cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperfine splittings by 13C and 33S in some substituted nitromethane radical anions

Abstract Hyperfine constants for 13 C and 33 S have been measured for three radicals obtained by addition to CH 2 NO 2 − . The values (in gauss) are for − O 2 CCH 2 NO 2 − ( a γ c = 10.75, a β c − O 3 SCH 2 NO 2 ḂO 2 − ( a γ S = 12.48, a β c = 2.37), and − SCH 2 ḂO 2 − ( a γ s = 12.89, a β c a γ = A cos 2 ≡ B show that in all cases mentioned (and for − O 3 PCH 2 ṄO 2 as well) the valence s spin density on the γ atom is ∼0.013. The low values of the β 13 C hyperfine constants are puzzling and do not seem consistent with a planar configuration at the nitrogen.
Optimal number of standards under economies of scope in quality

Abstract Stivers [Stivers, Andrew E., 2003. Quality standards with exogenously distributed quality. Economics Letters 80 (1) 130–136.] finds the optimal segmentation of quality when the distribution of quality is exogenous. This paper characterizes the optimal number of standards. As the cost of information falls, both the number of standards and the market coverage of the firm rise.
Race, ethnicity, and youth perceptions of criminal injustice

This paper advances a comparative conflict theory of racial and ethnic similarities and differences in youth perceptions of criminal injustice. We use HLM models to test six conflict hypotheses wit...
The role of vasoactive compounds, growth factors and cytokines in the progression of renal disease.

The role of vasoactive compounds, growth factors and cytokines in the progression of renal disease. A number of kidney diseases, and their progression to end-stage renal disease, are driven, in part, by the effects of angiotensin II. Increasing levels of angiotensin II may in turn up-regulate the expression of growth factors and cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteopontin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor. Most of these compounds promote cell growth and fibrosis. Angiotensin II also stimulates oxidative stress. This stress in turn may potentiate the vasoconstrictor effect of the peptide due, in part, to increased catabolism of nitric oxide (NO). Oxidative stress, fueled in part by angiotensin II, up-regulates the expression of adhesion molecules, chemoattractant compounds and cytokines. The angiotensinogen gene, which provides the precursor for angiotensin production, is stimulated by NF-kB activation. NF-kB is activated by angiotensin in the liver and in the kidney. This provides an autocrine reinforcing loop that up-regulates angiotensin production. Angiotensin II activates NF-kB through both AT1 and AT2 receptors. In addition, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition markedly decreases NF-kB activation in the setting of renal disease.
Molecular dynamics of very large systems

Abstract We briefly present recent results obtained with our parallel molecular dynamics (MD) code, SPaSM, performing large-scale multi-million atom simulations to study crack blunting and dislocation generation in copper. We also discuss some recent work addressing the problems associated with analyzing and visualizing the data generated from multi-million particle MD simulations.
Microbial lipoamide dehydrogenase. Purification and some characteristics of the enzyme derived from selected microorganisms.

Abstract 1. 1. Lipoamide dehydrogenase (NADH:lipoamide oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.4.3) was partially purified from selected prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The enzymes from these sources were found to differ in their sensitivity to inhibition by NADH. Lipoamide dehydrogenase from Serratia marcescens , like the enzyme from Escherichia coli , failed to catalyse a significant initial reduction of lipoamide by NADH in the absence of added NAD + . This inhibition may be overcome by the prior addition of NAD + to the reaction medium. In contrast, the enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Azotobacter agilis were unaffected by substrate levels of NADH and the enzymatic activity was unchanged by the addition of NAD + to the reaction medium. Eukaryotic lipoamide dehydrogenase was inhibited by NADH, but to a lesser extent than the enzyme from E. Coli or S. Marcescens . 2. 2. The enzymes isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa displayed electrophoretic heterogeneity, having at least three diaphorase-reactive bands. In contrast, the enzymes isolated from prokaryotes formed either a single band or a predominant single band upon electrophoresis. Molecular weights of the enzyme isolated from these organisms were estimated by gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of the enzyme isolated from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms were found to be 110 000 ± 4400.
A Forced March across an RNA Folding Landscape

In a recent issue of Science, Greenleaf et al. (2008) report single-molecule force measurements to explore the sequential folding landscape of an adenine riboswitch aptamer domain. This study provides an exceptionally quantitative view of how an RNA molecule folds.
Creating connections: bringing industry and educators together

It is clear that industry involvement is a very valuable part of the educational process, particularly in technical fields that are prone to rapid change. What is not so clear is how to make the connections needed to successfully and meaningfully integrate industry input into curriculums and courses. This paper reports the process and results of creating and hosting a forum designed to bring industry, educators, and students together to share information in order to enhance the education of students in majoring in computer and information technology programs.The goals of the forum were broad. As educators, we wanted to learn what the IT needs of our region are projected to be, connect with industry practitioners in order to find course and curriculum partners, and increase the IT communities awareness of what our students are currently learning. For students, exposure to future employers and an increased awareness of current skills and trends is invaluable. This was especially important for us as we are a relatively new department within the university.Despite some struggles, the forum was highly successful. Attendance was good, the reviews were very positive, and we made some connections that show promise to help us more fully integrate an industry perspective into our courses. In this paper we discuss the lessons learned are applicable to any institution seeking to create a forum to encourage partnerships with industry professionals.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate-induced smooth muscle cell migration involves the mammalian target of rapamycin.

