cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The crippled queen placement problem

We describe the outcome of various combinations of choices made by individuals in the solution of a non-trivial combinatorial problem on a computer. The programs which result are analyzed with respect to execution speed, design time, and difficulty in debugging. The solutions obtained vary dramatically as a result of choices made in the overall design of the solution. Choices made at lower levels in the top-down tree of design choices seem to have less effect on the parameters analyzed. A tradeoff between mathematical effort in algorithm design, and program speed is evident, since some solutions required solution-time which grows exponentially with the case size, while another solution presented here gives a closed-form expression for the required answers for all large cases.
Shared Genetic Contributions to Anxiety Disorders and Pathological Gambling in a Male Population

Abstract Background Pathological gambling (PG) frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders. However, the extent to which the co-occurrence is related to genetic or environmental factors across PG and anxiety disorders is not known. Method Data from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry ( n = 7869, male twins) were examined in bivariate models to estimate genetic and shared and unique environmental contributions to PG and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and PG and panic disorder (PD). Results While both genetic and unique environmental factors contributed individually to PG, GAD, and PD, the best fitting model indicated that the relationship between PG and GAD was attributable predominantly to shared genetic contributions (r A = 0.53). In contrast, substantial correlations were observed between both the genetic (r A = 0.34) and unique environmental (r E = 0.31) contributions to PG and PD. Limitations Results may be limited to middle aged males. Conclusions The existence of shared genetic contributions between PG and both GAD and PD suggests that specific genes, perhaps those involved in affect regulation or stress responsiveness, contribute to PG and anxiety disorders. Overlapping environmental contributions to the co-occurrence of PG and PD suggest that common life experiences (e.g., early life trauma) contribute to both PG and PD. Conversely, the data suggest that distinct environmental factors contribute to PG and GAD (e.g., early onset of gambling in PG). Future studies should examine the relationship between PG and anxiety disorders amongst other populations (women and adolescents) to identify specific genetic and environmental influences that account for the manifestation of these disorders and their co-occurrences.
Actions of Complement on Junin Virus

Fresh sera from normal rhesus monkeys, guinea pigs, and rabbits inactivated 90%-99% of the infectivity of Vero cell-passaged, attenuated strains of Junin virus (JV) within 60 minutes. Selective depletion studies showed that inactivation occurred by the classical complement pathway. Complement had little effect on virulent JV strains. Adsorption of the fresh sera with JV-infected Vero cells showed that inactivation was not mediated by low levels of antibodies in normal sera. The cells used for propagation of the virus affected inactivation: virus passaged in Vero cells (a continuous African green monkey kidney line) was more susceptible than virus passaged in FRhL-2 cells (a diploid strain derived from fetal rhesus monkey lung). Complement was important for in vitro neutralization of virulent JV strains by immune sera but was unnecessary for neutralization of attenuated strains. Thus, complement may be important in host resistance to Argentine hemorrhagic fever in two ways: first, complement activation may contribute to the attenuated phenotype of some strains; and second, complement may be necessary for efficient neutralization of virulent strains.
Soldado Virus, a New Agent from Trinidadian Ornithodoros Ticks

Soldado virus (TRVL 52214) is a new agent isolated from a pool of nymphal ticks of the Omithodoros capensis group (either O. capensis or O. denmarki ) collected from a Brown Noddy Tern ( Anous stolidtis) on Soldado Rock, Trinidad, in June 19(53. It is related to Hughes virus (isolates of which have also been recovered at the Rock) by complement-fixation test but not by neutralization test done in Vero cell cultures. Soldado virus kills infant and adult mice inoculated intracerebrally, but is not pathogenic for mice inoculated intraperitoneally.
Acid deposition: Perspectives in time and space

Most acid-deposition investigations have been concerned with the impact of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions on Europe and North America. This paper examines three issues beyond this central focus. Major conclusions are 1) ammonia (NH3) emissions and subsequent nitrogen (N) accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems have the potential to generate significant acidification in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; 2) sulfur (S) and N accumulation in environmental reservoirs will not only result in significant and extensive acidification but will also impact the earth's radiation balance, tropospheric oxidizing capacity, ecosystem nutrient balance and groundwater quality; and 3) future emissions will substantially increase in the developing world, especially in Asia. By 2020, Asian emissions of SO2, NOx and NH3 will be equal to or greater than the combined emissions from Europe and North America.
A Family of Strangers: Metaphors of Connection and Separation in the Gesher Theatre in Israel

