cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variational models for moving contact lines and the quasi-static approximation

This paper proposes the use of a variational framework to model fluid wetting dynamics. The central problem of infinite energy dissipation for a moving contact line is dealt with explicitly rather than by introducing a specific microscopic mechanism which removes it. We analyze this modelling approach in the context of the quasi-steady limit, where contact line motion is slower than bulk relaxation. We find that global effects enter into Tanner-type laws which relate line velocity to apparent contact angle through the role that energy dissipation plays in the bulk of the fluid. A comparison is made to the dynamics of lubrication equations that include attractive and repulsive intermolecular interactions. A Galerkin-type approximation method is introduced which leads to reduced-dimensional dynamical descriptions. Computations are conducted using these low-dimensional approximations, and a substantial connection to lubrication equation dynamics is found.
DNA-BASED LOSS OF SPECIFICITY MUTATIONS : EFFECTS OF DNA SEQUENCE ON THE CONTACTED AND NON-CONTACTED BASE PREFERENCES OF BACTERIOPHAGE P22 REPRESSOR

Although the two central bases of the P22 operator are not contacted by the P22 repressor, changes in these bases alter the affinity of operator for repressor. Previous studies (Wu, L., and Koudelka, G. B. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 18975-18981) show that the structure of the P22 repressor-operator complex varies with central base sequence. Here we show that central base sequence composition affects the strength of two, and likely all, specific amino acid-base pair contacts between synthetic P22 operators and P22 repressor. However, altering a specific protein-DNA contact via a loss-of-contact mutation in repressor results in a loss of specificity at only one contacted position. Thus, only changing the sequence of non-contacted bases affects repressor's global base specificity. The observed effects of ionic concentration on the affinities of various operators for repressor and the DNase I patterns of protein complexes with these binding sites indicate certain central base sequences facilitate optimal juxtaposition of repressor with its contacted bases, while others prevent it. The existence of different structural forms of the repressor-operator complexes explains how the relative energetic importance of specific amino acid-base pair edge contacts is modulated.
CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947-90: A Die-Hard Issue

This article is a reprint from a declassified issue of the CIA's in‐house journal. It testifies to the enormous impact of UFOs in North America and the involvement of the CIA and USAF from their very year of creation (1947). This year also featured the notorious Roswell incident in New Mexico. The phenomenon is examined decade by decade for the entire Cold War. The mere existence of official records and their release or non‐release has become a never‐ending bone of contention.
New quantum numbers in collision theory.

A set of indices )sigma,tau,zeta,eta) is introduced to replace the four orbital quantum numbers that occur in cross-section formulas. Each index belongs to a different species of a C/sub 2v/ point group; only sigma ranges to infinity whereas all four orbital l's do. Results of an earlier calculation are restructured in terms of )sigma,tau,zeta,eta) affording an improved interpretation of those results. Directions of further investigation are indicated.
Feasibility and repeatability of cold and mechanical quantitative sensory testing in normal dogs

Feasibility and inter-session repeatability of cold and mechanical quantitative sensory testing (QST) were assessed in 24 normal dogs. Cold thermal latencies were evaluated using a thermal probe (0 °C) applied to three pelvic limb sites. Mechanical thresholds were measured using an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer (EVF) and a blunt-probed pressure algometer (PA) applied to the dorsal aspect of the metatarsus. All QST trials were performed with dogs in lateral recumbency. Collection of cold QST data was easy (feasible) in 19/24 (79%) dogs. However, only 18.4%, 18.9% and 13.2% of cold QST trials elicited a response at the medial tibia, third digital pad and plantar metatarsal regions, respectively. Collection of mechanical QST data was easy (feasible) in 20/24 (83%) dogs for both EVF and PA. At consecutive sampling times, approximately 2 weeks apart, the average EVF sensory thresholds were 414 ± 186 g and 379 ± 166 g, respectively, and the average PA sensory thresholds were 1089 ± 414 g and 1028 ± 331 g, respectively. There was no significant difference in inter-session or inter-limb threshold values for either mechanical QST device. The cold QST protocol in this study was achievable, but did not provide consistently quantifiable results. Both mechanical QST devices tested provided repeatable, reliable sensory threshold measurements in normal, client-owned dogs. These findings contribute to the validation of the EVF and PA as tools to obtain repeated QST data over time in dogs to assess somatosensory processing changes.
Rheological behavior for large amplitude oscillatory motion

Abstract The dependence of the complex viscosity of four viscoelastic fluids (three polymer solutions and one polymer melt) on strain amplitude has been studied for large amplitude oscillatory motion using a Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. In addition, criteria for a linear velocity profile have been derived and two viscoelastic models have been tested. Both the dynamic viscosity and the dynamic storage modulus decrease with increasing strain amplitude, with the latter showing a much larger decrease. The relative decrease in both functions was found to be only slightly dependent on the fluid and on the frequency of oscillation. Both models (the Bird-Carreau model and the modified OWFS model) were unable to predict the data adequately.
A laboratory study of user characteristics and decision-making performance in end-user computing

