cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System-based Antihypertensive Agents and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background:Biologic evidence suggests that angiotensin II may play a role in tumor progression or growth. We compared the short-term colorectal cancer (CRC) risk among initiators of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) versus guideline-recommended cl
Discarded portions of bone marrow aspirates are a new resource for patient‐derived mesenchymal stem and stromal cells

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem and stromal cells (BM-MSCs) protect malignant cells from chemotherapy and are important potential therapeutic targets. Isolating primary BM-MSCs for research traditionally requires the sacrifice of valuable cell populations from within the same sample. To avoid this, we report here a resource for isolating patient-derived BM-MSCs from the red blood cell layer of ficoll gradients of bone marrow aspirates, a resource that has until now been universally discarded. This resource yields BM-MSCs nearly identical to those obtained conventionally and includes cells with a more stem-cell like nature. Obtaining primary BM-MSCs in this way will likely expand opportunities to study this important cell population.
Population Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Community-Supported Agriculture Among Low-Income US Adults: A Microsimulation Analysis

Objectives. To estimate the population-level effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a subsidized community-supported agriculture (CSA) intervention in the United States.Methods. In 2019, we develo...
Ripples of hope: leading educational change for equity in Egypt’s public schools

Globally, economically disadvantaged and minority students are especially negatively impacted by less-qualified teachers, yet less-qualified teachers are disproportionately found in low-income, min...
Spatiotemporal population dynamics of the Caddo Madtom (Noturus taylori), a narrow-range endemic of the Ouachita Highlands

The Caddo Madtom, Noturus taylori, is endemic to three river drainages of the Ouachita Highlands in the southeastern United States. Conservation concern for N. taylori has been heightened by recent studies based on analyses of allozyme data suggesting population decline and a possible extirpation event, which lead to N. taylori petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2011. The objective of this study was to determine if contemporary factors, historic processes, or a combination of both, using microsatellite DNA loci and mitochondrial (mt) DNA, have influenced patterns of genetic structuring for N. taylori to better inform conservation management strategies. Phylogeographic and Bayesian cluster analyses suggest that genetic structuring between Caddo and Ouachita river drainages was shaped by historical processes prior to construction of reservoir dams that dissect the drainages. We found no evidence that reservoir dams influenced contemporary patterns of genetic structure, thus it is likely that larger river courses, and life-history characteristics conducive to headwater habitats, play important roles in limiting gene flow between drainages, and to some extent within drainages. Genetic diversity of N. taylori was relatively high compared to other endangered madtom species; however, compared to the Ouachita River population, genetic diversity was significantly lower for the Caddo River population. Collectively, these results suggest that N. taylori populations are not heavily impaired, and the genetic variation and structuring is most attributable to historic processes. However, the endemic status and narrowly fragmented distribution still renders N. taylori populations vulnerable to extirpation or extinction by stochastic events.
Classification and Management of Type 1 von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a defect of the primary hemostatic pathway that results from quantitative or qualitative deficiencies of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). Type 1 VWD is the commonest form and occurs due to reduced level of VWF protein. It typically presents with mucocutaneous bleeding, but symptoms can vary with severity of the disease.
An Objective Measure of Vaginal Lubrication in Women With and Without Sexual Arousal Concerns.

Changes in vaginal blood flow and lubrication are primary components of physiological sexual arousal in women. Despite the existence of well-established tools for measuring vaginal blood flow, ther...
A Catalog of Helium Abundance Indicators from Globular Cluster Photometry

For each of the three indicators used, we have conducted a thorough error analysis, and identified systematic errors in the computational procedures. For the population ratio R = N_HB / N_RGB, we find that there is no evidence of a trend with metallicity, although there appears to be real scatter in the values derived. Although this indicator is the one best able to provide useful absolute helium abundances, the mean value is Y approximately 0.20, indicating the probable presence of additional systematic error. For the magnitude difference from the horizontal branch to the main sequence Delta and the RR Lyrae mass-luminosity exponent A, it is only possible to reliably determine relative helium abundances. This is due to continuing uncertainties in the absolute metallicity scale for Delta, and uncertainty in the RR Lyrae temperature scale for A. Both indicators imply that the helium abundance is approximately constant as a function of [Fe/H]. According to the A indicator, both Oosterhoff I and II group clusters have constant values independent of [Fe/H] and horizontal branch type. In addition, the two groups have slopes d log P / d[Fe/H] that are consistent with each other, but significantly smaller than the slope for the combined sample.
Whistle While You Work? The Relational Determinants of Reporting Wrongdoing

