cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Consistency of Policy with Opinion in the Russian Federation, 1992–2006

This article draws upon hundreds of surveys of Russian public opinion conducted from 1992 to 2006 to assess the responsiveness of the Russian state to citizens' policy preferences. Patterned after studies of US opinion, this study finds levels of opinion–policy consistency in Russia to be surprisingly high. Opinion–policy consistency is assessed over time and across policy domains, with extended discussions of how opinion affects (and fails to affect) policy, using the “shock therapy” policies of the early 1990s and the first and second Chechen conflicts as examples.
Effects of a Few Hours a Day of Enriched Experience on Brain Chemistry and Brain Weights

Abstract Instead of exposing rats to environmental complexity (EC) for 24 hr a day as in previous experiments, we exposed some groups to EC for either 2, 2 1 2 , or 4 1 2 hr a day. In five experiments, brain values of the various EC groups were compared with those of littermates kept continuously in the isolated condition (IC) for the duration of the experiment. A few hours a day of EC were found to produce significant changes in activities of acetylcholinesterase and cholinesterase and in weights of brain samples; these changes were quite similar to those produced by 24 hr a day. In Experiments I and II, 2 1 2 hr and 4 1 2 hr groups were in standard colony (SC) conditions when they were not in EC. Each of these experiments also included a 24-hr EC group, and the experiments lasted for eight weeks. Experiment III included a 2-hr EC group and an SC group; the main differences from IC were found to be due to EC and not to SC. In Experiments IV and V, the enriched-experience groups spent 2 hr a day in EC and 22 hr in IC, and the experiments lasted only one month. Two hr a day removal from IC to EC over a 30-day period produced significant cerebral effects.
Effect of Centruroides sculpturatus venom upon rat tissue: A histopathologic study

Abstract White rats were injected with Centruroides sculpturatus venom and histopathological studies were made of liver, brain, spleen, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, lungs and adrenal glands. In general, few morphological changes were observed. Several animals showed varying degrees of degeneration of the parenchymatous organs and lungs; these resembled changes seen following secondary shock. The adrenal glands exhibited bilateral hemorrhages. It was concluded that adrenal insufficiency may be a factor in causing death of the animal.
A tentative model for rates of combustion in confined, turbulent flames

A model of the burning zone of confined, turbulent flames has been tested against measured reaction rates of oxygen in such flames. The burning zone is characterized as parcels of unburned gas dispersed through burned gas, et contra, with burning at the periphery of the parcels in a flame like the laminar combustion wave. The distribution function of the parcels is chosen so that the combustion and composition characteristics of the burning zone are matched to the data when the parcels are assumed to be spherical. It is assumed that the size distribution of the parcels is governed by splitting of the parcels (due to shear in the flow) and by burning. Most of the available data are adequately described by assuming that parcel splitting is dominant in determining size distribution. By comparison of the model with the data, the splitting probability is found to be proportional to the mean velocity gradient. The model offers the possibility of describing reaction rate variations in flow of negligible shear and of explaining the phenomenon of flame quenching in highly turbulent flow.
Parametric Investigation of the Deflection Performance of Serial Piezoelectric C-Block Actuators

This paper presents an investigation of the deflection performance of serial configurations of C-block piezoelectric actuators. To conduct the investigation both a theoretical and an experimental approach were used. A theoretical model was derived and experimentally verified with six different case studies. These experimental case studies were used to explore the effect on the deflection performance by modifying the geometric, material, and configuration parameters. The results demonstrate the wide versatility possible with serial C-block actuation architectures.
Cortical biopsy in Alzheimer's disease: Diagnostic accuracy and neurochemical, neuropathological, and cognitive correlations

Neurochemical assessments were performed on biopsy samples taken from the right frontal lobe of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), before the implantation of a ventricular catheter and pump assembly for the infusion of bethanechol chloride as an experimental therapy. The pathologically diagnosed patients with AD (n = 35; mean age, 67 +/- 1.5 yr) were compared with a group of samples from normal age-equivalent autopsied controls (n = 22; mean age, 68 +/- 2 yr) and autopsied AD brains (n = 11; mean age, 73 +/- 2 yr). Samples were assayed for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase, binding to [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate as an index of total muscarinic cholinergic binding, and [3H]pirenzepine binding as an index of M1 cholinergic receptor subtype binding. Mean levels of ChAT activity were decreased in the biopsied patients to 36% of age-matched autopsied controls. The loss of ChAT activity correlated significantly with the Mini-Mental State Examination, an index of global cognitive function. Mean ChAT activity in autopsied AD cortex was further decreased compared with controls, indicating continuous decline through the course of the disease. Acetylcholinesterase followed a similar, less dramatic decline. No differences were found in [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding or [3H]pirenzepine binding between biopsied and autopsied controls. Neuritic plaque counts did not correlate with either the Mini-Mental State Examination or ChAT activity in the biopsy specimens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The influence of hydrolysis on the deposition and CO-DE-position of iron-group metals (Fe, Co, Ni) at the dropping mercury electrode