Abstract A laboratory study using a simulated business setting was conducted to examine relationships among user characteristics, DSS usage patterns, and decision-making performance. MBA-student subjects self-selected into one of two categories: (1) “end-user programmers” who chose to use the DSS modeling language to develop personalized decision models, or (2) “command level users” who used only “canned” models and query language retrievals. The results show that early development of personalized decision models was positively related to the end-user's previous computer experience. The findings also support the contention that end-user programming improves decision-making performance. End-user programmers consistently outperformed the command level users in terms of their firm's stock price, market share, and return on assets.
Temporal Patterns of LH Release Following Graded Preoptic Electrochemical Stimulation in Proestrous Rats

The relationship between the extent of preoptic area (POA) tissue stimulated electrochemically and the temporal patterns of LH release was studied in proestrous rats. In all animals, sequential carotid blood samples were taken and LH determined by radioimmunoassay. In unanesthetized proestrous rats peak plasma LH concentrations exceeded 400 ng/ml whereas baseline values of only 5–10 ng/ml were obtained in Nembutal—blocked animals. In Nembutalized unilaterally POA stimulated rats, threshold current for complete ovulation was 20 μA/60 sec (lesion 300–450 μ diameter) which resulted in peaks of 44 ng/ml. Currents of 40 and 60,μA/60 sec (lesion 400–650, 650–800 μ) significantly increased LH release to peak plasma values of 70 and 110 ng/ml. Increasing the current to 100 μA/ 60 sec unilaterally resulted in a significant increase in the LH peak (164 ng/ml); the same current delivered bilaterally produced a plasma LH peak twice that of the unilateral group (326 ng/ml) and was comparable to the LH release in norma...
An exact solution for the dispersive Alfven switch‐on shock

[1] An exact solution for the dispersive Alfven switch-on shock is found in the case of weak nonlinearity, weak dispersion, and weak damping. Two singular and apparently nonphysical solutions are found as well. The switch-on shock solution is shown to reduce, in the appropriate limits, to two documented special cases of the shock: one case being a description of the planar shock without dispersion and the other being an asymptotic description of the circularly polarized wave standing upstream from the shock in the dispersive case. The solution developed here provides the complete shock structure for either case. This exact solution may serve as a convenient basis for an analytical study of the stability of dispersive switch-on shocks.
Levels of anxiety, dominant tendency and mirror-tracing performance

Farber & Spence’s (1953) demonstration that the drive theory of anxiety is useful in predicting motor performance was replicated, using a maze tracing task under simple and complex conditions. Results under the complex condition supported drive theory, while results under the simple condition were equivocal.
Mobility and war: the cosmic view of US 'air power'

Air power was a contested military strategy during the first half of the 20th century. During World War 2, the doctrine of air power became a dominant part of US national defence contributing to the nationalisation of air space. In this paper I raise parallels between the rise of the doctrine of air power in the US during World War 2 and the concerns about national security following the attacks on September 11, 2001. The visual and spatial logics of air power generate a 'cosmic view' that unifies and fixes targets from the air. Yet, this articulation of nationalism is challenged by the current practices and conditions of warfare.
Prevalence and toxigenicity of Fusarium species from soils of Norway near the Arctic Circle.

Eleven Fusarium species were isolated from 22 of 37 soil samples collected from 37 sites in Norway from grassy areas; 33 samples were near the Arctic Circle (61–68°N). Fusarium oxysporum was abunda...
Characteristics and management of patients with chronic hepatitis B in an integrated care setting.

Background Few population-based studies have described characteristics and management of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the USA.
Effects of Cold Air Plasma on Eukaryotic Microalgae

Because of their unique features, non-thermal plasmas have recently been considered an attractive technology for various applications, including biomedicine. In-depth studies on the interaction of non-thermal plasmas with microorganisms, however, have mainly focused on bacteria, with only little attention given to more complex eukaryotic cells. Interestingly, the effect and mechanism of interaction between plasmas and living cells seems somehow dependent on the configuration and operational conditions of plasma production. In this paper, we report our observations on the effects of non-thermal air plasma generated by a DBD on cell motility, viability, and morphology of a variety of eukaryotic microalgae in aqueous environments, with three dinoflagellates (unarmored and armored) and a diatom as major targets. The effects on motility and viability depended on the time of exposure to plasma and the species of microalgae. More importantly, a strong decrease in pll in a variety of aqueous samples (algal cultures, marine and freshwater culture media, and deionized water) was observed after exposure to plasma, and was hypothesized as the mechanism leading to cell death. The hypothesis was strongly supported by observations using scanning-electron microscopy, following an intentional decrease in pH (effected by addition of acid), in which we observed morphological damage identical to that induced by exposure to plasma.
Preparation, properties and biodegradation of stereoregular copolymers of (R,S)-3-butyrolactone and 4-butyrolactone

