cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering Jewish Presidential Voting Statistics

This paper traces the sources of the widely available standard figures for Jewish voting in American presidential elections, which have previously been only vaguely identified. The pre-polling results for 1916–1932 data turn out to be only for Manhattan, and do not take sufficient account of voting patterns in other cities and of voting for the Socialist Party. The standard figures for the 1936–1968 period do not generally correspond to national surveys taken for those elections. The figures starting in 1972 are based on one set of exit polls, but should instead combine all of the exit polls. The 1924, 1952, and 1984 data are given particular attention because the Jewish vote was thought to be realigning in those years. Revised estimates find large differences for 1924 and 1948 and provide a firmer basis for tracing trends in Jewish voting.
EGFR is a transducer of the urokinase receptor initiated signal that is required for in vivo growth of a human carcinoma

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) activates alpha5beta1 integrin and ERK signaling, inducing in vivo proliferation of HEp3 human carcinoma. Here we demonstrate that EGFR mediates the uPAR/integrin/fibronectin (FN) induced growth pathway. Its activation is ligand-independent and does not require high EGFR, but does require high uPAR expression. Only when uPAR level is constitutively elevated does EGFR become alpha5beta1-associated and activated. Domain 1 of uPAR is crucial for EGFR activation, and FAK links integrin and EGFR signaling. Inhibition of EGFR kinase blocks uPAR induced signal to ERK, implicating EGFR as an important effector of the pathway. Disruption of uPAR or EGFR signaling reduces HEp3 proliferation in vivo. These findings unveil a mechanism whereby uPAR subverts ligand-regulated EGFR signaling, providing cancer cells with proliferative advantage.
Malrotation with midgut volvulus: CT findings of bowel infarction

Midgut volvulus, the most common serious complication of malrotation, can be diagnosed using conventional contrast fluoroscopy, US or CT. CT is a quick and comprehensive examination in the evaluation of complex acute abdominal pathology in children. Contrast-enhanced CT can readily help the radiologist recognize perfusion abnormalities of the bowel, which is vital for reducing morbidity and mortality in affected children. Our case emphasizes and demonstrates additional CT features of bowel infarction in a child with a proven malrotation with midgut volvulus.
Relationship between child health literacy and body mass index in overweight children.

Abstract Objective To test the relationship between child health literacy and body mass index (BMI) Z -score in overweight children. Methods Cross-sectional survey of overweight children and parents. Parent and child health literacy was measured by the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy (STOFHLA). Linear regression tested for predictors of childhood BMI Z -score, adjusting for confounders. Results Of 171 total children, 107 (62%) participated, of whom 78 (73%) had complete data for analysis. Mean child BMI Z -score (SD) was 2.3 (0.40); median child age (interquartile range) was 11.5 (10–16); 53% were female; 80% were Medicaid recipients. Mean child STOFHLA was 22.9 (9.0); mean parental STOFHLA was 29.1 (8.6). Child STOFHLA correlated negatively with BMI Z -score ( r =−0.37, p =0.0009) and positively with child eating self-efficacy ( r =0.40, p Z -score (standardized B =−0.43, p r -squared for the regression model was 38%. Child STOFHLA contributed 13% to the overall model. Conclusions Child health literacy was negatively correlated with BMI Z -scores in overweight children, suggesting the need to consider health literacy in the intersection between self-efficacy and behavior change when planning interventions that aim to improve child BMI.
The frontal tiara.

A technique for the construction of a frontal bar and a forehead plate as a single unit is described. This technique could be used in any procedure in which a frontal bandeau is advanced and the forehead needs to be remodeled. By using microscrew fixation, the bulkiness of miniplates and wires is eliminated.
Augustine’s Christian–Platonist Account of Goodness: A Reconsideration

Augustine’s metaphysics is a subject little studied, but often much criticized. Among the recent studies of Augustine’s metaphysics, Scott MacDonald’s interpretation of Augustine’s notion of goodness claims that Augustine’s account is incoherent. This suggests a reading of Augustine that is somewhat problematic. This article argues that much of the difficulty that MacDonald claims rests on a misunderstanding of Augustine’s views about the goodness of creation and existence and the corruptibility of created things. Augustine’s position takes for granted an understanding of existence (or being) as a good and the participation of all things in the pre–eminent good, that is God.
Intracellular mechanisms of ovarian cell apoptosis

