cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of multi-branch switched diversity systems

We investigate the performance of both switch and stay combining (SSC) and switch and examine combining (SEC) multi-branch diversity schemes. We first derive generic formulas for the cumulative distribution function, probability density function, and moment generating function of the combiner output signal for both schemes. We then capitalize on these expressions to obtain closed-form expressions for the outage probability and average error rate for various communication scenarios of interest. As a byproduct of our analysis we prove that for SSC with identically distributed and uniformly correlated branches, increasing the number of branches to more than two does not improve the performance but the performance can be different in the case the branches are not identically distributed. We also show that, in general, the SEC performance improves with additional branches. The mathematical formalism is illustrated with a number of selected numerical examples.
A controlled study on the use of propantheline and amylopectin sulfate (SN-263) for recurrences in duodenal ulcer.

The effect of long term administration of an antipeptic agent, SN-263, an anticholinergic drug, propantheline bromide, and their combination for prevention of recurrences was investigated in 75 patients with chronic duodenal ulcer, utilizing a double blind study. The results indicate a recurrence of 75% in the placebo group, 39% in the propantheline group, 16% in the SN-263 group, and 12% in the combined propantheline and SN-263 group. These data confirm the role of gastric proteolytic activity in chronic duodenal ulcer and demonstrate the efficacy of antipeptic agent in the prevention of recurrence.
Some self-similar solutions in river morphodynamics

[1] Aggradation and degradation in one-dimensional channels are often modeled with a simplified nonlinear diffusion equation. Different degrees of nonlinearity are obtained using the Chezy and Manning/Gauckler-Strickler laws for the friction coefficient combined with a sediment transport equation having a generalized form of the Meyer-Peter and Muller formula. Analytical self-similar solutions for the “dam break” and the base-level lowering are presented. While the linear case corresponds to the classic diffusion equation, the main effect of the nonlinearity appears to be the presence of singularities in the self-similar solutions, related to the finite speed of propagation of perturbations.
A compositional analysis of cadaveric human nasal septal cartilage.

Objectives 1) To localize quantitatively the major biochemical constituents of native adult human septal cartilage across whole septa.
Orientation dependence in molecular dynamics simulations of shocked single crystals

We use multimillion-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study shock wave propagation in fcc crystals. As shown recently, shock waves along the direction form intersecting stacking faults by slippage along {l_brace}111{r_brace} close-packed planes at sufficiently high shock strengths. We find even more interesting behavior of shocks propagating in other low-index directions: for the case, an elastic precursor separates the shock front from the slipped (plastic) region. Shock waves along the direction generate a leading solitary wave train, followed (at sufficiently high shock speeds) by an elastic precursor, and then a region of complex plastic deformation. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Mankind's impact on climate: The evolution of an awareness

The first inklings of an understanding of the role played by infraredabsorbing gases in maintaining the warmth of the surface of our planet were voiced early in the 19th century, and by the turn of this century quantitative calculations had been carried out that demonstrated how a change in atmospheric carbon dioxide would alter the earth's mean temperature. However, it was not until the 1960s that much attention was paid to this matter, and in the early 1970s two important summer studies dealing with environmental change fired the imagination of the scientific community. Since then the science (or art) of modeling the climate system has made great strides, aided by faster computers, greater knowledge of the factors involved, and global observations from space of the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere. This effort has also been bolstered by studies of the behavior of the climate system in the past. There is now a strong consensus that the observed increase in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other infrared-absorbing trace gases is indeed warming the earth, and that this change is caused by mankind. The next set of questions are now being seriously addressed in national and international forums: what are the regional patterns of the changes to be anticipated, especially in terms of rainfall and soil moisture? And what should the countries of the world do about the situation? There is already a sharp debate between the activists, who would take action worldwide to avoid the climate change (or at least slow its advance), and those who would simply wait and see what happens and perhaps take what local measures are necessary to mitigate the effects.
A comparison between two polarizability parameters in chemical–biological interactions

The polarizability of a molecule, an important physical property, is currently attracting our attention particularly in the area of QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships) for chemical-biological interactions. Our primary focus in the present study has been upon the computational aspects by using NVE (sum of the valence electrons) as a means for estimating polarizability, we have been surprised at its utility. In this report we demonstrate how NVE can be related to the calculated polarizability from a variety of efforts to better understand the subject. A comparison between the use of two polarizability parameters, that is, NVE and CMR (calculated molar refractivity) in the formulation of QSAR for chemical-biological interactions has been also discussed.
Realistic interaction calculations of (p, n) reactions including tensor knock-out amplitudes☆

Abstract The reactions 14 N(p, n) 14 O(g.s.) and 13 C(p, n) 13 N(g.s.) have been studied using a realistic nucleon-nucleon interaction. A tensor force is included which has approximately the same momentum components as the triplet-even Hamada-Johnston potential truncated according to the Moszkowski-Scott prescription. Knock-out exchange contributions have been investigated for both central and tensor forces. The tensor knock-out amplitudes have been found to be important in the 14 N(p, n) 14 O(g.s.) transition.
Identification and characterization of a novel fushi tarazu factor 1 (FTZ-F1) nuclear receptor in Schistosoma mansoni

