cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who's in Charge?: Coparenting in South and Southeast Asian Families

In light of the evolving roles of parents and the involvement of extended family within Asian cultures, the traditionally Western dyadic coparenting construct must be reconceptualized to include not only the coparenting relationship, but also other caregivers within the coparenting network. Theoretical and empirical evidence on coparental systems are discussed and two studies from South and Southeast Asian cultures are presented to highlight subcultural variations in cocaregiving networks. Results indicated that mothers were the primary caregivers across both cultural contexts. Extended family members assumed important coparental responsibilities in both cultural contexts. These findings highlight the need to reconceptualize and expand the dyadic coparental unit to include extended family members. We also discuss the relevance of the broader coparental network in examining the Asian child”s education as well as cognitive and socioemotional development.
Response of two perennial grasses to root barriers and fissures

Abstract Above- and belowground biomass of contrasting grass growth forms ( Hilaria belangeri —shortgrass vs. Bouteloua curtipendula —mid-height grass) was quantified with respect to partial root barriers (at 35 cm soil depth) with artificial fissures. We hypothesized (a) growth would be greatest in the absence of a barrier; and (b) the shallow-rooted H. belangeri would be relatively less affected by barriers with fissures than B. curtipendula . Alternatively (c) B. curtipendula with its deeper root system would exploit fissures and access the resources below barriers better than H. belangeri . The parameters used to evaluate these hypotheses for plants grown in subirrigated 150 cm pots included above- and belowground biomass after 4 months and monthly gravimetric soil moisture at 20 cm intervals to 150 cm. Root barrier treatments had no affect on either species’ above-ground growth. As expected, the mid-height grass produced more root biomass and was more deeply rooted. However, partial root barriers had no effect on total root biomass for either species. Although, some ‘perching’ of root biomass above the barrier occurred in both species, it had no discernable influence on the pattern of soil moisture depletion with depth. Thus, under the conditions of this experiment, the lack of a significant species×barrier interaction suggests the two growth forms were not differentially affected by partial root barriers.
Partition of maternal nutrients to the placenta and fetus in the sheep

Utilizing the Fick Principle, the fluxes of oxygen and glucose leaving the uterine circulation and entering the fetal umbilical circulation were measured simultaneously in 35 chronically catheterized sheep. Additionally, the distribution of placentally produced lactate into the uterine and umbilical circulations was measured by the same techniques. Under unstressed conditions, placental oxygen consumption accounted for approximately half the oxygen exiting the uterine circulation. Placental glucose consumption averaged 75% of the glucose exiting the uterine circulation, and this proportion increased with decreasing glucose concentration in the maternal artery. Lactate was produced at a high rate by all placentae, and distributed disproportionately to the fetus, in spite of higher fetal lactate concentration. Fetal metabolism was aerobic, as demonstrated by a high rate of net oxygen consumption and a high rate of net lactate consumption. Fetal oxygen metabolism correlated well with fetal weight and with the sum of net fetal lactate and glucose consumption.
The Multilingual Mental Lexicon and Lemma Transfer in Third Language Learning

From some psycholinguistic perspectives, this study examines language transfer by exploring the nature of the multilingual mental lexicon in relation to sources of language transfer. It assumes that the multilingual mental lexicon contains not only lexemes but also language-specific lemmas; language-specific lemmas may activate language-specific morphosyntactic procedures in speech production, and third language learners' activation of lemmas for target language items may be influenced by the lemmas already stored in their mental lexicon through their previous language acquisition, especially second language acquisition. The interlanguage data for the study are from adult learners with Chinese as their first language, English as their second language and German as their third language, and those with Japanese as their first language, English as their second language and Chinese as their third language. The research findings provide empirical evidence that the activation of second language lemmas is the ma...
Design of heterogeneous catalysts via multiple active site positioning in organic-inorganic hybrid materials.

