cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PTEN interacts with the transcription machinery on chromatin and regulates RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription

Regulation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated transcription controls cellular phenotypes such as cancer. Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), one of the most commonly altered tumor suppressors in cancer, affects transcription via its role in antagonizing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Using co-immunoprecipitations and proximal ligation assays we provide evidence that PTEN interacts with AFF4, RNAPII, CDK9, cyclin T1, XPB and CDK7. Using ChIP-seq, we show that PTEN co-localizes with RNAPII and binds to chromatin in promoter and putative enhancer regions identified by histone modifications. Furthermore, we show that loss of PTEN affects RNAPII occupancy in gene bodies and further correlates with gene expression changes. Interestingly, PTEN binds to promoters and negatively regulates the expression of genes involved in transcription including AFF4 and POL2RA, which encodes a subunit of RNAPII. Loss of PTEN also increased cells' sensitivity to transcription inhibition via small molecules, which could provide a strategy to target PTEN-deficient cancers. Overall, our work describes a previously unappreciated role of nuclear PTEN, which by interacting with the transcription machinery in the context of chromatin exerts an additional layer of regulatory control on RNAPII-mediated transcription.
Effective Opioid Analgesic Alternatives and Approaches to Pain Management

Chronic pain affects millions of people every year. The recent focus on the opioid epidemic has brought substantial attention to the potential risks associated with opioid overprescribing. However, individuals who receive opioids differ in the extent to which they experience physiological dependence on opioids, engage in opioid misuse, or report symptoms of an opioid use disorder. Irrespective of the levels of opioid-related problems, there is a pressing need to develop and improve treatments for chronic pain and provide patients with greater access to pain interventions already known to be effective. The present chapter includes a concise overview of the literature on chronic pain treatment, with an emphasis on some of the consequences of, and alternatives to, opioid use. Non-opioid treatments for pain are described in detail as well as the extent to which these are supported by research. The underlying assumption of this chapter is that the current emphasis on reducing opioids provides a window of opportunity to critically evaluate the benefits and potential consequences of different pain treatments. However, even as researchers look for improved treatments, it is essential to continue to provide effective treatment to those with chronic pain – avoiding involuntary or rapid tapering of patients already receiving opioids and ensuring that high-risk groups, such as those with established substance use disorders, have access to effective pain treatments.
Life Expectancy and Mortality Rates in the United States, 1959-2017

Importance US life expectancy has not kept pace with that of other wealthy countries and is now decreasing. Objective To examine vital statistics and review the history of changes in US life expectancy and increasing mortality rates; and to identify potential contributing factors, drawing insights from current literature and an analysis of state-level trends. Evidence Life expectancy data for 1959-2016 and cause-specific mortality rates for 1999-2017 were obtained from the US Mortality Database and CDC WONDER, respectively. The analysis focused on midlife deaths (ages 25-64 years), stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography (including the 50 states). Published research from January 1990 through August 2019 that examined relevant mortality trends and potential contributory factors was examined. Findings Between 1959 and 2016, US life expectancy increased from 69.9 years to 78.9 years but declined for 3 consecutive years after 2014. The recent decrease in US life expectancy culminated a period of increasing cause-specific mortality among adults aged 25 to 64 years that began in the 1990s, ultimately producing an increase in all-cause mortality that began in 2010. During 2010-2017, midlife all-cause mortality rates increased from 328.5 deaths/100 000 to 348.2 deaths/100 000. By 2014, midlife mortality was increasing across all racial groups, caused by drug overdoses, alcohol abuse, suicides, and a diverse list of organ system diseases. The largest relative increases in midlife mortality rates occurred in New England (New Hampshire, 23.3%; Maine, 20.7%; Vermont, 19.9%) and the Ohio Valley (West Virginia, 23.0%; Ohio, 21.6%; Indiana, 14.8%; Kentucky, 14.7%). The increase in midlife mortality during 2010-2017 was associated with an estimated 33 307 excess US deaths, 32.8% of which occurred in 4 Ohio Valley states. Conclusions and Relevance US life expectancy increased for most of the past 60 years, but the rate of increase slowed over time and life expectancy decreased after 2014. A major contributor has been an increase in mortality from specific causes (eg, drug overdoses, suicides, organ system diseases) among young and middle-aged adults of all racial groups, with an onset as early as the 1990s and with the largest relative increases occurring in the Ohio Valley and New England. The implications for public health and the economy are substantial, making it vital to understand the underlying causes.
Extending KIDs to the Mid-IR for Future Space and Suborbital Observatories