Background Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration is an important component of the development of intimal hyperplasia. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1-P) is a lipid released from activated platelets with numerous cellular effects including the stimulation of SMC migration in vitro. We examined the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin and ribosomal p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) in S-1-P–induced SMC migration . Methods Rat arterial SMCs were cultured in vitro. Linear wound and Boyden microchemotaxis assays of migration were performed in the presence of S-1-P (0.01 to 100 μmol/L) with and without rapamycin (10 nmol/L). Western blotting was performed for phosphorylated and total p70S6K, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK after stimulation with S-1-P (0.1 μmol/L), with and without rapamycin pretreatment. Phosphorylation of p70S6K was also assayed after S-1-P treatment in the presence and absence of inhibitors of PI3 kinase (wortmannin, WN, and LY294002, LY), Akt (AktI), p38 MAPK (SB203580), and MEK1 (PD98059). Results S-1-P stimulated migration of SMCs in both linear wound and Boyden chamber assays compared to control ( P P MAPK , and p70S6K, which peaked at 5 minutes for ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and10 minutes for p70S6K (2-fold increase over control for each, P MAPK phosphorylation. Wortmannin and LY294002 inhibited phosphorylation of the Thr 389 site of p70S6K. AktI and SB203580 had no effect on p70S6K, whereas PD98059 had a marginal effect. Conclusions S-1-P–induced SMC migration was completely inhibited by rapamycin, indicating that the p70S6K pathway is involved. This mechanism likely involves modulation of the ERK1/2 pathway. S-1-P stimulates phosphorylation of p70S6K in a MEK1-dependent, PI3 kinase–dependent, but Akt-independent manner.
Effects of age and sex on taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) in the Berkeley Guidance sample

La methode d'analyse de Harris et Kalmus est utilisee pour comparer les seuils de perception gustative chez des sujets americains d'origine caucasienne et chez des sujets londoniens gouteurs ou non-gouteurs de phenylthiocarbamide
On finite element approximations of problems having inhomogeneous essential boundary conditions

Abstract The analysis and implementation of finite element methods for problems with inhomogeneous essential boundary conditions are considered. The results are given for linear second order elliptic partial differential equations and for the nonlinear stationary Navier-Stokes equations. For certain easily implemented boundary treatments, optimal error estimates and numerical examples are provided for problems posed on polyhedral domains.
Differential regulation of HOXA9 expression by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and HOXA9

HOXA9 is a homeobox transcription factor expressed in endothelial cells (EC) and its expression is rapidly downregulated during EC activation by inflammatory signals like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Recently, we have shown that HOXA9 overexpression prevents EC activation by inhibiting NF-kappaB activity, which suggests that HOXA9 downregulation is an essential event for EC activation. The present study is directed towards understanding the mechanism of HOXA9 regulation during EC activation. Here we show that nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation is an essential step for HOXA9 downregulation. Deletion analyses of HOXA9 promoter in EC and NF-kappaB knockout cells have shown that NF-kappaB is a major transcription factor that is absolutely required for HOXA9 downregulation. Our 5' deletion analysis of HOXA9 promoter shows that NF-kappaB response element is localized within first 400 nucleotides, while minimal basal promoter is within 100 nucleotides upstream of its transcriptional start site. We demonstrate that HOXA9 regulates its own expression by positive feedback mechanism. To define mechanism by which HOXA9 autoregulates its expression, we show that HOXA9 DNA binding and transactivation domains are essential.
Unusual Autoimmune Nonhematologic Complications in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Autoimmune phenomena are well known to complicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and occur in 10% to 25% of patients. Hematologic autoimmune complications, particularly autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia, are much more common than nonhematologic complications. We present 6 cases of patients who exhibited uncommon complications of CLL: myasthenia gravis, acquired von Willebrand disease, bullous pemphigoid, and acquired angioedema. In our patients, the activity and recrudescences of these complications were highly associated with CLL remission or progression. More awareness of the association of CLL with these complications could facilitate earlier diagnosis and effective treatment.
Executive dysfunction and reward dysregulation: A high-density electrical mapping study in cocaine abusers