Catalytic materials bearing multiple sulfonic acid functional groups and positioned at varying distances from one another on the surface of mesoporous solids are prepared to explore the effects that the spatial arrangement of active sites have on catalytic activity and selectivity. A series of organosiloxane precursors containing either disulfide or sulfonate ester functionalities (synthons of the eventual sulfonic acid groups) are synthesized. From these molecular precursors, a variety of organic−inorganic hybrid, mesostructured SBA-15 silica materials are prepared using a postsynthetic grafting procedure that leads to disulfide and sulfonate ester modified silicas: [Si]CH_2CH_2CH_2SS-pyridyl, 2·SBA, [Si]CH_2CH_2CH_2SSCH_2CH_2CH_2[Si], 3·SBA, [Si]CH_2CH_2(C_6H_4)(SO_2)OCH_2CH_3, 4·SBA, and [Si]CH_2CH_2(C_6H_4)(SO_2)OC_6H_4O(SO_2)(C_6H_4)CH_2CH_2[Si], 6·SBA ([Si] = (⋮SiO)_x(RO)_(3-x)Si, where x = 1, 2). By subsequent chemical derivatization of the grafted species, thiol and sulfonic acid modified silicas are obtained. The materials are characterized by a variety of spectroscopic (^(13)C and ^(29)Si CP MAS NMR, X-ray diffraction) and quantitative (TGA/DTA, elemental analysis, acid capacity titration) techniques. In all cases, the organic fragment of the precursor molecule is grafted onto the solid without measurable decomposition, and the precursors are, in general, attached to the surface of the mesoporous oxide by multiple siloxane bridges. The disulfide species 2·SBA and 3·SBA are reduced to the corresponding thiols 7·SBA and 8·SBA, respectively, and 4·SBA and 6·SBA are transformed to the aryl sulfonic acids 11·SBA and 12·SBA, respectively. 7·SBA and 8·SBA differ only in terms of the level of control of the spatial arrangement of the thiol groups. Both 7·SBA and 8·SBA are further modified by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide to produce the alkyl sulfonic acid modified materials 9·SBA and 10·SBA, respectively. The performances of the sulfonic acid containing SBA-15 silica materials (with the exception of 12·SBA) are tested as catalysts for the condensation reaction of phenol and acetone to bisphenol A. The alkyl sulfonic acid modified material 10·SBA derived from the cleavage and oxidation of the dipropyl disulfide modified material 3·SBA is more active than not only its monosite analogue 9·SBA, but also the presumably stronger acid aryl sulfonic acid material 11·SBA. It appears that a cooperative effect between two proximal functional groups may be operating in this reaction.
Under Moore's Spell

As David Wiggins points out, although Ross is best known for opposing Moore's consequentialism, Ross comes very close to capitulation to Moore when he accepts, as required by beneficence, a prima facie duty to maximize the good. I argue that what lies behind this is Ross's acceptance of Moore's doctrine of agent-neutral intrinsic value, a notion that is not required by, but is indeed is in tension with, beneficence as doing good to or for others.
Indoor Characterization of Photovoltaic Modules under Various Conditions

Marcus Zettl, Omar Stern, Oliver Mayer, Marianne Hartung, Mark Lynass, Eva Bernal GE Global Research Europe Freisinger Landstr. 50, 85748 Garching, Germany. Tel. +49-89-5528-3430, Fax 3102 eMail: marcus.zettl@research.ge.com or omar.stern@research.ge.com ABSTRACT Usually photovoltaic modules are characterized unde r standard testing conditions by subjecting them to an irradiation of 1000 W/m
Retroviral expression of a FKHR mutant enhances metastasis and apoptosis in a mouse mammary carcinoma model

Abstract Introduction: In order to study breast cancer progression, we utilized two related transgenic mouse models of mammary carcinoma (termed Met and Db). Met tumors are highly invasive with 100% pulmonary metastases, whereas Db tumors, possessing a mutation abrogating PI3K recruitment, exhibit fewer metastases without signs of invasion. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of PI3K effectors in modulating apoptosis and metastasis. Methods: Met and Db tumors and cell lines were examined both pathologically and biochemically. Immunoblot analysis was used to study levels of endogenous PI3K effectors. Cell proliferation assays were employed to study responses to PI3K inhibitors, with apoptosis assessed by DAPI staining. FKHR activity was reinstated by retroviral expression of an Akt phosphorylation site mutant. Results: Despite a genetic defect in PI3K, Db cells exhibited persistent phosphorylation of downstream effectors, particularly Akt and FKHR (rendering it inactive), an effect which was not responsive to PI3K inhibitors. A deficiency of protein phosphatase 2A in Db cells was found to be the basis for this aberration. Retroviral expression of active FKHR in Db cells resulted in both enhanced metastasis and susceptibility to apoptosis inducers. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the acquisition of a novel compensatory mechanism downstream from PI3K that augments cell survival despite apoptotic pressures. Restoration of FKHR function by retroviral expression in Db cells confirmed that this pathway figures prominently in Db latency and chemoresistance. This mechanism may provide insight into sensitizing human breast cancer cells to apoptosis inducers.
Renal IL-18 production is macrophage independent during obstructive injury.

Background Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates fibrotic renal injury during obstruction. Macrophages are a well-known source of IL-18; however, renal tubular epithelial cells are also a potential source of this cytokine. We hypothesized that IL-18 is predominantly a renal tubular cell product and is produced during renal obstruction independent of macrophage infiltration. Methods To study this, male C57BL6 mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) vs. sham operation in the presence or absence of macrophage depletion (liposomal clodronate (1 ml/100 g body weight i.v.)). The animals were sacrificed 1 week after surgery and renal cortical tissue harvested. Tissue levels of active IL-18 (ELISA), IL-18 receptor mRNA expression (real time PCR), and active caspase-1 expression (western blot) were measured. The cellular localization of IL-18 and IL-18R was assessed using dual labeling immunofluorescent staining (IFS). Results Immunohistochemical staining of renal tissue sections confirmed macrophage depletion by liposomal clodronate. IL-18 production, IL-18R expression, and active caspase 1 expression were elevated in response to renal obstruction and did not decline to a significant degree in the presence of macrophage depletion. Obstruction-induced IL-18 and IL-18R production localized predominantly to tubular epithelial cells (TEC) during obstruction despite macrophage depletion. Conclusion These results demonstrate that renal tubular epithelial cells are the primary source of IL-18 production during obstructive injury, and that tubular cell production of IL-18 occurs independent of macrophage infiltration.
BRAF-inhibition and tumor immune suppression

