cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple copy file allocation and placement in a distributed information network

Abstract The problem of minimizing query, update and storage costs in a distributed information network in which one or more m sites may receive a copy of one or more of m different files is studied in this work. The problem is known to be NP complete. Cost efficiency considerations further dictate that for each query emanating site there be exactly one designated responder site. A model to solve the problem is formulated. Two heuristics based on the problem structure are proposed and their performance relative to each other and to an optimal procedure is reported for problems with up to four files and up to eight sites.
DOES QRS DURATION REFLECT VENTRICULAR SIZE IN CHILDREN? 139

Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death have recently been shown to be related to prolonged QRS duration (QRSd) and right ventricular (RV) dilatation late after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).1 We investigated whether the QRSd was related specifically to ventricular dilatation by studying 34 patients with unoperated secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) (in which there is pure RV volume overload without surgical scarring) and 54 normal children. M-mode diastolic dimensions of RV (RVEDD), LV (LVEDD) and body surface area (BSA) were plotted against QRSd. The two groups were not different in age (mean age 6.2 ± 4.6y for ASD vs 7.5± 5.0y for controls) or BSA (mean = 0.9 ± 0.4m2 for ASD vs 1.0 ± 0.5m2 for controls).
Coca‐Cola and kolo: Land, ancestors and development

De nombreux exemples de l'ethnographie classique melanesienne ont contribue au developpement de la theorie de l'echange dans l'anthropologie. L'A. propose une nouvelle contribution a partir d'une etude de cas melanesienne qui s'interesse plus particulierement a un aspect de l'echange souvent neglige : la question de la terre. Il analyse comment, en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinee, les Ipili considerent la terre comme un don inalienable imbrique dans les relations sociales et les valeurs rituelles, alors que les agents occidentaux du developpement considerent la terre comme une marchandise alienable caracterisee essentiellement par son utilite. Il tente de montrer comment la comprehension des perspectives differentes sur la terre - alienable versus inalienable - permet de faire evoluer la theorie de l'echange. Les operations d'echange qu'il decrit s'articulent egalement a l'attitude des Ipili envers l'une des plus emblematiques marchandises occidentales : le Coca-Cola, notamment dans le cadre du renouveau politique de la ceremonie kolo. La consommation (ou la non consommation) du Coca-Cola sert d'exemple pour la comprehension des idees des Ipili sur le developpement, la tenure fonciere, et le pouvoir des esprits ancestraux.
Challenges for the introduction of board-level optical interconnect technology into product development roadmaps

Optical interconnects have gradually replaced electrical interconnects in the long-distance telecom, local-area, and rackto- rack link classes. We believe that this transition will also happen in the card-backplane-card datacom link class, both for bandwidth*length reasons and for density reasons. In analogy to the transition from individually wired boards to integrated printed circuit boards, we believe that eventually board-level optical interconnects will be based on an integrated technology such as board-embedded waveguides. In order to bring optical waveguide technology into mainstream product development plans, however, numerous challenges on many levels have to be met. Problems to be tackled span from the base level of materials (stability, processability) and devices (reliability, lifetime), over the subsystem level of packages (concepts, cost-efficient assembly and alignment) all the way up to the system level (link architecture, system packaging, heat management). A sustainable solution can only be reached if the development of all individual technology components is done with the whole system in mind. Important figures of merit are the cost per gigabit per second, the power per gigabit per second, and the maturity/reliability of the technology. We will give an overview of our optical interconnect activity, with respect to these challenges. We will discuss the options, explain our technology decisions and present some results of our multi-disciplinary activity.
Measurement of steady state protein degradation in cultured human muscle cells.

Abstract Double label techniques for measurement of protein turnover in cultured cells are described. In the isotope withdrawal method protein in cultured muscle is labeled with two isotopes of the same amino acid for 24 to 100 h, followed by exposure to fresh medium containing one isotope only at the same specific activity for an additional 24 to 48 h. In the isotope addition method the order of addition of single and double-labeled media is reversed. After incubation the ratio of the two isotopes in the cell protein is a function of the incubation time and the degradation rate constant K d ; K d can readily be calculated using a graphical or iterative method. In mixed cultures of human muscle with initial incubation ranging 24 to 159 h, the K d 's obtained from various incubation times were similar. Both the isotope withdrawal and the isotope addition methods gave a K d value of 0.018 h −1 similar to values obtained by two different single isotope methods which monitor the appearance of free isotope in the medium of previously labeled cells. There were no differences of K d values obtained in cultures of muscle from normal patients and those with denervation, inflammatory myopathies, or nonspecific myopathic biopsy changes. When proteins were separated by gel electrophoresis, those of molecular weight greater than 60,000 had higher average K d values as compared to lower molecular weight proteins. The double isotope labeling method has the advantage of being easily applied to cultures with small numbers of cells and is potentially useful in obtaining the degradation rates of individual cellular proteins. The major disadvantages are (1) in their present form the methods can be used only in steady state cultures and (2) they require rather long (24 h) labeling times.
Acoustic Order Parameter Three-Wave Resonance in Superfluid 3He-B