Incorporating critical analysis into ethnography of communication theory and method, this study explores the metaphorical speech in Gesher, a bilingual and bicultural theatre, founded by Soviet immigrants in Israel. Conceptualizing metaphors as a culturally informed way of communication, the analysis offers insights into the system of cultural meanings active in the theatre. The metaphors used on site are organized along the semantic axis of connection‐separation. Family metaphors emphasize connection, thereby contributing to cohesion among otherwise culturally and generationally diverse troupe members. However, other metaphors reflect alienation and ambivalence within the troupe, as well as isolation of the troupe from the larger cultural context in Israel.
Chemical-shift-anisotropy powder patterns by the two-dimensional angle-flipping approach. Effects of crystallite packing

Abstract A recently reported 2D FT experiment in which the orientation of the sample spinning axis is different during the evolution and detection periods is very promising for obtaining CSA powder patterns. However, care must be taken in this and analogous experiments to ensure that the orientation of crystallites in a powder is truly random, if one wishes to obtain the expected type of CSA powder patterns. Examples of the effects of partial crystallite ordering are given, and CSA results are presented for 1-menthol, cholic acid, and thymol.
Association between urinary incontinence and depressive symptoms in overweight and obese women

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the association between urinary incontinence (UI) and depressive symptoms. Study Design The study was a cross-sectional study of 338 incontinent and overweight women at baseline in the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise trial. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Beck Depression Inventory score of 10 or greater. UI frequency was determined by a 7-day voiding diary. Symptom bother and quality of life were determined using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ). Multivariable regression was used to estimate the association between UI and depressive symptoms. Results Women with depressive symptoms (n = 101) reported a higher mean number of UI episodes per week (28 vs 23; P = .005) and higher (worse) mean scores on the UDI (176 vs 162; P = .02) and IIQ (136 vs 97; P Conclusion Urinary incontinence frequency, symptom bother, and quality of life are independently associated with depressive symptoms in overweight and obese women.
Potential renal complications of anesthesia

Summary Because the kidney receives a large blood supply and because of its function to concentrate substances in the tubular fluid, there is always the potential susceptibility for nephrotoxicty by even small amounts of toxins. Anesthetics can cause both direct and indirect renal effects. The direct effects seem to be limited to fluoride toxicity most epitomized by methoxyflurane, which is no longer used. The present day agents more commonly used, eg, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and the more recently introduced desflurane and sevoflurane, which have some potential for fluoride toxicity, but do not appear to cause significant renal toxicity except in extreme conditions. The indirect effects of anesthetics are of more importance. These effects are hemodynamic alterations, sympathetic activation and humoral regulatory changes. Many of these effects are mitigated when patients' preoperative anxiety is ameliorated, preoperative hydration is maximized, and their medical condition(s) is (are) well compensated. Even with controlled hypotension, the renal effects are usually transitory when the practitioner has a good understanding of the anesthetic agents used, the need for optimal hydration, and how to anticipate and modify the effects of clinical hemodynamics and surgical stress
POPULIST REDEMPTION AND THE UNFINISHED DEMOCRATIZATION OF LATIN AMERICA

The re-elections of Carlos Menem in Argentina and Alberto Fujimori in Peru, and the unstable and corrupt presidencies of Fernando Collor in Brazil and Abdala Bucaram in Ecuador, have brought back the discussion on Latin American populism. Contrary to the dominant views of populism as a phase in the region’s history, understood either as a transitory stage towards modernization, or as a political phenomenon linked to import substitution industrialization, the re-emergence of populist leaders poses again fundamental political problems. Continuing the unresolved issues raised by debates on classical populism, the questions that need to be addressed from an empirical and normative standpoint are: What is the relationship between Latin American populism and democracy? What is the pattern of incorporation of the popular sectors into the national political community, and how do they differ from the Western experience? And what are the specificities of really existing Latin American democracies? Differently from the Western pattern of inclusion through the progressive extension and deepening of citizenship rights, the Latin American masses were incorporated by populist appeals to “el pueblo” and weak citizenship rights. Citizenship is not the only, or the main, relationship between individuals and the state. The poor and the excluded have been incorporated through charismatic political movements. These movements have used clientelism and corporatism to give resources to the poor, not as citizenship rights, but as personal favors of politicians, or as corporatist concessions to privileged groups. The institutionalization of these two mediations between state and society – weak and incomplete citizenship and strong appeals to el pueblo – have produced a specific version of democracy. Guillermo O’Donnell has characterized these electoral regimes, which transform electoral winners into the nation’s savior, and which do not respect democratic procedures and civil rights, as “delegative democracies.” This essay is divided into two sections. The first reviews existent theories of Latin American populism, and presents a new approach to its study. This research strategy analyzes the institutionalization of different mediations between the state and society at the time of the transition from “the politics of notables” to “mass politics.” The second section studies recently re-established democracies in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. These democracies do not respect civil rights, and/or liberal democratic procedures. Differently from the West,
From national trauma to moralizing nation