As BRAFV600E-inhibitors become standard treatment for many metastatic melanoma patients, research has begun to elucidate their impact on the tumor immune landscape. Here, we highlight our recent studies demonstrating the ability of melanoma cell-intrinsic BRAFV600E-inhibition to selectively reduce intratumoral immunosuppressive cell populations and enhance antitumor CD8+ T-cell immunity.
Connection of the stratospheric QBO with global atmospheric general circulation and tropical SST. Part II: interdecadal variations

The interdecadal variation of the association of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) with tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTA) and with the general circulation in the troposphere and lower stratosphere is examined using the ERA40 and NCEP/NCAR reanalyses, as well as other observation-based analyses. It is found that the relationship between the QBO and tropical SSTA changed once around 1978–1980, and again in 1993–1995. During 1966–1974, negative correlation between the QBO and NINO3.4 indices reached its maximum when the NINO3.4 index lagged the QBO by less than 6 months. Correspondingly, the positive correlations were observed when the NINO3.4 index led the QBO by about 11–13 months or lagged by about 12–18 months. However, maximum negative correlations were shifted from the NINO3.4 index lagging the QBO by about 0–6 months during 1966–1974 to about 3–12 months during 1985–1992. During 1975–1979, both the negative and positive correlations were relatively small and the QBO and ENSO were practically unrelated to each other. The phase-based QBO life cycle composites also confirm that, on average, there are two phase (6–7 months) delay in the evolution of the QBO-associated anomalous Walker circulation, tropical SST, atmospheric stability, and troposphere and lower stratosphere temperature anomalies during 1980–1994 in comparison with those in 1957–1978. The interdecadal variation of the association between the QBO and the troposphere variability may be largely due to the characteristic change of El Nino-Southern Oscillation. The irregularity of the QBO may play a secondary role in the interdecadal variation of the association.
Experience with surgical management of primary infective endocarditis: a collected review of 139 patients.

Abstract One hundred thirty-nine patients with primary infective endocarditis who under-went open-heart surgery are analyzed; of these, 24 patients were operated upon at the University of Washington while the rest have been collected from the English literature. One hundred five patients were operated during the active stage and 34 patients in the healed stage. Seventy patients had pre-existent cardiac lesions before the onset of endocarditis. As a group, Streptococcus was the commonest infective organism followed by Staphylococcus. Congestive heart failure alone or with other conditions was the indication for surgery in 96 per cent of patients. Left-heart valves were involved in 135 patients, the aortic valve being the commonest site of infection. Prosthetic valve replacement alone or along with other procedures was done in 113 patients; in the remaining patients reconstructive procedures or homograft valve replacement was done. Over-all early and late mortality rates in the entire series were 25 and 8.6 per cent, respectively. The early mortality rate in the active stage was about 26.6 per cent while in the healed stage it was 11.7 per cent. Of 130 patients who left the operating room, 32 were reported to develop murmurs of regurgitation; of these 32 patients, 3 died of congestive heart failure and/or septicemia, 9 were reoperated upon, while the rest are stable. Two patients had residual infection with the original organism while an-other 2 patients developed reinfection with a new organism. Hemodynamic status is the most important determinant of timing of the operation in this disease. Once congestive heart failure starts due to tear or perforation of a leaflet during the course of active endocarditis, particularly of the aortic valve, surgery should be undertaken at an early date. It is suggested that an aggressive attitude with regard to early surgical intervention in these patients should further reduce the early mortality rate.
In Vivo Cherenkov Video Imaging during External Beam Radiation Therapy

In vivo Cherenkov video imaging visualizes the process of external beam radiotherapy. Patient positioning, treatment verification, quality control, superficial dose and skin reaction estimation were explored for this technique, termed Cherenkoscopy.
Mesoporous Nb-Doped TiO2 as Pt Support for Counter Electrode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Mesoporous Nb-doped TiO2 film was prepared by the sol−gel method on a transparent conducting FTO glass. Pt nanoparticles were impregnated in the mesoporous TiO2 support substrate and tested for the counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The mesoporous Pt/Nb-doped TiO2 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt nanoparticles on different supports was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the tri-iodide (I3−)/iodide (I−) redox reaction in acetonitrile, a common electrolyte solution for DSSCs. By fabricating a Pt/Nb-doped TiO2 electrode, the charge transfer resistance was reduced and the exchange current density was increased as the result of a larger active surface area of Pt in the mesoporous Nb-doped TiO2. This electrode could be used in other systems where there is a need to control the amount of Pt surface area and hamper Pt particle aggregation when operating at high te...
Optimality and robustness of a minimax portfolio