Executive function deficits and reward dysregulation, which mainly manifests as anhedonia, are well documented in drug abusers. We investigated specific aspects of executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive control), as well as anhedonia, in a cohort of current cocaine abusers in order to ascertain to what extent these factors are associated with more severe drug dependence. Participants filled out questionnaires relating to anhedonia and their addiction history. Participants also performed a response inhibition task while high-density event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Electrophysiological responses to successful inhibitions (N2/P3 components) and to commission errors (ERN/Pe components) were compared between 23 current users of cocaine and 27 non-using controls. A regression model was performed to determine the association of our measures of reward dysregulation and executive function with addiction severity. As expected, cocaine users performed more poorly than controls on the inhibitory control task and showed significant electrophysiological differences. They were also generally more anhedonic than controls. Higher levels of anhedonia were associated with more severe substance use, whereas the level of executive dysfunction was not associated with more severe substance use. However, N2 amplitude was associated with duration of drug use. Further, inhibitory control and anhedonia were correlated, but only in controls. These data suggest that while executive dysfunction characterizes drug abuse, it is anhedonia, independent of executive dysfunction, that is most strongly associated with more severe use.
Bugen's Coping with Death Scale: Reliability and Further Validation:

Bugen's Coping with Death Scale, originally found to reflect gains in a death and dying seminar, was found in the present study to be internally consistent and stable on retest. It was negatively a...
Is Racial Profiling Just? Making Criminal Justice Policy in the Original Position

The justice of racial profiling is addressed in the original position first for a society without racism, then for a society marked by racism. In the first case, the practice is argued to be just if carried out respectfully and expeditiously and likely to contribute to effective crime control. Thus it is not intrinsically racist. Addressing the second case, the idea that the harms of racial profiling are modest because expressive is critiqued. The practice is shown to carry the danger of producing rights-violations by increasing the incidence of racist attitudes and practices. It is argued to be just in a society marked by racism if done under special supervision, and only to aid in apprehending dangerous criminals.
Aldicarb residue degradation rates at three depths of a Wisconsin central sand plain aquifer

First-order oxidation and hydrolysis rate constants for aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone were measured in laboratory studies representing three depths of a Wisconsin central sand plain aquifer with aerobic groundwater at pH 7-6. Aldicarb sulfoxide or aldicarb sulfone were added to incubations containing sediment and groundwater from 0-5, 5-0, and 10-0 m below the water table, and their concentrations followed with time. Rate constants were similar for all three depths, averaging 0-0018, 0-0004, and 0-0029 day−1 for aldicarb sulfoxide hydrolysis, aldicarb sulfoxide oxidation and aldicarb sulfone hydrolysis, respectively. Hydrolysis values were close to those of abiotic aqueous systems, indicating chemical and biological catalysis were minimal. Assuming typical initial total aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone concentrations in groundwater were 100 μg liter−1 beneath treated fields and groundwater velocity was 0-5 m day−1, 1000 days and 500 m groundwater travel distance would be required for residue levels to attain the Wisconsin regulatory standard of 10 μg liter−1 at the studied location.
The Outcome of Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy for Achalasia is Not Influenced by the Degree of Esophageal Dilatation

In the past, a Heller myotomy was considered to be ineffective in patients with achalasia and a markedly dilated or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Esophagectomy was the standard treatment. The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication in patients with achalasia and various degrees of esophageal dilatation; and (b) to assess the role of endoscopic dilatation in patients with postoperative dysphagia. One hundred and thirteen patients with esophageal achalasia were separated into four groups based on the maximal diameter of the esophageal lumen and the shape of the esophagus: group A, diameter 6.0 cm and straight axis, 23 patients; and group D, diameter >6.0 cm and sigmoid-shaped esophagus, 12 patients. All had a laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. The median length of follow-up was 45 months (range 7 months to 12.5 years). The postoperative recovery was similar among the four groups. Twenty-three patients (20%) had postoperative dilatations for dysphagia, and five patients (4%) required a second myotomy. Excellent or good results were obtained in 89% of group A and 91% of groups B, C, and D. None required an esophagectomy to maintain clinically adequate swallowing. These data show that (a) a laparoscopic Heller myotomy relieved dysphagia in most patients with achalasia, even when the esophagus was dilated; (b) about 20% of patients required additional treatment; (c) in the end, swallowing was good in 90%.
The Boltzmann equation for a polyatomic gas

A formulation of the kinetic theory of dilute, classical polyatomic gases is given which parallels the Waldmann development for structureless molecules. In the first section the Boltzmann equation is written in terms of the specific rates of inelastic collision processes and then the properties of these rates and those of the corresponding collision cross sections are examined. The dependence of the distribution function on the dynamical variables is discussed and the equations of change for the gas are derived. Finally, a study is made of the properties of the linearized Boltzmann collision operation. In the second section the Boltzmann equation is deduced from a rigorous statistical-mechanical point of view and discussed in terms of the basic ideas of Bogoliubov. The computationally important special case of impulsive interactions is then considered.
Effect of amniotic fluid on cortisone inhibition of growth.