The tragic events of 9/11 were experienced as an overwhelming individual trauma for those closest to the attacks and as a disorienting collective trauma for the nation as a whole. One immediate and protracted response has been an increase in moralizing in the United States. To provide a context for the increased moralizing post-9/11, we present a model of moral motives based on differences in regulatory focus, and four distinct moral orientations are distinguished: Self-Restraint, Self-Reliance, Social Order, and Social Justice. We propose that the type of moralizing that increased post-9/11 reflects a particular moral motive�Social Order�that is activated by protection and security needs and emphasizes social control and restrictions. Consistent with recent work on moral motives, this reaction can be understood as a motivated response to Americans' newfound sense of threat and insecurity in the aftermath of 9/11.
Improved stego sensitivity measure for ± A steganalysis

This article addresses four basic goals; 1) the evaluation of sequentially and randomly embedded stego evidence within digital images 2) the identification of "steganographic fingerprint" for special domain based steganographic methods, 3) the reduction of steganalysis false detection rate, and 4) the investigation of two well known pixel comparison based steganalysis methods. We present an improved version of Stego Sensitivity Measure, which is based on the statistics of sample pair (the basic unit), rather than individual samples which is very sensitive to ± A embedding. The presented measure enhances stego detection accuracy and localization of stego areas within sequentially and randomly embedded color or gray scale stego images. In addition, it estimates the message length of an embedded bit-stream within bit planes of a digital image, and it has better localization of steganography detected along with an improved estimation of the message length. It also identifies the "steganographic fingerprint" of special domain sequentially and randomly based steganographic methods. Numerical experimentation was conducted with an arbitrary image database of 200 color TIFF and RAW images taken with the Nikon D100 and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras. In this article comparison are also shown using two known steganalysis methods Raw Quick Pairs and RS Steganalysis which have revealed that; a) The false alarm rate for the proposed detection method is p = 0.9 for a database of 200 images clean images while RS Steganalysis has shown a high false alarm rate for clean images of p = 2.8. b) The two methods Raw Quick Pairs and RS Steganalysis cannot be used for localization of steganographic regions due to the statistical properties of the detection methods.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compiling XSLT 2.0 into XQuery 1.0

As XQuery is gathering momentum as the standard query language for XML, there is a growing interest in using it as an integral part of the XML application development infrastructure. In that context, one question which is often raised is how well XQuery interoperates with other XML languages, and notably with XSLT. XQuery 1.0 [16] and XSLT 2.0 [7] share a lot in common: they share XPath 2.0 as a common sub-language and have the same expressiveness. However, they are based on fairly different programming paradigms. While XSLT has adopted a highly declarative template based approach, XQuery relies on a simpler, and more operational, functional approach.In this paper, we present an approach to compile XSLT 2.0 into XQuery 1.0, and a working implementation of that approach. The compilation rules explain how XSLT's template-based approach can be implemented using the functional approach of XQuery and underpins the tight connection between the two languages. The resulting compiler can be used to migrate a XSLT code base to XQuery, or to enable the use of XQuery runtimes (e.g., as will soon be provided by most relational database management systems) for XSLT users. We also identify a number of areas where compatibility between the two languages could be improved. Finally, we show experiments on actual XSLT stylesheets, demonstrating the applicability of the approach in practice.
Collision Relaxation of Highly Vibrationally Excited SO2 by CO in A Supersonic Beam

Collision relaxation cross sections of a single, highly vibrationally excited level in the ground electronicstateofSO2at44877.52cm -1 abovethezero-pointbythecollisionpartnerCOhasbeenmeasuredin a supersonic expansion using the kinetic quantum beat spectroscopic technique. The depopulation cross sectionat14.5KforthisSO2*-COsystemhasbeendeterminedtobe75A 2 ,whilethedephasingcrosssection is 22 A 2 . Comparison with previously measured cross sections for the SO2*-SO2 ,S O2*-inert gases systems at room temperature using a similar spectroscopic approach reveals both the long range interactionandrepulsiveforcecontributionstotherelaxationcrosssectionsofhighlyvibrationallyexcitedmolecules.
Ultra stable coupled optoelectronic oscillator based on slab-coupled optical waveguide amplifier

We built an ultra stable coupled optoelectronic oscillator using a slab coupled optical waveguide amplifier, generating pulses at 10.24 GHz with a repetition rate drift of only 513 Hz in 10 minutes without active stabilization.
Egg Production Functions Including a Time Variable

Abstract Egg production functions, expressed in both egg numbers and weights, are estimated in terms of corn, soybean meal, and time as input variables. Four levels of protein were fed after an adjustment period of four weeks. The experiment included 566 birds in 288 cages. Egg production was recorded by 28 day periods while feed was measured by 28 day periods. Among several algebraic forms, a quadratic equation provided the best estimated base. Egg production was first regressed on total corn and soybean meal consumed over a 280 day period. Subsequently, the 280 day period was divided into 10 periods of 28 days and time was included as an independent variable. The functions including a time variable allow derivation of a production function or egg response surface for each 28 day period. Egg isoquants and marginal rates of feed substitution were derived from the estimated production functions for purpose of determining the least-cost feed mix.
Uniform non-linear constrained approximation in normed linear spaces

