cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Judicial Review and Racial Minorities: The U.S. Case

This essay examines U.S. policy toward African-Americans, Asian residents of the U.S. and Native Americans in the first four decades after the equal protection clause was added to the U.S.Constitution in an attempt to answer the question, 'Did the institution of judicial review at the national level in fact render the U.S. Supreme Court more protective than were the electorally responsive branches of the national government toward the rights of racial minorities mistreated by local majorities (specifically, blacks, Asians, and Native Americans)?' It concludes that it is not correct to say, as many scholars do, that the U.S. Supreme Court buried Reconstruction.Reconstruction died because of a century-long campaign of intermittent violent insurgency in the South, launched by whites to subjugate black people. Eventually, significant numbers of northerners either came to agree that the South was justified or gave up opposing the intense resistance because it was politically and financially costly not to do so. The political branches turned their backs on Reconstruction. Similarly, the political branches drove the oppressive policies toward Native Americans and Asians (and were in turn driven by local or state-level political forces, as with oppression of blacks in the South). Although the Court would occasionally step in against administrators for inappropriate mistreatment (e.g., the Crow Dog or the Wong Kim Ark cases), it was loathe (perhaps understandably) to interfere with policy that combined Congressional and Presidential will toward these foreign or quasi-foreign peoples. In sum, the Court was not the oppressor of racial minorities in the 1865-1908 period, nor was it, except on rare occasions, their savior. This finding would perhaps disappoint Alexander Hamilton (himself a founding member of the NY Manumission Society), but it should perhaps not surprise us, in light of the fact that elected branches are the ones that select and approve nominations to the Supreme Court.
Halos and Horns: Understanding Corporate Reputations for Social and Environmental Responsibility

Building on and extending previous work in the fields of reputation and corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, this symposium will explore the nature of reputations for corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER), focusing in particular on the signals that build CSER reputations and the consequences of having a positive or negative CSER reputation. Further, whereas most of the existing literature regarding reputation has focused on the positive consequences of overall reputation, this symposium examines both positive and negative implications of reputation for organizations, especially in regards to CSER. As Fombrun (1996) noted, like the mythical King Midas’ touch, reputations can be “not only a boon, but a burden” (p. 387). When No News is Good News: CSR Strategy and Newspaper Headlining of Negative Firm Events Presenter: Jiao Luo; U. of Minnesota Presenter: Stephan Meier; Columbia Business School Presenter: Felix Oberholzer-Gee; Harvard Business School Gaining Re...
The Emergence of an East Asian International Subsystem

East Asia, two decades ago a war-ravaged and largely colonial backwater, has moved to the very forefront of the contemporary international scene. In the policy debate over Vietnam, statesmen have daily sought to comprehend the complex and recently remote world of Asian politics. Scholars of international affairs now make direct and often primary reference to Asia in discussing issues such as multipolarity, international violence, nuclear proliferation, and regionalism. Yet despite this marked increase in attention, surprisingly few works beyond those specifically focused on Vietnam strategy have dealt concretely and comprehensively with the international politics of the region. One way in which the fundamental trends of the last decade can be identified and analyzed is to consider East Asia as a regional subsystem. The concepts of "regionalism" and "regional subsystem" have become increasingly popular in analysis of international relations, but the varied and often ambiguous ways in which they have been used have had uneven and frequently dubious results. No attempt is made here to clear the methodological problems that have grown up around these concepts, but rather the international politics of East Asia are dealt with directly as a regional subsystem. It is. necessary, however, to consider initially the theoretical bases underlying the discussion. A somewhat loose and general definition of a regional subsystem is employed, "a pattern of relations among basic
Wang Shih-Yüan's Preface to the Poems of Meng Hao-Jan

The earliest and most important source of information regarding the Ufe of the T'ang poet Meng Hao-jan Sfe^ (689-740) is the preface written by Wang Shih-yuan i±iii (fi. 745) sometime between 745 and 750 for the first published collection of Meng's poetic works. In addition, there are the two biographies recorded in the T'ang histories.1 These latter two accounts, brief though they are, are well known to Western scholars, thanks to Hans H. Frankel's carefully annotated translation of them.2 However, much of the information provided by the official biographies is, as noted passim by Frankel, based on earlier statements traceable to Wang Shih-ylian's preface. It would therefore seem desirable to accord this important document the same kind of careful attention that the official biographies have received. The following remarks and translation are offered to this end.3
Research on the infection of HIV within the family