Although much of the misconduct that occurs within organizations is detected by other employees, many of those witnesses do not “blow the whistle” on their colleagues. Their reluctance may be due in part to the relationships in which employees are embedded within their organizations. In this paper, we theorize that social factors can interact to facilitate or inhibit whistleblowing within organizations. We contend that employees respond differently when the wrongdoing occurs either inside or outside of their workgroups, and that this distinction is moderated by the internal cohesion of those workgroups. When internal cohesion is high, individuals are less likely to report wrongdoing conducted by other members of the workgroup; however, high cohesion also promotes willingness to report wrongdoing observed outside the workgroup. Using unique data on observed and hypothetical whistleblowing by 33,755 US federal employees in 24 departments and agencies, we provide support for our arguments and show how competing explanations of whistleblowing can be integrated by situating them in particular social contexts. Together, these results reveal trade-offs in the detection of misconduct and help explain why wrongdoing in organizations may be so difficult to eradicate.
Photophobia and allodynia in persistent post-traumatic headache are associated with higher disease burden.

ObjectiveTo assess photophobia and allodynia in subjects with post-traumatic headache and examine how these sensory hypersensitivities associate with clinical measures of disease burden.BackgroundP...
Treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: findings from the PURSUIT network.

Studies based on administrative databases show that infant pyeloplasty is associated with minority race/ethnicity but lack clinical data that may influence treatment. Our objective was to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with pyeloplasty in infants from three large tertiary centers. We reviewed infants with unilateral Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grade 3–4 hydronephrosis seen at three tertiary centers from 2/1/2018 to 9/30/2019. Patients were excluded if > 6 months old or treated surgically prior to the initial visit. Outcomes were: pyeloplasty 20 min (p < 0.001) in patients undergoing a MAG-3 (n = 107). MAG-3 (p < 0.001) and location (p = 0.08) were associated with earlier time to pyeloplasty on multivariable Cox analysis. In infants with follow-up US (n = 115), initial SFU grade, MAG-3 evaluation or findings, and pyeloplasty were not associated with improvement of hydronephrosis. We found that infant pyeloplasty rates vary between sites. Prolonged T½ was associated with surgery despite prior studies suggesting this is a poor predictor of worsening dilation or function. These findings suggest the need to standardize evaluation and indications for intervention in infants with suspected UPJ obstruction.
Feasibility of using micronized recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as an asphalt binder additive: A laboratory study

Abstract The limited cost-effective avenues available for recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), widely used in packing bottled water, has turned it into a global environmental challenge. A number of studies have evaluated use of recycled PET bottles as an aggregate replacement in asphalt mixes. However, their outcomes indicated that performance of mixes did not significantly benefit from strength and high elasticity of PET. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of incorporating different amounts (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) of Micronized PET (MPET) as a modifier in a PG 58-28 asphalt binder on its viscosity and adhesion to different types of aggregates. Also, the effectiveness of using MPET-modified asphalt binder in mixes for improving their resistance to rutting, cracking, and moisture-induced damage was evaluated. For this purpose, binder blends’ dynamic viscosities were measured using a rotational viscometer. Pull-off strength of MPET-modified binders with aggregates (two granite and one quartzite) was determined by conducting binder bond strength tests on dry and moisture-conditioned specimens. Surface Free Energy (SFE) analysis was also carried out to further understand the adhesion, cohesion, and debonding mechanisms. Furthermore, Superpave asphalt mixes containing MPET-modified PG 58-28 asphalt binder blends were prepared in the laboratory and their resistance to cracking, rutting, and moisture-induced damage was evaluated by conducting semi-circular bend, Hamburg wheel tracking, and tensile strength ratio tests. Testing asphalt binders and SFE analysis showed that, incorporation of MPET in asphalt binder significantly improved viscosity and binder-aggregate adhesion as well as their resistance to stripping. Additionally, testing asphalt mixes showed that, an increase in MPET content resulted in an increase in resistance to cracking, rutting, and moisture-induced damage. It was concluded that use of MPET as an asphalt binder modifier is an effective method for improving mechanical properties of asphalt pavements while addressing an environmental concern and preserving natural resources.
A Note on the Theory of Charitable Fundraising: The Role of Refunds

Andreoni (1998) shows that a small amount of seed money from the government can generate substantial additional private donations towards the provision of a public good, when there is a threshold level of provision below which no benefits are achieved. We argue that Andreoni's solution can be extended to a mechanism where refunds are possible. We then argue that a greater bang per buck may be achieved if the seed money is targeted to cover the administrative costs of providing refunds.
Agriculture, Food, Populations, Natural Resources and Ecological Integrity

Currently, global food shortages are critical, with more than 2 billion humans malnourished worldwide—the largest number ever (FAO, 1992a, b; Nesheim, 1993; McMichael, 1993; Maberly, 1994; Bouis, 1995; WHO, 1996). Increasing human populations, especially in urban areas, and increasing food, water, air, and soil pollution by pathogenic organisms and chemicals, are causing a rapid increase in the prevalence of disease and number of human deaths (WHO, 1992, 1995; Murray and Lopez, 1996; Pimentel et al., 1998b). An estimated 40,000 children die each day due to malnutrition and other diseases (WHO, 1992).
Delayed infection with Parvimonas micra following spinal instrumentation.

