cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The amino acid sequence of plastocyanin from Cucumis sativus

Abstract The amino acid sequence of plastocyanin from cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) has been determined. Analysis was by the dansyl—phenylisothiocyanate meth
Evaluation of Five Discrimination Procedures for Binary Variables

Abstract Five procedures for discrimination with binary variables and small samples are discussed and evaluated. Two procedures are specific for binary variables and are based on first and second order approximations to multinomial probabilities. The third procedure, based on the full multinomial model, is completely general. The fourth and fifth procedures are the linear and quadratic discriminants. Evaluation is in terms of mean actual error and mean correlation between observed and true log likelihood ratios determined by Monte Carlo sampling. The concept of a “reversal” in log likelihood ratios is introduced to explain the results.
Duration of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in the surgical patient and its relation to quality issues.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients after major surgery. The US Acting Surgeon General issued a “call to action” to reduce the number of VTE cases nationwide. Data sources PubMed literature searches were performed to identify original studies. Results and conclusions Noncompliance with VTE guidelines is common in clinical practice. Thromboprophylaxis is frequently stopped on discharge, not meeting recommendations for standard-duration prophylaxis (7–10 days) because of shorter hospital stays or for extended-duration prophylaxis (10–35 days). Appropriate pharmacologic prophylaxis options for orthopedic surgery patients include the low–molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), fondaparinux, or warfarin (10–35 days). For patients undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer, the LMWHs are recommended beyond hospitalization (up to 28 days). Performance measures should help establish VTE-prevention policies that close the gap between guideline recommendations and clinical practice in a greater number of hospitals.
Verb acquisition in Spanish children with language delay

This article presents a procedure for the assessment of verb acquisition by Spanish children in the first stages of language acquisition, and it discusses results that support a stage model of early verb acquisition (Ingram, Welti and Priem, 2003). The procedure selects a sample of 50 intelligible utterances and examines the rate of use of sentences with verbs (verbal syntactic types), verb types, and verb forms, i.e. variant forms of the same verb. Using data from five Spanish children with a language impairment (ages 3;9 to 4;8) and MLUs in words of approximately 2.0, it is shown that the children vary greatly in their stages of verb usage, and fall into distinct verb stages. The first stage is marked by mostly sentences without verbs, and a low range of verb types. This stage is followed by an increase of verbal syntactic types (over 50%), without an increase of verb types. Subsequently, there is a sharp increase in verb types, but most verb types only appear in a single inflected form. Lastly, the num...
Studies of arterial branching in models using flow birefringence.

Steady and pulsatile flows through model branches simulating those of the arterial system were studied using flow birefringence.
Let's Debate: Active Learning Encourages Student Participation and Critical Thinking

Structured classroom debates (SCDs), whereby teams of students debate a question prepared outside of class, help advance two goals many political science instructors struggle to achieve with their students: classroom participation beyond the “usual suspects” present in every classroom and critical thinking and analysis of political issues. This article explains the methods used by the author and several colleagues to introduce SCDs into multiple types of political science courses based on the author's extensive experience with conducting such debates in a wide range of classes, and the contributions such an approach has demonstrated on student understanding and communication of political issues. Topics addressed include differences in debate format and preparation for different class levels and sizes; how to accommodate students of different abilities through effective team and role management; grading options/methods of evaluation; and approaches to engaging the entire classroom in this active learning e...
Studies related to the concept that a thiol disulfide interchange is involved in the action of insulin on muscle cells.

Abstract The accumulation and retention of [ 131 I]insulin were studied in isolated frog sartorius muscles that were first incubated with [ 131 I]insuline and then washed with Ringer's solution. Most of the radioactive material that was retained in the tissue after thorough washing with ice-cold Ringer's solution could be extracted later with 8 M urea. A portion of the labeled material that remained in the tissue after extraction with 8 M urea could be removed by additional washing with solutions that contained cysteine. These findings agree with the earlier results of other investigators who concluded that the action of insulin may involve formation of a disulfide bond linking the hormone to the tissue. However, the present extension of these studies has revealed that the amount of radioactive material (derived from labeled insulin) that could be extracted from frog sartorius muscles with cysteine solutions was not directly related to the magnitude of the effect of insulin on permeability to sugar. Therefore, demonstration of a release of radioactive material in the presence of cystein does not necessarily indicate that the biological action of insulin in skeletal muscle involves the formation of a disulfide bond between insulin and a specific receptor site in the tissue.
Competitive Liberalization, Competitive Imperialism, and Intellectual Property

Aggressive pursuit of free trade agreements (FTAs) and customs unions (CUs) by major and minor trading powers alike challenges the conventional wisdom in favor of such pursuit – competitive liberalization. An equally plausible explanation for an active bilateral and regional trade agreement policy, one which effectively de-emphasizes multilateralism, may be competitive imperialism. The protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is one area in which new provisions, going beyond multilateral rules, are being negotiated and written into FTAs and CUs. Such provisions may yield insights into which characterization of bilateralism and regionalism – competitive liberalization or competitive imperialism – is more apt.
SPSSI, Advocacy for Social Change, and the Future: A Historical Look

Major events in the life of SPSSI, an organization dedicated to the application of psychological research to the understanding and solution of major social problems, are reviewed. The current status of the organization is examined and new approaches are suggested.
Determination of quantitative distributions of heavy-metal stain in biological specimens by annular dark-field STEM.

