cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
17-β-ESTRADIOL SUPPRESSES IL-2 AND IL-2 RECEPTOR

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays an important role in adaptive immune responses. These responses differ between females and males and may be due to the sex steroid estrogen. In this investigation we show that estrogen suppresses IL-2 production from activated peripheral blood T cells and CD4+ T cell lines at the transcriptional level. Suppression of IL-2 occurred at short term, high 17-beta-estradiol concentrations as well as longer term lower 17-beta-estradiol concentrations. In CD4+ Jurkat T cells, suppression of IL-2 was associated with decreased nuclear binding of two important IL-2 promoter transcription factors: NFkappaB and AP-1. The decreased nuclear binding of NFkappaB occurred in the setting of estrogen-induced increases in IkappaBalpha protein levels, an important inhibitor of NFkappaB nuclear translocation. 17-beta-Estradiol was also shown to inhibit IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression in activated peripheral blood T cells. Estrogen-induced suppression of IL-2 and its receptor may have many ramifications for our understanding of immune and autoimmune sexual dichotomies, immune responses during pregnancy, and potential therapeutic intervention with hormone agonists and antagonists.
A POS system based on the remote client‐server model in the small business environment

Purpose – In traditional point‐of‐sale (POS) systems, an in‐house database server processes all sales transactions it receives from local client computers. Such systems incur high costs because of operational requirements, such as professional maintenance, the sophisticated server hardware required, and scalability requirements. For small retailers that want to use POS systems but have relatively limited financial resources, these expensive operational requirements are big obstacles. Considering these issues, the purpose of this paper is to suggest a POS system that is adequate for small businesses.Design/methodology/approach – Using a simulation method, the authors tested and compared the operational performance of POS systems in two different environments, i.e. the remote server‐client environment and the local server‐client environment.Findings – One possible solution is for a group of small retailers to use a shared, remote database server, but such servers often have reliability and performance issue...
Time-saving method for the fabrication of a definitive cast for an implant- supported prosthesis

Conventional methods for fabricating an implant-supported overdenture or an implant-supported, fixed complete denture involve a series of patient visits. Because these visits occur in sequence, each visit depends on the accuracy of the previous visit and influences the accuracy of subsequent visits. Any procedural errors during these visits could compromise the fit of the definitive prosthesis. 1,2 The first step in achieving an accurately fitting, passive prosthesis requires capturing the 3-dimensional intraoral relationship of the implants with an impression. The accuracy of this impression procedure has an essential role in the prosthesis-implant adaptation. 3-5 Although several strategies have been suggested to enhance precision when making the definitive impression and cast for an implantsupported prosthesis, 6 it appears that absolute accuracy is currently not attainable. 7,8 A number of implant impression techniques have been described. 9,10 Most implant impression techniques have 1 feature in common, whereby impression material is present between the implant impression copings and the custom tray. The presence of this impression material produces resiliency in the system, and this lack of a rigid connection to the tray may result in an inaccurate cast. This article describes a time-saving, step-by-step technique designed to achieve 4 objectives with accuracy in a single clinical visit: (1) impression of the soft tissue, (2) impression and position of the implants, (3) registration of the maxillo-mandibular relationships, and (4) arrangement of the artificial teeth. The use of a verification jig 11 has confirmed the accuracy of this impression method.
A comparison of some methods for early classification of survivors and nonsurvivors of postoperative shock.

Abstract Five methods for developing indices that reflect the overall cardiovascular status of patients in postoperative shock are applied to data on 35 cardiorespiratory variables obtained during each of six clinical stages of shock. The proportion of patients correctly classified as survivors and nonsurvivors by each index is used as the criterion for comparison. One index yields the best results for most of the six stages of shock. These indices can be calculated in real time by a computer which is linked to an automated bedside monitoring system.
Effect of lipids and proteins on the viscosity of gastric mucus glycoprotein.

Abstract The effect of associated lipids and covalently bound fatty acids, and the contribution of serum albumin and secretory IgA to the viscosity of dog gastric mucus glycoprotein was investigated. Using a cone/plate viscometer at shear rates between 1.15 – 230s −1 , it was found that extraction of associated lipids from the glycoprotein lead to 80–85% decrease in the viscosity. Further loss (39%) in viscosity of the delipidated glycoprotein occurred following removal of covalently bound fatty acids. Reassociation of the delipidated glycoprotein with its neutral lipids increased the viscosity 3-fold, a 2.5-fold increase was obtained with glycolipids, and 2-fold with phospholipids. Preincubation of purified mucus glycoprotein with albumin or IgA resulted in the increase in viscosity. This increase in viscosity was proportional to albumin concentration up to 10%, and to IgA concentration up to 5%. The results show that interaction of lipids and proteins with mucus glycoprotein contributes significantly to the viscosity of gastric mucus.
Signal transduction through the sphingomyelin pathway

The sphingomyelin pathway is a new signal transduction system initiated by hydrolysis of palsma membrane sphingomyelin to ceramide by the actin of a neutral sphingomyelinase. Ceramide serine/threonine protein kinase termed ceramide-activated protein kinase. This kinase belongs to a family of proline-directed protein kinases that recognize substrates containing the minimal motif, X-Thr/Ser-Pro-X, where the phosphoacceptor site is followed on the carboxyl terminus by a proline residue and X may be any amino acid. Three lines of evidence, rapid kinetics of activation of the sphingomyelin pathway by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, the ability of cell-permeable ceramide analogs to bypass receptor activation and mimic the effect of TNFα, and reconstitution of this cascade in a cell-free system, support the concept that the sphingomyelin pathway serves to signal TNFα-induced monocytic differentiation. Hence, the sphingomyelin pathway may represent a signaling system analogous to more well-defined systems such as the cyclic adenosine monophosphate and phosphoinositide pathways.
Differential characteristics of human 15-lipoxygenase isozymes and a novel splice variant of 15S-lipoxygenase.

The lipoxygenases (LOs) are a family of nonheme iron dioxygenases that catalyse the insertion of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids. Five members of this gene family have been described in man, 5-LO, 12S-LO, 12R-LO, 15-LO and 15S-LO. Using partially purified recombinant 15S-LO enzyme and cells constitutively expressing this protein, we have compared the activity, substrate specificity, kinetic characteristics and regulation of this enzyme to that previously reported for 15-LO. 15S-LO has a threefold higher Km, similar Vmax and increased specificity of oxygenation for arachidonic acid, and a similar Km but decreased Vmax for linoleic acid in comparison to 15-LO. Unlike 15-LO, 15S-LO is not suicide inactivated by the products of fatty acid oxygenation. However, in common with other LOs, 15S-LO activity is regulated through calcium-dependent association of the enzyme with the membrane fraction of cells. In addition, whilst independently cloning the recently described 15S-LO, we identified a splice variant containing an in-frame 87-bp deletion corresponding to amino acids 401–429 inclusive. Modelling of the 15S-LO and subsequent studies with partially purified recombinant protein suggest that the deleted region comprises a complete α-helix flanking the active site of the enzyme resulting in decreased specificity of oxygenation and affinity for fatty acid substrates. Alternative splicing of 15S-LO would therefore provide a further level of regulation of fatty acid metabolism. These results demonstrate that there are substantial differences in the enzyme characteristics and regulation of the 15-LO isozymes which may reflect differing roles for the proteins in vivo.
Digitalis. An update of clinical pharmacokinetics, therapeutic monitoring techniques and treatment recommendations.

The intestinal absorption of digoxin is essentially a passive non-saturable diffusion process, although a saturable carrier-mediated component also plays an important role. The bioavailability varies between 40 and 100%: the presence of food may reduce the peak serum concentration, but does not reduce the amount of digoxin absorbed. Recent development of a capsule containing a hydroalcoholic vehicle may reduce interindividual variations in absorption. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the distribution of digoxin suggests 3 compartments, the slow distribution phase accounting for the lag time between the inotropic effects and the plasma concentration profile. Digoxin is extensively bound to tissues such as myocardium, renal, skeletal muscle as well as red blood cells, but not to adipose tissue. Plasma protein binding varies between 20 and 30%: displacement of digoxin from protein binding sites does not cause significant clinical effects. As expected, haemodialysis or exchange transfusions do not significantly alter the body load of digoxin. The apparent volume of distribution of digoxin varies between 5 and 7.3 L/kg; this may be reduced by, for example, electrolyte abnormalities which reduce digoxin binding to the myocardium. The elimination half-life of digoxin is 36 hours, with 60 to 80% being excreted unchanged, by passive glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. The remainder is excreted non-renally. Clearance is therefore dependent on renal function and declines in renal disease and in elderly patients. Digoxin interacts with other drugs at any stage of absorption (e.g. cholestyramine), distribution (e.g. quinidine), metabolism (e.g. phenytoin) or elimination (e.g. diltiazem). Patients should, therefore, be carefully monitored when changing a therapeutic regimen which includes any drugs known to interact with digoxin. Clinical monitoring is more important than therapeutic drug monitoring which should be reserved for suspected toxicity, doubts about efficacy, or in cases of poor compliance. With the advent of newer treatment modalities, digoxin is no longer the treatment of first choice in supraventricular arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. However, with careful monitoring, digoxin remains an important therapeutic option.
Rural poverty and ecological problems: Results of a new type of baseline study

This baseline study used data from a informant survey of 76 rural communities in Central Tunisia to construct, first, measures of rural poverty and ecological deterioration and, second, indices of the major institutional complexes in the region. Using factor analysis, the study identified five institutional dimensions: services, religious institutions, mechanized agriculture, irrigated agriculture and sedentary herding. These dimensions were then used as independent variables in a regression analysis of the two social indicators with the results that sedentary herding and religious institutions (negative) predict ecological problems, and the same two dimensions, with the addition of services (negative) predict poor housing. Compared to household survey baselines, this one is less expensive, simpler to analyze and provides an analytic picture of the institutional structure, in relation to key indicators, of a region.
A Simplified Approach to Steady-State Stability Limits [includes discussion]

A numerical study has been made which shows the effect of shunt loads on the steady-state stability limit of a power system. In particular, the effect of the load characteristic, i.e. constant impedance, or constant current, or constant power, was considered. In general, the study shows shunt loads to have a stabilizing effect on the system except when the load is heavy, nearly constant power in nature, close to a machine which supplies a minor part of the loads requirement, and poorly connected to the rest of the system. On the basis of this study and a-c network analyzer tests, a simplified method for determining the stability limit is developed and presented herein. Equations for the stability limit are also presented.
Growing better tobacco

Proper application of knowledge concerning the nutritional requirements of tobacco is an important factor in the production of better crops.
Chaotic stall response of helicopter rotor in forward flight

Abstract A typical evolution process for rotor blade stall response from periodic to aperiodic or chaotic motion and a necessary condition for the onset of chaotic response are discussed. This is the first such study of chaotic motion due to aerodynamic stall of a helicopter blade in the literature. For this study, the ONERA nonlinear aerodynamic stall model is applied to the analysis of helicopter blade stall response. Nonlinear state variable equations and linear state variable perturbation equations are derived and solved. Also, a comparison between the results from the ONERA stall and a simpler nonlinear aerodynamic model is made.
The application of intramolecular saturation transfer NMR spectroscopy to conformational analysis. The effect of methyl substituents on the barrier height and conformational isomer population of the tricyclo[9.3.1.03,8]pentadecane ring system.

Abstract Intramolecular saturation transfer NMR spectroscopy has been used to establish the conformational equilibria of several tricyclo[9.3.1.03,8] pentadecanes.
A test of the on-line status of goal-related inferences

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the on-line status of goal-related inferences. We combined a question-answering procedure and on-line measures of inference generation to test the prediction that superordinate goal inferences have a higher likelihood of being generated on-line during comprehension than do subordinate goal inferences. In Experiment 1, a lexical decision task revealed that superordinate goal inferences were encoded on-line as part of the reader's text representation even though these inferences were not true “bridging” inferences. In Experiment 2, we replicated this outcome in a word naming task. In Experiment 3, we established that the findings were not due to semantic associations between the target words and the lexical items in the text. The pattern of results was consistent with a global-coherence model of inference generation in which the reader generates causal connections that link each episode in a text from beginning to end.
An abstract equivalent of visual search: Gain maximization fails in the absence of visual judgments

Consider two sequential tasks, one visual, one abstract. In the visual search task, observers examine object after object to find a target. The target is present on only a proportion of the trials, observers search as long as they like and declare finally whether the target is present or absent. They are rewarded for correct responses. In the abstract task, observers click on a series of boxes on a computer display, one of which may contain a prize. There is a cost to opening each box and they continue opening boxes until they find the reward or decide not to look further. These tasks are similar in structure. However, in the visual task, observers were nearly optimal gain maximizers with average winnings above 95% of optimal, while in the abstract task, they were far below optimal, with average winnings about 65% of optimal. In the box task, the longer it had been since the last time observers found a prize, the fewer boxes they would open. This behavior suggests that they may have treated the independent trials as non-independent in the box task, but not in the visual search task. Moreover, while visual search observers compensated effectively for changes in target prevalence and remained nearly optimal, in the abstract task, prevalence changes lead to even greater deviations from optimality. Our results clearly show fundamental differences between how visual and abstract information is exploited. One possibility is that visual decisions were optimal because observers made multiple rapid decisions about items in the display, while the longer box decision times allowed opportunities for biases to creep in. Alternatively, we may be evolutionary equipped for visual search but not for abstract reasoning. Estimating probabilities in the search task may be easier than processing the explicitly stated probabilities in the box task.
Potentials with zero scattering phase

Let us consider the class of spherically symmetric potentials which are so smooth that the functionsf(k) are analytic in the lower half plane. The Gel’fand-Levitan equation is used to construct all potentials of this class which, for a given angular momentum, have scattering phases which are identically zero for all energy. In these cases the potentials support point eigenvalues which are either zero or are positive and embedded in the continuous spectrum. In the casel=0, the potential which supports the zero point eigenvalue was given earlier by Bargmann who used a special technique to find it.
Expanding horizons in ergonomics research.

Ergonomics, the use of scientific thinking in the design of products and of working environments, has undergone three major waves of research innovations and applications. The first owed a great deal to Paul Fitts, who was a member of the generation of scientists coming to maturity during World War II. Below I have labeled it with the name Human Performance, which he gave to the basic science that could be applied to human factors in the work environment. The second was influenced by Herbert Simon and the development of cognitive psychology, leading to cognitive engineering in the design process. Although Fitts had passed away by the time cognitive engineering research was underway, it still made close contact with his approach. This special issue reflects a new development in ergonomics that Parasuraman (2011) has called Neuroergonomics, involving the application of brain science to human factors. Although each wave has added valuable new perspectives, as discussed briefly below, the contributions of Paul Fitts and of information theory still remain relevant (Gleick, 2011).
Integration of Polymer Pins, Volume Gratings and Waveguides for Chip-to-Board and Board-to-Chip Optical Interconnects

Polymer pins, waveguides, and volume grating couplers are integrated together to provide optical input/output (I/O) between printed-wiring/waveguide board and chip. The fabrication processes needed to enable these configurations are described and experimentally evaluated.
Behavioral steering in dual and social states of conation by the amygdala, hypothalamus, ventral striatum, and thalamus.

Conative information relating to goal states is proposed as regulating columnar information structures in the neocortex. These structures may handle a spatiotemporal hierarchy of sensorimotor information and conative information. In basic behavioral states, a subcortical system selects a dominant modality of conation (corresponding to a specific goal state) from cortical and subcortical sources, and enhances or suppresses activity in neocortical information structures, yielding the selected modality. These adjustments steer behavior relative to the goal state, allowing assembly of new behavior patterns. For opposing or cooperative modalities of conation, a dual-state system is proposed that modulates the basic-state system. For more extended combinations of conative modalities, a further function is needed that interrelates the basic-state system and the cortex to provide hierarchical conation. Basic-state system control may be exercised by the hypothalamus, influencing the cortex via the thalamus. Other ...
Negative regulation of PYK2/related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase signal transduction by hematopoietic tyrosine phosphatase SHPTP1.

Abstract Related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK) (also known as PYK2) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase related to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) p125FAK. RAFTK is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to various stimuli, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, changes in osmolarity, elevation in intracellular calcium concentration, lysophosphatidic acid, and bradykinin. Overexpression of RAFTK induces activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (also known as stress-activated protein kinase), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p38 MAPK. The present studies demonstrate that RAFTK binds constitutively to the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHPTP1. In contrast to PTP1B, overexpression of wild-type SHPTP1 blocks tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK. The results further demonstrate that RAFTK is a direct substrate of SHPTP1 in vitro. Moreover, treatment of PC12 cells with bradykinin is associated with inhibition in tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK in the presence of SHPTP1. Furthermore, in contrast to the phosphatase-dead SHPTP1 C453S mutant, overexpression of wild-type SHPTP1 blocks interaction of RAFTK with the SH2-domain of c-Src and inhibits RAFTK-mediated MAPK activation. Significantly, cotransfection of RAFTK with SHPTP1 did not inhibit RAFTK-mediated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that SHPTP1 plays a negative role in PYK2/RAFTK signaling by dephosphorylating RAFTK.
Phlyctema vagabunda Isolated from Coin Canker of Ash Trees in Michigan.

The coelomycetous fungus Phlyctema vagabunda Desm. (teleomorph Neofabraea alba (E.J. Guthrie) Verkley, synonym Pezicula alba E.J. Guthrie) is associated with a serious canker disease of cultivated ash trees in Michigan. Four- to five-year-old trees of Fraxinus americana cv. Autumn Purple and F. pennsylvanica cvs. Champ Tree, Cimmaron, and Urbanite had cankers that were smooth, round, brownish yellow, approximately 2 to 4 cm in diameter with distinct reddish, cracked margins. Immersed, eventually erumpent, unilocular acervuli developed in the central portions of these cankers. The same fungus was isolated both from the conidia as well as from the margin of the canker. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) (AY064704) and beta-tubulin (AY064702) sequences were identical to sequences identified in GenBank as Pezicula alba from apple (1), and the morphology was consistent with Phlyctema vagabunda as well (2). P. vagabunda has been studied primarily as the cause of Bull's eye canker of apple (1). P. vagabunda under its numerous synonyms has been reported on various hardwood and herbaceous hosts from temperate regions around the world, including the United States. However, it has not been reported previously on species of Fraxinus. A specimen and culture from the ash cankers in Michigan have been deposited (BPI 841384 and CBS 109875). References: (1) S. N. De Jong et al. Mycol. Res. 105:658, 2001. (2) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes. CMI, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1980.
Predictors of nonadherence to national hospital quality measures for heart failure and pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors associated with process measure nonadherence may improve both patient care and future measure design. METHODS: We analyzed 3401 patients with heart failure and 2186 patients with pneumonia who were eligible for at least 1 National Hospital Quality Measure at an urban tertiary medical center from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2008. We investigated the association of socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and care delivery factors with process measure nonadherence, using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Demographic and socioeconomic variables were unrelated to heart failure measure adherence. Nonadherence with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker use was more common in patients with renal failure (odds ratio [OR] 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-4.49), and patients admitted to noncardiac units more often failed the heart failure all-or-none measure (OR 2.22; 95% CI, 1.79-2.75). Patients with pneumonia who were admitted via the emergency department were less likely to fail antibiotic timing (OR 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.63), whereas those with a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (OR 2.63; 95% CI, 1.31-5.28) or requiring intensive care unit admission (OR 11.4; 95% CI, 6.3-20.8) were more likely to fail the antibiotic selection measure. CONCLUSION: Demographic and socioeconomic factors were generally unrelated to process measure nonadherence, demonstrating that excellent inpatient care can be delivered even to vulnerable populations. Clinical predictors suggest opportunities for improving both medical record documentation of appropriate exclusions and future measure specifications, especially for complex patients. Care delivery factors substantially affect process adherence.
Effects of repeated exposure to white noise on central cholinergic activity in the rat.

Abstract Acute (45 min) exposure to noise has been show to decrease sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the rat. In the present experiment, the effects of repeated noise exposure on choline uptake in these two brain regions were studied. Rats were exposed to 100-dB white noise in ten 45-min sessions. Tolerance developed to the effects of noise on choline uptake. In addition, the effects were found to be classically conditionable to cues in the exposure environment. These data may have important implications in understanding the health hazard of noise exposure in both the public and occupational environments.
Determination of deuterium lamp irradiance drift in the SSBUV laboratory

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceable deuterium arc (D2) lamps are used in the Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) programme as radiometric standards in the 200 nm to 250 nm wavelength region. These lamps are inherently less stable than the quartz-halogen tungsten filament (FEL) lamps used in the programme for calibration at longer wavelengths. In order to monitor changes in the D2 lamp output, the SSBUV D2 lamp irradiance measurements have been compared with FEL lamp irradiance measurements. Techniques have been developed to reduce noise in the SSBUV measurements and to analyse the stability of the FEL lamps. The D2 lamp irradiance drifts have been found to be as large as -13% at 200 nm relative to 250 nm over a period of about seven years. These independently-derived D2 lamp irradiance drifts agree with the NIST measurements of the SSBUV lamps, confirming the long-term stability of the NIST working standards for lamp irradiance in the 200 nm to 250 nm wavelength region. The D2 lamp irradiances used for the SSBUV calibrations are those reported by the NIST, corrected for the lamp drift at the time of the instrument calibration. These derived D2 lamp irradiances not only fill long-term gaps for which no updated NIST calibrations are available, but also allow any short-term changes to be traced in situ from a NIST calibration to the user's laboratory, thus improving the accuracy of the SSBUV instrument's calibration.
Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride distributions in 13,665 children and adolescents: the prevalence study of the Lipid Research Clinics Program.

Summary: The age-, race-, and sex-specific distributions for plasma cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride (TG) are described for the 13,655 individuals under 20 years of age who were examined at the first visit (visit I) of the Prevalence Study of the Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) Program. Composite findings are presented from the seven North American LRC's where children were included in the target population. Cholesterol values are higher for blacks than for whites, but triglyceride values are higher for whites than for blacks. In both the CH and TG distributions for the combined races, the mean values for females are generally higher than for males. For cholesterol, consistent age-associated differences occur. On average, the CH values peak in late childhood and decline during adolescence. The decrease in mean values for CH is most marked for white males. The values for TG tend to increase in early adolescence. This report expands the available information about lipid distributions in young populations and describes the extent of the variation in plasma lipids associated with race and sex for each year of age, 0 to 19 years. Speculation: The pattern of age-associated differences found in these population-based, cross-sectional surveys points to the need for prospective studies of lipid levels in cohorts examined before puberty and followed throughout adolescence and into early childhood. Such longitudinal studies may reveal the biological explanation for the age-curve of the mean values for lipids.
Programmable imaging with two-axis micromirrors

We demonstrate a means of creating a digital image by using a two-axis tilt micromirror to scan a scene. For each different orientation we extract a single gray scale value from the mirror and combine them to form a single composite image. This allows one to choose the distribution of the samples, and so in principle a variable resolution image could be created. We demonstrate this ability to control resolution and projection by constructing a voltage table that compensates for the nonlinear response of the mirrors to the applied voltage.
The strain rate sensitivity values in superplastic deformation

Abstract Fine-grained superplastic α-β Ti-6Al-4V alloy (where the alloy composition is given in approximate weight per cent) was deformed in the temperature range 750–925°C and at strain rates of 10−5 −2 × 10−3 s−1. The results indicate that an increase in the deformation temperature or a decrease in the deformation rate is followed by an increase in the value of the strain-hardening index. In such a situation the stress-strain rate relation can no longer be represented by the conventional power law formulation without evaluating the effect of strain. The common assumption that a large value of the (apparent) strain rate sensitivity parameter is associated with a large amount of superplastic ductility may not be tenable under test conditions where a strain-hardening or strain-softening effect is noticeable.
Regional nuclear arms control in Latin America

The Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America (Treaty of Tlatelolco) was signed in 1967 and is now in force for eighteen Latin American nations (the important exceptions being Argentina and Brazil). Under the terms of the treaty the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America (OPANAL) was established in 1969. With headquarters in Mexico City, OPANAL is a sophisticated control mechanism composed of three principal organs: a General Conference, Council and Secretariat. This article examines the effort to establish regional nuclear weapons free zone in Latin America and analyzes the ability of the Tlatelolco Treaty to provide the legal and political framework for containment of the growing military potential of Latin American nuclear energy programs. Particular attention is given to the positions of key Latin American nations within the region, nuclear weapons states, and those nations retaining territorial interest within the nuclear weapons free zone. In addition several policy options are advanced which could facilitate the more complete implementation of regional nuclear arms control in Latin America.
Alprazolam augmentation of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy

To the Editor.— Wolkowitz et al 1 reported on alprazolam augmentation of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy with fluphenazine hydrochloride in a sample of 12 schizophrenic patients. Although the authors were appropriately cautious about their conclusions, we wish to raise some problematic issues regarding their methodology and the results of the study. In their reported research design, the investigators did not include a baseline period with fluphenazine alone before placebo was added. Doing so, as demonstrated in Lingjaerde's 2 larger study (n = 58) of estazolam, would have screened out responders to placebo and would have added validity to the findings by concentrating on the effect of alprazolam on those patients whose conditions failed to improve with placebo. Several instruments are available that measure the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia specifically. The Bunney-Hamburg Scale and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), which were employed by Wolkowitz et al, 1 are not among them,
Representation of Eye Movements and Stimulus Motion in Topographically Organized Areas of Human Posterior Parietal Cortex

Recent imaging studies have shown that the human posterior parietal cortex (PPC) contains four topographically organized areas along the intraparietal sulcus (IPS1-IPS4). Using a memory-guided saccade paradigm, we confirmed the locations and retinotopic organization of IPS1-IPS4 and identified two additional areas, IPS5 and superior parietal lobule 1 (SPL1). IPS5 is located at the intersection of the intraparietal and postcentral sulcus; SPL1 branches off the IPS and extends into the superior parietal lobule. Both areas, as well as IPS1-IPS4, each contain a representation of the contralateral visual hemifield. We then probed core functions of the dorsal pathway in these areas, that is, the representation of eye movements and visual motion, to compare the functional characteristics of human PPC to physiologically and anatomically defined areas in monkey PPC. First, as in monkey PPC, a gradient representation of eye movements was found along the IPS with decreasing responses for saccades and increasing responses for smooth pursuit eye movements from posterior/medial to anterior/lateral. The greatest preference for saccades was found in SPL1 and for smooth pursuit in IPS5. Second, and again similar to monkey PPC, all topographically organized PPC areas responded to different types of motion including planar, circular, and radial optic flow, as assessed using adaptation paradigms. Areas in posterior IPS preferred radial optic flow over planar motion, whereas areas in anterior PPC did not show preference for a particular motion type. Together, our results indicate strikingly similar characteristics in the general functional organization of human and monkey PPC, but also reveal some notable differences.
Transition probabilities and collision-induced transitions in excited levels of neon.

Utilizing the interaction between the output of a He–Ne laser oscillating at 3.39 μm (3s2 –3p4 transition in Ne) and excited neon atoms in a gas discharge, changes of the excited-population densities have been produced. These changes are observed as changes of intensity of spontaneous emission. By analyzing these intensity changes as functions of pressure, the approach to thermalization of the changes in the population densities of the 3s4 and 3s5 levels of neon has been observed. In this way the ratio of the transition probabilities for the 3s5–2p9 and the 3s4–3p8 transitions has been determined. This ratio is A5/A4= 2.18±0.24.
Depression and Substance Use: A Temporal-Ordered Model

Background and Objectives: This study sought empirical evidence for the self-medication hypothesis. It asked whether diagnosis of depression, together with the use of mental-health care, leads to substance use. Methods: Data came from the 5-wave, longitudinal Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) Study, an investigation of a cohort of nearly 5,000 births, which oversampled non-marital births. FFCW examined newborns’ biological mothers and fathers, all of whom lived in the United States. The adults were initially interviewed between 1998 and 2000 (the period of the cohort's births); they were then re-interviewed for four times over 10 years. FFCW measured mental health-related variables, level of drug use, and social structural and demographic factors, all of which are also measured by the present study. Respondents in our study's two final subsamples had responded to every FFCW interview item we would use in constructing our final model's variables. Our subsample of mothers totaled 3,477 women, from...
Lack of regio- and stereospecificity in oxidation of (+) camphor by Streptomyces griseus enriched in cytochrome P-450soy.

Oxidation of (+) camphor by cytochrome P-450soy-enriched intact cells of Streptomyces griseus resulted in the formation of one major and several minor metabolites. The minor metabolites were identified as 3-endo-hydrocamphor (2%), 5-endo-hydroxycamphor (7%), 5-exo-hydroxycamphor (9%), 2,5-diketobornane (2%), and camphorquinone (3%). The major metabolite was isolated and conclusively identified as 6-endo-hydroxycamphor (60%). When supplemented with NADPH, spinach ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase and spinach ferredoxin, homogeneous preparations of cytochrome P-450soy oxidized camphor to a mixture of 3-endo-, 5-endo-, 5-exo-and 6-endo-hydroxycamphor. The data presented indicates that cytochrome P-450soy resembles its mammalian counterparts in its lack of regio- and stereospecificity in camphor oxidation.
Translocation of myelin basic protein mRNA in oligodendrocytes requires microtubules and kinesin

Myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA is localized to the myelin membranes of oligodendrocytes. When exogenous MBP mRNA is microinjected into oligodendrocytes in culture, it is transported along the processes and localized to the myelin compartment in a multistep intracellular RNA trafficking pathway. In the work described here, oligodendrocytes were treated with agents that affect the cytoskeleton including: nocodazole, to disrupt microtubules; taxol, to stabilize microtubules; cytochalasin, to disrupt microfilaments; and kinesin anti-sense oligonucleotide, to suppress kinesin expression. Digoxigenin-labeled MBP mRNA was microinjected into the treated cells and the extent of translocation of the microinjected RNA was determined by confocal microscopy. Nocodazole, taxol, and kinesin anti-sense oligonucleotide inhibited translocation of microinjected MBP mRNA, while cytochalasin B and kinesin sense oligonucleotide did not. These results indicate that translocation of MBP mRNA in oligodendrocytes requires intact microtubules and kinesin but does not require intact microfilaments. The results are discussed in relation to the current multistep model for intracellular RNA trafficking in oligodendrocytes. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 38:318–328, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Large-Scale Fluidic Tuning of Subwavelength Periodic Structures

In this letter, we present a technique to fluidically tune the responses of periodic structures with multiple unit cells and finite dimensions. The periodic structures are composed of subwavelength constituting unit cells. This technique is applied to a two-dimensional high-impedance surface with multiple unit cells, and the response of the structure is continuously tuned. The technique is based on embedding metal and glass balls inside several parallel channels within a dielectric substrate supporting the structure. In each channel, a periodic arrangement of metal and glass balls is assembled and is allowed to move freely within the channel. By moving this periodic train of balls over small distances with respect to the fixed periodic structure, the response of the structure is continuously tuned. Three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology is used to implement the dielectric substrate with embedded fluidic channels. An architecture for the fluid distribution network is proposed that ensures the movement of balls in all channels is synchronized. A prototype with 16 parallel channels accommodating several unit cells in each channel is fabricated, and synchronized movement of the balls is verified experimentally when the balls in channels are embedded in mineral oil and pressure driven. Using this substrate and an array of subwavelength capacitive patches fabricated on a thin dielectric substrate, a fluidically tunable high-impedance surface is designed and experimentally characterized.
A folded film antenna for digital terrestrial television reception

Recently, many countries are switching their terrestrial television broadcasting from analog to digital and the demand of television reception increases for mobile devices. The antenna for this purpose is required to be compact, light-weight, and operate at the broadband covering the broadcasting frequencies. In this paper, we propose a compact antenna for digital terrestrial television reception. The antenna is made of film with a dimension of 78×56 mm2 and operates at the broadcasting frequencies in planar form. The antenna is further optimized to maintain the performance when it is compactly folded to a dimension of 78 × 20 × 4 mm3. A fabricated prototype antenna demonstrates that the folded antenna operates in a frequency range from 470 to 890 MHz, which covers the frequency range of most digital terrestrial television systems in the world, such as the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) (470–770 MHz), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) (470–860 MHz), the Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast (DTMB) (470–860 MHz) and the Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T) (470–890 MHz).
Trailblazing through a Knowledge Space of Science: Forward Citation Expansion in CiteSeer

Understanding emerging trends and patterns in science and technology is essential not only to scientists and engineers in their own fast-advancing fields but also to a wide variety of individuals and organizations who are also interested in tracking the development of thematic topics. This is a challenging task because many existing tools are not particularly designed to deal with the dynamics of intellectual structures that transcend the boundaries of individual documents or isolated topics. In this article, we introduce a conceptual and operational platform that extends the traditional notion of traveling along individual citation pathways and defines operators for recursive and holistic theme expansion based on citation connectivity. We describe the implementation of a forward expansion operator and illustrate its potential with the CiteSeer metadata. In addition, we integrate the forward expansion operators with information visualization techniques.
The Inhibition of Calcium Phosphate Precipitation by Fetuin Is Accompanied by the Formation of a Fetuin-Mineral Complex

The present studies show that the previously reported ability of fetuin to inhibit the precipitation of hydroxyapatite from supersaturated solutions of calcium and phosphate in vitro is accompanied by the formation of the fetuin-mineral complex, a high molecular mass complex of calcium phosphate mineral and the proteins fetuin and matrix Gla protein that was initially discovered in the serum of rats treated with etidronate and that appears to play a critical role in inhibiting calcification in vivo. Rat serum potently inhibited the precipitation of calcium phosphate mineral when the concentration of calcium and phosphate were increased by 10 mm each, and the modified serum was incubated at 37 degrees C for 9 days; in the absence of serum, precipitation occurred in seconds. Large amounts of the fetuin-mineral complex were generated in the first 3 h of this incubation and remained throughout the 9-day incubation. Purified bovine fetuin inhibited the precipitation of mineral for over 14 days in a solution containing 5 mM calcium and phosphate at pH 7.4 at 22 degrees C, whereas precipitation occurred in minutes without fetuin. There was a biphasic drop in ionic calcium in the fetuin solution, however, from 5 to 3 mM in the first hour and from 3 to 0.9 mM between 20 and 24 h; these changes in ionic calcium are due to the formation of complexes of calcium, phosphate, and fetuin. The complex found at 24 h to 14 days is identical to the fetuin-mineral complex found in the serum of etidronate-treated rats, whereas the complex found between 1 and 20 h is less stable.
Getting essential health products to their end users: Subsidize, but how much?

Although coverage rates and health outcomes are improving, many poor people around the world still do not benefit from essential health products. An estimated two-thirds of child deaths could be prevented with increased coverage of products such as vaccines, point-of-use water treatment, iron fortification, and insecticide-treated bednets. What limits the flow of products from the producer’s laboratory bench to the end users, and what can be done about it? Recent empirical research suggests a crucial role for heavy subsidies.
Mycotoxin reduction in Bt corn: potential economic, health, and regulatory impacts.

Genetically modified (GM) Bt corn, through the pest protection that it confers, has lower levels of mycotoxins: toxic and carcinogenic chemicals produced as secondary metabolites of fungi that colonize crops. In some cases, the reduction of mycotoxins afforded by Bt corn is significant enough to have an economic impact, both in terms of domestic markets and international trade. In less developed countries where certain mycotoxins are significant contaminants of food, Bt corn adoption, by virtue of its mycotoxin reduction, may even improve human and animal health. This paper describes an integrated assessment model that analyzes the economic and health impacts of two mycotoxins in corn: fumonisin and aflatoxin. It was found that excessively strict standards of these two mycotoxins could result in global trade losses in the hundreds of millions $US annually, with the US, China, and Argentina suffering the greatest losses. The paper then discusses the evidence for Bt corn’s lower levels of contamination of fumonisin and aflatoxin, and estimates economic impacts in the United States. A total benefit of Bt corn’s reduction of fumonisin and aflatoxin in the US was estimated at $23 million annually. Finally, the paper examines the potential policy impacts of Bt corn’s mycotoxin reduction, on nations that are making a decision on whether to allow commercialization of this genetically modified crop.
Rayleigh Disk in dc Helium II Counterflow

The torque on a Rayleigh disk in dc helium II countertflow produced by a heater has been measured over the range 0.969 K to T/sub lambda . We find that the response of the disk is roughly the same for normal fluid and superfluid. A torque deficit of approx equal 50% of that from potential-flow theory appears to be explainable in terms of turbulent, supercritical flow in the channel, rather than anomalous disk behavior. These findings are in contradiction to a number of other studies involving net mass now relating to the lambda -point anomaly'' of Pellam. (auth)
A pure refraction of reality: Assessing the coverage of racial and ethnic minorities in introductory criminal justice textbooks: A response to Walker and Brown

Walker and Brown (1995) assessed the coverage of racial and ethnic minorities in introductory criminal justice textbooks. They concluded that the coverage provided in 13 books they reviewed was inadequate. This rejoinder suggests that their conclusion was inaccurate in at least one case and that a flawed research design may account for the inaccuracy. It concludes with a brief discussion of the role of the introductory text.