cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Too little Theory, Too little Practice? Stevens's Law School

What is a law school? To its faculty? To its students? To its graduates? To other members of its university? To those excluded? To the public it is expected to serve? To a historian? The answers to these questions are complex and multifaceted. Robert Stevens's study of American legal education from the mid-nineteenth century to the present attempts to answer them to facilitate some "intelligent discussions of the lines that might exist between the vocational, the academic, and the professional" (at xvi). This essay focuses on the problematic nature of any effort to produce a descriptive and analytic history of an institution that has meant many things to many people. While other commentaries have focused on whether or not Stevens's book is sufficiently tied to other developments in intellectual history,' or represents legal education in a diverse and pluralistic nation,2 or is too critical3 or insufficiently critical4 of legal education, this essay focuses on Stevens's treatment of the issue he identifies as the mixed mission of legal education, a mission that changes depending on who is defining it-the professoriate, the consumer, the practitioner, the academic, the aspiring professional, or Jean Q. Public. There has been little change in and much criticism of legal education, Stevens tells us; his study is motivated by a desire to explain the simultaneous
Can muscle fibers be stable on the descending limbs of their sarcomere length-tension relations?

Abstract The authors of a paper published in this journal (Allinger et al. (1996) J. Biomechanics 29, 627–633) have concluded, based on a theoretical analysis, that muscle fibers may be stable even if some of their constituent sarcomeres have lengths falling on the descending limbs of their static length-tension relations. This note reconsiders the question of fiber stability and concludes that fibers are unstable if at least one of their sarcomeres is on the descending limb. A positive ‘short-range’ sarcomere stiffness has no effect on fiber stability, and a positive ‘effective stiffness’ of the whole fiber does not imply sarcomere stability.
N4 virion DNA dependent-RNA polymerase: initiation sequences utilized by the enzyme on heterologous templates

Bacteriophage N4 virion-encapsulated RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for transcription of the phage early RNAs, is unable to use duplex linear DNA as a template. In contrast to other RNA polymerases, the enzyme transcribes denatured N4 DNA with in vivo specificity. The promoter sequences for three sites of transcription initiation on the N4 genome have been determined and found to contain conserved sequences and two sets of inverted repeats. In order to define the minimal sequence requirements for N4 virion RNA polymerase activity, we have screened several heterologous DNAs, amounting to 64,328 bases, for their ability to support transcription. Several sequences allowing specific initiation were found. Their location, properties and the relation to N4 virion RNA polymerase promoters are discussed.
A new set of solutions for a similarity equation modeling laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid through a moving flat plate with suction

Abstract The laminar boundary layer flow of non-Newtonian fluids on a continuous moving porous flat plate with suction or injection is governed by the nonlinear differential equation f ‴ ( η ) + f ( η ) f ″ ( η ) = 0 with boundary conditions f ( 0 ) = - C , f ′ ( 0 ) = ξ , f ′ ( + ∞ ) = 1 , where η is the similarity variable, f ( η ) is related to the stream function of the laminar flow, and C and ξ are parameters. This paper presents a rigorous proof of the existence of a new set of solutions for the boundary value problem for ξ 0 and any C 0 .
Evaluation of the candidacy of the Π-mechanisms of stiles for color-matching fundamentals

Abstract Linear combinations of small field color matching functions that yield best fits (minimum RMS deviations on a logarithmic scale) to the spectral sensitivities of Stiles's Π-mechanisms were found by a computer minimization technique. Good fits to Π3 (RMS = 0.039 log units, λ ≦ 533 nm) and to Π4 (RMS = 0.042 log units) and a surprisingly excellent fit to Π5 (RMS = 0.024 log units) were found. The same fitting technique was applied also to a large set of pigment spectra obtained from the Dartnall A1, nomogram and from Wald, Brown and Smith's iodopsin spectrum by varying (i) λmax, (ii) optical density (iii) lens and macular pigment corrections. None of these spectra were found to be better fit than Π3, Π4 and Π5. A formal analysis reveals that the apparently protanomaloas W.D.W. unit coordinates induced by Π5, Π4, Π3 could result from small deviations of these spectral sensitivities from the “true” underlying sensitivities.
CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD154) are coexpressed on microvessels in vivo in human cardiac allograft rejection