Delayed-onset surgical site infections following spinal instrumentation are uncommon and often present with chronic pain and implant failure. Anaerobic organisms are rarely implicated and identified with difficulty in these infections.We report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess due to Parvimonas micra, an anaerobic bacterium, six months following spinal instrumentation.Case Report.P. micra was identified from multiple intraoperative tissue and hardware specimens. With hardware explant and antibiotic therapy, the patient had a successful outcome.To our knowledge, this is the first report of a P. micra hardware-associated spinal infection.
The Design of Gain-Constrained Linear Feedback Controllers

A linear observer-controller is developed to implement regulation of a linear system where a priori constraints are specified on the controller and observer gain matrices. The compensator's gain matrices are generated through the solution of matrix differential equations. Conditions are developed to examine whether or not a regulation accuracy specification can be met with a class of constant gain-constrained observer-controllers. Using this class of compensators, the time required to drive the system's state from any given initial state to a prescribed region is estimated. A numerical simulation study demonstrates the procedure.
How to protect a city: strategic security placement in graph-based domains

We apply game-theoretic techniques to urban security deployment and propose new algorithms to efficiently solve real-world domains that are intractable with existing algorithms.
Fractionation and Properties of Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Inhibitors from Lima Beans

Abstract Inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin from several highly inbred genetic types of lima beans were fractionated by ion exchange chromatography. Six chromatographically distinct inhibitors were found in all cases. However, the relative distribution of these components fell into two types, dependent upon the variety of bean used. One milligram of one of the chromatographically homogeneous fractions inhibited 2.6 mg of bovine trypsin and 1.2 mg of α-chymotrypsin. The presence of a "double-headed" inhibitor was indicated, in which both inhibitory sites were present on the same molecule. The molecular weights of this fraction calculated from the amino acid composition and from the stoichiometry of trypsin inhibition were 9,670 and 9,050 g per mole, respectively. However, a molecular weight of 16,200 g per mole was found by the Ehrenberg method, and an s20,w value of 1.81 S was obtained. This indicates a possible aggregation or a molecular weight twice that indicated by the minimum one from amino acid analyses. Chemical modification of the amino groups of this fraction with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid completely destroyed the trypsin-inhibitory activity, with no effect on the chymotrypsin-inhibitory activity. Amidination of the amino groups, which results in no change in charge, also greatly lowered the trypsin-inhibitory activity. The results of the chemical modifications indicate that a "fast reacting" lysine residue is critical for the trypsin-inhibitory activity.
Do the math.

It looks like the tenuous cease-fire is not going to hold. Already there are signs of renewed hostilities. Both sides are marshalling their forces, hurling derogatory slurs at one another, and preparing for open warfare. I am not referring to Darfur, or to the Middle East. I am talking about something much more intrinsically fraught with ominous possibilities. I am talking about the teaching of mathematics in American schools.
Increased expression and processing of caspase-12 after traumatic brain injury in rats

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts tissue homeostasis resulting in pathological apoptotic activation. Recently, caspase-12 was reported to be induced and activated by the unfolded protein response following excess endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study examined rat caspase-12 expression using the controlled cortical impact TBI model. Immunoblots of fractionalized cell lysates found elevated caspase-12 proform (approximately 60 kDa) and processed form (approximately 12 kDa), with peak induction observed within 24 h post-injury in the cortex (418% and 503%, respectively). Hippocampus caspase-12 proform induction peaked at 24 h post-injury (641%), while processed form induction peaked at 6 h (620%). Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis confirmed elevated caspase-12 mRNA levels after TBI. Injury severity (1.0, 1.2 or 1.6 mm compression) was associated with increased caspase-12 mRNA expression, peaking at 5 days in the cortex (657%, 651% and 1259%, respectively) and 6 h in the hippocampus (435%, 451% and 460%, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed caspase-12 induction in neurons in both the cortex and hippocampus as well as in astrocytes at the contusion site. This is the first report of increased expression of caspase-12 following TBI. Our results suggest that the caspase-12-mediated ER apoptotic pathway may play a role in rat TBI pathology independent of the receptor- or mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways.
Evaluation of DXA vs. MRI for body composition measures in 1-month olds.