SummaryCortisone systemically administered to day-old chicks is a powerful growth inhibitor for the 18-day period of this study. A partial reversal of this growth inhibitory activity of cortisone may be accomplished by the simultaneous administration of beef amniotic fluid.
Spectral bandwidth and ocular accommodation

Previous studies have suggested that targets illuminated by monochromatic (narrow-band) light are less effective in stimulating the eye to change its focus than are black–white (broadband) targets. The present study investigates the influence of target spectral bandwidth on the dynamic accommodation response in eight subjects. The fixation target was a 3.5-cycle/deg square-wave grating illuminated by midspectral light of various bandwidths [10, 40, and 80 nm and white (CIE Illuminant B)]. The target was moved sinusoidally toward and away from the eye, and accommodation responses were recorded and Fourier analyzed. Accommodative gain increases, and phase lag decreases, with increasing spectral bandwidth. Thus the eye focuses more accurately on targets of wider spectral bandwidth. The visual system appears to have the ability to analyze polychromatic blur to determine the state of focus of the eye for the purpose of guiding the accommodation response.
Automated Technique for Developing Low-Drag Nose Shapes for Supersonic Missiles

M ISSILE noses can have arbitrary base cross-sectional shapes and local constraints such as surface shape, width, or height at any station. An automated technique has been developed for shaping these noses to provide low drag at high supersonic speeds. Sensitivity derivatives relating local surface pressure and skin friction coefficients to local radius are derived and used to guide the surface shaping. The surface pressure coefficients may be estimated with a variety of impact theories. Comparisons of predictions and wind tunnel data verify the results.
The LBL EBIS test-stand☆

Abstract An Electron Beam Ion Source test-stand has been constructed to investigate the characteristics of EBIS operation important to reliable application as a cyclotron ion source. Ion output scaled as expected with containment length, beam current, and magnetic field, and there were indications of slight beam collapse needed for high duty cycle operation. Impurity gas problems indicate the need for cryogenic pumping in a full scale source. Reliability and reproducibility, both short and long term, were excellent.
Disease severity in patients referred to pediatric otolaryngologists with a diagnosis of otitis media.

Summary Objective This study evaluated disease severity of children referred to a pediatric otolaryngology practice with a diagnosis of otitis media (OM) before and after tympanostomy tube (TT) placement. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients referred to a pediatric otolaryngology practice from January 2000 to April 2004, with the chief complaint of middle ear effusion (MEE) and/or OM. Patients who underwent TT placement had pre- and post-operative hearing levels (HL) and bilaterality of disease analyzed. Results A total of 286 patients who underwent TT placement were included. Recurrent OM (ROM) was the most common diagnosis (42.6%), followed by OM with effusion (OME) plus ROM (ROM + OME) (31.7%) and then OME (25.7%) alone. The mean improvement in the pure tone average (PTA) hearing level was 14.8 dB in patients with OME, 9.5 dB in patients with ROM + OME and 6.3 dB in patients with ROM alone. The hearing improvements in OME and ROM + OME were statistically larger than the ROM group (P ≤ 0.0004). Hearing levels at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz and PTA showed statistically significant improvements in HL after tube placement in each group (P Conclusion Most children referred for consideration of surgical management of OM have a diagnosis of ROM, or ROM in conjunction with OME, with only a small percentage having the diagnosis of OME alone. In addition, the majority of children have bilateral disease, suggesting a more severely affected patient population treated by the pediatric otolaryngologist. The results also demonstrate a significant improvement in hearing after the placement of TT. However, the long-term impact of this hearing improvement on a child's development is not known and an additional prospective study of children in this population group is warranted.
USING SPATIAL SEGREGATION MEASURES IN GIS AND STATISTICAL MODELING PACKAGES

It is generally known that many traditional measures of segregation cannot distinguish different spatial population patterns. Several spatial measures of segregation have been proposed to overcome this problem, but these spatial measures are difficult to use because they require explicit spatial information and complex computation. This paper shows that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can provide the spatial information required by these indices and that statistical packages can offer the complex computation functions needed to calculate the indices. We use ARC/INFO as the GIS package and S-Plus as the statistical package to demonstrate how spatial segregation indices can be calculated by combining the capabilities of these two types of systems.
Embattled executives: Prime ministerial weakness in East Central Europe

Abstract In a period in which “strong” and even “presidential” prime ministers have arguably become more the rule than the exception in the major states of Western Europe, most prime ministers in the new democracies of East Central Europe appear to have been relatively weak figures. This article investigates the reasons for that relative weakness in the ten East Central European countries, which together have had 87 prime ministers in the 16 years since the fall of Communism. It evaluates several possible explanations: party system weakness, the institutional structure, elite recruitment patterns, and policy constraints. It then seeks to explain several notable exceptions to the prime ministerial weakness rule.
Marked Dependence on Carrier-Ligand Bulk but Not on Carrier-Ligand Chirality of the Duplex versus Single-Strand Forms of a DNA Oligonucleotide with a Series of G−Pt(II)−G Intrastrand Cross-Links Modeling Cisplatin−DNA Adducts