Apoptosis is an active cell 'suicide' essential for the elimination of superfluous cells during diverse physiological processes in essentially all animal species. Although regulation of apoptosis by extracellular mediators is cell type-specific, new insights based on characterization of conserved intracellular effectors have suggested that intracellular pathways leading to apoptosis in diverse organisms is regulated by a group of evolutionarily conserved genes including ced-9/Bcl-2, ced-4/Apaf-1 and ced3/caspases gene families. To study whether the Bcl-2 family proteins are important in the regulation of ovarian cell apoptosis, we have used transgenic mice and yeast 2-hybrid protein protein interaction assay to characterize the roles of Bcl-2 family proteins in ovarian atresia. The use of 2-hybrid analysis resulted in the isolation of a novel pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, Bcl-2-related ovarian killer (Bok) and the identification of upstream mediators for ovarian cell apoptosis.
The liquid-vapor interface density profiles and the surface pair correlation functions of sodium and a sodium-cesium alloy

Abstract The density profiles of the liquid-vapor interface and the pair correlation functions in the surfaces of sodium and a sodium-cesium alloy ( 75% Na ) have been determined from Monte-Carlo simulations.
Place of Systematics in Society

Scott Shaw's very pertinent and well taken comment in the Fall 1984 issue of the Bulletin prompted me to reread Slater's excerpt from an address presented by him at the 1978 ESA Annual Meeting in Houston, Tex. (Spring 1984 Bulletin). I, again found little more than questions, questions, and more questions, and very little about the “Place of Systematics in Contemporary Society.” There was indeed a compilation of the relative percentages of papers on systematics and other branches of entomology that appeared in the Annals from 1938 to 1978, but that is hardly indicative of the place of systematics in contemporary society. Systematics, or perhaps better taxonomy, is, like all science, international; writings concerning it appear in a vast number of publications of all kinds-organizational, academic, governmental, and other in many languages. Data for one of the publications of one society is certainly of little significance for “contemporary society.” And that data does not even include the Miscellaneous Publications and the Memoirs of the ESA, both of which are very important and largely systematic.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Heart failure afflicts large numbers of patients and is the leading cause for hospitalizations in the United States. Diagnosis and management of decompensated heart failure present a clinical challenge, requiring complex decision-making. History and physical examination findings are important in the diagnosis of heart failure. Diagnostically, B-type natriuretic peptide levels appear very useful to separate cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea and provide information about heart failure severity and prognosis. Immediate management goals include improvement of symptoms and hemodynamic parameters. Diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropic agents are useful in the acute setting. This article provides a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of acute decompensated heart failure.
Properties of proton-irradiated diamond

Abstract Properties of type I diamond were investigated before and after irradiation with 17.0 and 18.3 MeV protons. The optical absorption edge is essentially unchanged. The infrared absorption spectrum shows a strong additional peak at 6.92 μm. A Raman line shift of 4 cm−1 indicates an increase of 0.0032 A in the lattice constant.
Free-edge stress singularity in a bimaterial laminate

A Williams type asymptotic solution pertaining to the free edge effect and singular stress field in a bonded rectangular plate of dissimilar isotropic materials is presented. Numerical results presented include the effects of material properties on the computed stress singularity. Additionally, the stress singularity computed using the present analysis is compared with the corresponding plane stress approximation. For example, the largest values for the stress singularities at the free edge of a model bimaterial laminate investigated here can be as high as 0.405 and 0.311, computed using (i) the present analysis, and (ii) the corresonding plane stress approximation, respectively.
The effect of grain size on deformation and failure of copper under dynamic loading

In this work, we show experimentally, and using computer modeling that the effect of grain size manifested as an effect on constitutive behavior can have an appreciable effect on the deformation stability of copper deformed in tension under both quasi-static and dynamic loading: an increase in grain size results in greater extents of deformation. In a work previously published by Gourdin and Lassila, the effect of grain size was incorporated into the Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) material model applied to OFE copper. Dynamic tensile tests were modeled using a 3-D computer code in which the MTS material model was incorporated. The computer code model accurately predicted the occurrence and growth of necking during dynamic deformation as a function of grain size.
A non-iterative method for solving pde's arising in electron scattering

Abstract Title of program : SEPDE Catalogue number : AANP Program obtainable from : CPC Program Library, Queens University of Belfast, N. Ireland (see application form in this issue) Computer : IBM 360/91; Installation : Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771 Operating system : HASP/OS MVT Programming language used : Fortran IV High speed storage required : see note added in proof Number of bits in a word : 32 Overlay structure : none Number of magnetic tapes required : none Other peripherals used : line printer, discs or magnetic tape No. of cards in combined program and text deck : 356 Card punching code : EBCDIC
Cognitive Organization of Cultural Values: Cross-Cultural Analysis of Data from Sweden and the usa