Abstract The deposition and co-deposition of iron(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) ions were studied polarographically in weakly acid (pH 3–5.5) solutions. Variation of pH in this region does not affect the waves. By adding oxygen to the solution, high pH values were generated at the electrode surface (O 2 + 2 H 2 O + 4 e → 4 OH − ) leading to hydrolysis of the discharging metal ions. Hydrolysis not only reduces the concentration of the discharging species due to Me 2+ + 2 OH − → Me(OH) 2 ↓ but also leads to adsorption of hydroxides at the interface. Chronopotentiometric measurements showed that about 3 · 10 −10 moles/cm 2 Fe(OH) 2 are adsorbed at the electrode. Hydrolysis changes the rate of single metal discharge only slightly, but has a strong effect on the co-deposition of metals. The discharge of one metal can be suppressed by the presence of a second iron-group metal. Ferrous ions cause the strongest suppression followed by cobaltous ions. The same sequence (Fe 2+ > Co 2+ > Ni 2+ ) is found in the suppression of Tl + discharge. This sequence is interpreted on the basis of adsorption measurements.
Telomeres and Early-Life Stress: An Overview

The long-term sequelae of adverse early-life experiences have long been a focus in psychiatry, with a historic neurobiological emphasis on physiological systems that are demonstrably stress-responsive, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neuroimmune function. However, there has been increasing recognition in the general medical literature that such sequelae might encompass more pervasive alterations in health status and physiology. Recent findings in telomere biology have suggested a new avenue for exploring the adverse health effects of childhood maltreatment. Telomere length in proliferative tissues declines with cell replication and the effect can be accelerated by such factors as inflammation, oxidative stress, radiation, and toxins. Reduced telomere length, as a proxy for cellular aging, has been associated with numerous chronic somatic diseases that are generally considered to be diseases of aging, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. More recently, shorter telomeres have been demonstrated in several psychiatric conditions, particularly depression. Sustained psychosocial stress of a variety of types in adulthood appears to be associated with shorter telomeres. Now, emerging work suggests a robust, and perhaps dose-dependent, relationship with early-life stress. These findings present new opportunities to reconceptualize the complex relationships between experience, physical and psychiatric disease, and aging.
Self-presentation and drive in social facilitation

Abstract Social facilitation refers to cases in which the presence of others increases the probability of certain responses on the part of an independently operating individual. Drive theory attributes these effects to an unconscious facilitation of dominant responses, as defined by Hull-Spence learning theory. Self-presentation explanations posit changes in motivation and cognitive strategies that result from an increased concern with favorable private and public images. The present paper reviews evidence and presents an experiment indicating both points of view are valid, but that neither perspective by itself can account for all relevant data.
Identification and localization of a novel cathepsin S-like proteinase in guinea pig spermatozoa.

Guinea pig spermatozoa were found to contain a novel cysteine proteinase that most closely resembled lysosomal cathepsin S. The responsible enzyme was shown to have an acrosomal localization. Like the cathepsin S of lymphocyte-rich tissues, e.g., lymph nodes and spleen, the spermatozoal enzyme digested protein substrates such as hemoglobin and Azocoll optimally at about pH 3.5 in the presence of pepstatin. No appreciable action was manifested in the range of pH 5-6 on protein substrates nor on the 7-(4-methyl)coumarylamide (NMec) derivatives of peptides commonly employed for the fluorometric assay of cathepsins B (benzyloxycarbonyl (Z)-Arg-Arg-NMec), H (Arg-NMec), and L (Z-Phe-Arg-NMec). Like spleen cathepsin S, the sperm enzyme selectively hydrolyzed Z-Phe-Arg-NMec, but its activity was uncharacteristically limited to a pH range of 3.0-3.5, where it displayed a typical high sensitivity to sulfhydryl reagents (HgCl2, mersalyl acid, iodoacetate), leupeptin, Z-Phe-Phe-CHN2, and L-trans-epoxysuccinylleucylamido(3-methyl)butane. Gossypol (a male antifertility agent) was also inhibitory. Inhibition by the mercurial sulfhydryl reagents was completely reversible with dithiothreitol. Pepstatin, a potent inhibitor of aspartic proteinases, and serine proteinase inhibitors (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, benzamidine) were ineffective. Other properties displayed by the sperm extract that were uniquely characteristic of cathepsin S included stability under alkaline conditions, and a greater rate of hydrolysis when the P2-phenylalanine of the assay substrate was replaced by two aliphatic residues, as in Z-Leu-Leu-Arg-NMec.
Anharmonicity and x-ray forbidden reflections in V3Si.