The galaxy evolution probe (GEP) is a concept for a probe-class space observatory to study the physical processes related to star formation over cosmic time. To do so, the mid- and far-infrared (IR) spectra of galaxies must be studied. These mid- and far-IR observations require large multi-frequency arrays, sensitive detectors. Our goal is to develop low NEP aluminum kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) for wavelengths of 10–400 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ for the GEP and a pathfinder long-duration balloon (GEP-B) that will perform precursor GEP science. KIDs for the lower wavelength range (10–100 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$) have not been previously implemented. We present an absorber design for KIDs sensitive to wavelengths of 10 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ shown to have around 75–80% absorption efficiency through ANSYS HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulations, challenges that come with optimizing our design to increase the wavelength range, initial tests on our design of fabricated 10 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ KIDs, and theoretical NEP calculations.
Assessment of the right ventricular function after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy by Doppler echocardiography

Objective To evaluate the right ventricular function of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) by Doppler echocardiography. Methods In 16 patients with CTEPH,end-diastolic left ventricular diameter(LVDd), end-diastolic right ventricular areas (RVEDA), end-systolic right ventricular areas (RVESA), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), pulmonary accelerative time (Pact), pressure gradient of tricuspid valve regurgitation (PGT1), area of tricuspid valve regurgitation (AT1) were measured by echocardiography. Results Fifteen and thirty days after surgery,the LVDd and Pact had increased,RVEDA, RVESA,PGT1 and AT1 had decreased while RVFAC had increased in all cases. Conclusions PTE may effectively improve the right ventricular function of patients with CTEPH. Key words: Echocardiography; Pulmonary embolism; Endarterectomy; Ventricular function, right
In Situ Tissue Regeneration: Chemoattractants for Endogenous Stem Cell Recruitment

Tissue engineering uses cells, signaling molecules, and/or biomaterials to regenerate injured or diseased tissues. Ex vivo expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have long been a cornerstone of regeneration therapies; however, drawbacks that include altered signaling responses and reduced homing capacity have prompted investigation of regeneration based on endogenous MSC recruitment. Recent successful proof-of-concept studies have further motivated endogenous MSC recruitment-based approaches. Stem cell migration is required for morphogenesis and organogenesis during development and for tissue maintenance and injury repair in adults. A biomimetic approach to in situ tissue regeneration by endogenous MSC requires the orchestration of three main stages: MSC recruitment, MSC differentiation, and neotissue maturation. The first stage must result in recruitment of a sufficient number of MSC, capable of effecting regeneration, to the injured or diseased tissue. One of the challenges for engineering endogenous MSC recruitment is the selection of effective chemoattractant(s). The objective of this review is to synthesize and evaluate evidence of recruitment efficacy by reported chemoattractants, including growth factors, chemokines, and other more recently appreciated MSC chemoattractants. The influence of MSC tissue sources, cell culture methods, and the in vitro and in vivo environments is discussed. This growing body of knowledge will serve as a basis for the rational design of regenerative therapies based on endogenous MSC recruitment. Successful endogenous MSC recruitment is the first step of successful tissue regeneration.
Development of an End-to-End Mission Simulator for Land Remote Sensing with Signals of Opportunity

Signals of opportunity (SoOp) is a promising technique to measure key geophysical variables at high spatiotemporal scales using multiple microwave frequencies outside bands allocated for science. To better understand spaceborne SoOp observations, an end-to-end mission simulator has been developed. It determines observation geometries of multiple transmitters and receivers and generates SoOp observables for land remote sensing by integrating geophysical data and instrument properties. Using the simulator, the coverage and the instrument data of a hypothetical constellation of spaceborne SoOp receivers were evaluated over different orbital planes. This integrative tool facilitates the spaceborne SoOp mission design by exploring and optimizing the tradespace of a variety of design parameters.
Exploiting phase coherence for improved resolution in optical atomic frequency ratios

Optical atomic clocks that operate at frequencies up to 100,000 times higher than their microwave counterparts permit better resolutions and accuracies, while also providing more leeway in environmental control for out of lab applications. Many of the precision applications of these clocks, including relativistic geodesy and tests of fundamental physics rely on the intercomparison of at least two optical clocks. Relative comparisons that include single ion clocks, however, can require close to one month of continuous averaging to achieve measurement instabilities near 1 part in 1018. The long averaging times result from limits imposed on the quantum project noise as a result of signal detection from a single ion, as well as atom probe time limitations due to laser-atom decoherence. In this talk I will describe how the phase coherent properties of an optical frequency comb can be used to enable correlated and synchronous measurement of atomic clocks as a means to improve their relative measurement instability by close to a factor of 10, and nearly 100 times speed up in averaging time over conventional measurement techniques.
Rebel Leadership and the Specialisation of Rebel Operations

Rebels groups adopt different organisational structures, emerging in various shapes and sizes. Some rebel groups construct distinct military and political wings, delegating their military and polit...
Artificial intelligence in tumor subregion analysis based on medical imaging: A review