Copolymers obtained from the copolymerization of (R,S)-3-butyrolactone ((R,S)-3-BL) and 4-butyrolactone (4-BL) catalyzed by isobutylaluminoxane were compared in structure and properties to copolymers having the same types of repeating units produced by Alcaligenes eutrophus when grown with an appropriate substrate or substrate mixtures. Copolymers with 4-BL contents up to 33 mol-% were prepared and characterized by 'H NMR, 13 C NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The copolymers had a sequence distribution of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4-HB) units which were non-random in that very few, if any, sequences of more than two successive 4-HB units were present. The 3-HB units are believed to be separated into isotactic (R) and (S) blocks, but thermal analysis by DSC showed that both the glass transition temperatures and melting temperatures decreased in a regular manner with increasing contents of 4-HB units. Number average molecular weights of the copolymers (M n ) ranged from 7000 to 15000. Biodegradation tests with a bacterial hydrolase showed that the biodegradation rates increased with increasing contents of 4-HB units, as is the case for the equivalent bacterial copolymers.
Crossover from extensive to nonextensive behavior driven by long-range interactions.

We determine, through numerical energy optimization, the fundamental-state energy E associated with an extended model for ferrofluids (colloidal suspension of magnetic particles assumed to form rings of N dipoles). The extension consists in generalizing, into 1/${\mathit{r}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$ (0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\alpha}), a standard 1/${\mathit{r}}^{6}$ contribution to the attrative potential. We show that E\ensuremath{\propto}N, N lnN, or ${\mathit{N}}^{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$, respectively, for \ensuremath{\alpha}g1, \ensuremath{\alpha}=1, or 0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\alpha}1. In addition, a connection with generalized statistical mechanics is conjecturally proposed and the analogy with the d=2 XY ferromagnet is exhibited.
Appendicitis in the era of ultrasound: Are plain radiographs still useful?

We reviewed plain radiographs of 215 pediatric patients with surgically proven appendicitis to study the value of plain radiography for diagnosis.
Dopaminergic Receptors in the Rat Anterior Pituitary Change during the Estrous Cycle

We investigated whether rat anterior pituitary dopaminergic receptors change in affinity and/or number of binding sites (Bmax) during the estrous cycle and whether they correlate with circulating PRL levels. Dopamine receptors were quantitated in partially purified pituitary membranes by equilibrium binding using [3H]spiperone. AT 0900 h of diestrous day 2 and 0900 h of proestrus, Bmax [316.5 +/- 7.7 and 297.9 +/- 7.3 fmol/mg protein (mean +/- SE), respectively] and plasma PRL levels (18.2 +/- 4.2 and 25.0 +/- 7.3 ng/ml, respectively) were low. Bmax remained low (305.6 +/- 22.1 fmol/mg) at 1300 h of proestrus, but PRL increased 5-fold. At 1700 h of proestrus, Bmax significantly increased to 453.3 +/- 27.2 fmol/mg, coincident with a preovulatory PRL surge (241.5 +/- 45.4 ng/ml). By 0900 h of estrus, Bmax decreased to 389.5 +/- 20.1 fmol/mg and did not return to basal levels until diestrous day 2. PRL also decreased by 0900 h of estrus to 106.6 +/- 13.0 ng/ml and progressively fell to basal level by 0900 h of diestrous day 1. Receptor affinity was unchanged throughout the cycle (range, 0.08-0.15 nM). These data indicate that the number of dopaminergic binding sides changes significantly during the estrous cycle, with the sharpest increase in the afternoon of proestrus. Since a complex relationship is apparent between alterations in dopaminergic receptor number and plasma PRL levels, we postulate that these receptors may be regulated by dopamine, ovarian steroids, and/or PRL itself. Such a change in the number of dopaminergic binding sites may e an important component in pituitary responsiveness to dopamine inhibition of PRL secretion throughout the estrous cycle.
Role of p38 Protein Kinase in the Ligand-independent Ubiquitination and Down-regulation of the IFNAR1 Chain of Type I Interferon Receptor

Phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of the IFNAR1 chain of type I interferon (IFN) receptor is a robust and specific mechanism that limits the magnitude and duration of IFNα/β signaling. Besides the ligand-inducible IFNAR1 degradation, the existence of an “inside-out” signaling that accelerates IFNAR1 turnover in the cells undergoing the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated unfolded protein responses has been recently described. The latter pathway does not require either presence of ligands (IFNα/β) or catalytic activity of Janus kinases (JAK). Instead, this pathway relies on activation of the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and ensuing specific priming phosphorylation of IFNAR1. Here, we describe studies that identify the stress activated p38 protein kinase as an important regulator of IFNAR1 that acts downstream of PERK. Results of the experiments using pharmacologic p38 kinase inhibitors, RNA interference approach, and cells from p38α knock-out mice suggest that p38 kinase activity is required for priming phosphorylation of IFNAR1 in cells undergoing unfolded protein response. We further demonstrate an important role of p38 kinase in the ligand-independent stimulation of IFNAR1 ubiquitination and degradation and ensuing attenuation of IFNα/β signaling and anti-viral defenses. We discuss the distinct importance of p38 kinase in regulating the overall responses to type I IFN in cells that have been already exposed to IFNα/β versus those cells that are yet to encounter these cytokines.
Conformation of polymer molecules at solid-liquid interfaces by small-angle neutron scattering

