cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symbolic and numerical computation on Bessel functions of complex argument and large magnitude

The Lanczos @t-method, with perturbations proportional to Faber polynomials, is employed to approximate the Bessel functions of the first kind J"v(z) and the second kind Y"v(z), the Hankel functions of the first kind H"v^(^1^)(z) and the second kind H"v^(^2^)(z) of integer order v for specific outer regions of the complex plane, i.e. |z| >= R for some R. The scaled symbolic representation of the Faber polynomials and the appropriate automated @t-method approximation are introduced. Both symbolic and numerical computation are discussed. In addition, numerical experiments are employed to test the proposed @t-method. Computed accuracy for J"0(z) and Y"0(z) for |z| >= 8 are presented. The results are compared with those obtained from the truncated Chebyshev series approximations and with those of the @t-method approximations on the inner disk |z| =< 8. Some concluding remarks and suggestions on future research are given.
Conformational locking upon cooperative assembly of Notch transcription complexes

Summary The Notch intracellular domain (NICD) forms a transcriptional activation complex with the DNA-binding factor CSL and a transcriptional co-activator of the Mastermind family (MAML). The "RAM" region of NICD recruits Notch to CSL, facilitating the binding of MAML at the interface between the ankyrin (ANK) repeat domain of NICD and CSL. Here, we report the X-ray structure of a human MAML1/RAM/ANK/CSL/DNA complex, and probe changes in component dynamics upon stepwise assembly of a MAML1/NICD/CSL complex using HX-MS. Association of CSL with NICD exerts remarkably little effect on the exchange kinetics of the ANK domain, whereas MAML1 binding greatly retards the exchange kinetics of ANK repeats 2-3. These exchange patterns identify critical features contributing to the cooperative assembly of Notch transcription complexes (NTCs), highlight the importance of MAML recruitment in rigidifying the ANK domain and stabilizing its interface with CSL, and rationalize the requirement for MAML1 in driving cooperative dimerization of NTCs on paired-site DNA.
Astrobiology: seeds of life?

Amino acids, a basic constituent of life, can form in dust grains that are similar to those found in the space between stars. But how much does this tell us about the origins of life on Earth?
A Methodology for Finite Element Modeling of Magnetic Inductive Devices With In-Plane Multidomain Pattern

We describe a method for using a commercially available three-dimensional electromagnetic finite-element program (Ansoft HFSS) for simulating the high-frequency (>100 MHz) magnetic response of multidomain inductive devices with in-plane easy-axis anisotropy. We calculate the impedance of a magnetic toroid with each of four multidomain patterns, and we compare the results obtained with HFSS to those using a standard micromagnetic package (NIST OOMMF) simulating a two-dimensional crosssection of the toroid. While there are differences between OOMMF and HFSS in the fine details of the impedance spectra, both predict a substantial inductance reduction above 200 MHz for the various multidomain toroids compared to a single-domain toroid. Based on an eigenmode calculation, this reduction of inductance is due to the presence of multiple magnetostatic modes that are strongest near the 180deg walls, with frequencies as low as 280 MHz for the material and geometry considered here
A dual vacuum chamber Fourier transform mass spectrometer with rapidly interchangeable FAB, MALDI and ESI sources: electrospray results

Abstract A versatile, inexpensive electrospray interface has been constructed and installed on an external source Fourier transform mass spectrometer with a quadrupole ion guide. This interface is readily interchangeable with FAB and MALDI sources, with the main time requirement for changing being the pump-down time. A heated capillary, two skimmers and a set of Einzel lenses are used to deliver ions to the quadrupole ion guide. SIMION (Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho) was used to model ion trajectories and determine optimal dimensions. Five stages of pumping are employed, using mechanical, turbomolecular and cryopumps. A solenoid-driven shutter on the final lens blocks neutrals after injection of the ion packet. Kinetic energy distributions of both small and large biomolecular ions were investigated. For large (104–105 Da), highly charged species, the kinetic energy distributions were quite favorable to trapping, with sharp peaks at less than 10 eV. Thus a 50 ms ion accumulation time is sufficient to obtain spectra of lysozyme with high S/N ratio. Distributions for smaller ions tended to be somewhat wider and peaked at higher energies. The spectra obtained to date illustrate the ability of the instrument to handle biomolecules ranging from bradykinin to bovine serum albumen.
A Comparison of Role Strain and Coping Strategies by Gender and Family Structure among Early Adolescents

This study examined differences in peer and family role strain and use of coping strategies by gender and family structure using data from a sample of 203 eighth-grade early adolescents. Post hoc ANOVA results indicated significant differences among early adolescent males and females on level of role strain experienced as family members and in use of Social Support and Ventilation factors as coping strategies. Female adolescents experienced significantly greater family role strain than did males. Female early adolescents reported using Social Support significantly more often and Ventilation significantly less often than did their male counterparts. Data analysis also revealed that adolescents in single-parent families used Family Support to cope with stress significantly less often than did adolescents in two-parent families. The implications of these findings are identified and discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Operation of relays from carrier-current coupling capacitors and capacitance transformer bushings