Medical imaging is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and artificial intelligence (AI) has achieved tremendous success in medical image analysis. This paper reviews AI-based tumor subregion analysis in medical imaging. We summarize the latest AI-based methods for tumor subregion analysis and their applications. Specifically, we categorize the AI-based methods by training strategy: supervised and unsupervised. A detailed review of each category is presented, highlighting important contributions and achievements. Specific challenges and potential applications of AI in tumor subregion analysis are discussed.
Metformin Treatment Alters Memory Function in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Metabolic dysfunction exacerbates Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence and progression. Here we report that activation of the AMPK pathway, a common target in the management of diabetes, results in gender-divergent cognitive effects in a murine model of the disease. Specifically, our results show that activation of AMPK increases memory dysfunction in males but is protective in females, suggesting that gender considerations may constitute an important factor in medical intervention of diabetes as well as AD.
4 - HPLC Columns for Pharmaceutical Analysis

This chapter deals with the properties of high-pressure liquid chromatography columns. It is divided into two sections: column physics and column chemistry. In the section on column physics, we discuss the properties that influence column performance, such as particle size, column length and column diameter, together with the effect of instrumentation on the quality of a separation. In the section on column chemistry, we examine in depth the surfaces of modern packings, as well as the newer developments such as zirconia-based packings, hybrid packings or monoliths. We have also included a short section on hydrophilic interaction chromatography, a technique for the analysis of polar compounds that is drawing interest again in the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, we review what is currently understood about the selectivity of reversed-phase columns.
Deformation and Rigid-Body-Motion Measurement by Multiple Interferometric Strain/Slope Rosettes

In Part I, the Multi-ISSR measurement theory was given and validated for a three-indentation ISSR. Part II shows how fringe analysis is carried out by applying the theory to real measurement problems. Two-dimensional image processing techniques are applied to both the ISSR and the Multi-ISSR. The procedures are demonstrated through a bending experiment where a four-indentation Multi-ISSR is used. A practical example is given to demonstrate the numerical procedure involved in extracting the diffraction pattern, and calculating the shift of the zero-order diffraction peak to measure rigid-body-motion. Fringe pattern analysis includes numerical fringe separation and phase shift determination. Three practical approaches of obtaining strains by solving the governing equations relating phase shifts with strains and rigid-body-motion are discussed.
Chapter 40 Other gait disorders

Publisher Summary Gait disorders are a common manifestation of neurologic disease, particularly in the elderly, Reliable estimates of prevalence are difficult to obtain, as there are no standard diagnostic criteria. In a study from Durham, North Carolina, 15% of volunteers over 60 were found to exhibit some abnormality of gait on neurologic exam. In the East Boston Neighborhood Health Study, a degree of shuffling or difficulty with turns was noted in 15% of the population aged 67-74, 29% of those 75-84, and 49% of the population 85 and above. Gait disorders are particularly important in the elderly because they compromise independence and contribute to the risk of falls and injury. Many older people limit their activity because of concerns about ambulation and fear of falling. For walking to proceed in a steady fashion, there are two tasks, which the nervous system must simultaneously address: locomotion (stepping) and balance. Spinal pattern generators and higher centers organize the stepping, specifying the timing, the advance position, the loading and unloading of the limbs. Dynamic balance must be maintained during the gait cycle to prevent instability and falls. The neural pathways, which manage these functions, are briefly discussed in this chapter.
Capture–Recapture Methods

Capture–recapture methods have a long history of use, but most recently have received greater attention from biologists and statisticians due to their frequent application. The Petersen method, in which a single mark, release and recapture is made, forms the basis for many of the more sophisticated methods that exist today. The basic principle inherent to capture–recapture is that given knowledge of the size of a marked subset of a population, one can estimate demographic information on the larger population of interest. Closed population models do not allow for migration or mortality or natality. Open population models allow for these processes and thus are more intensely parameterized. Capture–recapture models often require specific assumptions that may prove to be invalid. For example, in some models all animals are assumed to have equal capture probabilities on a given capture occasion. Thus, more realistic models with weaker assumptions are being developed by incorporating multiple recapture periods, multiple sources of recoveries, improved sampling designs, and age and spatial structure into the modelling process. In addition, combinations with other survey types and enhanced technology, e.g. radio telemetry, have allowed additional information sources to be included in estimating important demographic parameters. Keywords: abundance estimation; closed population; Jolley–Seber; model selection; open population; survival
Investigation of SecY protein-translocation channel in action using a novel in vivo tool (LB198)

Many proteins are targeted by signal sequences to a conserved protein-conducting channel, formed by the prokaryotic SecY or eukaryotic Sec61 complex, and are translocated across the membrane. The channel forms an hourglass-shaped pore with a constriction in the middle across the membrane. The channel also has a lateral gate that can open toward the lipid phase. During initiation of translocation, a ribosome-nascent chain complex binds to the SecY/Sec61 channel, resulting in insertion of the nascent chain. To study the SecY channel engaged in translocation, we developed a novel method generating defined translocation intermediate complexes in E. coli cells. Using this tool, we addressed how the channel is opened by a ribosome-bound nascent chain and transports large polypeptides and yet prevents passage of small molecules. We determined structures of inactive and active ribosome-channel complexes with cryo-electron microscopy. These structures demonstrate that the nascent chain opens the channel through mo...
Clark Clifford: The Wise Man of Washington – By John Acacia