A wide variety of physical-chemical phenomena depend on the behavior of the polymer at solid-liquid interfaces. The feature that distinguishes such phenomena from their small-molecule counterparts is the long-chain structure of the polymer molecules. Just as in solution and the bulk, the conformational statistics of the polymer molecules in the interface is an important determinant of interfacial properties. Conformational statistics of interfacial polymer is expressed in terms a function called the polymer density profile ?(Z), which is just the volume fraction of polymer as a function of Z, the distance from the solid surface out into the continuum liquid. There is only one experimental technique that is purported to be able to determine polymer density profiles of polymers confined to the interface between finely divided substrate and dispersant, and that technique is small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). In this paper we present a protocol for the analysis of SANS data on spherical particles with adsorbed polymer for the determination of ?(Z). We give an example for nearly-monodisperse chains of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) with a molecular weight of 45,000 tethered to silica spheres with a diameter of 2150 A. The polymer density profile demonstrates a deep depletion layer next to the surface with a maximum in ?(Z) of about 0.7 at about Z = 40 A. Our experimental ?(Z) is compared with various theoretical predictions.
Nash Equilibrium in a two-settlement electricity market using competitive coevolutionary algorithms

Abstract This paper investigates the use of competitive coevolutionary algorithms to calculate suppliers’ optimal strategies in a deregulated electricity market. The two settlement model is used, consisting of a spot and a forward market. Agents can take part in both spot and forward transactions, and act strategically to maximise their profit from both markets. The strategic interactions of market agents are modelled as a non cooperative game. The competitive coevolutionary Algorithm is used to calculate the Nash Equilibrium strategies ensuring the best outcome for each agent. Results demonstrates the effectiveness of the coevolutionary approach to find the optimal strategies in different market situations.
Application of thermodynamics to the examination of the diamond CVD process from hydrocarbon-hydrogen mixtures

Abstract Thermodynamic analysis of the carbon-hydrogen binary system was performed. The results of the analysis were examined taking into consideration the requirements of the theory and practice of single crystal growth with the purpose of evaluating conditions which would be favorable for growth of diamond epitaxial films of high structural perfection with high deposition rate. Conclusions drawn from the analysis and from the subsequent examination are fully consistent with results of experimental investigations reported in current literature. Among other things it is shown that: (i) the deposition rate should be proportional not only to the supersaturation but also to the solubility of carbon in hydrogen; the solubility can be significantly increased by increasing the total pressure: (ii) atomic hydrogen in super-equilibrium concentration not only can play a role of an etching agent for graphite but also can prevent the formation of diamond and/or graphitic nuclei in the gas phase. The experimental parameters controlling deposition rate are demonstrated along with their functional dependencies. On the basis of the calculations performed conditions favorable for deposition of diamond films free of graphitic inclusions with high deposition rate can be predetermined to a good approximation. The possible influence of conditions existing in a non-equilibrium nutrient gas phase (e.g. a plasma) on the quality of deposited diamond films is discussed.
PTMSearchPlus: software tool for automated protein identification and post-translational modification characterization by integrating accurate intact protein mass and bottom-up mass spectrometric data searches.

PTMSearchPlus is a software tool for the automated integration of accurate intact protein mass (AIPM) and bottom-up (BU) mass spectra searches/data in order to both confidently identify the intact proteins and to characterize their post-translational modifications (PTMs). The development of PTMSearchPlus was motivated by the desire to effectively integrate high-resolution intact protein molecular masses with bottom-up peptide MS/MS data. PTMSearchPlus requires as input both intact protein and proteolytic peptide mass spectra collected from the same protein mixture, a FASTA protein database, and a selection of possible PTMs, the types and ranges of which can be specified. The output of PTMSearchPlus is a list of intact and modified proteins matching the AIPM data concomitant with their respective peptides found by the BU search. This list also contains protein and peptide sequence coverage information, scores, etc. that can be used for further evaluation or refiltering of the results. Corresponding and ann...
Magnetic lineations in marginal basins of the western Pacific