The N7−Pt−N7 adjacent G,G intrastrand DNA cross-link responsible for cisplatin anticancer activity is dynamic, promotes local “melting” in long DNA, and converts many oligomer duplexes to single strands. For 5‘-d(A1T2G3G4G5T6A7C8C9C10A11T12)-3‘ (G3), treatment of the (G3)2 duplex with five pairs of [LPt(H2O)2]2+ enantiomers (L = an asymmetric diamine) formed mixtures of LPt−G3 products (1 Pt per strand) cross-linked at G3,G4 or at G4,G5 in all cases. L chirality exerted little influence. For primary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring carbons (e.g., 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), the duplex was converted completely into single strands (G3,G4 coils and G4,G5 hairpins), exactly mirroring results for cisplatin, which lacks bulk. In sharp contrast, for secondary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring nitrogens (e.g., 2,2‘-bipiperidine, Bip), unexpectedly stable duplexes having two platinated strands (even a unique G3,G4/G4,G5 heteroduplex) were formed. After enzymatic digestion of BipPt−G3 duplexes, the conformation...
SIMULTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF VELOCITY AND TEMPERATURE PROFILES IN THE ENTRANCE REGION OF A PARALLEL PLATE CHANNEL: LAMINAR FLOW WITH UNIFORM WALL HEAT FLUX

Available boundary layer type solutions to the combined hydrodynamic and thermal entrance region problem are known to exhibit a discontinuity in the gradients of the velocity and temperature distributions in the entrance region. A new solution is presented which alleviates this shortcoming. The new solution is based on the hydrodynamic inlet-filled region concept originally proposed by Ishizawa (1966) and later adopted by Mohanty and Das (1982) to hydrodynamically developing flow in a channel. This concept is extended to the combined entry length problem by dividing the thermal entrance length into two lengthwise regions, a thermal inlet region and a thermally filled region. In the former, the effect of heat transfer between fluid and wall is confined within the thermal boundary layer developing along the wall. At the end of the thermal inlet region, the thermal boundary layers meet at the duct axis but the temperature profile is not yet developed. In the thermally filled region, the heat effects propagat...
ON A POSSIBLE ROLE OF β-MELANOCYTE STIMULATING HORMONE (p-MSH) IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE MAMMALIA:ENZYMATIC INACTIVATION IN VITRO OF β-MSH BY BRAIN TISSUE1

Incubation of β-MSH with extracts of brain leads to disappearance of the melanophoretic activity. This effect occurs as a logarithmic function of incubation time, is temperature and pH dependant and seems therefore to be due to an enzymatic inactivation. This effect was not observed in incubating β-MSH with extracts of liver or muscle similarly prepared.
Experimental investigation of supersonic gaseous injection into a supersonic freestream

An experimental study of the mean and turbulent flowfield associated with low-angled supersonic gaseous injection into a supersonic freestream was performed. Air was injected at Mach 1.8, with an effective back pressure ratio of 3.0, through an orifice at an angle of 25 deg into a Mach 2.9 air freestream (Re/m - 15 x 10 6). Cross-film anemometry and conventional mean flow probe surveys were acquired across the plume at two downstream stations (xld = 20 and 40). Schlieren photography was used for qualitative flow visualization. Turbulence measurements included contours of the turbulent kinetic energy and the full compressible Reynolds shear stresses in both the x-y and x-z planes. Mean flow data included Mach number, three-dimensional velocity components, and vorticity. The measurements indicated that the mean and turbulent flow structure of the injection plume were strongly influenced by the presence of a counter-rotating vortex pair (\ux |max « 15,000 /s). The turbulent kinetic energy was found to have two peaks colocated with the vortices. The turbulent shear stress distributions across the plume were found to be highly three dimensional and complicated by both the additional strain rates associated with the vorticity and turbulent convection. The present results also implied that the compressibility terms in the Reynolds shear stress accounted for about 67.0-75.0% of the total shear stress level, i.e., up'v'lpu'v' and up'w'/pu'w' were in the range of 2.0-3.0.
A dubious strategy in pursuit of a dubious enemy: A critique of U.S. post‐cold war security policy in the third world

Abstract In the aftermath of the Cold War, proponents of the concepts of “peacetime engagement” and “nation assistance” stress instability in the Third World as the main threat to U.S. security. This article maintains that the programs advanced by peacetime engagement and nation assistance proponents would not solve the root issues that cause instability in the Third World. At best, they would solve surface issues. The article also maintains that U.S. security is not dependent upon stability in the Third World. The value of peacetime engagement and nation assistance programs are called into question, as are the role of the U.S. military in peacetime and the appropriateness of the amount of money spent in carrying out these programs.
Hydrothermal mineralization along submarine rift zones, Hawaii