The basic story of Clark Clifford's career is well known. As a young man, he worked his way up the staff of Harry Truman's White House by writing crucial memos and becoming a close confidant and pe...
Some practical issues in time domain passivity control of haptic interfaces

In this paper, two major practical issues are studied to improve the performance of a new energy based method of achieving stable, high performance haptic interface control. The first issue is related to resetting the amount of energy accumulated in the passivity observer for faster operation. A heuristic method is derived and experimentally tested for the resetting and it is shown to help the PC to operate sooner when the system gets active. The second one was noise in velocity measurements being magnified into audible force signals by the controller. This issue was addressed by the introduction of a velocity threshold and it is verified that the velocity threshold makes the PC more free from the noise effect at low velocity. Experimental results are presented for the "Excalibur" haptic device.
Singularly Weighted Symplectic Forms and Applications to Asteroid Motion

New techniques to study Hamiltonian systems with Hamiltonian forcing are proposed. They are based on singularly weighted symplectic forms and transformations which preserve these forms. Applications pertaining to asteroid motion are outlined. These involve the presence of both Jupiter and Saturn.
Formation and hopping motion of molecular polarons

This paper addresses polaron formation and intermolecular hopping of a carrier confined to molecules immersed within a polar medium. Three types of polaron state are possible: (i) The carrier can encompass all equivalent sites of the occupied molecule. (ii) The carrier can be localized at a single atomistic unit of the molecule. (iii) If the carrier's interactions with the medium's ions are strong enough, the self-trapped carrier can be localized among a subset of the molecule's equivalent sites. High-temperature intermolecular hopping requires the formation of a coincidence configuration in which the carrier is shared between the jump's two molecules. The hop's activation energy depends on the expansion of a molecule's carrier as it approaches a coincidence from its minimum-energy configuration. The carrier's intramolecular motion in response to atoms' motions also reduces these atoms' vibrational frequencies thereby lowering their vibrational free energy. This carrier-induced vibrational softening affects the temperature-independent coefficient of the Arrhenius jump rate. Thus carrier's intrasite motion, ignored in Holstein's model, can significantly affect small-polaron formation and hopping.
Predicting anxious response to a social challenge and hyperventilation: Comparison of the ASI and ASI-3

This study compared the predictive ability of the original ASI to the ASI-3 and measures of trait and social anxiety in two challenge conditions; hyperventilation or a social challenge. During hyperventilation, the ASI-3 social concerns subscale was a better predictor than the subscales of the original ASI and measures of general trait and social anxiety. During the social manipulation, results indicated the ASI-3 social concerns subscale and the social anxiety measure were significant predictors of anxious response. Results provide evidence that the ASI-3 is an improvement over the original ASI and is a sound overall measure of response to challenge procedures.
Elevated Hyaluronan Is Associated with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome

s S107 and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), of which the exact pathophysiology remain elusive. A previous study demonstrated that increased bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia predisposed to CLAD. We further investigated the presence of eosinophils in explants lung tissue of CLAD. Methods: Sections of BOS (n= 16) and RAS (n= 16) lungs were stained and quantified compared to (non-transplant) control lungs (n= 20). Eosinophils, identified by the marker EG2, were counted in three different compartments; around the airway, in the parenchyma and around the blood vessel. Results were represented as the mean number (±SEM) of cells per high power field. Results: Representative staining of BOS (A), RAS (B) and control (C) are provided in figure 1. Around the airways, eosinophils were significantly increased in BOS (16.7±4.8; p< 0.05) and in RAS (13.4±4.0; p< 0.05) compared to control (2.8±0.8). In the parenchyma, there were more eosinophils present in BOS (8.8±1.4; p< 0.05), but not in RAS (8.2±2.2), compared to control (3.9±0.9). Around the blood vessels, both BOS (11.4±2.1; p< 0.01) and RAS (9.8±1.9; p< 0.05) demonstrated an increased number of eosinophils compared to control (4.0±0.6). The number of eosinophils around the airways correlated with eosinophil numbers in the parenchyma (R= 0.55, p< 0.0001) and around the blood vessels (R= 0.79, p< 0.0001). Conclusion: Eosinophils, regulated by a Th2 immune response, are increased in BOS and RAS which may implicate a new pathway. These findings may lead to additional therapeutic options to improve outcome after LTx in the future.
Earth albedo studies using Pegasus thermal data.