A class of minimax investment portfolio which minimizes the maximum of suitably-defined risk is analysed theoretically and its relation to Markowitz efficient portfolios is evaluated. It is shown that minimax portfolios possess some robustness properties not shared by Markowitz efficient portfolios. An empirical application of the minimax risk frontier over Jensen's data set shows its superiority in explanatory power and robustness.
Screening of high production volume chemicals for estrogen receptor binding activity (II) by the MultiCASE expert system

A structurally and functionally diverse and cross-validated quantitative structure-activity knowledge database generated by the MultiCASE expert system was used to screen 2526 high production volume chemicals (HPVCs) for their estrogen receptor binding activity. 73 HPVCs were found to contain structural features or biophores that have been documented as having the ability to bind to the estrogen receptor. Potential chemicals were ranked according to their quantitatively predicted ER binding potential and the details of the biophores found in them are discussed.
An angular sampling theorem for the usable frequency range of antenna array calibration measurements

For high precision direction-finding using antenna arrays, a highly-accurate calibration data set is required. This paper focuses on the sampling requirements of such data sets to ensure an accurate direction-of-arrival estimate, in which interpolation across angle and frequency is assumed. Limited discussions of the required sampling grids to mitigate aliasing can be found in the literature, but a quantified procedure to avoid aliasing has not been presented. In this paper, we establish a link between calibration angle spacing and the maximum operation frequency of the antenna array to avoid aliasing when computing direction-of-arrival estimates. Numerical evaluations show the validity of our geometric aliasing model.
A Variable Selection Criterion in the Linear Programming Approaches to Discriminant Analysis

There are numerous variable selection rules in classical discriminant analysis. These rules enable a researcher to distinguish significant variables from nonsignificant ones and thus provide a parsimonious classification model based solely on significant variables. Prominent among such rules are the forward and backward stepwise variable selection criteria employed in statistical software packages such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and BMDP Statistical Software. No such criterion currently exists for linear programming (LP) approaches to discriminant analysis. In this paper, a criterion is developed to distinguish significant from nonsignificant variables for use in LP models. This criterion is based on the “jackknife” methodology. Examples are presented to illustrate implementation of the proposed criterion.
Observation of a Phase Transformation of Ga2S3 in a Quartz Effusion Cell above 1230 K by Means of Neutron Scattering

We report the first neutron scattering study of a condensed-phase transformation in an effusion cell at high temperatures. Neutron powder diffraction patterns of gallium sulfide in a quartz effusion cell were measured from room temperature to 1260 K to seek a phase transformation at 1243 K implied by mass-spectrometric and vapor-pressure data and predicted with a thermodynamic theory of condensed-phase transformations in binary systems. Diffraction patterns in the range of 1230−1260 K revealed a phase transformation from monoclinic Ga2S3 to a high-temperature phase, which was indexed from neutron diffraction data at 1260 K as hexagonal with unit cell parameters a = 3.74 ± 0.20 A and c = 6.14 ± 2.69 A. Diffuse scattering observed in the diffraction pattern of the hexagonal, high-temperature phase suggested disordering in Ga2S3 and correlation in gallium positions on the length scale of their sublattice spacing in the monoclinic phase. The time scale of the experiment, >1 h, prevented a determination of the...
Corneal Compression Sutures for the Reduction of Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty

We placed interrupted 9-0 nylon sutures across the graft-host interface of ten eyes with more than 5 diopters of keratometric cylinder after penetrating keratoplasty in order to steepen the flattest corneal meridian and reduce the amount of corneal cylinder. Placement of compression sutures reduced corneal cylinder by an average of almost 6 diopters one week later. Average corneal cylinder was 5.1 diopters nine to 12 months after surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity with spectacles improved by an average of two Snellen lines (20/60 to 20/40) and uncorrected visual acuity improved by an average of one line (20/300 to 20/200). There were no complications related to placement of the sutures. This procedure provides a rapid and simple method for reducing astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.
Entropy budget in decaying compressible turbulence

The interaction of vorticity and shock waves in decaying compressible turbulence is investigated by direct numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equation using a spectral method with 643 collocation points. The Taylor microscale Reynolds number decreases from 36 to 17 and the rms Mach number from 0.8 to 0.4 during the decay. It is observed that vorticity is created inside curved shocks through baroclinic interaction and intensified by the compression of fluid elements. Vortex stretching is, on the other hand, dominant outside shocks and is responsible for enhancing the strength of vorticity. A dipole of vorticity is typically created at the vertex of curved shocks, the structure of which is explained in terms of jump relations of velocity derivatives across a curved shock.
Surgical repair of bilateral choanal atresia