Objective To study the cause of multiple HIV infection within a family in the central province,and provide basis of formulating the strategies for controlling HIV within a family.Methods Statistical analysis of the data relating two or more infected persons and AIDS patients within a family in Hubei by the end of 2009 were performed.Results The results showed that the rate of two or more people infected with HIV in the whole province was 16.5%,and the rate of the second-generation transmission within the family was 12.31%.Meanwhile,the different way of the first HIV-infection in the family had influence on the interval of the second-generation inflection.The infection speed through first sex-contact and second-generation-sex transmission was obviously faster than that of the first infection through blood(t=4.247,P0.01)) and mother-to-child transmission(t=2.908,P0.01);the spread by men are higher than that of women within a family(χ2=9.121,P0.01);The sex,age and education background of the first infected person had no influence on the second-generation transmission within family(χ2=0.641 or F=2.836 or χ2=4.174,P0.05).However,the implementation of anti-HIV treatment,the limitation of migrant workers and engaging in business outside,might significantly reduce the second-generation HIV infection within family.(χ2=294.970 or χ2=31.687,P0.05). Conclusion The infection speed through first sex-contact and second-generation-sex transmission was obviously faster than that of the first infection through blood(t=4.247,P0.01)and mother-to-child transmission(t=2.908,P0.01);the spread by men was higher than that of women within a family.(χ2=9.121,P0.01).The implementation of anti-HIV treatment,the limitation of migrant workers and engaging in business trip,might effectively control the spread of HIV transmission of the second generation.
Recurrent Varicocele: Radiographic Documentation and Surgical Management

AbstractA case of recurrent varicocele documented by a selective venogram and surgically corrected is presented. The need to investigate systematically recurrent varicoceles and surgically remove the recannulized collaterals is emphasized.
Trends in der Auto-Serienlackierung

Neue Lackierkonzepte in der Auto-Serienfertigung versprechen eine bessere Qualitat, Einsparung von Kosten und mehr Umweltfreundlichkeit. Der folgende Beitrag fasst wichtige aktuelle Trends zusammen.
Based on a true story

The convergence in the 1980s between postmodern epistemology, cognitive psychology and narratology forcefully reoriented the idea of storytelling. From a fictional device for representing reality, storytelling was recast as a cognitive tool underlying all mental processes. On this view, our sense of reality was seen as an effect produced by individual narrativising. This idea has many implications. The aim of this essay is not to try to survey the literature on this complex topic but to characterise two issues that the narrative view of reality obscures. One is the role of a shared reality and the other is political inertia. This argument seeks to create space for thinking about the idea of a common reality which has been traduced in theoretical discussion in favour of fractured reality. It concludes with a discussion of what can be gained by seeing narrative as a vehicle for approaching reality and not reality itself.
Characterizing Vegetation Canopy Structure Using Airborne Remote Sensing Data

Vegetation canopy structure plays an important role in the partitioning of incident solar radiation, photosynthesis, transpiration, and other scalar fluxes. The vertical foliage distribution of the plant canopy is represented by leaf area density (LAD), which is defined as the one-sided leaf area per unit volume. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) offers the possibility to characterize the 3-D variation of LAD over space, which still remains a challenge to estimate. Moreover, the low density of point cloud data generally offered by airborne LiDAR may be insufficient for accurate LAD estimation in dense overlapping forest canopies. We develop a method for the estimation of the LAD profile using a combination of airborne LiDAR and hyperspectral data using a feature-based data fusion approach. After identifying vegetation species using hyperspectral data, point cloud LiDAR data is used in a “tree-shaped” voxel approach to characterize the LAD of trees in a riparian forest setting. We also propose a set of relationships on simple geometry of overlap for the construction of tree shaped voxels. In a forest setting with overlapping canopies, the results indicate that the tree-shaped voxels are better able to attribute the LAD to the upper and middle parts of the overall canopy as well as individual tall and short trees compared with traditional cylindrical voxels.
Collaborating with the enemy

About a year ago I was asked to speak at a local women's studies conference on mathematics, science and technology I didn't flatter myself at having been chosen, because nearly every local woman who was even vaguely involved with science or mathematics at a professional level had been invited to speak. Nevertheless, I had for some time been investigating female astronomers from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, so I volunteered to discuss my research.
Another bidder (BDR) revisits.