Background CD40 is expressed by a wide variety of cells in the immune system, including endothelial cells. It binds to CD40 ligand ([CD40L] CD154), which was originally reported to be restricted in its expression to early-activated T cells. We report here the expression of CD40 and CD40L in human cardiac allografts. Methods. A total of 123 consecutive biopsies from 11 human cardiac allograft recipients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD40 and CD40L. The expression of CD40L was also examined in vitro in homogeneous cultures of umbilical vein endothelial cells by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and by flow cytometry. Results. CD40 was expressed at low levels, and CD40L was minimal or absent in histologically normal biopsies in the absence of CD3+ T-cell infiltrates. In rejection, the expression of CD40 increased on vascular endothelial cells and on graft-infiltrating leukocytes throughout biopsy specimens. Induced expression of CD40 was strongly associated with the presence of CD3+ T-cell infiltrates, acute rejection, and ischemic injury (P<0.05). CD40L was expressed in biopsies with rejection and was prominent on a subset of infiltrating leukocytes as well as on microvascular endothelial cells. In contrast to CD40, staining of endothelial CD40L was focal in most biopsies. Overall, the expression of CD40L correlated with the presence of CD3+ T-cell infiltrates and rejection (P<0.05), but not ischemic injury (P=0.9). To confirm that the endothelium can synthesize CD40L, we also evaluated the expression of endothelial CD40L in vitro. Cultured endothelial cells were found to express little constitutive CD40L that markedly increased after 24 hr of treatment with supernatants from phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells or by the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-la, interleukin-4, or interferon-γ. Conclusion- Both CD40 and CD40L are expressed in vivo on infiltrating leukocytes and on microvascular endothelium in human cardiac allograft rejection. We suggest that endothelial cell CD40 and CD40L play a role in human cell-mediated immune responses such as cardiac allograft rejection.
Multiplication Operators on the Lipschitz Space of a Tree

In this paper, we study the multiplication operators on the space of complex-valued functions f on the set of vertices of a rooted infinite tree T which are Lipschitz when regarded as maps between metric spaces. The metric structure on T is induced by the distance function that counts the number of edges of the unique path connecting pairs of vertices, while the metric on ℂ is Euclidean. After observing that the space \({\mathcal{L}}\) of such functions can be endowed with a Banach space structure, we characterize the multiplication operators on \({\mathcal{L}}\) that are bounded, bounded below, and compact. In addition, we establish estimates on the operator norm and on the essential norm, and determine the spectrum. We then prove that the only isometric multiplication operators on \({\mathcal{L}}\) are the operators whose symbol is a constant of modulus one. We also study the multiplication operators on a separable subspace of \({\mathcal{L}}\) we call the little Lipschitz space.
Is Openness to Using Empirically Supported Treatments Related to Organizational Culture and Climate

ABSTRACT The overall purpose of this study is to investigate workers’ openness toward implementing a new empirically supported treatment (EST) and to determine whether the workers’ openness scores relate to their workplace culture and climate scores. Participants in this study (N = 1,273) worked in a total of 55 different programs in a large child and family services organization and completed a survey measuring their attitudes toward ESTs. Results indicate that work groups that measure themselves as being more open to using ESTs rated their organizational cultures as being significantly more proficient and significantly less resistant to change. With ESTs becoming the gold standard for professional social work practices, it is important to have accessible pathways to EST implementation.
Aerodynamic aspects of aircraft dynamics at high angles of attack

Introduction T achieve tactical superiority in the air, a fighter aircraft must be capable of high-performance maneuvers. To perform such maneuvers, the aircraft must be able to carry out controlled flight at high angles of attack. To safely predict and analyze such flight conditions, our understanding of the aerodynamics of aircraft at high angles of attack (high a) may require further improvements. In the context of this review, the aerodynamic phenomena at high a. will be discussed mainly from the point of view of their impact on stability parameters of an aircraft. Adequate knowledge of these parameters is required for the prediction of an aircraft's behavior before departure, for the description of its departure/spin-resistance characteristics, and for the difficult analysis of the flight range between the departure and the fully developed spin, if such an analysis is required. Stability parameters are needed also for the assessment of the tracking capabilities of an aircraft, for the efficient design of the control system, and for the evaluation of the range of maneuvers that can safely be induced by the pilot. Such maneuvers at high angles of attack are not only relevant in situations involving air combat and missile avoidance actions, but may also be necessary during certain phases of the landing approach.
Waveguide excited dielectric spheres as feeds

The results of experiments with dielectric obstacles of various geometries placed directly upon the apertures of circular and rectangular waveguides are presented. It is found that dielectric spheres, and in some instances dielectric cubes, two to four wavelengths in dimension produce directive patterns with low sidelobe levels. For some cross sections, the measured gain of these antennas is greater (6 dB in some cases) than that produced by optimum horns having apertures of identical cross section. The linearity of the polarization of these antennas is essentially the same as that of an open-end waveguide antenna.
Fear of Crime as a Problem for the Elderly

This paper analyzes survey data to discover how fear of crime affects the elderly. Fear of crime is a less severe problem for the elderly than previous reports suggest. However, fear is related to neighborhood dissatisfaction and low morale, and, to a lesser extent, to involuntary isolation. The data do not support previous assertions that fear of crime is the most serious problem facing the elderly and there is no evidence that social support reduces the negative effects of fear on well-being.
Changes in Patterns of Hemispheric Electrophysiological Activity as a Function of Instructional Set