Abstract It is shown that dark-field images collected in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) at two different camera lengths yield quantitative distributions of both the heavy and light atoms in a stained biological specimen. Quantitative analysis of the paired STEM images requires knowledge of the elastic scattering cross sections, which are calculated from the NIST elastic scattering cross section database. The results reveal quantitative information about the distribution of fixative and stain within the biological matrix, and provide a basis for assessing detection limits for heavy-metal clusters used to label intracellular proteins. In sectioned cells that have been stained only with osmium tetroxide, we find an average of 1.2 ± 0.1 Os atom per nm 3 , corresponding to an atomic ratio of Os:C atoms of approximately 0.02, which indicates that small heavy atom clusters of Undecagold and Nanogold can be detected in lightly stained specimens.
How Ahmadinejad Changed Iran's Economy

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the 2005 presidential election promising economic justice and fairness. Throughout his eight-year presidency, he adopted several populist financial and fiscal policies intended to fulfill his promise. Initially he froze the privatization program but later reactivated it after substantial changes that set aside a portion of shares for the poor. Ahmadinejad brought many commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and Basij militia into his cabinet and facilitated the sale of a large number of privatized firms to these institutions and their economic units. As a result, the Revolutionary Guards are now actively involved in all types of economic and financial activities in Iran. His most important economic reform was the reduction of price subsidies on energy and fuel products. With the active support of the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmadinejad implemented the price subsidies reform in December 2010.
O18/O16 ratios of some chondritic meteorites and terrestrial ultramafic rocks

Abstract Oxygen isotopic analyses were made on the silicate portions of 27 chondrites, 2 pallasites and 10 terrestrial ultramafic rocks using a fluorine extraction procedure. The presence of sulphides, free iron, iron oxides (formed by weathering of the meteorites), and olivine contributes difficulties to the extraction of the oxygen. Consequently, before fluorinations were done the samples were subjected to several pretreatments. Heating in vacuum and in an atmosphere of hydrogen removed the oxygen added to the meteorites during weathering. Dry chlorination at 350°C removed the iron and sulphide phases. Fusion of the samples with known amounts of quartz of known O 18 O 16 ratio converted the olivine to a pyroxene glass and permitted attainment of 100 per cent yields in the extraction of the oxygen. The total isotopic variation in the analyzed chondrites is only 1.2 per mil. The pallasite olivines are about 2 per mil lower in O 18 O 16 than the average chondrite. It is possible to detect some grouping within the 1.2 per mil range in the δ-values of the chondrites. For example, the average δ-value for the olivine-bronzite chondrites (H-type) is about 0.5 per mil lower than for the olivine-hypersthene (L-type) chondrites. Separated chondrules from 4 chondrites give essentially the same δ-values as the matrix. The δ-values for terrestrial dunites and olivines are within the range of δ-values reported by previous workers and are isotopically similar to the olivine-hyperstheno chondrites.
Economic Evaluation of Employment Services: A Review of Applications

A majority of states are engaged in the process of establishing community-based employment programs for persons with severe disabilities. The application of benefit-cost procedures frequently has been suggested as a method of comparing or evaluating alternative approaches. This article provides an overview of benefit-cost analysis and its limitations, and reviews the applications of benefit-cost analysis within vocational programs for persons with disabilities.
Influence of stability on the acute toxicity of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals to Daphnia magna

The acute toxicity of polymer-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to Daphnia magna was investigated using 48-h exposure studies. The principal objective was to relate the toxicity of QDs to specific physical and chemical aspects of the QD. As such, two different CdSe core diameters, 2 nm QDs (green-emitting) and 5 nm QDs (red-emitting), and two different surface coatings, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were studied. The QDs were characterized before and after the 48-h exposure using fluorescence, ultrafiltrations (3 kDa), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) metal analysis. In addition, flow field flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Fl FFF-ICP-MS) was used as a more extensive characterization technique to determine particle size and composition as well as identify other potential constituents in the QD solutions. The more stable QDs (PEO) were found to be less acutely toxic than the QDs with accelerated dissolution (MUA), suggesting QD stability has significant impact on the nanoparticles' short-term toxicity. The emergence of dissolved Cd(2+) in solution indicates that the toxicity of the MUA QDs is likely due to Cd poisoning, and a mass-based dose response occurred as a consequence of this mode of action. Alternatively, the PEO QDs caused acute toxicity without observed particle dissolution (i.e., no detectable metals were solubilized), suggesting an alternative mode of toxic action for these nanoparticles. Results of the present study suggest that using particle number, instead of mass, as a dose metric for the PEO QDs, produces markedly different conclusions, in that smaller core size does not equate to greater toxicity.
Normative oxygen saturation values for pregnant women at sea level.

