cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals

The present study investigated the impact of 12 weeks of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on peripheral vascular function, blood pressure (BP), and nitric oxide in hypertensive individuals. Thirty hypertensive individuals (SBP > 130 mm Hg and/or MAP > 100 mm Hg) were assigned to either PEMF group (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). During pre-assessment, participants underwent measures of flow-mediated dilation (FMD), BP, and blood draw for nitric oxide (NO). Subsequently, they received PEMF therapy 3x/day for 12 weeks and, at conclusion, returned to the laboratory for post-assessment. Fifteen participants from the PEMF group and 11 participants from the control group successfully completed the study protocol. After therapy, the PEMF group demonstrated significant improvements in FMD and FMDNOR (normalized to hyperemia), but the control group did not (P = .05 and P = .04, respectively). Moreover, SBP, DBP, and MAP were reduced, but the control group did not (P = .04, .04, and .03, respectively). There were no significant alterations in NO in both groups (P > .05). Twelve weeks of PEMF therapy may improve BP and vascular function in hypertensive individuals. Additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which PEMF affects endothelial function.
A Central Pattern Generator Includes A Model of Controlled Object: An Experimental Proof

The data presented below were obtained from fictitious and real scratching and locomotion experiments. During actual movement, the integral characteristics of afferent inflow were investigated. In fictitious movement, the quantitative analysis of rearrangements in the motor pattern under the influence of tonic afferent inflow (as conditioned by ipsilateral hind-limb position) and phasic afferent inflow (simulated by stimulation of hind-limb afferents in different motor cycle phases) was carried out.
Crab shell amendments enhance the abundance and diversity of key microbial groups in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage

Substrate amendments composed of crab shell (CS) waste materials have been shown to significantly improve the longevity and performance of acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment systems containing spent mushroom compost (SMC), yet the development of key microbial populations within these systems has not been investigated. To better understand the effects of CS on microbial dynamics in these systems, clone libraries and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed on materials from a laboratory-scale AMD treatment system containing SMC and 0 to 100% CS substrate after receiving a continuous flow of AMD for 148 days (428 pore volumes). The proportion of CS in the substrate positively correlated with the diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and archaeal clones, but negatively correlated with fungal diversity. CS also impacted microbial community structure, as revealed in Unifrac significance and principal coordinate analysis tests. The column containing 100% CS substrate supported 7 different genera of SRB-the most ever observed in an AMD treatment system. Moreover, the copy numbers of functional genes representing fermenters, sulfate reducers, and chitin degraders increased with increasing proportions of CS. These observations agree well with the chemical performance data, further validating that by supporting more abundant key microbial groups, chitinous substrates may provide benefits for improving both the longevity and performance of AMD treatment systems, and may provide similar benefits for the treatment of other environmental contaminants that are amenable to anaerobic bioremediation.Key points• Crab shell improves the longevity and performance of acid mine drainage treatment.• The diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria is enhanced with crab shell amendments.• Crab shell supports more abundant key microbial groups than spent mushroom compost.
From the Modern Synthesis to the Molecular Synthesis: updating how we teach and assess evolution by natural selection

Evolution by natural selection is recognized as both the most important concept in undergraduate biology and the most difficult to teach. Unfortunately, teaching and assessment of evolution have been impaired by legacy approaches that focus on Darwin9s original insights and the Modern Synthesis9 integration of Mendelian genetics, but ignore or downplay advances from what we term the Molecular Synthesis. To create better alignment between instructional approaches and contemporary research in the biosciences, we propose that the primary learning goal in teaching evolution should be for students to connect genotypes, phenotypes, and fitness. To support this approach, we developed and tested assessment questions and scoring rubrics called the Extended Assessing Conceptual Reasoning of Natural Selection (E-ACORNS) instrument. Initial E-ACORNS data suggest that after traditional instruction, few students recognize the molecular synthesis, prompting us to propose that introductory course sequences be re-organized with the molecular synthesis as their central theme.
Elementary Students’ Debugging Behaviors in a Game-based Environment

This basic interpretive qualitative study investigated four students’ debugging behaviors in Zoombinis, a game-based computational thinking (CT) environment. Analysis involved deductive coding of students’ debugging behaviors using videos of students’ computer screens. The findings revealed a range of debugging behaviors and strategies. Findings also indicated that students could articulate an intermediate understanding of debugging as related to the debugging LT [7].
Advances in Nanomaterials Sciences and Nanotechnology for Sustainable Development: A Review