This is the first article to describe mineralization of midplate submarine rift zones and hydrothermal manganese oxide mineralization of midplate volcanic edifices. Hydrothermal Mn oxides were recovered from submarine extensions of two Hawaiian rift zones, along Haleakala and Puna Ridges. These Mn oxides form two types of deposits, metallic stratiform layers in volcaniclastic rocks and cement for clastic rocks; both deposit types are composed of todorokite and bimessite. Thin Fe‐Mn crusts that coat some rocks formed by a combination of hydrogenetic and hydrothermal processes and are composed of δ‐MnO2. The stratiform layers have high Mn contents (mean 40%) and a large fractionation between Mn and Fe (Fe/Mn = 0.04). Unlike most other hydrothermal Mn oxide deposits, those from Hawaiian rift zones are enriched in the trace metals Zn, Co, Ba, Mo, Sr, V, and especially Ni (mean 0.16%). Metals are derived from three sources: mafic and ultramafic rocks leached by circulating hydrothermal fluids, clastic material...
Simulation studies of branched polymer molecules

Monte Carlo simulation results are presented for lattice models of uniform stars (one branch point of functionality f = 3), combs (two branch points, ƒ = 3,3) and brushes (two branch points ƒ = 3,4 and ƒ = 3,5). We estimate the critical exponent γ(ƒ), the ratio g(ƒ) = 〈S(ƒ)〉/〈S(1)〉 (where 〈S(ƒ)〉 is the mean-square radius of gyration of a structure having ƒ branches and N monomers), and the meansquare end-to-end branch lengths, as a function of the number and arrangement of branches. Comparisons with theoretical predictions and experimental data are made where possible, leading to a test of some predictions, and a suggestion concerning future experiments.
Competition for territories does not explain allopaternal care in the tessellated darter

Extensive research has focused on understanding the evolution of parental care, with fishes providing important model systems for understanding patterns of variation within and between species. Classic theory predicts that individuals will care for offspring when the fitness benefits through increased offspring survival and growth outweigh the cost to the parents through decreased future reproductive opportunities. Yet, a puzzling observation not explained by this basic theory is the fact that in some species individuals defend and provision unrelated offspring and thus exhibit alloparental care. The tessellated darter, Etheostoma olmstedi, represents one of the first known examples of allopaternal care in fishes. In this species, males often clean and guard eggs fertilized but deserted by other males. Allopaternal care has been argued to occur in the tessellated darter because of competition for a limited number of mating sites where less dominant males accept territories with eggs when other breeding sites are not available. Here, we test this hypothesis using male territory choice experiments. When allowed to choose between two otherwise identical territories either containing eggs fertilized by another male or with no eggs, males spent significantly more time at territories with eggs. This demonstrates that competition for mating territories is not the primary factor explaining the existence of allopaternal care in the tessellated darter. Instead, males of this species may exhibit allopaternal care to dilute predator pressure on their own eggs or because females prefer to mate with males whose territories contain eggs.
Preparation and characterization of copper(II) oxide thin films grown by a novel spray pyrolysis method

Abstract A novel spray pyrolysis reactor was used to prepare thin films of CuO on silica substrates. The resulting films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, optical and electrical measurements. The films were single phase, homogeneous, and uniform.
Chief's seminar: turning interns into clinicians.

Background : Recent changes in healthcare delivery have necessitated residency education reform. To adapt to these changes, graduate medical education can adopt a chief resident-led clinical curriculum. Chief residents are ideal clinical instructors, as they are recent graduates who have excelled in their residency programs. To effectively use the limited time available for education, chief residents can implement active learning techniques. We present a chief resident-led, small-group, problem-based curriculum for teaching first-year internal medicine residents, and provide preliminary data supporting the efficacy of this approach. Methods : The seminar consisted of 11 4-week modules. Week 1 was a team-based crossword competition. Weeks 2-4 were small-group, problem-based clinical reasoning sessions taught by chief residents. The program was evaluated via pre- and post-module multiple-choice tests. Resident satisfaction data were collected via self-reported, anonymous surveys. Results : Preliminary results revealed a statistically significant increase from pre-test to post-test score for 9 of the 11 modules. The chest pain, fever, abdominal pain, shock, syncope, jaundice, dizziness, anemia, and acute kidney injury modules achieved statistical significance. Additionally, resident satisfaction surveys show that this teaching approach was an enjoyable experience for our residents. Discussion : Our chief seminar is an evidence-based, clinical reasoning approach for graduate medical education that uses active learning techniques. This is an effective and enjoyable method for educating internal medicine residents. Because of its reproducibility, it can be applied throughout residency education.
Power comparisons between the TDT and two likelihood-based methods.

