cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of immunoglobulin D in mammals: immunoglobulin heavy constant delta genes in dogs, chimpanzees and four old world monkey species.

Antibodies are adaptor molecules that neutralize pathogens and link humoral and cellular defence mechanisms. Immunoglobulin D (IgD), one of the five antibody classes present in mammals, is expressed as an antigen receptor on naive B cells. The functional role that IgD plays in the immune response is still poorly understood, but the recent characterization of immunoglobulin heavy constant delta genes (IGHD) in a variety of species challenges the view that IgD is of minor importance and is not present in many animals. On the basis of serological studies, IgD appears to be expressed in the majority of mammalian species examined. To confirm, at the molecular level, that IgD is present in different species, we cloned and sequenced IGHD cDNA from dogs and five non-human primate species (chimpanzee, rhesus macaque, cynomolgus macaque, baboon and sooty mangabey). Our results show that in all six species, IgD heavy chains possess three immunoglobulin domains and a long hinge region encoded by two exons. Only the hinge region of non-human primates is similar to the human hinge region, with conservation of O-glycosylation sites and multiple charged residues at opposing ends. The preservation of IgD in primates, dogs and previously characterized species suggests an important functional role for IgD, possibly involving binding to a receptor. The high degree of similarity existing between the structural features of human and non-human primate IgD suggests that non-human primates are suitable for in vivo studies designed to define the role that IgD plays in the immune response.
Vapor-liquid equilibrium for phenanthrene-toluene mixtures at elevated temperatures and pressures

Abstract Vapor and liquid equilibrium compositions are reported for the phenanthrene-toluene system at 593, 633, and 675 K and at pressures ranging from 7.3 bar to the binary mixture critical pressure at each temperature. Mixture critical pressures were obtained by visual observation of critical opalescence within a view cell. A flow apparatus for measuring VLE and LLE that is capable of operation at pressures up to 350 bar and temperatures to 675 K is also described. The apparatus can be used with materials such as phenanthrene and petroleum pitches which are solids at room temperature.
Molecular characterization and chromosomal localization of mouse Pur? gene

Purα is a 39-kDa sequence-specific single-stranded DNA/RNA binding protein with the ability to modulate transcription of several genes containing the Pur element in their promoter region. Human and mouse Purα exhibit an extraordinary degree of conservation with only two changes at amino acid residues 49 and 306. A 15-kb genomic clone encompassing the mouse Purα gene was isolated by screening the mouse genomic library, using a PCR-amplified fragment from human Purα cDNA. Results from sequencing analysis confirmed the isolated genomic clone to be Purα and not the other members of the Pur family, including Purβ. Characterization of the mouse Purα gene by restriction analysis/Southern blotting and sequencing revealed that the Purα gene contains only one intron within the 5′ UTR and the open reading frame was intact. Using chromosomal markers, the Purα gene was mapped to chromosome 18 in mouse and rat. J. Cell. Biochem. 77:1–5, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pretty in pink? Firearm hazards for domestic violence victims.

In the growing public health and legislative debate on safety from gun violence for domestic violence victims there are two sides: Those who promote disarming abusers to reduce the risk of homicide, and those who promote arming victims to protect themselves from their abusers. Both sides have experienced recent state-level legislative success. However, legislation passed to facilitate the arming of domestic violence victims ignores the dangerous realities of abusive relationships. Language: en
Estimation of state, shape, and inertial parameters of space objects from sequences of range images

This paper presents an architecture for the estimation of dynamic state, geometric shape, and inertial parameters of objects in orbit, using on-orbit cooperative 3-D vision sensors. This has application in many current and projected space missions, such as satellite capture and servicing, debris capture and mitigation, and large space structure assembly and maintenance. The method presented here consists of three distinct parts: (1) kinematic data fusion, which condenses sensory data into a coarse estimate of target pose; (2) Kalman filtering, which filters these coarse estimates and extracts the full dynamic state and inertial parameters of the target; and (3) shape estimation, which uses filtered pose information and the raw sensory data to build a probabilistic map of the target’s shape. This method does not rely on feature detection, optical flow, or model matching, and therefore is robust to the harsh sensing conditions of space. Instead, it exploits the well-modeled dynamics of objects in space through the Kalman filter. The architecture is computationally fast since only coarse measurements need to be provided to the Kalman filter. This paper will summarize the three steps of the architecture. Simulation results will follow showing the theoretical performance of the architecture.
Spontaneous pneumothorax and fossil fuels.