SummaryBackground Detailed measures of infant body composition are needed for understanding the impact of genes and environment on growth early in life. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and bias of body composition in infants. Methods Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to determine body composition and the trunk depot. The depots measured were total fat mass (FM), total fat-free mass (FFM) and trunk FM and FFM using DXA and MRI in 14 infants. Results None of the regression lines between DXA and MRI significantly deviate from the line of identity for any of the depots studied. However, Bland–Altman analyses revealed bias for trunk FM and trunk FFM. Conclusion Our data showed DXA to be accurate (regression not significantly deviating from the line of identity), with high agreement (indicated by high R2) and without bias (non-significant Bland–Altman) when estimating total FM and FFM. This could not be said for trunk estimates.
Preference Mapping of Frozen and Fresh Raspberries

The purpose of the study was to identify key sensory attributes that influence consumer liking for frozen and fresh red raspberries using preference mapping. Sensory profiling of different raspberry cultivars and selections from the Washington State Univ. and Oregon State Univ. breeding programs was carried out using a trained panel (frozen, n = 12 and fresh, n = 10). In addition, a subset of frozen and fresh raspberries of each cultivar was assessed by consumers for sensory acceptability (n = 105 and n = 100, respectively). Based on overall hedonic ratings, cluster analysis identified 3 clusters of frozen raspberry consumers from day 1 (41% “nondistinguishers,” 34% “likers,” and 25% “nonlikers”) and day 2 (41% “group 1 likers,” 26% “nonlikers,” and 34% and 33% group 2 likers”). For fresh raspberry consumers, 2 clusters were detected from day 1 (54% “likers” and 46% nondistinguishers”) and day 2 (54% “group 1 likers” and 46% “group 2 likers”). Preference mapping was applied on the descriptive sensory and acceptability of clustered consumer data. Partial least squares regression results showed that liking of frozen raspberries was driven by high raspberry flavor, firmness, and sweetness. Conversely, disliking of frozen raspberries was related to high sour and aftertaste intensity. In the case of fresh raspberries, high color uniformity, raspberry aroma, raspberry flavor, floral aroma, green flavor, bitter, astringency, and aftertaste increased the acceptability, whereas high color intensity and green aroma were associated with negative drivers of liking. The information obtained in this study can be a useful guide for breeders in the selection of characteristics for growing superior quality raspberries. Practical Application The study provides insight into the sensory characteristics that influence consumer preference of raspberries. Identification of the sensory properties that increase or decrease liking of consumers may assist in breeding and production of new raspberry varieties. The development of new varieties with desirable sensory characteristics may focus not only to increase consumption of the “likers” but also to encourage the “nondistinguishers” and “nonlikers” group of consumers, thus increasing market success.
Money-income causality: Results for six countries☆

Abstract In this paper we attempt to ascertain multivariate money-income causality. Previous studies using a bivariate framework likely suffer from bias as a result of omitted variables. A framework is developed where both U.S. money and domestic money in an open, nonreserve currency country may influence that country's income. Reverse causation from income to domestic money is also possible. We use data from six countries to test the model. Our results suggest that both U.S. and domestic money stocks are important determinants of income. Thus, bias exists in previous studies. However, our results vary by country and are sensitive to the measure of money included which suggests that important variables may still be omitted.
Validation of A One-Dimensional Snow-Land Surface Model at the Sleepers River Watershed

A one-dimensional land surface model, based on conservations of heat and water substance inside the soil and snow, is presented. To validate the model, a stand-alone experiment is carried out with five years of meteorological and hydrological observations collected from the NOAA-ARS Cooperative Snow Research Project (1966–1974) at the Sleepers River watershed in Danville, Vermont, U.S.A. The numerical results show that the model is capable of reproducing the observed soil temperature at different depths during the winter as well as a rapid increase of soil temperature after snow melts in the spring. The model also simulates the density, temperature, thickness, and equivalent water depth of snow reasonably well. The numerical results are sensitive to the fresh snow density and the soil properties used in the model, which affect the heat exchange between the snowpack and the soil.
Velocity anisotropy estimation for brine-saturated sandstone and shale

Velocity anisotropy is an important parameter in seismic analyses, especially for deviated wells in offshore fields when the velocity anisotropy effect must be corrected to obtain a realistic sonic log response equivalent to seismic data for small incident angles. However, there is no method for an anisotropy correction when only standard log data from a single well are available. We compiled experimental data of core velocity anisotropy from several recent publications to explore heuristic relationships between anisotropy parameters and general well log information and found a clear trend of velocity anisotropy in the crossplot domain between velocity and porosity. Subsequently, we developed a method to estimate Thomsen's anisotropy parameters e and γ by a regression in this domain. In this paper, we first show an application result of the method to demonstrate the significance of the correction. Then we summarize how we developed the method. We also discuss an alternative approach using neural networks....
Paradigm lost: milton connects kinesin heavy chain to miro on mitochondria.