We consider the nonlinear interaction of zero sound with the collective modes of the order parameter in superfluid 3He-B. Starting from the quasi-classical theory of superfluid 3He, we derive equations describing a three-wave resonance between the J = 2+ (real squashing) modes and two zero-sound phonons at different frequencies. We point out similarities between the nonlinear excitation of collective modes of the 3He-B order parameter and related effects in nonlinear optical systems. In particular, it should be possible to observe stimulated Raman scattering of zero sound and two-phonon absorption by the 2+ mode.
Phosphorylation coupled to oxidation of thiol groups (GSH) by cytochrome c with disulfide (GSSG) as an essential catalyst I. Demonstration of ADP formation from amp and HP042

Abstract The oxidation of GSH by cytochrome c in buffered solution in the presence of EDTA requires GSSG as a catalyst. It appears that an intermediate complex between GSSG and GSH is more active in reducing cytochrome c . During this electron transfer reaction ADP can be generated from AMP and inorganic phosphate. AMP and inorganic pyrophosphate yield ATP. This reaction, which uses common biological materials and occurs in aqueous medium, is a most interesting model for oxidative phosphorylation. It may involve the basic mechanism for coupling of phosphorylation to electron transport in mitochondria.
CADp44: a novel regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome and the mammalian homolog of yeast Sug2p.

Abstract We have identified a novel protein, CADp44, based on the analysis of cDNAs derived from the brainstem of the 13-lined ground squirrel, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus. CADp44 has an unmodified molecular mass of 44 178 Da and contains multiple functional domains, including a conserved ATPase domain (CAD) and a leucine zipper motif. We show that distinct regions of the CADp44 sequence are identical to a set of peptides prepared from a recently identified bovine protein, referred to as p42, which is found in the PA700 regulatory complex of the 26S proteasome (DeMartino et al., 1996). We also show that CADp44 is the functional homolog of the newly characterized Sug2 protein from the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Russell et al., 1996). Consistent with its role as a component of the 26S proteasome, CADp44 mRNA is found in all ground squirrel tissues examined. Evolutionary relationships based on sequence analysis show that both CADp44 and yeast Sug2p are distinct from the other five CAD ATPases found in the PA700, and together comprise the sixth and newest CAD subunit of the regulatory complex of the 26S proteasome.
Value Analysis of Building Energy Conservation Options

The purpose of this work was to determine the possible optimal cost effectiveness of various energy conservation options for new buildings in the local climate. The building energy analysis code Energy-10 was used for this purpose. Three types of savings have been evaluated: energy savings, operating cost savings, and Life-Cycle Cost (LCC) savings. To complete this study, a parametric analysis was performed on the influence on LCC savings due to variations of various individual components (including window characteristics, wall, floor, and roof constructions) and the whole-composite buildings. The initial part of the study focused on examining the impacts of individual components within the capabilities of Energy-10. For example, the impacts of a single window size, orientation, and construction were analyzed. While doing this, all of the other heat loss/heat gain paths were made negligible. Results of this aspect of the work were used to define a shorter list of components and building construction options to evaluate in the following composite-house studies. Then two general categories for the whole-composite buildings were evaluated to assist in analyzing the potential cost-effectiveness and benefits of buildings’ energy conservation options. In these studies, various energy cost escalation rates, economic life times, and replacement costs were considered. Building orientations relative the areal placement of fenestrations were also evaluated. Conclusions are given about combinations of construction elements that make the most economic sense for this rapidly growing population area. While Las Vegas climatic data are considered in this work, the conclusions are more generally applicable in the desert Southwest portion of the US.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Role of unusual P loop ejection and autophosphorylation in HipA-mediated persistence and multidrug tolerance.