APPLICATION of carrier current communication to transmission lines required the development of coupling capacitors. These coupling capacitors may be used also in combination with transformers to obtain potential from the transmission line. This potential will be suitable for the operation of certain instruments and relays, depending upon burden and accuracy requirements. By the addition of suitable chokes, the coupling capacitors may be used also for carrier current communication. It is the purpose of this paper to describe briefly these coupling capacitors, and to point out means for utilizing them for the purpose of obtaining potential for relaying operation, and to call attention to some applications.
To understand the whole, you must know the parts: unraveling the roles of protein-DNA interactions in genome regulation

The regulation of gene transcription is fundamental to the existence of complex multicellular organisms such as humans. This process dictates which genes are expressed in which tissues, and controls how various cell types grow, differentiate, and respond to their environments. Although the deciphering of the human genome sequence has given us the “source code” for life, we still know far too little about the mechanisms that control which sets of genes are active in which tissues, and how their expression is regulated. It is clear, however, that much of this system depends upon the sequence-specific interactions of regulatory proteins with particular genetic loci. To be able to unravel the details of these interactions on a genome-wide basis, it is necessary to know what proteins are bound to the DNA where in the genome, and to be able to monitor how those proteins change over time and in response to external stimuli. Developing a new technology to provide this information constitutes a “Grand Challenge” for Analytical Chemistry. In this brief article we outline the nature of this challenge, and propose one strategy to address it.
Does Allergen Avoidance Work

Allergic rhinitis affects a large portion of the population. Patients are frequently sensitized to indoor allergens. The most important contributors are house dust mites, pets, and fungi. In very controlled environments where allergen exposure is significantly reduced, individuals have been shown to have clinical improvement in allergic rhinitis and/or asthma symptoms. Achieving sufficient exposure reduction in the home has proven difficult. Nonetheless, evidence exists that demonstrates exposure avoidance can be useful as an adjunct to other therapies, such as pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy, for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Reducing costs and improving compliance

Abstract The cost-effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy is defined as the costs of treatment less the savings from the prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction, relative to the therapeutic effectiveness of treatment. Since antihypertensive therapy actually increases the dollar cost of medical care, the use of more expensive agents needs to be justified in terms of better blood pressure control, improved quality of life, and reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Data from the clinical trials have not shown the more expensive agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers to be superior to the less expensive agents such as diuretic drugs in reducing blood pressure or cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Poor compliance may reduce both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatment. Physicians must play an active role in promoting compliance by assuring the patient's ability to incorporate the prescribed dosage regimen into daily routine, by actively monitoring compliance, by modifying the regimen appropriately to remove the cause of noncompliance, and by switching medication if it is ineffective or if adverse effects occur.
A critical examination of sex differences in marital communication

Despite the persistence of sex‐typed images of the expressivity of wife and husband, past observational studies have given little indication of sex‐linked differences in marital communication. Thus, we proposed that inter personally negotiated role expectations would be a better predictor of communication about marital conflict than sex. However, we also proposed that there might be sex differences within particular clusters of couples who endorse sex‐differentiated role expectations. Couples were classified into groups using Fitzpatrick's (1983) typology. The results of two studies indicated that couple type was significantly related to communication about marital conflict; however, there were neither any clear overall sex differences in communication nor sex differences within couple types. Rather, the results indicated that conflict styles are so strongly reciprocal that mutual influence within conversations tends to remove individual speaker differences. The research suggests that mutual influence pro...
Photographs as data: An analysis of images from a mental hospital

This paper presents a case study in the use of photographs as data for historical sociological analysis. Based on a larger study of the first century of the social development of a large state mental hospital, the paper describes how a sample of 343 photographs was generated from the over 800 images the authors collected. We developed a layered analysis in which we examine the images in continuously greater depth and discuss the connections between each consecutive stratum of explanation. At the first level we produce anappraisal, a comparison of the images with the written historical record. The next level,inquiry, concentrates on themes in the collection as a whole. Finally, the concept of “thick description” guides the third level,interpretation, in which we examine in depth individual images. We present a series of images that correspond to each of these layers of analysis. A concluding section evaluates the costs and benefits of photographic evidence for the historical sociology of organizational change.
Infant Responses to Recorded Sounds

Thirty infants, ranging in age from 4 to 11 months, were tested with five different recorded sounds that varied in bandwidth and temporal configuration: a continuous band of white noise, the same b...
The pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole and its effects on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and fentanyl in dogs.

