cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organizational Higher Purpose

This paper summarizes the findings of papers presented at a conference on higher purpose in November, 2019. The conference brought together academic researchers as well as leaders of organizations to discuss the research and practice of higher purpose in organizations. It generated a wealth of interesting insights into the facilitators and impediments to the implementation of higher purpose in organizations and its costs and benefits. These insights may prove valuable in future research.
2019 Computing Sciences Strategic Plan

Author(s): Yelick, K; Agarwal, D; Bard, D; Shalf, J; Almgren, A; Bhimji, W; Brown, J; Carter, J; de Jong, W; Doerfler, D; Donofrio, D; Guok, C; Iancu, C; Kiran, M; Li, X; Nugent, P; Prabhat, M; Ramakrishnan, L; Vasudevan, D; Wright, N; Cademartori, H; Antypas, K; Kincade, K
The Constitution of the Second Generation

In his new book, Akhil Amar describes the “unwritten Constitution” as a set of values, customs, and beliefs that are crafted and revealed over time, and which inform the interpretation and application of the Constitution. Amar’s account centers on four key moments in United States history: the founding, Reconstruction, the New Deal, and the civil rights revolution of the 1960s, leaving relatively unexplored an essential period of existential, adolescent crisis: the early nineteenth century. Using a 1830 exchange between James Madison and Martin Van Buren as a case study, this Article discusses the significance of the period between 1815 and 1850 as an era of constitutional change.
Role of Venous Grafts in Combination with Arterial Grafting

Since the first successful coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed using a saphenous vein graft at the Cleveland Clinic, the saphenous vein has become widely used as a coronary artery bypass graft [1]. From 1968, the internal mammary artery (IMA) became more widely applied as new surgical techniques evolved. Green [2] and Favaloro [3, 4] used a combination of single and bilateral IMA grafting, alone and in combination with saphenous vein grafting (SVG). However, the patency rates of SVG in the early reports were unsatisfactory. The occlusion rate of SVG in the first year is 10~26% [5, 6]. By 10 years, 50% of grafts are occluded [7–9] and of the grafts still patent, 50% show marked atherosclerotic changes [7]. In contrast, in an early study, the patency of the IMA within 5 years of operation was 97% with only 2% occlusion and 2% stenosis, compared to the patency rate of 82%, 5% stenosis or irregular, and 13% occlusion in SVG [9]. These reports confirmed the superior patency of arterial grafting and promoted the search for arterial conduits other than the IMA. Most recent reports from large series continuously support the superiority of IMA grafting. A report by Tatoulis and colleagues in Melbourne [10] has clearly shown in 2,127 arterial to coronary conduits over 15 years a LIMA patency at 5 years of 98%, 95% at 10 years, and 88% at 15 years. On the other hand, the average number of grafts in a patient is 3~4. Although the LIMA has been established as the first choice of the graft for coronary artery, other arterial grafts such as the right IMA, the gastroepiploic artery (GEA), the inferior epigastric artery (IEA), and the radial artery (RA) are routinely used by fewer surgeons. Thismeans that SVG is still widely used in combination with arterial grafts. Recognizing the lower patency of SVG compared to arterial grafts, surgeons are more cautious with the protection of the SVG during harvesting and in the careful choice of the target vessel. A number of techniques have been developed to protect the graft particularly the endothelium of the graft [11]. With these improved techniques, the patency rate for SVG has been reported to be better than that reported previously. Further, with the most important coronary branch – the LADgrafted by LIMA, the SVG is often grafted to other branches. Under such circumstances, the patient’s survival is improved [12]. The role of SVG in the current practice of CABG should therefore be updated.
Frequency of partial and missing rings in Acer saccharum in relation to canopy position and growth rate

Locally absent growth rings are known to occur in trees during periods of environmental stress, but little evidence has been available on their frequency in moist temperate forests or on their potential for causing problems in dendroecological studies. In this study, 95 stem disks of Acer saccharum cut from trees representing a wide range of size and age were examined for ring anomalies using three techniques – inspection of disks for partial rings, crossdating of each tree against regional master chronologies, and use of stand history evidence. The number of ring anomalies in Acer saccharum was inversely related to growth rate and vigor. Mean percentage of ring anomalies was 1.3% in dominant canopy trees, 4.6% in trees of the intermediate crown class, and 16.2% in overtopped trees. All of the overtopped trees had partial or missing rings, with a mean of 10 per tree and a range of 2 to 20. Use of crossdating to correct for ring anomalies appeared to be successful in 88% of the canopy trees. However, crossdating results were inconclusive in 32% of the overtopped trees because of low ring width variability, multiple missing rings, and short duration of trouble-free segments. Because overtopped trees are of limited value in reconstructing disturbance history and often cannot be crossdated reliably, we suggest that they normally be excluded from disturbance chronologies.
Putting the Brakes on Huntington Disease in a Mouse Experimental Model