Fushi-tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1) is an orphan nuclear receptor involved in gene regulation of various developmental processes and physiological activities. We identified a new member of ftz-f1 gene in Schistosoma mansoni, termed Smftz-f1alpha. The Smftz-f1alpha gene has a complex structure with 15 exons interrupted by 14 introns. It encodes an unusually long SmFTZ-F1alpha protein of 1892 amino acids containing all the modular domains found in nuclear receptors. The DNA-binding domain (DBD) of SmFTZ-F1alpha is conserved and most similar to those of human and mouse FTZ-F1 orthologues, exhibiting a 76% identity. The ligand-binding domain (LBD) is less conserved than the DBD; it shares more diverse identity scores in different regions ranging from 23% to 42% in region II and 28% to 72% in region III. A conserved activation function-2 (AF-2) sequence is present in the SmFTZ-F1alpha LBD. This protein also contains a long hinge region (1027 aa) and an F region (220 aa) at the carboxyl end. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that SmFTZ-F1alpha is the orthologue of Drosophila FTZ-F1alpha and vertebrate NR5 members. Western blot analysis of a schistosome extract identified two proteins, one with a size (206 kDa) predicted by the SmFTZ-F1alpha cDNA sequence and a smaller component of 120 kDa. Smftz-f1alpha is expressed throughout the schistosome life cycle with the highest expression in the egg stage. SmFTZ-F1alpha mRNA is widely distributed in adult worms but does not appear in vitelline cells of female worms. SmFTZ-F1alpha localizes to a variety of tissues but is most abundant in the testis of the male and the ovary of female worms. Our results suggest that SmFTZ-F1alpha plays a role in regulating schistosome development and sexual differentiation similar to other FTZ-F1 family members.
Designing a high-power array for a target in the upper atmosphere

High-power microwave pulses can destroy electronics of targets at altitudes of 100 km or higher, and preliminary designs of microwave antennas driven by Relativistic Klystron Amplifiers have been sketched. This paper discusses: (1) the susceptibility of the atmosphere to microwave breakdown, and (2) the constraint on the design of a microwave weapon imposed by the need to avoid breakdown.
In VivoTracking of Expression Levels of Human Growth Factors Secreted by Human ADRCs in a Murine Fat Graft Model.

Background: Our previously published data show that Adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) enhance the long term retention of autologous fat grafting compared to non-cell-enhanced grafts. To further understand the time course of growth factor expression of ADRCs, we developed an in vivo xenogenic fat graft model.Materials and Methods: Male NCR nude mice were used as recipients to avoid immune rejection of human ADRCs. Inguinal fat pads from male C57Bl6 mice were minced and used as donor fat for transplantation. Human ADRCs from three healthy donors were isolated using the automated Celution® 800/CRS System (Cytori Therapeutics, San Diego, USA) and mixed with minced mouse fat at a concentration of 5x10E5/ml. The mixture was grafted into the dorsal subcutaneous space of nude mice. Grafted samples were harvested at day 0, day 1, day 7, day 14, day 28, day 56 and day 84, for a total of seven different time points (N=4 per time point). DNA and RNA was isolated for further human-specific detection of IGF-1 and VEGF-A and human-specific single copy DNA using real time RT-PCR. All data were normalized to time 0 samples as 100%.Results: Both of human IGF-1 and VEGF-A expression were detected in the first two weeks after fat grafting, and each of the human growth factor showed its unique pattern. For IGF-1, the highest expression level of 100±7.5% was detected at time 0 with a decline to 0.9±0.7% that was maintained for two weeks. By day 14 only 0.22% of the original signal was detected and no more signal could be detected after day 28. In contrast, on day 1 VEGF-A expression showed an increase to 212±82.6% of the time 0 value. It further declined to 30±23% on day 7 and 8.7±11.7% on day 14. After day 28 no more VEGF-A expression could be detected. The engraftment of ADRCs, measured by DNA content, declined to 12±10.7% on day 1 and remained at around 1% until day 14. By day 28, only 0.14% of human DNA signal could be detected and no more signal could be found after day 56.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that this xenogenic approach allows the evaluation of single growth factor expression of human ADRCs in vivo using a mouse background when studying cell-enhanced fat grafting. It also allows quantitative assessment of cell survival. By using this model we find that human ADRCs secrete several growth factors within the grafts and that each growth factor has its own unique profile. Furthermore, it becomes evident that ADRCs are active for several days after implantation before growth factor expression subsides. This is an important safety feature of this adult cell therapy source since continued, high level expression of growth factors would not be desirable in cases of reconstruction after breast cancer removal, when concerns of residual tumor cells exist. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 4124.
Structural and Physicochemical Aspects of Dasatinib Hydrate and Anhydrate phases