Objective: To develop normative ranges of maternal arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) for women residing at sea level throughout gestation and postpartum.Materials and Methods: Healthy, nonsmoking, non-laboring pregnant women, with no obstetrical risk factors, were recruited into this longitudinal study performed at The Stamford Hospital (elevation sea level). Maternal SpO(2) was measured in the dominant index finger while breathing room air with a Nelcor N-200 pulse oximeter and DS-100A sensor (Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Pleasanton, CA) at set antepartum (AP) and postpartum (PP) intervals. Oxygen saturation was measured in the following positions: sitting, lying on the left then right side, knee-chest, and supine. Five minutes were allowed between measurements. Measurements were taken at 12, 24, and 36 weeks of gestation and then at 12 weeks postpartum for each patient.Results: Thirty-six patients were initially enrolled. Three were excluded from this study, secondary to loss of follow-up (1), preterm delivery at 35 weeks (1), and complicated placenta previa (1). Of the 33 patients who remained in the study 5 have delivered and undergone postpartum evaluation. SpO(2) values (%) are summarized as mean +/- 2 SD in the Table.Conclusion: Preliminary data in this ongoing descriptive longitudinal study suggest that maternal SpO(2) is at least 97% throughout pregnancy for healthy, non-smoking women residing at sea level. These normative data may be useful in managing pregnant women at risk for hypoxia.
Cytochrome b Phylogeny Does Not Match Subspecific Classification in the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Thamnophis elegans

We sequenced a 307-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 42 individuals representing 14 populations of the western terrestrial garter snake, Thamnophis elegans. Current taxonomy recognizes either five or six subspecies of T. elegans based on color and scale morphology, but all agree on three major geographic races (T. e. elegans, terrestris, and vagrans). Although the cytochrome b phylogeny did not match subspecific classification of the populations, it did yield geographically proximate groups. Populations from the Sierra Nevada range and Monterey, California, formed one monophyletic group of T. e. elegans and T. e. terrestris. This Sierran/Monterey group was included in a larger group with eastern populations from the Great Basin (T. e. vagrans). The other well-supported group was comprised of populations from the western Great Basin (T. e. vagrans). One population from the northern California coast (T. e. terrestris) was basal to both groups of populations. Thus, neither T. e. vagrans nor T. e. terrestris formed monophyletic groups. Average percent sequence divergence between the outgroup (T. sirtalis) and T. elegans was 7.9‐12%. Within T. elegans, divergence among populations ranged from 0.3‐7.7%.
Viscous creep deformation of polycrystalline CaTiO3 at elevated temperatures

Creep deformation of polycrystalline CaTiO3 has been investigated in air at temperatures between 1100 and 1200° C and stresses between 4 and 13 MPa. The results indicate that the creep deformation of this material can be described by a threshold process with associated activation energy of 200 kcal mol−1 (836.8 kJ mol−1). It is tentatively concluded that creep deformation of polycrystalline CaTiO3 within the ranges of experimental parameters investigated is rate-controlled by interfacial defect creation and/or annihiliation at grain boundaries.
Lobbying the New President: Interests in Transition. By Heath Brown. New York: Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2012. 206 pp.

Lobbying the New President: Interests in Transition. By Heath Brown. New York: Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2012. 206 pp. Managing the transition of power from one president to the next is a major undertaking, and not always a smooth one. Heath Brown turns the spotlight on this neglected phase of activity, considering the role and impact of interest groups as a president-elect tries to shape his coming administration. The major questions underpinning the book concern how groups operate during the transition itself, and whether their actions in this phase yield advantages in the longer-term, particularly in terms of achieving policy aims during the incoming president's administration. These are not questions for which data is easily found, as transitions since 1960, Brown's focus here, have been relatively few in number (only 10), and have been largely shrouded in secrecy. The decision of Barack Obama to run a more open transition in 2008--following a campaign that stressed transparency and attacked "special interests"--presented an important opportunity for scholarship of which Brown has taken advantage. He supplements information released by the transition itself (primarily, letters from interest groups recommending various policy initiatives) with a new survey of interest groups, interviews with group leaders and transition personnel, other data on lobbying expenditures, and broader historical research, thus offering numerous points of entry to the topic. Given the emphasis on this recent transition, however, the book has more to say about what interest groups do in this phase, rather than what they get out of it. But, in this respect, it provides a fascinating window into a world of which many of us know little--a world of specialized teams screening potential nominees, and fanning out across the federal bureaucracy to get a head start on what needs to be done. Chapter 3, in particular, provides a helpful overview of transitions since 1960, emphasizing the important roles played by think tanks, such as the Brookings Institution in 1960, the Heritage Foundation in 1980, and the Center for American Progress in 2008. Indeed, Brown points to Brookings as the impetus behind an increasing institutionalization of the transition process--one originally intended to elevate expertise over partisanship. This formalization underpins Brown's main argument: that there are now established "transition structures which centrally control the access of certain groups to influence the new president" and set up predictable paths of influence for interest groups (p. …
Optical properties of oil-in-water emulsions containing titanium dioxide particles

