cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutronics assessment of the shielding and breeding requirements for FNSF (standard aspect ratio)

Abstract This paper presents design and analysis results regarding key aspects of the neutronics for a standard aspect ratio fusion nuclear science facility (FNSF). Optimization of the inboard design is based on maximizing tritium production and minimizing radiation damage to the ohmic heating coil (OHC). The calculations show that the outboard tritium breeding blanket alone is not enough for achieving tritium self-sufficiency in the FNSF. Options to enhance tritium production in FNSF include the use of either a thin, specifically designed tritium breeding blanket or the use of only a multiplier in the highly space-constrained inboard region. Trade-offs between breeding, shielding to protect the magnets, and materials for the inboard region shows that an inboard thickness of 50 cm is enough if a ceramic insulator is used. If an organic insulator is preferred, the inboard thickness has to be increased. Radiation-induced increase in the electrical resistivity of the copper has also been studied and its impact on the aforementioned optimization process for the blanket/shield thickness/material choice has been accounted for.
Continuous, high level production and excretion of a plasmid-encoded protein by Escherichia coli in a two-stage chemostat.

The stable continuous overproduction of a plasmidencoded protein, beta-lactamase, for at least 50 days by Escherichia coli K-12, RB791(pKN), with release into the culture medium has been demonstrated in two-stage chemostats. The second-stage culture was continuously induced with 0.1 mM IPTG. Continuous expression of beta-lactamase could not be sustained with this strain in a single-stage chemostat because of cell death and selection for lac(-1) cells. Beta-lactamase production in the second stage was sensitive to the second-stage dilution rate and the distribution of the limiting substrate (i.e., glucose) between the first and second stages. The fraction of viable, excreting cells and the average copy number in the induced culture was measurably higher under those conditions of dilution rate and substrate distribution which yielded high beta-lactamase levels. The best operating conditions found at 20 degrees C were a first-stage dilution rate of 0.12 h(-1), a second-stage dilution rate of 0.03 h(-1), and equal glucose feed supplied to each stage. Enzymatically active beta-lactamase was produced at a level of 25% of total cellular protein with 90% excretion yielding 300 mg beta-lactamase/L that was 50% pure at an OD(600) < 6.
First Seizure Management—Reconsidered: Response II

Medicine comprises the art of treating in the face of uncertainty. On many occasions, patients present their doctors with diagnostic dilemmas regarding their "spells." Such episodes may represent seizures, transient ischemic attacks, atypical migraine, syncope, presyncope, cardiac irregularities, sleep disorders, inter-mittent movement disorders, fluctuating metabolic encephalopathies, and a host of psychological or psychiatric entities including hyperventilation spells, panic attacks, conversion reactions, or malingering. Rarely is the physician afforded the opportunity personally to witness a spell, or, alternatively, to talk to fully qualified dispassionate observers. In some instances, a patient expresses concern about whether his or her condition is "epilepsy," but more often the patient simply wants to know if he or she has anything serious, and whether treatment is required. The most legitimate start of a physician's answer to these queries is the phrase: "Chances are...." I have many times told patients that they might have had a
Letter to the Editor-Validating Claims for Algorithms Proposed for Publication

This letter calls attention to the problems of validating the claims made for algorithms in published papers, and proposes a system for review that will validate such claims thoroughly before publication.
Tenant behavior analysis in software as a Service environment

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an emerging model to deliver software over the Web as a service. With the fast growing of the SaaS business in the recent years, data mining application in SaaS environment becomes an attractive topic. While many existing Web mining technologies can be leveraged, SaaS has its own unique perspective. In this paper, we propose a model for SaaS tenant behavior analysis based on the unique perspective of SaaS environment. The corresponding algorithm to derive the metrics of the model by means of mining the tenant's collaboration indices from raw log is also presented. The derived collaboration indices can provide an important metric for efficiently launching data mining algorithm for customer analysis in a SaaS environment. Its effectiveness is verified through an experiment comparing the result for different types of tenants on a real SaaS service.
Absorptive capacity and the search for innovation

This paper examines the link between a firm's absorptive capacity-building activities and the search process for innovation. We propose that the enhanced access to university research enjoyed by firms that engage in basic research and collaborate with university scientists leads to superior search for new inventions and provides advantage in terms of both the timing and quality of search outcomes. Results based on a panel data of pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms support these contentions and suggest that the two research activities are mutually beneficial, but also uncover intriguing differences that suggest differing roles of internally and externally developed knowledge.
The Gulf of Maine–Georges Bank Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus): spatial pattern analysis of the collapse and recovery of a large marine fish complex