Investigations of differential hemispheric functioning which have used auditory event-related potentials (AERPs) typically employ paradigms in which two or more conditions are used. In these paradigms, conditions typically differ from each other with respect to both the physical aspects of the stimuli and the operations the subject must perform on these stimuli.Because both the subject's task and the physical properties of the stimuli change from one condition to another, it is unclear whether different patterns of AERP cerebral asymmetries obtained between conditions are primarily a function of differences in the stimuli (e.g., verbal vs. musical stimuli) or of endogenous factors such as the subject's cognitive approach to the processing of the stimuli.In the present study, two conditions with identical stimuli were employed but different instructions were given about how to process these stimuli. Music and paired tones were simultaneously presented in both conditions. In the Music Condition, subjects pe...
Strongly enhanced field-dependent single-molecule electroluminescence

Individual, strongly electroluminescent Agn molecules (n = 2∼8 atoms) have been electrically written within otherwise nonemissive silver oxide films. Exhibiting characteristic single-molecule behavior, these individual room-temperature molecules exhibit extreme electroluminescence enhancements (>104 vs. bulk and dc excitation on a per molecule basis) when excited with specific ac frequencies. Occurring through field extraction of electrons with subsequent reinjection and radiative recombination, single-molecule electroluminescence is enhanced by a general mechanism that avoids slow bulk material response. Thus, while we detail strong electroluminescence from single, highly fluorescent Agn molecules, this mechanism also yields strong ac-excited electroluminescence from similarly prepared, but otherwise nonemissive, individual Cu nanoclusters.
Solution to informatics and mass spectrometry challenge.

The winner of the informatics and mass spectrometry challenge (published in issue 381/1) is: Ho Li-Ching, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. The award entitles the winner to select a Springer-Verlag book from our catalogue up to a value of €75. Our Congratulations!
Intelligence and deception

(1982). Intelligence and deception. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 5, Military Deception and Strategic Surprise, pp. 122-154.
Is the nucleus in need of translation

Abstract In prokaryotic cells, protein synthesis commences on nascent messenger RNAs while they are still being synthesized on the DNA template. The eukaryotic nuclear envelope spatially segregates protein synthesis away from the genome and messenger RNA production – this being thought to be a defining feature of the Eukarya. New results suggest that the eukaryotic ‘standard model' might be an oversimplification. How good is the evidence for translation in the cell nucleus, and, if sound, where do the new findings take us?
Intrinsic oscillations in photoconductivity of ZnSe

Abstract Oscillations periodic in longitudinal optical phonon energy in the photoconductivity of ZnSe were observed. Unlike in InSb, no diminishing effect in the magnitude of the oscillations was observed as field strengths were increased.
Modeling Cell and Matrix Anisotropy in Fibroblast Populated Collagen Vessels

Microstructurally based models for bio-artificial tissues are needed to predict in vivo mechanical behavior and to validate assumptions for models of biologic tissues. We develop a microstructural model, based on on Zahalak et al. (2000) [Biophys 79(5):2369–2381], to describe matrix and tissue anisotropy observed in recent biaxial tests of fibroblast populated collagen vessels (FPCVs) with different cell orientations (Wagenseil et al. in Ann Biomed Eng 32(5):720–731 2004). The model includes pseudo-elastic cell behavior and pseudo-elastic, non-linear matrix behavior with recruitment of initially buckled collagen fibers. We obtained estimates of collagen matrix parameters from measurements of FPCVs treated with 2× 10−6 M Cytochalasin D and used these estimates to determine cell parameters in FPCVs activated with 5% fetal calf serum. The estimated stiffness of individual fibroblasts was 41–1,165 kPa. Parameter estimates for both cell and matrix were influenced by the non-linearity of the biaxial test data, making it difficult to obtain unique parameter values for some experiments. Additional microstructural measurements of the collagen matrix may help to more precisely determine the relative contributions of cells and matrix.
Surface modes in electron plasmas

Density fluctuations in a semi-infinite collisional electron plasma are studied using "two-stream" distribution functions. Microscopic boundary conditions, imposed separately upon each of the velocity streams, are formulated with the inclusion of both specular reflection and diffuse scattering contributions. The strong damping of surface modes noted by previous investigators is shown to be, in part, a consequence of the use of pure specular reflection boundary conditions. With increasing diffuse scattering contributions the surface modes are seen to become an enhanced and identifiable spectral feature.
Angiogenesis in Psoriasis: Therapeutic Implications

Within solid neoplasms, the population of tumor cells and the population of capillary endothelial cells constitute a highly integrated ecosystem. Tumor cells release an endothelial mitogen, Tumor-Angiogenesis-Factor (T.A.F.) which continually stimulates new capillaries to grow into the tumor. When T.A.F. is blocked, neovascularization is prevented and tumor nodules stop expanding at a diameter less than 2.5 mm. They enter a dormant phase because they are forced to live by simple diffusion of nutrients and wastes. Thus "anti-angiogenesis" can force a population of tumor cells to become dormant at a tiny diameter. In this paper an analogy is drawn between tumor angiogenesis and the angiogenesis which accompanies psoriasis. If the relationship between psoriatic epithelium and its capillary endothelium turns out to be similar to the integration of capillaries by solid tumors, then "anti-angiogenesis" may eventually become a useful therapeutic approach in psoriasis.
Validity of the family history method for identifying schizophrenia-related disorders