Huntington disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that causes a progressively debilitating impact on movement, cognition, speech, and mood. It most commonly develops during adulthood and worsens over a 10–15-year period. The genetic basis of HD is an expansion of the (CAG)n trinucleotide repeat in the first exon of the HTT gene [1,2]. Although the function of the normal HTT protein is not well established, in-frame repeat expansion results in the accumulation of an abnormally long polyglutamine tract, which is believed to contribute to mutant protein toxicity and neural degeneration [3]. Consequently, CAG repeat length is inversely correlated with age of onset and severity of disease. Disease-size CAG repeats are prone to further lengthening, which leads to two distinct aspects of their instability: expansions during intergenerational transmissions and somatic expansions occurring throughout the lifetime of an individual (Fig 1A).
Compton scattering from nuclei and photo-absorption sum rules

We revisit the photo-absorption sum rule for real Compton scattering from the proton and from nuclear targets. In analogy with the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn sum rule appropriate at low energies, we propose a new ``constituent quark model'' sum rule that relates the integrated strength of hadronic resonances to the scattering amplitude on constituent quarks. We study the constituent quark model sum rule for several nuclear targets. In addition, we extract the $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$ pole contribution for both proton and nuclei. Using the modern high-energy proton data, we find that the $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$ pole contribution differs significantly from the Thomson term, in contrast with the original findings by Damashek and Gilman.
Lensing by Triton's atmosphere

When a planetary object passes between an observer and a distant star, the planet9s atmosphere can refract the starlight to cause a "central flash," or temporary focusing of the light. In his Perspective, Hubbard discusses results reported in the same issue by Elliot et al. in which a central flash was seen for Neptune9s moon Triton. By carefully studying the nature of the flash, one can learn a great deal about the atmospheric properties of the moon. These new results suggest that Triton9s atmosphere is complex and dynamic.
Tetrahedral spectral elements for CFD

In this paper we describe the foundation of a new hierarchical basis suitable for spectral and h - p type finite elements in complex, three-dimensional domains. It is based on Jacobi polynomials of mixed weights and allows for a variable order in each element, which is a crucial property for efficient adaptive discretizations on unstructured meshes. In addition, it has the desirable property of an O(N2) spectrum scaling for the convective operator as in tensorial spectral methods; this is important in explicit time-integration of the Navier-Stokes equations. The general Galerkin formulation for elliptic equations and a high-order splitting scheme used to solve the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations has been documented in [2]. Here we elaborate on the three-dimensional basis and demonstrate its properties through different numerical examples. The new algorithms have been implemented in the general code N, ekT αr, which represents the new generation of spectral element methods for unstructured meshes.
Flavonoid luteolin supplementation inhibits diethylnitrosamine-initiated alcohol-promoted hepatic inflammation and precancerous lesions in mice (829.7)

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is an established risk for hepatic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Luteolin is one of the most common flavonoids present in plants and has potential benef...
Defending White Scientific Masculinity

AbstractWhile many feminist and postcolonial scholars have analyzed the post-9/11 politic in the United States, few have focused on the anthrax “attacks” that followed the 11 September 2001 World Trade Center disaster. The FBI search for the perpetrator of the 2001 anthrax mailings was an important node in US national security discourse making – it culminated in the fingering of a white male government biodefense scientist and cast doubt on the role of scientific expertise in provisioning national security. This article argues that while “white scientific masculinity” was put into question, it was simultaneously shored up as a nationalist symbol of protection against bioterrorism. This article traces shifts across the three FBI-led profiles of the anthrax perpetrator, along with concomitant news media coverage: the white male “loner” nonscientist, the white male “loner” amateur scientist and finally the white male biodefense scientist. Using a cultural studies approach, this article details how at each su...
On growth and form in the hemochorial placenta: An essay on the physical forces that shape the chorionic trophoblast

Abstract Two kinds of physical forces shape trophoblastic tissues. One is the intercellular cohesive action of surface tension. When favorable, cell stability is maintained; when unfavorable, cell multiplication or even dispersal may occur. The second force is that of vector forces applied by tissue tensions or hemodynamic forces on differentiated aggregations of cells. The foregoing forces appear in different guises according to the complexities of developmental processes in trophoblastic and other tissues, uterine growth, and the changing size of the embryo and its associated fluids. In this paper, the physical factors that operate are considered with respect to the morula, the blastocyst, and the several recognized stages after implantation through the organization of the definitive hemochorial placenta.
The metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate. IV. Acute effects of induced hypertension, hypotension, and naturesis in normal and hypertensive pregnancies.