Abstract Spatial patterns of the Gulf of Maine–Georges Bank Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) complex were evident at three levels of resolution from analyses using bottom trawl survey data from spring 1968 to 1998 and autumn 1963 to 1998. The geographic range of the complex contracted significantly during 1973–1985 in both spring and autumn, coincident with major declines in abundance following the distant water fleet fishery during 1961–1976. Following recovery in abundance, distribution patterns that were previously observed were re-established. Medium scale patterns (e.g., 50–200 km) in the data suggest that herring were not uniformly distributed over the continental shelf during spring and autumn, but rather aggregated in sub-groups within the range of the entire complex. Fine scale patterns in the survey data (5–50 km) suggest that herring maintained pre-collapse behavioral relationships even though the stock complex had declined by ∼85%. Among-site distances between the herring schools, presumably from the Gulf of Maine spawning component, remained remarkably constant as the Georges Bank and Nantucket Shoals spawning components were extirpated. As the complex recovered, it appeared that more and perhaps larger schools of herring were present. These analyses suggest that a fully-recovered stock complex has distributional characteristics and patterns that can be monitored and quantified. Quantification of spatial patterns may have important consequences for assessment, stock identification, and fishery management.
Liposarcoma involving the scapula

An unusual case of a soft tissue liposarcoma arising in the upper limb was studied by computed tomography. Computed tomography suggested the diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma using the criteria of textural inhomogeneity and bony erosion and scalloping of the scapula.
Social selection in human populations: differential modification of the fitness by the sex of an affected parent.

Social selection model of two alleles at a locus has been constructed where the fitness of offspring is modified differentially by the sex of an affected parent. It has been shown that the equilibrium frequency of deleterious alleles depends on the loss of fitness of an individual due to the trait (γ), due to an affected mother (β1) and affected father (β2), and the probability that the heterozygote develops the trait (h). The equilibrium gene frequency is given approximately by α/hs for 0
Modulation of immune response following dietary genistein exposure in F0 and F1 generations of C57BL/6 mice: evidence of thymic regulation.

Abstract To further determine whether genistein (GEN) modulation of the immune responses was related to its endocrine-disrupting properties and time of exposure, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to GEN at 0–1250 ppm in feed starting on day 14 of gestation. The C57BL/6 offspring were exposed to GEN in utero and lactationally, and through feed after weaning until postnatal day 42. In dams, exposure to GEN increased the terminal body weight (250 and 1250 ppm), the number of splenic T cells and NK cells (250 ppm), and the activity of NK cells (250 ppm). In F 1 males, GEN increased the terminal body and spleen weights (25 and 250 ppm), the number of CD4 + CD8 + and CD4 − CD8 + thymocytes (25 ppm), and the number of splenic T cell subsets and NK cells (25 and 250 ppm). Moreover, splenic NK cell activity and anti-CD3-mediated splenocyte proliferation were increased in all treatment groups. In F 1 females, the percentages of CD4 − CD8 + and CD4 − CD8 − thymocytes (25 and 250 ppm), and CD4 + CD8 − and CD4 + CD8 + splenocytes (25 and 250 ppm) were increased. In contrast, the percentage and number of CD4 + CD8 + thymocytes were decreased (250 ppm). Exposure to GEN decreased the percentages of splenic NK cells in all treatment groups, and decreased the activity of splenic NK cells at the 25 ppm concentration. Additionally, evaluation of CD25 + and CD44 + expression by thymocytes indicated that the decrease in the percentage of CD44 + CD25 + thymocytes was at least partially responsible for the decrease in the percentage of CD4 − CD8 − thymocytes in F 1 male mice. Overall, the results demonstrate that GEN can modulate the immune system in both adult and developing C57BL/6 mice in a dose-specific manner. The gender-specific effects of GEN on the immune responses in F 1 mice suggest that GEN may modulate the immune system by functioning as either an estrogen agonist or antagonist. The differential effects of GEN on thymocytes in F 1 male and female mice indicate that GEN immunomodulation might be related to its effect on thymus.
The Ethics of Helping Transgender Men and Women Have Children

A transgender man legally married to a woman has given birth to two children, raising questions about the ethics of assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) for people with cross-sex identities. Psychiatry treats cross-sex identities as a disorder, but key medical organizations and the law in some jurisdictions have taken steps to protect people with these identities from discrimination in health care, housing, and employment. In fact, many people with cross-sex identities bypass psychiatric treatment altogether in order to pursue lives that are meaningful to them, lives that sometimes include children. Cross-sex identification does not render people unfit as parents, because transgender identities do not undercut the ability to understand the nature and consequences of pregnancy or necessarily interfere with the ability to raise children. Moreover, no evidence suggests that being born to and raised by transgender parents triggers the kind of harm that would justify exclusion of trans-identified men and women from ARTs as a class. The normalization of transgender identities by the law and professional organizations contributes, moreover, to the need to reassess pathological interpretations of cross-sex identities, and trans-parenthood puts those interpretations into sharp relief.
Isotopic composition of lead in some basic and ultrabasic rocks from the Alps