The kinesin motor typically binds to cargo through its light chains. In this issue Glater et al. (p. 545) demonstrate a new type of linkage through the adapter protein, milton, and the mitochondrial membrane GTPase, miro. This is an important result because it represents a new mechanism of cargo binding and because miro's ability to bind GTP and calcium suggests that it is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial transport.
New contexts, different patterns? A comparative analysis of social spending and government health expenditure in Latin America and the OECD:

Much of our knowledge of the development of the welfare state centers on historical contingencies that characterized the industrial, political, and demographic context of Western Europe and North A...
Comparative studies on three rattlesnake toxins.

Abstract S. D. Aird and I. I. Kaiser . Comparative studies on three rattlesnake toxins. Toxicon 23, 361 – 374, 1985. — Toxins from the venoms of Crotalus durissus terrificus, Crotalus s. scutulatus and Crotalus viridis concolor were compared using gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel and denaturing and non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The three heterodimeric native toxins behaved similarly on each of the separation media, except that the C. d. terrificus toxin displayed a pronounced tendency to dissociate on DEAE-Sephacel, even in the absence of urea. In the presence of 6M urea, subunit dissociation was quantitative for all three toxins. Recombination of purified subunits resulted in toxins which eluted from the gel filtration column in identical fashion to native toxins. Non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of recombined toxins actually showed greater band resolution than did the native toxins. Six hybrid toxins were generated on polyacrylamide gels from cross-combinations of purified subunits, each with different mobilities than the parental toxins. Mobilities of the hybrid toxins depended principally upon the mobilities of the basic subunits. All three purified native toxins showed comparable ld 50 's in female mice (0.039 – 0.061 μg/g). The C. d. terrificus acidic × C. s. scutulatus basic hybrid toxin showed toxicity identical to that of the C. s. scutulatus recombined toxin. Phospholipase activity is associated with the basic subunit in all three toxins. Intact toxins show a distinctive lag in phospholipase activity which is not seen with purified basic subunits alone. These results indicate that the principal toxins in these three venoms are homologous.
A proposed origin of the Olympus Mons escarpment

Olympus Mons (Nix Olympica) on Mars is delimited by a unique steep, nearly circular scarp. A pyroclastic model is proposed for the construct's origin. It is postulated that the Olympus Mons plateau is constructed predominantly of numerous ash-flow tuffs which were erupted from central sources over an extended period of time. Lava flows may be intercalated with the tuffs. A schematic radial profile incorporating the inferred compaction zones for an ash sheet is proposed. Following emplacement, eolian (and possibly fluvial) erosion and abrasion during dust storms would act on the ash sheets. Interior portions of the sheets would spall and slump following eolian erosion, generating steep, relatively smooth boundary scarps. The scarp would be circular due to symmetrical distribution of compaction zones. The model implies further that the Olympus Mons plateau rests on a more resistant rock substrate.
Plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition and characterization of high quality silicon oxide films

Abstract High quality low temperature plasma silicon oxide films were deposited in a single-wafer chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system using very dilute silane (in helium) and nitrous oxide as reactant gases. Variations in the film's deposition rate, thickness uniformity, and refractive index were studied as a function of process parameters. The films were also characterized by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, nuclear reaction analysis for hydrogen, metal-oxide-semiconductor electrical measurement, wet (10:1 buffered HF) and reactive ion etching with CF 4 and CHF 3 + CO 2 gases. Overall, the qualities of plasma-deposited silicon oxide films are comparable with those of high temperature (700–800°C) thermal CVD oxide films and approaching those of thermally grown oxide. However, because of the effect of the initial transient state phenomenon during plasma deposition processing, thin gate quality plasma-enhanced CVD oxide films with low interface states can only be obtained on deposition upon thin oxide surfaces.
Weight loss of wheat infested with gamma-radiated Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)

Abstract Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) adults were treated with 2·5, 5, 10, 25 or 50 krad of gamma radiation and confined on samples of uninfested wheat. Except for those treated at 2·5 krad the amounts of wheat consumed by the adults and their progeny were much less than that eaten by the controls. Five weeks after treatment with 25 krad, total feeding damage by R. dominica and S. oryzae was 11 and 3 per cent, respectively, of the control and most of this feeding occurred during the first week after treatment. The amount of damage caused by live but sterile insects in bulk grain treated with gamma radiation would probably not be a serious problem because of the great reduction in feeding brought about by the radiation.
Residual energy and its effect on gain in a Lyman-α laser