KuKanich, B., Hubin, M. The pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole and its effects on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and fentanyl in dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33, 42–49. Ketoconazole inhibits the Cytochrome P450 3A12 (CYP3A12) metabolizing enzyme as well as the p-glycoprotein efflux pump. The extent and clinical consequence of these effects are poorly understood in dogs. The objective was to assess the pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole after single and multiple doses and the effect of multiple doses of ketoconazole on midazolam (a known CYP3A12 substrate) and the opioid fentanyl. Six greyhound dogs were studied. The study consisted of three phases. Phase 1 consisted of i.v. midazolam (0.23 mg/kg base) and fentanyl (15.71 μg/kg base). Phase 2 consisted of a single oral dose of ketoconazole (mean dose 12.34 mg/kg). Phase 3 consisted of i.v. midazolam (0.23 mg/kg) and fentanyl (10 μg/kg) after 5 days of oral ketoconazole (12.25 mg/kg/day). Ketoconazole significantly inhibited its own elimination with the mean residence time (MRT) increasing from 6.24 h in Phase 1 to 12.54 h in Phase 3. Ketoconazole significantly decreased the elimination of midazolam, as expected, with the MRT increasing from 0.81 to 1.49 h. The elimination of fentanyl was not significantly altered by co-administration of ketoconazole with the MRT being 3.90 and 6.35 h. The MRT was the most robust estimate of decreased drug elimination.
Oppressed people: Economic mobility of the socially excluded

Abstract Five to ten percent of the world's population consist of the socially excluded, herein defined as minorities with a recent history of trauma (enslavement, conquest, outcaste status), stigmatization, economic discrimination, and slow economic progress. A model using economic, sociological, and historical theorizing is developed in the paper and used to compare mobility histories of four such minorities: Cuban blacks, Indian Dalits, Japanese Burakumin and US blacks. The paper makes several contributions: (i) it defines and brings together the main kinds of social exclusion in a coherent analytical frame; (ii) it makes a telling application of Horowitz's distinction between ethnic polities that rank groups in a “pecking order,” and polities that are not hierarchical across ethnic groups; and (iii) it posits causal connections between economic mobility and certain cultural traits.
Extreme ultraviolet lithography: reflective mask technology

EUVL mask blanks consist of a distributed Bragg reflector made of 6.7 nm-pitch bi-layers of Mo and Si deposited upon a precision Si or glass substrate. The layer deposition process has been optimized for low defects, by application of a vendor-supplied but highly modified ion-beam sputter deposition system. This system is fully automated using SMIF technology to obtain the lowest possible environmental- and handling-added defect levels. Originally designed to coat 150 mm substrates, it was upgraded in July 1999 to 200 mm and has coated runs of over 50 substrates at a time with median added defects > 100 nm below 0.05/cm2. These improvements have resulted from a number of ion-beam sputter deposition system modifications, upgrades, and operational changes, which will be discussed. Success in defect reduction is highly dependent upon defect detection, characterization, and cross- platform positional registration. We have made significant progress in adapting and extending commercial tools to this purpose, and have identified the surface scanner detection limits for different defect classes, and the signatures of false counts and non-printable scattering anomalies on the mask blank. We will present key results and how they have helped reduce added defects. The physics of defect reduction and mitigation is being investigated by a program on multilayer growth over deliberately placed perturbations (defects) of varying size. This program includes modeling of multilayer growth and modeling of defect printability. We developed a technique for depositing uniformly sized gold spheres on EUVL substrates, and have studied the suppression of the perturbations during multilayer growth under varying conditions. This work is key to determining the lower limit of critical defect size for EUV Lithography. We present key aspects of this work. We will summarize progress in all aspects of EUVL mask blank development, and present detailed results on defect reduction and mask blank performance at EUV wavelengths.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The role of context in the presentation of grammar

Although the need for contextualization in ESL grammar instruction has long been recognized, a great deal of traditional teaching methodology in this area still persists. Standard texts, which are adequate for certain grammatical rules, have often misrepresented other rules, usually at the expense of semantic factors crucial for correct application. While the misrepresented rule is sufficient for the student to provide correct responses in carefully contrived exercises, it often fails in real-language situations. The argument is made here that no single approach is satisfactory for teaching all grammatical rules; rules must first be distinguished on the basis of certain linguistic criteria before pedagogical strategies can be considered.
Improved Prenatal Detection of Congenital Heart Disease in an Integrated Health Care System