The preponderance of young adult males with the diagnosis of idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax in comparison to the number occurring in females, and the reported wide geographic variations in the incidence of this disease have not been explained. This study explores the possibility that the inhalation of acidic soot emanating from the smoke stacks of some campus-operated power plants may be one cause of the geographic differences. The male-female differences may also result from the fact that the inhalation of such acidic carbon particulates is maximized during strenuous outdoor competitive physical activities in which males are much more frequently engaged than are their female peers. A mail survey of the incidence of idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax was conducted among the student health services of a number of colleges and universities belonging to the American College Health Association. A subsequent questionnaire regarding the type of fuel used in the school power plants was then sent to those s...
Myocardial salvage by T2W-CMR: direct comparison to a non-destructive, high resolution, 3-dimensional ex-vivo assessment of the area at risk simultaneous with infarction

Background The amount of myocardial salvage is a critical determinant of prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). T2WCMR in combination with DE-CMR is thought to be a promising method that could presumably measure salvage. However, direct comparisons with the appropriate reference standard are limited. Additionally, even if a pathology reference standard is present, co-registration with in-vivo imaging is problematic. We recently validated a new ex-vivo CMR protocol against the reference standard of microspheres and TTC that provides 3D, non-destructive, high-resolution maps of the AAR simultaneously with infarction[1]. Because this map delineates both the AAR and infarction, salvage can be easily measured in a single image, rather than being calculated from 2 datasets. Additionally, the 3D map allows for direct matching of in-vivo DE to ex-vivo CMR and thereby further minimizing the potential for misregistration from in-vivo DE and more importantly in-vivo T2. Therefore, we sought to compare in-vivo calculated salvage to the directly measured salvage by ex-vivo CMR.
Optical wavelength conversion of quantum states with optomechanics

An optomechanical interface that converts quantum states between optical fields with distinct wavelengths is proposed. A mechanical mode couples to two optical modes via radiation pressure and mediates the quantum state mapping between the two optical modes. A sequence of optomechanical $\ensuremath{\pi}/2$ pulses enables state-swapping between optical and mechanical states, as well as the cooling of the mechanical mode. Theoretical analysis shows that high-fidelity conversion can be realized for states with small photon numbers in systems with experimentally achievable parameters. The pulsed conversion process also makes it possible to maintain high conversion fidelity at elevated bath temperatures.
T-cell tolerance

Despite the acceptance of principles such as clonal deletion in the thymus and peripheral clonal anergy, several new issues have arisen in the study of T-cell tolerance. For example, in the case of thymic tolerance, it is now clear that several distinct components of the thymus, including various subsets of thymic epithelial cells, can all make contributions to the deletion of autoreactive T cells. In the case of peripheral T-cell tolerance, the induction of anergy now has been complicated by the possibility that bone marrow derived antigen presenting cells may, under certain conditions, be tolerogenic rather than stimulatory.
Spatial mapping in the primate sensory projection: Analytic structure and relevance to perception

The retinotopic mapping of the visual field to the surface of the striate cortex is characterized as a longarithmic conformal mapping. This summarizes in a concise way the observed curve of cortical magnification, the linear scaling of receptive field size with eccentricity, and the mapping of global visual field landmarks. It is shown that if this global structure is reiterated at the local level, then the sequence regularity of the simple cells of area 17 may be accounted for as well. Recently published data on the secondary visual area, the medial visual area, and the inferior pulvinar of the owl monkey suggests that same global logarithmic structure holds for these areas as well. The available data on the structure of the somatotopic mapping (areaS-1) supports a similar analysis. The possible relevance of the analytical form of the cortical receptotopic maps to perception is examined and a brief discussion of the developmental implications of these findings is presented.
Collective Motions in Classical Liquids. II

An improved version of the theory of Singwi et al. for the collective motions in classical liquids is described. The theory is based on a generalized mean-field approximation involving the polarization potential and the screened response function. The latter, instead of having a free-particle form or that corresponding to the true self-motion of the particle in a liquid, is assumed to be a sum of Gaussian functions weighted by the momentum distribution of the particles. The zero and fourth moments of the scattering law determine the polarization potential and the width of the Gaussians. Numerical calculations have been made for the spectral function of the longitudinal current correlations, quasielastic scattering, and absolute intensities for liquid argon in the range of momentum transfer 0.5-6.3 ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The results are in excellent agreement with the molecular-dynamics calculations and recent experiments on a purely coherent sample of liquid argon.
Reasoning about Exceptions

One of the most important tasks for political theologians today is the cultivation of capacities for democratic reasoning about exceptions to the rule of law. The task is important because liberal societies face – or at least believe they face – a number of threats that seem to require exceptional measures in response. The pressure to make exceptions grows stronger, even as we find ourselves with fewer and weaker resources for thinking about them. Our capacities to reason together about exceptions have eroded with the rise of worldviews that feature networks of perfectly regular laws. These worldviews gained strength from early modern natural sciences that depended on a vision of the universe as ordered by a set of exceptionless rules. As Charles Taylor has argued, these visions of a regular natural order fit closely with emerging visions for politics that emphasized norms of fairness, equality, and the rule of law – norms that had power exactly because their logic pressed them towards universal application. Justified exceptions to these norms became as difficult to imagine as miracles that suspended the laws of nature. This drive to eliminate exceptions in political orders produced some of the greatest achievements of the modern era. Reforms like the abolition of slavery, the expansion of the franchise to all adult citizens, and the elaboration of means to hold powerful people accountable to laws all gained strength from a wariness of exceptions. Any attempt to restore exceptions or singularities to political imaginations should seek to extend these reforms rather than undermine them. But the elimination of exceptions has also come with some cost. When exceptions become intolerable, then extraordinary actions need to be justified in relation to exceptionless rules. Justified in this way, extraordinary actions set precedents. They come to define a new normal. Understanding this process helps make sense of Walter Benjamin’s observation in 1940 that ‘‘the ‘state of emergency’ in which we live is not the exception but the rule.’’ In recent years Giorgio Agamben has traced some of the ways that states of exception continue to
Strategy clusters in japanese markets: Firm performance implications