The theory of H-sets as originally defined by L. Collatz has been developed in recent papers and shown to be a unifying concept for linear approximation problems. We here extend the theory of H-sets for non-linear uniform approximation with functional constraints where the approximating functions have a compact domain and range in a Banach space. With the theory of H-sets as here developed the characterization of global and local best approximations follow, and conditions for local to be global approximations are given. A convergence theorem for a descent algorithm is given.
Comments on "Area-time optimal adder design"

A previous paper by Wei and Thompson (1990) defined a family of adders based on a modular design and presented an excellent systematic method of implementing a VLSI parallel adder using three types of component cells designed in static CMOS. Their approach to the adder design was based on the optimization of a formulated dynamic programming problem with respect to area and time. The authors first explicitly demonstrate the optimal 32-bit fast carry generator, described by Wei and Thompson, is incorrect. With suitable corrections, a correct 32-bit fast carry generator design is then presented. Next, BiCMOS technology is applied to implement the subcircuit of fast carry generator to accelerate the critical path. The authors show that the critical path delay of 16-bit, 32-bit and 66-bit adders is respectively shortened to 83.89%, 86.89% and 90.62% after introducing the BiCMOS drivers. >
Analyzing live cellularity in the human trabecular meshwork.

Purpose. To directly visualize the live cellularity of the intact human trabecular meshwork (TM) and quantitatively analyze tissue viability in situ.
Analyses of mrp Genes during Myxococcus xanthus Development

Myxococcus xanthus is a gram-negative soil bacterium that undergoes development under starvation conditions. Our previous study identified a new genetic locus, mrp, which is required for both fruiting body formation and sporulation. The locus encodes two transcripts: mrpAB, which consists of a histidine kinase and an NtrC-like response regulator, and mrpC, a cyclic AMP receptor protein family transcription activator. In this study, we used genetic and biochemical analyses to investigate the possible interactions between the mrp genes and other known developmental genes and events. These studies show that the mrp genes possibly function after A-signaling and (p)ppGpp but before C-signaling and that they regulate various early and late developmental genes and events.
Net Hunters vs. Archers: Variation in Women's Subsistence Strategies in the Ituri Forest

BaMbuti of the Ituri Forest, Zaire, employ two primary hunting techniques: net hunting, in which women routinely participate, and bow hunting, in which women rarely participate. We hypothesize that the value of women's labor devoted to different subsistence activities, combined with the exchange value of meat, will determine whether women participate in hunts. Field observations were conducted in four different areas: two exploited by archers and two by net hunters. Results indicate that women in nethunting areas earn more calories per unit time by hunting than by working in agriculturalists' gardens; whereas women in archer areas earn more calories by working for agriculturalists than by hunting. We found no significant difference in the composition or diversity of the forests exploited by net hunters and archers. The results are discussed in light of the longstanding debate concerning the factors that account for distribution of net hunting and archery in the Ituri Forest.
Digital RF Processor (DRP) for Mobile Phones

RF circuits for wireless applications have recently migrated to low-cost digital nanoscale CMOS processes, which are optimized for digital logic and SRAM memory, but are unfriendly for conventional analog and RF designs. We present fundamental techniques, recently developed for wireless RF transceivers, that transform the RF and analog circuit design complexities into the digital domain, where it may benefit from the process node scaling and the design automation environment. The all-digital phase locked loop, the all-digital control of phase and amplitude of a polar transmitter, and the direct RF sampling techniques in the receiver allow great flexibility in reconfigurable radio design. The ideas presented have been realized in several commercial digital RF processors offered by Texas Instruments, including single-chip Bluetooth and GSM radios.
Regulation of endogenously catalyzed ADP-ribosylation in adipocyte plasma membranes by Ca2+ and calmodulin.