The fields of materials sciences have great opportunities to address the challenges of sustainable development of modern societies. The sub-disciplines of materials sciences of interest in this review are nanomaterials sciences and nanotechnology. Nanomaterials possess one external dimension measuring 1-100 nm. They have larger surface area for the same mass than their bulk materials. They are more reactive with effects on their electrical, optical and magnetic properties. Thus, nanomaterials are promising for sustainable development in the areas of energy, water, chemicals, electronics, medical and pharmaceutical industries, CO2 mitigation and agriculture. To this end, this review explores the advances in nanomaterials sciences, nanotechnology and the potential applications of nanomaterials for sustainable development. In this review, 73 peer reviewed articles and abstracts were retrieved. The review considered nanomaterials of carbon, inorganic materials, semiconductors, polymeric and lipid based materials. It has been found that nanomaterials sciences and nanotechnology is promising for potential applications in the areas of environmental remediation, energy, food, agriculture, industry, molecular biology, medicine and in pharmaceutical industries for sustainable development. Keywords: nanomaterials sciences, nanotechnology, sustainable development
Listeria spp. Isolated from Soil Samples Collected in the Great Smoky Mountains

Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen, and other Listeria spp. are present in natural environments. Isolating and characterizing strains from natural reservoirs can provide insight into the prevalence and diversity of Listeria spp. in these environments, elucidate their contribution to contamination of agricultural and food processing environments and food products, and lead to the discovery of novel species. In this study, we evaluated the diversity of Listeria spp. isolated from soil samples in a small region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), which is the most biodiverse national park in the United States National Park system. Of the 17 Listeria isolates that were recovered, whole-genome sequencing revealed that 14 were unique strains. The unique strains were shown to represent a diversity of Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes (n=9), L. cossartiae subsp. cossartiae (n=1), L. marthii (n=1), L. booriae (n=1), and a novel Listeria sp. (n=2). The Listeria isolated in this study were collected from high elevation sites near a creek that drains into a series of rivers ultimately leading to the Mississippi River; thus, the Listeria present in this natural environment could potentially travel downstream to a large region that includes portions of nine southeastern and midwestern states in the U.S. The Listeria spp. isolated and described in this study provide insight into the diversity of Listeria spp. found in the Great Smoky Mountains and indicate that this environment is a reservoir of novel Listeria spp. IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious systemic illness that, although rare, usually results in hospitalization and has a relatively high mortality rate compared to other foodborne pathogens. Identification of novel and diverse Listeria spp. provides insight into the genomic evolution, ecology, and evolution and variance of pathogenicity of this genus, especially in natural environments. Comparing L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp. isolates from natural environments, such as those recovered in this study, to contamination and/or outbreak strains may provide more information about the original natural sources of these strains and the pathways and mechanisms that lead to contamination of food products and agricultural or food processing environments.
PLATELET MAO AND URINARY MHPG IN AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

We have determined the platelet MAO activity and urinary MHPG levels in 99 and 38 drug-free depressed patients, respectively. The unipolar and bipolar groups of patients did not differ with respect to the mean values obtained for either of these biochemical measures. However, the greater variance of platelet MAO activity in the bipolar group suggests that the group may be heterogeneous.
Navigating choices when applying multiple imputation in the presence of multi-level categorical interaction effects

Abstract Multiple imputation (MI) is an appealing option for handling missing data. When implementing MI, however, users need to make important decisions to obtain estimates with good statistical properties. One such decision involves the choice of imputation model–the joint modeling (JM) versus fully conditional specification (FCS) approach. Another involves the choice of method to handle interactions. These include imputing the interaction term as any other variable (active imputation), or imputing the main effects and then deriving the interaction (passive imputation). Our study investigates the best approach to perform MI in the presence of interaction effects involving two categorical variables. Such effects warrant special attention as they involve multiple correlated parameters that are handled differently under JM and FCS modeling. Through an extensive simulation study, we compared active, passive and an improved passive approach under FCS, as JM precludes passive imputation. We additionally compared JM and FCS techniques using active imputation. Performance between active and passive imputation was comparable. The improved passive approach proved superior to the other two particularly when the number of parameters corresponding to the interaction was large. JM without rounding and FCS using active imputation were also mostly comparable, with JM outperforming FCS when the number of parameters was large. In a direct comparison of JM active and FCS improved passive, the latter was the clear winner. We recommend improved passive imputation under FCS along with sensitivity analyses to handle multi-level interaction terms.
Teaching Spanish Writing to Bilingual College Students

Three approaches to Spanish language instruction for bilingual college students are briefly considered and opportunities for learning to write in Spanish are examined in light of recent work concerning writing modes and writing instruction. Two textbooks reflecting the comprehensive approach to Spanish language development are analyzed in terms of writing assignments; in particular, what the assignments accomplish and who they are for. The paper concludes with a call for further research and for a student-oriented definition of Spanish writing instruction.
Transnational community enterprises for social welfare in global civil society