Summary HipA is a bacterial serine/threonine protein kinase that phosphorylates targets, bringing about persistence and multidrug tolerance. Autophosphorylation of residue Ser150 is a critical regulatory mechanism of HipA function. Intriguingly, Ser150 is not located on the activation loop, as are other kinases; instead, it is in the protein core, where it forms part of the ATP-binding "P loop motif." How this buried residue is phosphorylated and regulates kinase activity is unclear. Here, we report multiple structures that reveal the P loop motif's exhibition of a remarkable "in-out" conformational equilibrium, which allows access to Ser150 and its intermolecular autophosphorylation. Phosphorylated Ser150 stabilizes the "out state," which inactivates the kinase by disrupting the ATP-binding pocket. Thus, our data reveal a mechanism of protein kinase regulation that is vital for multidrug tolerance and persistence, as kinase inactivation provides the critical first step in allowing dormant cells to revert to the growth phenotype and to reinfect the host.
Single change covering designs

A single-change covering designSC (v, k, b) on av-setV is a sequence ofb k-sets (blocks) onV which together cover every pair of elements ofV at least once, such that two successive blocks havek−1 elements in common. It is desirable to minimizeb. Some constructions and lower bounds forb are given.
Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate (cAMP) Enhances cAMP-Responsive Element Binding (CREB) Protein Phosphorylation and Phospho-CREB Interaction with the Mouse Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Gene Promoter

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) transcription is regulated through cAMP-protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms that involve multiple transcription factors including the cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) family members. Classically, binding of phosphorylated CREB to cis-acting cAMP-responsive elements (5'-TGACGTCA-3') within target gene promoters leads to recruitment of the coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP). Herein we examined the extent of CREB family member phosphorylation on protein-DNA interactions and CBP recruitment with the StAR promoter. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CREB, cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), and activating transcription factor (ATF)-1 are expressed in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells, yet only CREB and ATF-1 are phosphorylated. (Bu)2cAMP treatment of MA-10 cells increased CREB phosphorylation approximately 2.3-fold within 30 min but did not change total nuclear CREB expression levels. Using DNA-affinity chromatography, we now show that CREB and ATF-1, but not CREM, interact with the StAR promoter, and this interaction is dependent on the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cis-acting element within the cAMP-responsive region. In addition, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) association with the StAR promoter but did not influence total CREB interaction. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated CREB binding to the StAR proximal promoter is independent of (Bu)2cAMP-treatment, confirming our in vitro analysis. However, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased P-CREB and CBP interaction with the StAR promoter, demonstrating for the first time the physical role of P-CREB:DNA interactions in CBP recruitment to the StAR proximal promoter.
Strategic plan modelling by hospital senior administration to integrate diversity management

Limited research suggests that some hospital senior administrators and chief executive officers (CEOs) have employed a strategic planning function to achieve diversity management practices. As the ...
Mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement in a laser sintered superhard nanoparticles reinforced nanocomposite followed by laser shock peening

This study investigates the fundamental mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement during a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines laser sintering of superhard nanoparticles integrated nanocomposites and laser shock peening (LSP). Through laser sintering, TiN nanoparticles are integrated uniformly into iron matrix to form a nanocomposite layer near the surface of AISI4140 steel. LSP is then performed on the nanocomposite layer to generate interaction between nanoparticles and shock waves. The fundamental mechanism of fatigue performance enhancement is discussed in this paper. During laser shock interaction with the nanocomposites, the existence of nanoparticles increases the dislocation density and also helps to pin the dislocation movement. As a result, both dislocation density and residual stress are stabilized, which is beneficial for fatigue performance.
Fast, nonevolutionary dynamics in foams

The advent of new experimental probes such as diffusing-wave spectroscopy is permitting rapid progress in our understanding of dynamics in foams. In addition to evolution mechanisms, this includes faster processes such as thermal fluctuations in the shapes of the bubbles as well as neighbor-switching rearrangements in the bubble-packing structure itself. These collective phenomena have important connections to the macroscopic mechanical properties of foams, upon which most applications are based.
The SO(5) theory of high Tc superconductivity

Abstract This paper gives a simple introduction to the SO (5) theory of high T c superconductivity. Current status and relation to experiments are summarized.
Inward Rectification of the MinK Potassium Channel

The minK protein induces a slowly activating voltage-dependent potassium current when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We have used macroscopic minK currents to determine the open channel current-voltage relationship for the channel, and have found that the minK current is inwardly rectifying. The channel passes inward current at least 20fold more readily than outward current. Both rat and human minK exhibit this property. The rectification of minK is similar to that reported for a slow component of the cardiac delayed rectifier, strengthening the hypothesis that minK is responsible for that current.
Dynamic flammability limits of methane/air premixed flames with mixture composition fluctuations