The reported prenatal detection rates (PDRs) for significant congenital heart disease (sCHD) have been suboptimal, even in the current era. Changes in prenatal ultrasound policy and training may lead to improved prenatal detection of sCHD. This study analyzed the results of a policy to assess fetal cardiac outflow tracts shown by screening prenatal ultrasound using the electronic medical record (EMR). During a 6-year period, fetuses and patients younger than 1 year with sCHD were identified. The EMR was used to gather detection and outcome data. As an internal control within the same health care system, the PDR of only the surgical cases was compared with that of a similar group in which documentation of the fetal cardiac outflow tracts was not standard policy. Among 25,666 births, sCHD was identified in 93 fetuses or patients, yielding an incidence of 3.6 per 1,000 births. The PDR was 74.1 %. Detection after birth but before discharge was 20.4 %, and detection after discharge was 5.4 %. A significant improvement in the PDR of sCHD was found when a concerted effort was made to obtain fetal cardiac outflow tract views during pregnancy screening (59.3 vs 28 %). Within an integrated health care system and with the use of an EMR, a PDR of 74 % can be obtained, and 94 % of sCHD can be detected before discharge. A concerted program that includes documentation of fetal cardiac outflow tracts in the pregnancy screening can result in improved PDR of sCHD.
Satellite tobacco mosaic virus refined to 1.4 Å resolution

Satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) is among the smallest viruses, having 60 identical subunits arranged with T = 1 icosahedral symmetry. Its crystal structure was solved at 290 K and was refined using, in part, crystals grown in microgravity. Electron-density maps revealed nearly 57% of the genomic ssRNA. Using six flash-cooled crystals, diffraction data were recorded to 1.4 A resolution and independent refinements of the STMV model were carried out versus the previous 1.8 A resolution data representing merged data from 21 crystals (271 689 unique reflections), data consisting of corresponding reflections to 1.8 A resolution from the cooled crystals and 1.4 A resolution data from the cooled crystals comprised of 570 721 unique reflections. Models were independently refined with full NCS constraints using the program CNS and in restrained mode using the programs CNS, REFMAC5 and SHELX-97, with the latter two procedures including anisotropic temperature factors. Significant additional structural detail emerged from the analyses, including a unique cation and anion arrangement on fivefold axes and a precise assessment of icosahedral symmetry exactness in the crystal lattice. STMV represents the highest resolution native virus structure currently known by a substantial margin, and it permits the evaluation of a precise atomic model of a spherical virus at near-atomic resolution for the first time.
Isolation and characterization of two rubredoxins from Clostridium thermoaceticum

Two rubredoxins with similar molecular weights (about 6000) have been purified from Clostridium thermoaceticum, a thermophile and strict anaerobe. They exhibit minor differences in several properties like elution pattern from DEAE-cellulose column, isoelectric point, amino acid composition, absorption and EPR spectra and redox potential. Their chemical and physical properties are similar to those of other rubredoxins from anaerobic microorganisms.
Classical many-body model for heavy-ion collisions incorporating the Pauli principle

Abstract A classical model for heavy-ion collisions, introduced previously, has been extended to include certain effects of the Pauli principle. All nucleons are treated equally. They obey classical dynamics and interact through an ordinary two-body force and through a momentumdependent two-body “Pauli core” which satisfies, approximately, that p ij r ij ≧ξ h , where ξ is a dimensionless constant. A form for the Pauli core is presented. The ordinary two-body force has been adjusted to fit bulk properties of nuclei and to reproduce that moment of nucleon nucleon scattering cross sections which is relevant to hydrodynamics. The parameters of the forces are given.
A Thermal Management System for a PEM Fuel Cell System in Commercial Vehicles

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell operating in commercial vehicles produces a relatively high amount of heat. In order for securing durable operations, the produced heat should be rejected to keep the temperature in the cell under the limit. High temperature increases the rate of electrochemical reactions and mobility of water vapor. However, a thermal stress imposing on the thin layers of catalysts and membranes can accelerate degradation processes. Therefore, proper design of a thermal management system (TMS) and the associated control is required for ensuring highly reliable and efficient operations of the system. A typical thermal circuit consisting of a radiator, a fan, a reservoir and a coolant pump has been used to reject the excessive heat from the fuel cell. However, the capability of heat rejection is limited by sizes of the components that cannot be employed in heavy duty vehicles. In this study, we used two coolant loops, where the inner circuit consists of a bypass valve, a heat exchanger, a reservoir and a water pump and the outer circuit includes a radiator, a fan, a reservoir and a coolant pump. A state feedback control for the two loops was designed. Objectives for the controls were to maintain the temperature at the set value and to reduce the parasitic loss of the system. The controllers were tested on a dynamic model of a stack developed in the laboratory. Included is analysis of dynamic performance of the designed controllers at multiple step currents and FUDS. As a result of the proposed thermal management system, the size of radiator and the capacity of the pumps for proposed design become 10% smaller than those for the typical one. In addition, the overall net power of the fuel cell system increases to 5%.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Use of finasteride plus doxazosin combination therapy for treatment of LUTS related to benign prostatic hyperplasia

The incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia and resulting lower urinary tract symptoms increases with age. This constellation of symptoms, including urinary frequency, urinary urgency and nocturia, has been the source of much morbidity in the aging male, and the focus of many pharmaceutical developments. Understanding the progressive disease process and treatment guidelines for lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia is crucial for urologists and primary-care physicians managing the aging population. Multiple large, randomized, controlled studies have been performed to evaluate the benefits of two of the currently used medications in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: finasteride and doxazosin. The advantages of each medication used alone or in combination have been well described in these trials. The scope of this review is to present a concise summary of these important trials with special emphasis on the long-term safety profile of these medications. Furth...
The influence of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in limiting cell addition in the mammalian ear.