This study identifies generic Japanese strategy clusters and explores their performance implications. It is based on Japanese executives’ perceptions of the veracity of various PIMS strategy principles in Japan. Three distinct strategy clusters are identified around market position and product strategy dimensions. These Japanese strategy clusters, when moderated by such contingency factors as strategic orientation and product life cycle stage, offer unique performance implications for the Japanese market.
A sexual phobia treated with macadamia nuts

Abstract A married woman's sexual phobia was treated by a program that included relaxation training, in vivo desensitization, communication training, and negotiating behavioral contracts. Unique to the case was the use of eating macadamia nuts as a counter-conditioning agent to diminish the woman's anxiety during intercourse. The couple were seen together by the therapist over a 7 1 2 -month period and progressed from virtually no intercourse to orgasmic intercourse. The improvement had been maintained at follow-up 8 months later.
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALE IN ADVERTISING: A Content Analysis

To assess the portrayal of African-American males in magazine advertising, two content analyses of ads appearing in a diverse set of magazines were conducted for the present study. The aim of the study was to unearth information on the frequency with which African-American men are portrayed in print advertising; the kinds of products/ product categories we see advertised by African-American men in ads in these magazines; and the roles and occupational status, as well as the settings and interactions, in which they were depicted. Study 1 examined portrayals in three new hip-hop magazines (i.e., The Source, Vibe, and XXL). Results from the first study indicate that representation of African-American men in ads was high, but they were used mainly in ads for clothes, shoes, and accessories. They were likely to be shown in major roles in these ads, and by themselves. Nonoccupational roles and limited portrayals in business or work-related settings were dominant, however. Study 2, which formed a basis for compa...
Extracellular barriers to in Vivo PEI and PEGylated PEI polyplex-mediated gene delivery to the liver.

Polyplex-mediated gene therapy is a promising alternative to viral gene therapy. One challenge to these synthetic carriers is reduced transfection efficiencies in vivo compared to those achieved in vitro. Many of the intracellular barriers to gene delivery have been elucidated, but similar quantification of extracellular barriers to gene delivery remains a need. In this study, the unpackaging of polyplexes by serum proteins, soluble glycosaminoglycans, and an extracellular matrix extract was demonstrated by a YOYO-1 fluorescence quenching assay. Additionally, exposing polyplexes to serum or proteoglycans before in vitro transfection caused decreased cellular uptake of DNA. Lastly, PEI polyplexes and PEGylated PEI polyplexes were injected into the portal vein of mice, and the intrahepatic distributions of labeled DNA and polymer were assessed by confocal microscopy. PEI polyplexes delivered DNA to the liver, but extensive vector unpackaging was observed, with PEI primarily colocalized with the extracellula...
Veterans Affairs facility performance on Washington Circle indicators and casemix-adjusted effectiveness

Self-administered Addiction Severity Index (ASI) data were collected on 5,723 patients who received substance abuse treatment in 1 of 110 programs located at 73 Veterans Affairs facilities. The associations between each of three Washington Circle (WC) performance indicator scores (identification, initiation, and engagement) and their casemix-adjusted facility-level improvement in ASI drug and alcohol composites 7 months after intake were estimated. Higher initiation rates were not associated with facility-level improvement in ASI alcohol composite scores but were modestly associated with greater improvements in ASI drug composite scores. Identification and engagement rates were unrelated to 7-month outcomes. WC indicators focused on the early stages of treatment may tap necessary but insufficient processes for patients with substance use disorder to achieve good posttreatment outcomes. Ideally, the WC indicators would be supplemented with other measures of treatment quality.
Experimental observation and theoretical analysis of Raman resonance-enhanced photodamage in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

The photodamage in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging of spinal tissues is featured by plasma-induced myelin splitting and shockwaves. When the excitation is tuned on resonance with the symmetric CH2 stretch vibration, the average point-scanning time to cause the photodamage is reduced by half. Similar Raman resonance-enhanced photodamage is also observed for a polymer film. The light-matter energy transfer in coherent Raman processes with both plane waves and focused excitation beams is analyzed to interpret this phenomenon. Our calculation indicates that at Raman resonance, a significant vibrational absorption in the material can be stimulated by the concomitant Raman gain and Raman loss processes due to high incident-field intensities under a tight-focusing condition. As a result, while the nonlinear damage induced by multiphoton absorption can be diminished in CARS microscopy owing to the use of near-infrared picosecond pulses, the coherent Raman-induced vibrational pumping is able to enhance the photodamage by assisting plasma generation in the material.
Klein-Gordon propagator via first quantization