We compare the statistical power of the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) with that of two likelihood-based linkage tests, the classical LOD score and a modified LOD score in which a linkage disequilibrium (LD) parameter is incorporated into the likelihood (LD-LOD). We hypothesize that, when LD is present, the LD-LOD will have the greatest power of the three tests because the TDT breaks a multiplex pedigree into triads, and the LOD score has previously been shown to have lower power when LD is present but not accounted for. We test this hypothesis using a simulation study in which we generate affected sib-pair (ASP) pedigrees under a range of genetic models, varying the genotypic relative risk (GRR) from 6 to 16. Because the likelihood-based tests require that a genetic model be specified, we compare the tests under two scenarios. First, we assume the true genetic model in the analysis, and second, we compare the tests when the LD-LOD (LOD) is maximized over two wrong genetic models. For the generating models we considered, we find that the LD-LOD has greater power than the TDT even when the genetic models is mis-specified and the results corrected for multiple tests. Extreme differences occur under the multiplicative and dominant models, for which the difference in power is as high as 40% at complete LD. The LOD score provides the lowest power in the presence of LD for the range of GRR considered here.
Effect of dermal thickness, tissue composition, and body site on skin biomechanical properties.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Quantitative measurement of skin biomechanical properties has been used effectively in the investigation of physiological changes in tissue structure and function and to determine treatment efficacy. As the methods are applied to new questions, tissue characteristics that may influence the resultant biomechanical properties are important considerations in the research design. For certain applications, variables such as dermal thickness and subdermal tissue composition, as well as age and/or solar exposure, may influence the skin biomechanics. METHODS: We determined the influence of dermal thickness, tissue composition, and age on the skin biomechanical properties at the shoulder, thigh, and calf among 30 healthy females. We compared two devices, the Biomechanical Tissue Characterization System and the Cutometer SEM 575 Skin Elasticity Meter , to determine the effect of tissue sampling size. Dermal thickness was measured with 20 MHz ultrasound (Dermascan C) and tissue composition was inferred from anthropomorphic data. RESULTS: Skin thickness was significantly correlated with stiffness, energy absorption, and U(r)/U(f) for the shoulder. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with stiffness (negative correlation), energy absorption (positive), and skin thickness (negative) for the shoulder. Significant differences across body sites were observed. The calf was significantly different from the thigh and shoulders for all parameters (P<0.05, one-way anova). The calf had significantly lower laxity, laxity%, elastic deformation, energy absorption, elasticity, elasticity %, U(r), U(f), and U(r)/U(f) and significantly higher stiffness compared with the thighs and shoulders. sites. The thigh and shoulder sites were significantly different for all parameters except U(r)/U(f), elasticity %, laxity%, and stiffness. The dominant and non-dominant sides were significantly different. The dominant side (right for 90% of the subjects) had increased stiffness and decreased energy absorption (tissue softness, compliance) compared with the left side. A significant (P< or =0.02) negative relationship with age was seen for all biomechanical measures except stiffness at the shoulder. For the thigh and calf sites, significant negative correlations with age were found for elasticity %, U(r), and U(r)/U(f). Age and skin thickness were not correlated in this population. Skin thickness and age influenced the energy absorption at the shoulder site. The biological elasticity at the calf site could be predicted by age and BMI. The biological activity at the thigh site could be predicted by skin thickness and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Significant regional variations in biomechanical properties and dominant side effects were observed. The biomechanical properties were significantly influenced by age. Certain properties varied with dermal thickness and tissue composition. The parameters were well correlated between the two instruments. The Cutometer, with its smaller aperture, was found to be more sensitive to age relationships.
Evolutionary optimization of peptide substrates for proteases that exhibit rapid hydrolysis kinetics.

Protease cleavage site recognition motifs can be identified using protease substrate discovery methodologies, but typically exhibit non-optimal specificity and activity. To enable evolutionary optimization of substrate cleavage kinetics, a two-color cellular library of peptide substrates (CLiPS) methodology was developed. Two-color CLiPS was applied to identify peptide substrates for the tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease from a random pentapeptide library, which were then optimized by screening of a focused, extended substrate library. Quantitative library screening yielded seven amino acid substrates exhibiting rapid hydrolysis by TEV protease and high sequence similarity to the native seven-amino-acid substrate, with a strong consensus of EXLYΦQG. Comparison of hydrolysis rates for a family of closely related substrates indicates that the native seven-residue TEV substrate co-evolved with TEV protease to facilitate highly efficient hydrolysis. Consensus motifs revealed by screening enabled database identification of a family of related, putative viral protease substrates. More generally, our results suggest that substrate evolution using CLiPS may be useful for optimizing substrate selectivity and activity to enable the design of more effective protease activity probes, molecular imaging agents, and prodrugs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 106: 339–346. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analyzing the impacts of abortion clinic structures and processes: a qualitative analysis of women's negative experience of abortion clinics.