As a fundamental study in the application to direct-injection spark-ignition engines or gas turbines, in which mixture stratification and partial quenching are of serious concerns, unsteady premixed methane/ air flames subjected to time-varying composition fluctuations are investigated computationally. The code OPUS employs an unsteady opposed-flow combustion configuration, including detailed chemical kinetics, transport, and radiation models, using an adaptive time integration method for a stiff system of differential-algebraic equations with a high index. The primary issue of the study is to establish the concept of the dynamic flammability limit , defined as the minimum equivalence ratio above which the unsteady flame can sustain combustion. For the weak and strong strain rate cases studied, it is observed that the dynamic flammability limit depends on the mean and frequency of the composition fluctuation. The parametric study demonstrated that the flammability limit of an unsteady premixed flame is further extended to a leaner condition as the frequency or mean equivalence ratio fluctuation increases. It is also found that, under all conditions, the mean equivalence ratio and the minimum flame temperature must be higher than those at the steady flammability limit to sustain combustion. It is further shown that the dynamic flammability limit is primarily determined by the instantaneous, branching-termination balance at the reaction zone. The behavior of the flame response attenuation with increasing frequency is found to scale properly using the normalized frequency based on the imposed flow strain rate, which represents the characteristic time scale of the transport process within the flame.
Electrostatic contribution to the internal rotational barrier in ethane

The Coulombic contribution to the internal rotational barrier in ethane was calculated using classical electrostatics, assuming that the charge on hydrogen is 0.11 electron unit, a value obtained by Lipscomb and Pitzer by Hartree–Fock population analysis. The resulting electrostatic contribution to the barrier, in accordance with the virial theorem, equal to one-half of the difference between the potential energies of the staggered and eclipsed forms, was found to be 1.63 ± 0.28 (2σ) kcal/mole, as compared with experimental estimates 2.11 ± 0.56, 2.85 ± 0.15, 3.03 ± 0.30, from which a large part of the internal rotational barrier in ethane appears to be due to H–H Coulombic repulsion.
Nucleic Acid Levels of Rat Anterior Pituitary Glands Following Adrenalectomy.

SummaryAdenohypophyses of adrenalectomized male rats were analyzed for RNA and DNA at various post-operative intervals. The ratio of RNA/DNA at 2 days after adrenalectomy was more than twice that observed in control animals. Rats sacrificed at 3, 5, and 7 days post-adrenalectomy revealed nucleic acid ratios comparable to those of controls. The increased RNA level in the pituitary 2 days after adrenalectomy correlates well with the time when glandular ACTH content is rapidly increasing. The increased elaboration of protein hormone ACTH induced by removal of adrenals can be correlated with alterations in nucleic acid levels reflecting increased protein synthesis.
Detailed studies of the dynamics and energetics of coronal bullets

Coronal bullets are small ejecta of cool, dense plasma observed to accelerate through the solar atmosphere from 20 to 450 km/s. The NRL Dynamic Flux Tube Model has been used to simulate the evolving physical properties of these dynamic events. The present calculations utilize an adaptive-gridding technique to resolve the fine structure within and around the bullets. In this work, an identification was made of a component of shocked plasma which piles up ahead of the bullet and eventually dominates both the dynamics and heating of the original bullet mass. The observational consequences of this shocked component are discussed in terms of the available HRTS EUV data, and suggestions are made for optimizing future observations of this phenomenon. An investigation has also been conducted of the structure of the bullet material visible in EUV spectral lines and the observable characteristics of the EUV-emitting plasma. Finally, the most likely mechanisms for accelerating the bullets, as well as favorable sites of origin are evaluated.
Rapid Therapeutic and Biotechnological Advances: Effects on Practice

As practices have rapidly evolved over the past 20 years into various areas of specialization, pharmacy managers have recognized different needs of specialists. Accelerated development of antineoplastic and biotechnological agents has propelled oncology practitioners and educators to keep with the pace of these developments. The rapid growth of biotechnology will play the most important role in shaping the direction of oncology pharmacy in the next decade. The development of recombinant growth factors, such as erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as well as interleukins, interferons, and monoclonal antibodies, heralds a new era in the treatment and diagnosis of cancers. Pharmacy managers can assist this process by supporting clinicians and educators with excellent distributive services, readily accessible drug information resources, and the capability of attending continuing educational programs in the areas of biotechnology and new drug delivery systems.
The Routinization of Debt Collection: An Essay on Social Change and Conflict in the Courts

In an era of supposed judicial imperialism, the decline of judicial involvement in an important policy area raises questions about the dynamics of legal change. In the past thirty-five years, despite large increases in the volume of loans and delinquent debts, there has been a sharp decline in contested debt cases in state supreme courts and an apparent decline in trial courts as well. In seeking an explanation, this article concludes that for both creditors and debtors, litigation has become more costly in relation to alternative courses of action such as renegotiating payment terms, declaring bankruptcy, or writing off unpaid debts. The attractiveness of nonlitigational alternatives is attributed to (a) the "legal rationalization" of credit transactions by institutional lenders, (b) increased litigation costs stemming from enhanced debtors' rights, and most importantly, (c) "systemic stabilization"-welfare state measures, economic regulation, insurance arrangements, and market diversification that facilitates the attenuation and spreading of financial losses.
Exploring gender identity and community among three groups of transgender individuals in the United States: MTFs, FTMs, and genderqueers