In this issue of Blood, Gavriatopoulou and colleagues report the mature results of the European Myeloma Network (EMN)–conducted phase 2 trial evaluating the activity of bortezomib, dexamethasone, and rituximab (BDR) in treatment-naive patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM).1 An array of combination regimens has been studied in WM, and the ever-growing list of bidders contributes to the conundrum of choosing an appropriate regimen.2
Maternal Coparenting Attitudes and Toddler Adjustment: Moderated Mediation Through Father's Positive Engagement

SYNOPSISObjective. To better understand the antecedents of fathers’ positive engagement and child externalizing behaviors, we examined the roles of maternal coparenting attitudes and fathers’ prenatal intuitive parenting behaviors in predicting fathers’ positive engagement and toddler externalizing behaviors. Design. One hundred and eighty-two dual-earner families residing in Columbus, Ohio, were recruited when parents were expecting their first child. They were followed across the transition to parenthood and assessed at the third trimester (Time 1), 3 months postpartum (Time 2), 9 months postpartum (Time 3), and when the child reached approximately 27 months of age (Time 4). Mothers reported their perceptions of their partners’ parenting competence (i.e., coparenting attitudes) and their children’s externalizing behaviors at Times 2 and 4, respectively. Fathers reported their own positive engagement at Times 2 and 3. Fathers’ intuitive parenting behaviors were observed at Time 1. Results. After controll...
Transverse venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Safety and feasibility

Purpose Transverse sinus stenosis is commonly seen in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It is not clear whether it is the cause or the result of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been carried out in several prior series. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical and imaging follow-up results of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension that underwent stenting for this condition at our center. Materials and Methods We reviewed the clinical, venographic and follow-up imaging data in patients who underwent elective transverse sinus stenting during the period from 2011 to 2017. Results In total, 18 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were identified. The mean lumbar cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure recorded was 408 mmH20. Overall, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent transverse sinus stenting. At venography, the mean pressure gradient across the dominant transverse sinus stenosis was 21 mmHg. The pressure gradient immediately after stenting in all of those measured was negligible. Following stenting, headaches improved in 10 of the 16 cases, with persistent headaches in four patients, one of which had persistent baseline migraines. All cases showed resolution of the papilledema on follow up. Follow-up imaging with computed tomography venography showed that the stents remained widely patent. The follow up in clinic was done for a mean period of 35.5 months. Follow up with computed tomography venography was done for a mean of 10.3 months. Conclusion Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective procedure. It relieves papilledema in all cases and improves headaches in most cases.
Using metapopulation models to assess species conservation–ecosystem restoration trade-offs

Abstract Ecological restoration is needed to counter global-scale ecosystem degradation, but can conflict with endangered species conservation when restoration impacts habitat quality. In such cases, prioritizing long-vacant patches for restoration is an intuitively appealing strategy for minimizing the effects on endangered species. Metapopulation models grounded in empirical data potentially provide a rigorous framework for developing theoretical “patch vacancy thresholds” (i.e., duration of vacancy required before implementing restoration) and assessing the implications of such criteria for restoration objectives. We develop such a model for spotted owls (Strix occidentalis), which embody the species–ecosystem dilemma given their preference for closed-canopy forests that are also susceptible to severe fire and drought and hence the center of debates about forest restoration intended to reduce fire and drought risk. We leveraged a >20-year territory occupancy dataset to parameterize a Stochastic Patch Occupancy Model (SPOM) to assess relative risk to a metapopulation of owls in California under alternative conservation guidelines, including a range of vacancy thresholds. Territories with greater amounts of owl habitat were more likely to be recolonized and less likely to go extinct. Importantly, the probability of a vacant owl territory becoming recolonized declined as length of vacancy increased; territories vacant for 1 and 10 years had annual recolonization probabilities of 0.34 and 0.06, respectively. Based on our SPOM, projected territory occupancy rates declined as the vacancy threshold decreased and as habitat within territories was impacted by restoration. However, more liberal territory vacancy thresholds were projected to increase the proportion of territories (and thus landscape) that could be restored and that restored conditions could be maintained with repeated treatments. Reintroducing natural disturbance regimes, which eliminated the need for repeated treatments, was projected to reduce risk to owls, particularly with relaxed vacancy thresholds. We provide a simple, yet novel, metapopulation framework for quantifying how alternative conservation guidelines might impact owl occupancy and influence forest restoration guidelines. Similar analyses could facilitate restoration efforts in other systems by more explicitly quantifying tradeoffs between species–ecosystem objectives.
The Onset of (Euro)Gang Membership as a Turning Point in the Life Course

Even though gang-involved youth are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime, the processes accounting for this enhanced illegal activity are speculative. Employing a life-course perspective, we conceptualize the onset of gang membership as a turning point in the lives of youth. As such, we examine the association between onset of gang membership and changes in emotions, attitudes, and routine activities typically associated with delinquent behavior. Using prospective data from a multisite sample of over 1,400 youth, findings suggest that the onset of gang membership is associated with a substantial change in emotions, attitudes, routine activities, and delinquent behavior, consistent with the turning point framework.
Ultrafast Hole Transfer from CdS Quantum Dots to a Water Oxidation Catalyst