Choanal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly that may be unilateral or bilateral. The diagnosis and work-up of choanal atresia has not changed in the last 10 years. However, new surgical methods that use transnasal endoscopic techniques have become the preferred method to repair this congenital anomaly. A transnasal repair of choanal atresia is presented with a discussion of the challenges and pitfalls of this procedure.
Large perpendicular anisotropy in sputtered Sm(Ti,Fe)2 films

Abstract Film samples of a new Sm(Fe,Ti)2 system have been synthesized which exhibit a large perpendicular anisotropy of 4x106 erg/cm3. Our fabrication procedure has involved two steps; (1) sputtering the films in an amorphous state by selectivity thermalized sputtering, and then (2) crystallizing the films to achieve a new perpendicular anisotropy system.
A Venezuelan educator: don Feliciano Montenegro Colon.

Among the Hispanic-American States, Venezuela has not been notable for achievement in the field of education measured in terms of popular literacy. Venezuelans are, indeed, the first to recognize and to deplore a lack of such achievement. The writer is convinced, however, that no country of Hispanic-America can present a more interesting or exceptional list of educators, whether philosophers and critics, educational statesmen and administrators, or class-room teachers are proposed. Such outstanding figures as Simon Rodriguez, the radical reformer of the revolutionary era, sometimes called the “Rousseau of Hispanic-America”, or Andres Bello, philosopher and teacher, or the Liberator himself, who might well be called the Jefferson of Hispanic-America in the field of educational statesmanship, are generally recognized.
How Can We Account for DBT's Widespread Popularity?

The widespread dissemination of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) nationally and internationally seems to have gone beyond what would be justified by the impressive but slim empirical base to date. After considering the role of the empirical base in the enthusiastic reception of this treatment, I propose some factors other than empirical ones that may help to explain this phenomenon. Principles and strategies that form the core of DBT are posited to account for its considerable appeal. DBT integrates four theoretical orientations reflecting the Zeitgeist of today's mental health community, and synthesizes strategies from acceptance to change and from the pragmatic to the theoretically sophisticated. Dialectical philosophy helps to bring contradictory positions together in DBT in an appealing and effective manner.
Assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents

Abstract The author reviews assessment research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. Assessment methods covered include structured interviews, questionnaires, and psychophysiological evaluation. Although initial attempts to evaluate traumatized children were either unstructured or based on incomplete screening for PTSD symptoms, recent research reveals that certain structured interview protocols and questionnaires can distinguish traumatized children with PTSD from those without PTSD. These studies have shown that diverse stressors can produce the syndrome, and that scholastic impairment can result. Suggestions for further research are made.
Fire-extinguishing effectiveness of new binary agents

Abstract The search for a new fire-extinguishing agent with all the desirable properties of halon 1301 has not been successful. During the last few years, several chemical groups with very low extinguishing concentrations have been identified. Most of these compounds have high boiling points and are not suitable replacements for halon 1301. However, mixtures of these chemicals in an inert gas could produce fire-extinguishing agents with many of the desirable properties of halon 1301. To study binary fire suppressants, one has to determine the extinguishing concentrations for several compositions of a given chemical in an inert gas. This process is expensive and time consuming. A method to estimate the extinguishing concentrations would be helpful in reducing the number of experiments needed for any binary system. In this study, a method based on adiabatic flame temperature calculations and the dependence of the rate of fire suppression of chemical agents on temperature was used to estimate the extinguishing concentration of binary mixtures. The method was tested for five organic compound/nitrogen mixtures. Five compounds that have been shown to have very low extinguishing concentrations and very short atmospheric lifetime were selected for this study. Cup burner experiments were conducted for several concentrations of each chemical in nitrogen. All the five binary systems showed synergism. As expected, the degree of synergism was highest at low concentrations of the chemical. For each binary system, extinguishing concentrations of the pure compounds and one binary data were used to predict the extinguishing concentrations for the entire range of binary composition. The predicted values are very close to experimental data.
Do zygotes become people

One anti-abortion line of argument proceeds like this: (i) We should do to others as we are glad they have done to us; (2) I am glad that no one killed me when I was a fetus, sO (3) I should not kill those who are fetuses.' The argument involves the metaphysical assumption that I once existed as a fetus. Is that so? The answer to the question 'When did I begin to exist?' somehow seems to depend upon the answer to the question 'What am I?' But if this lastquestion is parsed as 'What kind of thing am I ?', we must proceed with caution. One possible answer to the question 'What kind of thing am I?' is 'chess player'. But 'chess player' is decidedly not a term that applies to me throughout my entire history or career; the time at which I became a chess player is considerably later than the time at which I began to exist. It may be said that any proper answer to the question 'What kind of thing am I ?' must be posed in terms of a 'sortal' expression that applies to me at every moment at which I exist.2 So-called 'phasesortals', terms that apply to things throughout only proper parts of their histories or careers, do not tell us what kind of thing a thing really is. To determine what kind of thing I am we need to be given a 'substance' sortal or an 'ultimate' sortal-a term that applies to me throughout my entire history or career. Quite obviously 'chess player' is out. But what is in? One popular candidate is 'person'. Assuming that those of us who are people are people throughQut our entire histories or careers, and assuming further that no fetus is a person, none of us (people) ever existed as fetuses. It is often assumed that a necessary condition for being a person is that a being have certain psychological capacities or abilities.3 (The
Orthodontics at a Pivotal Point of Transformation.