This paper separates the small oceanic basins around the western perimeter of the Pacific Ocean into marginal basins that have formed through back-arc extension and those that apparently have not, and reviews our knowledge of magnetic lineation patterns observed in possible and probable back-arc basins. Magnetic lineations in these basins resemble lineations commonly associated with the world’s mid-oceanic spreading systems, indicating that similar processes of crustal accretion occur in both tectonic environments. In some back-arc basins of the southwestern Pacific, magnetic lineation and other evidence suggest that back-arc basins can evolve through the interaction and growth of ‘multi-plate’ systems. Because of the small time and space characteristics of back-arc basins compared with the world’s major oceanic spreading systems, tectonic conditions favourable for the generation of back-arc basins are either relaxed rapidly or easily interrupted. Models proposed to account for back-arc basin development include (a) ‘local’ models, where back-arc extension is mechanically driven by the downgoing slab, and (b) global plate kinematics models, where conditions favourable for back-arc extension are governed by the motion of the overriding plate relative to the trench axis.
Aqueous-phase reforming of methanol and ethylene glycol over alumina-supported platinum catalysts

The rates of aqueous-phase reforming of methanol and ethylene glycol to form H2 and CO2 were measured under kinetically controlled reaction conditions at temperatures of 483 and 498 K over alumina-supported platinum catalysts. Results show that the rates of formation of H2 from aqueous solutions of methanol (from 1 to 10 wt%) are similar to the rates of conversion of ethylene glycol, suggesting that CC bond cleavage is not rate limiting for ethylene glycol reforming. Aqueous-phase reforming of both oxygenated hydrocarbons over Pt/Al2O3 leads to nearly 100% selectivity for the formation of H2 (compared to the formation of alkanes), suggesting that methanation or Fischer–Tropsch reactions involving CO/CO2 and H2 do not appear to be important over platinum-based catalysts under the conditions of the present study. The rate of production of hydrogen is higher order in methanol (0.8) compared to ethylene glycol (0.3–0.5), and the reaction is weakly inhibited by hydrogen (−0.5 order) for both feedstocks. The rates of aqueous-phase reforming of methanol and ethylene glycol show apparent activation barriers of 140 and 100 kJ/mol, respectively, from 483 K and 22.4 bar total pressure to 498 K and 29.3 bar total pressure. Low levels of CO (<300 ppm) are detected in the gaseous effluents from aqueous-phase reforming of methanol and ethylene glycol over alumina-supported Pt catalysts, suggesting that water–gas shift processes are operative under the aqueous-phase reforming conditions of this study. The observed reaction kinetics for ethylene glycol of this study can be explained by a reaction scheme involving quasi-equilibrated adsorption of ethylene glycol, water, H2, and CO2, combined with irreversible steps involving dehydrogenation of adsorbed ethylene glycol to form adsorbed C2O2 species, cleavage of the CC bond to form adsorbed CO species, further dehydrogenation leading to adsorbed CO∗, and removal of adsorbed CO∗ by water-gas shift. Aqueous-phase reforming of methanol may take place by a similar reaction scheme, without the step involving cleavage of the CC bond. The nearly first-order reaction kinetics with respect to methanol can be explained by weaker adsorption of methanol compared to molecular adsorption of ethylene glycol.
Bilateral vocal fold paresis after endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

Zenker’s diverticulum is a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum resulting from protrusion of the pharyngeal mucosa through an area of muscular weakness in the posterior pharyngoesophageal wall. This area of weakness, bounded by the inferior constrictor muscles of the pharynx and the cricopharyngeal muscle, has been termed Killian’s dehiscence. Although the primary abnormality that leads to the development of Zenker’s diverticulum remains an area of debate, abnormalities of the cricopharyngeus muscle seem to
Extraradical hyphae of the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices can hydrolyse organic phosphate

Organic phosphorus sources make up a large fraction of the total P in some soils. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide a large surface area for the absorption of inorganic P. The question of whether or not they have direct access to organic P by producing extracellular phosphatases has hitherto been controversial because experiments had not been performed in the absence of other soil microorganisms. We used a split-dish in vitro carrot mycorrhiza system free from contaminating microorganisms. The extraradical hyphae of Glomus intraradices hydrolysed both 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate and phenolphthalein diphosphate. Moreover, they transferred significantly more P to roots when they had access to inositol hexaphosphoric acid (phytate) than when they did not. Thus we show unequivocally that extraradical hyphae of G. intraradices can hydrolyse organic P, and, further, that the resultant inorganic P can be taken up and transported to host roots.
New Distribution Records for Neophylax toshioi Vineyard and Wiggins (Trichoptera: Uenoidae) from Tennessee, USA

ABSTRACT: Larvae of Neophylax toshioi Vineyard and Wiggins were first collected from Doe Creek, Johnson County, Tennessee, in 2005 during a qualitative benthic survey conducted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additional collections in 2007 allowed confirmation of the species by association of adult with larval stages through a series of eight reared male and female metamorphotype pupae. Larvae were again collected from the Doe Creek site and in nearby Roan Creek in early 2007. These findings represent new distribution records for N. toshioi and the first reports of this species from Tennessee.
Stress relaxation in styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymers containing unattached linear polybutadiene and styrene‐butadiene diblocks