AbstractA United States sample of 166 transgender adults including 50 male-to-females (MTFs), 52 female-to-males (FTMs), and 64 genderqueers (neither completely female nor completely male), were surveyed about identity development, levels of disclosure of transgender status, and relationship to community. There was no difference among transgender groups in age of first experiencing oneself differently from assigned birth sex. MTFs first identified as other than their assigned sex earlier than FTMs. However, they did not present themselves to others in a gender-congruent way until much later than FTMs. MTFs were less likely to disclose their gender identity to their parents than were FTMs. Disclosure of assigned birth sex was more common among younger participants. There was no difference in the extent to which individuals felt connected to the transgender community. Genderqueers felt more connected to the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community than did MTFs or FTMs. Implications for health care professional...
Crystal structure of porcine ribonuclease inhibitor, a protein with leucine-rich repeats

Ribonuclease inhibitor is a cytoplasmic protein that tightly binds and inhibits ribonucleases of the pancreatic ribonuclease superfamily. The primary sequence of this inhibitor contains leucine-rich repeats (LRRs); these motifs are present in many proteins that participate in protein-protein interactions and have different functions and cellular locations. In vivo, ribonuclease inhibitor may have a role in the regulation of RNA turnover in mammalian cells and in angiogenesis. To define the structural features of LRR proteins and to understand better the nature of the tight interaction of ribonuclease inhibitor with ribonucleases, we have determined the crystal structure of the porcine inhibitor. To our knowledge, this is the first three-dimensional structure of a protein containing LRRs and represents a new class of alpha/beta protein fold. Individual repeats constitute beta-alpha structural units that probably also occur in other proteins containing LRRs. The non-globular shape of the structure and the exposed face of the parallel beta-sheet may explain why LRRs are used to achieve strong protein-protein interactions. A possible ribonuclease-binding region incorporates the surface formed by the parallel beta-sheet and the beta alpha loops.
Abstract 586: Withaferin-A inhibits prostate tumor growth by enhancing anti-tumor immune response

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Indolent nature of prostate cancer provides a ‘large window’ of opportunity for chemopreventive strategies. Most chemopreventive strategies are primarily focused on controlling and/or reversing the mechanisms involved in neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. It is now well accepted that tumors evade the patient's defense system during progression and growth at distant sites. Mounting evidences suggest immunological defects in prostate cancer patients with higher numbers of functionally suppressive CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells (Treg) and lower number of effectors T cells. Furthermore, tumor microenvironment exerts a profound immunosuppressive effect on effectors T cells by secreting TGF-β and IL-10. Therefore, modulating TGF-β and IL-10 using natural and dietary components constitutes an innovative approach for prostate cancer prevention and treatment. In this study, we have shown that Withaferin-A (WA), a bioactive compound isolated from Withania Somnifera also called “Ashwagandha” has the ability to modulate immunosuppressive cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) produced by the prostate cancer cells. Additionally, we show selective inhibition of Treg proliferation and induction of apoptosis in Tregs cells in immune competent prostate cancer mouse model treated with WA compared to controls. Our results suggest that WA have potential to fine-tune immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor-associated lymphocytes by modulating immuno-suppressive cytokines. Significant inhibition of tumor growth in immune competent prostate cancer mouse model as compared to immune deficient xenograft suggest potential role of WA on reversal of anti-tumor immune response from immune suppression to immune competence, which is required to fight against prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 586. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-586
Comfortably numb? Exploring satisfaction with chronic back pain visits.