Abstract Lead from several basic and ultrabasic rocks (peridotites, gabbros, amphibolites, eclogites) from the Alps has been extracted for determination of the isotopic composition. The leads from peridotites, gabbro and eclogite-although differing significantly in isotopic composition-lie quite close to a common growth curve with μ a 8.9 for the Houtermans model (∼=8.3 for modern constants). This very low value- ordinary galena leads from adjacent regions have values of ⩾ 9.4 (∼= 9.0 for modern constants)-seems to indicate that the source region of these rocks lies in the upper mantle. Trace lead from a small lense of peridotite and eclogite in the Pennide gneiss area (Alpe Arami), showing strong differences in concentration and isotopic composition for the two rock samples, fits the same growth curve also.
Teachers' Perceptions of Stutterers.

A questionnaire asking respondents to list adjectives describing four hypothetical stutterers (a typical 8-year-old female, 8-year-old male, adult female, and adult male stutterer) was completed by 103 elementary and secondary teachers. The majority of reported adjectives were negative stereotypical personality traits, indicating perceptions of stutterers similar toother groups, including speech-language pathologists. Implications of these findings and suggestions for pre-service and continuing education programs for teachers are discussed.
The Role of Organizational Insiders’ Developmental Feedback and Proactive Personality on Newcomers’ Performance: An Interactionist Perspective

Drawing from an interactionist approach and feedback research, we examine the role of developmental feedback and proactive personality on newcomer task performance and helping behavior. Data were collected from 2 high-tech joint-ventures within the information technology and manufacturing industries located in Shanghai, China. Results based on 151 newcomer-manager dyads showed that supervisor developmental feedback (SDF) positively related to newcomer helping behavior and that SDF and coworker developmental feedback interactively predicted newcomer task performance. We also found differential moderating effects of proactive personality: SDF more strongly related to helping behavior when proactive personality was lower; conversely, coworker developmental feedback more strongly related to helping behavior when proactive personality was higher.
Multiple rings around Wolf-Rayet evolution

We present optical narrow-band imaging of multiple rings existing around galactic Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars. The existence of multiple rings of material around Wolf-Rayet stars clearly illustrates the various phases of evolution that massive stars go through. The objects presented here show evidence of a three stage evolution. O stars produce an outer ring with the cavity being partially filled by ejecta from a red supergiant of luminous blue variable phase. A wind from the Wolf-Rayet star then passes into the ejecta materials. A simple model is presented for this three stage evolution. Using observations of the size and dynamics of the rings allows estimates of time scales for each stage of the massive star evolution. These are consistent with recent theoretical evolutionary models. Mass estimates for the ejecta, from the model presented, are consistent with previous ring nebula mass estimates from IRAS data, showing a number of ring nebulae to have large masses, most of which must in be in the form of neutral material. Finally, we illustrate how further observations will allow the determination of many of the parameters of the evolution of massive stars such as total mass loss, average mass loss rates, stellar abundances, and total time spent in each evolutionary phase.
The preservation of ciliated protozoa at low temperature

Abstract Reasonable recovery after exposure to −196 °C and after storage in liquid nitrogen refrigeration for as long as 4 years has been achieved with Tetrahymena pyriformis and with syngens 1 and 4 of Paramecium aurelia , although the percentage of cells surviving has usually been low. A procedure evolved with one stock may have to be altered for other stocks, which is not surprising, since the “species” T. pyriformis includes organisms probably more distantly separated evolutionarily than are fish and man. Attempts to explain the ability of relatively few cells to survive these conditions by resistance to salt, age of the cultures, etc. have so far been inconclusive and suggest interaction among the many variables.
Effects of using a surgical clamp to hold tension while tying knots with commonly used orthopedic sutures

Purpose Tendon repairs are often performed under some degree of tension, and in these instances the use of a clamp to temporarily secure a knot following the first throw can lessen gap formation while subsequent suture throws are made. The effect of clamping on the ultimate tensile load, stiffness, elongation, and mechanism of failure of suture loops has not been investigated for several commonly used orthopedic sutures, and it was the purpose of this study to investigate this issue.
The Emancipation of Iraq from the Mandates System.