A considerable body of data has been amassed to explain values structure and transmission. Values dimensions have been extracted and compared across societies in a number of values studies, many of which use quantitative methodology. However, there is little quantitative evidence of significant cross-cultural variation in values. This counterintuitive outcome has given rise to a doubt if an effective quantified comparison of values across societies is possible. The major reason for this objection to use quantitative techniques in cross-cultural values research is the loss of culture-specific meaning in quantitative procedures. Using ratings data from two American and Swedish samples the present research demonstrates that it is possible to compare values data and detect meaningful cross-cultural differences in values across societies, provided that several conceptual alterations in the instrument are made. Namely, it is proposed that collective- and individual level constructs should be separated when the informants are asked about their values. The traditional approach to values as implicitly individual construct is critiqued. The paper proposes to distinguish formulations of individual-level values items (that are more closely associated with personal projects and conative aspects) from formulations of cultural-identity relevant collective-level values items (which are acquired in more uniform processes of social learning and institutionalization). When elicitation of values considers this distinction during data collection, the depression of cross-cultural differences in values disappears.
Academic achievement in children with epilepsy or asthma

The purposes of the study were to compare academic achievement between children with epilepsy and those with asthma and to identify child perception, school adaptive functioning, and condition severity factors related to academic achievement. Subjects were 225 children (117 with epilepsy and 108 with asthma) aged between 8 and 12 years. Academic achievement was measured using school-administered group tests. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure child attitudes and school self-concept. Teachers rated school adaptive functioning. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and multiple regression. Children with epilepsy had significantly lower achievement scores than children with asthma. Boys with severe epilepsy were most at risk for underachievement. Factors related to poor academic achievement in both samples were: high condition severity, negative attitudes, and lower school adaptive functioning scores. Less variance was accounted for in the model for epilepsy (R2=0.25) than for asthma (R2=0.36). Boys with high seizure severity were most at risk for achievement-related problems. Future research in epilepsy should consider additional factors in the model predicting academic achievement.
Orbital plasmacytoma in a cat

An Abyssinian cat presented with epistaxis, melaena and retinal vascular changes. Plasma protein levels were markedly elevated and a monoclonal gammopathy was present on serum protein electrophoresis. Based on these laboratory findings, hyperviscosity syndrome was assumed to be responsible for the clinical signs. The cat responded initially to fluid therapy, but relapsed and then developed unilateral exophthalmia. The animal was euthanased and an extramedullary plasmacytoma of the right orbit was diagnosed at postmortem examination.
Soluble nucleotides of wheat and oat seedlings

Abstract The soluble nucleotides in the ethanolic extract of etiolated wheat and oat seedlings were fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography (Dowex 1 × 4Cl − form). UDP-Glucose was one of the major components identified in both seedlings. ADP-Glucose was present in oat seedlings and probably also in wheat seedlings. The 2′-and 3′-monophosphates of AMP and GMP were also present in high amounts in the embryonic wheat tissue. Other nucleotides identified in both seedlings were AMP, ADP, GMP, and UMP.
Dynamics of the electroreflective response of Ta S 3

We have observed a large s,1%d change in infrared reflectance of the charge-density-wave (CDW) conductor, orthorhombic TaS3, when its CDW is depinned. The change is concentrated near one current contact. Assuming that the change in reflectance is proportional to the degree of CDW polarization, we have studied the dynamics of CDW repolarization through position-dependent measurements of the variation of the electroreflectance with the frequency of square-wave voltages applied to the sample, and have found that the response could be characterized as a damped harmonic oscillator with a distribution of relaxation (i.e., damping) times. The average relaxation time, which increases away from the contacts, varies with applied voltage as t0a 1/ V p with p, 3 / 2, but the distribution of times broadens as the voltage approaches the depinning threshold. Very low resonant frequencies s, 1k Hzd indicate a surprisingly large amount of inertia, which is observable in the time dependence of the change in reflectance as a polarity-dependent delay of ,100 ms. Interest in quasi-one-dimensional conductors with sliding charge-density waves (CDW’s) 1,2 has continued for almost three decades because of the variety of unusual properties they exhibit. In the CDW ground state, a periodic lattice distortion is accompanied by a modulated electron density: n= n0 + n1 cosfQz+ wsz , tdg, where z is the direction of the conducting chains and Q is the CDW wave vector, n1 its amplitude, and w its local phase. Because CDW pinning results from the competition between deformations of the CDW (i.e., variations of n1 and w) and its interactions with impurities, CDW’s are also model systems for studying the effects of quenched disorder on a deformable periodic medium. 3
Multisensory integration of colors and scents: insights from bees and flowers

Karl von Frisch’s studies of bees’ color vision and chemical senses opened a window into the perceptual world of a species other than our own. A century of subsequent research on bees’ visual and olfactory systems has developed along two productive but independent trajectories, leaving the questions of how and why bees use these two senses in concert largely unexplored. Given current interest in multimodal communication and recently discovered interplay between olfaction and vision in humans and Drosophila, understanding multisensory integration in bees is an opportunity to advance knowledge across fields. Using a classic ethological framework, we formulate proximate and ultimate perspectives on bees’ use of multisensory stimuli. We discuss interactions between scent and color in the context of bee cognition and perception, focusing on mechanistic and functional approaches, and we highlight opportunities to further explore the development and evolution of multisensory integration. We argue that although the visual and olfactory worlds of bees are perhaps the best-studied of any non-human species, research focusing on the interactions between these two sensory modalities is vitally needed.
The search for type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes using whole-genome scans: an epidemiologist's perspective