In the vestibular organs of the inner ear, an early postnatal decline in the capacity for cell proliferation appears to be responsible for limits to hair cell regeneration that are unique to mammals. We have investigated the time course of that decline in cell proliferation and its potential regulation by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). Our immunoblots have revealed that inactive GSK3β decreases postnatally in the murine utricular epithelium, as E-cadherin and the active forms of GSK3α and GSK3β each increase. In cultured utricular epithelia, pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 by LiCl and SB-216763 increased cell proliferation across a range of postnatal ages. LiCl treatments also led to increased levels of β-catenin and Snail and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Transfection with a dominant-negative GSK3β enhanced proliferation in these epithelia in a cell-autonomous manner, while overexpression of wild-type GSK3β markedly reduced it. The evidence from these measurements and experimental manipulations indicates that the balance of active and inactive forms of GSK3 helps to determine whether mammalian vestibular supporting cells will proliferate; permitting proliferation during early development when inactive GSK3 predominates and progressively inhibiting proliferation, and thereby limiting the capacity for hair cell regeneration as more GSK3 becomes active during the first week of postnatal maturation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.
High 400 °C operation temperature blue spectrum concentration solar junction in GaInN/GaN

Transparent wide gap junctions suitable as high temperature, high flux topping cells have been achieved in GaInN/GaN by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. In structures of 25 quantum wells (QWs) under AM1.5G illumination, an open circuit voltage of 2.1 V is achieved. Of the photons absorbed in the limited spectral range of <450 nm, 64.2% are converted to electrons collected at the contacts under zero bias. At a fill factor of 45%, they account for a power conversion efficiency of38.6%. Under concentration, the maximum output power density per sun increases from 0.49 mW/cm2 to 0.51 mW/cm2 at 40 suns and then falls 0.42 mW/cm2 at 150 suns. Under external heating, a maximum of 0.59 mW/cm2 is reached at 250 °C. Even at 400 °C, the device is fully operational and exceeds room temperature performance. A defect analysis suggests that significantly higher fill factors and extension into longer wavelength ranges are possible with further development. The results prove GaInN/GaN QW solar junctions a viable and rugg...
From developmentalism to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Contrasting the socio-political contexts of large-scale development and the HIV/AIDS crisis in Lesotho, our analysis captures important historical conjunctures that expanded opportunities for the mobilization of women's rights as human rights. Local women's rights organizations, such as Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), found greater support and resonance for women's rights claims amid the socio-political context of the AIDS crisis, in marked contrast to the stifling of those same claims during a period of neoliberal, nationalist development initiatives in Lesotho. The AIDS crisis in particular introduced new international actors that helped support a ‘frame bridging’ strategy whereby women's rights were characterized as health rights, rooted in a critique of the AIDS crisis that identified the role of gender inequality as an important driver of the epidemic. These links to transnational feminist networks as well as to international health agencies bolstered the critiques of gender inequality artic...
Ballot Initiatives and Intergovernmental Relations in the United States

Using ballot initiatives, voters in several states have recently voted to concentrate more power in their state governments at the expense of local autonomy and experimentation. Whether the issue is gay rights, rent control, regulation of hazardous waste facilities, zoning, or tax policy, initiative activists have frequently sought to reverse local government policies with a statewide initiative. Counter examples that have encouraged local government experimentation also exist in areas such as campaign-finance reform. The initiative is a powerful agenda-setting device, not only for the voters in the initiative states but also for other states and the federal government. Direct legislation has been used by activists to assert state prerogatives in policy areas long thought to be national in scope, for example, immigration and drug classification. Voters have also cast ballots to limit the terms of members of the Congress, actions later declared unconstitutional. The role of the courts in determining the constitutionality of initiatives is one of the most important manifestations offederalism in direct democracy.
Capital-intensity biases in developing country technology choice