Abstract The influence of titanium dioxide particles (d32=0.62 μm, φ=0–0.3 wt%) on the spectral reflectance and tristimulus color coordinates (L, a, b) of n-hexadecane oil-in-water emulsions (d32=0.29 μm, φ=0.25–20 wt%) was measured in the absence and presence of a red dye. There was a steep decrease in the spectral reflectance and ‘lightness’ of emulsions at droplet concentrations below 3 wt% and in titanium dioxide suspensions at particle concentrations below 0.1 wt%. In the absence of dye, dilute emulsions (φ 0.3 wt%) of titanium dioxide was required to match the color of dilute emulsions to concentrated ones. There was reasonable agreement between the measured optical properties of emulsions containing titanium dioxide and those predicted by light scattering theory. These results have important consequences for optimizing the appearance of emulsion-based products with reduced droplet concentrations, e.g. low-fat foods.
A test of the National Death Index using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS)

The National Death Index (NDI) is a central, computerized index of death record information compiled from records submitted by the Vital Statistics Office of each state to the National Center for Health Statistics. A selection of 1180 cases, including 370 decedents, from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study was sent to the NDI to test the reliability of the index in identifying decedents. Five possible matching rules are considered: an NDI match with soundex included, an NDI match without soundex matches, an NDI match on social security number, an NDI match on personal data (first name, last name, sex, race, and month, day, and year of birth), and an NDI match on social security number or personal data. In determining death, the greatest positive predictive value was given by a match on social security number, while the greatest negative predictive value was given by an NDI match with soundex included. Further comparisons of sensitivity and specificity, and figures that relate predictive values to the population mortality rate, are given to assist potential users in determining an optimal matching rule.
Influence of the Lattice Potential on the Line Shape of γ Rays Emitted by Sm Nuclei Recoiling with 3 eV in Eu Metal and EuO

The change in velocity of the ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{152}$ nuclei recoiling with an initial energy of 3 eV after the electron-capture decay of ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$, and thus the shapes of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ lines emitted after the neutrino emission, depend strongly on the source material. To scan these line shapes for polycrystalline ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$ metal and ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$O sources, these sources were placed on the periphery of an ultracentrifuge, and the yields of resonantly scattered 963-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were measured for different source velocities. In view of the low recoil energies involved and of the short life-time of the nuclear state, the line shapes could be calculated to a good approximation by assuming that the recoiling nuclei were moving in a spherical potential. With EuO single-crystal sources, a small variation (\ensuremath{\sim}1%) of the nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) yield was observed for different orientations of the crystal relative to the Sm scatterer. From this, an estimate of the amount of anisotropy in the potential was deduced. As a byproduct of the ultracentrifuge measurements, the difference in energy between the ground state of ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$(9.3 h) and the 0.963-MeV level of ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{152}$ was determined to be 961.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 keV, which is in agreement with other measurements.
Fluorescence quenching interactions of l(−)-tryptophan in dimethyl sulfoxide with trivalent lanthanides

Abstract Excited singlet-triplet crossing of tryptophan in dimethyl sulfoxide is enhanced in the presence of trivalent lanthanide ions, leading to fluorescence quenching and subsequent initial phosphorescence enhancement. The induced system crossing rate constant kiscind ranges from 1.9 × 107 to 1.5 × 108 s−1 at room temperature for the seven lanthanide ions used. A gradual fluorescence quenching accompanies the initial induced system crossing with a rate constant kQS ranging from 3 × 108 to 1.4 × 1010 M−1s−1.The value of kQS is proportional to the spectral overlap between the fluorescence of tryptophan and the absorption of the lanthanides. Values of kiscind and kQS are correlated with several parameters of the lanthanides employed.
Modulation of serotonin2A/2C receptors and these receptor-linked phosphoinositide system by ethanol

Studies related to 5-HT 2A/2C receptors and these receptor-linked phosphoinositide (PI) system in the rat brain during chronic ethanol treatment and withdrawal are discussed. Chronic ethanol treatment (60 days) has no effect on 5-HT 2A/2C receptors in the cortex and the hippocampus but significantly decreased 5-HT-stimulated PI hydrolysis in the rat cortex. On the other hand, chronic ethanol treatment (60 days) significantly increased 5-HT 2C receptors and 5-HT-stimulated PI hydrolysis in the rat choroid plexus. Ethanol withdrawal (24 h) after chronic ethanol consumption (15 days) results in the down-regulation of 5-HT 2A receptors and in a decrease in 5-HT-stimulated PI hydrolysis in the rat cortex. Taken together, these results, along with other reports in the literature, suggest that 5-HT 2A/2C receptors or their function are altered during chronic ethanol consumption and withdrawal. Further studies are needed to explore the role of 5-HT 2A/2C receptors and the PI signal transduction system in the development of ethanol withdrawal symptoms after chronic ethanol consumption.
Lifting slepton masses with a non-universal, non-anomalous U(1)NAF′ in Anomaly Mediated SUSY Breaking