The purpose of this article is to indicate how the competent authorities of the League of Nations came to accept the view that Iraq should be considered ready for the termination of the mandate, and how they worked out for the case of Iraq the detailed application of the general principles of mandate termination. The development of the general principles here applied for the first time is the subject of a separate study.' The Iraq Mandate. Iraq was placed within the provisions of Article 22 of the League Covenant by the Council "decision" of September 27, 1924.la By that decision, the Council adopted the treaty of alliance between Great Britain and Iraq, of October 10, 1922, and certain subsidiary agreements, as defining the relations of the mandatory and the mandated territory, and as giving effect to Article 22 of the Covenant. The decision provided that the British government should assume responsibility, toward all members of the League accepting the arrangement, for the fulfillment by Iraq of the terms of the treaty of alliance. Steps would be taken for the negotiation of such special extradition agreements as should be necessary. An annual report to the satisfaction of the Council should be made as to the measures taken during the year to carry out the provisions of the treaty of alliance, and copies of all laws and regulations promulgated during the year should be attached thereto. The British government undertook not to agree to any modification of the treaty of alliance without the consent of the Council. Disputes with members of the League not settled by negotiation should be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice. "In the event of Iraq being admitted to the League of Nations, the obligations hereby assumed by His Britannic Majesty's Government shall terminate." If the treaty of alliance should expire prior to Iraq's admission to the League, the Council would be invited "to decide
Anisotropic transport in water swollen flake-filled membranes

Barrier membranes with aligned inorganic flakes have permeabilities which are dramatically lower perpendicular to the flakes than parallel to the flakes. Electrical conductivity measurements in membranes swollen in aqueous ionic solutions show this anisotropic permeability is consistent with theories of transport in these barriers.
Clostridium difficile Disease in Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: During the first quarter of 2005, infection control (IC) personnel at Shands Hospital documented an increase in the occurrence of Clostridium difficile -associated disease (CDAD) in patients in the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (BMTU). Because of the medical complexity of these patients, medical personnel were unable to implicate specific CDAD risk factors. IC investigated to identify associated intrinsic risk factors and implement appropriate control measures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study. CDAD was confirmed by positive tests for toxins A and B. A case was defined as any BMTU patient who acquired CDAD during June 2004 through March 2005. Cases were ascertained through review of medical charts and microbiology records. Data were recorded in a standardized questionnaire and included demography, prior hospitalization, medical device usage, duration of hospitalization, service, exposure to medications (e.g., antimicrobials, laxatives, proton pump inhibitors), underlying disease and co-morbidities, type of cancer, gastrointestinal and invasive procedures, hyperalimentation, and outcome (death, survived, surgery). Observational studies were conducted to assess practices and procedures. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Fisher's exact test was used, where appropriate. RESULTS: CDAD incidence densities in the epidemic and pre-epidemic periods were 5.8 /1000 patient-days and 3.8/1000 patient-days, respectively. Nineteen patients met the case definition; 35 controls were randomly selected from patients who were admitted to the unit during the study period but were negative for CDAD. Cases comprised 17 adults and 2 children (five controls were children). Case characteristics: median age 51 (range 4-83) years; 13 (68%) male. Although cases were more likely to be >65 yrs of age, the difference was not statistically significant (OR: 3.1, CI: 0.4–30), Cases and controls were similar for race, sex, receipt of medical devices, exposure to antimicrobials, tube feedings, proton pump inhibitors or laxatives, chemotherapy, history of recurrent CDAD, and occurrence of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or distention, acute abdomen or rectal bleeding. No significant differences were noted for co-morbidities or the presence of underlying heart, lung, liver or renal diseases, or type of cancer. Cases were more likely to have undergone gastrointestinal surgery or procedures (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed that there were no underlying intrinsic patient risk factors for acquiring CDAD in the BMTU. We hypothesize that the mode of transmission was most likely environmental or via healthcare workers hands. Epidemiologic studies like this may assist infection prevention and control programs by identifying areas for targeting interventions and control measures. L. K. Archibald, Regeneration Technologies Inc. Employee. Regenerations Technologies, Inc.
Modeling the spatial distribution of surface hoar in complex topography

Abstract Buried surface hoar is a well-known weak snowpack layer, often associated with snow avalanches. Knowledge about the spatial distribution of surface hoar is therefore of great importance for avalanche forecasting. We investigate if spatial variations of surface hoar in mountainous terrain can be modeled based on terrain characteristics. Using a detailed radiation balance model, distributed radiation over an ensemble of 1800 simulated topographies, covering a wide range of terrain characteristics, was computed. Light winds and increased relative humidity were assumed to be favorable for surface hoar formation. To describe surface hoar formation, we derived a sky view factor threshold associated with the minimum snow surface cooling necessary for surface hoar formation based on laboratory measurements. To describe surface hoar destruction, as a first approach, we assumed that surface hoar only survives on shaded slopes. Applying two simple thresholds to our spatial radiation modelings, our results show that the spatial distribution of surface hoar is greatly affected by large-scale terrain roughness and sun elevation angle. Spatial correlation ranges for surface hoar, on the order of several hundred meters, were closely related to the typical spacing between mountains. Furthermore, correlation ranges of surface hoar decreased with increasing sun elevation angle. Overall, the modeled spatial patterns of surface hoar were in line with previously published spatial field observations, suggesting that simple terrain parameters can very well be used to describe the predominant surface hoar layer patterns in complex topography.
The asymmetric dimeric polymerase hypothesis: a progress report.