Crystal structures for the commercial monohydrate form and an anhydrate form of dasatinib, an oral anticancer agent, are presented along with characterization by Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Solubility measurements conducted in water reveal that the anhydrate has dramatically improved solubility compared to the commercial hydrate form. Finally, dasatinib is a rare example of a promiscuous solvate former, and the basis for this behavior can now be understood by examining the poor packing efficiency in the unsolvated form.
The Association Between Body Esteem and Sexual Desire Among College Women

Relationships between body image variables and sexuality have been found among several groups of women. However, research has largely focused on generalized experiences of sexuality. With the exception of two studies which focused on specific medical populations, to our knowledge there has been no investigation of the relationship between body image and acute measures of sexual response. In the current study, we investigated the relationships between body esteem, sexual response to erotica in a laboratory-setting, and self-reported sexual functioning in a non-clinical sample of 85 college women. Women participated in one study session, during which mental sexual arousal, perceptions of physical arousal, and sexual desire were assessed. Results showed that higher body esteem was significantly positively related to sexual desire in response to erotica in the laboratory setting. Similarly, higher body esteem was positively related to self-reported measures of sexual desire, as assessed by a validated measure of sexual function. The sexual attractiveness and weight concern subscales of the Body Esteem Scale, which relate to body characteristics that are most likely to be under public scrutiny, were particularly linked to sexual desire. This is the first study to show that body esteem is related to sexual responses to a standardized erotic stimulus in a laboratory setting.
Ionic liquid mediated routes to polydentate oxygen-donor adducts of cerium(III) bromide

The preparation of a series of CeBr3 molecular adducts supported by the polydentate oxygen donor ligands diglyme, dimethoxyethane and tetraglyme is reported. The new complexes are characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction and optically by photoluminescence studies.
Puerto Rican mothers of young children with disabilities: a comparison of perceived support systems

Compares family sources of support perceived by 55 Puerto Rican mothers of young children with disabilities residing in Puerto Rico with 39 of their counterparts living in Florida. Uses the Family Support Scale in the interview process to measure perception. Indicates that the Puerto Rican sample perceive more sources of support than those in Florida. Describes perceived patterns and sources. Discusses the implications for schools, agencies and service providers.
Impact of specialty and level of training on CT measurement of femoral version: an interobserver agreement analysis

Background To determine the interobserver agreement on femoral version measurements between an orthopedic attending, orthopedic senior and junior residents, and an attending radiologist.
Physics and the canalization of morphogenesis: a grand challenge in organismal biology.

Morphogenesis takes place against a background of organism-to-organism and environmental variation. Therefore, fundamental questions in the study of morphogenesis include: How are the mechanical processes of tissue movement and deformation affected by that variability, and in turn, how do the mechanic of the system modulate phenotypic variation? We highlight a few key factors, including environmental temperature, embryo size and environmental chemistry that might perturb the mechanics of morphogenesis in natural populations. Then we discuss several ways in which mechanics—including feedback from mechanical cues—might influence intra-specific variation in morphogenesis. To understand morphogenesis it will be necessary to consider whole-organism, environment and evolutionary scales because these larger scales present the challenges that developmental mechanisms have evolved to cope with. Studying the variation organisms express and the variation organisms experience will aid in deciphering the causes of birth defects.
Quantifying management-driven changes in organic matter turnover in an agricultural soil: An inverse modeling approach using historical data and a surrogate CENTURY-type model

Abstract In order to facilitate inverse modeling of time-series data and/or parameter estimation for process-based models of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics, we developed and applied a new surrogate CENTURY SOC model (SCSOC). While SCSOC has mass balance and decomposition kinetics equations for residue and soil organic matter (SOM) pools identical to those of CENTURY, it differs by being: (1) decoupled from models of plant growth, nutrient cycling, and hydrologic processes; (2) capable of employing daily, monthly, or annual timesteps; (3) solvable using widely available non-linear regression software. Here, we describe SCSOC and demonstrate that its numerical solution to the CENTURY SOC equations is highly accurate for both daily and monthly timesteps, provided the monthly physical forcing function inputs are appropriately derived from daily-resolution hydrologic model results. As an example of the proper application of the tool to obtain site-specific parameters and to investigate hypotheses using historical data, we analyzed SOC data from a single subplot of the Morrow Plots (Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A.) that has been cropped continuously in corn since 1876 using management practices that were common for east-central Illinois. The impact of different approaches typically used during calibration were examined by objectively estimating a variety of parameter sets that both govern SOM decomposition kinetics and define the initial mass and fractionation of the SOM. The results suggest that mean SOM turnover times were circa 5-fold longer during the period 1876–1954 relative to 1955–1995, when modern management practices were employed, and significantly different from default CENTURY predictions during both. Modified versions of SCSOC were also constructed in order to (1) show that uncertainty about historical soil erosion does not confound this interpretation of the data and (2) explore alternative assumptions about the structure of the model. One such alternate model showed that unexpectedly rapid decomposition of the corn-derived SOM combined with depletion of slowly-decomposing prairie-derived SOM could explain the post-1955 acceleration in decomposition.
Isolation of cortisol binding globulin (CBG) from porcine follicular fluid by affinity chromatography.