Abstract We quantize the classical mechanics of a free spinless relativistic point particle via Feyman's path integral prescription to obtain the Klein-Gordon propagator.
Refrigeration below 1 K in space

Abstract The environment in space makes refrigeration more difficult than on Earth. Two methods have been proposed — 3 He refrigeration and adiabatic demagnetization. This paper presents some of the difficulties associated with both systems and discusses the progress in overcoming these problems.
Superposition of binary and Gaussian codebooks to relay data in diamond networks

A new communication scheme for Gaussian diamond relay networks based on superposition coding and partial decoding at the relays is presented. A first level codebook is constructed with symbols chosen from a binary alphabet while a second level codebook is composed of codewords chosen with Gaussian symbols. The relays partially decode the message to identify when to amplify the incoming signals. The new communication scheme is a generalization of decode-and-forward, amplify-and-forward, and bursty-amplify-and-forward. The achievable rates are studied in the asymptotic low SNR regime. It is shown that the new scheme outperforms all previously known schemes for some channels and parameter ranges.
Nucleoside transport in normal and polyoma-transformed cells: kinetic differences following adenosine and serum or insulin stimulation.

Abstract Hamster and mouse embryo cells cultured for 24 h in serum-less medium respond to serum, insulin or adenosine with an increase in the rate of uridine uptake. Kinetic experiments indicate that serum and insulin increase the V for uridine transport without altering the K t . In contrast, adenosine leads not only to an increased V , but also a significant alteration in K t . Phloretin is shown to be a potent, competitive inhibitor of uridine uptake in unstimulated (S−) cells as well as those stimulated by both serum (S+) and adenosine (S−:AR). The K r for this inhibition is the same for S− and S+ cells but differs from the K t for the S−:AR cells. Furthermore, it has been found that two polyoma-transformed hamster tumor cell lines respond to serum and phloretin in the same qualitative manner as normal cells.
Land-based evidence for Tertiary climatic variations: Northern Rockies

Paleoclimatic interpretations of sedimentation patterns, paleosol mineralogy, and vertebrate faunal assemblages of extensive Tertiary continental clastic sediments of Montana and Idaho indicate four major changes in precipitation in this area during Tertiary time: wet to dry in late Eocene, dry to wet in late early Miocene, wet to dry in early middle Miocene, and dry to wet in late Miocene–Pliocene time. This climate pattern is synchronous with similar climatic changes inferred from deep-ocean sedimentation rates for the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, and to oxygen isotope paleo-temperature data for the North Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. Other paleoclimatic evidence supports the pattern. The evidence suggests widespread synchronous Tertiary climate changes that may provide useful time-stratigraphic markers.
Immunocytochemical localization of leucomyosuppressin-like peptides in the CNS of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae.

Immunocytochemistry was used to determine sites of synthesis and pathways for the transport of the neuropeptide, Leucomyosuppressin (pQDVDHVFLRFamide) in the cockroach,Leucophaea maderae. This study led to identification of neurons in the brain and thoracic ganglia reactive to polyclonal antibodies raised against this peptide. No immunoreactive cells were found in the subsophageal or abdominal ganglia. Although the corpus cardiacum contained no intrinsic cells immunoreactive to LMS antibodies, the periphery of this organ and that of the nervi corporis allati contain an abundance of LMS-reactive terminals.
Silencing crown gall disease in walnut (Juglans regia L.)

Crown gall disease can severely limit the growth and productivity of many tree crops and ornamental plants. We have developed a novel crown gall disease resistance strategy that is based upon the silencing of two highly conserved Agrobacterium tumefaciens oncogenes which are required for crown gall development. The tryptophan monooxygenase (iaaM) and isopentenyl transferase (ipt) genes are horizontally transferred from A. tumefaciens to the plant cell, mediating the de novo auxin and cytokinin production that initiates tumorigenesis. By expressing inducers of post-transcriptional gene silencing homologous to iaaM and ipt in plant cells, the corresponding oncogene mRNA transcripts are degraded in planta, providing functional resistance to crown gall disease. This strategy is highly efficacious in English (Persian) walnut (Juglans regia L.), as several transformed lines expressing self-complementary iaaM and ipt transgenes display a highly specific accumulation of small-interfering RNAs and a broad-spectrum suppression of tumorigenesis. Potential applications and limitations of this technology in the future development of crown gall-resistant fruit and nut crop are also discussed.
Standing Out From the Crowd: How Comparison to Prototypes Can Decrease Health-Risk Behavior in Young Adults