Abstract The effects of Ca2+ and calmodulin on endogenously catalyzed ADP-ribosylation were investigated in adipocyte plasma membranes. Four specific proteins of 70, 65, 61 and 52 kDa were labeled with [32P]ADP-ribose and ADP-ribosylation of the proteins was highly dependent upon the conditions employed. ADP-ribosylation of the 70 kDa protein was observed only in membranes supplemented with Ca2+. Maximal incorporation of [32P] into the protein was achieved with free Ca2+ concentrations of 90 μM. Calcium-stimulated ADP-ribosylation of the 70 kDa protein was inhibited by calmodulin. Half-maximal inhibition was observed in membranes incubated with 1.2 μM calmodulin. The effect of calmodulin was characterized by an inhibition of the incorporation of [32P]ADP-ribose as opposed to a stimulation of its removal. ADP-ribosylation of the 61 kDa protein was not altered by added Ca2+ and/or calmodulin whereas ADP-ribosylation of the 65 kDa protein was partially (50%) inhibited by free Ca2+ concentrations between 10−6 – 10−5 M. These results provide evidence that the adipocyte plasma membrane contains ADP-ribosyltransferase activities and demonstrate that ADP-ribosylation of a 70 kDa protein is regulated by Ca2+ and calmodulin.
The Structure of Human 5-Lipoxygenase

The synthesis of both proinflammatory leukotrienes and anti-inflammatory lipoxins requires the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). 5-LOX activity is short-lived, apparently in part because of an intrinsic instability of the enzyme. We identified a 5-LOX-specific destabilizing sequence that is involved in orienting the carboxyl terminus, which binds the catalytic iron. Here, we report the crystal structure at 2.4 angstrom resolution of human 5-LOX stabilized by replacement of this sequence.
T-bet controls autoaggressive CD8 lymphocyte responses in type 1 diabetes.

The T-box transcription factor T-bet is known to control lineage commitment and interferon-γ production by T helper 1 (Th1) CD4 lymphocytes. We report here that T-bet is essential for development of CD8 lymphocyte-dependent autoimmune diabetes (type 1 diabetes [T1D]) in the rat insulin promoter–lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) transgenic model for virally induced T1D. In the absence of T-bet, autoaggressive (anti-LCMV) CD8 lymphocytes were reduced in number and produced less IFN-γ, but increased IL-2 compared with controls. Further analysis showed that T-bet intrinsically controls the generation, but not apoptosis, maintenance, or secondary expansion of antiviral effector/memory CD8 lymphocytes. This observation points toward a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of T1D and other autoimmune disorders.
Search for the from interactions at 8 GeV/c

Abstract A search for the U(3.1) resonance decaying into Λ pπ' s final states has been performed with negative results. The cross section upper limits are between 10 and 25 nanobarns. These cross sections are one or two order of magnitude lower than expected from previous results. Mass spectra of various final states are presented.
Oral cimetidine (Tagamet) for recalcitrant, diffuse conjunctival papillomatosis.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of cimetidine for treatment of conjunctival papillomatosis. METHODS: An 11-year-old boy had an 8-year history of diffuse conjunctival papillomas, treated previously with standard measures of excisional biopsy and cryotherapy. He developed spontaneous conjunctival bleeding and diffuse tumor recurrence over the entire conjunctival surface. Oral cimetidine liquid (30 mg/kg/day) was prescribed. RESULTS: Within 2 months, dramatic tumor regression was noted, with nearly complete resolution by 4 months. The patient had no local or systemic side effects from the medication. CONCLUSIONS: Oral cimetidine possesses immune modulation properties and may be useful in some cases of virus-induced conjunctival papillomatosis.
Operational sex ratio influences the opportunity for sexual selection in guppies

The opportunity for sexual selection was greater when the operational sex ratio (OSR) in guppies Poecilia reticulata was biased towards males. This could be due to an increase in both male-male competition and female mate choice under male-biased OSR.
Release of merozoite dense granules during erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium knowlesi.

Abstract We used immunoelectron microscopy to study the fate of dense granules during the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium knowlesi merozoites. When merozoites entered host cells, dense granules moved to the pellicle, released their contents into the parasitophorous vacuole space, and then moved into fingerlike channels of the vacuole membrane. This is the first report showing that the content of dense granules of P. knowlesi is different from the contents of rhoptries and micronemes and is associated with the formation of channels from the parasitophorous vacuole.
Crystal Growth of Rare‐Earth Orthoarsenates

Single crystals of rare-earth arsenate compounds (of the type RAsO4) were synthesized and grown by the flux technique, using lead pyroarsenate as the solvent. Rare-earth oxides in concentrations of 2 mole % were dissolved in molten lead pyroarsenate (Pb2As2O7) at 1300°C. After 6 hr at temperature the solution was cooled at a rate of 4°C/hr or less for recrystallization of RAsO4. Nucleation and growth occur from 1300° to 925°C. Details for preparation of Pb2As2O7 are given. Experiments on the growth of mixed rare-earth orthoarsenates and mixed phosphate-arsenate compositions are discussed together with the anomalous behavior of cerium and neodymium arsenates.
Characterizing multimode fibers and sources for gigabit ethernet applications

Low cost 850 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) technology has caused renewed interest in multimode fiber for high speed data communication. Gigabit per second (Gbps) or faster performance such as this had previously been left to single-mode fiber based system solutions. This paper reviews the transceiver launch condition and fiber modal tuning development completed to achieve this performance.
Smaller Platelet Volumes Associated With Vascular Malformations

Various parameters in 91 adult participants with vascular malformations and 91 controls were studied. The mean of the participants' platelet volumes was 8.5 fL and that of their controls was 9.1 (P < .001). The mean of the participants' platelet mass was 2145 µL/L of blood and that of their controls was 2351 (P = .006). The other parameters studied were not significantly different than the controls. It is suggested that the lower platelet volume might be related to a compensatory mechanism to keep the total body platelet mass stable despite the increased vasculature.
Exploring alternate processes contributing to the association between maternal smoking and the smoking behavior among young adult offspring.