Stress relaxation has been studied in networks of styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers with spherical styrene domain structure containing 0.10 weight fraction of unattached linear polybutadiene (Mw = 389,000) or styrene-butadiene diblocks with very long butadiene segments (M = 225,000 or 510,000). The stretch ratio (uniaxial extension) was usually 1.15 and the temperature ranged from −20 to +20°C. The contribution of the linear polybutadiene species to relaxation was essentially the same in two triblock networks with very different butadiene block lengths, as expected if the configurational rearrangements are dominated by reptation. In the diblock-triblock mixtures, in which the diblock butadiene segments are free at one end but anchored at the other and therefore incapable of reptation, there was no contribution to relaxation from the dangling butadiene segments of the diblock component; this would be expected if there are no relaxation mechanisms alternative to reptation for these very long semiattached species within the experimental time scale.
Toward beta cell replacement for diabetes

The discovery of insulin more than 90 years ago introduced a life-saving treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes, and since then, significant progress has been made in clinical care for all forms of diabetes. However, no method of insulin delivery matches the ability of the human pancreas to reliably and automatically maintain glucose levels within a tight range. Transplantation of human islets or of an intact pancreas can in principle cure diabetes, but this approach is generally reserved for cases with simultaneous transplantation of a kidney, where immunosuppression is already a requirement. Recent advances in cell reprogramming and beta cell differentiation now allow the generation of personalized stem cells, providing an unlimited source of beta cells for research and for developing autologous cell therapies. In this review, we will discuss the utility of stem cell-derived beta cells to investigate the mechanisms of beta cell failure in diabetes, and the challenges to develop beta cell replacement therapies. These challenges include appropriate quality controls of the cells being used, the ability to generate beta cell grafts of stable cellular composition, and in the case of type 1 diabetes, protecting implanted cells from autoimmune destruction without compromising other aspects of the immune system or the functionality of the graft. Such novel treatments will need to match or exceed the relative safety and efficacy of available care for diabetes.
Two-dimensional layout compaction by simulated annealing

The authors study the two-dimensional compaction problem or VLSI layouts. They present an algorithm for the two-dimensional compaction problem. Compaction is carried out simultaneously in both x and y directions. The problem model is constraint-based. The compactor does not rely on a given initial placement. In fact, it fully utilizes freedom to place blocks and also uses the technique of simulated annealing to examine layout solutions one after another in its search for an optimal layout solution. To speed up the computations, a powerful approximation scheme is also introduced. The simulated annealing layout compactor has been implemented and tested on some problems from the literature. The experimental results indicate that the proposed compaction algorithm is quite effective. >
The Dialectical Self-Concept II: Cross-Role and Within-Role Consistency, Well-Being, Self-Certainty, and Authenticity

Although there is growing evidence that dialectical thinkers express more inconsistency within the global self-concept, whether this holds true for inconsistency across roles and within specific roles has received little attention. I examine whether dialectical thinking is associated with less cross-role and within-role consistency and whether dialecticism moderates the relationship between self-consistency and subjective well-being, self-concept certainty, and felt authenticity. Participants completed measures of the above outcomes, a measure of dialectical thinking, and a self-description measure for both the global self-concept and within two roles (e.g., friend), from which I derived both cross-role and within-role consistency scores. Dialectical thinking predicted lower scores on both types of consistency, and in general dialecticism moderated the relationship between self-concept consistency and both subjective well-being and self-concept certainty. Dialecticism also moderated the relationship betwe...
Combining Data on Criticality and Frequency in Developing Test Plans for Licensure and Certification Examinations

Job analysis is a critical component in evaluating the validity of many high-stakes testing programs, particularly those used for licensure or certification. The ratings of criticality and frequency of various activities that are derived from such job analyses can be combined in a number of ways. This paper develops a multiplicative model as a natural and effective way to combine ratings o f frequency and criticality in order to obtain estimates of the relative importance of different activities for practice. An example of the model's use is presented. The multiplicative model incorporates adjustments to ensure that the effective weights of frequency and criticality are appropriate.
Calpain in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells.

Calcium dependent proteolysis was examined in supernatant prepared from cultured bovine lens epithelial (BLE) cells. The presence of the calcium activated protease, calpain, was indicated by immunorecognition of 80 kDa and 30 kDa subunits of calpain in BLE cell supernatant. Degradation of 125I-alpha-crystallin and FTTC labeled casein by BLE cell supernatant were shown to be calcium dependent. Inhibition of activity was achieved with EGTA, calpastatin or CbzValPheH. The data presented are the first measurement of calpain activity in cultured lens cells.
Political Islam in Indonesia: Present and Future Trajectory

This article examines the dynamics of political Islam in the world9s largest Muslim democracy. It analyzes the changes that have taken place in an increasingly pious electorate, the performance and organizational strength of six Islam-friendly political parties, and predicts the likely future trajectory of political Islam in Indonesia.
Socioeconomic issues and education of neurologic surgery residents in the United States