In the present study, the metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate (MCR DS ) decreased in normotensive gravidas during short-term studies utilizing angiotensin II–induced elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with hydralazine hydrochloride in chronic hypertensive gravidas resulted in a decrease in blood pressure and an accompanying decrease in the MCR DS , A variable response was observed in the apparent volume of distribution of DS (AVD DS ) during therapy with hydralazine hydrochloride. Decreases in MCR DS also occurred in chronic hypertensive gravidas following therapy with 40 mg. of intravenously administered furosemide despite a failure of blood pressure to be altered. The AVD DS increased in four of five patients receiving furosemide, suggesting a possible direct action of furosemide upon vascular smooth muscle.
Harsh Parenting and Child Externalizing Behavior: Skin Conductance Level Reactivity as a Moderator

Skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) was examined as a moderator of the association between harsh parenting and child externalizing behavior. Participants were 251 boys and girls (8-9 years). Mothers and fathers provided reports of harsh parenting and their children's externalizing behavior; children also provided reports of harsh parenting. SCLR was assessed in response to a socioemotional stress task and a problem-solving challenge task. Regression analyses revealed that the association between harsh parenting and externalizing behavior was stronger among children with lower SCLR, as compared to children with higher SCLR. SCLR may be a more robust moderator among boys compared to girls. Results are discussed with regard to theories on antisocial behavior and multiple-domain models of child development.
An expert system for credit evaluation and explanation

We present an expert system, Credit Evaluation and Explanation Expert System (CEEES), that decides whether to grant credit lines to applicant firms. CEEES, which is developed in Prolog, uses a meta-level interpreter to generate proofs for its decisions. The rule-based language used by CEEES enables the various models and decision-making processes used by individual financial institutions to be easily incorporated into the knowledge base, allowing adaptability for commercial ventures. We evaluate the credit-worthiness of applicant firms according to a theoretical model advanced in the economics and credit-risk management literature. The default probabilities of applicant firms are computed using empirical data on customer default grouped according to ratings similar to Standard & Poor's ratings. The ratings are assigned using qualitative threshold rules that consider business credit history, asset size and liquidity, debt capacity, quality of management, market reputation, and position in market. The default probability is multiplied by the exposure at default and the loss given default to determine the expected loss. Unless the expected benefit is large enough to both subsume this expected loss and generate sufficient revenue for the financial institution, CEEES will recommend that the application for a credit line be rejected.
Segregation of Separate Steps in Chromium-Catalyzed Reactions for Convenience and Mechanistic Analysis

We have developed an apparatus for carrying out redox-coupled chromium−manganese or chromium−zinc reactions on solid-supported substrates which allows recycling of the stoichiometric reductant. In addition to providing a greatly simplified procedure for these reactions, we observe striking differences in the recyclability of Mn and Zn. A preliminary extension of the methodology to the catalytic coupling of allylchromium reagents with solid-supported aldehydes is also reported.
Pattern formation and rhythm generation in the ventral respiratory group.

1. There is increasing evidence that the kernel of the rhythm-generating circuitry for breathing is located within a discrete subregion of a column of respiratory neurons within the ventrolateral medulla referred to as the ventral respiratory group (VRG). It is less clear how this rhythm is transformed into the precise patterns appearing on the varied motor outflows. 2. Two different approaches were used to test whether subregions of the VRG have distinct roles in rhythm or pattern generation. In one, clusters of VRG neurons were activated or inactivated by pressure injection of small volumes of neuroactive agents to activate or inactivate groups of respiratory neurons and the resulting effects on respiratory rhythm and pattern were determined. The underlying assumption was that if rhythm and pattern are generated by neurons in different VRG subregions, then we should be able to identify regions where activation of neurons predominantly alters rhythm with little effect on pattern and other regions where pattern is altered with little effect on rhythm. 3. Based on the pattern of phrenic nerve responses to injection of an excitatory amino acid (DL-homocysteate), the VRG was divided into four subdivisions arranged along the rostrocaudal axis. Injections into the three rostral regions elicited changes in both respiratory rhythm and pattern. From rostral to caudal the regions included: (i) a rostral bradypnoea region, roughly associated with the Botzinger complex; (ii) a dysrhythmia/tachypnoea area, roughly associated with the pre-Botzinger complex (PBC); (iii) a second caudal bradypnoea area; and, most caudally, (iv) a region from which no detectable change in respiratory motor output was elicited. 4. In a second approach, the effect of unilateral lesions of one subregion, the PBC, on the Breuer-Hering reflex changes in rhythm were determined. Activation of this reflex by lung inflation shortens inspiration and lengthens expiration (TE). 5. Unilateral lesions in the PBC attenuated the reflex lengthening of TE, but did not change baseline respiratory rhythm. 6. These findings are consistent with the concept that the VRG is not functionally homogenous, but consists of rostrocaudally arranged subregions. Neurons within the so-called PBC appear to have a dominant role in rhythm generation. Nevertheless, neurons within other subregions contribute to both rhythm and pattern generation. Thus, at least at an anatomical level resolvable by pressure injection, there appears to be a significant overlap in the circuitry generating respiratory rhythm and pattern.
Identification of Cell Surface Binding Sites for PC-Cell-Derived Growth Factor, PCDGF, (Epithelin/Granulin Precursor) on Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts☆☆☆