INTRODUCTION Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSP) is a known risk factor for regular smoking in young adulthood and may pose a risk independently of mother's lifetime smoking. The processes through which MSP exerts this influence are unknown but may occur through greater smoking quantity and frequency following initiation early in adolescence or increased sensitivity to nicotine dependence (ND) at low levels of smoking. METHODS This study used path analysis to investigate adolescent smoking quantity, smoking frequency, and ND as potential simultaneous mediating pathways through which MSP and mother's lifetime smoking (whether she has ever smoked) increase the risk of smoking in young adulthood among experimenters (at baseline, 100 cigarettes/lifetime). RESULTS For experimenters, MSP was directly associated with more frequent young adult smoking and was not mediated by adolescent smoking behavior or ND. Independently of MSP, the effect of mother's lifetime smoking was fully mediated through frequent smoking and was heightened ND during adolescence. Controlling for MSP eliminated a previously observed direct association between mother's lifetime smoking and future smoking among experimenters. For current smokers, only prior smoking behavior was associated with future smoking frequency. CONCLUSIONS These results seem to rule out sensitivity to ND and increased smoking behavior as contributing pathways of MSP. Further, the impact of MSP on young adult smoking extends beyond that of having an ever-smoking mother. Future work should test other possible mediators; for example, MSP-related epigenetic changes or gene variants influencing the brain's nicotine response.
Gonadal Hormones Modulate Deoxycorticosterone-Salt Hypertension in Male and Female Rats

We have shown previously that, in rats with deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-salt hypertension, arterial blood pressure rises more rapidly and reaches a higher level in male than in female rats and that the course of the hypertension was ameliorated by gonadectomy in male rats and exacerbated by gonadectomy in female rats. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the role of the gonadal steroid hormones in modulating the course of DOC-salt hypertension in the rat. Our previous findings with respect to the effects of gender and gonadectomy on DOC-salt hypertension were confirmed in this study. Chronic treatment with gonadal steroids was begun 1 week before the start of the DOC-salt protocol. 17 beta-Estradiol attenuated the course of the hypertension in intact male rats and in gonadectomized females. Testosterone exacerbated the development of the hypertension in gonadectomized male rats but was without effect in intact females. Progesterone alone had no effect on the hypertension in ovariectomized rats but when given to ovariectomized rats in combination with estradiol transiently prevented the ameliorating effect of the estradiol. These effects of the gonadal steroid hormones could not be attributed to effects of saline intake. Thus, these findings demonstrate that the gonadal steroid hormones play an important role in modulating the pathogenesis of DOC-salt hypertension in the rat. It is suggested that the effects of the gonadal hormones on the course of the hypertension may be due to modulation of the cardiovascular and renal actions of vasopressin, since vasopressin is required for this model of hypertension.
Epigenetic Regulation of TNFA Expression in Periodontal Disease

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a central role in the molecular pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, the epigenetic regulation attributable to microbial and inflammatory signals at the biofilm–gingival interface are poorly understood. In this study, the DNA methylation alteration within the TNFA promoter in human gingival biopsies from different stages of periodontal disease is investigated and the regulatory mechanism of TNFA transcription by DNA methylation is explored.Methods: Gingival biopsies were obtained from 17 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 18 periodontally healthy individuals. Another 11 individuals participated in an experimentally induced gingivitis study, and gingival biopsies were collected at the baseline, induction, and resolution phase. To confirm that TNFA promoter methylation modulated TNFA transcription, THP.1 cells were treated with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-2dC), and an RAW294.7 cell line transfected with ...
Review of earthquakes of the past year

During the year the number of major earthquakes recorded reached the usual annual average. Fifty epicenters were determined by the Coast and Geodetic Survey or the Jesuit Seismological Association, or both. Though this number was only slightly in excess of that of the previous year, the distribution over months was very different. In 1931, July and August were the heaviest months—9 in July and 7 in August. In 1932, these months were the lightest—3 in July and 3 in August. In 1931 there was a definite peak in midsummer, trailing off to a slump in December when there was none. In 1932, what little slump there was occurred in midsummer, but no month had less than three major quakes. June and September were the heaviest months with 7 quakes apiece, November comes next with 5 (none of these being connected with the Democratic landslide of that month), March comes next with 4, and so on.
Effects of Surrogate Parenting on Grandparents' Well-Being