Abstract To identify further the cortisol binding macromolecule of the follicular fluid of the pig the cortisol binding component was isolated by affinity column chromatography. [ 3 H]-Cortisol hemisuccinate was synthesized and attached to AH-sepharose-4B, which was tested for its binding of cortisol binding globulin (CBG) by using [ 125 I]-hCBG and by determining the moles of cortisol/ml of gel bound. The indigenous steroids in porcine follicular fluid were removed by charcoal which was then treated with ammonium sulfate. Following centrifugation the supernatant was dialyzed and applied to the affinity column. After washing the column extensively, the column was eluted with PBS buffer solution (0.001 M phosphate buffer pH 6.5 + 0.1 M NaCl) which contained 200 μg cortisol per ml. The cortisol binding protein was eluted, dialyzed and characterized. Porcine blood serum was also analyzed in similar manner as follicular fluid. The cortisol binding component isolated by affinity column chromatography from both the follicular fluid and serum gave a single protein-staining band in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and its mobility was the same as hCBG and [ 125 I]-hCBG. This fraction bound cortisol specifically with an association constant of 1.96 × 10 9 M −1 and a binding capacity of 1.2 × 10 8 M −1 per liter. It is concluded that the cortisol binding protein of the porcine ovarian follicular fluid is the same or very similar to CBG.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Antiviral Nucleoside Analogues

The recent development of nucleoside analogues with antiviral activity has expanded the small but useful armamentarium for the treatment of certain viral diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus and others. Their intracellular site of action and need for sequential phosphorylation require that traditional pharmacokinetic parameters be used in conjunction with an understanding of intracellular metabolism when designing dosage regimens. This review summarises the available pharmacokinetic literature for zidovudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, aciclovir, ganciclovir, vidarabine and ribavirin. After oral administration, didanosine, aciclovir and ribavirin are 60% bioavailable, although zidovudine undergoes considerable and variable first-pass hepatic glucuronidation while zalcitabine has no first-pass effect. Zidovudine, zalcitabine and didanosine are absorbed rapidly in the fasted state, with peak plasma concentrations exceeding their respective in vitro antiretroviral inhibitory concentrations. All reviewed agents except ribavirin have a relatively short plasma half-life (≈0.5 to 4h), with each agent demonstrating a different intracellular enzymatic activation scheme. For example, the rate-limiting step for formation of zidovudine triphosphate is the conversion of the monophosphate to the diphosphate, while didanosine is ultimately converted to dideoxyadenosine triphosphate which has the longest intracellular half-life (≈12 to 24h) among these agents. These drugs are not highly protein bound and they distribute into tissues with an apparent volume of distribution at steady-state ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 L/kg. They vary in the extent to which they enter cerebrospinal fluid, ranging from a low of 70% of a concurrent plasma concentration for ribavirin and vidarabine. These agents also vary with regard to degree of renal excretion of the parent drug, with the lowest noted for vidarabine (1 to 3%) and the highest for zalcitabine (≈75%) and ganciclovir (>90%). With the increasing number of clinically useful nucleoside analogues, it is essential for the clinician to appreciate the subtle differences among these agents to ensure that optimal therapeutic outcomes may be attained with minimal toxicity.
Performing comprehensive reception, staging, onward movement, and integration analysis in a theater of operations

The enhanced logistics support tool (ELIST) is a comprehensive information management and discrete event simulation program for analyzing the deployment of military units into a theater of operations. ELIST performs a detailed vehicle-level simulation of the reception, staging, onward movement, and integration of forces. This simulation receives loaded ships and planes at the ports, unloads them, and transports the personnel and cargo using air, water, rail, road, and pipeline modes of transportation. ELIST then generates a variety of reports and graphs that are structured to be multilevel, allowing the users to navigate through the results to determine the problems or constraints of the scenario.
Inhomogeneous deformations of a cone of a neo-Hookean solid

Abstract We study the inhomogeneous deformations of a cone due to squeezing or expanding the cone. Reminiscent of solutions to Jefferey–Hamel flows between intersecting planes and the deformation of elastic wedges, we find that depending on the cone angle we can have solutions that correspond to radial filaments being purely stretched or contracted, or solutions in which the displacement does not have the same sense, certain subparts being stretched, while others are contracted.
Thermodynamics of Oxygen Activation by Macrocyclic Complexes of Rhodium