We examined the family history method's validity for identifying schizophrenia related disorders (SRD) by comparing family history and family study derived diagnoses. First degree relatives (n = 284) of 48 psychiatrically disordered probands, predominantly with schizophrenia, were diagnosed using the Family History RDC (FH-RDC) which include three psychotic schizophrenia related disorders (P-SRD): schizophrenia, chronic SAD and chronic unspecified functional psychosis (CUFP). Supplementary criteria for schizophrenia related personality disorders (SRP), derived to identify schizotypal and paranoid personality disorders (PD), were also assessed. About two thirds of these relatives (n = 196; 69.0%) were independently diagnosed by RDC and DSM-III-R on both axis I and axis II in a family study. The specificity was 1.0 (178/178) and the sensitivity of the family history derived diagnosis for P-SRD was 0.72 (13/18). Sensitivity for P-SRD was improved, however, by inclusion of SRP which captured three of the five false negative relatives. The sensitivity of SRP for schizotypal or paranoid PD was 0.39 (15/38) and the specificity was 0.92 (127/138). The FH-RDC have moderately good sensitivity and excellent specificity for the psychotic schizophrenia related disorders. While family history criteria for SRP are not a good proxy for schizotypal or paranoid PD, they can enhance the family history method's sensitivity for SRD.
Can the “Best Practice” Trend Leave Room for the Unknown?

ABSTRACT As teachers of the arts we are committed to nurturing the creative potential of all our students. We value process and want to inspire young artists to find their unique voices. But do we? Habitual models of teaching, along with external pressures in the settings in which we teach—including pursuing models and language of “best practice” borrowed from the business world—can lead us away from those central values and toward a more teacher-centered, outcome-directed approach that might unintentionally limit our students’ agency in making art. Learner autonomy in the arts—qualities of which include confidence in navigating the unknown, the ability to look at one's work more deeply, and the capacity to independently sustain one's artistic creation through often unpredictable progressions—is an overarching goal for us. Our challenge is to pursue that goal, and share our processes with others with similar goals, remaining cognizant of the risks of adopting “best practice” concepts and jargon.
Antibodies to Ovarian Antigens in Different Diseases of the Ovary

: Using the test of antiglobulin serum consumption against the human ovarian antigen, investigations were conducted on the presence of antiovarian antibodies in the blood serum of 432 women with different diseases of the ovary and 50 healthy women as control group. Autoantibodies were found in 12 of 172 patients with inflammatory lesions of the ovary (7.0%), in 18 of 118 patients with ovarian failure (15.3%), and in 21 of 65 patients with malignancies of the ovary (32.3%). No autoantibodies were detected in any of the healthy women from the control group, in any of the 10 patients with tuberculosis of the adnexa, or in any of the 67 women operated upon for benign neoplasms of the ovary. The authors formulate the supposition that there may be a correlation between the occurrence of autoantibodies, lesions of the ovarian tissue, and the malignancy of the neoplastic process.
Measurements of the Vapor Pressure of Supercooled Water Using Infrared Spectroscopy

Measurements are presented of the vapor pressure of supercooled water utilizing infrared spectroscopy, which enables unambiguous verification that the authors’ data correspond to the vapor pressure of liquid water, not a mixture of liquid water and ice. Values of the vapor pressure are in agreement with previous work. Below 13°C, the water film that is monitored to determine coexistence of liquid water (at one temperature) and ice (at another, higher, temperature) de-wets from the hydrophilic silicon prism employed in the authors’ apparatus. The de-wetting transition indicates a quantitative change in the structure of the supercooled liquid.
Empathic Dramatic Engagement as a Metaphor for Learning in the Art Museum

ABSTRACT This article reports on a qualitative study that identified empathic dramatic engagement as a powerful lens for understanding how visitors learn in the art museum. Visitor responses to two art exhibitions reveal that visitors construct their own meaning-making narratives through a creative process of concept formation and imaginative elaboration (play). It is argued that visitors actively seek significant meaning through empathic engagement (identification) with selected exhibition elements in a manner similar to the way in which theater audiences identify with, and make meaning of, dramatic performances. Although these narratives are idiosyncratic in nature and rooted in the visitors' own memories and past experiences, it was found that visitors tend to conceptualize significant exhibition experiences in terms of basic elements of drama: character, plot, dialogue, and setting. The study also found that willing suspension of disbelief on behalf of the visitor is central to learning in the art exh...
Astronomy: Wrestling monsters in deep space.