Objectives. This study assesses whether grandchildren's moving into or out of grandparents' households affects grandparents' depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, and whether such effects vary by gender or race. It further examines whether effects of surrogate parenting on grandparents' subjective well-being are direct or mediated through the impact of surrogate parenting on other life changes, namely, health, work hours, income, socializing, and social supports. Methods. The analyses rely on panel data from the National Survey of Families and Households, Waves 1 and 2. The subsample consists of Black and White grandparents with grandchildren younger than age 18 (N = 1,789). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and path analyses are used to identify direct and indirect effects of grandchildren's move into and out of grandparents' household on change in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction (residualized gain scores). Results. The data indicate that grandchildren's move into the household increases depressive symptoms among grandmothers. On the other hand, grandchildren's leaving the household leads to reduced well-being among grandfathers. Grandmothers report less participation in church activities and more supports from friends and relatives after the grandchildren move in, whereas grandfathers frequent bars/taverns more when grandchildren move in and reduce time spent with church activities and paid work when grandchildren remain in the household. Discussion. The findings suggest that effects of surrogate parenting differ by gender, and that they are partially contingent on grandparents' vulnerabilities (marital status, education, and presence of childless dependent children in the household) before grandchildren join the household. Mediating effects of other life changes are relatively small.
God’s Presence in the Church: A Critique of Extant Ecclesiological Paradigms

The doctrine of the church has continued to generate interest among scholars since the early history of Christian theology. This interest has been facilitated by the fact that this doctrine is one that touches on several other doctrines such as the doctrines of God, Christ, Holy Spirit, humanity, salvation and eschatology. A prominent approach in ecclesiological discussions is the use of analogy in describing the church. This is because, often times, complex issues get clarified by the use of analogies. This article reviews a number of the different analogies that have been used to describe the church and finds them deficient in capturing the depth of God’s relationship with the church. The article argues that a correct understanding of the nature of the church entails locating God in the church as a member and the head of the church. The nature of the church is not fully comprehended when God is not located within the church as its center and head. Other studies of the church ignore this important fact of the unity of God with the church. It is not enough only to emphasize the roles of God in the church which could leave room for perceiving God as a detached controller of the church. This article presents God contrary to this perception, as being in the church, the head of the church, indeed, a member of the church who orders and runs the church from within.
Taming the temperamental metal transformation

One of the most delightful scientific demonstrations is the shape-memory effect in binary nickel-titanium (NiTi): Stretch out a spring of this alloy so it is apparently permanently deformed, drop it into a cup of hot coffee, and it literally jumps back to its original shape ( 1 ). However, looks can be deceiving. Repeat performances are limited—especially if the spring had to lift a weight while recovering—because failure by fracture would occur after a few thousand cycles. Also, the temperature at which the spring recovers can change by 10°C after the first few cycles. These effects are believed to be the result of progressive damage in the material as it goes through a large solid-to-solid first-order phase transformation (one requiring heating or cooling) that underlies the shape-memory effect. Thus, it comes as a breathtaking development that, on page 1004 of this issue, Chluba et al. ( 2 ) demonstrate 10 million cycles with nearly exact repeatability of a comparable phase transformation under the exceedingly demanding conditions of full stress-induced transformation.
Consumer preferences for drug information after direct-to-consumer advertising

Despite the growth of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs, little is known about consumers' preferences for drug information after exposure to such an ad. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of patient age, self-perceived medication knowledge, and the context of exposure to direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising on consumers' preferences for information about benefits, risks, and costs of prescription drugs. A mail survey sent to a random sample of 360 consumers was used to collect preferences for three types of drug information (benefit, risk, and cost of the drug) from six information sources (a physician, a pharmacist, a nurse, a family member or friend, a medical reference book, and the manufacturer of the product). The effects of age, medication knowledge, and context on consumer preferences were assessed using a MANOVA for each type of drug information. Any significant variables were analyzed further using univariate analysis. One hundred fi...
Central Banking: Perspectives from Emerging Economies

The special challenges faced by central banks in emerging market economies in conducting monetary policy are examined. In addition to sharing the same problems confronted by their counterparts in advanced economies - including most profoundly time inconsistency and model uncertainty - they encounter more shocks emanating from the external environment, due to their relatively small economic size. In this context, the exchange rate and the management of capital flows take on a heightened importance. Overarching these concerns is the fact that most emerging markets, by definition, are characterized by less well developed financial markets that constrain and complicate the conduct of monetary policy. These points are illustrated by reference to a description of the evolution of (i) emerging market economies choices with regard to the international trilemma, (ii) the implementation of monetary policy, and (iii) the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.
Front End of Linear Accelerator for Muon