Earth albedo calculation using Pegasus 1 thermal data, discussing Rayleigh scattering, spacecraft position, atmospheric reflection effects, etc
Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor promotes the recovery of dopamine neurons damaged by 6-hydroxydopamine in vitro

Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been shown to be a potent neurotrophic factor for dopamine neurons in culture and to prevent the loss of substantia nigra dopamine neurons following in vivo lesions with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In this study we used mesencephalic cultures containing both neurons and glia to examine whether GDNF protects dopamine neurons from 6-OHDA toxicity in vitro. Our data show that GDNF does not prevent the loss of dopamine neurons caused by treatment with 6-OHDA in vitro. However, continuous exposure to GDNF increases the high affinity dopamine uptake in cultures treated with 6-OHDA, suggesting that it enhances the growth of damaged dopamine neurons. We also show that in vitro treatment with 6-OHDA causes widespread cell death in mesencephalic cultures, which is not restricted to dopamine neurons. The lack of selectivity of 6-OHDA toxicity when applied in vitro may explain the inability of GDNF to prevent the loss of dopamine neurons in mesencephalic cultures. The stimulation of the growth of 6-OHDA damaged dopamine neurons by GDNF, observed in our study, suggests that it may prove beneficial in the treatment of injured dopamine neurons.
Products of biogenic amine metabolism in the lobster: sulfate conjugates.

— Octopamine, dopamine and serotonin, the three biogenic amines found in the lobster nervous system, are each converted by lobster tissues into two principal classes of products, A and B metabolites. In this paper, evidence is presented that the B metabolites are sulfate conjugates of the amines and their A metabolites. Two double-labelled conjugates were formed from each of the three amines during incubations of lobster nerves with tritiated amine and 35SO4. When the two octopamine conjugates were hydrolyzed by mild acid, one of the conjugates was converted to a mixture of 35SO4 and [3H]-octopamine, and the other to a mixture of 35SO4, [3H]octopamine, and [3H]metabolite A. [3H]Metabolite A was also converted to octopamine by acid hydrolysis. The results indicated that one of the double-labelled conjugates was octopamine-sulfate, and the other metabolite-A-sulfate. An enzyme fraction prepared from nerve homogenates catalyzed the synthesis of double-labelled sulfate conjugates from the tritiated amines and [35S]3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phospho-sulfate. Double-labelled conjugates formed in this way contained 1 mol of sulfate per mol of amine. Indirect evidence suggested that the sulfate was in ester linkage with the ring hydroxyls of the amines. Neither monoamine oxidase, nor catechol-O-methyl transferase is found in lobster tissues; therefore, in these animals, sulfation may be a major means of inactivation of the biogenic amines following their release from nerve endings.
Antisera specificities to β-d-galactopyranoside cluster ligands

Abstract Mono-, di-, and tri-β- d -galactopyranosides of 2-(5-hydrazinocarbonylpentanamido)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol [(Gal) n -TA] have been conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA), and used to study the binding specificities to the Gal receptors of liver parenchymal cells. In this study, rabbit antisera produced to the (Gal) n -TA-BSA were characterized by using an enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay under conditions that allow the antibodies directed to the carbohydrate part of the antigen to react with the solid-phase (Gal) n -TA-BSA antigens. Inhibition assays using (Gal) n -TA-BSA conjugates showed a relative specificity of the antisera for the number of Gal residues on the TA bridging group to the BSA carrier-protein, indicating that antibodies having specificities to oligosaccharide branch points can be produced. Inhibition assays with (Gal) n -TA haptens, Gal, and methyl β- d -Gal indicated that the antibody combining-sites interact mainly with the Gal units; no inhibition was observed with the TA bridging group used as a hapten inhibitor. The spatial distances of the Gal units were apparently important for interaction with the anti-(Gal) n -TA-BSA antibody-combining-sites, as (Lac) 3 -TA-BSA and (Lac) 3 -TA exhibited relatively little inhibitory activity.
Time-Frequency Method for Nonlinear System Identification and Damage Detection:

This paper presents a method for extracting system nonlinearities and time-localized transient response to impulsive loading by processing stationary/transient responses using the Hilbert—Huang tra...
Ethical Training, Moral Development, and Ethical Decision Making in Master's-Level Counseling Students

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of training in the use of an ethical decision making model on ethical decision making skills of master’s-level counseling students. Sixty-seven participants volunteered and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Instruments used included the Defining Issues Test-Two (Rest, Narvaez, Bebeau, & Thoma, 1999), Ethical Dilemmas (Betan, 1996), and an information sheet developed by the researcher. Cohen and Cohen’s (1999) theory-based Integrated Ethical Decision Making Model described in their book, The Virtuous Therapist, was taught and described. Neukrug’s (1996) theory-based approach for teaching ethics served as the foundation for the intervention. The significant results of the study indicated that, regardless of training, those students who scored high on the DIT-2 also scored high on the ethical dilemmas. Results were not significant in determining the effects of training on those students who scored low on the DIT-2 and th...
Magneto-optical properties of MnBi/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ films