Most whole-genome scan studies of type 2 diabetes have ascertained families on affected sibpairs. Although assuring enrollment of multiplex families, this strategy may lead to the enrollment of unrepresentative families, particularly in low-risk populations where relatively few diabetics have an affected sibling. In high-risk populations such as Hispanics and Native Americans, population-based ascertainment is often possible, since the high frequency of the disease favors enrollment of multiplex families even when they are not specifically sought. The results of the first generation of genome scan studies caused concern because of a perceived lack of reproducibility. More recently, however, a number of replications have emerged, specifically on chromosomes 1q, 2q, 3q, 9p, 10q, and 11q. The MODY 1 and 3 regions on chromosome 12q and 20q have also been replicated in multiple studies. The clinical features of diabetes in these latter families, however, suggest the common form of type 2 diabetes, rather than maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Also, diabetes in these families does not appear to be caused by the classical MODY mutations. Interestingly, functional variants of the MODY 4 gene (insulin promoter factor-1) have been associated with both MODY and the common form of type 2 diabetes. Currently available linkage studies implicate relatively broad chromosomal regions, and the challenge of narrowing these regions to facilitate gene discovery remains formidable. The linkages that have been replicated thus far provide good starting points to search for functional variants in type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes.
Correlates of hopelessness in the high suicide risk police occupation

Police officers are chronically exposed to work stress. We examined specific stressors that may be associated with hopelessness, a possible risk factor for suicide in this high suicide risk population. The study included 378 officers (276 men and 102 women) with complete data. Analysis of variance was used to estimate mean levels of hopelessness scores as associated with stress, adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Posttraumatic symptoms were tested as a modifier of the association between stress and hopelessness. Increasing stress of administrative practices and lack of support were significantly associated with increasing hopelessness among officers (p < .006 – hopelessness range: 1.64–2.65; and p < .001 – hopelessness range 1.60–2.80, respectively). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms significantly modified the association between lack of organizational support and hopelessness (p < .010) with significant association only among individuals with higher PTSD symptoms (p < .001). Result...
Effect of boric acid on thermal dehydrogenation of ammonia borane: H2 yield and process characteristics

We have recently demonstrated that boric acid (H3BO3, BA) is a promising additive to decrease onset temperature as well as to enhance hydrogen release kinetics for thermolysis of ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB). The observations suggest that tetrahydroxyborate ion released by heating BA serves as Lewis acid and catalyzes AB dehydrogenation. Using this approach, we obtained high H2 yield at 85°C, along with rapid kinetics. Various operating conditions were investigated, such as reactor temperature, AB wt %, and particle size of BA. Even in the presence of 10 wt % BA, high H2 yield (13 wt %) and trace amount of ammonia (10–20 ppm) were obtained at 80°C, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operating temperature. To our knowledge, such H2 yield value is higher than from any other method using AB with additive or catalyst at PEM fuel cell operating temperatures. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3359–3364, 2013
Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 Expression in Endothelium

The expression of chemokine receptor and viral coreceptor CXCR4 is reported in cultured endothelial cells and in arterial endothelium. A 1.9 kb transcript was cloned from cultured bovine aortic (BAEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). CXCR4 mRNA was expressed at high levels in BAEC and HUVEC but was not expressed by cultured bovine arterial smooth muscle cells (BASM) or human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSM). Western blotting with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated an approximate 46KD protein in endothelial cells only.In situhybridization and immunocytochemistry (anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody 12G5) revealed both transcript and protein expression in cultured endothelial cells, and in the endothelium of normal aorta but not in aortic smooth muscle. The ligand for CXCR4, stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) stimulated mobilization of intracellular calcium at a moderate level (37% of the peak response to thrombin), confirming the expression of functional receptor at the endothelial surface. The involvement of CXCR4 in chemokine signaling, chemoattraction (through SDF-1), and its potential viral coreceptor activity suggest a multifunctional role in vascular homeostasis and pathophysiology.
Effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine in humans. I. Sedation, ventilation, and metabolic rate.