This research tested whether social comparison can encourage adolescents to make less risky health decisions. Two studies demonstrated that when young adults compare themselves with drinkers, they become less willing to drink if they perceive dissimilarity between themselves and those drinkers. When participants in Study 1 compared with someone who drinks regularly, their perceived similarity to prototypical drinkers was positively related to their willingness to drink. In Study 2, participants identified or contrasted themselves with prototypical drinkers; those encouraged to contrast who also felt less similar to the prototype reported less willingness to drink. These studies support the prototype/willingness model's assumption that prototypes affect willingness to drink through social comparison.
A chemiluminescence technique for determination of rates of reaction of chromium(III) with carboxylate ligands and humic acid

Abstract Chemiluminescence can distinguish between chelate-bound and unbound Cr(III). Complexes of Cr(III) that do not form a chelate, such as the acetate complex, give the same response as unbound Cr(III). Accordingly, the reaction rates of Cr(III) with the chelate-forming carboxylate ligands (oxalate, citrate, phthalate, salicylate, and tartrate) can be monitored by chemiluminescence. The reaction of Cr(III) with humic acid can also be monitored by chemiluminescence but the results are complicated by the simultaneous formation of chelated and unchelated complexes.
Mechanism of block of a human cardiac potassium channel by terfenadine racemate and enantiomers

1. The cardiac toxicity of racemic terfenadine (marked QT prolongation and polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias) is probably due to potassium channel blockade. To test whether one of its enantiomers would be a less efficient potassium channel blocker, we compared the mechanism of action of the racemate with that of the individual enantiomers. 2. We synthesized the individual enantiomers of terfenadine and examined under whole cell voltage-clamp conditions the mechanism of action of the racemate, both enantiomers and a major metabolite on a cloned human cardiac potassium channel, hKv1.5. This delayed rectifier is sensitive to quinidine, clofilium and other 'class III' antiarrhythmic drugs at clinically relevant concentrations. 3. Upon depolarization, racemic terfenadine and its enantiomers induced a fast decline of hKv1.5 current towards a reduced steady state current level. During subsequent repolarization the tail currents deactivated more slowly than the control, resulting in a 'crossover' phenomenon. 4. The voltage-dependence of block was biphasic with a steep increase in block over the voltage range of channel opening (-30 to 0 mV), and a more shallow phase positive to 0 mV (where the channel is fully open). The latter was consistent with a binding reaction sensing 21% of the transmembrane electrical field (with reference to the cell interior). 5. The EC50 for hKv1.5 block by racemic terfenadine was 0.88 microM, while the values for R- and S-terfenadine were 1.19 microM and 1.16 microM, respectively. In contrast, the acid metabolite reduced hKv1.5 current by only 5% at a concentration of 50 microM. 6. These findings suggest that terfenadine blocks the hKvl.5 channel after it opens by entering into the internal mouth of the channel. We have previously shown that quinidine blocks hKvl.5 in a similar manner but with an apparent affinity of ~6 micro M. Thus, terfenadine and its enantiomers are approximately equipotent open state blockers of this human K+ channel and about 6 times more potent than quinidine. The similar state-, time-, and voltage-dependence of hKvl.5 block by both enantiomers also indicates that the chiral centre does not significantly constrain the orientation of critical binding determinants of terfenadine with respect to the receptor site.
Combined scanning electrochemical/optical microscopy with shear force and current feedback.

A technique that combines scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and scanning optical microscopy (OM) was developed. Simultaneous scanning electrochemical/optical microscopy (SECM/OM) was performed by a special probe tip, which consists of an optical fiber core for light passage, surrounded by a gold ring electrode, and an outermost electrophoretic insulating sheath, with the tip attached to a tuning fork. To regulate the tip−substrate distance, either the shear force or the SECM tip current was employed as the feedback signal. The application of a quartz crystal tuning fork (32.768 kHz) for sensing shear force allowed simultaneous topographic, along with SECM and optical imaging in a constant-force mode. The capability of this technique was confirmed by obtaining simultaneously, for the first time, topographic, electrochemical, and optical images of an interdigitated array electrode. Current feedback from SECM also provided simultaneous electrochemical and optical images of relatively soft samples, s...
Deep view: high-resolution reality

We have designed the Deep View visualization system, which consists of a Linux cluster that performs computations to produce 3D geometry, renders the geometry to produce 2D pixels, and then transfers the pixels to be displayed on the T221 display (or video wall). We accelerate the pixel transfer operations using IBM's Scalable Graphics Engine (SGE). We drive high-resolution displays at interactive frame rates using our cluster and the SGE. The SGE is a network-attached frame buffer capable of double buffering up to 16 million pixels. It routes incoming pixels from multiple sources to the appropriate locations in its frame buffer and then transfers the composited result to the T221 display using digital video interface (DVI) output. In total, the SGE can accept up to 16 input links and can drive as many as eight synchronized DVI outputs. In addition, it can time interleave image pairs from its frame buffer to effect time-division stereo. In the current Deep View configuration, the rendered pixels are sent by each node in the cluster to the SGE over a Gigabit Ethernet link, and we use four of the synchronized DVI outputs to drive the T221 at full resolution.
Lessons from Disasters: Play, Work, and the Creative Arts