The profession of orthodontics is projected to face a multitude of challenges. Do cyclic forces accelerate the rate of tooth movement and hence the speed of orthodontic treatment? Would bioengineered cementum and dentin be a solution to root resorption? What will orthodontics be like when bioengineered periodontal ligament and alveolar bone become clinical practice, or, when one day entire teeth are bioengineered? Would it be possible to selectively differentiate stem cells into osteoblasts or osteoclasts by either static or cyclic forces? What is the new demand on orthodontic expertise with increasingly automated appliances? What will be the impact of the next generation of dental implants or rapid prototyped crowns on orthodontics? A century ago, Edward Angle's practice of fixed appliances, along with other seminal contributions, such as functional appliances, established the profession of orthodontics. Today, biophysical therapies of orthodontics remain largely unchanged from Angle's era, despite incremental refinements of brackets and wires. The paucity of fundamental innovations for decades presents intrinsic risks for the orthodontics profession. This review will identify challenges for contemporary orthodontics and delineate strategies for the profession to evolve in an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advances, and serve as a call to action for the orthodontic profession.
The electrochemical oxidation of the diphosphate ester of 2-methylnaphthohydroquinone

Summary The electrochemical oxidation of the diphosphate ester of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone (Synkavit) has been studied in aqueous solution at carbon paste electrodes. The oxidation process is complicated by adsorption phenomena, coupled chemical reactions, and slow electron transfer. Details of the mechanistic pathways have been deduced from peak voltammetry and rotating ring-disc electrode experiments. Over the entire pH range, the oxidation proceeds via a reversible or “quasi-reversible” dephosphorylation of a one-electron intermediate. The rate at which this reaction comes to equilibrium is pH dependent, decreasing as the pH is increased. This scheme appears to have some generality in describing the anodic oxidation pathways of hydroquinone derivatives.
Comparison of rapid and gradual weaning from external ventricular drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective randomized trial.

Object The goal of this study was to compare rapid and gradual weaning from external ventricular drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a prospective, randomized trial. Methods Between December 2001 and December 2002, 81 patients with aneurysmal SAH in whom external ventricular drains (EVDs) had been placed were enrolled in the study: 41 patients were randomized to the rapidly weaned group and 40 were randomized to the gradually weaned group. The two groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, posterior aneurysm location, Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, intraventricular hemorrhage on admission, and hydrocephalus on admission. Rapid weaning was defined as weaning that occurred within 24 hours with immediate closure of the EVD, whereas gradual weaning took place over a 96-hour period with daily, sequential height elevations of the EVD system followed by drain closure for 24 hours. All patients in whom EVD weaning failed underwent shunt placement. Rates of shunt impla...
The effects of stress and disturbance on proximate composition, allocation of production, photosynthesis, respiration, and chlorophyll levels in Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) Anders. (Acanthaceae)

Abstract Emergent apical shoots of submerged Hygrophila polysperma were collected in October 1988 and grown under controlled laboratory conditions. Stressed plants were grown in soil with salt or low-nutrient levels; disturbed plants were cropped of leaves. Salt-stressed plants grew longer, and had more total internodes, mature nodes and leaves than control plants. Stressed plants had a higher number of roots than control plants. Salt-stressed and control plants allocated more biomass to roots, whereas nutrient-stressed and cropped plants showed a more equitable distribution of biomass among roots, stems and leaves. Stressed plants possessed higher levels of soluble carbohydrates than control plants. Cropped and nutrient-stressed plants had higher protein contents than all other plants. Excised leaves of salt-stressed plants had a significantly lower level of photosynthesis than those of control and other treatments. Excised leaves of control plants had a significantly higher level of respiration than those of other treatments. Excised leaves of salt-stressed plants had a significantly higher chlorophyll a b ratio that those of control or cropped plants, but did not differ significantly from those of nutrient-stressed plants. The abiotic stress (salinity) decreased photosynthesis while the biotic stress (low nutrients) did not. Disturbance (cropping) decreased photosynthesis on an absolute basis.
In vitro testing of antimicrobial agents

The widespread use of antibiotics coupled with the rapid evolutionary capability of microorganisms have contributed to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. In many cases, we on longer are able to predict with certainty the susceptibility pattern of an organism based on its identity. Therefore, we have come to relyon results of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide therapeutic decisions. Unfortunately, no single susceptibility testing methodology will detect the plethora of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that exist among microorganisms. This article focuses on susceptibility testing of bacterial agents and describes salient features of test methodologies, interpretation of results, test limitations, and supplementary methods required for certain organisms. The latter methods include detection of vancomycin and aminoglycoside resistance in enterococci, penicillin and cephalosporin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae , methicillin resistance and reduced susceptibility to vancomycin in staphylococci, β-lactamase production in Haemophilus spp and enterococci, and extended-spectrum and inducible β-lactamase production in gram-negative bacilli
The postnatal development of the Sertoli cells of the mouse.