We have grown MnBi/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ alloy films on mica and glass substrates under UHV conditions, and performed a systematic study of the structural, magnetic and magneto-optic properties on films in the concentration range 0/spl les/x/spl les/0.4. Sharp Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) patterns were observed for samples grown on mica substrates, indicating epitaxial growth. X-ray diffraction patterns of MnBi/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ grown on glass substrates show these films to be highly textured, with the c-axis parallel to the substrate normal. We found that only samples with Mn concentration above 50 at.% exhibited good magneto-optical properties. Perpendicular magnetization and Kerr rotation larger than 0.5/spl deg/ were observed for samples with Sb concentration less than 8 at.% in mica and 4 at.% on glass. For larger concentrations of Sb, the coercivity increased rapidly while Kerr rotation decreased. Samples grown on both types of substrates showed an increase in the Kerr rotation and ellipticity with decreasing light wavelengths. The off-diagonal E-field reflectivity, r/sub xy/, which describes the magneto-optic efficiency of the sample, is larger than that reported for TbFeCo layers.
Racial Bias and Public Policy

This article explores psychological science on race bias and its implications in several domains of public policy, with special attention paid to biased policing as an illustrative example. Race bi...
Quantum size effects in the surface-plasmon excitation of small metallic particles by electron-energy-loss spectroscopy.

Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy was used to study the quantum size effect in surface-plasmon excitations of small metallic particles, with diameters ranging from 4 to 20 nm. Scanning transmission electron microscopy was used, which provided the capability of observing electron-energy-loss spectra from individual, well-characterized silver particles. The measured relation between the surface-plasmon energy and the particle size shows a definite deviation from that predicted by macroscopic theories, and cannot be well explained by existing microscopic theories.
Demographic differences in self-report pubertal status among rural adolescents in the US.

Background: While sex and racial/ethnic differences in pubertal development have been noted, most of this research has been in urban areas.Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine demographic differences in pubertal status among a school-based sample of US rural adolescents aged 11–17 (n = 6425).Methods: Pubertal status was measured using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), a self-report scale of secondary sexual characteristics. This study compared pubertal status means by age, sex and race/ethnicity.Results: At all ages, females had a higher mean pubertal status than males. Most racial/ethnic differences were between White and Black youth. Between the ages of 11 and 13, Black youth reported more advanced development than White youth. However, contrary to research with urban samples, this pattern of development reversed in later adolescence and the reversal was more prominent among males than females. Although there were no differences in pubertal status between White and Latino males, White female...
Insider regulation and the incentive to invest as an insider

There is an ongoing debate about the pros and cons of regulating insider transactions. We contribute to this debate by showing that the investor may prefer tougher rather than weaker regulation of his future insider activity. This is because regulation can reduce not only the expected benefits, but also the expected costs of insider status. Tough enough regulation can make the expected cost savings greater than the lost benefits and increase incentives to invest as an insider. Weaker regulation, in contrast, can be worse than no regulation in terms of these incentives.
Confessions of a Psikhopatka: Opera Fandom and the Melodramatic Sensibility in Fin-de-Siècle Russia

This article looks at satirical depictions of opera fans and devotees' letters to the Bolshoi Theater celebrity bass Fedor Shaliapin to gain a sense of the ways urbanites fantasized and moralized on the eve of revolution. It argues that the imperatives and narrative structure of melodrama–both as a genre and meaning-making system–shaped fans' yearnings and self-expression. The letters document the emergence of new sensibilities regarding self, desire, and feeling–sensibilities made possible and reinforced by Europe-wide phenomena like modernism, mass media, celebrity culture, and consumerism, as well as a political culture and myths specific to Russia. Fans loved and confessed melodramatically, verbally paying tribute to the authenticity and extraordinariness of the star, the virtue of pathos, and the autonomy of the emoting individual. Devotees appropriated press-generated negative images of fans (as transgressive psikhopatki) in the arrangement of their identity, inverting the valuation and meaning commonly ascribed to them. Through the practice of confessional letter writing, born of an unrequited desire for intractable personalities who constantly alternated between operatic roles and “real life,” fans imagined and fashioned themselves as highly expressive, exceptional, and therefore ethical beings. The article seeks ultimately to initiate a discussion about the relevance of the melodramatic sensibility beyond the fin de siecle: melodramatic understandings of self and sincerity were furthered by Bolshevik political culture, autobiographical practices, and performances. Melodrama also offered a potentially radical aesthetics and subversive approach to Soviet life.
Differential effects of chronic calcium channel blocker treatment on the inotropic response of diabetic rat myocardium to acute ethanol exposure