(2005). Lessons from Disasters: Play, Work, and the Creative Arts. Childhood Education: Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 2-8.
Health care benefits in the public sector: An examination of availability, size, and managerial effects among north carolina municipalities

This study focuses on the extent to which health care benefits are used in North Carolina municipal governments. As such, it not only maps out the existence of these practices, but also the conditions and circumstances in which they occur. Health care practices (Basic dental and medical coverage, employee assistance programs, and child care provisions) are examined. Since group health coverage is nearly universal (albeit the type and extent of coverage varies), it was not examined in this survey. With the exception of pre-paid dental insurance (41 percent) and unpaid maternity leave (31 percent), limited use is made of the various health care programs surveyed. Population and workforce size effects are marginal.The presence of a city manager or town administrator, on the other hand, results in two or three fold the use as occurs in mayor-council cities.
Equal opportunity and the quantity and quality of Japanese children

This paper constructs and estimates a simple model of Japanese completed fertility. The analytical model shows that as a womans lifetime wage rises there is a decline in average quality per child but the effect on the quantity of children is ambiguous. Estimation of the model with rare household level data shows that increases in the husbands permanent income raises completed fertility for high income couples but lowers fertility for the low income. If the wifes education is an appropriate instrument for her lifetime wage then a rise in the wifes lifetime wage appears to lower her demand for children. (EXCERPT)
Rapid parallel synthesis applied to the optimization of a series of potent nonpeptide neuropeptide Y-1 receptor antagonists

Abstract This study describes the integrated application of parallel synthesis and computational chemistry to the design of potent nonpeptide antagonists for the neuropeptide Y-1 (NPY1) receptor. A lead molecule was modeled in the active site of the NPY1 receptor, and a potentially fruitful region for analog construction was identified. Synthesis of suitable scaffolds followed by solution phase generation of a small library of analogs produced a compound with 5-fold improvement in binding over the already potent lead. This new compound was shown to be an unanticipated side product of the parallel synthesis reaction.
Mindfulness in the management of chronic pain: conceptual and clinical considerations

This article presents a conceptual model for the mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic treatment of chronic pain. It describes the process of mindfulness meditation and places it in the context of a practical model for conceptualizing pain. It presents case vignettes on the phenomenology and treatment of chronic pain. Resources for mindfulness are presented.
Computer Simulation of Zirconium-Hafnium Separation by Countercurrent Extraction

Abstract In carrying out research and development on an improved method for production of reactor-grade zirconium oxide, the Bureau of Mines has prepared a computer program capable of accurately predicting the stage-by-stage performance of a multistage countercurrent solvent extraction system for separation of zirconium from hafnium using a tertiary amine extractant. The results were used to plan laboratory experiments using a multistage countercurrent mixer-settler unit. The number of extractor stages, number of scrubber stages, feed solution concentrations, scrubber solution concentration, feed flow, scrubber flow, and organic-phase flow are the significant variables. The computer simulation indicates the effects of changes in the pertinent variables and makes it possible to locate the best combination of variables without a prohibitively large number of time-consuming experiments.
OLGCG: An OPEN LOOK® interface to the GCG sequence analysis package

We have developed a graphical user interface (GUI) to the Genetics Computer Group (GCG) Sequence Analysis Package using the OPEN LOOK interface. The software consists of pulldown menus and window interfaces to the GCG programs. This provides experienced users with methods to expedite the entry of complex commands and inexperienced users easy mouse-driven access to the GCG programs using both IBM-compatible machines and Macintoshes running X server software.
Cyclization studies with 14,15-oxidogeranylgeranyl acetate

Abstract As a model for more elaborate biogenetic-type syntheses of naturally occurring 3-hydroxylated tetra- and pentacyclic terpenoids, the acid-induced cyclization of 14, 15-oxidogeranylgeranyl acetate (1) was studied. Through stannic chloride catalysis, the epoxide 1 was transformed into the tricyclic diol monoacetate 12, along with monocyclic ketone 29, acyclic chlorohydrin 32, and bridged 1,4-oxide 33. The structure and stereochemistry assigned to the tricycle 12 were confirmed by conversion to a reduction product, monoacetate 26, which was indistinguishable on spectral grounds from a substance obtained by an independent synthesis starting from manool (17).
Human papillomavirus through the ages

infections acquired during the reproductive years. In the era of prophylactic HPV vaccines, however, an understanding of the risk and natural history of HPV infection across the entire span of life will be important for the development of appropriate and effective cervical cancer prevention strategies. In related studies, Castle et al. [1] and Herrero et al. [2] explore age-related variations in HPV DNA prevalence in a previously unscreened population of women in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, who were participating in the Proyecto Epidemiologico Guanacaste. In cross-sectional analyses, Ushaped age-specific prevalence curves were observed both at baseline and after 5-7
G-strand overhangs on telomeres in telomerase-deficient mouse cells