The anisotropy and anharmonicity of thermal vibrations in ${\mathrm{V}}_{3}$Si have been monitored through x-ray forbidden reflections between 5.5 and 500 K. A transforming sample shows a large peak of anharmonic intensity at 25.2 K, well above the martensitic transformation.
Deforestation and democratization: patronage, politics and forests in Kenya

Abstract Current approaches for halting and reversing deforestation centrally involve better “environmental governance” over forests. Better public oversight and regulation of the forest commons is thus linked to democratization. Yet evidence suggests that in a number of important cases, democratization can accelerate deforestation. Using the cases of South Nandi and Karura Forests in Kenya, this article argues that to understand why requires more careful examination of how forests are incorporated into patronage networks and how these networks are impacted by democratization struggles. Specifically, this article argues that accelerated deforestation occurs when institutional configurations allow abuse and create opportunity for forests to become incorporated into patronage networks. Democratization can then exacerbate deforestation when, as in Kenya, more competitive elections produce stresses on these patronage networks and hence create incentives for state actors to increase accumulation of forest reso...
The role of microRNAs miR-221/222 in eNOS signalling and type 2 diabetes

Background and Aim: The prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2D) has doubled in the last three decades and is still rising at an alarming rate, thereby posing a major challenge to global health. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short RNAs, which play an important role in regulating physiological processes in diabetes. These small RNAs post-transcriptionally suppress mRNA target expression and, therefore, modulation of specific miRNAs may prove to be a promising strategy to treat diabetes. However, the potential roles of the different microRNAs in the eitiology of diabetes and diabetes-related complications are not yet completely understood. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of miR221/ 222 in diabetes. Materials and Methods: Mouse microvascular endothelial cells (MMECs) were cultured for 48 hours under conditions designed to mimic the mileu of type 2 diabetic mice: normal glucose (NG=11mM) and high glucose (HG=40mM). The levels of miRNA221/222 expression were then analysed by real-time PCR. MMECs were transfected with miR221/222 inhibitors and mir221/222 mimics and then cells were exposed to normal/ high glucose in the presence or absence of metformin. Expression of miRNA 221/222 were again analysed and compared. The effects of miR 221/222 expression on eNOS, phospho-eNOS and eNOS monomer/dimer protein levels were determined through western blotting. Results: We found that exposure to high levels of glucose, which mimics hyperglycaemia conditions, induced expression of miR-221 and miR-222. Treatment of metformin partially restored this HG-induced high expression of miRNA. Moreover, metformin showed an additive effect with miR221/222 inhibitors to inhibit miR 221/222 expression in hyperglycaemic condition. Furthermore, we observed that protein levels of total eNOS and phospho-eNOS decreases in HG in comparison with NG. The eNOS/P-eNOS protein levels were restored upon inhibition of miR221/222, thus indicating correlation of these micro-RNAs with eNOS signalling. Results were inversely validated by using miR mimics (overexpression). Conclusion: These findings suggest that miR221/222 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients or may work as a therapeutic modulator. The project is supported by UREP 13-116-3-024
Pneumocystis carinii mutations associated with sulfa and sulfone prophylaxis failures in immunocompromised patients

Recent studies have shown that mutations in two amino acid positions of the Pneumocystis carinii dihydropteroate synthase gene are significantly more common in immunocompromised patients with P. carinii pneumonia who fail sulfa or sulfone prophylaxis. This paper reviews the studies that suggest that these mutations may be responsible for some failures of prophylaxis in P. carinii.
Flammability characteristics of HFO‐1234yf

A new low global warming refrigerant, CF3CF=CH2 (HFO-1234yf), has been developed to replace HFC-134a in automotive air conditioning systems. HFC-134a is being phased out in the European Union due to high global warming potential. HFO-1234yf is highly energy efficient, exhibits low toxicity, and can potentially be used in systems currently designed for refrigerant HFC-134a with minimal modifications. Significant work has been completed to assess the flammability characteristics of HFO-1234yf. Though it is flammable per ASTM E-681, it is significantly less so than HFC-152a which has also been considered as an HFC-134a alternative. HFO-1234yf has a relatively high lower flammability limit at 6.2 vol% in air. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling has shown it is very unlikely the lower flammability limit will be reached when the refrigerant is leaked into the passenger compartment of a vehicle. HFO-1234yf also has a high minimum ignition energy (MIE) from 5,000 to 10,000 mJ which indicates there may be very few potential ignition sources in a vehicle. It also has very low burning velocity at 1.5 cm/sec indicating low potential for damage should an ignition occur. Several automotive industry groups have completed extensive risk assessments which have concluded HFO-1234yf is safe to use as a refrigerant in vehicles. This article will review flammability test results and challenges that were overcome to measure flammability of a mildly flammable refrigerant as well as CFD modeling work for vehicle leakage scenarios. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Visualizing complex hypermedia networks through multiple hierarchical views