Abstract Cardiomyopathy is a consistent feature of diabetic myocardium as well as in prolonged alcohol consumption. Diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction has been attributed, in part, to calcium overload within individual myocytes. The present study compares the effectiveness of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (dihydropyridine-type) with verapamil (phenylalkylamine-type) in reversing myocardial dysfunction and diminishing the negative inotropic effect of ethanol on diabetic rat myocardium. Wistar rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, IV) and isolated electrically stimulated papillary muscles were studied under isometric conditions in the absence and presence of clinically relevant concentrations of ethanol (80–240 mg/d1, i.e., 17.4–52.1 mM). Subgroups of diabetic and normal animals received daily injections of verapamil or nifedipine 2 weeks after induction of diabetes for 8 weeks Untreated diabetic animals exhibited hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, reduced growth, cardiomegaly, and hepatomegaly. Compared to verapamil chronic nifedipine treatment normalized or reversed the effects of diabetes on myocardial mechanical function. The negative inotropic effect of ethanol was attenuated only in muscles from verapamil-treated diabetic animals. Thus, chronic nifedipine treatment may be more effective than verapamil in reducing hyperglycemia, attenuating both cardiac and liver enlargement, and restoring myocardial mechanical function, in experimental diabetes However, chronic verapamil therapy is more effective in diminishing the negative inotropic effect of ethanol on diabetic myocardium. These findings may have clinical significance among diabetic patients who consume alcoholic beverages while receiving long-term calcium blocker therapy.
Mobility of Argon ions in argon

Abstract The mobility values of argon ions in argon have been measured using a measuring technique which permits simultaneous measurement of the drift velocity of ions together with their identification by means of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The three ions present in argon have been identified as A + , A + 2 , A ++ and their mobilities are consistent with the zero field mobility values of μ 0 (A + ) = 1.54 cm 2 (V-sec) -1 , μ 0 (A + 2 ) = 1.83 cm 2 (V-sec) -1 and μ 0 (A ++ ) = 2.6 cm 2 (V-sec) -1 as reported by Beaty.
Secretion of Immunoreactive endothelin-1 by capillary and microvascular endothelium of human brain

Modulation of immunoreactive endothelin-1 (IR-ET-1) production by vasoactive substances was investigated in cultured endothelial cells (EC) derived from capillaries and microvessels of human brain. Peptides, catecholamines, thrombin, protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester, and calcium ionophore enhanced the secretion of IR-ET-1. The known vasoconstrictive peptides, angiotensin II (Ang II) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) dose-dependently stimulated the endothelial secretion of IR-ET-1. The angiotensin and vasopressin-inducible production of IR-ET-1 was completely inhibited by their respective receptor antagonists [Sar1, Ala8]-angiotensin II and [1-6 (beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid), 2-O-methyl-tyrosine]. The results indicate that the peptide-stimulated secretion of IR-ET-1 is receptor-mediated in EC which have specific angiotensin II and arginine-vasopressin receptors. These findings represent the first demonstration of IR-ET-1 production by capillary and microvascular endothelium of human brain.
Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Wide Thrust Bearings Operating in Turbulent Inertial Flow Regimes

Analyse thermohydrodynamique de paliers de butee de grandes dimensions fonctionnant en regime d'ecoulement inertiel turbulent
Improved implementation of optical space domain reflectometry for characterizing the complex coupling coefficient of strong fiber Bragg gratings

Optical space domain reflectometry (OSDR) implemented with a novel interferometric characterization method is demonstrated to be an accurate technique for characterizing the complex coupling coefficient of strong fiber Bragg gratings. A theoretical model is also presented, incorporating the effect of the heat perturbation shape, which accurately predicts the measurement behavior. It is shown that the measurement accuracy and spatial resolution are dramatically improved by removing the effect of the heat perturbation shape on the reconstructed profile using a deconvolution technique. The improvement in accuracy is illustrated by the excellent agreement between a weak grating reconstructed with OSDR and the same grating reconstructed with optical frequency domain reflectometry and a layer-peeling method. Reconstruction of a strong grating with an integrated coupling coefficient, qL=8.14, demonstrates the utility of this technique.
On reduction of redundant data in the quadratic optimal control formulation for linear systems with commensurate time-delays

The possibility of reducing redundant data in the quadratic optimal control formulation for systems with linear models and commensurate time delays is described. It is demonstrated that when the system model is transformed to certain canonical forms then some redundant data in the quadratic cost functional can also be eliminated. Such a reduction of redundant data can aid one in choosing the "weights" of the quadratic cost functional and can help to simplify the defining equations for optimal feedback control.
Apriority and necessity

(1980). Apriority and necessity. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 89-101.
GENERALIZED AHARONOV-BOHM AND WHEELER-TYPE DELAYED CHOICE EXPERIMENTS WITH NEUTRONS

Novel time-dependent neutron interferometry experiments are proposed. These would elucidate the peculiar role of potential energy in quantum mechanics on the one hand and the complementarity in quantum interference on the other hand.
A spontaneously expelled bullet from the urethra: A case of undetected bladder injury after abdominal gunshot wound

Abstract Penetrating injury to the bladder is responsible for up to 25% of bladder injuries, the majority of which are due to gunshot wounds. Despite modern imaging and operative exploration, the final end point of the bullet can sometimes be surprising. We report a rare case of a young male with an abdominal GSW who spontaneously expelled a bullet via the urethra 5 days after abdominal exploration. The absence of signs such as hematuria and normal diagnostic studies, along with apparently normal laparotomy, do not always effectively rule out bladder injury, and a high index of suspicion may be necessary to make the diagnosis.
String spectrum of (1+1)-dimensional large-N QCD with adjoint matter.