Abstract PC cell derived growth factor (PCDGF) is an 88-kDa glycoprotein purified from the culture medium of the highly tumorigenic mouse teratoma-derived cell line PC. PCDGF was shown to stimulate the proliferation of 3T3 fibroblasts and PC cells. Amino acid sequencing of PCDGF indicated its identity to the precursor for the 6-kDa polypeptides epithelins and granulins. In this paper, we investigated the binding of PCDGF to the mink lung epithelial cell line CCL64. Scatchard analysis indicates that 125 I-PCDGF binding to CCL64 cells is curvilinear, corresponding to the existence of two classes of binding sites: high affinity binding sites (560±170 sites/cell) with a K d1 of 43±15 pM and low affinity binding sites (16,350±5900 sites/cell) with a K d2 of 3.9±1.9 nM. 125 I-PCDGF was chemically crosslinked to cell surface receptors on CCL64 cells with disuccinimidyl suberate. A major crosslinked band of about 190 kDa with radiolabeled PCDGF was detected after SDS-PAGE, suggesting the presence of PCDGF binding sites with molecular weight of about 120 kDa. 125 I-PCDGF crosslinking studies indicate the presence of PCDGF binding sites with a molecular weight similar to those of binding sites on CCL64 cells on the surface of two other PCDGF-responsive cell lines, 3T3 fibroblasts and PC cells. These data suggest that the receptors for PCDGF are widely distributed on cells of distinct embryonic origin.
An x‐ray fluorescence technique to measure the mercury burden of dentists in vivo

Mercury exposure in dental offices may represent a health hazard. Previous studies evaluated mercury exposure through blood, urine or hair analysis. The mercury content of body fluids in hair depends on the time since mercury exposure, mode of intake and its excretion, and sequestration by different tissues. Utilizing an x‐ray fluorescence technique, the mercury burden in bone, liver,lung, spleen, and kidney was measured i n v i t r o. The x‐ray fluorescence,XRF, and chemical assays of the mercury content of these samples correlated. The XRF technique was used to assay the mercury content of tissues irradiated i n v i v o. It was found that the mercury signal arising at a depth in tissue was reduced as the thickness of overlying material increased. Thus, the XRF assay for tissues i n v i v o is confined to organs near the surface. The mercury content of the superficial layers of the head and wrist were determined i n s i t u for a dental population. Concentrations as low as 20 μg/g could be detected with an exposure of 60 mR. Of the 298 dentists evaluated, 28% had greater than 20 μg/g of mercury in the head.
Effects of film blowing conditions on molecular orientation and mechanical properties of polyethylene films

An experimental study of the effects of material characteristics and processing parameters on the orientation and mechanical properties of different polyethylene (PE) films is presented. Several co...
Dosimetric characteristics of the Novoste Beta-Cath 90Sr/Y source trains at submillimeter distances.

Measurements were performed on the 30, 40, and 60 mm 90Sr/Y β-emitter source trains used in the Novoste Beta-Cath system to determine their dosimetric characteristics at submillimeter distances and provide the necessary TG-60 parameters for mapping their dose distributions. These measurements were carried out in a Solid Water™ phantom where MD55-2 Gafchromic™ films were placed in direct contact with a 5 French (F) catheter used for the 30 and 60 mm source trains and a 3.5F catheter used for thinner 30 and 40 mm source trains. A data set consisted of three pieces of Gafchromic film irradiated for periods of 1.5, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. This 3-film irradiation technique provided reliable dose data at short, intermediate and long distances from a source train. Three data sets per source train were collected in this study. For the 30 mm source train with a 5F catheter, data were collected with the source axis at proximal (0.41 mm) and distal (1.19 mm) positions to the film surface in order to investigate dosimetric effects due to the off centering of the source train lumen within the catheter. Absolute doses were determined by calibrating the Gafchromic film in a high-energy electron beam from a radiotherapy accelerator. The absolute dose rates at a distance of 2 mm along the source trains transverse axis were found to be within 13.7% of the values provided by Novoste. Radial dose functions were within 13% compared to 90Sr/Y source train data constructed from Soares' 90Sr/Y single seed data and within 17% and 25% compared to Monte Carlo data by Ye et al., and Wang et al., respectively. Discrepancies of 33% and 19% were observed at short radial distances (⩽1 mm) between the Novoste Monte Carlo and the 3.5F and 5F catheter measured data, respectively. The source off centering data showed higher dose contribution from the source train at its distal rather than proximal position. Radial dose function comparisons between the Novoste Monte Carlo and the measured data, calculated as a function of radial distance from the catheter's center showed good agreement (⩽10%).
Measuring intra-household health inequality: explorations using the body mass index.