Abstract BACKGROUND The goals of this project were to ascertain the extent to which socioeconomic issues are being formally addressed within neurologic training programs in the United States and to determine the perception of chief neurosurgery residents and program directors regarding training and preparation as it relates to these issues. METHODS The chief neurosurgery residents and program directors for the 1995 academic year were identified and mailed a survey with questions regarding the formal training of socioeconomic issues within their programs. RESULTS Residents indicated that 95% did not believe their residency program provided adequate training in socioeconomic issues; 97% and 95% respectively, did not feel adequately prepared to deal with the business aspects of a medical practice or to deal with insurance companies and the managed care environment; and 87% did not think they were adequately prepared to deal with a lawsuit. Moreover, from 25%–87% did not know the meaning of terms such as capitation, RVUs, PPOs, or IPAs. The program directors indicated that 58% of the programs did not formally deal with socioeconomic issues. CONCLUSIONS This survey indicates that socioeconomic issues are not currently being properly addressed in a large proportion of neurosurgical residency programs. An overwhelming majority of the residents did not feel they are adequately prepared to deal with those nonmedical–surgical aspects of the practice of neurosurgery. This perception was corroborated by the response of the program directors. There appears to be a significant deficiency in the training of neurosurgical residents with regard to socioeconomic issues in the United States.
Induction of CXC Chemokine Messenger-RNA Expression in Chicken Oviduct Epithelial Cells by Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis via the Type Three Secretion System–1

SUMMARY. The messenger-RNA (mRNA) expression of selected cytokines and chemokines in primary chicken oviduct epithelial cells (COEC) was determined following in vitro infections with wild-type or type three secretion system (T3SS)–mutant Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) strains. All SE strains examined in this study elicited the expression of proinflammatory immune mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CXCLi1 (K60), CXCLi2 (IL-8), CCLi3 (K203), and CCLi4 (MIP-1b). SE also triggered the expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, but repressed TGF-b3 transcription. Both T3SS-1 (sipA and sipB) and T3SS-2 ( pipB and ssaV ) mutants showed reduced capacity, compared to the wild-type SE, to stimulate iNOS mRNA expression in COEC. T3SS-1 (sipA and sipB) mutants were significantly impaired in their ability to induce the expression of CXCLi1 and CXCLi2. T3SS-2 mutants displayed a wild-type phenotype in terms of modulating the expression of chemokines and cytokines in COEC. The expression of iNOS, but not CXC chemokines, correlated with the number of intracellular bacteria in COEC. Genetic complementation of the sipA mutation restored a wild-type phenotype. Thus, SE induction of CXCLi1 and CXCLi2 was sipA-dependent. These results provide enhanced insights into the complex interplay between local host innate immune system and bacterial virulence factors.
Racial Differences in Adipose Tissue Distribution and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer among Men Undergoing Radiotherapy

Background: Although elevated body mass index (BMI) has been associated with increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, the importance of adipose tissue distribution is not well understood. We examined associations between overall and visceral obesity and aggressive prostate cancer risk. Moreover, given racial differences in adipose tissue distribution, we examined whether race modified these associations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 308 radiotherapy-treated patients with prostate cancer within the Durham VA from 2005 to 2011. Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between BMI categories and tertiles of waist circumference (WC), visceral fat area (VFA), and periprostatic adipose tissue area (PPAT) with high-grade prostate cancer risk (Gleason score ≥7 vs. ≤6). Models stratified by race examined whether these associations differed between black and nonblack men. Results: Both elevated BMI ( P trend = 0.054) and WC ( P trend = 0.040) were associated with increased high-grade prostate cancer risk, with similar results between races, although the association with BMI was not statistically significant. In contrast, elevated VFA was associated with increased aggressive prostate cancer risk in black men ( P trend = 0.002) but not nonblack men ( P trend = 0.831), with a significant interaction between race and VFA ( P interaction = 0.035). Though similar patterns were observed for PPAT, none was statistically significant. Conclusions: Among men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, visceral obesity is associated with increased aggressive prostate cancer risk, particularly among black men. If confirmed in future studies, these results suggest that adipose tissue distribution differences may contribute to prostate cancer racial disparity. Impact: These findings highlight the need to elucidate mechanisms contributing to racial differences in the association between visceral obesity and aggressive prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2404–12. ©2014 AACR .
Intelligence Communities and International Law: A Comparative Approach