The first step in light-driven multielectron redox catalysis driven by semiconductor nanocrystals is the transfer of a photoexcited carrier to the catalyst. The efficiency of that step defines the upper limit on the efficiency of catalysis. Although progress has been made in transferring electrons from nanocrystals to catalysts for multielectron reduction reactions, there has been little success in moving photoexcited holes to water oxidation catalysts (WOCs). Here, we describe the kinetics of hole transfer from a photoexcited CdS quantum dot to a ruthenium polypyridine molecular WOC. Ultrafast transient absorption and photoluminescence (PL) upconversion experiments reveal that this hole transfer is surprisingly fast, occurring on a picosecond time scale. To determine the rate constant for hole transfer, we develop a model for PL quenching as a function of catalyst loading that takes into account both the catalyst binding equilibrium and the finite quenching efficiency. The rate constant for hole transfer...
An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity

N6-isopentenyladenosine RNA modifications are functionally diverse and highly conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. One of the most highly conserved N6-isopentenyladenosine modifications occurs at the A37 position in a subset of tRNAs. This modification improves translation efficiency and fidelity by increasing the affinity of the tRNA for the ribosome. Mutation of enzymes responsible for this modification in eukaryotes are associated with several disease states, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer. Therefore, understanding the substrate specificity and biochemical activities of these enzymes is important for understanding of normal and pathologic eukaryotic biology. A diverse array of methods has been employed to characterize i6A modifications. Herein is described a direct approach for the detection of isopentenylation by Mod5. This method utilizes incubation of RNAs with a recombinant isopentenyl transferase, followed by RNase T1 digestion, and 1-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis to detect i6A modifications. In addition, the potential adaptability of this protocol to characterize other RNA-modifying enzymes is discussed.
Access to Routinely Collected Clinical Data for Research: A Process Implemented at an Academic Medical Center.

Electronic health records are valuable for clinical and translational research. Institutions must protect patient privacy and comply with applicable regulations while allowing appropriate access to clinical data for research. The processes that investigators must follow to access clinical data can be substantially different at different institutions. In this paper, we describe the process developed at our institution that has been active for 5 years and was used to satisfy over 200 requests for access to identified clinical data, usually within 1 day for internal requests and 3 days for visiting researchers.
Simultaneous Use of Kocher-Langenbeck and Lateral Window Approaches for Transverse Acetabular Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Case Report.

CASE An otherwise healthy 39-year-old man presented after a fall from 30 feet with a right transverse, transtectal acetabular fracture. The fracture was not reducible with an isolated anterior or posterior approach. A simultaneous combined approach was used in the lateral decubitus position. The fracture was appropriately reduced and stabilized. CONCLUSIONS This combined approach with the patient in the lateral decubitus position was effective without requiring repositioning of the patient during surgery. This technique may be helpful for reduction of challenging transverse acetabular fractures.
Chloride Channels in Insects: A Search For Common Grounds

Ion channels are found throughout the animal kingdom and in virtually all cell types. Sufficient information is now available to begin assigning channels to structural families, and it seems likely that these families have very ancient evolutionary roots (Brehm et al. 1991; Tsai et al. 1991; Salkoff et al. 1992). Nevertheless, the modern study of channels, particularly those of epithelial tissues, is overwhelmingly devoted to vertebrate models. It is tempting to attribute the relative paucity of invertebrate channel studies to a certain vertebrocentricity of the channelologists. In Larry Gonick’s (1990) Cartoon History of the Universe, a primordial tetrapod is shown stepping out on the land and claiming the honor for vertebrates. “Hmm”, says one of his fellows, “appears the bugs are already there!” “Don’t worry”, says the first tetrapod, “they won’t get the credit, because my descendents will write the book!” In the human centered world of physiological research, vertebrates are assumed to be more human than other animals. A central thesis of this review is that, while this assumption might be valid at the organ-system level and even the cellular level, there might be much in common at the molecular level between insects and those species whose physiology has been implicitly accepted as human.
Cycloidal Rotor-Blade Tip-Vortex Analysis at Low Reynolds Number

This study provides the first in-depth analysis of the formation, strength, and convection of cycloidal rotor tip vortices. The measurements of blade force and tip vortex using particle image veloc...
Pursuing the Promise of Preschool: An Exploratory Investigation of the Perceptions of Parents Experiencing Homelessness