This paper examines the relationship between level of well-being and inequality at inter-country and intra-household levels, using individuals' body mass index (BMI) rather than income as the indicator of well-being. BMI is useful for these purposes because (1) it is measured at the individual rather than household level; (2) it reflects command over food, but also non-food resources that affect health status like sanitary conditions and labour-saving technologies; (3) it accounts for caloric consumption relative to needs; (4) it is easily measured; and (5) any measurement error is likely to be random. We do not find any evidence to support the idea of an intra-household or inter-country Kuznets curve. We study the correlations between average household well-being, still measured by BMI, and differences in the BMIs of males and females, parents and children. Here, we find a tendency to protect the BMI of young children when living standards are very low. We find no clear patterns by gender. Perhaps the most striking finding in the paper is that about half of total BMI inequality at the country level is within households. Thus, standard measures of inequality that use household-level data may drastically understate true inequality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro Shoot Multiplication of Echinacea purpurea

ABSTRACT Cytokinin growth regulators, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KIN), and 2-isopentenyladenine (2-iP), induced in vitro shoot multiplication from shoot explants of Echinacea purpurea (Eastern purple coneflower). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 17.76 μM 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.269 μM naphthalene acetic acid produced the greatest number of adventitious shoots, although all cytokinin treatments with or without naphthalene acetic acid were effective in inducing shoots. Subsequent rooting and growth of the induced shoots in a potting media in a greenhouse demonstrated the new plants developed normally.
Fast amperometric immunoassay for hantavirus infection

The determination of specific antibodies against Hantavirus in blood plasma has been developed. The assay technique is based on a flow through amperometric immunoelectrode. Highly dispersed carbon material serves as an immunosorbent and at the same time as an electrode material. The analysis employed the ‘sandwich’ assay scheme. Recombinant protein of Hantavirus was immobilized on the surface of the immunosorbent. Target analyte captured by the immunosorbent at the first stage of incubation interacts with the peroxidase labeled antihuman antibodies at the second stage of incubation. The detection of peroxidase label was conducted amperometrically by electroreduction of iodine formed as a product of peroxidase catalyzed reaction. The technique permits determination of specific antibodies against Hantavirus in blood plasma using a 22 min assay time.
2-5A-dependent RNase Molecules Dimerize during Activation by 2-5A

2-5A-dependent RNase is an interferon-inducible enzyme that requires 5′-phosphorylated, 2′,5′-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) for its endoribonuclease activity against single-stranded RNAs. We demonstrate here that recombinant, human 2-5A-dependent RNase forms stable homodimers during its stimulation by 2-5A. The protein dimers were observed to form only upon binding to 2-5A, as shown using gel filtration chromatography and chemical cross-linking and after centrifugation in glycerol gradients. A monoclonal antibody to 2-5A-dependent RNase was prepared and used to probe the subunit structure of the enzyme in the presence or absence of 2-5A. Using oligoadenylates of different length, structure, and 5′-phosphorylation states we determined that conversion of 2-5A-dependent RNase from its monomeric, inactive form to its homodimeric, active form required the presence of functional 2-5A. These results demonstrate that the catalytically active form of 2-5A-dependent RNase is a homodimer.
BODY TEMPERATURE CYCLING OF WINTER LITTLE BROWN BATS IN THE COLD FOLLOWING HEAT EXPOSURE.

Kleine braune Fledermause,Myse, Myotis lucifugus, wurden dem Winterschlaf entzogen und eiund einer neutralen Temperatur von 33°C wahrend 0–48 Tagen agen ausgesetzt und darauf drei Tage lang 10°C. Bei Fledermauermausen, welche Kalte (10°C) ausgesetzt waren, erwies die To die Temperaturkurve im allgemeinen, dass das Verhaltnis altnis und das Ausmass des Erwachens sowie die Regelungelung der Tatigkeit oder Korpertemperatur proportional mital mit der Dauer abnahmen, wahrend welcher sie der Hitze (33tze (33°C) ausgesetzt waren.
Mitochondrial Genome Integrity Mutations Uncouple the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATP Synthase

The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a molecular motor, which couples the flow of protons with phosphorylation of ADP. Rotation of the central stalk within the core of ATP synthase effects conformational changes in the active sites driving the synthesis of ATP. Mitochondrial genome integrity (mgi) mutations have been previously identified in the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subunits of ATP synthase in yeast Kluyveromyces lactis and trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei. These mutations reverse the lethality of the loss of mitochondrial DNA in petite negative strains. Introduction of the homologous mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in yeast strains that lose mitochondrial DNA at a high rate and accompanied decreases in the coupling of the ATP synthase. The structure of yeast F1-ATPase reveals that the mgi residues cluster around the gamma-subunit and selectively around the collar region of F1. These results indicate that residues within the mgi complementation group are necessary for efficient coupling of ATP synthase, possibly acting as a support to fix the axis of rotation of the central stalk.
Nonlinear viscoelasticity and the thrombelastograph: 1. Studies on bovine plasma clots

To study the possible role of nonlinear viscoelastic effects in the thrombelastograph (TEG), clotting of bovine plasma was studied by both thrombelastography and with a controlled strain rheometer. Clot rheology is dominated by elastic effects at frequencies of interest. There is a well-defined regime of linear elasticity for strains less than around 2%, while at larger strains the clots show significant strain hardening. Oscillatory shear applied during clotting has little effect on the resulting clot provided that the strain is less than 2%, but leads to substantial weakening of clots formed at larger strains. The TEG operates within the regime of nonlinear elasticity, significantly obscuring the interpretation of TEG amplitude in terms of an elastic modulus. Comparing the results of standard TEG experiments with those conducted with a modified TEG, having no oscillation during clotting, shows that deformation during standard thrombelastography leads to weaker clots than are produced under quiescent conditions.
Conceptions of Identity and Tradition in Highland Malagasy Clothing