Telomeres of eukaryotic chromosomes contain 3' overhangs which are thought to be essential for the maintenance of proper chromosome end structure and function. We examined the requirement for telomerase activity for the generation of these G-strand overhangs in mammalian cells. Using non-denaturing in-gel hybridization to both tissue and cultured cells from mice deficient for the telomerase RNA component, we found that G-strand overhangs exist in the absence of telomerase activity. Quantitation of overhang signal intensity showed no significant reduction in telomerase-deficient cells relative to wild-type. These results support a telomerase-independent mechanism for generating G-strand overhangs.
Atom Probe Study of Irradiation-Enhanced α′ Precipitation in Neutron-Irradiated Fe–Cr Model Alloys

Abstract Atom probe tomography (APT) was performed to study the effects of Cr concentrations, irradiation doses and irradiation temperatures on α′ phase formation in Fe–Cr model alloys (10–16 at.%) irradiated at 300 and 450 °C to 0.01, 0.1 and 1 dpa. For 1 dpa specimens, α′ precipitates with an average radius of 1.0–1.3 nm were observed. The precipitate density varied significantly from 1.1 × 10 23 to 2.7 × 10 24 1/m 3 , depending on Cr concentrations and irradiation temperatures. The volume fraction of α′ phase in 1 dpa specimens qualitatively agreed with the phase diagram prediction. For 0.01 dpa and 0.1 dpa, frequency distribution analysis detected slight Cr segregation in high-Cr specimens, but not in Fe–10Cr specimens. Proximity histogram analysis showed that the radial Cr concentration was highest at the center of α′ precipitates. For most precipitates, the Cr contents were significantly lower than that predicted by the phase diagram. The Cr concentration at precipitate center increased with increasing precipitate size.
Outlier ensembles: position paper

Ensemble analysis is a widely used meta-algorithm for many data mining problems such as classification and clustering. Numerous ensemble-based algorithms have been proposed in the literature for these problems. Compared to the clustering and classification problems, ensemble analysis has been studied in a limited way in the outlier detection literature. In some cases, ensemble analysis techniques have been implicitly used by many outlier analysis algorithms, but the approach is often buried deep into the algorithm and not formally recognized as a general-purpose meta-algorithm. This is in spite of the fact that this problem is rather important in the context of outlier analysis. This paper discusses the various methods which are used in the literature for outlier ensembles and the general principles by which such analysis can be made more effective. A discussion is also provided on how outlier ensembles relate to the ensemble-techniques used commonly for other data mining problems.
Genes, Brain, and Mind: the Evolution of Cognition

I thank Mike Gazzaniga for organizing and guiding a unique interdisciplinary conference and for critically reviewing this manuscript. I also thank Adina Roskies for many valuable comments and excellent editorial advice. Charlie Gilbert and Frank Britten participated in helpful discussions, and Betty Wheeler offered superb technical assistance. I thank the NICHD (HD23315) for supporting important segments of the work described here.
Relational-Cultural Theory and Yoga: A Proposed Model Addressing the Harm of Self-Objectification in Women

Through self-objectification, women experience shame, a decrease in self-esteem, and a disconnection from their selves and their bodies. Research results indicate a cyclical nature to the negative consequences of self-objectification: Shame resulting from self-objectification causes a decrease in self-esteem, which causes a disconnection within oneself and from others, which, in turn, causes more shame. Relational-cultural theory (RCT) is based on the premise that through relationships, one can learn to reconnect with his/her authentic self and with others. The physical and mental practice of yoga, including breath work (pranayama), also offers a path to connection. In this article, we discuss the harm resulting from self-objectification and how it specifically relates to women, and we propose a model for mitigating the negative consequences by combining RCT and the physical and mental practice of yoga.
Tyrosine hydroxylase activity: Regional and subcellular distribution in brain

Abstract The ratio of soluble to membrane-bound tyrosine hydroxylase activity was determined in the cell bodies and nerve endings of the nigro-striatal pathway (substantia nigra and caudate-putamen, respectively) and of the dorsal NE pathway (locus coeruleus and hippocampus-cortex, respectively) as well as in the hypothalamus which contains both CA cell bodies and nerve endings. Regional dissection was accomplished by a new procedure which allows for the rapid and consistent dissection of discrete brain areas. The cell body and nerve ending regions obtained by this procedure were found to be distinguishable with respect to subcellular distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase activity independent of the absolute amount of tyrosine hydroxylase. Locus coeruleus and substantia nigra showed a significantly greater proportion of soluble to membrane-bound tyrosine hydroxylase activity than did the caudate-putamen and hippocampus-cortex, where nerve endings predominate. The ratio for the hypothalamus is consistent with the presence of both CA cell bodies and nerve endings in this region. The necessity to distinguish between relatively discrete cell body and nerve ending regions as well as between NE and DA pathways is discussed as a prerequisite for the adequate characterization of the effects of experimental manipulations.
Aβ inhibits the proteasome and enhances amyloid and tau accumulation

The accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates is a common feature of numerous neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we examined the effects of different assembly states of amyloid beta (Aβ) on proteasome function. We find that Aβ oligomers, but not monomers, inhibit the proteasome in vitro. In young 3xTg-AD mice, we observed impaired proteasome activity that correlates with the detection of intraneuronal Aβ oligomers. Blocking proteasome function in pre-pathological 3xTg-AD mice with specific inhibitors causes a marked increase in Aβ and tau accumulation, highlighting the adverse consequences of impaired proteasome activity for AD. Lastly, we show that Aβ immunotherapy in the 3xTg-AD mice reduces Aβ oligomers and reverses the deficits in proteasome activity. Taken together, our results indicate that Aβ oligomers impair proteasome activity, contributing to the age-related pathological accumulation of Aβ and tau. These findings provide further evidence that the proteasome represents a viable target for therapeutic intervention in AD.
Cognitive-behavioral interventions with older adults: Integrating clinical and gerontological research.

Psychotherapeutic interventions utilizing cognitive–behavioral strategies have been used widely with older adults. To appropriately adapt these techniques, characteristics unique to older adults must be taken into account. These factors include aspects of the social environment, cohort effects, cognitive changes with aging, personality, and emotional development, which have been described in an emerging body of research literature from the field of gerontology. In addition, clinical studies have examined the efficacy of cognitive–behavioral interventions in treating older clients for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other disorders. This review describes current empirical evidence in gerontology and treatment outcome research that informs the practice of psychotherapy in this population and provides recommendations for conducting therapy with older adults.
Beyond Self-Interest: The Political Theory and Practice of Evangelical Women in Antebellum America

Prior to the publication of Gerda Lerner's study of the Grimke sisters in 1967, academic historians and students of political theory largely ignored antebellum women. Since that time many fine books and articles have been published about them. The vast majority of these works have focused on relatively innovative or progressive wo men, such as early religious radicals, abolitionists, and, especially, femi nists.1 In recent years, the number of works on conservative antebellum women has increased markedly, but most of these works ignore or underestimate the influence of evangelical Christianity in the lives of these women.2 Moreover, scholars who have looked seriously
Nitrogen fixation in submerged soilsand-energy material media and the aerobic-anaerobic interface

Flooded soils usually consist of a surface aerobic phase a few millimeters thick (in contact with the atmosphere or oxygenated solution) underlain by an anaerobic phase. The objective of this research was to study nitrogen fixation in the aerobic-anaerobic interfacial area in flooded, cellulose enriched media and the utilization of the products of anaerobic decomposition of cellulose by nitrogen-fixing organisms when these products are brought under aerobic conditions by processes such as diffusion, mixing, and drying. The medium used for these studies was basically a sand matrix supplemented with a small amount of soil and mineral nutrients. When columns of medium enriched with cellulose were sectioned after incubation in the dark under flooded conditions, the increase in content of nitrogen per gram medium in the top 2 to 3 mm of the column was as much as 10 to 15 times the increase in nitrogen content of the lower portions of the column. Periodic mixing of flooded media, alternation of shaking in nitrogen and air atmospheres, and alternate flooding and drying all enhanced fixation relative to undisturbed, continuously flooded media incubated in air. Fixation during incubation under a nitrogen atmosphere was less than fixation under air atmospheres. The results of numerous experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that nitrogen fixation is enhanced when the products of anaerobic decomposition of cellulose are brought under aerobic conditions by any of several processes.
Spectral properties of complex unit gain graphs

Abstract A complex unit gain graph is a graph where each orientation of an edge is given a complex unit, which is the inverse of the complex unit assigned to the opposite orientation. We extend some fundamental concepts from spectral graph theory to complex unit gain graphs. We define the adjacency, incidence and Laplacian matrices, and study each of them. The main results of the paper are eigenvalue bounds for the adjacency and Laplacian matrices.
Photoconductive high-voltage switches of thin film amorphous silicon for EAP actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators offer unprecedented opportunities for actuation in a wide range of applications. To make appealing large scale and efficient systems, new electronic devices combining high voltage and flexibility need to be designed. In this paper we report the first mechatronic system, made of an array of electro-active polymer based actuators integrated with thin film photoconductive high voltage switches fabricated on a plastic film substrate. The actuator is an acrylic elastomer diaphragm that expands under electrical stimulation. Each actuator is connected to the high voltage power supply through a photoconductive switch, which is addressed and closed by illumination. The amorphous silicon switches are made on flexible and transparent polyimide (Kapton E®) substrates. Individual switches were tested up to 8 kV and a nine-element array was successfully working at 5 kV.