Rates of homelessness are worsening in the United States, with a third of individuals experiencing homelessness being families with children. These families face many challenges, including limited social supports, insufficient access to services, and mental health concerns. These challenges inform a nuanced worldview, leading parents experiencing homelessness to understand their child’s school life in unique ways. The purpose of this study is to explore how parents experiencing homelessness understand their children’s participation in Head Start and publicly funded 4 K programs. We utilized semi-structured interviews with parents of 4 K students and applied an iterative approach for analysis to identify emergent themes and concepts. Results suggest families enter homelessness through several avenues and struggle with many aspects of homelessness, including stigma directed at parents and children. Parents identified many strengths in their children’s school programs, including education and support from faculty, as well as areas for growth, such as more comprehensive transportation and meal services. Overall, these results suggest families experiencing homelessness encounter many barriers to finding stable housing. Additionally, parents of children experiencing homelessness value their child’s education and access to resources in schools while still fearing the potential for their child to experience stigmatization and discrimination in schools.
Determinants of Hotel Property Prices

Pricing commercial real estate has its foundations in present value theory. Recent improvements for accessing transaction data have stimulated interest in commercial property hedonic pricing models, the structures of which follow traditions in single-family real estate in that the implicit prices of property characteristics and site-specific variables represent city and national market conditions. Adding present value variables has become increasingly common to account for general market conditions. We test two hedonic pricing models; one that follows the residential tradition and another that departs by incorporating city-specific net operating incomes and the discount rates. Modeling prices in these alternative ways allows for recognition of the relative contributions of property, city, and capital market determinants. Empirical testing relies on a sample of hotel transactions from 2005-2010. The responsiveness of hotel cash flows to market changes is an important consideration. We find that models with property characteristics perform about the same as models that also include present value variables. A plausible explanation for this phenomenon is that implicit prices corresponding to property characteristics and site-specific variables appear to reflect income streams associated with city and nationwide economic conditions.
A person-centered approach to understanding child temperament at ages 3 and 6:

Person-centered analyses, such as latent profile analysis, provide an approach to assessing individual differences in child temperament that aligns with typological theory and is well positioned fo...
Critical Heat Flux of Confined Round Single Jet and Jet Array Impingement Boiling

Abstract This study involves experimental investigation of key parameters influencing CHF for confined round single jets and jet arrays impinging normally onto square heated surfaces. The experiments are performed using R-134a, a fluid widely used for thermal management of electronic and power devices, especially in aerospace applications. A comprehensive R-134a CHF database is acquired that considers the effects of various geometrical parameters and operating conditions. Close examination of the data trends reveals several strategies to augment CHF, such as increasing jet velocity and/or total mass flow rate and employing larger jet diameters for a fixed velocity or smaller diameters for a fixed flow rate. Higher CHF is also achieved by increasing saturation pressure for a fixed inlet fluid temperature (i.e., higher saturation pressures combined with higher inlet subcooling). Fluid exit qualities point to two different CHF mechanisms: subcooled CHF at high flow rates and saturated CHF at low flow rates. Underlying mechanisms are also propounded for two types of CHF transients: a sudden sharp temperature escalation at lower flow rates and a mild gradual increase at higher flow rates. Close inspection of the heating surface following CHF tests shows localized burnout patterns which provide significant insight into both the flow characteristics within the confinement region and the spatial distribution of surface temperature resulting from jet interactions. Statistical inference techniques are used in conjunction with the new understanding of fluid flow and heat transfer physics to formulate a new correlation form for CHF. The resulting correlation, which is based on a consolidated database of the present R-134a and previous FC-72 data, shows good prediction accuracy, evidenced by a mean absolute error of 16.66% for both fluids and over broad ranges of geometrical parameters and operating conditions.
Prevalence of potentially harmful multidrug interactions on medication lists of elderly ambulatory patients.