Abstract Dexmedetomidine (DMED) is a highly selective centrally acting alpha 2-adrenergic agonist thought to provide significant sedation without appreciable ventilatory effects. This double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment evaluated four dose levels of DMED (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 micrograms/kg intravenously over 2 min) in 37 healthy male volunteers. Measurements of sedation, arterial blood gases, resting ventilation, hypercapnic ventilatory response (HVR), and metabolic rate (O2 consumption and CO2 production) were performed at baseline, 10 min after DMED infusion, and thereafter at the end of each subsequent 45-min period. DMED caused sedation resulting in loss of responsiveness in most of the subjects administered 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg; sedation was evident for 195 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg (P < .05). Ten minutes following infusion of 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg, PaCO2 had increased by 5.0 and 4.2 mmHg, respectively (P < .05), and 60 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg, VE had decreased by 28% (P < .05). The placebo group showed a progressive increase in the HVR slope (50% increase by 330 min following the infusion; P < .05). Overall, across all the DMED doses, the slope was decreased (P < .05) at all times after DMED. The calculated ventilation at a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg was decreased (39%; P < .05) 10 min following 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg, returning to control values by 285 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg. O2 consumption increased 16% (P < .05) at 10 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg; CO2 production decreased (22% at 60 min). By 5 h postinfusion, both had returned to normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abnormalities of blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and aids-related complex

Severe protein-calorie malnutrition is common in patients with AIDS and could contribute to the progressive deterioration characteristic of that disease. Selenium deficiency could also have a negative impact on immune function and other organ functions vital for recovery from infectious diseases. Therefore, to assess any role for selenium in AIDS we determined plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in 13 patients with AIDS compared to 8 patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) and 14 healthy controls. Plasma selenium levels were significantly reduced in AIDS patients compared to controls (p less than .0001) and to ARC (p less than .02). Erythrocyte selenium levels in both AIDS and ARC were also reduced compared to controls (p less than .02), but not to each other. Glutathione peroxidase activity in AIDS was 28.9 +/- 1.4 U/g Hb vs 38.4 +/- 6.9 in ARC (p = NS) and 52.3 +/- 1.7 in controls (p less than .0001 vs AIDS; p less than .02 vs ARC). When all groups were combined, there were significant correlations between total lymphocyte count and both plasma selenium (r = .53; p less than .002) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (r = .65; p less than .0001). In addition, strong correlations were noted between plasma selenium and serum albumin (r = .68; p less than .0001), plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase (r = .77; p less than .0001), and glutathione peroxidase and hematocrit (r = .66; p less than .0001). In AIDS or ARC, no correlations between selenium with disease duration or weight loss were present. We conclude that, in comparison to normals, patients manifesting infection with human immunodeficiency virus have evidence of selenium deficiency as determined by diminished plasma and erythrocyte levels and glutathione peroxidase activity. These abnormalities are most marked in patients with AIDS, but are also present in patients with AIDS-related complex. Selenium deficiency has important implications for the progression and pathogenesis of clinical disease in AIDS.
Assessment of benzodiazepine receptor heterogeneity in vivo: apparent pA2 and pKB analyses from behavioral studies.

The purpose of this review was to establish in vivo apparent pA2 and pKB values for antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of benzodiazepine ligands, and to compare these values to those obtained from other behavioral procedures. Articles were chosen from the Medline data base from January 1976 to August 1995. This literature consisted of studies with flumazenil (Ro 15–1788) as the antagonist, as well as other benzodiazepine ligands (β-carbolines, CGS 9896, CGS 8216). The dose which occasioned 50% of the maximal response (ED50) was obtained from values estimated from the graphs presented in each article. These ED50 values were used to conduct apparent pKB and apparent pA2 analyses. Apparent pA2 values for antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of diazepam in rats were the following (antagonist, pA2, slope): flumazenil, 4.7,-1.5; β-CCE, 4.0, -3.0; β-CCtB, 5.0, -2.2. The apparent pA2 value for CGS 8216 antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of diazepam in rats was 5.74, -2.22 (reported in Shannon and Davis 1984). The mean apparent pA2 value for flumazenil antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of diazepam in rhesus monkeys was 6.55, with a mean slope of -1.42. Analysis of baboon data from Ator and Griffiths (1986) revealed apparent pKB values for flumazenil antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of lorazepam that were lower than the pKB values for either zopiclone or CL 218,872. Analyses of the pKB data also revealed the following: no effect of route of administration (rat, PO versus IP; baboon, PO versus IM), no effect of pretreatment time (grouped into two categories: 10–20 min and 40–70 min, in rats and non-human primates), and a species effect (pKB values for rats were reliably lower than either non-human primates or pigeons, rhesus monkeys were lower than baboons). The apparent pA2 and pKB values obtained in the present review were similar across behavioral assays, except that, in squirrel monkeys, flumazenil pKB values for antagonism of benzodiazepine-induced decreases in schedule-controlled behavior were lower than pKB values obtained from drug discrimination studies. This review provides apparent pA2 values for antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of benzodiazepine ligands and provides evidence from pKB analyses consistent with functional heterogeneity of benzodiazepine receptors in vivo.
Visual persistence from flickered and flashed gratings: Methodological considerations