Abstract In 1983, my laboratory first proposed that the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme is an asymmetric dimer with distinguishable leading and lagging strand polymerases. Here, I review progress by my laboratory and others in testing this hypothesis. To date, the hypothesis is supported by our demonstration of (i) an asymmetry in function of two populations of holoenzyme in solution in their ability to use the ATP analog, ATPγS, to support initiation complex formation, (ii) the stabilization of a dimeric polymerase structure by the τ subunit, (iii) allosteric communication between polymerase halves and (iv) the coexistence of γ and the τ, subunits which share common sequences, within the same holoenzyme assemblies. This latter observation may provide a structural basis for holoenzyme asymmetry. I discuss the implications of the asymmetric dimer hypothesis to the solution of problems encountered by polymerases at the replication fork and delineate further tests required before the hypothesis can be firmly established.
Standards and Institutional Capacity: An Examination of Trade in Food and Agricultural Products *

The ability of developing countries to cope with emerging standards in food and agricultural products is influenced by their institutional capacity. This paper develops original measures of four dimensions of standards-related, institutional capacity: information, conformity, enforcement, and international standard-setting. These measures are incorporated into a gravity model to investigate whether these capacities offset the negative effects of Aflatoxin B1 standards on food and agricultural product trade. The results indicate that informational capacity and conformity capacity do indeed have such offsetting effects. The evidence with regard to enforcement and international standard-setting is less clear.
Fluorescence diagnostics for atmospheric-pressure plasmas using semiconductor lasers

Semiconductor laser diagnostics based on laser-induced fluorescence and absorption have been developed to probe the 4s3P1 → 4p3D1 transition (8104 A) of argon in an atmospheric-pressure plasma produced by an inductively coupled plasma torch. Spatially resolved measurements of electron number density, atomic kinetic temperature, and electron temperature have been inferred from a line-profile analysis of Stark-affected absorption spectra. State parameters determined from simultaneous fluorescence and absorption line-shape and line-shift measurements are mutually consistent and show good agreement in the analytical region of the plasma. The results represent what are to our knowledge the first spectrally resolved fluorescence measurements of argon in an atmospheric-pressure plasma.
Decisions Fired with Emotion

School system decisions are shaped by their organizations; for fundamentalists, common sense is self-evident.
Photonic crystal device sensitivity analysis with Wannier basis gradients

We present a powerful sensitivity analysis method for devices in a photonic crystal. The method is based on a Wannier basis field expansion and efficient matrix analysis techniques for finding eigenvalue and transmission gradients with respect to the perturbation. The method permits fast analysis of a large number of dielectric perturbation situations for multiple devices in a photonic crystal. We verify the method with finite-difference time-domain and plane-wave expansion calculations.
Designing a Decision-Making Process for a Network Administrative Organization: A Case Study of the National Quality Forum’s Consensus Development Process

In 1999 the health care industry created the National Quality Forum—a network administrative organization—to address issues of health care quality in a new way by bringing together organizations from the public and private sectors and providing them with a forum to discuss and debate measures of quality, and ultimately, to effect change. Little, however, is known about the decision making processes of network administrative organizations despite the fact that their decisions may have far-reaching impacts on public policy. Using a grounded theory approach, this paper examines the creation and development of the NQF’s Consensus Development Process and identifies and discusses five key principles that underlie the process. This paper argues that in order to create a decision-making process for a network administrative organization that is balanced and inclusive of diverse interests a leader must consider and incorporate principles that are representative of the larger environment.
Advanced wiring RC delay issues for sub-0.25-micron generation CMOS

Measured and modeled back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) RC delay data are presented for multilevel sub-0.25 /spl mu/m generation CMOS ICs. The aluminum and copper BEOL levels were fabricated using metal RIE and damascene processing, respectively. Aluminum BEOL RC variability increases with increasing line height and is primarily caused by within-wafer intermetal dielectric (IMD) CMP removal variation and wafer-to-wafer variation in the printed and etched metal linewidths. Copper BEOL RC variability decreases with increasing line height and is dominated by metal CMP variation for thin lines and by metal trough IMD RIE depth and width tolerances for thick lines. In addition to having 40% lower sheet resistance, copper also has lower BEOL RC variability than aluminum and offers more design flexibility for BEOL RC delay and crosstalk noise optimization.
Assessing new cell phone text and video services