Observing distant galaxies is always problematic. But when it comes to the biggest star-forming galaxies, far across the Universe, only indirect approaches can give astronomers any handle at all.
Development of active barrier systems for poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Copolymers of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were synthesized by the melt polymerization of terephthalic acid (TPA) with ethylene glycol (EG) and with each of the active oxygen scavengers; monoolein (MO) and 3-cyclohexene-1,1-dimethanol (CHEDM) in separate compositions. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and 2D correlation spectroscopy (COSY) indicated that PET had reacted with both MO and CHEDM at their hydroxyl end groups. Oxygen barrier properties of the MO and CHEDM copolymers exhibited improvements of up to 40%, in comparison to an unmodified commercial PET. Effects of the oxygen scavengers on the copolymers' physical properties were investigated in terms of their crystallization, melting, and rheological behaviors. Both types of copolymers showed decreases in peak melting temperatures with increased scavenger concentrations and also crystallized more slowly as the scavenger concentrations increased. The PET/MO copolymer showed non-Newtonian rheological behavior with higher MO concentration; while the PET/CHEDM copolymers showed Newtonian behavior within the studied range of CHEDM concentrations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Anatomy of a quilt: The Gees. Bend Freedom Quilting Bee

Si les quilts incroyables de Gees Band, Alabama, veritables chefs-d'oeuvre de l'art populaire americain avec leur geometrie jazzy ont enfin obtenu la reconnaissance qu'ils meritaient depuis longtemps, notamment avec une tournee nationale d'expositions, peu de choses ont ete dites sur les artistes et la communaute qui ont produit ces tapisseries (particulierement pendant la periode la plus audacieuse et productive des quilters, entre 1930 et 1970), a l'exception du fait qu'ils sont les descendants des esclaves qui travaillaient sur la plantation locale Pettway. L'A. se propose de restituer ce contexte historique.
Trinuclear platinum(II) 4,6-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridyl complex with bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine auxiliary ligand: synthesis, structural characterization, and photophysics.

A trinuclear cyclometalated Pt(II) 4,6-diphenyl-2,2‘-bipyridyl complex with bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine bridging ligand ([4-Ph(C∧N∧N)Pt]3dpmp) has been synthesized and characterized. It exhibits a broad electronic absorption band from 400 to 600 nm because of its intramolecular Pt···Pt interactions that have been revealed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. This complex shows strong red emission in acetonitrile at room temperature and 77 K. The electronic and emission spectra exhibit concentration and temperature dependence. With increased concentrations, the UV band of the absorption spectrum gradually decreases and broadens, accompanied by an increase of the 1[dσ*,π*] band between 400 and 600 nm. For emission spectra, the 550 nm band that originates from the mononuclear platinum(II) component gradually decreases with increased concentrations, while the band at ∼700 nm that corresponds to the 3[dσ*,π*] state increases. In addition, the UV−vis and emission spectra exhibit temperature and ...
Does periprostatic nerve block with local anesthetic reduce pain during prostate biopsy

SYNOPSISBACKGROUNDDespite the pain associated with prostate biopsy, many procedures are performed without analgesia. Periprostatic nerve block (PNB) with local anesthesia is a popular technique, but its overall efficacy is not known.OBJECTIVETo determine the efficacy of PNB with local anesthesia for
Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

The main hepatic injury of Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) is sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome (SOS), which is a major medical complication of bone marrow transplantation [1]. PA are constitutively expressed in several plant families, including about 3% of the world’s flowering plants. PA are toxic to the liver and/or lungs in humans. Therefore, individuals consuming herbal remedies or herbal teas containing PA are at risk of developing acute and/or chronic liver and lung toxicity. These include acute liver failure, cirrhosis, pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Assessment and prediction of functional impairment in vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is associated with cognitive, physical and functional impairments that often lead to disability among the elderly. Declines in activities of daily living significantly contribute to the disability reported among patients with vascular dementia and compromise quality of life for both patients and their families. Assessment of activities of daily living is an important component of the diagnosis, tracking and management of vascular dementia patients. Furthermore, an understanding of the determinants of activities of daily living dysfunction may provide an earlier identification of individuals at risk for functional disability and allow opportunities for improved patient care. In this review, methods for assessing and tracking activities of daily living are discussed and the literature on the correlates of functional impairment in vascular dementia is summarized. Also, the potential use of executive dysfunction as a marker for instrumental activities of daily living impairment is discussed and recommendations for clinical practice and future research are provided.
Expression, preparation, and high-throughput screening of caspase-8: discovery of redox-based and steroid diacid inhibition.