Abstract Background context Chronic back pain is a condition characterized by high rates of disability, health-care service use, and costs. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with patients' satisfaction with their last health-care provider visit for chronic low back pain (LBP). Study design/setting A cross-sectional, state-level, telephone survey was administered to patients with chronic LBP. Patient sample The sample consisted of 624 individuals with chronic LBP who reported seeing a health-care provider in the previous year. Outcome measures Dependent variables included satisfaction with last visit for LBP and intent to seek care from additional providers. Independent variables included the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, 3-month pain ratings using a 0 to 10 Likert scale, the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 12, and self-reported health service utilization (provider type, number of visits to health-care providers, medication use during the previous month, and treatments and diagnostic tests during the previous year). Methods Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore how demographic, insurance-related, and health-related characteristics were associated with patient satisfaction. Results Participants who were not satisfied with one or more aspects of their last clinic visit were younger (51.0 vs. 54.21 years), reported higher 3-month pain ratings (7.23 vs. 6.53), and were more commonly Hispanic (53.2% vs. 46.8% for other ethnicities) and uninsured (43.1% vs. 29.3% for other insurance groups). Those who intended to seek care from additional providers were younger (50.05 vs. 55.49 years), had higher 3-month pain ratings (7.20 vs. 6.46), had lower Short Form 12 mental health component scores (44.75 vs. 49.55) and physical component scores (30.07 vs. 31.55), and were more commonly black (54.6% vs. 45.4% for other racial groups) and uninsured (56.9% vs. 43.1% for other insurance groups). Narcotic use was associated with satisfaction (odds ratio=2.12, p=.01), whereas lack of insurance was associated with respondents' intent to seek care from additional providers (odds ratio=2.97, p Conclusions Factors other than disability were associated with satisfaction with chronic LBP visits. Understanding the role of medication in satisfaction and its implications for the health behaviors of this highly disabled population may be particularly important.
The Politics of Faith during the Civil War Timothy L. Wesley. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2013.

The Politics of Faith during the Civil War Timothy L. Wesley. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2013.In the midst of the various memorials and commemorations of the Civil War, one expects a multitude of books on various aspects of the war and the culture surrounding it. With exceptions like George C. Rable's God's Almost Chosen Peoples: A Religious History of the Civil War (2010), most recent scholarly work has examined the importance of religion in the lives of soldiers and has all but overlooked the role of religious rhetoric on the home front. Timothy L. Wesley, however, delivers an engaging book-length study, The Politics of Faith during the Civil War, that details and examines the rhetorical practices of the clergy, their national organizations, and their congregations.The introduction acknowledges many of the study's limits, including a lack of attention to Judaism because of a dearth of records and archival materials. The introduction also states the book's purpose, helping readers orient themselves more fully to the parameters of Wesley's study: "This book chronicles and assesses the efforts of civil and church authorities to control and/or censor the political behavior of wartime ministers and the ways in which those efforts were received or resisted by Americans in the pews and, even more importantly, the pulpit" (7).The book's arrangement eschews chronology, instead moving thematically. The first chapter delves into Northern and Southern clergy's reactions to slavery and related issues as the country approached the war. Chapter 2 explores "how the war blurred the lines between piety and politics" (32). Wesley relies on archival records, estimating the membership numbers of various US Christian denominations and quoting from and analyzing letters, opinion pieces, newsletters, sermons, and speeches. The prominence of political rhetoric among preachers in the North was apparent to politicians of the period, including Lincoln, and Wesley clarifies ministerial influence over the country. A particular advantage of this text over others is its examination of both important religious figures whom history has remembered (such as Presbyterian Reverend Thomas Brainerd) and those it has often overlooked (such as Catholic Archbishop John J. Hughes).Chapters 3 and 4 tackle connections between patriotism and the dangers inherent in a clergyman's appearance of disloyalty. Wesley explains these concerns: "when the leading lights of wartime denominationalism assembled in governing bodies, disloyalty was the most commented-upon ministerial behavior" (76). …
Parasites and selected diseases of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) in the trans-pecos region of Texas

Fifty-five collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) were collected from October 1988 through April 1991 from five counties within the Trans-Pecos region of Texas (USA) to monitor for diseases and parasites. No endoparasites were recovered on gross examination. Antibody to Borrelia bugdorferi was documented in one (2%) of 55 specimens. Three (6%) of 54 collared peccaries were positive for Yersenia pestis antibodies. All collared peccaries were negative for antibodies against Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Rickettsia rickettsii, and Rickettsia typhi. This is the first report of Borrelia sp. and Yersenia sp. pathogens in collared peccaries from this region of Texas.
Characterization of plasticity-induced structural changes in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass using positron annihilation spectroscopy

Abstract Changes in the free volume distribution in Zr58.5Cu15.6Ni12.8Al10.3Nb2.8 bulk metallic glass with inhomogeneous plastic deformation and annealing were examined using positron annihilation spectroscopy. Results indicate that the size distribution of open volume sites is at least bimodal prior to deformation. The size and concentration of the larger sites, identified as flow defects, changes with processing. The size of the flow defects initially increases with deformation. More extensive deformation shifts the distribution, with a third group of much larger sites forming at the expense of flow defects. This suggests that a critical strain is required for the growth of nanovoids observed elsewhere by HRTEM. Although these observations suggest the presence of three open volume size groups, further analysis indicates that all groups have a similar distribution of chemical species around them as evidenced by the same line shape parameter. This may be due to the disordered structure of the glass and the positron affinity to particular atoms surrounding the open volume regions.
An eruption of mobile elements in genomes of hybrid sunflowers.