Four brief experiments examine the relationships between estimates of visual persistence and spatial frequency on several currently popular tasks of persistence. Parallels between the present finding and the widely discrepant results in the persistence literature are noted. The roles of identifiably different processes underlying the various persistence tasks are suggested.
Oxidation potentials of organic sulfur compounds

It was established for the first time that the irreversible oxidation potentials of thiols are about + 0.2, the values for sulfides + 0.35, for disulfides + 0. 39, for thiophenes + 0.41, for di- and tri-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from + 0.42 to + 0.58, and for hydrocarbons of the benzen series above + 0.58.
Preparation and growth of CsNiCl3 and RbNiCl3

Abstract Single crystals of CsNiCl 3 and RbNiCl 3 were grown out of the melt by the Bridgman method at temperatures of 550 °C to 650 °C. The crystals are hexagonal with space group D 4 6h C6mm/c. The crystals were grown from material prepared by fusing the appropriate alkaline earth chloride with the stoichiometric amount of NiCl 2 . Both the alkaline earth chloride and the nickel chloride required prior purification to produce good single crystals.
Uroguanylin and guanylin : Distinct but overlapping patterns of messenger RNA expression in mouse intestine

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Uroguanylin and guanylin, endogenous ligands of the guanylate cyclase C receptor, are presumed to mediate fluid and electrolyte secretion in the intestine. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression patterns of uroguanylin and guanylin messenger RNA (mRNA) in the mouse intestine. METHODS: A mouse uroguanylin complementary DNA was amplified from a partial genomic clone, and Northern analyses and in situ hybridization were performed to localize guanylin and uroguanylin mRNA along the duodenal-colonic and crypt-villus axes. RESULTS: Uroguanylin mRNA was expressed throughout the mouse intestine and also in the kidney. Signal intensity was greatest in the small intestine for uroguanylin and in the distal small intestine and colon for guanylin. In situ hybridization showed uroguanylin mRNA localized predominantly in intestinal villi and the corticomedullary junction of the kidney, whereas guanylin mRNA was localized in both crypts and villi in the small intestine and to superficial epithelial cells in the colon. CONCLUSIONS: Mouse uroguanylin mRNA expression is discrete from guanylin expression in the intestine. The patterns of distribution in the intestine and the known pH optima of these ligands suggest a complementary role for these secretagogues. (Gastroenterology 1997 Sep;113(3):1000-6)
Are we underutilizing minimally invasive approaches for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Endoscopy should be considered a first-line treatment for technically resectable low grade/stage upper tract urothelial carcinoma, even in the presence of a normal contralateral kidney. Endoscopy also should be considered an alternative to nephroureterectomy and end stage renal disease in patients with a solitary kidney or other imperative indications for nephron sparing, even in the presence of high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma. In both cases, however, endoscopic management is acceptable only if the patient and the urologist accept the rigorous surveillance regimens and the frequent need for repeated treatments.
Presumptive neurosecretion in Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae (Trematoda) and its possible role in governing maturation

Abstract A review of literature dealing with neurosecretion in the Platyhelminthes is presented and presumptive neurosecretory cells associated with the cerebral ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords of Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae metacercariae and adults are described. Both the mean number of aldehyde-fuchsin stained presumptive neurosecretory cells and the intensity of staining are less in adults than in metacercariae. This suggests that maturation in this trematode may be directly or indirectly associated with a reduction in neurosecretion as in nereid annelids. Results of cytochemical studies indicate the neurosecretory product contains a glycoprotein.
Association of Spirea Stunt Phytoplasma with a Disease of Spiraea spp. in Minnesota

Spireas (Spiraea spp.) are woody perennial ornamentals that are widely grown throughout Minnesota and in other states due to their cold hardiness and adaptability to a variety of low-maintenance landscape settings. Spirea stunt phytoplasma was first identified in S. tomentosa in central New York. This is the first report of its occurrence in non-native Spiraea spp. (S. japonica, S. × bumalda), and in Minnesota.
Whose health is affected by income inequality? A multilevel interaction analysis of contemporaneous and lagged effects of state income inequality on individual self-rated health in the United States