Our work concerns visualizing the information space of hypermedia systems using multiple hierarchical views. Although overview diagrams are useful for helping the user to navigate in a hypermedia system, for any real-world system they become too complicated and large to be really useful. This is because these diagrams represent complex network structures which are very difficult to visualize and comprehend. On the other hand, effective visualizations of hierarchies have been developed. Our strategy is to provide the user with different hierarchies, each giving a different perspective to the underlying information space, to help the user better comprehend the information. We propose an algorithm based on content and structural analysis to form hierarchies from hypermedia networks. The algorithm is automatic but can be guided by the user. The multiple hierarchies can be visualized in various ways. We give examples of the implementation of the algorithm on two hypermedia systems.
Role for tumour necrosis factor-α receptors in ultraviolet-induced skin tumours

The biological effects of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are mediated through either the TNFR1 or the TNFR2 receptor. In the present study, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on skin pathology and tumour promotion were studied in hairless mice deficient in either the TNFR1 or the TNFR2 receptor. SKH-1 hairless mice were crossed with either TNFR1 knockout (KO) mice or TNFR2 KO mice to develop a strain of hairless mice deficient in either of these receptors. Elastosis and other pathological indications of UVB irradiation were not affected by the loss of either receptor. The absence of either receptor, however, resulted in a highly significant reduction in skin tumours in response to UVB irradiation. Inflammatory cell influx following chronic UV irradiation was virtually eliminated in the TNFR1 KO mice, while the TNFR2 KO mice responded to UV irradiation with the normal increase in inflammatory cells throughout the lower and upper dermis. Contact hypersensitivity responses were eliminated in the TNFR2 KO mice, whereas the TNFR1 KO mice retained normal contact hypersensitivity reactions. These studies suggest that TNF-alpha plays no part in the accumulation of excessive elastin in the skin during chronic UVB exposure. However, there appears to be an important role for TNF-alpha in mediating tumorigenesis, distinct from its role in initiating cutaneous immune responses.
New Approximations for the Fresnel Integrals

New approximate relations are presented for the sine and cosine Fresnel integrals based on a least-squares fit for the sine and cosine functions in the integrands. It is found that the resulting polynomial expressions are extremely accurate and particularly useful for small arguments where the usual asymptotic series approximations are not satisfactory.
Bacterial chemotaxis: The five sensors of a bacterium

The components of the Escherichia coli chemosensory system have been identified and their activities characterized, but how sensory information is processed to give an integrated response remains an open question.
Seawater: an explanation of differential isothermal compressibility measurements in terms of hydration and ion-water interactions

Abstract Hydration, ion-water interactions, and water structure effects in seawater were studied by determining differences (Δβ) between the compressibilities of test salt solutions and the compressibilities of reference solutions. The reference solutions were distilled water and seawater (35%0), and the test salt solutions were either 0.13 m or 0.26m with respect to one of the following test salts: LiCl, NaCl, KCl, CsCl, NaF, NaI, MgCl2, CaCl2, BaCl2, Na2SO4, K2SO4, and MgSO4. The compressibility measurements (to 900 bars) were carried out at 2°C and also at 15°C using a differential method in which a pressure increase or a temperature increase causes Δβ to become less negative. At 1 bar and 15°C, the Δβ (0.26 m, distilled water reference) values ranged from −1.14 × 10−6 bar− for NaI to −3.84 × 10−6 bar−1 for Na2SO4, and the Δβ (0.26 m, seawater reference) values ranged from −1.30 × 10−6 bar−1 for NaCl to −3.04 × 10−6 bar−1 for Na2SO4. The Δβ values were used to calculate hydration numbers. Entropy of transfer, excess hydrogen bond breaking (determined by NMR), and effective radii of ions are properties which can be used to describe the influence of ions on water structure. The extent to which these properties correlate with Δβ values depends upon whether the ion is an anion or a cation, and this correlation forms the thesis that anions alter water structure in a different way than do cations.
Ternary Diffusion Coefficients of Cyclohexane + Toluene + Methanol by Taylor Dispersion Measurements at 298.15 K. Part 1. Toluene-Rich Area†

The concentration dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficients in the ternary liquid mixture cyclohexane + toluene + methanol is determined at 298.15 K by Taylor dispersion technique along two concentration paths of a constant toluene mole fraction of x2 = 0.40 and x2 = 0.60, respectively. The four elements of the matrix of mutual diffusion coefficients, the eigenvalues, and the determinant of the matrix are given.
The effect of Roux-en-Y diversion on gastric and roux-limb emptying in a rodent model