The cell phone is a social medium developing into a multimedia digital platform that provides, obtains, and shares personal and social information. Thus, digital divide, social support, and privacy issues familiar to students of the Internet are here applied to understanding why people may be more or less interested in new text and video cell phone services. The first part of this study develops a basic model of demographic, social, and prior technology use influences on interest in three categories of cell phone text and video services derived from uses and gratifications studies of traditional and new media services-surveillance, entertainment, and instrumental. Hypotheses from this model were tested using data from an April 2007 US national random-digit dialing telephone survey. The by-now familiar digital divide demographics had both indirect and direct influences on assessments of these sets of services, although primarily for entertainment services (which were also negatively influenced by concerns about privacy threats). Surveillance services-here, providing location of family, friends and self to each other-were more positively assessed when family and friends lived closer, and with less prior communication technology use. Instrumental services-such as directions when lost and health emergency information-were more positively assessed by those with greater social support and a stronger belief in privacy rights. Thus, while overall only the entertainment services were even moderately explained, there were understandable differences in influences among the three sets of services, with demographic factors predominating.
Expansions for Kν(ξ) involving Airy's function

In this note it is shown that the modified Bessel function of arbitrary order may be represented as the sum of two products where one product involves Airy's function and the other product involves the first-order derivative of Airy's function.
Workers of the Less Developed World Unite? A Multilevel Analysis of Unionization in Less Developed Countries

Past scholars of unionization have offered exemplary cross-national studies of affluent democracies and case studies of less developed countries (LDCs). What has been lacking is cross-national research on unionization across LDCs. We conduct a multilevel analysis of the likelihood that a worker is unionized with the late-1990s World Values surveys of 39 LDCs. We propose that unionization in LDCs can be explained by the individual characteristics of workers as well as the country-level factors of institutions, industrialization, and globalization. Our analyses yield several conclusions. First, owing to the legacy of state socialism, ex-communist countries have much higher unionization. Second, our analyses show that class very effectively explains union membership across LDCs. Although skilled manual workers are more unionized than most, educated professionals stand out for their distinctively high unionization. Third, the debt crisis significantly undermined unionization through the institutional influence of International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreements and the globalization pressure of debt service. Despite being the focus of much research, industrialization, democratization, the size of the state, International Labour Organization conventions, and international trade and investment are surprisingly insignificant. Decomposing the sample by communist legacy, signing an IMF agreement is significant in ex-communist countries, and debt service is significant in countries without a communist legacy. Overall, we conclude that the debt crisis has undermined unionization and class remains a powerful basis of mobilization across LDCs.
Topology of OxlT, the Oxalate Transporter of Oxalobacter formigenes, Determined by Site-Directed Fluorescence Labeling

The topology of OxlT, the oxalate:formate exchange protein of Oxalobacter formigenes, was established by site-directed fluorescence labeling, a simple strategy that generates topological information in the context of the intact protein. Accessibility of cysteine to the fluorescent thiol-directed probe Oregon green maleimide (OGM) was examined for a panel of 34 single-cysteine variants, each generated in a His9-tagged cysteine-less host. The reaction with OGM was readily scored by examining the fluorescence profile after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of material purified by Ni 21 -linked affinity chromatography. A position was assigned an external location if its single-cysteine derivative reacted with OGM added to intact cells; a position was designated internal if OGM labeling required cell lysis. We also showed that labeling of external, but not internal, positions was blocked by prior exposure of cells to the impermeable and nonfluorescent thiol-specific agent ethyltrimethylammonium methanethiosulfonate. Of the 34 positions examined in this way, 29 were assigned unambiguously to either an internal or external location; 5 positions could not be assigned, since the target cysteine failed to react with OGM. There was no evidence of false-positive assignment. Our findings document a simple and rapid method for establishing the topology of a membrane protein and show that OxlT has 12 transmembrane segments, confirming inferences from hydropathy analysis. The gram-negative bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes sustains a proton motive force by utilizing a “virtual” proton pump based on the transport and metabolism of oxalate. An electric
Harnessing Wisdom of the Crowds Dynamics for Time-Dependent Reputation and Ranking

The “wisdom of the crowds” is a concept used to describe the utility of harnessing group behaviour, where user opinion evolves over time and the opinion of the masses collectively demonstrates wisdom. Web 2.0 is a new medium where users are not just consumers, but are also contributors.By contributing content to the system, users become part of the network and relationships between users and content can be derived. Example applications are collaborative bookmarking networks such as del.icio.us and file sharing applications such as YouTube and Flickr. These networks rely on user contributed content, described and classified using tags. The wealth of user generated content can be hard to navigate and search due to difficulties in comparing documents with similar tags and the application of traditional information retrieval scoring techniques are limited. Evaluating the time evolving interests of users maybe used to derive quality of content. In this paper, we propose a technique to rank documents based on reputation. The reputation is a combination of the number of bookmarkers, the reputation of the bookmarking user and the time dynamics of the document.Experimental results and analysis are presented on a large collaborative IBM bookmarking network called Dogear.
Comparison of isoproterenol and dobutamine in the induction of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis

Isoproterenol (Iso) was a clinical therapeutic that is now used as a research means for the induction of cardiac hypertrophy. Currently, dobutamine (Dob) has replaced Iso as the preferred inotropic beta-adrenergic agent to wean patients from cardiopulmonary bypass and to sustain adequate cardiac function during the postoperative period. We sought to compare the cardiac structural and functional effects of long-term administration (7days) of Iso with Dob at a dose of 40microg/mouse/day in 12-week-old C57BL/6 female mice. Cardiac function was determined with transthoracic echo cardiography (ECHO) 24 hours after the last dose. Cardiac wet weights increased 33% and 24% in the Iso and Dob groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). Dob and Iso significantly increased cardiac fibrosis and decreased cardiac function with chronic administration. Administration also resulted in increased left atrial size, suggesting that both Dob and Iso decreased LV compliance, but did not induce heart failure. In conclusion, chronic administration of Dob may have a detrimental effect on cardiac structure and function.
The Identity of Hispanoamerica: An Interpretation of Colonial Literature

The Identity of Hispanoamerica: An Interpretation of Colonial Literature. Jose Promis. Translated by Alita Kelley and Alec E. Kelley. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1991. 137 pp. $26.95 (cloth). ISBN 0–8165–1251–5.
Trends in dental treatment, 1992 to 2007.

ABSTRACT Background Reductions in U.S. dental caries levels have been noted since the 1970s. Reports indicate that dental treatment is changing accordingly. The author examined dental insurance claims to determine whether these changes in dental treatment trends of insured people have continued. Methods To measure the annual per capita use of dental services, the author used Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana insurance claims for care provided by dentists in Michigan. The number of patients' claims assessed ranged from 1.25 million in 1992 to 1.84 million in 2007. Within each of these years, the number of each type of service provided was divided by the number of patients receiving treatment of any type, according to birth year. Results The author found that overall, the per capita number of restorative procedures continued to decline. Resin-based composite restorations continued to be placed instead of amalgam restorations. The number of extractions (except for third-molar extractions) and endodontic procedures continued to decrease slightly. As a result, prosthodontic procedures decreased overall. The use of implants continued to increase. Conclusions The patterns in the use of dental services by age of patients continue to change. These changes follow closely the reported changes in the oral health in the population. Practice Implications The number of restorative and prosthodontic services per person required by patients born more recently is not as great as in patients born earlier. Practitioners might need to adjust the number of patients they treat and the services they provide in the coming decades.
A model for the MOIST seismic reflection profile, N Scotland

An interpretation of the Moine and Outer Isles Seismic Traverse reflection profile along the north coast of Scotland is developed here by the construction of a model crustal cross section from which, by ray tracing, a synthetic seismic section has been prepared for comparison with the observed record section. Faults are modelled by narrow low velocity zones and the Moho by narrow high and low velocity zones. The geometry of the faults shown in the model is believed to imply that during the Caledonian Orogeny, crustal thickening was achieved by imbrication of thrust flakes from the SE, in which the thrust front propagated northwestward into the foreland and at the same time cut down so that the basal decollement deepened relative to the Moho, eventually into the mantle. Concomitant erosion and uplift initiated extension and the development of sedimentary basins in half-grabens.
Examination of metal corrosion by Desulfomicrobium thermophilum, Archaeoglobus fulgidus, and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus

Metal corrosion resulting from microbial processes constitutes a serious expense in many industrial applications. Oil pipelines are plagued by these events leading not only to economic losses but also severe environmental consequences. Therefore, our understanding of the microorganisms that contribute to metal corrosion is vital. Here, the roles of a methanogen and either a sulfate-reducing bacterium or archaeon in corrosion are addressed. The methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus was used to assess the effect of methanogenesis in corrosion. The sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfomicrobium thermophilum and the sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus were used to measure the effect of sulfate reduction on corrosion. To assess the combined effect of sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis on corrosion, M. thermautotrophicus was grown in combination with A. fulgidus or D. thermophilum. This allowed investigation of corrosion impact at different temperatures and salinities. All organisms contributed to corrosion, measured by metal weight loss over time, either independently or in conjunction with a partner organism. Corrosion resulting from strictly biotic processes was dominant at lower temperature and salinities. At higher salinities and temperatures, approximately half of the corrosion measured was because of abiotic reactions as indicated by experimental controls. This work demonstrates the role of these microbial metabolisms in metal corrosion in anaerobic environments.
Improving the Clinical Diagnosis of Stroke