Successful hybridization between distinct species de facto results in the creation of a new genome, providing a fascinating experimental model for evolutionary genomics. Merging two divergent genomes necessitates extensive chromatin reconfigurations and is often accompanied by genome duplications and chromosomal rearrangements. These dramatic genomic modifications trigger cascades of novel expression patterns and regulatory interactions.
Collapse of Gels in an Electric Field

An infinitesimal change in electric potential across a polyelectrolyte gel produces a discrete, reversible volume change. The volume of the collapsed gel can be several hundred times smaller than that of the swollen gel.
Three-dimensional passive acoustic tracking of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in ray-refracting environments.

A wide-aperture towed passive acoustic array is used to obtain ranges and depths of acoustically active sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico in June 2004, by extending a technique previously reported [Thode, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 245–253 (2004)] to explicitly account for ray-refraction effects arising from a depth-dependent sound speed profile. Under this expanded approach, three quantities are measured from an impulsive sound: the time difference between direct-path arrivals on a forward and rear subarray, the time difference between the direct and surface-reflected paths on the rear subarray, and the acoustic bearing measured on the rear subarray. These quantities, combined with independent measurements of hydrophone depths and cable inclination, are converted into range-depth position fixes by implementing an efficient numerical procedure that uses a ray-tracing code to account for ray-refraction effects caused by depth-dependent sound speed profiles. Analytic expressions that assume a constant waterb...
The changing survival of patients with mycosis fungoides: a population-based assessment of trends in the United States.

BACKGROUND The authors sought to evaluate trends in survival among a population-based group of patients with mycosis fungoides, in response to informal evidence of improved prognosis and concerns about the influence of detection bias on incidence data. METHODS Data used in this study were drawn from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute, which includes 9 population-based cancer registries. Together, these registries cover approximately 10% of the U.S. population and have tracked the survival of all mycosis fungoides patients who were registered during the years 1973–1992. Data included follow-up through 1994. RESULTS There was a total of over 10,000 person-years of follow-up for the 1633 patients studied. Relative survival changed little after 11 years, at which point it was 66%. Advanced age and black race were associated with poorer survival. The prognoses of Asian and Hispanic patients were slightly but not significantly worse than those of whites, and there were no significant geographic differences related to prognosis. The survival of married women was superior to that of other gender and marital-status groups. Prognosis did improve substantially over the 20-year period of study. CONCLUSIONS Mycosis fungoides is usually not a fatal disease, although the mortality risk is substantial. The authors quantified various prognostic factors and documented an improved prognosis over the 20-year period of study. The data from this study raise concern about possible detection bias in incidence data. These data are also consistent with the concept that beyond 11 years after diagnosis, this disorder has relatively little impact on the risk of death. Cancer 1999;85:208–12. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Mathematical Biology of Learning to Drive An Automobile

In learning to drive, an individual must learn to rapidly make small corrective turns to the right or to the left as the car comes too close correspondingly to the left or to the right edges of the lane. The magnitude of the corrective turn depends on the angle at which the edge is approached. Thus, the individual must learn to produce a quantitatively correct response (corrective turn) to any one of an infinite number of possible stimuli (angles of approach). By making a number of highly oversimplifying assumptions, the problem can be reduced to a learning situation, studied previously by H. D. Landahl (Bull. Math. Biophysic,3, 13–26, 71–77, 1941). This is used not so much to obtain any relation that might be considered practically applicable immediately as toillustrate what kind of relation can be obtained from such considerations. It is shown how the safe speed of a driver depends on his total driving experience (total distance driven) as well as on his psychophysical parameters.
Signaling of reactive oxygen species in PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in prothoracic glands of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Abstract Our previous study demonstrated that mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is involved in prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in Bombyx mori prothoracic glands (PGs). In the present study, we further investigated the mechanism of ROS production and the signaling pathway mediated by ROS. PTTH-stimulated ROS production was markedly attenuated in a Ca 2+ -free medium. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U73122, greatly inhibited PTTH-stimulated ROS production, indicating the involvement of Ca 2+ and PLC. When the PGs were treated with agents that directly elevate the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration (either A23187, or the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12-myristate acetate (PMA)), a great increase in ROS production was observed. We further investigated the action mechanism of PTTH-stimulated ROS signaling. Results showed that in the presence of either an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, NAC), or the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors (rotenone, antimycin A, the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p -trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI)), PTTH-regulated phosphorylation of ERK, 4E-BP, and AMPK was blocked. Treatment with 1 mM of H 2 O 2 alone activated the phosphorylation of ERK and 4E-BP, and inhibited AMPK phosphorylation. From these results, we conclude that PTTH-stimulated ROS signaling is Ca 2+ - and PLC-dependent and that ROS signaling appears to lie upstream of the phosphorylation of ERK, 4E-BP, and AMPK.
Soliciting and Using Input During Organizational Change Initiatives: What Are Practitioners Doing