Background The "Roux stasis syndrome" is characterized by symptoms of upper gut stasis following Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (RG). Whether symptoms result from delayed gastric emptying, altered Roux-limb transit, or both has never been settled, partly because of the difficulty of measuring Roux-limb transit. The aim of this study was to develop a model to simultaneously quantitate Roux-limb transit and gastric emptying. Methods Rats underwent vagotomy and antrectomy with RG or Billroth II reconstruction (B-II). Gastrointestinal transit of a solid meal (Technetium-99m sulfur colloid-labelled egg white) was assessed 0.5, 1, and 1.5 hours postprandial (pp). Transit of a liquid marker (Na 51 -CrO 4 injected through an efferent-limb catheter) was measured at 25 minutes pp. Results Solid gastric emptying was slower in RG than in B-II rats at 60 and 90 minutes pp. More of the solid meal and of the liquid marker was retained in the Roux limb than the efferent limb of the B-II at all time points ( P Conclusions In a rodent model, Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is associated with delayed gastric emptying and slowed efferent-limb transit of solids and liquids.
THE SOUTHERN CHURCH BURNING EPIDEMIC: AN EXAMINATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACT The American South witnessed an increase in church burnings during the mid-1990s that was characterized by the national media as a function of resurgent racism. Despite the scope of attention and resources allocated to the burnings, no systematic empirical analysis of the phenomenon has been conducted. This study examines the relationship between hate group activism and the burning of black churches in South Carolina between 1990 and 2000. Logistic regression models indicated that, after controlling for structural properties, white supremacist demonstrations did not increase the likelihood of church burnings. The implications of these findings are situated in a social constructionist framework and discussed in the contexts of stakeholder interests and social justice.
Using program visualization to enhance maintainability and promote reuse

Our intuition is that comprehension of visual representations is often quicker than of equivalent text. In the work described in this paper, we explore the application of this intuition to programming languages. The goal of this project is to create visual representation of segments of computer programs that improve the maintenance and reusability of this code. We describe a software tool, a program browser, that provides a visual representation of the function call graph of any C program. This tool is the first in a series of tools that aids program comprehension, making reuse of existing programs more likely. The development of the program browser is itself an example of code reuse as described in the section on implementation. Although our intuition is that some visual display of programs aid understandability, we are looking for experimental verification. Several human factors experiments in this area have contradicted this intuition. We describe reasons for these contradictions, and potential solutions to overcome them.
Vertical relation of occlusion by the patient's neuromuscular perception

Abstract A technique has been presented that aids in determining the tentative vertical relation of occlusion for an edentulous patient. A central bearing device is used to permit the patient to experience different vertical relations for comparison. In this way, the tentative vertical relation of occlusion is determined by employing the neuromuscular perception of the patient. The vertical relation of occlusion determined by this technique should be evaluated for further esthetic, phonetic, and other physiologic requirements after the teeth are arranged.
Chemokines and their receptors in allergic disease

Mechanisms of chemoattraction underlie the spatial organization of the cells of the immune system under basal conditions and the localization of these cells to sites of inflammation. The chemokines, a family of around 50 small proteins, play a major role in these processes. Leukocytes are equipped with cell-surface sensors for chemokines. There are 19 such receptors that are differentially expressed on leukocytes: the repertoire of receptor expression depending on the type of leukocyte and its stage in maturation. From observations in animal models, clinical studies, in vitro cell biology, and molecular analysis, a working hypothesis has been established to explain the cellular interactions underlying allergic responses and the chemokines-chemokine receptors involved. Chemokines signal through G protein-coupled receptors that are used typically for sensory functions (eg, detection of olfactory signals in the nose). This type of receptor can be blocked selectively by small-molecule antagonists. This provides the opportunity for the development of therapeutic compounds designed to suppress the recruitment of particular leukocyte types in allergic reactions.
Application of a modal-based transient energy function to a large-scale stressed power system: Assessment of transient stability and transient voltage dip

Abstract In this paper a modal-based transient energy function (MTEF) is used to analyse a large-scale stressed power system exhibiting the inter-area mode phenomenon. The analysis consists of two parts. In the first part, direct transient stability analysis of the inter-area mode is conducted by determining the dominant modes of oscillation involved in the non-linear interaction. Using the machines that have large participation in these modes, relevant disturbed machine groupings are formed. These groupings are then used in the MTEF method for transient stability assessment. In the second part, the MTEF is also used to predict the post-disturbance voltage dip at various buses using an energy based criteria. The developed procedures are tested on a 161-generator coherency-based dynamic equivalent of the Northern States Power system which is part of the Mid-continent Area Power Pool in North America.
Global analyticity of a geometric decomposition for linear singularly perturbed systems

A geometric decomposition is developed for linear, time-invariant singularly perturbed systems of a general form. The decomposition is shown to be determined by a mappingd between two real analytic manifolds, the range ofd being a manifold of canonical forms. Our main result establishes analyticity ofd over its entire domain.
Free association in semantic dementia: The importance of being abstract

Circumlocution Difference Score vs. Mean P&P -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 30 35 40 45 50 Mean P&P (out of 52) C D S a b Fig. 1. Results of free association to concrete and abstract targets. Word association task results. (a) Mean number of associations made by controls and SD for concrete and abstract target words. (b) The positive correlation between mean P&P scores and circumlocution difference scores (CDS) in SD patients. Abstract / Brain and Language 103 (2007) 8–249 155
The influence of perinatal loss on anxiety in multigravidas.