See related articles, pages 769–775, 776–780. Clinicians recognize that the history and physical examination form the basis of diagnosis and are critical for determining a treatment plan for patients with suspected stroke. This central role of the history and examination are reflected in the ASA/AHA Stroke Council’s Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Ischemic Stroke.1 Quality literature on this important topic is surprisingly limited. After eliminating review articles and case series, a MEDLINE search conducted as part of a systematic review of English language articles (1994–2005) yielded only 4 potentially relevant studies.2 Two related reports now add to our knowledge of this important subject.3,4⇓ Prior work shows that symptoms associated with high interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of stroke or TIA versus no vascular event are a sudden change in speech, visual loss, diplopia, numbness or tingling, paralysis or weakness and nonorthostatic dizziness (κ=0.60, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.68).2 The reliabilities of individual neurological findings varies from slight to almost perfect but can be improved with the use of standardized scoring systems.2 The first of the 2 new reports focuses on interobserver agreement (ie, reliability) for the bedside clinical assessment of patients with suspected stroke.3 There are 2 important caveats to bear in mind when considering the results. Historic information was obtained only from the patients themselves, many of whom were confused. In the usual clinical setting, historic information is gleaned from …
Boolean modeling in systems biology: An overview of methodology and applications

Mathematical modeling of biological processes provides deep insights into complex cellular systems. While quantitative and continuous models such as differential equations have been widely used, their use is obstructed in systems wherein the knowledge of mechanistic details and kinetic parameters is scarce. On the other hand, a wealth of molecular level qualitative data on individual components and interactions can be obtained from the experimental literature and high-throughput technologies, making qualitative approaches such as Boolean network modeling extremely useful. In this paper, we build on our research to provide a methodology overview of Boolean modeling in systems biology, including Boolean dynamic modeling of cellular networks, attractor analysis of Boolean dynamic models, as well as inferring biological regulatory mechanisms from high-throughput data using Boolean models. We finally demonstrate how Boolean models can be applied to perform the structural analysis of cellular networks. This overview aims to acquaint life science researchers with the basic steps of Boolean modeling and its applications in several areas of systems biology.
The Relation Of Serum Cholesterol To Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease: Implications For The Elderly

Elevated cholesterol is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in young and middle-aged persons. Because of the high prevalence of CHD in a growing elderly population, physicians must decide whether to devote clinical attention to this condition in older patients. Longitudinal cohort studies show that while the association between serum cholesterol and CHD decreases after age 55 years, it still persists. Primary prevention trials performed mostly on middle-aged men have reduced the incidence rate of CHD through cholesterol lowering but they have yet to show a reduction in overall mortality. Secondary prevention studies of lipid alteration have reported decreased mortality and slowed progression of coronary stenoses, again in predominantly male subjects aged less than 60 years. Implications of these findings for care of older patients are discussed along with recommendations for clinical management and future research.
Fighting on Their Own Terms: The Tactics of the Irish Republican Army 1919-1921

The 1919-1921 Anglo-Irish War represents one of the earliest instances of a successful insurgent movement in the twentieth century. By combining a fluid organizational structure with effective hit-...
A randomized controlled pilot study feasibility of a tablet-based guided audio-visual relaxation intervention for reducing stress and pain in adults with sickle cell disease.

Aim To test feasibility of a guided audio-visual relaxation intervention protocol for reducing stress and pain in adults with sickle cell disease. Background Sickle cell pain is inadequately controlled using opioids, necessitating further intervention such as guided relaxation to reduce stress and pain. Design Attention-control, randomized clinical feasibility pilot study with repeated measures. Methods Randomized to guided relaxation or control groups, all patients recruited between 2013–2014 during clinical visits, completed stress and pain measures via a Galaxy Internet-enabled Android tablet at the Baseline visit (pre/post intervention), 2-week posttest visit and also daily at home between the two visits. Experimental group patients were asked to use a guided relaxation intervention at the Baseline visit and at least once daily for 2 weeks. Control group patients engaged in a recorded sickle cell discussion at the Baseline visit. Data were analysed using linear regression with bootstrapping. Results At baseline, 27/28 of consented patients completed the study protocol. Group comparison showed that guided relaxation significantly reduced current stress and pain. At the 2-week posttest, 24/27 of patients completed the study, all of whom reported liking the study. Patients completed tablet-based measures on 71% of study days (69% in control group, 72% in experiment group). At the 2-week posttest, the experimental group had significantly lower composite pain index scores, but the two groups did not differ significantly on stress intensity. Conclusion This study protocol appears feasible. The tablet-based guided relaxation intervention shows promise for reducing sickle cell pain and warrants a larger efficacy trial. Trial registration The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is: NCT02501447.
Die Entstehung des Sonnensystems

Fragen wir nach dem Alter des Sonnensystems, so ist eines sicher: Es kann nicht alter sein als das Universum, das vor 12 bis 18 Milliarden Jahren in einem heisen Feuerball entstand. Wir beginnen unsere Geschichte deswegen in der Kindheit des Weltalls.