in the plane of the hole, and an electric moment perpendicular to it (Section 6). The theory is applied to the problem of mutual excitation of cavities coupled by small holes (Section 9). This leads to equations very similar to those for ordinary coupled circuits. The phase and amplitude relations of two coupled cavities are not uniquely determined, but there are two modes of oscillation, of slightly different frequency, for which these relations are opposite (Section 10). The problem of stepping up the excitation from one cavity to another is treated (Section 11).
Discourse critical analysis of the Dictatorship educational policy (1967-1974) about the Greek- speaking education of the Greeks abroad

The present paper is concerned with the Dictatorship legislative texts (1967-1974) related to issues about the Greek-speaking education of the Greeks abroad. The legislative texts about education are presented as discourse in which the cultural and political practice is articulated; and is also composed by other cultural and political practices conducive to its dialectic association with other dimensions of society. The critical analysis of the Dictatorship legislative texts focuses on the discourse verbal practices and the ideological scenario. Thus, an attempt is made to depict: a) discourse practices and b) broader social and political structures and standpoints in the legislation which are related to the broader theoretical frameworks of the democratic regime and, particularly, special issues about the nation-state definition. The fact that should definitely be made obvious is how the discourse practices in legislation are conducive to the reproduction of political-educational standpoints of the Greek nation-state in association with the Greek population abroad on the basis of a broader political framework of dictatorship. Norman Fairclough’s discourse critical analysis was chosen because there is interest in: the linguistic characteristics of the text and how they are attuned to the regime’s political practice. Therefore, throughout the discourse educational levels, in which legislation is introduced, the regime’s structure of ideology is elevated.
$L^p$ regularity for Kohn’s operator

In [6], Kohn constructed an example of a sum of squares of complex vector fields satisfying Hormander’s condition that lost derivatives, but was nevertheless hypoelliptic. He also demonstrated optimal L2 regularity. In this note, we announce the corresponding Lp regularity (1 < p < ∞), and demonstrate the method in a simpler case. The result follows from the construction of a parametrix for these operators using NIS operators.
Molecular Motion of the Bis(maleonitriledithiolato)nickel Trianion in Solution

Electron spin resonance (ESR) has been used to study the reorientational motion of the bis(maleonitriledithiolato)nickel trianion, [Ni(mnt)2]3–, in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme). [Ni(mnt)2]3– has one unpaired electron and was prepared by reducing the dianion, [Ni(mnt)2]2–, with potassium metal. The trianion and dianion are members of the redox series [Ni(mnt)2]n− with n = 0, 1, 2, and 3. The monoanion, [Ni(mnt)2]−, also has S = 1/2 and its rotational diffusion in diglyme was the subject of previous ESR studies. This made possible the comparison of the reorientational data for two different oxidation states of the same planar complex in the same solvent. Differences were found; isotropic rotational diffusion produced agreement between the trianion’s experimental and calculated spectra, whereas the monoanion’s simulations required axially symmetric reorientation with diffusion about the long in-plane axis three times faster than that about the two perpendicular axes. At a given temperature, the...
In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of a silver-containing wound dressing against mycobacteria associated with atypical skin ulcers

Mycobacterium ulcerans, the etiological agent in Buruli and related ulcers, is a major threat to public health in many tropical countries. Recommended treatment that is accessible and affordable for affected individuals includes surgical debridement and combination antibiotics. The potential benefits in the use of antimicrobial wound dressings has not been demonstrated to date, and consequently the efficacy of a silver-containing absorbent dressing was investigated against a pathogenic wound mycobacterium using stringent in vitro models. The in vitro models were designed to simulate a variety of challenging wound conditions. Mycobacterium fortuitum was used as a fast-growing surrogate for M. ulcerans, a physiologically similar but slower-growing and more significant wound pathogen. Collectively, the studies showed that the silver-containing dressing was bactericidal against M. fortuitum, it maintained killing effect over a prolonged period (7 days) under conditions simulating excessive exudate, and killed an average of 100% of the bacterial population inoculated directly beneath the dressing in a simulated, colonized, shallow wound model. Based on the in vitro data generated in the current research, use of the silver-containing dressing as part of a protocol-of-care in the management of Buruli and related ulcers may help to alleviate wound infection caused by pathogenic mycobacteria, improve quality of life, and provide infection protection in endemic and at-risk regions. ﻿﻿﻿.
Improving the Precision of the Male Fertility Evaluation.

Male infertility may be a harbinger of impaired somatic health. Indeed, studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of comorbid conditions identified at the time of a male infertility evaluation [1,2]. Moreover, male infertility may provide a window into the future health of men, with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality all identified in subfertile men [3–5]. The etiology of impaired health remains uncertain, but many postulate genetic causes. While genetic testing of infertile men remains in its infancy, current testing using a karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion assay can better inform clinicians about the etiology of impaired spermatogenesis and guide treatment recommendations. Guidelines developed in both the USA and Europe recommend such testing for men with severe oligospermia and azoospermia, as they
No illusions: the voices of Russia’s future leaders

Ellen Mickiewicz’s book is a somewhat balky combination of two different projects. On the one hand, it is an analysis of focus groups with students in three top Russian universities. On the other, ...
Money, Capital and Interest in Intertemporal General Equilibrium Theory

Like the classical theory of hydrodynamics which deduced that airplanes cannot fly, general economic equilibrium frameworks are ill equipped to confront economic reality. As a notable example, the existential reality of money as an institution is a jarring reminder of the analytical limitations of the most sophisticated general equilibrium models.
Partial discharge pulse height distributions in presence of insulating layers and bubbles

Partial discharges (PDs) are a useful diagnostic in high voltage apparatus, and their measurement has been greatly improved with the application of advanced pulse height measurement equipment. The interpretation of PD signatures is important to insulation analysis in highly stressed apparatus such as power transformers, cables, and capacitors.
A system and architecture for reusable abstractions of manufacturing processes

In this paper we report on the development of a system for managing a repository and conducting analysis and optimization on manufacturing performance models. The repository is designed to contain (1) unit manufacturing process performance models, (2) composite performance models representing production cells, lines, and facilities, (3) domain specific analytical views, and (4) ontologies and taxonomies. Initial implementation includes performance models for milling and drilling as well as a composite performance model for machining. These performance models formally capture (1) the metrics of energy consumption, CO 2 emissions, tool wear, and cost as a function of process controls and parameters, and (2) the process feasibility constraints. The initial scope of the system includes (1) an Integrated Development Environment and its interface, and (2) simulation and deterministic optimization of performance models through the use of Unity Decision Guidance Management System.