Objective- To compare multigravid women with and without a history of perinatal loss on state anxiety, pregnancy anxiety, and optimism. Design- Comparative descriptive; cross-sectional. Setting- Private obstetric offices in a small northeastern city in the United States. Participants- The sample included 160 women who were between 17 and 28 weeks gestation: 96 multigravidas with no history of loss and 74 women with a history of one or two losses. Main Outcome Measures- State anxiety, pregnancy anxiety, optimism, and perinatal loss history. Results- No group differences were found on demographic variables, state anxiety, or optimism. However, pregnancy anxiety was higher in women with a history of perinatal loss. Pregnancy anxiety was also correlated with desire to see care provider more often and number of phone calls between visits, and was not correlated with the number of living children. Conclusion- Women experiencing pregnancy subsequent to perinatal loss have greater pregnancy anxiety: That is, they are more concerned about their pregnancies and their babies than women without a history of perinatal loss. State anxiety and optimism do not differentiate these two groups. This heightened anxiety should be acknowledged and more frequent contact with the care provider should be offered.
Categories and Dimensions Advancing Psychological Science Through the Study of Latent Structure

The distinction between categories and dimensions has important consequences for basic and applied science in many areas of psychological research. Decisions as to whether individuals should be assigned to groups or located along one or more continua often are based on personal preferences or discipline-specific measurement traditions, which can lead to the creation, use, or reification of spurious categories or dimensions. Methods for evaluating the latent structure of psychological constructs, using powerful and informative tests between competing models, are available. Rather than choosing on a priori grounds, investigators can perform structural research to evaluate the strength and consistency with which results tease apart categorical and dimensional models. Here, we review why researchers should make this distinction empirically, briefly discuss methods available for doing so, and describe the breadth of areas ripe for exploiting the largely untapped potential of structural research.
Benefit and Trade-Off Analysis of Continuous Descent Approach in Normal Traffic Conditions

The continuous descent approach (CDA) has long been known as a fuel-efficient procedure because it eliminates level flights at low altitudes. However, many studies that examine fuel savings fail to consider the increased separation uncertainties that accompany CDA and that may cause extra fuel consumption for safe spacing. This study evaluates the fuel benefits of CDA at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia and takes into account the delays that result from conflict resolutions. Fuel burn is estimated by using a corrected thrust-specific fuel consumption model that is designed specially for descent. The conflict-free CDAs are determined in such a way that total arrival delays are minimized in each look-ahead time window. Resultant delays are converted to speed advisory or air-holding commands executed in cruise phase to account for the impact of increased separations in CDAs. The fuel consumption of CDA is compared with that of real step-down trajectories extracted from radar track ...
Functional foods and cardiovascular disease risk: building the evidence base.

Purpose of review To review the concept of functional foods and to summarize recent evidence on functional foods and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Recent findings Recent studies have examined the use of antioxidant vitamins and found no support for a beneficial effect on CVD risk, lipid levels or blood pressure. The evolving data also provide little support for a cardioprotective effect of soy protein. The role of soluble fiber in cardiovascular health has been of interest for many years and new studies support important beneficial effects on lipids as well as total CVD risk. In addition, the benefits of fish intake and nut consumption have been recently affirmed. Two promising areas of investigation from a functional food perspective are studies of phytosterols and milk-derived tripeptides. Plant stanol esters have been shown to have strong lipid-lowering effects, whereas milk-derived tripeptides directly benefited blood pressure. Summary The functional food market has grown exponentially in recent years. Our understanding of the health benefits of foods and nutrients is continually evolving. Careful attention to the strength of the scientific evidence will help to ensure that it is used appropriately to guide the development of the next generation of health-promoting functional foods.
Escherichia coli Gene Expression Responsive to Levels of the Response Regulator EvgA

ABSTRACT To investigate the function of the EvgA response regulator, we compared the genome-wide transcription profile of EvgA-overexpressing and EvgA-lacking Escherichia coli strains by oligonucleotide microarrays. The microarray measurements allowed the identification of at least 37 EvgA-activated genes, including acid resistance-related genes gadABC and hdeAB, efflux pump genes yhiUV and emrK, and 21 genes with unknown function. EvgA overexpression conferred acid resistance to exponentially growing cells. This acid resistance was abolished by deletion of ydeP, ydeO, or yhiE, which was induced by EvgA overexpression. These results suggest that ydeP, ydeO, and yhiE are novel genes related to acid resistance and that EvgA regulates several acid resistance genes. Furthermore, the deletion of yhiE completely abolished acid resistance in stationary-phase cells, suggesting that YhiE plays a critical role in stationary-phase acid resistance. The multidrug resistance in an acrB deletion mutant caused by EvgA overexpression was completely abolished by deletion of yhiUV, while the emrKY deletion had no effect on the increase in resistance by EvgA overexpression. In addition, EvgA overexpression did not confer resistance in a tolC-deficient strain. These results suggest that YhiUV induced by EvgA overexpression is functionally associated with TolC and contributes to multidrug resistance.
Angle and Energy Distribution of Electrons Scattered by Helium, Argon and Hydrogen