Abstract Under-employment in developing economies has been attributed to technological determinism or factor-price distortion. The present paper proposes a third view: biases towards capital- intensive techniques which stem from non-economic preferences on the part of engineers, designers, managers, and policy-makers. A fourth possible bias, consumer choice, is discussed and considered less significant. The paper emphasizes engineering biases based on the designers' maximization of ‘technical efficiency’ which is defined in a manner distinct from factor efficiency. Policy implications are that direct action to change attitudinal biases and stimulate development of labour-intensive techniques can contribute considerably to the optimal choice stimulus of corrected factor prices.
Exploring Associations Between Borderline Personality Disorder, Crack/Cocaine Dependence, Gender, and Risky Sexual Behavior Among Substance-Dependent Inpatients

Engagement in self-destructive and impulsive behaviors is considered to be a cardinal symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and many of the behaviors enumerated in this criterion have been the focus of extensive empirical research. However, very few studies have examined risky sexual behavior (RSB) in particular in BPD. Given evidence that BPD patients with a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) may be at increased risk for RSB relative to BPD patients without a SUD, the present study examined the association between BPD and past-year engagement in RSB (particularly, penetrative sex and nonuse of condoms with casual and commercial partners) within a mixed-gender sample of 94 SUD patients in residential treatment, as well as the moderating role of gender in this association. Given past findings of an association between crack/cocaine use and RSB, we also examined the moderating role of lifetime crack/cocaine dependence on the relationship between BPD and RSB. Results demonstrated a significant main effect of BPD on past-year penetrative sex with casual and commercial partners. Significant 3-way interactions between BPD status, lifetime crack/cocaine dependence, and gender were also found for past-year penetrative sex with casual and commercial partners, as well as the likelihood of not using a condom during sex with a casual partner. Post hoc analyses indicated that women with co-occurring BPD and lifetime crack/cocaine dependence were at greatest risk for RSB. Findings replicate extant findings pertaining to the association between BPD and RSB and extend research by identifying relevant factors that may moderate this association.
The Political Terror Scale (PTS): A Re-introduction and a Comparison to CIRI

Despite the frequency with which scholars have utilized the Political Terror Scale (PTS), a surprising number of questions remain regarding the origins of the scale, the coding scheme it employs, and its conceptualization of "state terror." This research note attempts to clarify these issues. We also take this opportunity to compare the PTS with the Cingranelli and Richards Human Rights Data Project (CIRI). Although the PTS and CIRI are coded from the same source material and capture the same class of human rights violations, we observe some important differences between the two that we believe may be of interest to scholars in the quantitative human rights community. First, we believe that the CIRI claims a level of precision that is not possible given the source data from which both datasets are coded. We believe that the PTS offers a transparent coding system that recognizes the inherent limitations in measuring abuses of physical integrity rights. Second, we argue that the CIRI's method of summing across abuse types leads to some inappropriate categorizations. For instance, the absence of one type of abuse prevents a state from being coded into a more repressive overall category regardless of the levels of other types of abuse. Lastly, the PTS accounts for the "range" of violence committed by the state—in short, what segments of the population are targeted. We believe that range is an important dimension to consider in measuring human rights and one to which CIRI does not attend.
An exploratory analysis of new competencies: a resource based view perspective

Abstract The resource based view (RBV) theory of the firm widely acknowledges that capabilities that are unique and are important for achieving sustained competitive advantage. It has been argued in the manufacturing literature that manufacturing facilities, technology and policies are important to gain performance. However, little has been done to examine the capabilities from a resource based perspective. Nor has there been an exploration in how firms develop and leverage new capabilities. The literature also tends to neglect how complex and often intertwined these capabilities are within the firms. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the successful development of new resources and competencies that were created when Analog Devices developed an emerging technology. The paper is exploratory and identifies the new competencies and Analog Devices’ ability to capitalize upon them.
Crossed renal ectopia with familial occurrence.

Abstract A familial occurrence of crossed renal ectopia is presented. No genetic factor has been determined in this congenital anomaly so this familial occurrence is believed to he incidental.
Evaluation of material erosion from plasma-facing surfaces in hard disruptions via simulated ablation due to heat flux in electrothermal discharges