Design key parameters of a dedicated linear accelerator (linac) for muon beam acceleration are discussed based on established hadron beam accelerator techniques. The ultra slow muon beam production scheme provides favorable feature to inject initial beams to a radio frequency (RF) driven drift tube linac with a low frequency. To accelerate muon within a restricted time period, a high frequency linac has an advantage. The possible scenario is to multiply the operating frequency at high energy section starting from 200 MHz at injection energy.
Design of Distorted Harbor Wave Models

An investigation of errors incurred by scale distortion for fixed-bed harbor wave models has been performed and results of this study applied to the design, construction, and operation of a model of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. Objectives of the model investigation must be clearly prescribed in order that each phenomenon affected by scale distortion can be analyzed. In some cases, if study objectives are too broad, a distorted model may be incompatible with these objectives; however, it will be found that in many circumstances a distorted model will produce valid data with considerable time and cost savings in construction and operation.
On-demand continuous-flow production of pharmaceuticals in a compact, reconfigurable system

Pharmaceutical manufacturing typically uses batch processing at multiple locations. Disadvantages of this approach include long production times and the potential for supply chain disruptions. As a preliminary demonstration of an alternative approach, we report here the continuous-flow synthesis and formulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients in a compact, reconfigurable manufacturing platform. Continuous end-to-end synthesis in the refrigerator-sized [1.0 meter (width) × 0.7 meter (length) × 1.8 meter (height)] system produces sufficient quantities per day to supply hundreds to thousands of oral or topical liquid doses of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, lidocaine hydrochloride, diazepam, and fluoxetine hydrochloride that meet U.S. Pharmacopeia standards. Underlying this flexible plug-and-play approach are substantial enabling advances in continuous-flow synthesis, complex multistep sequence telescoping, reaction engineering equipment, and real-time formulation.
Analysis of mutations of five drug-resistant genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Lishui

Objective:To elucidate the characteristics of rpoB,katG,embB,rpsL and gyrA mutation in clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) from Lishui city.Methods: Mutations of five resistance-related genes in 47 clinical isolates of MTB were analyzed by PCR-DNA.Results: 18 strains of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis were obtained in the susceptibility test with the resistance rate of 38.03%.There existed one or more mutations in 13 isolates by sequence analysis.No insertion or deletion mutation was found in these isolates,the mutation rate was 27.66%,the coincidence rate of the two method was 72.22%.Conclusion: The MTB in Lishui tended to be resistant to multiple drugs.Multidrug-resistance of MTB isolates was related with the mutation of multiple genes.Point mutation was the main characteristic of drug-resistant MTB in this city.
Progress in the Studies on Sub-strains of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat in the Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of many metabolic abnormalities which can cause severe harm to human health. Spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR ) is a hypertension animal model and some of its sub-strains have already been used in the study of metabolic syndrome.This article reviews the progress in the studies on sub-strains of SHR in the animal model of metabolic syndrome in order to provide some evidence for the rat model selection in the research work of metabolic syndrome.
Diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis.

PreviewBecause no one laboratory test is diagnostic of multiple sclerosis, evaluation involves careful exclusion of other possible diagnoses. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool in this process. Clues from a scan can confirm findings from the history and physical and laboratory examinations. Dr Scott compares typical findings of multiple sclerosis with those of the four diseases that are sometimes mistaken for this syndrome.
“I Love My Work, but This Is Not My Life”: Women of Color in the Academy

The present study used critical ethnography and intersectionality theory to better understand the experiences of Women of Color (WOC) in the academy. WOC experience numerous and significant challenges in the academy that have the potential to stifle their career growth. Claiming increased acceptance and diversity in the academy without a crystalline understanding of the lived experience of WOC is insufficient. The present article makes an important contribution by bringing attention to the experiences of WOC in the academy in their own voices. Thirteen staff and faculty WOC employed at a predominantly White mid-sized institution in the Northeast were interviewed. Overall, the findings indicate challenges to their credibility and competence as well as overt and covert oppressive experiences. In spite of the professional challenges they described, WOC devised coping strategies within and outside the academy that fostered professional perseverance. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Localized search for multiagent planning

This paper describes the localized search mechanism of the GEMPLAN multiagent planner. Both formal complexity results and empirical results are provided, demonstrating the benefits of localized search, A localized domain description is one that decomposes domain activities and requirements into a set of regions. This description is used to infer how domain requirements are semantically localized and, as a result, to enable the decomposition of the planning search space into a set of spaces, one for each domain region. Benefits of localization include a smaller and cheaper overall search space as well as heuristic guidance in controlling search. Such benefits are critical if current planning technologies and other types of reasoning are to be scaled up to large, complex domains.