Abstract The empirical relationship between income inequality and health has been much debated and discussed. Recent reviews suggest that the current evidence is mixed, with the relationship between state income inequality and health in the United States (US) being perhaps the most robust. In this paper, we examine the multilevel interactions between state income inequality, individual poor self-rated health, and a range of individual demographic and socioeconomic markers in the US. We use the pooled data from the 1995 and 1997 Current Population Surveys, and the data on state income inequality (represented using Gini coefficient) from the 1990, 1980, and 1970 US Censuses. Utilizing a cross-sectional multilevel design of 201,221 adults nested within 50 US states we calibrated two-level binomial hierarchical mixed models (with states specified as a random effect). Our analyses suggest that for a 0.05 change in the state income inequality, the odds ratio (OR) of reporting poor health was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.17–1.45) in a conditional model that included individual age, sex, race, marital status, education, income, and health insurance coverage as well as state median income. With few exceptions, we did not find strong statistical support for differential effects of state income inequality across different population groups. For instance, the relationship between state income inequality and poor health was steeper for whites compared to blacks ( OR = 1.3 4 ; 95% CI: 1.20–1.48) and for individuals with incomes greater than $75,000 compared to less affluent individuals ( OR = 1.6 5 ; 95% CI: 1.26–2.15). Our findings, however, primarily suggests an overall (as opposed to differential) contextual effect of state income inequality on individual self-rated poor health. To the extent that contemporaneous state income inequality differentially affects population sub-groups, our analyses suggest that the adverse impact of inequality is somewhat stronger for the relatively advantaged socioeconomic groups. This pattern was found to be consistent regardless of whether we consider contemporaneous or lagged effects of state income inequality on health. At the same time, the contemporaneous main effect of state income inequality remained statistically significant even when conditioned for past levels of income inequality and median income of states.
Failure of gauge invariance in the nonperturbative formulation of massless Lorentz-violating QED

We consider a Lorentz-violating modification to the fermionic Lagrangian of QED that is known to produce a finite Chern-Simons term at leading order. We compute the second order correction to the one-loop photon self-energy in the massless case using an exact propagator and a nonperturbative formulation of the theory. This nonperturbative theory assigns a definite value to the coefficient of the induced Chern-Simons term; however, we find that the theory fails to preserve gauge invariance at higher orders. We conclude that the specific nonperturbative value of the Chern-Simons coefficient has no special significance.
Missing the Boat? A Playfully Serious Look at a Group Cruise Tour Experience

This manuscript fuses play, repeat behavior, and cruise tourism. First, I used a play lens to focus on an overlooked segment of the travel industry—mass cruise tourism. Second, I shifted the conceptual emphasis from the individual tourist to an exploration of why many members of a group cruise tour keep repeating the same experience. Third, in addressing the criticisms that most conceptualizations of tourism gloss over much of what is really going on for most people during the tourism process and empirical data on play are limited, I undertook a participant observation study of an annual group cruise tour. I used a dialectical approach to capture the complexities of cruise tourism behavior.
Plasma neopterin level as a marker of peripheral immune activation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Objective Alterations of the immune system play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare the plasma levels of neopterin, a marker of cellular immune activity, in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), early (mild to moderate) AD, and cognitively normal controls. In addition, the correlation of plasma neopterin with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also examined. Methods Plasma samples from patients with mild-to-moderate AD (N = 34), aMCI (N = 27), and cognitively normal controls (N = 30) were obtained from the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Plasma neopterin, IFN-γ, and IL-6 levels were measured using commercially available ELISAs. Multiple linear regression was performed to study differences in the baseline neopterin levels between normal, aMCI, and AD patients. Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated for neopterin and IFN-γ and IL-6 levels. All analyses were conducted using SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) and GraphPad Prism version 5.00 for Window (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Results AD subjects had significantly higher neopterin values compared with aMCI (β = 0.202, p = 0.004) and normal (β = 0.263, p = 0.0004) subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between normal and aMCI subjects. Significant associations between neopterin and IFN-γ (r = 0.41, p < 0.0001) and IL-6 (r = 0.35, p = 0.0006) levels were found. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that peripheral immune response may be stronger in later stages of AD pathophysiology, when dementia has developed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neutron Reflectometry Characterization of Interface Width between Sol-Gel Titanium Dioxide and Silicon Dioxide Thin Films

Neutron reflectometry (NR) was used to directly measure the interface width between a titanium dioxide and a silicon dioxide film deposited by sol-gel processing. In a bilayer heated to 450 C, NR measurements showed that the interface width is 0.8 nm. This width is the same as the roughness of a sol-gel silicon dioxide surface after the same heat treatment, suggesting no interdiffusion or mixing at the bilayer interface.
The Health Rights Hotline: Role Of A Model Independent-Assistance Program

Much of the current debate about “consumer protection” poses the question of how meaningful consumers’ rights are if consumers do not understand them or how to exercise them. Increasingly, regulators, purchasers, and consumers are looking beyond the rights issue to how consumers can be educated about and assisted in exercising the rights they already have. One strategy gaining attention is independent-assistance or “ombudsman” programs. The Health Rights Hotline is an independent, privately funded, pilot program that provides such assistance to all health care consumers in the Sacramento, California, area. The hotline is a project of the Center for Health Care Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy organization, and Legal Services of Northern California. The hotline and an independent evaluation prepared by the Lewin Group were both funded by a consortium of California health foundations: the
MEASURING CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF THE NUMERAIRE