Abstract Because of the intimate role of caspase-8 in apoptosis signaling pathways from FAS, TNFR1, and other death receptors, the enzyme is a potentially important therapeutic target. We have generated an Escherichia coli expression construct for caspase-8 in which a His-tag sequence is inserted ahead of codon 217 of caspase-8. The strain produced a significant amount of soluble His-tagged 31-kDa inactive single-chain enzyme precursor. This 31-kDa protein could be purified to 98% purity. Hydroxyapatite resolved the enzyme into two species, one with the appropriate 31,090 relative mass and the other with 178 units additional mass. The latter proved to result from E. coli -based modification of the His-tag with one equivalent of glucono-1,5-lactone. The purified proteins could be activated by autoproteolysis to the appropriate 19- plus 11-kDa enzyme by the addition of dithiothreitol in appropriate buffer conditions. This yielded an enzyme with specific activity of 4–5 units/mg against 200 μM Ac-IETD-pNA at 25°C. The fully active protein was used in a high-throughput screen for inhibitors of caspase-8. A preliminary robustness screen demonstrated that caspase-8 is susceptible to reactive oxygen-based inactivation in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) but not in the presence of cysteine. Investigation into the mechanism of this inactivation showed that quinone-like compounds were reduced by DTT establishing a reactive oxygen generating redox cycle the products of which (likely H 2 O 2 ) inactivated the enzyme. A new class of caspase-8 inhibitors, steroid-derived diacids, with affinity in the low micromolar range were discovered in the refined screen. Structure–activity investigation of the inhibitors showed that both the steroid template and the acid moieties were required for activity.
Radioimmunoassay of thyrotropin concentrated from serum.

A method for concentrating human TSH (hTSH) from serum for use in RIAs is described. The method takes advantage of the affinity of the plant lectin, concanavalinA, for the carbohydrate portion of the hTSH molecule. The hTSH from 2.5 ml serum was adsorbed to concanavalin A covalently linked to sepharose and then radioimmunoassayed using the hTSH antiserum and hTSH for iodination distributed by the National Pituitary Agency. For the RIA standard curve, the hTSH reference preparation was concentrated from a serum with undetectable hTSH in order to correct for recovery and to control for nonspecific effects. The percentage of serum hTSH extractedfrom 2.5 ml serum with the concentration procedure was 76.6 ± 3.4% (mean ± SD). The coefficient of correlation between serum hTSH, determined with the concentration procedure, and serumhTSH determined without was 0.979 (P <0.001). Over 95% of normal adult men and women had detectable levels of serum hTSH, ranging from <0.56-4.0μU/ml. The mean of detectable serum hTSH ...
The dynamics and scaling law for particles suspended in shear flow with inertia

The effect of inertia on the dynamics of a solid particle (a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, and an ellipsoid) suspended in shear flow is studied by solving the discrete Boltzmann equation. At small Reynolds number, when inertia is negligible, the behaviour of the particle is in good agreement with the creeping flow solution showing periodic orbits. For an elliptical cylinder or an ellipsoid, the results show that by increasing the Reynolds number, the period of rotation increases, and eventually becomes infinitely large at a critical Reynolds number, Rec. At Reynolds numbers above Rec, the particle becomes stationary in a steady-state flow. It is found that the transition from a time-periodic to a steady state is through a saddle-node bifurcation, and, consequently, the period of oscillation near this transition is proportional to [mid ]p−pc[mid ]−1/2, where p is any parameter in the flow, such as the Reynolds number or the density ratio, which leads to this transition at p = pc. This universal scaling law is presented along with the physics of the transition and the effect of the inertia and the solid-to-fluid density ratio on the dynamics. It is conjectured that this transition and the scaling law are independent of the particle shape (excluding body of revolution) or the shear profile.
Evaluation of Cuphea Meal as an Ingredient Replacement in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Diets

ABSTRACT Cuphea meal is a new, alternative feedstuff that has potential as a sustainable, economical replacement for wheat, rice, and corn ingredients in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. Channel catfish fingerlings were fed a control diet containing wheat or two experimental diets containing 7.5% cuphea meal, or 12.5% cuphea meal for eight weeks to determine if cuphea meal could replace wheat products in catfish diets. Mean (±SE) weight gains were 317.8 ± 28.8 g, 407.0 ± 36.9 g, and 372.8 ± 29.8 g for fish fed the control diet, the 7.5% cuphea meal diet, and the 15% cuphea meal diet, respectively, and there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments. Mean (±SE) whole-body protein of fish fed the cuphea diets (13.3 ± 0.66 and 14.5 ± 0.21%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of fish fed the wheat diet (12.7 ± 0.44%). Cuphea meal enhanced body composition of juvenile channel catfish without affecting growth or survival. Therefore, cuphea meal is a promising candidate f...
Development of a Conceptual Process for Selective CO2 Capture from Fuel Gas Streams Using [hmim][Tf2N] Ionic Liquid as a Physical Solvent