Advanced fusion energy systems require the development of materials able to resist high operating temperatures, high neutron irradiation, and high thermo-mechanical stresses. Additional requirements for fusion materials include low absorption cross-sections, high thermal conductivity, and minimal swelling. Graphite, beryllium, lithium, stainless steel, tungsten, copper, and molybdenum are among the materials and alloy/ceramic components proposed for use in fusion reactors. Even with advances in the reliability of non-disruptive plasma systems, plasma-facing components, such as the diverter and first wall, must withstand abnormal hard disruption events as well as normal operational conditions. Sustained operation of fusion devices necessitates understanding long-term effects of materials response to high heat fluxes experienced during disruptions. The high heat flux effects on fusion reactor suitable materials is investigated herein by simulating heat flux deposition to materials of the interior liners inside electrothermal (ET) plasma sources, which produce high-density (1023-1027/m3) plasmas with heat fluxes of up to 125 GW/m2 over a period of 100μs relevant to expected heat fluxes during hard disruptions. Radiative heat flux to the inner wall of the ET source ablates the wall material, forming a dense vapor of excited atoms or molecules dissociated from the wall, followed by their ionization. The ETFLOW is a 1D time dependent code which models ET sources, the plasma formation and flow inside the source. Additionally, it calculates the incident and deposited heat flux, the amount of ablated mass, the pressure, velocity and number densities of the species. Erosion of selected materials has been studied over a range of heat fluxes comparable to expected heat fluxes during hard disruptions in future tokamaks. Computational experiments using heat fluxes between 10GW/m2 and 125 GW/m2 have shown low total erosion for low-z materials (Li, Be, C) and higher erosion for high-z materials (Fe, Cu, Mo, W). The time rate of material erosion for various ranges of heat fluxes shows increased erosion with time evolution over the 150 ms pulse length of the simulated disruption event. At the highest values of heat flux simulated, low-z materials were found to ablate almost identically. At all simulated values of heat flux, the ablation of high-z materials correlated positively with z-number.
What will it take to obtain DNA methylation markers for early cervical cancer detection

The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has become the most successful cancer screening method in the world, and has reduced U.S. cervical cancer deaths by 74% since its widespread adoption in the 1950s [1]. The subsequent identification of the human papilloma virus (HPV) as the primary causal agent of cervical cancer has resulted in even greater disease detection, and recently developed subtype-specific HPV vaccines likely hold great promise for disease prevention [2]. Despite these advances, the management of advanced premalignant dysplastic disease, i.e., grades 2 - 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3), remains inadequate to predict post-treatment recurrence or the likelihood of progression to invasive cervical malignancy [3, 4]. Furthermore, current vaccines do not confer 100% protection against CIN2/3 lesions or cervical cancer, resulting in questions of cost-effectiveness [5], and the use of HPV vaccines will also mandate more efficient screening approaches. Consequently, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers, in combination with HPV testing and Pap smears, could improve diagnosis of rapidly progressing disease and detect high-grade precursors likely to advance to invasive cervical carcinoma, while also reducing unnecessary follow-up of non-recurrent lesions.
Orphan opioid receptor antisense probes block orphanin FQ-induced hyperphagia

Abstract Orphanin FQ/nociceptin binds with high affinity to the orphan opioid receptor-like/κ-3 (ORL1/KOR-3) clone, and stimulates feeding. The present study demonstrated that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against either exons 1, 2 or 3 of the ORL1/KOR-3 clone reduced orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia. A missense probe was ineffective. Naltrexone dose-dependently reduced orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia. These data suggest that the receptor responsible for orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia is encoded by the ORL1/KOR-3 clone.
The effects of ionizing radiations on synthetic organic ion exchangers

Effects of ionizing radiations on organic ion exchangers are recognized as a vexing problem in the processing of special nuclear materials and high specific activity radioactive waste forms. An extensive literature survey, started in 1976 and updated periodically, indicates that radiation decomposition of ion exchange materials has the potential for a variety of undesirable consequences. It is also apparent from this survey that systematic efforts to identify and resolve these problems and to develop radiation resistant ion exchangers are extremely limited. There is, however, widely scattered information in the literature that is useful in designing and operating ion-exchange-based process systems with reasonable assurance of safety. The compilation of experimental data presented in this paper can contribute to better design and safer operations of synthetic organic ion exchange systems at nuclear material processing facilities.
Theoretical study on the role of dynamics on the unusual magnetic properties in MnBi

We study the electronic structure and lattice dynamics in the ferromagnet MnBi using first-principles calculations and a tight-binding model. The band structure around the Fermi level is dominated by Bi-p states which are the primary contributors to the magnetic anisotropy energy in the low temperature structure. A tight-binding model consisting of Mn-d and Bi-p states is developed and the parameters are determined from first-principles calculations. Phonon dispersions and elastic moduli exhibit several interesting features. The results imply that the magnetic interaction with the crystal lattice in MnBi is considerably more complex than previously thought and in particular that there is a rich interplay between phonons and magnetism involving both magnetoelastic and magnetostrictive coupling.
Straight Eye for the Gay Guy: Composing Queerness