This paper estimates a common component in many price series that has an equiproportional effect on all prices. Changes in this component can be interpreted as changes in the value of the numeraire since, by definition, they leave all relative prices unchanged. The first aim of the paper is to measure these changes. The paper provides a framework for identifying this component, suggests an estimator for the component based on a dynamic factor model, and assesses its performance relative to alternative estimators. Using 187 U.S. time-series on prices, we estimate changes in the value of the numeraire from 1960 to 2006, and further decompose these changes into a part that is related to relative price movements and a residual ‘exogenous’ part. The second aim of the paper is to use these estimates to investigate two economic questions. First, we show that the size of exogenous changes in the value of the numeraire helps distinguish between different theories of pricing, and that the U.S. evidence argues against several strict theories of nominal rigidities. Second, we find that changes in the value of the numeraire are significantly related to changes in real quantities, and discuss interpretations of this apparent non-neutrality.
Detection performance and systolic architectures for OS-CFAR detectors

Performance analyses and architectures for the order statistic detectors (OSD) in radar signal processing are presented. Based on an analytical model in which the number of interfering targets is random, the detectability is evaluated. It is shown that the system is much more susceptible to a random degree of interference than merely a fixed number of interferers. In addition, a relationship between binary integration and order statistics suggests a novel implementation. By showing that M-out-of-N binary integration is equivalent to selecting the (N+1-M)/sup st/ order statistic, the OSD(R,K) that uses R reference cells using only R+1 comparators is implemented. A systolic architecture is presented that can implement this approach with the advantages of a regular, parallel, and fully pipelined structure. >
FINE MORPHOLOGY OF THE SENSORY CELLS IN THE ORGAN OF CORTI OF MAN.

The morphological characteristics of the sensory cells and neural elements in the human cochlea were studied with the electron microscope. The hairs of the outer sensory cells were arranged in a W form with at least six rows. The basal body or diplosomes were found in the cuticle free zone in the sensory cells. The subcuticular zones of the outer sensory cells frequently contained numerous osmiophilic inclusions. Two types of nerve endings, dendrites and axons, were observed below both the outer and inner sensory cells. The external spiral bundle was large and composed of numerous, closely packed nerve fibers. In specimens from older patients there were some evidences of nerve ending degeneration at the base of hair cells.The findings in the human were compared with the normal and postmortem series of squirrel monkeys. When human specimens were fixed within a few hours of death, the ultrastructure of the inner ear could be investigated effectively, as is seen in the present study.
Genetic Variability of Rotylenchulus reniformis

Rotylenchulus reniformis, reniform nematode, is a polyphagous pest commonly found parasitizing cotton in the southeastern United States. We developed and optimized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci found in reniform nematode and tested them on 160 individual reniform nematodes to determine informative genetic variation of isolates from the southeastern United States, Colombia, Japan, and from the species Rotylenchulus parvus. No significant gametic disequilibrium was detected between any pair of loci, and most loci were not in expected Hardy-Weinberg proportions. A positive FIS coefficient was observed at all 10 loci, suggesting a high level of inbreeding at these loci. Most isolate locations exhibited significant genotypic differentiation and moderate to very high genetic differentiation based on FST analysis. The most consistently differentiated isolates were found reproducing parthenogenetically in Japan. These isolates were also found to represent the most basal locality in this study based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis and were distinct from other localities based on STRUCTURE V 2.3 analysis. These results support previous reports suggesting that the parthenogenetically reproducing isolates from Japan are another species. Taken together, our results can serve as the foundation for more extensive characterization of population structure and genetic variation among isolates of R. reniformis variants to help discern the impact of alternative processes on genetic connectivity and differentiation in the genetically undercharacterized reniform nematode.
Transformation of Chloropicrin and 1,3-Dichloropropene by Metam Sodium in a Combined Application of Fumigants

Combined application of fumigants is a potential strategy to replace methyl bromide in the control of soil-borne pests. Unfortunately, abiotic and biotic interactions among fumigants restrict some combined application approaches. In this study, the kinetics and mechanisms of reaction between metam sodium (sodium methyldithiocarbamate) and the halogenated fumigants chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane) and 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) were investigated in aqueous solution. For chloropicrin, an extremely rapid oxidation−reduction process occurred in the presence of metam sodium. The second-order rate constant for the reaction between chloropicrin and metam sodium was approximately 2 orders of magnitude greater than that for the reaction between 1,3-D isomers and metam sodium. Transformation of 1,3-D by metam sodium was associated with an aliphatic SN2 nucleophilic substitution process. The nucleophilic reaction of cis-1,3-D with metam sodium was significantly faster than that of the trans isomer and was corre...