The oxidation of ABTS2- [2,2‘-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)] with a superoxorhodium(III) complex, L2(H2O)RhOO2+ (L2 = meso-hexamethylcyclam) is characterized by an acid-dependent equilibrium constant, log(Ke/[H+]) = 4.91 ± 0.10 in the pH range of 4.89−6.49. This equilibrium constant was used to calculate the reduction potential for the L2(H2O)RhOO2+/L2(H2O)RhOOH2+ couple, E0 = 0.97 V vs NHE. The pH dependence of the kinetics of the L2(H2O)RhOOH2+/I- reaction yielded the acid dissociation constant for the coordinated water in L2(H2O)RhOOH2+, pKa = 6.9. Spectrophotometric pH titrations provided pKa = 6.6 for the superoxo complex, L2(H2O)RhOO2+. The combination of the two pKa values with the reduction potential measured in acidic solutions yielded the reduction potential E0 = 0.95 V for the L2(HO)RhOO+/L2(HO)RhOOH+ couple. Thermochemical calculations yielded the bond-dissociation free energy of the L2(H2O)RhOO−H2+ bond as 315 kJ/mol at 298 K.
Ethical Decision Making in Family Therapy

In family therapy, effective clinical decisions promote the welfare and interests of the family and its individual members. However, the needs of the family and its individual members are often in conflict. Resolving this conflict is an ethical as well as a therapeutic dilemma. Kitchener has developed a model of ethical decision making that we have found useful in teaching students and supervisees how to resolve conflicts between the family's needs and the needs of its members. The purpose of this article is to discuss this model and show how it can be applied to clinical decision making.
Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics and an Energy-Conserving Perturbation

We consider an implementation of non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics simulation with a new mechanical perturbation that conserves energy exactly. This eliminates completely the undesirable heating which always follows from standard mechanical perturbations. This method represents a simple direct approach to study transport properties without varying the system's total energy. As an application, the propagation dynamics of the perturbation are obtained with the subtraction technique for a three-dimensional Lennard-Jones solid model. The data indicate that the perturbation propagation has a velocity about typical of solid sound velocity.
X-ray surface diffraction analysis of structural transformations on the (001) surface of oxidized SrTiO3

Surface X-ray scattering was used to study structural modifications on the (0 0 1) surface of oxidized SrTiO{sub 3}. Grazing incidence in-plane X-ray diffraction revealed a sequence of quasi-powder diffraction peaks originating from crystallites with nearly random in-plane orientation. This diffraction pattern is associated with micro-crystallites of irregular shape observed by atomic force microscopy on the surface after annealing in oxygen. Analysis based on available powder diffraction data identified these crystallites as monoclinic TiO. Different oxygen annealing treatments led to dramatic changes in the specular (0 0 1) crystal truncation rods indicating significant structural modifications in the underlying single crystal SrTiO{sub 3} surfce layer.
Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Degradation Mediated by Activated Transcription Factors Nuclear Factor-κB and Activator Protein-1 in Inflammatory Acne Lesions in Vivo

Acne is the most common skin disease, causing significant psychosocial problems for those afflicted. Currently available agents for acne treatment, such as oral antibiotics and isotretinoin (Accutane), have limited use. Thus, development of novel agents to treat this disease is needed. However, the pathophysiology of acne inflammation is poorly understood. Before new therapeutic strategies can be devised, knowledge regarding molecular mechanisms of acne inflammation is required. We report here that transcription factors nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1 are activated in acne lesions with consequent elevated expression of their target gene products, inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading metalloproteinases, respectively. These elevated gene products are molecular mediators of inflammation and collagen degradation in acne lesions in vivo. This new knowledge enables a rational strategy for development of pharmacological agents that can target the inflammation and matrix remodeling that occurs in severe acne.
A computer method of HF ionospheric propagation prediction and analysis

A method of HF ionospheric forecasting and analysis suitable for digital computers is discussed. The particular parameters which may be computed are the maximum usable frequency (MUF), the optimum traffic frequency (FOT), the lowest useful high frequency (LUF), and the lowest required radiated power (LRRP). Other parameters may be deduced with only slight modification of the basic program. All of the principles and analytical expressions necessary to program a computer are included.
Effect of preirradiation tissue target temperature upon selective vascular damage induced by 577-nm tunable dye laser pulses.

Abstract The effect of hamster cheek pouch temperature upon the microvascular injury induced by pulsed laser dye radiation was studied. An appropriate wavelength (577 nm) and pulse width (300 nsec) were delivered by a flashlamp-pumped dye laser to induce selective vascular damage, as previously described. With increasing pulse energies, transient slowing of blood flow, stasis with brown discoloration of blood, and hemorrhage were observed. Cooling the cheek pouch to 8° before irradiation increased the laser exposure threshold for induction of such injury. Measurement of the exposure thresholds for hemorrhage at different temperatures suggests that microvessels are heated to between 90 and 100°, before hemorrhage occurs. These data are consistent with microvaporization as a major event in the sequence leading to hemorrhage, but do not exclude other possible mechanisms.
THE EFFECT OF STIMULUS FORMAT ON DISCRIMINABILITY IN SCHOOL SURVEYS