To examine prospects for gain in a Lyman-\ensuremath{\alpha} recombination laser driven by a high-intensity, short-pulse laser, we calculate the residual energy in both hydrogen and helium during recombination after the ionizing pulse. The expected gain as a function of residual energy and density is then separately evaluated. The residual energy calculation includes above-threshold ionization (ATI) in the presence of a background plasma, as well as inverse-bremsstrahlung heating. At electron densities over ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ but below critical density, the plasma reduces the ATI energy by approximately a factor of 2, but without a previously reported dependence on the pulse width. Inverse-bremsstrahlung heating can be significant, but is not dominant for the parameters considered. Detailed recombination-laser gain calculations were performed for the Ly-\ensuremath{\alpha} transitions of both H and He, using Stark profiles to represent the laser line cross section. To obtain gain of near 2 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ lasting at least a few ps, the H plasma temperature must be less than 3.5 eV and electron density between 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ and 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$; for He, the temperature must be less than 15 eV and the electron density between 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ and 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. Our calculations indicate that these conditions can be satisfied for H, if the driving laser intensity is above 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$ W ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$, and for He, if the laser intensity is above 1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ W ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ and the wavelength is below 0.6 \ensuremath{\mu}m.
The Sociology of Unequal Exchange in Ecological Context: A Panel Study of Lower-Income Countries, 1975-2000

The structural theory of ecologically unequal exchange posits that through the vertical flow of exports from lower-income countries, the stratified world economy enables higher-income countries to misappropriate global environmental space. Tied to their unsustainable consumption levels, this misappropriation by higher-income countries leads to the suppression of resource consumption in lower-income countries, well below globally sustainable thresholds, which negatively impacts the well-being of domestic populations. To evaluate key aspects of the theory, I test the hypothesis that lower-income countries with elevated levels of exports sent to higherincome countries exhibit lower consumption-based environmental demand, measured as percapita ecological footprints. Findings for generalized least squares panel regression analyses of 66 lower-income countries from 1975 to 2000 confirm the hypothesis, providing support for the theory. Additional results indicate that the strength of the hypothesized relationship increased in magnitude during the 25-year period. These findings hold, net of the effects of economic development, ecological conditions, and other structural factors.
Comparative Literature in the United States

In her article, "Comparative Literature in the United States," Manuela Mourao offers a historical overview of the debates about comparative literature as a discipline, from the early years of its institutionalization in the United States until the present. Mourao summarizes the most pointed -and anxious -interventions of prominent scholars in the field and she discusses the permanent sense of crisis that has typically been part of the discipline. Further, Mourao links the permanent anxiety of the discipline with the prescriptive tendencies that have continued to endure until the present. She then looks at the debates that followed the controversial "Bernheimer Report" of 1993, discusses briefly the development of the field since then, and points out specific ways in which comparatists have continued to push the discipline forward despite decades of selfconscious scrutiny and anxiety. Manuela Mourao, "Comparative Literature in the United States" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 2.4 (2000):
Growth Factor Inhibition: Potential Role in the Etiopathogenesis of Osteoarthritis

Growth factors are small proteins that regulate cellular function. Some growth factors, including insulin like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-beta play an anabolic role in articular cartilage. The loss of articular cartilage that occurs in osteoarthritis may reflect, in part, an insu
An experimental study of acoustic interference between two species of neotropical treefrogs

Abstract Hyla ebraccata and H. microcephala commonly occur together in Panama. There is considerable overlap in calling sites and spectral properties of calls in these species. H. ebraccata frequently call amidst dense choruses of H. microcephala. Choruses of the latter species are cyclical, producing fluctuating background noise levels. We recorded natural vocal interactions between these species and performed playback experiments using both recordings of H. microcephala choruses and artificially synthesized noise. Our data demonstrate that background noise generated by H. microcephala choruses causes a shift in the timing and type of calls given by nearby H. ebraccata. Males reduce their calling rates and the proportion of multi-note and aggressive calls at high chorus levels. Playbacks of filtered noise produced a similar change in calling behaviour. These changes may enhance the ability of male H. ebraccata to broadcast signals to conspecifics. Our results and those of other researchers indicate that vocal interactions in mixed species anuran choruses may have important effects on the calling behaviour of individual males.
Dynamic modeling of chemical vapor infiltration

A mathematical model is developed to describe the dynamic and pseudosteadystate behavior of chemical vapor infiltration, a process used to fabricate fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. The three-parameter dusty-gas model is used to describe the interaction of mass transport fluxes, partial pressures, and partial pressure gradients in the interior of the porous medium, with the viscous flux related to the total pressure gradient through Darcy's law. The model is applied to study the deposition of SiC via decomposition of methyltrichlorosilane in a porous medium whose structure can be represented by a population of uniformly-sized, randomly-overlapping pores. The results show that use of simplified mass transport flux models can lead to significantly different results, even if the concentration of reactants is low and the effects of the products of the reaction on the deposition rate are ignored. It is also shown that operation of chemical vapor infiltration reactors under pressure pulsing can lead to conversion gradients in the densifying structure by a few orders of magnitude smaller than those seen at the same reaction conditions under constant pressure.
Purification and properties of malate synthetase from castor beans.