Abstract We extend the Minimum Supersymmetry Standard Model by a non-anomalous family (NAF) U ( 1 ) NAF ′ gauge symmetry. All gauge anomalies are cancelled with no additional exotics other than the three right-handed neutrinos. The FI D-terms associated with the U ( 1 ) NAF ′ symmetry lead to additional positive contributions to slepton squared masses. In a RG invariant way, this thus solves the tachyonic slepton mass problem in Anomaly Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking. In addition, the U ( 1 ) NAF ′ symmetry naturally gives rise to the fermion mass hierarchy and mixing angles, and determines the mass spectrum of the sparticles.
Reactions of H2, silanes, and olefins with superelectrophilic cationic rhenium complexes: heterolytic cleavage of H2 and relation to the structure and function of hydrogenases

The reaction of cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )Me (R=Ph, Cy) with the Lewis acid B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 was studied by NMR spectroscopy, and was found to provide an equilibrium mixture of the solvent-coordinated complex [ cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )(ClCH 2 Cl)][MeB(C 6 F 5 ) 3 ] and the reactants. Reaction of cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )Me with HX (X=H, SiEt 3 ) in the presence of B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 at low temperature yielded the σ-bonded complexes [ cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )(η 2 -HX)][MeB(C 6 F 5 ) 3 ] which decomposed at room temperature via intramolecular heterolytic cleavage of the X–H bond to produce MeX and the hydride-bridged dimer [ cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )] 2 (μ-H){MeB(C 6 F 5 ) 3 }. The unstable H 2 binding and cleavage on this and other highly electrophilic organometallic complexes that contain strong π-acceptor CO ligands can be related to the structure and function of metalloenzymes such as Fe-containing hydrogenases that catalyze H 2 ↔2H + +2e − . The latter contain dinuclear organometallic-like active sites with CO ligands, which would promote binding and heterolytic cleavage of molecular H 2 in biological systems. The Fe–Fe and Ni–Fe bonds in hydrogenases are likely sites for protonation to form a bridging hydride as the initial step in the mechanism of H 2 formation, and electrophilic fragments such as [Re(CO) 4 (L)] + strongly prefer to form bridging rather than terminal hydrides. The reaction of olefins and Et 3 SiH with the [ cis -Re(CO) 4 (PR 3 )(ClCH 2 Cl)][BAr F ] (BAr F =B[3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 (C 6 H 3 ) 4 − ]) system was also investigated, and the X-ray crystal structure of the dimer {[ cis -Re(CO) 4 (PPh 3 )] 2 (μ-H)}{BAr F } was determined.
NEAR Magnetic Field Observations at 433 Eros: First Measurements from the Surface of an Asteroid

Abstract The magnetometer investigation aboard the NEAR-Shoemaker spacecraft has obtained extensive magnetic field observations throughout the 433 Eros environment, from distances in excess of 100,000 km to those conducted after landing on 12 February 2001. We report the apparent absence of global scale magnetization at this asteroid ( H −1 ; natural remanent magnetization per kilogram −6 A·m 2 ·kg −1 ), orders of magnitude less than the intense magnetization attributed to S-class asteroids Gaspra and Braille. The extremely low magnetization state of 433 Eros places this object significantly below the levels generally associated with LL chondrites and undifferentiated primitive bodies, challenging our current understanding of the meteorite–asteroid connection.
Bad Apples: Paradigm Overhaul and the CNN/Time “Tailwind” Story

By examining the responses of journalists to the CNN/Time “Tailwind” story of 1998, this article suggests that discourse-extensive repair work, termed paradigm overhaul, occurs on news analysis broadcasts. Paradigm overhaul may be viewed as a particular type of paradigm repair work in which the logic of journalism is reasserted in response to an outside challenge. Paradigm overhaul is central to broadcasts such as CNN's Reliable Sources and FOX's Fox News Watch, on which journalists criticize challenges to the objective news paradigm and in the process overhaul that paradigm, reasserting objective news without altering or even questioning its underlying assumptions. The article further suggests that paradigm overhaul may be viewed as a ritual activity, providing mark-ers that define the boundaries of a journalistic interpretive community, an activity that masks societal and institutional constraints from news workers.
South/Non-South Differentials in National Labor Relations Board Certification Election Outcomes: Comment*

A recent study of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certification elections concluded that there are no regional differences in the probability of unionization. This paper suggests that it is inappropriate to draw such broad inferences from NLRB data, since elections occur only where an initial preference for unionism has been expressed. Using a national data set on private sector hospitals, we demonstrate that Southern location significantly reduces the probability of having an election and the probability of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, but it does not affect the probability of a union election victory.
Making Fair Funding Decisions for High-Cost Cancer Care: The Case of Herceptin in New Zealand

In 2008 New Zealand's pharmaceutical management agency, PHARMAC, made its final decision on the funding of trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive early stage breast cancer. PHARMAC declined to fund the 12-month Herceptin regimen requested by the drug's manufacturer, funding instead a 9-week treatment regimen. The decision was justified on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence of additional long-term health benefits from the longer treatment course, which, coupled with the high cost of the drug, did not make the 12-month regimen sufficiently cost-effective. This paper examines the criticism of PHARMAC's decision that ultimately led to the government's decision to expand the health budget in order to fund the 12-month regimen. It defends PHARMAC's decision against the charge of unfairness, arguing that for high-cost drugs with limited proven effectiveness it is not unfair to deny funding on grounds of cost-effectiveness, since although some moral priority must be given to helping those with serious diseases like breast cancer, the capacity of such drugs to swamp health care budgets is itself a significant moral issue. It concludes that the decision to expand the health budget to pay for Herceptin exacerbates rather than solves the political and moral problems involved in prioritizing health care resources.
Content and effects of news stories about uncertain cancer causes and preventive behaviors.