Scholars have documented many benefits of participatory processes during change including minimizing participants’ resistance, increasing their satisfaction, and strengthening their perceptions of control. Ironically, evidence also suggests that participative communication approaches are underused. This study explores implementers’ solicitation and use of stakeholder input during change processes. Twenty-six implementers from different organizations were interviewed and their responses were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Four general approaches to soliciting and using input were groundedly developed from these data. Findings suggest that the interviewees in this study tend to favor the “restricted” and “advisory” approaches to input solicitation and use. In the restricted model, implementers were highly selective about who was asked for input and aimed to disregard negative feedback. In the “advisory” approach, implementers solicited input more widely however were mixed in the degree to which nega...
Preferential Binding of Cross-Reactive Group a Streptococcal Anti-DNA Monoclonal Antibodies to Decondensed Human Sperm DNA

Four murine anti-streptococcal monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that cross-react with human DNA were evaluated by immunofluorescence flow cytometry for their reactivity with condensed and decondensed human sperm nuclei. All 4 anti-DNA mAbs reacted with condensed sperm nuclei. The reactivity of 3 of these mAbs with decondensed sperm nuclei was 13 to 177 times higher than that found with condensed nuclei. Under identical conditions, mAbs to cytoskeletal/cytocontractile proteins lacked reactivity with decondensed sperm nuclei. Binding of monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies to decondensed sperm nuclei was abolished by preincubation with double-stranded DNA. The preferential binding of anti-DNA antibodies to decondensed sperm DNA suggests the utility of decondensed sperm nuclei as the antigenic substrate for screening anti-DNA antibodies by flow cytometry.
LOW-TEMPERATURE ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL RESISTIVITIES OF TUNGSTEN.

Measurements of $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and $\mathrm{WT}$ ($\ensuremath{\rho}$ is the electrical resistivity and $W$ is the thermal resistivity) of high-purity single-crystal specimens of tungsten have been performed in the temperature range 1.5-6.0 K. The temperature dependence of $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and $\mathrm{WT}$ was found to be predominantly quadratic, in agreement with observations in other transition metals. We attribute this behavior to electron-electron scattering between different branches of the Fermi surface. The validity of Matthiessen's rule for impurity and boundary scattering was investigated to determine whether the contributions of electron-electron scattering ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{e}$ and ${W}_{e}T$ could be meaningfully separated from the total resistivities $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and $\mathrm{WT}$. In those samples in which boundary scattering contributed least to the total resistivities, Matthiessen's rule was found to be reasonably well obeyed for the electrical resistivity, while deviations were observed for the thermal resistivity. The Lorenz number for electron-electron scattering, ${L}_{e}=\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{e}}{{W}_{e}T}$, for these samples was found to range from 0.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ to 0.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ W\ensuremath{\Omega}/${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$.
The Influence of Antimicrobial Agents on the Percentage of Tetracycline resistant Bacteria in Faeces of Humans and Animals

The effect of antimicrobial administration on the percentage of tetracycline-resistant facultative and anaerobic bacteria in the intestines of humans and animals was studied. Tetracycline was chosen because it is an antibiotic commonly used both as a feed supplement for animals, and therapeutically for humans and animals. More than 200 faecal specimens of bovine, porcine, equine, canine, feline and human origin were collected into pre-reduced anaerobic media. Ninety-one subjects from groups receiving antimicrobials as feed supplements, therapeutically or with no recent antibiotic exposure were included in the study. Counts of both facultative and anaerobic bacteria were determined from media with and without tetracycline. The percentage of normal faecal specimens harbouring tetracycline-resistant coliforms was 56 for humans. 100 for calves. 100 for pigs. 36 for horses, 90 for dogs and 67 for cats. All samples contained Gram negative anaerobes resistant to tetracycline. Subjects from all species receiving antimicrobials showed higher percentages of tetracycline-resistant coliforms and anaerobes than subjects not receiving antibiotics. Greater increases in the percentage of tetracycline-resistant facultative organisms were noted in subjects which received antibiotics as feed supplements compared with subjects which were given therapeutic doses of antibiotics. Percentages of tetracycline-resistant anaerobes showed the opposite trend with more increase among those subjects receiving therapeutic levels of antimicrobial agents.