Drawing on the work of Didier Eribon and his theorization of the construction of gay male subjectivity, this article examines different "texts," broadly defined, that grapple specifically with straight men attempting to represent male homosexuality: Norman Mailer's essay, "The Homosexual Villain"; the Bravo reality television series Boy Meets Boy, and Michael Griffith's short story, "Hooper Gets a Perm." These texts represent attempts by straight authors to grapple with queer experience in ways that move the imagination of queers beyond simple stereotypes or uncritical explorations of the sexual "other." In the process of examining these texts, the following questions are addressed: What happens when a straight man attempts to represent a gay man? Does he "get it right," and is such a question even useful? More specifically, what is the value in having straights imagine queerness? Is such an imagining possible? Is such desirable? And, if so, what are the contours of such an imagining-as well as its possibilities and limitations, pedagogically, personally, and politically? Ultimately, I contend that the straight imagining of queerness offers rich potential for mutual understanding; furthermore, attempting to understand what goes into the making of those representations tells us much about how queerness circulates in our culture as a subject, a figure of discussion, contention, and representation.
Extraction of Human Epidermis Treated with Retinol Yields Retro-Retinoids in Addition to Free Retinol and Retinyl Esters

Vitamin A, all- trans -retinol, is metabolized to retinoic acid in vivo by a tightly controlled two-step conversion. Retinoic acid then binds to nuclear receptors and modulates cellular proliferation and differentiation. Because only a small fraction of retinol applied topically can be metabolized to retinoic acid, alternative pathways of retinol metabolism in skin were investigated. Retinol (0.4%) was applied to adult human skin under occlusion for 6h to 4 d. The conversion of retinal into various metabolites such as 14-hydroxy-4,14- retro -retinol, anhydroretinol, 4-oxoretinol, retinyl esters, and retinyl glucuronides was investigated. The level of 14-hydroxy- retro -retinol was increased from undetectable at time 0 to 326ng/g wet weight of tissue at 6h (6% of the retinol level) and maintained approximately the same concentration at 24h to 409ng/g wet weight (1.9% of the retinol level); it decreased to 48ng/g wet weight of tissue (12% of its maximum level) by 4 d. Anhydroretinol was undetectable at time 0, increased only slightly at 6 h, and remained at the same level. We did not detect 4-oxoretinol. Because 14-hydroxy- retro -retinol was found in the retinol-treated areas, its effects on epidermis were compared with those of retinol. Topical application of trans -retinol (0.3%) significantly increased both epidermal thickness and cellular retinoic acid binding protein II mRNA, whereas 14-hydroxy-4,14- retro -retinol (0.3%) did not increase either of these well-characterized cutaneous retinoid responses. Retinol, when applied topically in pharmacologic doses to human epidermis, remained as free retinol, was metabolized primarily to retinol ester, and was metabolized to a lesser extent to retro -retinoids and didehydroretinol.
Prediction of an rRNA methyltransferase domain in human tumor-specific nucleolar protein P120

Using computer methods for identification of amino acid motifs in sequence databases and multiple alignment, it is shown that human proliferation-associated nucleolar protein P120 contains a putative methyltransferase domain that is conserved in a group of bacterial proteins. It is hypothesized that P120 and the related prokaryotic proteins are rRNA methylases required for division of all types of cells.
Epidermal injury and infection during poxvirus immunization is crucial for the generation of highly protective T cell-mediated immunity

Smallpox was eradicated by vaccination with a related poxvirus, vaccinia virus, which was applied to superficially injured skin in a process called scarification. Recombinant poxvirus–based vaccines are attractive candidates for protecting against a number of different infections, but they are nowadays usually administered intramuscularly. Thomas Kupper and his colleagues now show that the traditional route of administration, scarification, enables poxvirus-based vaccines to mediate more potent immunity compared with the intramuscular route. In particular, scarification with the poxvirus vaccines induced the sort of immune responses that are required for protection of distant tissues, including the lung mucosa.
Viral Retinitis After Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection in Patients With Predisposing Medical Comorbidities

Purpose To review the cases of viral retinitis after intravitreal steroid administration at a single center, to estimate the incidence, and to propose risk factors for its occurrence. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Methods Seven hundred thirty-six intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) injections were administered in the clinic and operating room by 3 retina specialists at a single academic medical center between September 2002 and November 2008. Inclusion criteria were simply a history of 1 or more IVTA injections during the period. The overall incidence of viral retinitis after IVTA injection was calculated. Subsequently, a chart audit was performed to estimate the number of patients with immune-altering conditions who had received IVTA during the period, and the incidence within this subgroup was calculated. Results Viral retinitis developed after IVTA injection in 3 patients, yielding an overall incidence of 3 in 736 or 0.41%. An estimated 334 injections were administered to patients with an immune-altering condition, including diabetes. All 3 of the patients in whom viral retinitis developed after IVTA injection possessed abnormal immune systems, yielding an incidence rate of 3 in 334 or 0.90% within this subgroup. Conclusions Our high reported incidence for this potentially devastating complication can be attributed to multiple factors, including coexisting medical immunocompromising comorbidities, a higher dose with a longer duration of local immunosuppression in the vitreous, multiple injections, as well as previous viral retinitis. Caution with a high index of clinical suspicion and frequent follow-up is advised in patients receiving IVTA injection with potentially immune-altering conditions, even after apparent immune recovery.