Background It has been hypothesized that polypharmacy may increase the frequency of multidrug interactions (MDIs) where one drug interacts with two or more other drugs, amplifying the risk of associated adverse drug events (ADEs). The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MDIs in medication lists of elderly ambulatory patients and to identify the medications most commonly involved in MDIs that amplify the risk of ADEs. Methods Medication lists stored in the electronic health record (EHR) of 6,545 outpatients ≥60 years old were extracted from the enterprise data warehouse. Network analysis identified patients with three or more interacting medications from their medication lists. Potentially harmful interactions were identified from the enterprise drug-drug interaction alerting system. MDIs were considered to amplify the risk if interactions could increase the probability of ADEs. Results MDIs were identified in 1.3 % of the medication lists, the majority of which involved three interacting drugs (75.6 %) while the remainder involved four (15.6 %) or five or more (8.9 %) interacting drugs. The average number of medications on the lists was 3.1 ± 2.3 in patients with no drug interactions and 8.6 ± 3.4 in patients with MDIs. The prevalence of MDIs on medication lists was greater than 10 % in patients prescribed bupropion, tramadol, trazodone, cyclobenzaprine, fluoxetine, ondansetron, or quetiapine and greater than 20 % in patients prescribed amiodarone or methotrexate. All MDIs were potentially risk-amplifying due to pharmacodynamic interactions, where three or more medications were associated with the same ADE, or pharmacokinetic, where two or more drugs reduced the metabolism of a third drug. The most common drugs involved in MDIs were psychotropic, comprising 35.1 % of all drugs involved. The most common serious potential ADEs associated with the interactions were serotonin syndrome, seizures, prolonged QT interval and bleeding. Conclusions An identifiable number of medications, the majority of which are psychotropic, may be involved in MDIs in elderly ambulatory patients which may amplify the risk of serious ADEs. To mitigate the risk, providers will need to pay special attention to the overlapping drug-drug interactions which result in MDIs.
A Frank Look at Appellate Waiver in the Seventh Circuit

In several important respects, the Seventh Circuit writes inconsistently on criminal defendants’ waivers of their appellate rights. These inconsistencies lead to uncertainty, inefficiencies in plea-bargaining, and potentially unexpected outcomes. More than any other judge, Judge Easterbrook has authored a number of decisions that are outliers from the circuit’s larger appellate waiver jurisprudence. The circuit should resolve these inconsistencies to further justice, fairness, and protection of criminal defendants’ rights.
Intermediates in the conversion of procollagen to collagen. Evidence for stepwise limited proteolysis of the COOH-terminal peptide extensions.

Intermediates in the conversion of procollagen to collagen were isolated from radioactively labeled chick cranial bones by ion-exchange chromatography. Cleavage of these proteins with vertebrate collagenase revealed that each of the several forms of these intermediates lacked NHzterminal but retained COOH-terminal extensions. The chain composition of each intermediate was resolved by two-dimensional slab gel electrophoresis. The intermediates differed from each other in having sustained cleavages in zero, one or two pca chains. The relative proportions of intermediates with different intact pca chains, observed in conversion of procollagen, have enabled us to construct a detailed model of the stepwise limited proteolysis of procollagen. Procollagen is a biosynthetic precursor of collagen with non-triple-helical peptide extensions at both the NH, and COOH-termini of the molecule [I -51. Several studies have indicated that limited proteolysis of these extensions by endogenous enzymes in cell or organ culture can generate partially processed proteins, which represent intermediates in the conversion of procollagen to collagen [6 - lo]. The enzymatic activity responsible for cleavages in the NH,-terminal domain has been partially characterized and has been referred to as procollagen peptidase [i 1 - 141. Less is known about the enzyme or enzymes involved in cleavage of the COOH-terminal extensions'. In a previously published model of the conversion of procollagen to collagen [lo] we predicted the existence of a class of disulfide-bonded intermediates, which will be referred to as p,collagens. While these Abbreviations. Dodecylsulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate; PhMeSO,F, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; DEAE, diethylaminoethyl. Enzyme. Tadpole collagenase (EC 3.2.24.3). Nomencialure. In accordance with a recently proposed nomenclature [15], p,collagen and p,collagen designate molecules with COOH and NH,-terminal extensions respectively. Chains intermediate in length between procollagen (proa) and collagen (u) chains are termed pa chains. pca chains contain intact COOHterminal extensions and are linked by interchain disulfide bonds. ha chains contain only NH,-terminal extensions and, in types I and I1 collagens, lack interchain disulfide bonds.
The role of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine in alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Summary Objective: The goal of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine in treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and determine the role in therapy of both agents. Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–June 2008), PubMed (1966–June 2008); Cochrane database was performed to identify English-language publications. Search terms included carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, AWS, alcoholism, substance syndrome withdrawal. Results: In seven studies, including 612 patients, carbamazepine demonstrated significant reduction in alcohol withdrawal scores. However, in comparative trials with a benzodiazepine agent, carbamazepine’s ability to prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures (OR = 0·93; 95% CI = 0·06–14·97, P = NS) and delirium tremens (DTs; OR = 1·25; 95% CI = 0·28–5·64, P = NS) was uncertain as a result of insufficient patient enrolment. In three trials, carbamazepine failed to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms possibly as a result of delayed administration, inadequate dosage or inadequate sample size. At daily doses of 800 mg either fixed or tapered over 5–9 days, carbamazepine was well tolerated, and safely administered when blood alcohol concentration dropped below 0·15%. The role of oxcarbazepine in AWS is undefined because of inconsistent findings in two trials. Conclusion: Carbamazepine has demonstrated safety, tolerability and efficacy in treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in the inpatient setting. However, trials of carbamazepine provide inconclusive evidence for prevention of alcohol withdrawal seizures and DTs in comparison with benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines remain the primary treatment of moderate to severe AWS.
Correlates of user satisfaction with end user computing: an exploratory study