The distribution of electrons rebounding at definite angles from gaseous molecules was investigated. An electrostatic re-focussing arrangement was used to analyse the energies of the electrons. In helium, it was possible to identify the following energy losses at several angles, 21.12, 22.97, and 23.62 volts for a primary electron beam of 50 volts, but not the 19.77 and 20.55 volt losses.The number of electrons, rebounding without loss of energy, was measured for different angles of rebound (7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}) from argon, helium, and molecular hydrogen molecules, and for various energies (50 to 150 volts). A scattering curve was also obtained in helium for 100 volt electrons that had lost 21.12 volts energy. In almost all cases, the number scattered decreased rapidly as the angle increased. The higher the energy of the electrons, the more rapidly did the number fall off with increasing angle. The steepness of the curves increases as we go from argon to helium to hydrogen for the slower electrons. For the faster electrons their curves are practically superposable.The results were compared with those of other observers and with the theoretical predictions of Mott, Mitchell and Sommerfeld.
Studies on ochratoxins.

(1973). Studies on Ochratoxins. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 499-524.
Using a TRIZ framework for systems engineering trade studies

Identifying and appropriately resolving system tradeoffs or effectively evaluating alternatives is a key deliverable of systems engineering. Without proper resolution, system performance is hindered, or suboptimal technologies are chosen. TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, offers tools and methods to identify and resolve tradeoffs (which it terms contradictions or conflicts). TRIZ recognizes that fundamental performance limits arise when one or more unresolved tradeoffs exist in a system. According to TRIZ, eliminating or reducing the effects of the conflicts is necessary to move to improved system performance. This paper presents a TRIZ Trade Study framework that is useful to identify system conflicts, both across alternatives and within a technology, and at various levels of requirements decomposition, to compare options and optimize how the system performs. The framework was developed to perform a trade study between alternative pharmaceutical production systems, and merges traditional trade study methodologies with classical TRIZ. Specifically, traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing development and manufacturing were traded against an emerging and proposed approach, QbD (Quality by Design). Given TRIZ is scalable and useful to a variety of systems, the application of the TRIZ Trade Study Framework is also broadly applicable across system scale and domains. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Community Policing and Changes in the Organizational Structure

This paperreviews arguments made by advocates of community policing concerning the need for organizational changes in the structure of police agencies. It examines how the organizational model produced in the previous period of reform lead agencies to develop a formidable command-and-control bureaucracy that deemphasized citizen concerns, and explores some of the internal and external consequences of these developments. Finally, elements of resistance to the community policing movement are surveyed and the broader social context surrounding the community policing movement is noted.
Peritoneal Metastases: Detection with Spiral CT in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of spiral computed tomography (CT) in the depiction of peritoneal metastases by using surgical findings in patients with ovarian cancer as the standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three independent readers reviewed the preoperative CT scans obtained in 64 patients who underwent primary surgery for ovarian cancer. Readers rated the likelihood of peritoneal metastases on a five-point scale and recorded the presence or absence of ascites, parietal peritoneal thickening or enhancement, and small-bowel wall thickening or distortion. Peritoneal metastases were identified as nodular, plaquelike, or infiltrative soft-tissue lesions in the peritoneal fat or on the peritoneal surface. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for each reader. Interreader agreement was evaluated with the κ statistic. Descriptive statistical data were determined with dichotomized ratings (1–3 = absent; 4–5 = present). RESULTS: Areas under the receiver operating c...
Outer Membrane Protein P5 Is Required for Resistance of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae to Both the Classical and Alternative Complement Pathways

The complement system is an important first line of defense against the human pathogen Haemophilus influenzae. To survive and propagate in vivo, H. influenzae has evolved mechanisms for subverting this host defense, most of which have been shown to involve outer surface structures, including lipooligosaccharide glycans and outer surface proteins. Bacterial defense against complement acts at multiple steps in the pathway by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Here we identify outer membrane protein P5 as an essential factor in serum resistance of both H. influenzae strain Rd and nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) clinical isolate NT127. P5 was essential for resistance of Rd and NT127 to complement in pooled human serum. Further investigation determined that P5 expression decreased cell surface binding of IgM, a potent activator of the classical pathway of complement, to both Rd and NT127. Additionally, P5 expression was required for NT127 to bind factor H (fH), an important inhibitor of alternative pathway (AP) activation. Collectively, the results obtained in this work highlight the ability of H. influenzae to utilize a single protein to perform multiple protective functions for evading host immunity.
An empirical exploration of regularities in open-source software lexicons