This article presents findings from two studies that describe news portrayals of cancer causes and prevention in local TV and test the effects of typical aspects of this coverage on cancer-related fatalism and overload. Study 1 analyzed the content of stories focused on cancer causes and prevention from an October 2002 national sample of local TV and newspaper cancer coverage (n = 122 television stations; n = 60 newspapers). Informed by results from the content analysis, Study 2 describes results from a randomized experiment testing effects of the volume and content of news stories about cancer causes and prevention (n = 601). Study 1 indicates that local TV news stories describe cancer causes and prevention as comparatively more certain than newspapers but include less information about how to reduce cancer risk. Study 2 reveals that the combination of stories conveying an emerging cancer cause and prevention behavior as moderately certain leads to an increased sense of overload, while a short summary of...
Modeling the Impact of Increasing PHEV Loads on the Distribution Infrastructure

Numerous recent reports have assessed the adequacy of current generating capacity to meet the growing electricity demand from Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and the potential for using these vehicles to provide grid support (Vehicle to Grid, V2G) services. However, little has been written on how these new loads will affect the medium and low-voltage distribution infrastructure. This paper briefly reviews the results of the existing PHEV studies and describes a new model: the PHEV distribution circuit impact model (PDCIM). PDCIM allows one to estimate the impact of an increasing number of PHEVs (or pure electric vehicles) on transformers and underground cables within a medium voltage distribution system. We describe the details of this model and results from its application to a distribution circuit in Vermont.
GPRC6A mediates responses to osteocalcin in β-cells in vitro and pancreas in vivo.

A bone-pancreas endocrine loop has been identified recently that involves insulin secreted from β-cells in the pancreas stimulating insulin receptors in osteoblasts, leading to osteoblastic differentiation and increased secretion of osteocalcin (Ocn), a bone-derived hormone that regulates insulin secretion in β-cells. The identity of the Ocn-sensing receptor in β-cells is a missing component of this endocrine loop. The abnormalities in glucose homeostasis in Gprc6a null mice suggests that this pertussis toxin–sensitive G protein–coupled receptor is a candidate for mediating the effects of Ocn on insulin secretion in the pancreas. In support of this possibility, we found that transfection of non-Gprc6a-expressing HEK-293 cells with a full-length Gprc6a cDNA imparted a dose-dependent response to Ocn (5 to 60 ng/mL), as measured by PKD1 and ERK phosphorylation. In addition, Gprc6a is highly expressed in mouse pancreatic tissue and in the mouse TC-6 pancreatic β-cell line. Ocn also stimulated ERK activity in TC-6 pancreatic β-cells. Finally, intraperitoneal injection of Ocn stimulated ERK activity in the pancreas and increased serum insulin levels in wild-type mice, but these responses were markedly attenuated in Gprc6a−/− mice. These findings suggest that GPRC6A is a candidate for mediating the response to Ocn in the bone-pancreas endocrine loop regulating insulin signaling. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ethnic Identity, Self-Esteem and Variability in Perceptions of Rap Music's Empowering and Risky Influences.

Violence, risky sexual behaviors, and substance use are critical targets for improved health behavior. Prior research has linked levels of exposure to rap music with a range of undesirable health behaviors. Contemporary research has also found health-enhancing and other ‘positive’ correlations with rap music exposure. The present study examined unique and shared effects among ethnic identity, self-esteem, music exposure, age, and gender on depressive symptoms among 128 high school and college students, along with variables reflecting empowering and risky rap music influences. Data analyses used structural equation modeling. The full model demonstrated excellent fit (Chi-square (df) = 13.6 (14); CFI = 1.0, TLI = 1.0; RMSEA = 0.000) and strong support for hypothesized variable pathways. Music exposure contributed little independently to undesirable outcomes. Positive ethnic identity was associated with greater music-influenced empowerment. Greater perceived music-influenced empowerment was associated with s...
Effect of Zinc Fertilization on Yield, Enzymatic Discoloration, Phenolic and Nitrogenous Constituents of Potato Tubers