The development of the Sertoli cells of the testis of the white mouse was studied with the electron microscope at weekly intervals from birth to sexual maturity, utilizing fixation in a glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde mixture followed by OsO4. The Sertoli cells underwent a rapid structural differentiation between 1–2 and 4–5 weeks postnatally. Large increases were noted in cell size, in the extent of cell processes extending between germinal cells, and in the abundance of certain cytoplasmic organelles, particularly the agranular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The apparent sequences of development of the characteristic junctional complexes and tri-partite nucleoli of Sertoli cells were observed. The development of structural specializations is discussed in terms of established and proposed functions of the Sertoli cells, and the demonstration of abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum is considered in relation to the possibility of steroid hormone production by Sertoli cells.
Finding Criminals Through DNA of Their Relatives

Analyses of the DNA databases maintained by criminal justice systems might enable criminals to be caught by recognizing their kin, but this raises civil liberties issues.
Fukushima and the Motifs of Nuclear History

AbstractNuclear narratives convey responsibility (or lack thereof), and historical understandings are enlisted to stake out defensible positions in times of crisis. As historians, we need to be con...
Patterns of cell movement in early organ primordia of the chick embryo

Purse-string constriction of the cytoskeleton at cell poles is generally accepted as the causal mechanism for invagination during early stages of organ formation. However, it is known that other cell movements, including intercalation, play a role in the organotypic shape changes that occur during gastrulation and neurulation. Such cell movements have not been investigated in pouching and branching epithelial primordia. There is reason to suspect that cells within these organ primordia might exchange their neighbors for others, that is, intercalate or translocate, at sites of sharp folding such as borders with the surrounding epithelial sheet or where a bend occurs within the primordium. The greatest difficulty in identifying these movements has been the need to use intact embryos so that the processes are not distorted. This study explores the possibility of using time-lapse video recording to identify cell movement at these locations. Three organ primordia were tested: otic and thyroid placodes, which had not been tested previously, and neural plate as a control, where movements of this sort have been documented. Embryos or parts containing the primordia were immobilized and cell apices visualized with Hoffman modulation contrast optics. Recordings to an optical memory disc recorder were transferred to a microcomputer for image analysis. The viewing procedure allows reasonably clear visualization of cell apices, and image analysis permits tracking of a number of adjacent cell apices over an extended time period. Several types of movement were found to occur within cell sheets, and the relative abundance of each type depends on the specific primordium. In the neural plate, some cells move many cell diameters from their neighbors. In the other two primordia, most cells show limited shifts in position relative to their neighbors except at regions where folds are formed. In other regions, adjacent cells move as a unit. Knowledge of the movements which occur in any particular primordium is essential to an understanding of the mechanisms controlling its formation.
The Pre-Crisis Capital Flow Surge to Emerging Europe: Did Countercyclical Fiscal Policy Make a Difference?

A push-pull-brake model of capital flows is used to study the effects of fiscal policy changes on private capital flows to emerging Europe during 2000-07. In the model, countercyclical fiscal policy has two opposing effects on capital inflows: (i) a conventional absorption-reducing effect, as a tighter fiscal stance acts as a brake on capital flows; and (ii) an unconventional absorption-boosting effect, as a tighter fiscal stance increases investor confidence in the country. The empirical results suggest that push factors (low returns in flow-originating countries), rather than pull factors (high returns in flow-destination countries), drove most of the private capital flows to emerging Europe. And active countercyclical fiscal policy - once the fiscal stance is adjusted for the automatic effects on the fiscal position of both internal and external imbalances - acted as a brake on capital inflows. However, the empirical results also suggest that, even abstracting from political feasibility and fiscal policy lag considerations, countercyclical fiscal policy alone is unlikely to be an effective policy tool to put an effective brake on sudden capital flow surges.
Rates of prescription opiate use before and after injury in patients with orthopaedic trauma and the risk factors for prolonged opiate use