The ionic liquid (IL) [hmim][Tf2N] was used as a physical solvent in an Aspen Plus simulation, employing the Peng–Robinson Equation of State (PR-EOS) with Boston–Mathias (BM) α-function and standard mixing rules, to develop a conceptual process for CO2 capture from a shifted (undergone the water–gas shift reaction) warm fuel gas stream produced from Pittsburgh #8 coal for a 400 MWe IGCC power plant. The physical properties of the IL, including density, viscosity, surface tension, vapor pressure, and heat capacity were obtained from literature and modeled as a function of temperature. Also, available experimental solubility values for CO2, H2, H2S, CO, and CH4 in this IL were compiled, and their binary interaction parameters (δij and lij) were optimized and correlated as functions of temperature. The Span–Wager EOS was also employed to generate CO2 solubilities in [hmim][Tf2N] at high pressures (up to 10 MPa) and temperatures (up to 510 K). The conceptual process developed consists of four adiabatic absorb...
A promoter mutation in the tumor necrosis factor α gene is not associated with preeclampsia

Abstract Preeclampsia is associated with increased plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α ) and TNF receptors. A mutation in the promoter region of the TNF α gene (TNF T2) has been described which is associated with increased transcription of the gene. Due to the familial predisposition of preeclampsia, we hypothesized that this promoter mutation in the TNF α gene may contribute to the genetic etiology of preeclampsia. Our objective was to determine the allele frequency of this mutation in a population with well-characterized preeclampsia and with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome as compared with normotensive controls. DNA was extracted from blood of 131 women with severe preeclampsia, 75 women with HELLP syndrome, and 41 normotensive gravid controls. Genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allele-specific restriction with Nco1, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results were analyzed with a χ 2 contingency table. No significant differences were found between patients with severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, normotensive gravid controls, and previously published allele frequencies. The frequency of the TNF T2 allele is not increased in patients with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Therefore, this promoter mutation is probably not a major genetic cause of preeclampsia. As more genes are cloned, sequenced and localized, this will enable investigators to take this ‘candidate gene approach' to investigate potential genetic causes of preeclampsia.
Secure INtrusion-Tolerant Replication on the Internet

This paper describes a Secure INtrusion-Tolerant Replication Architecture (SINTRA) for coordination in asynchronous networks subject to Byzantine faults. SINTRA supplies a number of group communication primitives, such as binary and multi-valued Byzantine agreement, reliable and consistent broadcast, and an atomic broadcast channel. Atomic broadcast immediately provides secure state-machine replication. The protocols are designed for an asynchronous wide-area network, such as the Internet, where messages may be delayed indefinitely, the servers do not have access to a common clock, and up to one third of the servers may fail in potentially malicious ways. Security is achieved through the use of threshold public-key cryptography, in particular through a cryptographic common coin based on the Diffie-Hellman problem that underlies the randomized protocols in SINTRA. The implementation of SINTRA in Java is described and timing measurements are given for a test-bed of servers distributed over three continents. They show that extensive use of public-key cryptography does not impose a large overhead for secure coordination in wide-area networks.
Olmesartan Medoxomil: The Seventh Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist

OBJECTIVETo review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist for the treatment of hypertension.DATA SOURCESInformation was obtained from MEDLINE searches (1996–April 2002) of English-language medical literature. Search terms included CS-866, olmesartan, olmesartan medoxomil, RNH-6270 (active metabolite of olmesartan), Benicar, angiotensin receptors, and antihypertensive agents. In addition, references from relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. The authors independently reviewed literature identified in the searches. Studies evaluating olmesartan (i.e., abstracts, clinical trials, data on file with manufacturer) were considered for inclusion.STUDY SELECTIONAll articles identified from data sources with pertinent information regarding olmesartan medoxomil were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review.DATA SYNTHESISOlmesartan medoxomil is a competitively priced addition...
Automated Client-Side Monitoring for Web Applications

Web applications have become very popular today in a variety of domains. Given the varied nature of client-side environments and browser configurations, it is difficult to completely test or debug the client-side code of web applications in-house. There are tools that facilitate functional testing on various browsers, but they cannot mimic all of the possible client-side environments. In modern web browsers, the client-side code can interact with numerous web services to get more data and even to update itself, which can in turn affect the behavior of the client in unforeseen ways. In these situations, monitoring the client-side code allows for gathering valuable runtime information about its behavior. In this paper, we propose a general technique for performing such monitoring. We also present a preliminary evaluation of the technique where we discuss its efficiency, effectiveness, and possible application scenarios.
Trust, Respect, and the Psychology of Political Engagement1

Local community involvement has long been regarded as central to citizens’ participation in the political process because it is believed to create attitudes of generalized trust that encourage citizens to become involved in governance. Recently Putnam (1995a) has argued that declining opportunities for community involvement have led to decreased trust in others, and this contributes to declining rates of voting in elections. This paper directly tests the validity of Putnam's argument. It shows that civic participation is related to political participation, but only through the mediating mechanism of generalized trust. The paper further examines why citizens participate in their communities. It finds that people participate more in their communities when they feel that they are respected members of those communities. Implications for psychological theory and political mobilization are discussed.
Comparison of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy systems