The effect of zinc fertilization on yield, enzymatic discoloration, phenolic and nitrogenous constituents of Katahdin potatoes was studied. Zinc sulfate was banded in the soil at the time of planting at rates of 0, 20, 40, and 100 1b/acre. Application of 100 1b/acre zinc reduced significantly the total yield and especially U.S. #l yields of potatoes, but no significant differences in yield were observed up to 40 1b/acre zinc sulfate. Zinc fertilization significantly reduced phenolic content and discoloration of tubers. Nonprotein nitrogen and free amino acid contents were reduced at all levels of zinc application, and total nitrogen was significantly reduced at the 100 1b/acre level.
Mapping sp2 and sp3 states of carbon at sub-nanometre spatial resolution

THE potential for diverse applications of diamond1 has been enhanced by the discovery of the chemical vapour deposition process2,3 for film formation. The growth of hetero-epitaxial diamond films on silicon is a particularly attractive goal, but only polycrystalline films have so far been prepared in this way4. Because of the large lattice mismatch, thin intermediate layers (interlayers5) are formed between the diamond and silicon phases, which may contain crystalline SiC (refs 6, 7) or amorphous compounds (SiC, carbon8 and SiO2). An understanding of how diamond nucleates5,9–11, and the role of these interlayers, requires a detailed knowledge of the nature of carbon bonding (sp2 orsp3) at the interface. Here we report the use of transmission electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) to obtain a map of sp2 and sp3 carbon at a spatial resolution of less than a nanometre across the silicon–diamond interface. We find that diamond nucleates on an amorphous carbon layer, with the transition from sp2to sp3 carbon occurring over less than one nanometre.
Comparison of Dye-Sensitized Rutile- and Anatase-Based TiO2 Solar Cells

The objective of this work is to develop and optimize the new dye-sensitized solar cell technology. In view of the infancy of rutile material development for solar cells, the PV response of the dye-sensitized rutile-based solar cell is remarkably close to that of the anatase-based cell.
Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor Type 1 and 2 in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury and Fibrogenesis

Genomic ablation of hepatocyte-specific fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)4 in mice revealed a role of FGF signaling in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism and hepatolobular restoration in response to injury without effect on liver development or hepatocyte proliferation. Although the potential role of all 23 FGF polypeptides in the liver is still unclear, the most widely studied prototypes, FGF1 and FGF2, are present and have been implicated in liver cell growth and function in vitro. To determine whether FGF1 and FGF2 play a role in response to injury and fibrosis, we examined the impact of both acute and chronic exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the livers of FGF1- and FGF2-deficient mice. After acute CCl4 exposure, FGF1(−/−)FGF2(−/−) mice exhibited an accelerated release of serum alanine aminotransferase similar to FGFR4 deficiency, but no effect on overall hepatolobular restoration or bile acid metabolism. FGF1(−/−)FGF2(−/−) mice exhibited a normal increase in α-smooth muscle actin and desmin associated with activation and migration of hepatic stellate cells to damage, but a reduced level of hepatic stellate cell-derived matrix collagen α1(I) synthesis. Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic CCl4 exposure was markedly decreased in the livers of FGF1/FGF2-deficient mice. These results suggest an agonist role for FGF1 and FGF2 in specifically insult-induced liver matrix deposition and hepatic fibrogenesis and a potential target for the prevention of hepatic fibrosis.
Low Intensity Harvest Management of Reed Canarygrass

High K grass forage increases risk of animal metabolic disorders, and forage management of perennial grass grown under K-limiting soil conditions needs further study. Our objective was to evaluate forage nutritive value, yield, and stand persistence of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinaceae L.) under two-harvest management and low availability of soil K. Three N and three K fertilizer treatments were applied to reed canarygrass for 5 yr at two sites in central New York state with Niagara silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, active, mesic Aerie Epiqualfs) and Williamson silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, active, mesic Typic Fragiudepts) soil types. Reed canarygrass persisted under all treatments throughout the experiment, although K deficiency symptoms appeared in the high N, low K fertilizer combination. At the high N fertilizer rate, dry matter (DM) yield increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased K fertilizer rate, while K fertilizer did not influence yield in the absence of N fertilizer. Recovery of K fertilizer was low and increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased N fertilizer rate from 6 to 42%. Soil test K increased to 59.9 mg kg -1 with no N fertilization and decreased to 34.9 mg kg -1 with 224 kg N ha -1 . Under high N fertilization with nq K fertilization, grass forage K concentration averaged <12 g kg -1 in the spring and <8 g kg -1 in the fall. Sufficient yields of grass forage with reasonable quality and low concentrations of K were possible through high N, low K fertility management in a two-harvest system.
Predictors of tooth loss in two US adult populations.