Background: The prudent use of prescription opiate medications is a central aspect of postoperative pain management. The mortality associated with prescription opiate overdose is reaching epidemic proportions nationally, and is the leading cause of accidental death in greater than half the states in the United States. This study sought to determine the rates of preinjury opiate use in patients with orthopaedic trauma and the risk factors for prolonged use postinjury. Methods: The Utah Controlled Substance Database was queried to determine the use of prescription opiates by all patients admitted to the orthopaedic trauma service for a two-year period with isolated musculoskeletal injuries. Usage three months prior to injury and six months postinjury was examined. Results: Six hundred and thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Among patients with orthopaedic trauma, 15.5% had filled a prescription for opiates in the three months prior to injury, compared with 9.2% of the general population (p < 0.001). More than one prescription was filled by 12.2% of the patients with trauma preinjury compared with 6.4% of the general population (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, 68.4% of all patients filled opiate prescriptions for less than six weeks, 11.9% filled opiate prescriptions between six and twelve weeks, and 19.7% filled opiate prescriptions past twelve weeks. Patients with preinjury use of more than one opiate prescription in the three months preinjury were six times as likely to continue use past twelve weeks, and 3.5 times as likely to obtain opiates from a provider other than their surgeon (p < 0.001). Opiate use was briefest with upper-extremity injuries, followed by lower-extremity injuries and pelvic or acetabular injuries. Regression models demonstrate that risk factors for prolonged use of opiates include advancing age and extent of preinjury use. Conclusions: Patients with orthopaedic trauma are significantly more likely than the general population to use prescription opiates prior to injury. Preinjury opiate use is predictive of prolonged use postinjury and predictive of patients who will seek opiates from other providers. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Cross talk between the bone and immune systems: osteoclasts function as antigen-presenting cells and activate CD4 + and CD8 + T cells

The bone and immune systems are closely related through cellular and molecular interactions. Because bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCs) are derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, similar to dendritic cells (DCs), we hypothesized that OCs could serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to activate T cells. In this study, OCs were generated from human monocytes with stimulation by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Results showed that, similar to DCs, OCs express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and CD80, CD86, and CD40; and uptake soluble antigens. OCs secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but not IL-12p70. OCs present allogeneic antigens and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ alloreactive T cells in an MHC-restricted fashion. OCs also present soluble protein tetanus toxoid to activate autologous CD4+ T cells. These findings indicate that OCs can function as APCs and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, our study provides new insight into the effect of OCs on the immune system and may help develop novel strategies for treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple myeloma, which affect both the bone and immune systems.
Enhanced nucleophilic fluorination and radiofluorination of organosilanes appended with potassium-chelating leaving groups

Abstract Here we aimed to explore the feasibility of enhancing the fluorination of organosilanes by appending potassium-chelating groups to the substrates. For this purpose, eight organosilanes were prepared in which a linear or cyclic leaving group, with putative potassium-chelating ability, was attached covalently to a congested silicon atom via an ether linkage to serve as a potential nucleophilic assisting leaving group (NALG). Organosilicon-NALGs with expected strong potassium-chelating capability enhanced reactions with potassium fluoride in acetonitrile to produce organofluorosilanes without any need to separately add phase transfer reagent. Similar rate enhancements were also observed with cyclotron-produced [ 18 F]fluoride ion ( t 1/2 = 109.7 min, β + = 97%) in the presence of potassium carbonate in MeCN–0.5% H 2 O. This study found that metal-chelating NALG units can accelerate fluorination and radiofluorination reactions at sterically crowded silicon atoms.
Genesis of Bimodal Size Distributions in Species Cohorts

Abstract Explicit consideration of size distributions within animal population cohorts can be important, because distributions in size can result in qualitatively complex phenomena not anticipated from the usual “averaging” population models. For example, bimodal size distributions have been observed to develop in fish cohorts. A partial-differential-equation model is used to corroborate the hypothesis that such bimodality can be generated when available prey is a function of time and of size of the fish in the cohort.
Studies on the Uptake and Column Chromatographic Separation of Eu, Th, U, and Am by Tetramethylmalonamide Resin

A tetramethylmalonamide-functionalized resin (TMMA resin) has been developed and investigated for its ability to separate trivalent, tetravalent, and hexavalent actinide elements. As a fundamental study of the extraction mechanism and to design a chromatographic separation scheme, distribution coefficients (K d) for partitioning of Eu(III), Th(IV), U(VI), and Am(III) onto the resin from HNO3, NaNO3, HCl, and NaCl solutions have been determined. The partitioning of HNO3 onto the resin was also evaluated. The order of the K d values was Th(IV) > U(VI) > Am(III) = Eu(III) in all tested solutions. The competition between metal extraction and HNO3 extraction was confirmed by the extraction data and FT-IR spectra. The loading capacities of Eu(NO3)3 and UO2(NO3)2 at 3 M HNO3, determined by a dynamic method with TMMA resin (TMMA in the resin was 2.05 mmol/g), were 0.83 mmol/g and 1.6 mmol/g, respectively, implying that M:TMMA stoichiometry was 1:2 for Eu(III) and 1:1 for U. Because the K d values for Th(IV) and U...