The use of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) has now become common practice in radiation oncology departments around the world. Using beam's eye viewing of volumes defined on a treatment planning computed tomography scan, beam directions and beam shapes can be selected to conform to the shape of the projected target and minimize dose to critical normal structures. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can yield dose distributions that conform closely to the three-dimensional shape of the target volume while still minimizing dose to normal structures by allowing the beam intensity to vary across those shaped fields. Predicted dose distributions for patients with tumors of the prostate, nasopharynx, and paraspinal region are compared between plans made with 3DCRT programs and those with inverse-planned IMRT programs. The IMRT plans are calculated for either static or dynamic beam delivery methods using multileaf collimators. Results of these comparisons indicate that IMRT can yield significantly better dose distributions in some situations at the expense of additional time and resources. New technologies are being developed that should significantly reduce the time needed to plan, implement, and verify these treatments. Current research should help define the future role of IMRT in clinical practice.
A Stable SPICE Macro-Model for Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Applications in Memory and Logic Circuits

A generalized circuit macro-model has been developed representing field-switchable magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) characterized by two distinct voltage-dependent resistance values in parallel and antiparallel states. General-purpose subcircuit implementations are designed for a switchable voltage-dependent resistor capable of implementing using any version of SPICE, and thus the users are not restricted to HSPICE. Convergence related problems previously reported have been addressed. Transient simulation of a flash-comparator circuit using three MTJs in series is successfully demonstrated showing the robustness of the model.
The Impact Of Technology In Teaching Freshman Economics: A Quantitative Approach

This paper uses a quantitative approach to determine the relationship, if any, among the use of information technology in a freshman economics lecture environment. Over a two-semester period, students in four sections of economics courses were used as treatment and control groups. These classes consisted of two sections each of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The content for each course was delivered using several examples of technology (treatment) and conventional methods (control). At the end of each class session, students were asked to complete a survey to measure their perceptions of the lecture. The survey measured their perceptions of retention, ability to understand the material, testing confidence and other components, which would increase/decrease the understanding of the material. After analyzing the survey data, there were clear relationships among the use of technology and understanding the lecture material. The results suggested that certain attributes of technology (color, character composition, graphing) provided a positive experience for the student. However, some components of technology methods showed little effect on the learning process. Specifically, students did not perceive the use of multimedia as having a significant effect on the retention or understanding process.
Effects of Shh and Noggin on neural crest formation demonstrate that BMP is required in the neural tube but not ectoderm

To define the timing of neural crest formation, we challenged the fate of presumptive neural crest cells by grafting notochords, Sonic Hedgehog- (Shh) or Noggin-secreting cells at different stages of neurulation in chick embryos. Notochords or Shh-secreting cells are able to prevent neural crest formation at open neural plate levels, as assayed by DiI-labeling and expression of the transcription factor, Slug, suggesting that neural crest cells are not committed to their fate at this time. In contrast, the BMP signaling antagonist, Noggin, does not repress neural crest formation at the open neural plate stage, but does so if injected into the lumen of the closing neural tube. The period of Noggin sensitivity corresponds to the time when BMPs are expressed in the dorsal neural tube but are down-regulated in the non-neural ectoderm. To confirm the timing of neural crest formation, Shh or Noggin were added to neural folds at defined times in culture. Shh inhibits neural crest production at early stages (0-5 hours in culture), whereas Noggin exerts an effect on neural crest production only later (5-10 hours in culture). Our results suggest three phases of neurulation that relate to neural crest formation: (1) an initial BMP-independent phase that can be prevented by Shh-mediated signals from the notochord; (2) an intermediate BMP-dependent phase around the time of neural tube closure, when BMP-4 is expressed in the dorsal neural tube; and (3) a later pre-migratory phase which is refractory to exogenous Shh and Noggin.
A novel, adaptive system for 3-D optical profilometry using a liquid crystal light projector

A 3-D optical whole-field profilometer based on adaptive projection of structured light is presented. The system is based on the projection of gratings by means of an LCD unit. The gratings can be varied both in contrast and in period, to adapt to the shape of the object under measurement. A video camera acquires at a different angle the object-deformed pattern. Suitable pre-elaboration is performed, to decrease dependence on background illumination and nonuniform reflectivity of the surface. Adaptive demodulation of the pattern allows the object profile to be evaluated. The performance of the instrument has been evaluated by means of a system calibration against a traceable high-precision commercial Contact Measuring Machine (CMM). The overall accuracy of the system is equal to 0.15 mm with a precision of 0.2 mm. In this article, the theoretical aspects of the technique are discussed, and the description of the complete system is presented. Profile reconstruction, calibration, and certification of the system are also covered. The accuracy of the system is discussed, and experimental results are presented. >
Connecting neural coding to number cognition: a computational account

The current study presents a series of computational simulations that demonstrate how the neural coding of numerical magnitude may influence number cognition and development. This includes behavioral phenomena cataloged in cognitive literature such as the development of numerical estimation and operational momentum. Though neural research has begun to describe neural coding of number, it is unclear how specific characteristics of the neural coding may relate to the expansive list of behavioral phenomena in the development of number cognition. The following study considers several possibilities.