Abstract Malate synthetase has been purified some 300-fold from crude extracts of germinating castor-bean seedlings. The enzyme was completely inactive in the absence of divalent cations and was maximally activated by Mg++. The Km for acetyl coenzyme A was 6.7 · 10−5M and that for glyoxylate was 8.5 · 10−5M. None of a variety of aldehydes substituted for glyoxylate. No evidence was obtained that the enzyme could catalyze the breakdown of malate.
An alternative route to methylalumoxane: Synthesis, structure, and the use of model methylalumoxanes as cocatalysts for transition metal complexes in polymerization reactions

Methylalumoxane (MAO) is commonly produced by controlled hydrolysis of AlMe3; it is widely used as a cocatalyst for metallocene complexes and complexes of late transition metals in polymerization reactions of alkenes and styrene. This article explores alternative routes to MAO synthesis in reactions of AlMe3 with bis(trialkyltin)oxides R3Sn−O−SnR3 or with Me3SnOH. The products of these reactions, when prepared at molar ratios [AlMe3]:[Sn compound] > 1, are efficient cocatalysts for metallocene complexes in alkene polymerization reactions and for various Ti compounds in syndiospecific styrene polymerization reactions. A multinuclear NMR study of the reaction products in both cocatalyst mixtures prepared at different reactant ratios provided information about the chemical structure of the MAO analogues and MAO itself.
nemo-like kinase is an essential co-activator of Wnt signaling during early zebrafish development.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates many aspects of early vertebrate development, including patterning of the mesoderm and neurectoderm during gastrulation. In zebrafish, Wnt signaling overcomes basal repression in the prospective caudal neurectoderm by Tcf homologs that act as inhibitors of Wnt target genes. The vertebrate homolog of Drosophila nemo, nemo-like kinase (Nlk), can phosphorylate Tcf/Lef proteins and inhibit the DNA-binding ability of β-catenin/Tcf complexes, thereby blocking activation of Wnt targets. By contrast, mutations in a C. elegans homolog show that Nlk is required to activate Wnt targets that are constitutively repressed by Tcf. We show that overexpressed zebrafish nlk, in concert with wnt8, can downregulate two tcf3 homologs, tcf3a and tcf3b, that repress Wnt targets during neurectodermal patterning. Inhibition of nlk using morpholino oligos reveals essential roles in regulating ventrolateral mesoderm formation in conjunction with wnt8, and in patterning of the midbrain, possibly functioning with wnt8b. In both instances, nlk appears to function as a positive regulator of Wnt signaling. Additionally, nlk strongly enhances convergent/extension phenotypes associated with wnt11/silberblick, suggesting a role in modulating cell movements as well as cell fate.
Thermopower anomalies in PtCo in the temperature range 4 K to 300 K

Abstract The absolute thermopower of PtCo alloys is shown to contain negative peaks which decrease in magnitude and move rapidly to higher temperature as the Co concentration increases from 0.31 to 3.74 at.%. The extrema of the peaks track rather well with magnetic ordering temperatures determined from measurements of other properties of PtCo.
Ligand Effects in the Models and Mimics of Oxyhemocyanin and Oxytyrosinase. A Density Functional Study of Reversible Dioxygen Binding and Reversible O-O Bond Cleavage.

We studied the energetics of dioxygen binding and the core isomerization between the Cu2(μ-η2:η2-O2) and Cu2(μ-O)2 core structures of {[LCu]2O2}2+, L = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (1) and L = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (2), by gradient-corrected density functional methods. N-Substituted derivatives of 1 and 2 are synthetic inorganic mimics of oxyhemocyanin with similar physical and spectroscopic properties but different chemical behavior. The calculated dioxygen binding energies of 1 and 2 are −60 and −184 kJ/mol, respectively, in line with the observation that 1 binds oxygen reversibly and 2 does so irreversibly. Bond energy decomposition showed that orbital interactions contribute equally to the binding energy of 1 and 2, which explains the similarities in their spectral properties. Electrostatic interactions due to the negatively charged ligand are responsible for stronger binding in 2. The core isomerization energies for isomerization from the Cu2(μ-η2:η2-O2) to the Cu2(μ-O)2 isomers of 1 and 2 are +1 and...
Theoretical studies on the mobility‐shift behavior of binary protein‐DNA complexes