Considerable attention has been devoted thus far to transnational economic and political enterprises in globalisation. This article focuses on the phenomenon of social globalisation. Specifically, we call attention to the need for research and development on transnational enterprises to support and maintain individuals and families that are members of transnational communities in the USA and Mexico. The social fallout of transmigration on the health and social wellbeing of sending and receiving communities is enormous and costly, and far beyond the capacity of transmigrants to handle merely through self-help, mutual aid or small voluntary clubs and associations. This article raises questions about whether it is possible, or desirable, for civil society organisations to expand the scope of their vision to include social welfare activities that promote and enhance the health and social wellbeing of host and home communities simultaneously.
Recent Developments in the Molecular Biology of the Thyroid

The last decade has seen a significant expansion in our understanding of the molecular biology of the thyroid. It has become clear that the molecular landscape of thyroid tumors arising from follicular epithelium is dominated by chromosomal rearrangements, which are otherwise prevalent in hematologic malignancies and sarcomas, but not in other types of epithelial neoplasms. The identification of the gene responsible for the familial forms of medullary carcinomas, originated from thyroid C-cell tumors, has led to a dramatic change in the management of patients with this disease, and is one of the first examples of preventive surgery performed solely on the basis of molecular genetic testing. The progress in molecular biology is expected to permeate into virtually all aspects of thyroid pathology and provide significant assistance in the diagnosis of thyroid tumors, in the determination of tumor prognosis, as well as to serve as an additional aid for proper classification of thyroid tumors. In this respect, it is important to realize that the thyroid gland represents a unique model of tumorigenesis, as thyroid follicular cells give rise to the malignant tumors with a widely variable biological behavior. Indeed, well-differentiated papillary, follicular, and Hurthle cell carcinomas have an overall favorable prognosis; poorly differentiated carcinoma behaves in a more aggressive manner, while anaplastic carcinoma is one of the deadliest human malignancies. In this chapter, we follow the general classification of thyroid tumors and summarize molecular alterations identified in each type of thyroid malignant and benign neoplasms.
Marriage Plans Interrupted and Then Fulfilled: The Impact on a Family

In this paper, originally a presentation, the author discusses creating a family and raising a son with another couple as four co-parents. The couples had wedding plans when their son was young but were forced to postpone their union as California law changed. The author reviews her family's odyssey of marriage plans interrupted and then fulfilled and the impact of the resultant legal complexities on her son.
Training‐induced Neuroplasticity in Young Children

As the main interhemispheric fiber tract, the corpus callosum (CC) is of particular importance for musicians who simultaneously engage parts of both hemispheres to process and play music. Professional musicians who began music training before the age of 7 years have larger anterior CC areas than do nonmusicians, which suggests that plasticity due to music training may occur in the CC during early childhood. However, no study has yet demonstrated that the increased CC area found in musicians is due to music training rather than to preexisting differences. We tested the hypothesis that approximately 29 months of instrumental music training would cause a significant increase in the size of particular subareas of the CC known to have fibers that connect motor-related areas of both hemispheres. On the basis of total weekly practice time, a sample of 31 children aged 5–7 was divided into three groups: high-practicing, low-practicing, and controls. No CC size differences were seen at base line, but differences emerged after an average of 29 months of observation in the high-practicing group in the anterior midbody of the CC (which connects premotor and supplementary motor areas of the two hemispheres). Total weekly music exposure predicted degree of change in this subregion of the CC as well as improvement on a motor-sequencing task. Our results show that it is intense musical experience/practice, not preexisting differences, that is responsible for the larger anterior CC area found in professional adult musicians.
Chemical compatibility studies of GaAs and CdZnTe with the alloys WC-103 and TZM

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the chemical compatibility of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) with WC-103, a niobium hafnium titanium alloy, and TZM, a titanium zirconium molybdenum alloy. Compatibility in these systems is of primary interest for crystal growth experiments during space shuttle missions. Crystal growth ampoules containing GaAs and CdZnTe must be encased in a sample ampoule cartridge assembly (SACA) during crystal growth, which is qualified as a level of safety containment. Two of the primary metal candidates for these containment cartridges for experiments conducted aboard the USML-1 shuttle mission were WC-103 and TZM. Reaction couples between the semiconductors and the metals were constructed and used to simulate failure of the growth ampoule. Experiments were designed to examine various stages of failure including the worst case situation, in which failure occurred at the beginning of the growth experiment. The couples were analyzed optically and using the scanning electron microscope to evaluate any metal loss or reaction products formed.
An experimental model for the surgical correction of tracheomalacia.