AbstractFor the Merina and Betsileo peoples of highland Madagascar, one of the most powerful expressions of self—one's humanness, Malagasiness, and Merina- or Betsileo-ness—is indigenous raw silk, landibe (Borocera madagascariensis). Arguably one of the symbols highland Malagasy link most intimately with identity due to its significant ancestral ties and to its corresponding use in extensive ancestral traditions (fomba) and associated taboos (fady), it is therefore also one of the most potentially dangerous and hence controversial symbols. Yet, landibe is now being intentionally selected and manipulated to express identity in two highly disparate contexts—ancestral funerary ceremonies and national and international fashion runways—by two very distinct constituents—those who say they follow “tradition” and those who follow a global world view. The expression of identity is therefore complex, and based on personal and communal constructs of tradition, history, and memory that are all highly individualized y...
Impulsivity and its Relationship to Risky Sexual Behaviors and Drug Abuse.

We examined a mediational model of the interrelationship of drug use, sexual risk, and impulsivity in a sample of young adults (N = 89), of which almost half displayed highly disruptive behaviors as children. We chose a mediational model given the emerging evidence that impulsivity is an underlying risk factor for many youth health risk problems, including sexual risk behaviors. The findings supported a partial mediational model in that the three target variables were significantly related to one another, yet the association of drug use and sexual risk was significantly reduced (although not to zero) when controlled by impulsivity. The findings support the view that the association of drug use and sexual risk behaviors is partially mediated by impulsivity, as well as the broader theory that youths with deficits in self-regulatory behavioral systems confer a greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Study implications and limitations are discussed.
Lipid-mediated DNA and siRNA Transfection Efficiency Depends on Peptide Headgroup

A series of amphiphiles with differing cationic tri- and di- peptide headgroups, designed and synthesized based on lysine (K), ornithine (O), arginine (R), and glycine (G), have been characterized and evaluated for DNA and siRNA delivery. DNA-lipoplexes formed from the tri- and di- lipopeptides possessed lipid:nucleic acid charge ratios of 7:1 to 10:1, diameters of ~200 nm to 375 nm, zeta potentials of 23 mV to 41 mV, melting temperatures of 12 °C to 46 °C, and lamellar repeat periods of 6 nm to 8 nm. These lipid-DNA complexes formed supramolecular structures in which DNA is entrapped at the surface between multilamellar liposomal vesicles. Compared to their DNA counterparts, siRNA-lipoplexes formed slightly larger complexes (348 nm to 424 nm) and required higher charge ratios to form stable structures. Additionally, it was observed that lipids with multivalent, tripeptide headgroups (i.e., KGG, OGG, and RGG) were successful at transfecting DNA in vitro, whereas DNA transfection with the dipeptide lipids proved ineffective. Cellular uptake of DNA was more effective with the KGG compared to the KG lipopeptide. In siRNA knockdown experiments, both tri- and di- peptide lipids (i.e., RGG, GGG, KG, OG, RG, GG) showed some efficacy, but total cellular uptake of siRNA complexes was not indicative of knockdown outcomes and suggested that the intracellular fate of lipoplexes may be a factor. Overall, this lipopeptide study expands the library of efficient DNA transfection vectors available for use, introduces new vectors for siRNA delivery, and begins to address the structure-activity relationships which influence delivery and transfection efficacy.
Environmental tobacco smoke effects on cysteinyl leukotrienes in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Abstract Rationale Infants exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) have more severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. RSV bronchiolitis is associated with elevated cysteinyl leukotrienes and ETS exposure is associated with a Th2 phenotype, which may ultimately result in a greater production of cysteinyl leukotrienes. Cysteinyl leukotrienes can produce bronchoconstriction, edema, and mucus secretion, hallmarks of bronchiolitis. We hypothesized that infants hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis who were exposed to ETS would have higher cysteinyl leukotrienes in their urine. Methods Urine was collected from infants ≤24 months of age admitted with RSV bronchiolitis. Patients were excluded if they had asthma, chronic lung or heart disease, or immunodeficiency. The urine was analyzed with an enzyme immunoassay for leukotriene E4 (LTE4), liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectophotometry for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, and colorometric technique for creatinine. Results None of the caretakers reported that the infant was exposed to smoke in the home. However, 6 of 23 infants had a urinary cotinine/creatinine ratio of >30ng/mg indicating exposure to ETS. LTE4 was 134% higher in infants exposed to ETS (P=0.005, single factor ANOVA). Among the infants exposed to ETS, cotinine/creatinine ratio correlated with LTE4 (r2=0.82, P=0.01). Conclusions ETS exposure may worsen RSV bronchiolitis by enhancing production of cysteinyl leukotrienes.
Stress and Coping as a Conceptual Framework for Studying Alcohol and Drug Use Among Asian American Adolescents

SUMMARY Researchers have conducted very few studies on substance use among Asian American youths, and current etiological studies have suffered from a number of methodological shortcomings: They employ small sample sizes; they define “Asian” race/ethnicity so broadly that they do not distinguish among different Asian American subpopulations; they do not distinguish between U.S.-born Asian Americans and recent immigrants; they employ only a cross-sectional research design; they do not control for factors that may be confounded with race/ethnicity; and they do not consider cultural differences in self-reports of alcohol and drug use. Moreover, these studies lack adequate theoretical frameworks and have several conceptual limitations, including their failure to identify salient components of race/ethnicity as risk or protective factors, their lack of attention to the role of the family in the adaptation process, and their failure to consider the interactive and mediating effects of contextual factors between...
Geometric Identities, Invariant Theory, and a Theorem of Bricard

Abstract We prove an identity in the double algebra of a Peano space, using techniques first developed by Doubilet, Rota, and Stein, which yields a class of geometric identities in n -dimensional projective space. Special cases of this identity include a theorem of Bricard in the projective plane and one of Fontene in projective three space.
Energy functions for regularization algorithms

Regularization techniques are widely used for inverse problem solving in computer vision such as surface reconstruction, edge detection, or optical flow estimation. Energy functions used for regularization algorithms measure how smooth a curve or surface is, and to render acceptable solutions these energies must verify certain properties such as invariance with Euclidean transformations or invariance with parameterization. The notion of smoothness energy is extended here to the notion of a differential stabilizer, and it is shown that to void the systematic underestimation of undercurvature for planar curve fitting, it is necessary that circles be the curves of maximum smoothness. A set of stabilizers is proposed that meet this condition as well as invariance with rotation and parameterization.
Organic chemistry: Symmetrizing the unsymmetrical

You might think that the partial symmetry of the molecule complanadine A makes it easy to prepare, but the reverse is true. Two syntheses of this compound offer insight into how to make partly symmetrical molecules.
White noise in atmospheric optics

We consider a stochastic bilinear system model for laser propagation in atmospheric turbulence. The model consists of a random Schrodinger equation in which the white noise input is multiplied by the state. We consider approximate product form solutions of the Trotter-Kato type, and use these product forms to relate the Hilbert space-valued white noise model and the Ito equation model. We also consider white noise as the limit of a sequence Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. Finally, we consider approximate solutions using the Feynman-Ito equation, and an approximate calculation of the mean field without using the Markov approximation.
Novelty estimation in developmental networks: Acetylcholine and norepinephrine

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve has been widely applied to classifiers to show how the threshold value for acceptance changes the true positive rate and the false positive rate of the detection jointly. However, it is largely unknown how a biological brain autonomously selects a confidence value for each detection case. In the reported work, we investigated this issue based on the class of Developmental Networks (DNs) which have a power of abstraction similar to symbolic finite automata (FA) but all the DN's representations are emergent (i.e., numeric from the physical world and non-symbolic). Our theory is based on two types of neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine (Ach) and Norepinephrine (NE). Inspired by studies that proposed Ach and NE represent uncertainty and unpredicted uncertainty, respectively, we model how a DN uses Ach and NE to allow neurons to collectively decide acceptance or rejection by estimated novelty based on past experience, instead of using a single threshold value. This is a neural network, distributed, incremental, automatic version of ROC.
Relation of the cracking phenomena in piezoelectrics to domain wall motion

An ongoing investigation into understanding the nature and mechanics of damage in piezoelectric material under combined cyclic electrical and static mechanical loads is described. The piezoelectric is subjected to large field excursions that are sufficient to cause polarization switching at least around internal anomalies, as well as mechanical stresses with values well below ultimate strength of the material. Experimental work is conducted on PZT-5H with macroscopically engineered dissimilar (180°) domain structures. All samples contain a seed notch to introduce a stress concentration at a specified location and eliminate questions associated with electrode attachment. Results indicate that for specimens undergoing significant domain wall motion the crack initiation occurs after only 20 - 100 cycles while for specimens undergoing small domain wall motion cracks initiate after 800,000 cycles. Compressive mechanical loads are found to retard damage growth. Experimental results are explained with data obtained from a finite element model. The principal conclusion is that domain wall motion on both micro and macro levels is responsible for crack initiation and degradation of the material during cycling loading.
Electrochemical behaviour of duplex stainless steels in caustic environment

Recent studies have shown that duplex stainless steels can be susceptible to general corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in high pH caustic environments. This difference in the corrosion resistance can be attributed to changes in the electrochemical behaviour of steels. The present study has shown that the corrosion rates of duplex stainless steels increase with an increase in temperature and sulphide addition to caustic environments. Moreover, alloying Fe with Cr and Ni helps to raise the corrosion potential and lower critical current density of DSS in an alkaline environment whereas Mo can be detrimental to the corrosion resistance of the steel.
Disruption of a Calmodulin Central Helix-like Region of 10-Formyltetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase Impairs Its Dehydrogenase Activity by Uncoupling the Functional Domains

10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is composed of three domains and possesses three catalytic activities but has only two catalytic centers. The amino-terminal domain (residue 1-310) bears 10-formyltetrahydrofolate hydrolase activity, the carboxyl-terminal domain (residue 420-902) bears an aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and the full-length FDH produces 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity. The intermediate linker (residues 311-419) connecting the two catalytic domains does not contribute directly to the enzyme catalytic centers but is crucial for 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity. We have identified a region within the intermediate domain (residues 384-405) that shows sequence similarity to the central helix of calmodulin. Deletion of either the entire putative helix or the central part of the helix or replacement of the six residues within the central part with alanines resulted in total loss of the 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity, whereas the full hydrolase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were retained. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis revealed that neither of the six residues alone is required for FDH activity. Analysis of the predicted secondary structures and circular dichroic and fluorescence spectroscopy studies of the intermediate domain expressed as a separate protein showed that this region is likely to consist of two alpha-helices connected by a flexible loop. Our results suggest that flexibility within the putative helix is important for FDH function and could be a point for regulation of the enzyme.
Asymptotic Modal Analysis and Statistical Energy Analysis of an Acoustic Cavity

A basic asymptotic theory for structural wall/acoustic cavity interaction is presented, and the analysis is illustrated with examples of the acoustic cavity response to a prescribed wall motion. Although, when spatially averaged, the classical modal analysis (CMA) response approaches the asymptotic modal analysis (AMA) response more rapidly as the number of modes increases, it is shown that information about local response intensification is lost in the averaging process. A larger bandwidth at a given center frequency is found to contain more excited modes than a smaller bandwidth; however, the AMA is slightly more accurate in the smaller bandwidth. All AMA asymptotes were shown to be approached from below by a CMA with fixed bandwidth and increasing center frequency.
Mechanical testing using direct control of the inelastic strain rate

A methodology is described for carrying out mechanical tests under direct control of the inelastic strain rate. The method depends on the use of a servohydraulic testing machine and suitable electronic-control circuitry. The technique permits the use of abrupt changes of inelastic strain rate as well as maintenance of constant values of inelastic strain rate. The application of the method to several modes of testing is described.
Gender influences counterregulatory hormone responses to hypoglycemia

It has been generally assumed that counterregulatory hormone responses to hypoglycemia are not influenced by gender. To test this assumption, we analyzed three separate hypoglycemic insulin clamp studies in age-matched, healthy, non-obese females (n = 33) and males (n = 37). In one study (12 females, 17 males), plasma glucose level was rapidly decreased to about 57 mg/dL for 100 minutes with a 0.65-mU/kg/min insulin infusion. Despite an identical decrease in glucose level, the increase in epinephrine (361 ± 64 v 188 ± 38 pg/mL, P < .05), norepinephrine (132 ± 28 v 47 ± 19 pg/mL, P < .01), and growth hormone ([GH] 16.0 ± 3.8 v 4.9 ± 1.9 ng/mL, P < .05) levels, but not glucagon or cortisol levels, were significantly greater in males than in females, respectively. In the second study (10 females, eight males), a 5.0-mU/kg/min insulin infusion was used to decrease glucose levels to 55 mg/dL for 180 minutes. Epinephrine (P < .05) and GH (P < .01) responses were greater in males than in females. In a third study (11 females, 12 males), plasma glucose level was gradually decreased to about 50 mg/dL over 240 minutes. Again epinephrine (P < .01), norepinephrine (P < .01), GH (P < .05), and cortisol (P < .01) responses were nearly twofold greater in males (P < .01). Multivariate analysis of all 70 subjects identified gender as the most significant factor contributing to the epinephrine (P < .001) and norepinephrine (P < .005) responses, and also as a significant contributor to the GH response (P < .05). Moreover, the glucose levels that triggered an increase in epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol were each about 9 mg/dL higher in males (P < .05). We conclude that, with respect to males, females have decreased counterregulatory hormonal responses to hypoglycemia. This sexual dimorphism may be in part due to an alteration in the glucose threshold for hormone release.
Dislocated cellular structures

Abstract When grains or cells form periodic structures their arrangement can contain dislocations. These detects and their movements are illustrated on lattice graphs for two- and three-dimensional systems. The lattice graph is topologically equivalent to the cellular structure, containing information on the number of faces, edges and corners of each cell, yet it is easier to use than the cellular structure when illustrating dislocation climb or glide. Several examples of cellular dislocation motion are described in detail and their motion is related to grain growth, cell division and deformation by grain-boundary sliding.
Vagal Stimulation of the Heartbeat: Muscarinic Receptor Hypothesis

“For the best and safest method of philosophizing seems to be, first diligently to investigate the properties of things and establish them by experiments, and then later seek hypotheses to explain them… For hypotheses ought to be fitted merely to explain the properties of things and not attempt to predetermine them except so far as they can be an aid to experiments.” (I. Newton, Opera, Vol. IV, p. 314; From The Metaphysical Foundation of Modern Science. E.A. Burtt, Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, 1932; p.215.)