The software lexicon is an important source of information during program comprehension activities and it has been in the focus of several recent case studies. Identifiers and comments, which constitute a lexicon in software, encode domain concepts and design decisions made by programmers.
Elastic ice shells of synchronous moons: Implications for cracks on Europa and non-synchronous rotation of Titan

A number of synchronous moons are thought to harbor water oceans beneath their outer ice shells. A subsurface ocean frictionally decouples the shell from the interior. This has led to proposals that a weak tidal or atmospheric torque might cause the shell to rotate differentially with respect to the synchronously rotating interior. Applications along these lines have been made to Europa and Titan. However, the shell is coupled to the ocean by an elastic torque. As a result of centrifugal and tidal forces, the ocean would assume an ellipsoidal shape with its long axis aligned toward the parent planet. Any displacement of the shell away from its equilibrium position would induce strains thereby increasing its elastic energy and giving rise to an elastic restoring torque. In the investigation reported on here, the elastic torque is compared with the tidal torque acting on Europa and the atmospheric torque acting on Titan. Regarding Europa, it is shown that the tidal torque is far too weak to produce stresses that could fracture the ice shell, thus refuting an idea that has been widely advocated. Instead, it is suggested that the cracks arise from time-dependent stresses due to non-hydrostatic gravity anomalies from tidally driven, episodic convection in the satellite’s interior. Two years of Cassini RADAR observations of Titan’s surface have been interpreted as implying an angular displacement of ~0.24° relative to synchronous rotation. Compatibility of the amplitude and phase of the observed non-synchronous rotation with estimates of the atmospheric torque requires that Titan’s shell be decoupled from its interior. We find that the elastic torque balances the seasonal atmospheric torque at an angular displacement ≾0.05°, effectively coupling the shell to the interior. Moreover, if Titan’s surface were spinning faster than synchronous, the tidal torque tending to restore synchronous rotation would almost certainly be larger than the atmospheric torque. There must either be a problem with the interpretation of the radar observations, or with our basic understanding of Titan’s atmosphere and/or interior.
A 113-amino acid fragment of CD4 produced in Escherichia coli blocks human immunodeficiency virus-induced cell fusion.

Abstract A gene encoding a 113-amino acid, NH2-terminal fragment of CD4, rsT4.113, was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli under the control of the tryptophan operon promoter. Following induction, rsT4.113 is produced at 5-10% of total E. coli protein, and it is found in inclusion bodies. The protein is purified in two steps under denaturing and reducing conditions. Solubilized rsT4.113 is first purified on a column of Q-Sepharose to remove low molecular weight contaminants and then purified to greater than 95% homogeneity by gel filtration. Renaturation of rsT4.113 is achieved at approximately 20% yield by dilution and dialysis. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of renatured rsT4.113 reveals a less than 15% contaminant of reduced protein. Purified and renatured rsT4.113 contains epitopes for both OKT4a and Leu3a, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies which block CD4-gp 120 association, but lacks measurable affinity toward a nonblocking anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody, OKT4. By comparison to a longer form (375 amino acids) of recombinant soluble T4 produced in mammalian cells that contains the entire extracellular domain, rsT4.113 has a comparable affinity for binding to OKT4a and Leu3a in a radioimmunoassay. Analysis of antiviral activity of rsT4.113 demonstrates that the E. coli-derived protein inhibits human immunodeficiency virus-induced syncytium formation with an IC50 of 5-10 micrograms/ml. These data demonstrate that the human immunodeficiency virus-binding domain of CD4 is localized within the NH2-terminal 113 amino acids of CD4 and is contained within a structure homologous to the kappa variable-like domain of immunoglobulins.
SplitAP: Leveraging Wireless Network Virtualization for Flexible Sharing of WLANs

Providing air-time guarantees across a group of clients forms a fundamental building block in sharing an access point (AP) across different virtual network providers. Though this problem has a relatively simple solution for downlink group scheduling through traffic engineering at the AP, solving this problem for uplink (UL) traffic presents a challenge for fair sharing of wireless hotspots. Among other issues, the mechanism for uplink traffic control has to scale across a large user base, and provide flexible operation irrespective of the client channel conditions and network loads. In this study, we propose the SplitAP architecture that address the problem of sharing uplink airtime across groups of users by extending the idea of network virtualization. Our architecture allows us to deploy different algorithms for enforcing UL airtime fairness across client groups. In this study, we will highlight the design features of the SplitAP architecture, and present results from evaluation on a prototype deployed with: (1) LPFC and (2) LPFC+, two algorithms for controlling UL group fairness. Performance comparisons on the ORBIT testbed show that the proposed algorithms are capable of providing group air-time fairness across wireless clients irrespective of the network volume, and traffic type. The algorithms show up to 40% improvement with a modified Jain fairness index.