Abstract Tracheomalacia may result from large intrathoracic goiters. Due to the chronic compression, particularly within the confines of the thoracic inlet, the tracheal wall weakens, with disintegration of some of the cartilaginous rings. Tracheomalacia can cause acute airway distress, particularly during the postoperative period, and may occasionally result in death. The other major cause of tracheomalacia is related to either prolonged endotracheal intubation or over-inflation of the tracheostomy cuff. While various techniques such as internal stenting, external support devices, tracheostomy, and tracheal resection have been used based on individual circumstances, no one method appears to be perfect. To further study this difficult problem, an experimental model of tracheomalacia was created in eight dogs. Six to seven rings of the tracheal cartilages were dissected submucosally. More than half of the circumference of the tracheal rings was resected. The tracheal walls were reconstructed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. The grafts strengthened the tracheal wall without causing luminal constriction. Tracheostomy was not performed on any of the dogs. All dogs tolerated the procedure well and were extubated at the conclusion of the experiment. The dogs were followed for 4 to 6 months and then sacrificed so that the tracheal wall could be examined histologically. There was considerable fibrosis leading to stiff neotrachea. The results of this experimental technique for prosthetic reconstruction to counteract problems simulating tracheomalacia are very encouraging.
Stabilization of magnetohydrodynamic modes by surface-magnetic-field topology

The curvature-driven interchange mode is stabilized by spatially modulating the magnetic field lines at the plasma surface. This is effected by a high-order multipole field. No radial magnetic well is created, and axisymmetry is retained throughout most of the volume. The density, plasma lifetime, and pressure gradient increase by an order of magnitude in the stabilized plasma due to suppression of wave induced radial transport. A model of wave stabilization by finite--larmor-radius effects enhanced by the localization of wave fields is quantitatively established by computer simulation.
A deformational mechanism in particulate‐filled glassy polymers

Abstract : The stress-strain behavior of glass bead filled polystyrene, styrene- acrylonitrile, ABS, and PPO composites is studied at various temperatures below their glass transition temperature. Earlier studies of bead filled composites indicated that the addition of filler decreases toughness and ultimate elongation. Results show this is true for certain conditions; however, it is also possible for such composites to have higher toughness and ultimate elongation than the unfilled matrices. A deformational mechanism, involving crazing of the matrix, is proposed which explains this behavior.
Games of chance with multiple objectives

We consider games of chance between two players: Player M can win only by amassing point totals in several categories before player N scores a prescribed total number n of points. Let M have k objectives, with mi points required in category i and probability qi of scoring a point in that category. We resolve certain special cases:
Stemflow chemistry: Effects on population dynamics of detritivorous mosquitoes in tree-hole ecosystems.

Experimental studies support four main conclusions about the effects of the chemical composition of stemflow on the growth, development, and survivorship of larvae of the tree hole mosquito Aedes triseratus Say, a vector of human encephalitis. (1) The presence and type of leaf litter is more critical for larval growth and development than the type of stemflow found in tree holes. (2) However, variations in stemflow chemical composition within the natural range of concentrations have substantial effects on growth, development, and survivorship of the larvae. Effects of pH, ammonia, nitrate, and sulfate are especially pronounced. (3) Acidification of stemflow caused increased mortality, prolonged development times, and reduced size of individual pupae, similar to effects of acid precipitation on the insect detritivores of lakes and streams. The stimulatory effects of nitrate and sulfate in acid precipitation do not compensate for the deleterious effects of the acidity. (4) Changes in stemflow characteristics sometimes had opposite effects on detritivores and detritus. The vigor of the larval population was not dependent on litter decomposition alone. In general, emergence patterns of adult treehole mosquitoes depend strongly on the chemical composition of stemflow.A fractional factorial experiment was successfully used. Fractional designs are advocated for experiments that screen a large number of nutrients or toxins for their effects on ecosystem components.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for January-March 1985

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 170 earthquakes that occurred during the first quarter of 1985. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure.
A thermomechanical hot channel approach for friction stir welding

Abstract This paper provides a theoretical framework for developing a thermomechanical hot channel (THC) approach for augmenting the friction stir welding (FSW) process. The model follows from the Rosenthal solution for moving point sources where heat input from the tool shoulder acts as a warm source while plasmas or laser heat sources provide higher energy input. The THC approach aims at decreasing tool wear by reducing the demand for frictional heat from the tool shoulder and pin. In the proposed model, the THC processing temperature is approximately 1000 °C, which is close to the temperature required for stir welding steel.
DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE SHOOT APEX, LEAF, AND BELTIAN BODIES OF ACACIA CORNIGERA