School systems often attempt to secure the judgments of parents and other taxpayers on the appropriateness of their curricula, programs, goals, or activities. The traditional vehicle used to elicit such judgments is a survey instrument that provides alternative goal statements or lists of activities that could take place in the schools. Respondents are asked to rate or rank the statements, and thereby indicate their relative preferences for elements of the list (Ahmann, 1975; Eisner, 1972; Heath, 1972; Savage & Jones, 1973). School systems' surveys of parents or taxpayers are subject to the methodological problems that beset all social surveys, and present measurement problems that are common to all forms of assessment. Validity problems are foremost. One must address the possibility that taxpayers' responses to questionnaire items might not reflect their true preferences for the activities and goals of the schools. Another potential problem is inconsistency of response, both across groups of respondents and over time. To the degree that they exist, these problems render the results of school surveys less useful in planning responsive programs or designing appropriate modifications of curricula. This study examined one of a vast number of methodological questions that surround school surveys. The content and format of stimulus materials presented to respondents was varied systematically. We sought to determine whether the specific content of stimulus materials or the manner in which stimulus materials were presented would have any effect on respondents' relative preferences for, or their ability to discriminate among, school systems' goals. To the best of our knowledge, these problems have not been investigated in the past. In fact, there is a paucity of studies on the psychometric quality of school surveys.
Stopped-flow kinetic analysis of Escherichia coli taurine/alpha-ketoglutarate dioxygenase: interactions with alpha-ketoglutarate, taurine, and oxygen.

Taurine/α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase (TauD), a member of the broad class of non-heme Fe(II) oxygenases, converts taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonate) to sulfite and aminoacetaldehyde while decomposing α-ketoglutarate (αKG) to form succinate and CO2. Under anaerobic conditions, the addition of αKG to Fe(II)TauD results in the formation of a broad absorption centered at 530 nm. On the basis of studies of other members of the αKG-dependent dioxygenase superfamily, we attribute this spectrum to metal chelation by the substrate C-1 carboxylate and C-2 carbonyl groups. Subsequent addition of taurine perturbs the spectrum to yield a 28% greater intensity, an absorption maximum at 520 nm, and distinct shoulders at 480 and 570 nm. This spectral change is specific to taurine and does not occur when 2-aminoethylphosphonate or N-phenyltaurine is added. Titration studies demonstrate that each TauD subunit binds a single molecule of Fe(II), αKG, and taurine. In addition, these studies indicate that the affinity of TauD for ...
Interaction of dietary fat and soybean isolate (SBI) on azaserine-induced pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Raw soybean flour contains high levels of both soybean trypsin inhibitor and unsaturated fat. The chronic ingestion of this flour enhances pancreatic carcinogenesis in rats that have been treated with pancreatic carcinogens. In these studies we have examined the separate and combined effects of trypsin inhibitor in purified soybean isolate (SBI) and a high level of unsaturated fat fed during the postinitiation phase of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were injected with the known pancreatic carcinogen azaserine (30 mg/kg, ip) 14 days after birth and were weaned to the test diets. No further exposure to carcinogen occurred. Dietary composition (% by weight) of fat (corn oil) was either 5%, or for the high fat group 20%. Dietary protein (20% in all diets) was supplied as either casein, or heated or raw SBI. All diets were fedad libitum for the postinitiation phase. The number and size of transections of azaserine-induced putative, preneoplastic foci and the volume of pancreas occupied by these foci were determined by light microscopy. High fat diet increased the number and transectional size of the azaserine-induced foci as compared to the control (5% corn oil) group. The volume of pancreas occupied by foci doubled. Heated SBI had no effect upon the foci. Raw SBI, however, significantly increased the number and size of foci. The combination of raw SBI plus the high fat diet elicited an increase in focal growth that was greater than that produced by either component alone. These observations indicated that both trypsin inhibitor and the high unsaturated fat content of raw soy flour contribute to the enhancement or promotion of pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Thermodynamic investigation of the LiAl and LiPb systems by the hydrogen titration method

Abstract The hydrogen titration method (HTM) constitutes a new technique for investigating the thermodynamic properties and phase relations in binary A-B alloys. It is based on the reaction A ( in alloy ) + ( x 2 ) H 2 ( g ) ⇌ AH x ( s ) in which constituent A in the alloy is the material being titrated, hydrogen is the titrant and AHx is the titration product. Equivalence points of the titration are indicated by the steeply rising segments in the isotherms of hydrogen pressure versus alloy composition and correspond to the stoichiometries of the intermediate phases in the alloy. For a given temperature and composition the chemical potential of constituent A can be determined from the corresponding hydrogen pressure and the standard free energy of formation of AHx. The method was tested on two lithium-based systems, LiAl and LiPb. The results verified the validity of the HTM by showing that (1) the hydriding reaction (with A  Li, x = 1) is reversible, (2) the anticipated intermediate phases are correctly identified and (3) there is a good agreement with the available e.m.f. data on the chemical potentials of lithium in these alloys. For the α + β field of the LiAl system the lithium activity, calculated from the combined HTM and e.m.f. data, is represented by In aLi = 2.662−5302T−1. For the LiPb system, HTM results indicated the existence of a new phase having a stoichiometry between Li22Pb5 and Li7Pb2. Criteria for applying the HTM to other alloy systems are discussed.
Nanoporous gold as a solid support for protein immobilization and development of an electrochemical immunoassay for prostate specific antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen

Nanoporous gold (NPG) was utilized as a support for immobilizing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugated to monoclonal antibodies against either prostate specific antigen (PSA) or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The antibody-ALP conjugates were coupled to self-assembled monolayers of lipoic acid and used in direct kinetic assays. Using the enzyme substrate p-aminophenylphosphate, the product p-aminophenol was detected by its oxidation near 0.1 V (vs. Ag|AgCl) using square wave voltammetry. The difference in peak current arising from oxidation of p-aminophenol before and after incubation with biomarker increased with biomarker concentration. The response to these two biomarkers was linear up to 10 ng mL−1 for CEA and up to 30 ng mL−1 for PSA. The effect of interference on the PSA assay was studied using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model albumin protein. The effect of interference from a serum matrix was examined for the PSA assay using newborn calf serum. A competitive version of the immunoassay using antigen immobilized onto the NPG surface was highly sensitive at lower antigen concentration. Estimates of the surface coverage of the antibody-ALP conjugates on the NPG surface are presented.
Identification of an Interaction between the M-band Protein Skelemin and β-Integrin Subunits COLOCALIZATION OF A SKELEMIN-LIKE PROTEIN WITH β1- and β3-INTEGRINS IN NON-MUSCLE CELLS

Signaling across integrins is regulated by interaction of these receptors with cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules. To identify molecules interacting with the cytoplasmic domain of the β3-integrin subunit (glycoprotein IIIa), a placental cDNA library was screened in the yeast two-hybrid system. Two identical clones coding for a 96-amino acid sequence were identified. This sequence was 100% identical to a sequence in skelemin, a protein identified previously in skeletal muscle. Skelemin is a member of a superfamily of cytoskeletal proteins that contain fibronectin-type III-like motifs and immunoglobulin C2-like motifs and that regulate the organization of myosin filaments in muscle. The amino acid residues in the isolated clones encompassed C2 motifs 4 and 5 of skelemin. A recombinant skelemin protein consisting of C2 motifs 3–7 interacted with β1- and β3-integrin cytoplasmic domains expressed as glutathioneS-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, but not with GST-β2-integrin cytoplasmic tail or GST alone. The skelemin-binding region was in the membrane proximal cytoplasmic domains of the integrins. Full-length skelemin interacted with integrin in intact cells as demonstrated by the colocalization of hemagglutinin-tagged skelemin in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells containing αIIbβ3-integrin and by the finding that microinjection of C2 motif 4 of skelemin into C2C12 mouse myoblast cells caused spread cells to round up. A skelemin-like protein was detected in CHO cells, endothelial cells, and platelets, and this protein colocalized with β1- and β3-integrins in CHO cells. This study suggests the presence of a skelemin-like protein in non-muscle cells and provides evidence that it may be involved in linking integrins to the cytoskeleton.
Exchanging Favours: The Predominance of Casework in Legislators' Behaviour in Jordan and Lebanon

Responsiveness to constituents' demands and needs is considered an essential element of representation. Responsiveness takes several forms – service, allocation (casework), policies, and symbolic responses – and legislators usually respond to constituents using a combination of these means. However, this article discusses a category of Jordanian and Lebanese legislators, called ‘Favours legislators’, who respond to their constituents only through casework. These legislators use all tools available to them (party/parliamentary bloc, bureaucracy, and fellow legislators) to improve their access to services important to successful casework. Favours legislators assume that by providing a successful favour, constituents who received the favour will reciprocate in kind and vote and/or encourage others to vote for them.
Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites with layered silicates as the inorganic phase (reinforcement) are discussed. The materials design and synthesis rely on the ability of layered silicates to intercalate in the galleries between their layers a wide range of monomers and polymers. Special emphasis is placed on a new, versatile and environmentally benign synthesis approach by polymer melt intercalation. In contrast to in-situ polymerization and solution intercalation, melt intercalation involves mixing the layered silicate with the polymer and heating the mixture above the softening point of the polymer. Compatibility with various polymers is accomplished by derivatizing the silicates with alkyl ammonium cations via an ion exchange reaction. By fine-tuning the surface characteristics nanodispersion (i. e. intercalation or delamination) can be accomplished. The resulting polymer layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites exhibit properties dramatically different from their more conventional counterparts. For example, PLS nanocomposites can attain a particular degree of stiffness, strength and barrier properties with far less inorganic content than comparable glass- or mineral reinforced polymers and, therefore, they are far lighter in weight. In addition, PLS nanocomposites exhibit significant increase in thermal stability as well as self-extinguishing characteristics. The combination of improved properties, convenient processing and low cost has already led to a few commercial applications with more currently under development.
Hydroarylation of Unactivated Olefins Catalyzed by Platinum(II) Complexes