The theory of mass transport coupled to reversible interactions under chemical kinetic control forms the basis for computer simulation of the electrophoretic mobility-shift behavior of binary protein-DNA complexes. Several systems have been modeled in terms of either (i) specific binding of a protein molecule to a single site on the DNA molecule; (ii) cooperative binding to two or three sites; (iii) noncooperative binding to two sites, both of which bind protein with equal affinity; (iv) statistical binding to multiple sites having identical intrinsic binding constants; or (v) protein-induced DNA loop formation. Both models (iii) and (v) embody the concept of reversible isomerization of protein-DNA complexes. The resulting simulations have provided fundamental information concerning (i) the factors governing the electrophoretic persistence and separation of protein-DNA complexes; (ii) the shape of experimental mobility-shift patterns; (iii) the generation of the protein-DNA ladder upon titration, for example, of the 203-base pair operator with lac repressor; and (iv) the theoretical bases for quantitative interpretation of the patterns in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Accounting journals: Tools for reference and collection development

(1987). Accounting Journals: Tools for Reference and Collection Development. Serials Review: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 33-37.
Reliability and validity of combined imaging and pressures assessment methods for diabetic feet

Abstract Commean PK, Mueller MJ, Smith KE, Hastings M, Klaesner J, Pilgram T, Robertson DD. Reliability and validity of combined imaging and pressures assessment methods for diabetic feet. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:497-505. Objectives: To determine the reliability of using 3-dimensional (3D) spiral x-ray computed tomography (SXCT) imaging methods to measure anatomic foot structure and to test the validity of using a loading device to simulate walking pressures on the plantar foot during SXCT examination. Design: Nonrandomized control trial of consecutive patients with complete data compared with age-matched controls. Setting: A clinical SXCT scanner and physical therapy laboratory in a local hospital. Participants: Eight subjects with diabetes and a history of forefoot ulcers and 8 control subjects. Interventions: SXCT imaging and plantar pressure analysis were used to acquire 3D volumetric structure and pressure data of the foot during 4 foot positions, 2 weight bearing and 2 non–weight bearing. Main Outcome Measures: Differences between repeated SXCT measures of foot structure. Comparisons of plantar foot pressure. Foot structure measurements. Methods for measuring the bony angles and soft-tissue thickness were developed and reliability tests were performed. Results: There was essentially no bias ( r =.66 ±.06. The percentage agreement between the pressures collected on the loading device and during walking was 91.1% ± 4.7%. Conclusion: Reliability of anatomic foot structure measurements and validity of plantar loading during visualization were good. These methods may be used to determine structural differences between diabetic and healthy feet and to evaluate how these differences relate to plantar pressures. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Binding properties of the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate/methotrexate transport system in L1210 cells

Abstract A binding component with a high affinity for 5-methyltetrahydrofolate ( K D = 0.11μ m ) is present on the external surface of L1210 cells. The amount of binder (1 pmol/mg protein) corresponds to 8 × 10 4 sites per cell. The participation of this component in the high-affinity 5-methyltetrahydrofolate/methotrexate transport system is supported by similarities in the K D values for 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and methotrexate binding and the K t values of these compounds for transport. Relative affinities for other folate substrates (aminopterin, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, and folate) and various competitive inhibitors (thiamine pyrophosphate, ADP, AMP, arsenate, and phosphate) are also similar for both the binding component and the transport system. The measured binding activity does not represent low-temperature transport of substrate into cells, since it is readily saturable with time and is eliminated by either washing the cells with buffer or by the addition of excess unlabeled substrate.
Optical distortion in nonlinear phase conjugation by three-wave mixing

The phase and amplitude of a conjugate wave front generated by three-wave mixing in a lithium formate crystal were examined experimentally using a polarization shearing interferometer and a silicon diode array. It was found that the phase of the conjugate wave front had little distortion, while its amplitude was modulated significantly. The distortion is due to interference of conjugate waves generated from different positions in the crystal and not due to failure to satisfy the phase-matching requirement. A theoretical description is presented that is in good agreement with observation.
Shear-induced changes in the order-disorder transition temperature and the morphology of a triblock copolymer

A summary of our work on a triblock copolymer under steady shear is presented. The experiments were conducted using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), as a function of shear rate and temperature, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on quenched specimens. The triblock copolymer is composed of polystyrene-d 8 /polybutadiene/polystyrene-d 8 , and the ordered microstructure normally consists of hexagonally packed cylinders. Two temperature-dependent, characteristic shear rates, γ C1 and γ C2 , are identified from the scattering results. The first characteristic shear rate identifies the shear rate required to go from a disordered state to an ordered state, while the second characteristic shear rate is interpreted as the shear rate necessary to produce a different ordered morphology. This latter transition was previously identified as being analogous to a martensitic transition in metal alloys. The supporting SANS and TEM evidence for the new ordered phase is presented. Dynamical aspects of the structural transition between different ordered triblock morphologies are discussed using the model of a martensitic-like transformation.