The final event of leaf ontogeny in Acacia cornigera is the production of a Beltian body at the tip of each rachis and pinnule. This structure serves as a food source for an ant, Pseudomyrmex ferruginea F. Smith, that lives in a mutualistic relationship with the plant. The mature Beltian body consists of an epidermis, hypodermis, cortex and central vascular bundle. Anatomical and cytohistological comparisons between the shoot apex and leaf ontogeny in A. cornigera and similar developmental aspects of the phyllode of A. longifolia Willd. and of the leaf of A. decurrens var. dealbata F.v.M. indicate that each type of photosynthetic organ is characterized by a different period of longevity of its group of sub-apical initials. The phylogenetic history of Beltian bodies is also discussed. RECENTLY Janizen (1966) has critically studied and thoroughly reviewed the literature pertaining to the obligate mutualism between a swollen-thorn acacia, Acacia cornigera L., and an ant, Pseudomyrmex ferruginea F. Smith. The interaction between these two organisms is truly obligate with the ant providing the plant with protection from phytophagous animals and interplant competition for moisture, sun, etc., and the acacia providing the ant with food and domicile in return. The domicile consists of hollowed stipular thorns, while the food is provided by sugarsecreting petiole glands and modified rachis and leaflet endings called Beltian bodies (Fig. 1, 2). Beltian bodies were named after T. Belt who recorded a domicile-food relationship between P. belti Emery and A. costaricensis Schench in Nicaragua. F. Darwin (1877) and Jokl (1917) presented line
Determination of Optimum Drying Off Time for Dairy Cows Using Decision Analysis and Computer Simulation

A model of the drying off decision problem was constructed in which the effect of parity, month of freshening, length of dry period prior to lactation, and the length of open period during the current lactation on milk production were considered. The seasonal variations in the price of milk and feed costs were also considered. The net return per year was used to compare the effect of different times of drying off. Optimum length of dry period for first lactation cows freshening in summer to fall was 47 to 49 d if open between 40 and 160 d and 50 to 53 d if open more than 160 d. For cows freshened during winter to spring, the optimum dry period was 50 to 53 d if open between 40 and 130 d and 53 to 63 d if open more than 130 d. For mature cows freshening during summer to fall, the optimum dry period was 48 to 56 d if open between 40 and 130 d and 56 to 84 d if open more than 130 d. If cows freshened during winter to spring, the optimum length of dry period was 51 to 54 d, 54 to 85 d, and 80 to 112 d for cows open 40 to 70 d, 70 to 130 d, and more than 130 d, respectively.
Funerall Teares or Dolefull Songes? Reconsidering Historical Connections and Musical Resemblances in Early English Absalom Settings

For over forty-five years, scholars have speculated about an unusual collection of early seventeenth-century settings of David's lament for Absalom by twelve English composers, including Thomas Weelkes and Thomas Tomkins. Though some see these works as referring symbolically to James I as both king and grieving father, and Henry as his dead son, others believe they were all written within a few months if not days of Henry's death specifically as memorial pieces for him. The period 1612–13 has thus been considered a significant dating marker for the manuscripts in which the settings are preserved. Using previously unexamined or unnoticed evidence from the text, music, and sources, I suggest that most of these Absalom settings were not written in the first few years of the 1610s but emerged slowly over the course of several decades. Although one or two settings may indeed have been prompted by Henry's death—there remains no evidence to suggest any were written specifically for the funeral ceremonies, however—it is more probable that most of them were composed in 1618 or later.
Preventing violence and teaching peace: A review of promising and effective antiviolence, conflict-resolution, and peace programs for elementary school children

As the prevalence and severity of youth violence have risen, so have programs aimed at preventing such violence. We review 30 programs categorized as antiviolence, conflict-resolution, or peace programs, based on goals, target skills, and theoretical constructs. Through empirical evaluations, we designate programs as either promising or effective. After considering the unique aspects of each program, we outline five criteria to guide selection of the best violence-prevention programs for addressing theoretical foundations, comprehensive skills, diverse populations, teacher training, and children's self-worth.
Comments on unstable branes

We argue that type-II string theories contain unstable NS4-branes, which descend from a conjectured unstable M4-brane of M-theory. Assuming that an M2 brane can arise in M5-brane/anti-brane annihilation, the unstable M4 brane, and also an unstable M3-brane, must exist as sphalerons. We compare the tensions of the unstable NS4-branes, M4-brane, and related type-II unstable D-branes, and present 11d supergravity solutions for unstable Mp-branes for all p. We study the 2 gauge symmetry on the worldvolume of unstable branes, and argue that it can never be unbroken in the presence of lower brane charge.
New Theory or New Dogma? A Tale of Social Capital and Economic Development from Gujarat, India:

The quest to discover the most robust predictors of economic development continues unabated. Social scientists have run the gamut, for instance, from demographic pressure to the degree of price distortion, and savings rate to the rate of technical innovation. Currently, the attention is on "social capital." Although empirical studies operationalize social capital in an almost bewildering number of ways, the shared impulse of these studies, the article suggests, has been to parlay "culture" in a form sensible to economics and policy science: in terms of its capacity to generate economic returns. While there is a pressing need to recognize the discursivity (linguistic and social embeddedness) of economic categories, "culture" translated as "social capital" is a sorely inadequate formulation. Bourdieu's notion of "symbolic capital" is, theoretically and empirically, far more instructive. Employing primary and archival evidence, the article demonstrates how the pursuit of "symbolic capital" by the dominant Pa...
Strategic Culture and the Military Modernization of South Korea

Two schools of thought in international relations theory have sought to explain the accelerated pace of arms acquisitions in Asia. The "arms" school posits that weapons purchases are a function of emerging peer competition. Countering this view, the "affluence" argument focuses on economics and status-hierarchy factors as the proximate cause for the buildup. This article tests these schools against the Republic of Korea (ROK) case, and finds both to be wrong. In spite of the economic crisis that hit Korea in 1997, the ROK's inelastic demand for military modernization confirmed that threats and strategy, not excess liquidity, drove arms acquisitions. While this finding undercuts the affluence argument, it does not confirm the predictions of the arms school. Though strategy drives Korea's pursuit of modern weapons systems, predictions of this process creating new rivalries and regional insecurity are premature. The net effect of such arms acquisitions in Asia on stability is a function not just of power and...
Misfit-dislocation-mediated heteroepitaxial island diffusion

Scanning tunneling microscopy combined with molecular dynamics simulations reveals a dislocation-mediated island diffusion mechanism for Cu on Ag(111), a highly mismatched system. Cluster motion is tracked with atomic precision at multiple temperatures and diffusion barriers and prefactors are determined from direct measurements of hop rates. The barrier to nucleate a dislocation is sensitive to island size and shape, resulting in a non-monotonic size dependence of the diffusion barrier.
Selective increase in gastric mucosal mRNA encoding basolateral Na-K-2Cl cotransporter following ileostomy in the rat

Results of previous studies suggest that major surgical resections or reconstructions of the distal small intestine can alter morphologic and functional properties of the stomach. Little is known about the effect of lesser surgical alterations, such as construction of an ileostomy, on the morphology and transport properties of the gastric mucosa. To evaluate the effects of ileostomy, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham laparotomy (n = 10) or loop ileostomy construction (n = 10). After body weights had stabilized (-21 days), the animals were killed. Gastric mucosal scrapings were prepared for Northern blot analysis of messenger RNA levels for (1) H/K ATPase, found in parietal cells; (2) Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, found in both parietal and surface cells; and (3) Na/K ATPase, found in all gastric mucosal cells. Gastric mucosa from ileostomy animals was visibly hypertrophied compared to sham-operated animals. There was a 145% increase in the mRNA levels of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in gastric mucosa of the ileostomy group but no significant changes in H/K ATPase or Na/K ATPase mRNA levels. Construction of an ileostomy selectively enhances expression of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter in the gastric mucosa. Further studies are required to understand the neurohumoral stimuli underlying this selective response.
Trace metal speciation in sea water — a paper electrophoretic approach

Abstract Stability constants of individual trace metal complexes form the basis for calculations predicting the distribution of trace metal species in complexing media, such as sea water. In this study, the electrophoretic mobility of radiotracer 210 Pb is measured as a function of ligand concentration in chloride and sulfate solutions of constant ionic strength and temperature. A theoretically-derived expression, relating mobility to ligand concentration and complex stability constants, is fitted by the method of least squares to the experimental data to obtain estimates of the conditional stability constants of lead(II) chloro and sulfato complexes at 23°C and ionic strength 0.7 i.e., under conditions resembling those of ocean water. The values obtained are: log β 1 = 0.999 ± 0.014, log β 2 = 1.037± 0.032, log β 3 = 1.250 ± 0.015 for lead(II) chloro complexes, and log β 1 = 1.048 ± 0.015 and log β 2 = 1.183 ± 0.025 for lead(II) sulfato complexes. Experiments with eight other metal ions [Au(III), Bi(III), Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), and Po(IV)] and with sea water as electrolyte indicate the general applicability of the method.
The discovery of participatory research as a new scientific paradigm: Personal and intellectual accounts