We propose gauging matrix models of string theory to eliminate unwanted nonsinglet states. To this end we perform a discretized light-cone quantization of large-$N$ gauge theory in 1 + 1 dimensions, with scalar or fermionic matter fields transforming in the adjoint representation of $\mathrm{SU}(N)$. The entire spectrum consists of bosonic and fermionic closed-string excitations, which are free as $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. We analyze the general features of such states as a function of the cutoff and the gauge coupling, obtaining good convergence for the case of adjoint fermions. We discuss possible extensions of the model and the search for new noncritical string theories.
An Empirical Perspective on Cold Fronts

Oklahoma Mesonetwork data are used to illustrate important atmospheric features that are not well shown by the usual synoptic data. For example, some shifts of wind from south to north that are shown as cold fronts on synoptic charts are not cold fronts by any plausible definition. As previously discussed by Fred Sanders and others, such errors in analysis can be reduced by knowledge of the wide variety of weather phenomena that actually exists, and by more attention to temperatures at the earth’s surface as revealed by conventional synoptic data. Mesoscale data for four cases reinforce previous discussions of the ephemeral nature of fronts and deficiencies in the usual analyses of cold fronts. One type of misanalyzed case involves post-cold-frontal boundary layer air that is warmer than the prefrontal air. A second type is usually nocturnal, with a rise of local temperature during disruption of an inversion and a wind shift with later cooling that accompanies advection of a climatological gradient of temperature.
The chemistry of wet deposition for a tallgrass prairie ecosystem: inputs and interactions with plant canopies

The chemistry and nutrient inputs of wet deposition, and the N chemistry of throughfall, were characterized for a tallgrass prairie in north-central Kansas. Dominant ions in wetfall were NH4+, Ca2+, H+, NO3-, and SO42-; weighted mean pH was 4.79. Principal sources of ions appeared to be natural emissions and wind-blown soils. Concentrations of NO3--N, NH4+-N, and organic N in wet deposition were 0.31, 0.30, and 0.17 mg/L, respectively, resulting in N inputs of 2.5, 2.5, and 1.4 kg · ha-1 · yr-1. Comparisons with bulk precipitation suggested that at least 50% of atmospheric N inputs were from dry deposition. Concentrations of NO3--N, NH4+-N, and organic N in unburned prairie throughfall were 0.27, 0.28, and 1.28 mg/L, and in burned prairie throughfall were 0.33, 0.37, and 0.91 mg/L, respectively. The prairie canopy intercepted up to 48% of incident precipitation. Lower inorganic N and higher organic N concentrations in throughfall relative to wet deposition probably resulted from leaf uptake of N and immobilization by microbes associated with the standing dead plant materials of the prairie canopy. The removal of these materials by fire is important in maintaining N availability for tallgrass prairie. Much of the N immobilization appeared to have been of N that was supplied to the prairie canopy by dry deposition.
MOLAR: adaptive runtime support for high-end computing operating and runtime systems

MOLAR is a multi-institutional research effort that concentrates on adaptive, reliable, and efficient operating and runtime system (OS/R) solutions for ultra-scale high-end scientific computing on the next generation of supercomputers. This research addresses the challenges outlined in FAST-OS (forum to address scalable technology for runtime and operating systems) and HECRTF (high-end computing revitalization task force) activities by exploring the use of advanced monitoring and adaptation to improve application performance and predictability of system interruptions, and by advancing computer reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) management systems to work cooperatively with the OS/R to identify and preemptively resolve system issues. This paper describes recent research of the MOLAR team in advancing RAS for high-end computing OS/Rs.
Habitat selection within species ofDrosophila: a review of experimental findings

Habitat selection whereby individuals within a population have different microhabitat preferences is possibly important for genetic diversity and stability. It has received a good deal of attention, especially forDrosophila populations. The literature is summarized and an attempt is made to reconcile what appear to be contradictory findings. Some generalizations are drawn: (1) individualDrosophila choose habitats in consistent and characteristic ways; (2) some microhabitat differences are more important to flies than others; (3) genetic factors influence habitat preferences; (4) experiential factors influence habitat preferences; (5) differences in processing ability moderate the influence of experience on habitat choice. It is argued that the traditional analysis of variance models are frequently not very helpful for visualizing the process, and a computational model is suggested instead.