Objectives: This study determines tooth loss rate over a 1 O-year period and identifies predictors of tooth loss in two separate US adult longitudinal study populations. Methods: Subjects from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), consisting of 47 men and 47 women, ages ranging from 30 to 69 years, were compared to subjects from the VA Dental Longitudinal Study (VADLS) in Boston, MA, consisting Of 481 men in the same age range. Baseline and follow-up examinations were performed on each cohort over a 10-year period. Using multivariate regression models, significant predictors of tooth loss were identified. Results: A mean rate of tooth loss of 1.5 teeth lost per 10 years was noted in the VADLS cohort compared to 0.6 teeth lost per 10 years in the BLSA (Pe.001). Combining subjects from both populations, significant predictors of tooth loss were baseline values of: percent of teeth with restorations, mean probing pocket depth score, age, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, number of teeth present, and male sex. However, the set of significant predictor variables differed between the two populations and sexes. In BLSA men, number of teeth present, percent of teeth with restorations, mean probing pocket depth score, and alcohol con- sumption, but not age, were significant, while in BLSA women, only age was a significant predictor. Conclusions: Over a 10-year period, the incidence of tooth loss, the rates of tooth loss, and the predictors of tooth loss were found to vary by population and by sex. These results illustrate the limits of generalizing tooth loss findings across different study cohorts and indicate that there may exist important differences in risk factors for tooth loss among US adult populations. (J Public Health Dent 2004;64(1):3 1-37)
Flow and thermal structures in a transitional boundary layer

Abstract A three-wire probe was specifically designed and fabricated to measure the flow structure and the thermal field in transitional and low Reynolds number turbulent flow. In addition to the skin friction coefficient and Stanton number on the surface, detailed measurements were made of the mean and fluctuation quantities of the flow and temperature fields in the boundary layer. The evolution of the uv profiles indicates that turbulent shear is generated near Y+ = 70–100 and imposes itself on the wall within the boundary layer, ut , vt , ϵ H , ϵ M , and Prt were measured near the end of transition and in the turbulent flow region. Prt is shown to be greater than the typical value of 0.9 in the near-wall region. The Reynolds analogy factor (2 St/Cf) in the early turbulent flow region is approximately 0.9, which is lower than the typical value of 1.2 for turbulent flow. The data presented in this paper serve as the baseline for a series of consecutive studies related to investigating various parameters that affect laminar-turbulent transition.
Phytic Acid Hydrolysis and Soluble Zinc and Iron in Whole Wheat Bread As Affected by Calcium Containing Additives

The effects of nonfat dry milk, CaCO3, CaCl2 and MgCl2 on phytate hydrolysis and on Zn and Fe availability was evaluated in whole wheat bread and in a model fermentation system. CaCO3 and CaCl2 both depressed phytate hydrolysis to an equivalent degree, but the milk had a greater effect than could be accounted for by its Ca content. MgCl2 had a less pronounced effect than the Ca salts in both the bread and the model system. Increasing fermentation time in the model system increased phytate hydrolysis, but the effect was delayed when milk or CaCl2 was added. Supplementing the bread dough with Ca equivalent to that typically contributed by Ca-containing additives caused 50% reductions in the available quantities of soluble (“free”) zinc and iron; the decreases observed with varying added amounts of Ca or milk exhibited a high degree of correlation with the observed increases in residual phytate P.
S100β as a predictor of brain metastases : Brain versus cerebrovascular damage

BACKGROUND The identification of brain metastases in patients with malignant disease has important implications for determining their treatment and prognosis. Asymptomatic metastatic brain tumors may be detected by surveillance imaging techniques, but longitudinal follow-up of patients who are at risk is sporadic primarily due to cost. Because the development of brain metastases is accompanied and detected by extravasation of contrast agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the authors hypothesized that peripheral analysis of the BBB indicator S100β may be useful as a screening tool for brain metastases in patients who have no neurologic symptoms. METHODS Thirty-eight patients were enrolled for the current study. All patients had newly diagnosed lung carcinoma and had no neurologic symptoms or known history of brain metastasis. Patients underwent an initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and S100β blood tests. S100β tests were repeated in a subset of patients at the time of routine follow-up MRI scans. RESULTS Based on imaging studies and on serum S100β analyses, the patients were divided in 3 categories: 1) patients with normal S100β levels (0.08 ± 0.02 μg/L; n = 22 patients) and normal MRI scans; 2) patients with elevated S100β levels (0.5 ± 0.28 μg/L; n = 8 patients) and pronounced microvascular changes on MRI scans but with no metastases; and 3) patients with elevated S100β levels (0.28 ± 0.19 μg/L; n = 7 patients) and metastatic brain tumor(s) on MRI scans. CONCLUSIONS Because of the significant overlap in S100β levels between patients with cerebral microvascular diseases and patients with brain metastases, the authors concluded that the serum S100β level may be used as a surveillance tool to predict or detect brain metastases if appropriate prescreening radiologic tests are obtained and if patients who are candidates for false-positive results are identified and excluded. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Content-based Packet Marking for Application-Aware Processing in Overlay Networks

In many emerging sensing applications, random network losses may lead to drop of critical information, rendering partially received data useless for the end users. A packet-marking scheme based on the application content is proposed that enables application-aware processing of the data within the overlay network. A token-bucket based rate control algorithm in conjunction with the proposed packet-marking scheme enables on-the-fly selection of data for forwarding/drop to a particular end user at the desired transmission rate. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the packet-marking and token-bucket based rate control scheme in simultaneously meeting heterogeneous QoS requirements of the multiple end users for content quality and bandwidth for a weather monitoring sensing application.