The Pt(II) complex [(tbpy)Pt(Ph)(THF)][BAr′4] catalyzes the hydroarylation of olefins utilizing unactivated substrates. Preliminary studies indicate that the reactions proceed via Pt-mediated C−H activation rather than a traditional Friedel−Crafts pathway.
DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY FOR HIGHER ALCOHOLS IN CELL‐FREE EXTRACTS OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Alcohol dehydrogenase activities were determined in cell-free extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with fusel oil-alcohols and other higher alcohols (including straight and branch-chain aliphatic alcohols, cinnamyl alcohol and phenethanol) as substrates. A fluorometric measurement of the formation of reduced coenzyme (NADH) was needed because of the necessity for increased sensitivity with the required use of very low concentrations of substrates. For the first time, dehydrogenase activities were measured in cell-free extracts for active-pentanol, n-hexanol and n-heptanol as substrates. Optimal molar concentration of the substrates was found to decrease with increasing carbon number. Activity measurements were made in extracts of yeasts grown under various conditions of oxygen induction and catabolite repression. Dehydrogenase activities for all substrates were higher in extracts of yeast grown aerobically as compared to those grown anaerobically. A comparison of the activities with the fusel oil-alcohols as substrates suggests a plurality of alcohol dehydrogenase activities in the last enzymic step in fusel oil formation.
Effect of gender on in vivo cartilage magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping.

Purpose: To determine if gender is a significant variable for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-mapping of knee articular cartilage in young asymptomatic volunteers. Materials and Methods: Cartilage MRI T2 mapping was performed in a young healthy population consisting of seven male and 10 female volunteers, 22 to 29 years of age. High-resolution in vivo T2 maps were obtained of patellar, tibial, and weight-bearing femoral articular cartilage. Spatial dependency of cartilage T2 between groups was evaluated through a comparison of cartilage T2 as a function of normalized distance from bone. Results: Bulk cartilage T2 values were similar at all three anatomic sites, and between male and female volunteers. All volunteers demonstrated similar spatial variation in cartilage MRI T2 values, with a minimum located in the radial zone and increasing T2 values toward the articular surface. There was no difference in spatial dependency of cartilage T2 between males and females.
On the Role of Architectural Criticism Today

(2009). On the Role of Architectural Criticism Today. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 62, No. 3, pp. 6-7.
Moral Leadership in a Postmodern World

This paper examines the gap between moral purpose and moral performance as a problem created in part by the alienation of spirituality from civic life. We are a nation ofprivatized morality that places corporate and civic leaders in a labyrinth of uncertainty when they try to establish a moral foundation for actions and decisions affecting the public interest. This uncertainty is compounded by an Enlightenment tradition of modern secular pluralism privileging rational discourse as the vehicle of public moral sentiment. In this longstanding intellectual tradition, reason is the highest good (Plato, Aristotle), the defining,feature of human subjectivity (Descartes), the foundation of human freedom (Kant, Hegel, Locke), and the path to moral truth (Kant).Although much of the intellectual, social, economic, and political energy of the last century has challenged the totalizing assumptions embedded in this tradition (Marx, Foucault, et alia), qualities of neutrality, objectivity, and universality remain as pri...
Synchrotron topography characterization of ZnTe single crystals

Abstract (111) Wafers sliced from a single-crystal boule of ZnTe grown by horizontal physical vapor transport have been characterized using synchrotron white-beam X-ray topography. The presence of dislocation slip bands, subgrain structures, and long, thin 180° rotational twin lamellae was revealed. Distorted regions exhibiting radial lattice rotation were also observed near the crystal edges. One of these regions is clearly the source for the generation of some of the slip bands observed in the crystals. The slip bands were observed to break up the ordered dislocation cell structures comprising the subgrain boundaries, indicating that the dislocation cell structure appears earlier during the growth process, and that the slip dislocations appear later, perhaps during the postgrowth cooling process. This may also be an indication that modification of the cooling rate could have a significant effect on the final defect microstructure, with for example more rapid cooling giving rise to more slip which could obscure the true growth-defect microstructure. The initiation of slip at regions of stress concentration, such as at lateral twin boundaries, and at the junctions of subgrain boundaries and twin boundaries, was also revealed. The asymmetrical distribution of slip bands either side of the twinned region of crystal suggests that twin boundaries can act as barriers for slip. Several types of detailed twin boundary configuration were determined from the topographs. Using a combination of white-beam X-ray topography and Nomarski interference microscopy, the three-dimensional shapes of the twin boundaries were determined. Approximate atomic structures at these boundaries are presented. Possible mechanisms for the production of a long thin twin lamella, oriented at a small angle to the growth axis, are discussed.