Abstract The growth of end user computing (EUC) has been a phenomenon in the information management world of the 1980's. Our study, based on data from 104 end users in six large companies, examines the individual, organizational, and system factors affecting the success of EUC, as reflected in end user satisfaction. A key result is that the leadership style of information system managers is positively and significantly related to user satisfaction. Other findings of the study indicate that significant positive relationship exist between user satisfaction and hardware/software accessibility and availability, computer background of users, user attitudes toward end user computing, and system utilization. The results also demonstrate that computer anxiety and user age are negatively related with end user satisfaction. No significant relationships were found between user satisfaction and gender, education, and organizational level. Implications of the findings for practicing information systems managers are discussed.
A new robust stabilization method for a class of uncertain time delay systems

A robust feedback control design method is proposed for a class of uncertain time delay systems. Linear transformation is applied to convert the systems to new systems whose spectra embed all the unstable poles of the original systems for given stability margin. A feedback control is then designed based on the new systems and reflected back to the original systems. It is proved that the designed control can asymptotically stabilize both the new and the original systems provided a set of sufficient conditions are satisfied.
The impact of solar spectral irradiance variability on middle atmospheric ozone

[1] This study presents the impact of solar spectral irradiance (SSI) variability on middle atmospheric ozone over the declining phase of solar cycle 23. Two different types of spectral forcing are applied to the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) to simulate the ozone response between periods of quiet and high solar activity. One scenario uses the solar proxy reconstructions model from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRLSSI), and the other is based on SSI observations from the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE). The SORCE observations show 3–5 times more variability in ultraviolet (UV) radiation than predicted by the proxy model. The NRLSSI forcing had minimal impact on ozone, however, the higher UV variability from SORCE induced a 4% reduction in ozone concentration above 40 km at solar active conditions. The model result is supported by 8 years (2002–2010) of ozone observations from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument. The SABER ozone variations have greater similarity with the SORCE SSI model simulations. The model and satellite data suggests that the ozone response is due to enhanced photochemical activity associated with larger UV variability.
Permanent magnet synchronous condenser with solid state excitation

A synchronous condenser consists of a free-spinning wound-field synchronous generator and a field excitation controller. In this paper, we propose a synchronous generator that employs a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) instead of a wound-field machine. PMSGs have the advantages of higher efficiency and reliability. In the proposed configuration, the reactive power control is achieved by a voltage source converter connected in series with the PMSG and the grid. The converter varies the phase voltage of the PMSG so as to create the same effect of over or under excitation in a wound-field machine. The converter output voltage level controls the amount and the direction of the produced reactive power and the voltage's phase is kept in-phase with the grid voltage except a slight phase can be introduced so that some power can be drawn from the grid for maintaining the DC bus voltage level of the converter. Since the output voltage of the converter is only a fraction of the line voltage, its VA rating is only a fraction of the rating of the PMSG. The proposed scheme is shown to be effective by computer simulation.
In vivo labeling of neutrophils using a fluorescent cell linker

To study neutrophil circulation time and trafficking in vivo requires labeling the cells so that their movement can be followed temporally and spatially. Labeling procedures used to date, however, have relied on ex vivo separation and labeling methods, an undesired consequence of which may be neutrophil activation. Moreover, the labeled cells preferentially stick in the pulmonary circulation for several hours upon reinjection into the host. Therefore, we devised an alternate labeling procedure that relied on intra-arterial infusion of the fluorescent phagocytic cell linker PKH26. We infused PKH26 (5.5 x 10(-6) M for 1 h) into six awake sheep and measured systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and lung lymph dynamics continuously for 3-4 h after the infusion. We collected simultaneous arterial and venous blood samples hourly for 4 h, and again 24 h after the infusion ended, for white blood cell and neutrophil differential counts and to identify labeled cells in fresh smears by fluorescence and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Infusion of PKH26 had minimal and transient physiologic effects on systemic and pulmonary artery pressure, lung lymph flow, and leukocyte counts. Labeled cells were present in venous blood after the infusion for at least 24 h. DIC microscopy observation of the blood smears indicated that the fluorescently labeled cells were exclusively neutrophils. Unstimulated superoxide anion release from neutrophils isolated 2 and 24 h after PKH26 infusion was not different from baseline release. Phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated release was not affected either. The labeled neutrophils responded to chemoattractants by migrating to extravascular sites. Our results indicate that neutrophils can be selectively labeled in vivo, after which trafficking of the labeled neutrophils can be determined.
The transcription factor HNF1α induces expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in pancreatic islets from evolutionarily conserved promoter motifs