Background: In the United States, the social myth that abortion clinics are unsafe, lonely places is pervasive. Little research has investigated the extent to which women's negative experiences of clinic interactions and processes confirm or contest this myth. Study Design: Semistructured interviews with 41 women who received an abortion at a clinic were conducted and analyzed using qualitative analytical techniques in Atlas 5.0. Results: The processes and structures of the abortion clinic necessitated by the realities of antiabortion hostilities lead some women to react negatively to the clinic experience in ways consistent with the social myth of the abortion clinic. Staff interactions can mitigate or alleviate these experiences. Conclusions: Clinic workers and administrators should be aware that safety structures and processes may create negative experiences for some women. Policymakers should be aware of the extent to which public policies and conflict over abortion render the social myth of the clinic a reality.
Hormonal responses to hypoglycemia in orthostatic hypotension patients with adrenergic insufficiency

Abstract Glucagon, growth hormone and cortisol responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia have been studied in nine normal subjects and four patients with orthostatic hypotension who also had markedly deficient sympathoadrenal medullary responses. Absence of catecholamine responses to hypoglycemia does not prevent the other hormonal responses. Glucagon, growth hormone and cortisol secretion appear to be evoked independently from the catecholamine response during hypoglycemia. Elevated basal cortisol levels are the probable cause of a delay in the nadir of hypoglycemia observed in patients with adrenergic insufficiency. The sympathetic nervous system dysfunction in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension may include deficient adrenal medullary responses although other counterregulatory responses remain functional.
Ranking ICA bases by associative memory recalls of training texture samples

We wish to generalize the covariance matrix approach (PCA) by the statistical Independent Component Analyses (ICA), which have been implemented by Bell-Sejnowski efficiently using artificial neural networks (ANN) methodology (that minimizes the mutual information content of the output neurons or equivalently to maximize the output entropy). The gain of the statistics is the loss of the geometry. In this research, we preserve the texture geometry with a so-called local ICA, in order to extract separately independent features from each class of natural textures. To avoid the curse of the dimensionality due to the local ICA, we furthermore use the divide-and-conquer strategy. A single ICA basis vector is chosen from each texture class, based on the maximum associative recalls from the class training set (similar to the centroid obtained by the sequential approach of Kohonen's self-organization feature map). Subsequently, another ICA basis is chosen, if necessary, to minimize the false alarm rate, namely the spread of confusion matrix. For the visible remote sensing application, we have designed such an optimum classifier of all natural scene textures with a minimum spread of the confusion matrix.
Biospecific fractionation matrices for sequence specific endonucleases

Fractionation of several type II specific restriction endonucleases was achieved by separation on two novel biospecific matrices. The matrices are pyran, a copolymer of divinyl ether of maleic anhydride, and Cibacron Blue F3GA, a blue dye commonly used for the calibration of molecular sieves. Both compounds are insolubilized by coupling to sepharose through a cyanogen bromide linkage and in their soluble form inhibit the restriction endonucleases which we have tested. These affinity matrices can be used to obtain restriction endonucleases from crude extracts after removal of nucleic acids. They have also proven to have a high capacity when used as subsequent steps in enzyme purification. Their additional advantage is the rapid development time and reusability of columns packed with the two matrices.Images
The United States and Fascist Italy, 1922-1940

A comprehensive analysis of American foreign policy and Mussolini's Italy. Schmitz argues that the U.S. desire for order, interest in Open Door trade, and concern about left-wing revolution led American policymakers to welcome Mussolini's coming to power and to support fascism in Italy for most of the interwar period. Originally published in 1988. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Immunological Potential of the in vitro Mixed Skin Cell-Leukocyte Reaction

THE mixed skin cell-leukocyte reaction (MSLR) is an in vitro reaction between dissociated skin cells and allogeneic peripheral blood leukocytes. It is similar in its immunological implications to the reaction between allogeneic leukocytes, commonly known as the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) or the mixed lymphocyte interaction (MLI). In the latter, immunological recognition between lymphocytes from genetically disparate donors can be detected and measured either by blastoid transformation, enhanced mitotic rate or induction of DNA synthesis1–4. This system has been useful in the study of the transfer of transplantation immunity in vivo by lymphocytes sensitized in vitro5 and also in the identification of tissue incompatibility between donor and recipient6, 7. In studies with inbred strains of rats the proliferative phase of the MLR has been shown to possess characteristics required for an immunological response; that is, selectivity and specificity8, 9. Furthermore, mouse peripheral lymphocytes sensitized in mixed culture with allogeneic lymphocytes have been shown to engender immunospecific destruction of target cells10, an event which is directly associated with allograft rejection.