The article presents considerations for the placing of participatory research in the practice of sociology. The changing conditions in contemporary society have compelled social scientists to rethink the way social theory has been conceptualized and has been practiced in relation to social change. Modernist social theory, of which sociology is a prime example, has been imbued with the biases of the Enlightenment that privilege the essentialized male rational actor set above the ordinary people. As a consequence it has produced narratives and practices that are not in the interest of the people, especially those who have been dominated and oppressed. In order to live up to the potential of sociology as a vehicle for the improvement of social conditions, it must include the interest and the wisdom of the people in its researching and theorizing activities. It is argued that participatory research provides an opportunity to follow this course in sociology. Participatory research, it is contended, will lead to a paradigm shift in the social sciences because it is based on an expanded conception of knowledge and because it changes the relationship between the researcher and the researched and between theory and practice. Arguments are drawn from the history of science, critical theory, and postmodernist and feminist critiques.
Manipulating MiRNA Expression: a Novel Approach for Colon Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy

Small non-coding RNA has been implicated in the control of various cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. About 50% of the miRNA genes are positioned in cancer-associated genomic regions. Several studies have shown that miRNA expression is deregulated in cancer and modulating their expression has reversed the cancer phenotype. Therefore, mechanisms to modulate microRNA (miRNA) activity have provided a novel opportunity for cancer prevention and therapy. In addition, a common cause for development of colorectal cancers is environmental and lifestyle factors. One such factor, diet has been shown to modulate miRNA expression in colorectal cancer patients. In this chapter, we will summarize the work demonstrating that miRNAs are novel promising drug targets for cancer chemoprevention and therapy. Improved delivery, increased stability and enhanced regulation of off-target effects will overcome the current challenges of this exciting approach in the field of cancer prevention and therapy.
Labor Policy and the Social Meaning of Parenthood

The article explores an aspect of the debate over the place of women in the paid labor force. Focusing on disputes over “protective” labor policies, “fetal protection” policies in particular, the essay discusses the implications of such policies for the social meaning of parenthood. Using data from inter-views with 49 mothers and 37 fathers of children in neonatal intensive care units, the essay presents evidence suggesting that traditional social values in-herent in female-exclusive labor policies are inadequate when one is dealing with the practical needs of parents. A policy that views women as nurturing and men as economically active resides in assumptions that women have the sole biological connection to children and overly determines a narrow conception of parenthood. The parents in this sample demonstrate the ongoing and complex negotiations involved in parenting, negotiations that labor policies have often ignored.
Computational Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Static Straight-Through Labyrinth Seals

To design highly efficient and stable turbomachines, engineers require accurate methods to model seal flows and calculate clearance-excitation forces generated by the eccentric position of the rotor. One of the most widely used methods to predict leakage flow and dynamic coefficients is the use of computer codes developed based on bulk flow theory. In recent years, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is increasingly being recognized as an accurate assessment tool for flow parameters and dynamic coefficients evaluation as compared to the bulk flow codes. This paper presents computational and experimental investigations that were carried out to calculate flow parameters in a stationary straight-through model labyrinth seal. The main objective of this study is to explore the capabilities of Ansys-CFX, a commercially available state of the art 3D numerical code, to accurately model compressible flow through the seals. The flow behavior is analyzed using CFD and the flow parameters calculated by CFD are validated against experimental data taken for the same seal configuration. The integrated values of leakage flow rates estimated from the computational results agree with the experimental data within 7.6%. This study serves as a benchmark case that supports further efforts in applying CFD analysis in conjunction with automatic design optimization techniques for seals used for compressible media. It was shown that optimization algorithms combined with CFD simulations have good potential for improving seal design.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Smiling and laughter: Different phyletic origins?

Ethological data on 141 adult dyads support the hypothesis that the human smile had its origin in the silent bared-teeth submissive grimace of primates and that the facial expression accompanying laughter evolved from the relaxed open-mouth display of play. Affiliative smiling occurred in greeting and departure interactions, whereas frank laughter was almost exclusively seen in a recreational context. Convergence and learning may mask the original distinction, leaving the impression of a continuum of graded signals.
Density Functional Theory Studies on the Mechanisms of Regioselective Allylic and cis-Vinylic Deprotonation of Allyl Amides and Allylamines

A density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31+G*) study was undertaken in an effort to learn more about the mechanisms controlling the regioselective deprotonations of the synthetically versatile N-lithio-N-(tert-butyl)allylamide 1 and N-lithio-N-(trimethylsilyl)allylamine 2 compounds. The calculations suggest that deprotonation of 1 occurs exclusively at the allylic position. This agrees with experimental results. The calculations also suggest that deprotonation of allylamine 2 exclusively at the cis-vinylic position is due to kinetic control.
Finite element modeling of net panels using a consistent net element

A consistent finite element is proposed to model the hydrodynamic response of net panels to environmental loading. This equivalent net element is constructed to reproduce the drag, buoyancy, inertial and elastic forces exerted on the netting by current and waves. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed finite element modeling, numerical predictions have been compared with the experimental observations and (simplified) analytical results of other authors. This new modeling technique has been applied to evaluate the performance of a tension leg fish cage in the open ocean environment.
C2-C5+ olefin production from CO2 hydrogenation using ceria modified Fe/Mn/K catalysts