Pancreatic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has previously been shown to be critical for maintaining glycemia and β-cell function. Efforts to maintain or increase ACE2 expression in pancreatic β-cells might therefore have therapeutic potential for treating diabetes. In our study, we investigated the transcriptional role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) in induction of ACE2 expression in insulin-secreting cells. A deficient allele of HNF1α or HNF1β causes maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) types 3 and 5, respectively, in humans. We found that ACE2 is primarily transcribed from the proximal part of the ACE2 promoter in the pancreas. In the proximal part of the human ACE2 promoter, we further identified three functional HNF1 binding sites, as they have binding affinity for HNF1α and HNF1β and are required for induction of promoter activity by HNF1β in insulinoma cells. These three sites are well-conserved among mammalian species. Both HNF1α and HNF1β induce expression of ACE2 mRNA and lead to elevated levels of ACE2 protein and ACE2 enzymatic activity in insulinoma cells. Furthermore, HNF1α dose-dependently increases ACE2 expression in primary pancreatic islet cells. We conclude that HNF1α can induce the expression of ACE2 in pancreatic islet cells via evolutionarily conserved HNF1 binding sites in the ACE2 promoter. Potential therapeutics aimed at counteracting functional HNF1α depletion in diabetes and MODY3 will thus have ACE2 induction in pancreatic islets as a likely beneficial effect.
Eczema and infection

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition which affects 15–20% of the population in developed countries including the United States. It is characterized by an eczematous eruption, itching and skin sensitivity to irritants. It is the most common diagnosis for patients seen
A note on the lee model applied to the deuteron

The properties of the deuteron state and the low energy proton and neutron scattering states have been studied from the point of view of the Lee model for a field theory. It is found that the program of the renormalization procedure characteristic to the model can be carried out, and that the condition under which no anomalous state occurs in the deuteron is satisfied when a proper identification of the renormalized parameters of the model with the observed low energy spin triplet s-orbital proton-neutron scattering parameters is made.
EXPLORATORY STUDY ON SOURCES OF SATISFACTIONS ON WEEK-ENDS

An exploratory study of sources of satisfaction of a week-end was conducted. A proposed elementary relationship relating satisfactions to constraints during the week and availability of classes of ...
Membrane model: A single transistor analog of excitable membrane

Abstract Similarities between the p-n-p transistor and bimolecular lipid membranes are indicated. The p-n-p transistor, when placed in the Hodgkin-Huxley equivalent circuit, can duplicate most bioelectric phenomena. Adequate model performance then suggests that some of the physical processes occurring in the transistor may be similar to membrane mechanisms responsible for action potential generation. A minimum component equivalent circuit of excitable membrane is illustrated.
An examination of locus of control/fatalism for Blacks, Whites, boys, and girls over a two year period of adolescence

Locus of control/fatalism was assessed for an adolescent sample during ages 11-17 and again from ages 13-19. It was hypothesized that blacks and girls would be more external than whites and boys both during early and late adolescence. Additionally, it was hypothesized that effect sizes would be greater during late adolescence. Results obtained partially supported these hypotheses. Girls were more external than boys only during late adolescence. However, blacks scored higher in externality than whites at both time periods and effect sizes were greater during late adolescence. These findings are discussed in terms of restricted opportunities and socialization differences for blacks and girls.
BRDF measurements of graphite used in high-temperature fixed point blackbody radiators: a multi-angle study at 405 nm and 658 nm

We have measured the polarization-resolved bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for two types of graphite used in the fabrication of high-temperature fixed point blackbody cavities in and out of the plane of incidence. Measurements were made at room temperature using 405 nm and 658 nm laser sources, and the samples were illuminated at angles of incidence varying from normal incidence to 70°. All of the samples exhibited non-Lambertian behaviour, including enhanced forward scatter at high incident angles, especially for s-polarized incident light. The directional-hemispherical reflectance for unpolarized incident light, obtained by integrating the BRDF measured at individual points in a hemisphere over the sample, ranged from 0.083 to 0.101, depending upon sample and incident angle. The potential impact of these measurements on emissivity models for graphite blackbody radiators and radiance temperature scale dissemination is discussed.