How must states’ intelligence communities (ICs) approach their international law obligations? From the perspective of international law itself, the answer is fairly clear: ICs must comply with those international obligations that their states assume. Yet intelligence activities – recruiting foreign assets, conducting electronic surveillance on foreign leaders, and undertaking covert actions to influence political and economic conditions abroad – look very different from traditional statecraft and often appear, at least at first glance, to be in tension with international law constraints. Most states neither proclaim the legality nor concede the illegality of their intelligence activities under international law, seeming to prefer the ambiguity of the status quo.This lack of certainty about the precise status of various intelligence activities in international law fosters conditions under which states can choose – and have chosen – different paths through the thicket. This chapter compares how certain states’ ICs approach their international law obligations. The United Kingdom asserts that its IC’s activities comply with international law. The United States is far more circumspect about whether its IC uniformly complies with international law. The United States even acknowledges that its domestic law authorizes some violations of international law, but employs various compensatory techniques to minimize overt international law violations.The competing approaches reveal distinct domestic legal regimes, interpretive mechanisms, and effects on the contents of international legal norms. Given the difficulty in reconciling some IC activity with certain substantive international law commitments, the UK approach creates incentives to contort existing interpretations of particular international rules that arguably could apply to IC activity. This, in turn, may affect that state’s interpretation of these international laws in other, more “normalized” areas. The United States, in contrast, contemplates the possibility that certain IC actions may violate international law, though it avoids specific public statements about whether and when such deviations occur. The United States also avers that at least some IC actions, such as foreign surveillance, fall outside the purview of international regulation (a conclusion that attracts criticism from several quarters). This approach may result in more cases in which international law is inapplicable or is violated, but it may also protect international law in its “ordinary” contexts. This chapter identifies and analyzes the problems and benefits posed by the competing approaches, and offers lessons about the capacity of international law to constrain core national security activities.
Basal Ganglia Neural Coding of Natural Action Sequences

In this study we present evidence that neurones in the basal ganglia code the serial order of syntactic (rule-driven) sequences of natural motor behaviour (rodent grooming). Neuronal activity was recorded from the striatum in freely behaving rats while they spontaneously groomed themselves. Offline, we analysed sequential patterns of movement in a frame-by-frame scan of video taped behaviour and evaluated the correlation of neuronal activity to syntactic and nonsyntactic grooming movements. We found that sequential patterns of grooming movements activated striatal neurones. Neurones were activated preferentially during particular serial patterns (syntactic chains) of grooming and were inactive, weaker or different during the same movements in other sequences. Syntactic chains of grooming were preferentially coded by neurones in a dorsolateral striatum site where lesions disrupt syntactic grooming patterns1,13. The timing of neuronal activation, which was generally synchronised with or followed movement onset, suggested a role in the execution of the behavioural sequence rather than one of related to the initiation of phasic elements. We conclude that that neuronal activity in rodent neostriatum codes the serial order of natural actions and not the simple motor properties of constituent actions within a sequence.
Narcotic use and misuse in crohn's disease

BACKGROUND The rate of narcotic misuse in the inflammatory bowel disease population is not well studied. The primary aim of this study was to determine in Crohn's disease (CD) whether a concurrent functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) was associated with increased rates of chronic narcotic use. Second, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for narcotic misuse. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients with CD followed at the University of Virginia's Gastroenterology Clinic from 2006 to 2011 was performed. The prescription monitoring program was accessed to confirm narcotic prescription filling histories. Narcotic misuse was defined as narcotic prescriptions filled from 4 or more prescribers and at 4 or more different pharmacies. RESULTS Nine hundred thirty-one patients with CD were included in the study cohort. Eighty-seven (9.3%) patients were identified as having a concurrent FGID, and 192 (20%) were taking chronic narcotics. Patients with FGID were more likely to be taking chronic narcotics (44% versus 18%, P < 0.001). Thirty-seven percent (32/87) of patients with an FGID were misusing narcotics, compared with 9.6% (81/844) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated a significant association of misuse in patients with a concurrent FGID (odds ratio = 3.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.87-5.93). CONCLUSIONS Twenty percent of patients with CD were using chronic narcotics with higher rates in those with FGID. Using the prescription monitoring program, a significant proportion of patients with CD with an FGID were misusing narcotics. We would recommend screening for narcotic misuse in patients with CD with a concomitant FGID and consider using prescription monitoring programs to identify others at risk for misuse.
Missing More Serves May Win More Points

This note embellishes David Gale's engaging piece about serving strategies in tennis [1]. It includes a review of the needed concepts, so familiarity with [1] is not required. The server in tennis ordinarily cultivates an arsenal of two serves: r, rapid and risky; and s, slow and safe. The customary strategy is to employ one's risky serve first, then (when necessary) one's safe serve. Why is that good? If the proportion of bad serves (of either kind) should go up, the server frets. Why fret? Nonmathematicians fail these questions, because the answers require formulating and combining conditional probabilities, concepts that defeat them: McEnroe is happy to have got in his first serve "when he needed to"; coaches count the number of aces; reporters quote isolated statistics; players explain that they use a safe second serve to prevent a double fault; announcers report that Connors is missing his first serve and "it's hurting him." Let w. denote the probability that the server wins the point on serving a particular serve x(= r or s). To win, two things must happen: one's serve must be good, and one must win the ensuing play. Let p_ denote the probability that the serve is good, and let v, be the probability that, if it is good, the server goes on to win the point. Then
The Upper Half Plane Model for Hyperbolic Geometry

(1980). The Upper Half Plane Model for Hyperbolic Geometry. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 1, pp. 48-53.