Abstract Improvement in CO2 conversion to value-added hydrocarbons is reported using a formulated bifunctional catalyst that combines reverse water-gas-shift (RWGS) and Fischer–Tropsch chain growth activity. Adding the ceria prior to the deposition of CO2 hydrogenation catalysts results in an approximate 22% increase in CO2 conversion. The calcination temperature and the consequential size of the ceria particles are also pivotal in tailoring the catalyst's activity and selectivity.
Urinary C-peptide excretion: a novel alternate measure of insulin sensitivity in physiological conditions.

Insulin sensitivity (IS) is measured by the euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp under a nonphysiological condition. Daily C-peptide urinary excretion may be a physiological index of IS, because C-peptide is co-secreted with insulin as a function of nutrient intake and IS. The amount of 2H2O released from glycolytic glucose metabolism after [6,6-2H2]-glucose ingestion was recently proposed as a physiological measure of IS. We compared these IS surrogates to the gold standard (euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp). Thirty (15 male/15 female) sedentary, nondiabetic participants (27.2 ± 4.0 (s.d.) kg/m2, 35 ± 12 years) were admitted for 3 days to our in-patient unit. After a 10-h fast, they received 60 g of glucose and 15 g of [6,6-2H2]-glucose. Before glucose ingestion and hourly thereafter for 4 h, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, and plasma deuterium enrichment were determined. Plasma 2H2O production divided by insulin response was used as the glycolytic index. On day 2, subjects spent 23 h in a metabolic chamber (eucaloric diet, 50% carbohydrate, 30% fat). Urinary C-peptide excretion was divided by energy intake yielding the C-peptide to energy intake ratio (CPEP/EI). After leaving the chamber (day 3, 10-h fast), IS was measured by a 2-h clamp (120 mU/m2/min). Average IS (clamp) was 7.3 ± 2.6 mg glucose/kg estimated metabolic body size/min (range: 3.6–13.2). These values were inversely correlated with CPEP/EI (r = −0.62; P < 0.01) and positively with the glycolytic rate (r = 0.60; P < 0.01). In nondiabetic subjects, two novel estimates of IS—daily urinary C-peptide urinary excretion and glycolytic rate during an oral glucose tolerance test —were related to IS by a clamp.
Cylindrobulla and Ascobulla in the western Atlantic (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia, Sacoglossa): Systematic review, description of a new species, and phylogenetic reanalysis

Two often-confused western Atlantic shelled opisthobranchs - Cylindrobulla beauii P. Fischer, 1857, and Ascobulla ulla (Marcus & Marcus, 1970) - are redescribed and compared, via a full literature review, scanning electron microscopy of shells and radulae, and serial histological sectioning of soft anatomy. A third sympatric species, C. gigas, from Florida, the Caribbean and Bermuda, is described as new, and also provides the first larval development data for the genus. The overlapping classificatory histories of the genera Cylindrobulla and Ascobulla are summarized and discussed with reference to the Cephalaspidea, Sacoglossa (= Ascoglossa), Anaspidea, and Diaphanoidea. Two of the most-recent studies (Jensen 1996u, Jensen 1996h; Mikkelsen 1996) have resulted in conflicting conclusions about the relationships and classification of Cylindrobulla. In the author's earlier phylogenetic analysis (Mikkelsen 1996), Cylindrobulla formed a monophyletic group with the shelled Sacoglossa with synapomorphies in digestive, reproductive, pallial, and nervous system characters. Jensen's two-part study (Jensen 1996a, Jensen 1996b) resulted in removal of Cylindrobulla to a new opisthobranch order, Cylindrobullacea. These two divergent cladistically produced classifications were tested by critically re-evaluating Jensen's dataset, especially with regard to Cylindrobulla, and re-running the analysis. Thirteen of Jensen's 52 characters were recoded for Cylindrobulla according to new morphological data and the new species described here. Other coding changes were required to update anatomical data for other taxa, add supplementary characters and taxa, more clearly define the outgroup, and to critically re-evaluate the cladistic criteria behind several characters. The resultant reanalysis produced a shorter tree using fewer a priori assumptions, but nevertheless preserved the basic tree topology, including three monophyletic sacoglossan clades, presented by Jensen (19966). Cylindrobulla, however, rejoined the shelled sacoglossans (Oxynoacea), supported by two synapomorphies. This analysis therefore reconfirmed Cylindrobulla's proper placement in the Sacoglossa, rather than in the traditional Cephalaspidea or segregated in its own monogeneric opisthobranch order. © 1998 The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters