cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computation of volume potentials on structured grids with the method of local corrections

We present a new version of the method of local corrections (MLC) of McCorquodale, Colella, Balls, and Baden (2007), a multilevel, low-communication, noniterative domain decomposition algorithm for the numerical solution of the free space Poisson’s equation in three dimensions on locally structured grids. In this method, the field is computed as a linear superposition of local fields induced by charges on rectangular patches of size O(1) mesh points, with the global coupling represented by a coarse-grid solution using a right-hand side computed from the local solutions. In the present method, the local convolutions are further decomposed into a short-range contribution computed by convolution with the discrete Green’s function for a Q-th-order accurate finite difference approximation to the Laplacian with the full right-hand side on the patch, combined with a longer-range component that is the field induced by the terms up to order P−1 of the Legendre expansion of the charge over the patch. This leads to a method with a solution error that has an asymptotic bound of O(hP)+O(hQ)+O(ϵh2)+O(ϵ), where h is the mesh spacing and ϵ is the max norm of the charge times a rapidly decaying function of the radius of the support of the local solutions scaled by h. The bound O(ϵ) is essentially the error of the global potential computed on the coarsest grid in the hierarchy. Thus, we have eliminated the low-order accuracy of the original method (which corresponds to P=1 in the present method) for smooth solutions, while keeping the computational cost per patch nearly the same as that of the original method. Specifically, in addition to the local solves of the original method we only have to compute and communicate the expansion coefficients of local expansions (that is, for instance, 20 scalars per patch for P=4). Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the new method and demonstrate its convergence properties.
Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) and Criminal Justice

Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioral disinhibition, apathy, and loss of empathy, executive dysfunction, hyperorality, and compulsive or perseverative behaviors. Individuals with bvFTD may gradually or suddenly engage in transgressions of moral and legal rules and norms, leading to involvement with the criminal justice system. This article aims to provide an overview of the implications of bvFTD-related neuropsychiatric impairment on aspects of criminal proceedings, including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and sentencing. We review and discuss the current state of knowledge in bvFTD research, including recent advancements in bvFTD detection and diagnosis through neuro-imaging and genetic screening. We then discuss the empirical and theoretical application of such neuropsychiatric evidence to various bvFTD-related forensic issues in criminal law, using selected United States cases as illustration. We also review recent international news articles involving FTD and comment on trends in public awareness of, and attitudes toward, persons with FTD who break the law. The article concludes that all stakeholders in criminal justice systems should be mindful that adults showing a radical change in behavior, especially in the sixth and seventh decades of life, may have a progressive neurological condition that has implications for disposition of criminal charges.
Product Market Threats and Leases

We document that product market threats increase the use of leased capital. We use Chinese import penetration in an instrumental variables setting to address endogeneity concerns. The positive relation between product market threats and leases is larger for firms that are financially constrained, need financial flexibility, and most impacted by predation risk. In additional analyses, we find that the increased use of leases corresponds to a diminished effect of product market threats on investment, growth, and profitability. Collectively, the findings identify product market threats as a non-tax rate factor that increases the strategic use of leased capital.
Consequentialism versus Virtue Ethics: Examining Consumption Ethics of Commercial, Non-medical Products That Are Produced through Animal Testing

My goal is to critically examine the philosophical literature on vegetarianism, due to the topic’s correlation and relevance to my own thesis, by comparing and contrasting two of the major approaches in normative ethics, which are consequentialism and virtue ethics. Animal testing refers to any scientific experiments operated on non-human animals that can cause pain, suffering, distress, or lasting pain. Research shows that it has been estimated that 100 million vertebrates are annually experimented (Taylor, Gordon and Langley, 2008). Paying close attention to animal testing matters because the animal rights problem has been debated and a variety of products—such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food—rely heavily on animal testing. Consumers play a key role in the market and thus, it is worthy to approach this problem philosophically by examining normative ethics.
Egg Case Protein 3: A Constituent of Black Widow Spider Tubuliform Silk.

Spider silk has outstanding mechanical properties, rivaling some of the best materials on the planet. Biochemical analyses of tubuliform silk have led to the identification of TuSp1, egg case protein 1, and egg case protein 2. TuSp1 belongs to the spidroin superfamily, containing a non-repetitive N- and C-terminal domain and internal block repeats. ECP1 and ECP2, which lack internal block repeats and sequence similarities to the highly conserved N- and C-terminal domains of spidroins, have cysteine-rich N-terminal domains. In this study, we performed an in-depth proteomic analysis of tubuliform glands, spinning dope, and egg sacs, which led to the identification of a novel molecular constituent of black widow tubuliform silk, referred to as egg case protein 3 or ECP3. Analysis of the translated ECP3 cDNA predicts a low molecular weight protein of 11.8 kDa. Real-time reverse transcription–quantitative PCR analysis performed with different silk-producing glands revealed ECP3 mRNA is predominantly expressed within tubuliform glands of spiders. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel protein that is secreted into black widow spider tubuliform silk.
Applying lessons learned from software process assessments to ABET accreditation

The Software Engineering Institute capability maturity model (CMM) has been widely utilized in the software development community as a means of assessing the maturity of a software development organization and providing a framework for improvement ABET 2000 is also now being utilizing as a means for assessing engineering education programs and providing a framework for improvement. In addition to sharing the same general objectives of assessment and process improvement there are other similarities in both approaches and their application within organizations and universities respectively. Due to these similarities academic organizations embarking on ABET accreditation activities can learn from the numerous lessons from organizations which have undergone CMM activities. This approach was followed at Arizona State University. Since several ASU faculty have been heavily involved in CMM activities over the last decade, it was easy for them to recognize the similarities between accreditation and CMM assessment They utilized their knowledge of lessons learned from CMM assessments and integrated them into the ASU accreditation effort. The results of this activity are described in this paper. The paper begins with a discussion of the similarities of CMM and ABET. Both technical and nontechnical similarities such as the impact of employee / faculty buy-in and management / administrative support was addressed. A review of lessons learned from organizations engaging in CMM activities was presented in the context of how they might help academic organizations in their ABET activities and how ASU applied each lesson.
New structural decomposition techniques for constraint satisfaction problems

We propose four new structural decomposition techniques for Constraint Satisfaction Problems. We compare these four techniques both theoretically and experimentally with hinge decomposition and hypertree decomposition. Our experiments show that one of our techniques offers the best trade-off between the computational cost of the decomposition and the width of the resulting decomposition tree.
Broken symmetries for any spin

It is shown that in the absence of interactions one can construct nonvanishing vacuum expectation values for the field operators which describe massless particles of an arbitrary spin. Since this necessarily implies a formal breakdown of Lorentz invariance, it might well be anticipated that the vacuum expectation value of the commutators of the canonical fields with the generators of pure Lorentz transformations could place nontrivial constraints upon the theory. However a proof is given of the fact that such commutators fail to impose any condition upon the theory and that the broken symmetry is consequently entirely self-consistent.
How Encompassing is a Dictator's Interest? Interest Groups, Targeted Repression, and Economic Development

This paper explores some implications of the existence of politically active groups within dictatorships. The analysis reaches the more or less plausible conclusion that dictators will treat supporters differently than opponents and that a dictator often lacks a significant encompassing interest, because different groups are more or less important to him. The implications of this conclusion for fiscal (and regulatory) policies are also consistent with contemporary evidence on the economic and political performance of dictatorships. There is substantial variation in the economic performance of dictatorships, and the slowest growing and least civil of governments are always dictatorships (Przeworski et. al., 2000). The analysis focuses entirely on economic interests of dictators and interest groups and demonstrates that the observed variation in the economic performance of dictatorships may well be grounded in rational responses to particular security and economic circumstances, rather than irrationality or ignorance.
Laboratory experiments on competition between two rhizoplane microfungi Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichoderma harzianum

A field study of rhizoplane microfungi associated with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash), a common tallgrass prairie species, had indicated thatPenicillium chrysogenum Thom andTrichoderma harzianum Rifai outcompeted each other in unfumigated and fumigated soils, respectively. To investigate the mechanisms of competition, interactions between the two fungi were studied in laboratory experiments using an artificial model system. Mutual suppression did occur. The first-inoculated fungus was less affected. Some detrimental residual effects on the growth of one species were observed when it was grown along with the killed mass of the other in the same medium.
Serum Cardiac Troponin I in the Evaluation of Nonaccidental Trauma

Objective To determine if troponin I is more often elevated in children with suspected nonaccidental trauma (NAT) compared with uninjured children of similar age, and describe associations between troponin I elevation and NAT injuries. Study design Prospective 2-group study of children less than 2 years of age presenting to the emergency department with nonaccidental abdominal, thoracic, or intracranial injuries, and similarly aged uninjured children. Primary outcome was serum troponin I (≥0.04 ng/mL) using frozen blood samples from the 2 groups. Secondary outcomes included descriptive analyses of age, injury characteristics, and clinical appearance. Results There were 129 subjects; 60 injured patients and 69 uninjured patients. Groups had similar age and sex. Troponin I was elevated in 38% of injured children compared with 17% of uninjured children ( P = .008). No uninjured patient over 3 months of age had elevated troponin I. Abdominal trauma, acute rib fractures, or the child's ill-appearance in the emergency department were associated with having elevated troponin I. Conclusions Troponin I is more often elevated in children with suspected NAT than uninjured children. Elevation of troponin I in children greater than 3 months of age with suspected NAT is concerning for trauma. Occult cardiac injury is more likely to occur in children with inflicted abdominal trauma, acute rib fractures, or ill appearance.
Adenocarcinoma of the lung in young patients: The M.D. Anderson experience

BACKGROUND Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data for the years 1973–1992 documented that patients age < 50 years presented with more advanced disease. Because of the increase in the incidence rate of lung adenocarcinoma in the past few decades and the presentation of more advanced disease in young patients, this study was performed to determine whether differences in survival exist between younger and older patients with this disease. METHODS The authors reviewed the experience of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1985–1994, encompassing 157 patients age 50 years with lung adenocarcinoma were selected; these patients were matched for gender, stage of disease at presentation, and definitive therapy modality to assess survival differences more accurately. Data regarding exposure to second-hand smoke were not collected secondary to lack of documentation in the charts reviewed. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to the overall survival rate (P = 0.34) or time to progression (P = 0.43). Smoking status (current vs. former vs. never-smoker) was not found to be predictive of survival in either the younger group (P = 0.51) or the older group (P = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS The data from the current study indicate that overall survival and disease free survival rates were not significantly different in these two groups. Thus, the younger patient population should be treated similarly to the older patient population. However, a surprisingly high percentage of younger patients were female (45%) and had never smoked (27%), suggesting that risk factors other than active smoking may be involved in lung carcinogenesis in these patients. Cancer 2000;88:1837–41. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
The pharmacology of second-generation chimeric antigen receptors

Second-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) retarget and reprogramme T cells to augment their antitumour efficacy. The combined activating and co-stimulatory domains incorporated in these CARs critically determine the function, differentiation, metabolism and persistence of engineered T cells. CD19-targeted CARs that incorporate CD28 or 4-1BB signalling domains are the best known to date. Both have shown remarkable complete remission rates in patients with refractory B cell malignancies. Recent data indicate that CD28-based CARs direct a brisk proliferative response and boost effector functions, whereas 4-1BB-based CARs induce a more progressive T cell accumulation that may compensate for less immediate potency. These distinct kinetic features can be exploited to further develop CAR-based T cell therapies for a variety of cancers. A new field of immunopharmacology is emerging.
Homeotic genes regulate the spatial expression of putative growth factors in the visceral mesoderm of Drosophila embryos

During Drosophila embryogenesis homeotic genes control the developmental diversification of body structures. The genes probably coordinate the expression of as yet unidentified target genes that carry out cell differentiation processes. At least four homeotic genes expressed in the visceral mesoderm are required for midgut morphogenesis. In addition, two growth factor homologs are expressed in specific regions of the visceral mesoderm surrounding the midgut epithelium. One of these, decapentaplegic (dpp), is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family; the other, wingless (wg), is a relative of the mammalian proto-oncogene int-1. Here we show that the spatially restricted expression of dpp in the visceral mesoderm is regulated by the homeotic genes Ubx and abd-A. Ubx is required for the expression of dpp while abd-A represses dpp. One consequence of dpp expression is the induction of labial (lab) in the underlying endoderm cells. In addition, abd-A function is required for the expression of wg in the visceral mesoderm posterior to the dpp-expressing cells. The two growth factor genes therefore are excellent candidates for target genes that are directly regulated by the homeotic genes.
Knickerbocker: The Myth behind New York – By Elizabeth L. Bradley

The author opens this study by reminding readers that in 1809 a young Washington Irving published his satiric A History of New‐York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, ...
Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Reveals the Energetics of Intermediates that Guide Polyproline Folding

Proline favors trans-configured peptide bonds in native proteins. Although cis/trans configurations vary for non-native and unstructured states, solvent also influences these preferences. Water induces the all-cis right-handed polyproline-I (PPI) helix of polyproline to fold into the all-trans left-handed polyproline-II (PPII) helix. Our recent work has shown that this occurs via a sequential mechanism involving six resolved intermediates [Shi, L., Holliday, A.E., Shi, H., Zhu, F., Ewing, M.A., Russell, D.H., Clemmer, D.E.: Characterizing intermediates along the transition from PPI to PPII using ion mobility-mass spectrometry. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 136, 12702-12711 (2014)]. Here, we use ion mobility-mass spectrometry to make the first detailed thermodynamic measurements of the folding intermediates, which inform us about how and why this transition occurs. It appears that early intermediates are energetically favorable because of the hydration of the peptide backbone, whereas late intermediates are enthalpically unfavorable. However, folding continues, as the entropy of the system increases upon successive formation of each new structure. When PPII is immersed in 1-propanol, the PPII→PPI transition occurs, but this reaction occurs through a very different mechanism. Early on, the PPII population splits onto multiple pathways that eventually converge through a late intermediate that continues on to the folded PPI helix. Nearly every step is endothermic. Folding results from a stepwise increase in the disorder of the system, allowing a wide-scale search for a critical late intermediate. Overall, the data presented here allow us to establish the first experimentally determined energy surface for biopolymer folding as a function of solution environment.
Are frequent dental x-ray examinations associated with increased risk of vestibular schwannoma?

Object The authors evaluated the potential role of environmental risk factors, including exposure to diagnostic or therapeutic radiation and to wireless phones that emit nonionizing radiation, in the etiology of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Methods A total of 343 patients with VSs who underwent Gamma Knife surgery performed between 1997 and 2007 were age and sex matched to 343 control patients from the outpatient degenerative spinal disorders service at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors obtained information on previous exposure to medical radiation, use of wireless phone technologies, and other environmental factors thought to be associated with the development of a VS. Conditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results After adjusting for race, education, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, occupational exposure to noise, use of cell phones, and family history of cancer, the authors identified...
Probing the structural hierarchy and energy landscape of an RNA T-loop hairpin

The T-loop motif is an important recurrent RNA structural building block consisting of a U-turn sub-motif and a UA trans Watson-Crick/Hoogsteen base pair. In the presence of a hairpin stem, the UA non-canonical base pair becomes part of the UA-handle motif. To probe the hierarchical organization and energy landscape of the T-loop, we performed replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations of the T-loop in isolation and as part of a hairpin. Our simulations reveal that the isolated T-loop adopts coil conformers stabilized by base stacking. The T-loop hairpin shows a highly rugged energy landscape featuring multiple local minima with a transition state for folding consisting of partially zipped states. The U-turn displays a high conformational flexibility both when the T-loop is in isolation and as part of a hairpin. On the other hand, the stability of the UA non-canonical base pair is enhanced in the presence of the UA-handle. This motif is apparently a key component for stabilizing the T-loop, while the U-turn is mostly involved in long-range interaction. Our results suggest that the stability and folding of small RNA motifs are highly dependent on local context.
Dividend Policy and Corporate Performance

Substantial research has been conducted to determine the signal that results from dividend initiations and omissions. Our study extends from previous research by measuring the long-term valuation effects following dividend initiations and omissions. We find that firms initiating dividends experience favorable long-term share price performance. Conversely, firms omitting dividends experience unfavorable long-term share price performance. The long-term valuation effects resulting from dividend initiations are more favorable for firms that are smaller, that overinvest, and that had relatively poor performance prior to the initiations. The long-term effects resulting from dividend omissions are more unfavorable for large firms and for firms experiencing relatively large dividend omissions.
Metabolic fate in the dog of the nitroxide moiety in a compound with potential utility as a contrast agent in MRI.

Nitroxides, paramagnetic compounds with demonstrated effectiveness as contrast agents in proton magnetic resonance imaging, shorten the relaxation times of protons and therefore cause an increase in image intensity in tissues into which they distribute. In this study, the metabolic fate of the nitroxide moiety was examined in the dog using a pyrrolidine nitroxide derivative, 2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-l-oxyl-3-carbxylic acid, for which contrast-enhancing properties have been previously studied in animals. After radiolabeling by microwave discharge in the presence of tritium gas, the compound was administered intravenously to a dog. Ninety-four percent of the radioactivity injected was recovered in urine within 3 days; the majority (90%) was excreted during the first 6 h. The radioactivity in the urine was identified as either the unchanged nitroxide or its corresponding hydroxylamine. Neither complete reduction of the nitroxide moiety to the amine nor any other metabolic transformation was observed. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Evidence for a contribution of paramagnetic ions to water proton spin-lattice relaxation in normal and malignant mouse tissues.

Paramagnetic ions complexed to proteins may lose, retain, or enhance solvent paramagnetic relaxation (SPR) relative to free solution. We measured T1 and T2 of three mouse cancers, their normal counterparts, and six additional tissues. Long T1 of cancers was not caused by necrosis or by different contents of water, fat, or blood. Dissociable (TCA-extractable) and nondissociable (ashed) Mn, Cu, and Fe were measured by AA. Cancers had less Mn, Cu, and Fe than did normal counterparts. All 12 tissues had inverse correlations between T1 and dissociable Mn and Cu. For Mn alone to account for reduced T1, the extent to which SPR of the Mn-protein complexes would be enhanced is by factors of 0.6 to 13, below the maximum observed in Mn-enzymes. Different amounts of paramagnetic ion-protein complexes may account for part of the differences in T1 of water protons in different tissues, and the longer T1 of cancer cell water may be caused in part by reduced amounts Of such complexes. © 1991 Academic Press. Inc.
Analysis of H Wave of Ballistocardiogram

The observations on which this analysis is based include simultaneous ballistocardiographic and electrocardiographic tracings on subjects with complete heart block, and auricular fibrillation. Deflections of the ballistocardiogram similar to the H wave were seen to occur at a constant time interval after P in the absence of a ventricular systole. However, in fibrillation H waves were also found occasionally. A G wave of the ballistocardiogram is described and the authors discuss the part played by auricular systole, the apex thrust, and venous pressure pulses in producing the G and H waves.
Metabolic and respiratory status of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii).

“Cold-stunning” of sea turtles has been reported as a naturally occurring stressor for many years; however, the physiologic status of cold-stunned turtles has only been partially described. This study investigated initial and convalescent venous blood gas, acid-base, and critical plasma biochemical data for 26 naturally cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Cape Cod, MA, USA. Samples were analyzed for pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate, plasma osmolality, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, ionized magnesium, glucose, lactate, and blood urea nitrogen using a clinical point-of-care analyzer. Data were corrected for the patient’s body temperature using both species-specific and more general correction methods. In general, venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical data obtained for surviving cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were consistent with previously documented data for sea turtles exposed to a wide range of temperatures and physiologic stressors. Data indicated that turtles were initially affected by metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Initial pH-corrected ionized calcium concentrations were lower than convalescent concentrations, and initial pH-corrected ionized magnesium concentrations were higher than convalescent concentrations.
Is poor early growth related to adult immune aging? A follow-up study.

Thymosin alpha 1 (TSN-α1) is produced by the thymus gland, regulates immune function, and measures thymic involution. Poor early growth permanetly stunts size and function in features ceasing growth early, such as vertebral neural canals (VNCs) and the thymus gland (resulting in decreased TSN-α1). The purpose of this study was to follow-up prior research (Clark et al.: Hum. Biol. 60:435–451, 1988) demonstrating that healthy adults (n = 16) with lower levels of TSN-α1 had significantly smaller VNCs and greater sitting height. If true, these relationships should still exist later in time. Consequently, TSN-α1 was remeasured in 13 of the original men 2.5 years later. Bivariate analyses showed that lower TSN-α1 serum levels still tended to correlate with smaller VNCs (r = .52; P = .065). These result were similar to the original study (VNCs r= .47; P < .05). In a stepwise regression, age weight, height, sitting height, fasting cortisol, and VNC were used to predict fasting TSN-α1. As in the first study, only sitting height and VNC entered the equation. Together, they explained 57% of the variation (P = .01), markedly similar to the 54% (P < .05) explained by the first study. Thus, even though this was a small sample, this stability over time strengthens the hypothesis that poor early growth permanently lowers TSN-α1. Nonetheless, these studies are pilot studies and should still be viewed with caution.
Teaching evidence-based medicine: Impact on students' literature use and inpatient clinical documentation.

Background: Effective teaching of evidence-based medicine (EBM) to medical students is important for lifelong self-directed learning.Aims: We implemented a brief workshop designed to teach literature searching skills to third-year medical students. We assessed its impact on students’ utilization of EBM resources during their clinical rotation and the quality of EBM integration in inpatient notes.Methods: We developed a physician-led, hands-on workshop to introduce EBM resources to all internal medicine clerks. Pre- and post-workshop measures included student's attitudes to EBM, citations of EBM resources in their clinical notes, and quality of the EBM component of the discussion in the note. Computer log analysis recorded students’ online search attempts.Results: After the workshop, students reported improved comfort using EBM and increased utilization of EBM resources. EBM integration into the discussion component of the notes also showed significant improvement. Computer log analysis of students’ search...
PASM: a reconfigurable parallel system for image processing

PASM is a multifunction partitionable SIMD/MIMD system being designed at Purdue for parallel image understanding. It is to be a large-scale, dynamically reconfigurable multimicroprocessor system, which will incorporate over 1,000 complex processing elements. Parallel algorithm studies and simulations have been used to analyze application tasks in order to guide design decisions. A prototype of PASM is under construction (funded by an equipment grant from IBM), including 30 Motorola MC68010 processors, a multistage interconnection network, five disk drives, and connections to the Purdue Engineering Computer Network (for access to peripherals, terminals, software development tools, etc.). PASM is to serve as a vehicle for studying the use of parallelism for performing the numeric and symbolic processing needed for tasks such as computer vision. The PASM design concepts and prototype are overviewed and brief examples of parallel algorithms are given.
Steady-state nonequilibrium temperature gradients in hydrogen gas–metal systems: challenging the second law of thermodynamics

Differences in gas reaction rates between disparate surfaces have been proposed as a means to achieve steady-state pressure and temperature gradients within a single blackbody cavity, thereby challenging the second law of thermodynamics (Sheehan 1998 Phys. Rev. E 57 6660; Sheehan 2001 Phys. Lett. A 280 185; Capek and Sheehan 2005 Challenges to the Second Law of Thermodynamics (Theory and Experiment) (Fundamental Theories of Physics Series vol 146) (Dordrecht: Springer)). This paper reports on laboratory tests of this hypothesis; specifically, molecular hydrogen is found to dissociate preferentially on rhenium surfaces versus tungsten at identical elevated temperatures and reduced pressures (T ⩽ 2100 K; ). Steady-state nonequilibrium H/H2 ratios over the surfaces suggest that temperature gradients could be maintained under blackbody cavity conditions. Preliminary results from bimetallic blackbody cavity experiments are discussed.
Correlative morphological and biochemical studies of the human fetal sciatic nerve.

Abstract Correlative biochemical and morphological studies are reported concerning the sciatic nerves of 39 human fetuses ranging in age from 9 to 23 weeks. The period of premyelination — 9 to 17 weeks — is marked more by morphological changes than biochemical, with only cholesterol and total phospholipid present. The period of transition between premyelination and myelination — 17 to 20 weeks — is noted by the increasing presence of one axon associated with one Schwann cell, and the beginning of spiraling around the axon, and the appearance of lecithin, cerebrosides, sulfatides and other lipids.
Correlation between 3hJNC‘ and Hydrogen Bond Length in Proteins

Establishing a quantitative relationship between backbone−backbone hydrogen-bond (H-bond) length observed in protein crystal structures and recently observed 3hJNC‘ couplings across such bonds is limited by the coordinate precision of the X-ray structure. For an immunoglobulin binding domain of streptococcal protein G, very high-resolution X-ray structures are available. It is demonstrated that over the small range of N−O H-bond lengths (2.8−3.3 A) for which 3hJNC‘ couplings are observable, the 32 measured 3hJNC‘ values can be fit to: 3hJNC‘ = −59000 exp(−4RNO) ± 0.09 Hz, or RNO = 2.75 − 0.25 ln(−3hJNC‘) ± 0.06 A. Backbone amide to side-chain carboxyl hydrogen bonds were also investigated, and the measured 3hJNC‘ values tend to be smaller than expected from their crystallographically determined H-bond lengths. The sign of 3hJNC‘, determined from a zero-quantum/double-quantum experiment, is found to be the same as that of the 1JNH coupling, i.e., negative.
British Interventions in the Traditional Crafts of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), c. 1850–1930

AbstractThis article examines British interventions in the traditional, hereditary crafts of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial period. It assesses a set of Western assumptions in artistic and craft policy concerning local material culture in South Asia between 1850 and 1930. British interventions in local craft traditions are discussed in relation to Western conceptualizations of Ceylonese culture as being in a debased state (in contrast to a notional “golden age” of the distant past that was now lost). These assumptions are examined mainly through the writings of the prominent Euro-Sinhalese commentator, Ananda Coomaraswamy. This article also discusses the role of the vernacular crafts in relation to Ceylonese nationalism and the development of local cultural identity during the colonial era. The article concludes with an assessment of the legacy of local craft traditions (as well as the historic debates that surrounded these crafts) at the present time in Sri Lanka.
Electron tunneling pathways in respiratory complex I. The role of the internal water between the enzyme subunits

Recently, the atomistic details of the electronic wiring of seven Fe/S clusters (N3, N1b, N4, N5, N6a, N6b, N2) of respiratory complex I, along which electrons are injected into the electron transport chain, have been revealed; the tunneling pathways between the clusters and the contributing key residues were identified [1]. In this study, the sensitivity of the electron tunneling pathways to the internal water at the protein subunit boundaries is investigated by simulating tunneling pathways of N3→N1b and N6b→N2 with and without the internal water. It is found that the hydrogen bonding networks formed along the internal water can provide efficient tunneling pathways. In N3→N1b, the tunneling pathway with the internal water is drastically different with significantly shorter (3.4 A) total tunneling distance along the trajectory. In N6b→N2, the internal water contributes to the tunneling as a bridge between N6b and 9Ile99 with two shorter through-space jumps instead of one longer jump. The resulting enhancement of the rates of the individual electron tunneling process is two to three orders of magnitude. This study demonstrates that the tunneling pathways and tunneling rates are sensitive to the internal water, which suggests that the tunneling pathways can change dynamically due to the diffusion of the internal water, and that the efficient electron tunneling occurs at some specific optimal positions of the internal water.
Numerical solutions for symmetric Bianchi type IX universes

Abstract We find numerical solutions for symmetic Bianchi type IX universes. These numerical solutions coincide almost exactly with diagrammatic solutions found previously.
2,6-Bis(2-pyridyl)pyridine and alkyl derivatives.Their properties in the formation of ferrous and cobaltous colored complex cations

Abstract Terpyridine (2,6-bis-(2-pyridyl)-pyridine) and two alkyl substituted analogues of terpyridine have been investigated as organic complexing agents for use in spectrophotornetry. Terosine (2,6-bis-(2-pyridyl)-4-phenyl-pyridine) and terosole (2,6-bis- (4-methyl-pyridyl)-4-phenyl-pyridine) were the terpyndine analogues herein investigated. The determination has been made of the molecular extinction coefficient E, and the wavelength of maximum absorption lmax, of the three ligands terpyridyl, terosine and terosole both for the Fe(II) and the Co(II) chelation. The effect of substitutions in the 4,4', 4” carbon position of terpyndine on the values E and lmax has been shown. The unsubstituted terpyridine is not extracted from aqueous solution when complexed with either Fe(II) or Co(II), but in the case of terosine the complex may be extracted from aqueous solution by the multiple treatment by n-hexyl alcohol. With terosole the colored complex becomes extractable by this immiscible solvent in one operation. Interfering cations and anions are Cu(I), Ni(II), Co(II), F-, and ClO4,-. A procedure is given preventing interference from Co (II) through the use of ethylenediamine as masking reagent for Co(II) when using terosine to complex Fe(II). The ClO4- interference results from the formation of a very highly insoluble terosole perchlorate. Ions which may be present to the extent of 100 mg without interference are Mn(II), Al, Cr(III). the alkali and alkaline earth metals and Mg, PO4-3, P2O7-4 C2O4-2, Cl-, NO3-, Ac- and SO4-2 among others. Terosole is the most sensitive iron reagent so far described having an E value of 26300 at wavelength of maximum absorption 575 mm.
Orientation of the primary donor in single crystals of Rhodopseudomonas viridis reaction centres

Magnetic resonance studies have greatly helped the study of the primary photochemistry of bacterial photosynthesis. The full power of magnetic resonance techniques for structure determination of paramagnetic species can only be realized, however, when measurements are made on fully oriented samples such as single crystals. Thus the recent crystallization of the reaction-centre protein from Rhodopseudomonas viridis1 has enhanced the amount of structural information about the reaction centre that can be obtained using these methods. It is well known that when the primary quinone acceptor of the reaction centre is prereduced, the primary photochemical charge separation lasts only about 20 ns before back electron transfer leads to the lowest excited triplet state of the primary donor2. We now report the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of this photochemically derived triplet state of the primary donor of R. viridis in a single reaction-centre crystal as a function of crystal orientation in the magnetic field. Analysis of these spectra allows us to assign the orientation of the triplet-state axis system of the primary donor relative to the crystal axis system.
Effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs of abuse on the outcome of “expectantly” managed cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes

We evaluated the outcome of pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membrane (PROM) in order to determine if tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug usage were associated with alterations in pregnancy or neonatal outcome. Comparisons in outcome were made with respect to tobacco, alcohol, and/or illicit drug usage. Comparisons were made with gestational age (GA) of PROM, GA of delivery, latency period (LP), maternal age, initial cervical exam (by speculum), age, race, tocolytic use, chorioamnionitis, and birthweight. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Chi-square analysis were used to evaluate for significant differences (significance set at P < 0.05). A total of 119 charts were evaluated. Differences were noted with respect to smokers vs. nonsmokers for latency period (6.0 days vs. 9.4 days, P < 0.03), age (29.1 years vs. 24.8, P < 0.001), and gravidity (4.2 vs. 2.8, P < 0.005). Differences were noted for use of alcohol and age (29.9 vs. 25.2, P < 0.006). Differences were also noted for the use of illicit drugs and the following variables: age (30.0 vs. 24.9, P < 0.001), gravidity (4.7 vs. 2.5, P < 0.006), latency (6.2 vs. 9.0, P < 0.009), and parity (2.6 vs. 1.2, P < 0.01). A difference was noted with respect to cocaine and latency period (5.8 vs. 9.0, P < 0.01), age (31.2 vs. 24.8, P < 0.001), gravidity (4.8 vs. 2.9, P < 0.01), and parity (2.6 vs. 1.2, P < 0.03), and the use of tocolytics (22% vs. 55.4%, P < 0.02). These relationships held after multivariate analysis was performed. There were no associations among use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs of abuse, or cocaine and respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis. The use of tobacco during pregnancy appears to shorten the latency period in pregnancies complicated by PROM. Cocaine abuse also appears to shorten the latency period. These shortened latency periods could potentially contribute to increased neonatal morbidity. Larger studies evaluating this are needed.
Neurotrophic peptide aldehydes: solid phase synthesis of fellutamide B and a simplified analog.

A combination of solid phase and solution phase synthetic methods have been used to complete the total synthesis of the neurotrophic lipopeptide aldehyde fellutamide B (2). The β-hydroxy aliphatic tail was prepared by regioselective reductive opening of a cyclic sulfate, and later coupled to a solid phase resin. The synthetic compound was then examined in cytotoxicity and nerve growth factor (NGF) induction assays. A simplified analog of fellutamide B also showed activity.
The ultrastructure of the plasma membrane of columnar epithelium cells of the mouse intestine

The plasma membrane of the columnar cells of the mouse intestinal epithelium is triple-layered, geometrically asymmetric with a thicker opaque layer at its cytoplasmic surface and a thinner opaque layer at its peripheral surface. The total thickness of the plasma membrane measures 95 A at the brush border region and 80 A at the lateral cell surfaces. Attachment zones of two types are described. The apical vesicles, which during fat absorption become filled with fat, are smooth surfaced, geometrically symmetric, and measure 70 A in thickness. This excludes that they are pinocytotic vesicles. No indication of pinoytoic uptake of fat could be found. The differences in geometry and dimensions of various types of cellular membranes make it possible to differentiate between mitochondrial membrane elements (50–60 A thick), Goigi membranes (60–70 A thick), other cytoplasmic membranes and the plasma membrane.
The Rise of Official Islam in Jordan

This paper examines the development of ‘Official Islam’, or state-sponsored religious institutions, in Jordan. We argue that Jordan's development went through three phases. From its independence in 1947 until the revolution, the state undertook minimal efforts to develop this institution. After the Iranian revolution, however, the state changed course by developing two such institutions – the Advisory Council of Dar al-Ifta (Department for Issuing Fatwas) and the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought. These institutional changes set the stage for the regime's new policy of seeking to manage the public religious space. With the rise of Global Jihadism in the late 1990s, however, the state has increasingly empowered both institutions seeking to actively shape the religious space and debate in Jordan.
Advances in Dental Materials

The use of materials to rehabilitate tooth structures is constantly changing. Over the past decade, newer material processing techniques and technologies have significantly improved the dependability and predictability of dental material for clinicians. The greatest obstacle, however, is in choosing the right combination for continued success. Finding predictable approaches for successful restorative procedures has been the goal of clinical and material scientists. This article provides a broad perspective on the advances made in various classes of dental restorative materials in terms of their functionality with respect to pit and fissure sealants, glass ionomers, and dental composites.
Spontaneous awake EEG patterns in three lines of primate evolution.

Awake scalp EEGs were recorded from 170 restrained animals, including tree shrews, prosimians, New World simians, and Old World simians. Percent scores were determined for alpha and beta range frequencies and the alpha-beta ratios were compared. It was determined that: (a) the tree shrew has a highly variable and disorganized EEG with no particular frequency range consistently represented, whereas the true monkeys show relatively consistent and stable frequency patterns; (b) high alpha activity appears to be related to level of evolutionary development; and (c) low alpha or high beta activity is not related to phylogeny but appears to be related to life style.
Exact eigenstates of the pairing-force Hamiltonian

Abstract The problem of determining the eigenstates of the pairing-force Hamiltonian is reformulated in terms of the eigenstates of a many-boson system with an N-body interaction. The N-body interaction includes the effects of the Pauli principle on the eigenstates of the pairing-force Hamiltonian. Explicit expressions for four types of eigenstates are derived. These four types are the eigenstates of N pairs in one or two multiply degenerate single-particle levels, the one-pair eigenstates and a new restricted class of N-pair eigenstates.
Invar electrodeposition for MEMS application

Low thermal expansion metal such as Invar is suitable for MEMS application, where the dimension stability requirement is very high over a wide temperature range. Invar electrodeposition process was developed as a method to fabricate Invar structure. The effect of plating parameters were investigated to develop optimized Invar deposition process. The Invar film obtained in this research has the thermal coefficient of expansion as low as 6.3 PPM/K, which is almost half of that of pure nickel. The process compatibility to the rest of MEMS fabrication process was proved through the prototyping of a microstructure.
Crack nucleation and stage I propagation in high strain fatigue—II. mechanism

Abstract In order to establish the properties of the grain boundaries at which cracks nucleate in high strain fatigue, groups of grains adjacent to the free surface of polycrystalline copper have been analysed by X-ray and trace techniques prior to testing, and subsequently observed during testing to check the nucleation sites. It has thus been found that vulnerable boundaries are associated with highly misoriented grains, the dominant slip systems of which are directed over large slip distances at the intersection of the boundary with the surface. The role of deformation incompatibility in crack nucleation is discussed and the nature of Stage I growth (intergranular) in high strain fatigue is described and defined in terms of bulk slip in the grains adjacent to the crack.
Tay-Sachs Disease: Prenatal Diagnosis

Fifteen pregnant women with a 25 percent risk of delivering a child with Tay-Sachs disease were monitored by amniocentesis and hexosaminidase A assays of amniotic fluid, uncultured amniotic cells, and cultured amniotic cells. Tay-Sachs disease was diagnosed prenatally in six fetuses; the diagnosis was confirmed in one child after birth and in five fetuses after therapeutic abortion. Prenatal diagnosis indicated the absence of Tay-Sachs disease in nine other fetuses; this diagnosis was confirmed postnatally in six, three are still in utero.