cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex phylogenetic lineage and acquired drug resistance.

Background: Development of resistance to antituberculosis drugs during treatment (i.e., acquired resistance) can lead to emergence of resistant strains and consequent poor clinical outcomes. However, it is unknown whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species and lineage affects the likelihood of acquired resistance. Methods: We analyzed data from the U.S. National Tuberculosis Surveillance System and National Tuberculosis Genotyping Service for tuberculosis cases during 2004–2011 with assigned species and lineage and both initial and final drug susceptibility test results. We determined univariate associations between species and lineage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria and acquired resistance to isoniazid, rifamycins, fluoroquinolones, and second-line injectables. We used Poisson regression with backward elimination to generate multivariable models for acquired resistance to isoniazid and rifamycins. Results: M. bovis was independently associated with acquired resistance to isoniazid (adjusted prevalence ratio=8.46, 95% CI 2.96–24.14) adjusting for HIV status, and with acquired resistance to rifamycins (adjusted prevalence ratio=4.53, 95% CI 1.29–15.90) adjusting for homelessness, HIV status, initial resistance to isoniazid, site of disease, and administration of therapy. East Asian lineage was associated with acquired resistance to fluoroquinolones (prevalence ratio=6.10, 95% CI 1.56–23.83). Conclusions: We found an association between mycobacterial species and lineage and acquired drug resistance using U.S. surveillance data. Prospective clinical studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings, including whether rapid genotyping of isolates at the outset of treatment may benefit patient management.
A conversational interface for online shopping

We present a deployed, conversational dialog system that assists users in finding computers based on their usage patterns and constraints on specifications. We discuss findings from a market survey and two user studies. We compared our system to a directed dialog system and a menu driven navigation system. We found that the conversational interface reduced the average number of clicks by 63% and the average interaction time by 33% over a menu driven search system. The focus of our continuing work includes developing a dynamic, adaptive dialog management strategy, robustly handling user input and improving the user interface.
Labor Markets and Inequitable Growth: The Case of Authoritarian Capitalism in Brazil

Part I. Growth, employment creation, and inequality in Brazil: 1. Introduction 2. Production and employment trends in the post-war period 3. Rising inequality since 1960 4. The meaning and interpretation of rising inequality in a growing economy 5. Evidence on absolute improvements and upward mobility Part II. The effect of supply and demand on labour markets during rapid economic growth: 6. Migration and the modernization of the agricultural labour force 7. The absorption of migrants into the urban economy 8. Trends and theories of the wage differential during economic growth 9. The market for skilled labour 10. Agriculture, wage policy, and the wages of unskilled labour 11. Additional perspectives on inequitable growth in Brazil 12. Conclusions.
Scattering of Polarized Laser Light by Water Droplet, Mixed-Phase and Ice Crystal Clouds. Part II: Angular Depolarizing and Multiple-Scattering Behavior.

Abstract Light scattering measurements obtained with a polar nephelometer in the planes of polarization both orthogonal and parallel to that of the linearly polarized laser source are used to investigate the angular depolarizing properties of artificial ice, water and mixed-phase clouds in Part II of this report. Although the generation of depolarized energy in water and ice clouds is shown to be accomplished by different scattering mechanisms, angular depolarization patterns for both cloud types display the tendency for linear depolarization ratios (δ, the ratio of orthogonal to parallel polarized signals) to increase with increasing scattering angle. For ice clouds, however, the δ values are typically an order of magnitude or more greater than the values for water clouds as a consequence of cloud particle shape effects. Angular depolarization measurements of mixed-phase clouds are shown to possess the potential for determining a measure of cloud ice-water balance by means of bistatic remote sensing obse...
Is Imperial Rule Obsolete?: Assessing the Barriers to Overseas Adventurism

The idea that the United States is an empire or should adopt imperial strategies has been widely criticized. One of the most persuasive sets of arguments against imperial enthusiasts is that empire is an obsolete and outdated strategy. Both systemic- and domestic-level changes are said to prevent the United States from successfully implementing an imperial strategy. I maintain that the importance of these barriers—whether technological, economic, or ideational—are greatly overstated. In contrast, I point to a number of developments, such as the rise of nontraditional security threats, the revolution in military affairs, and changing norms of humanitarian intervention, that will encourage greater American overseas adventurism.
Comparative study of dimensions of policing during political transition in Bermuda: 1950-1977 and 1978-1995

The decolonization process in the British dependent territory of Bermuda has been characterized by a progressive transfer of political responsibility for policing to internal government during 1977. This study undertakes a comparative diachronic analysis of changes in measures of policing strength, function and accountability between the years 1950-1977 and 1978-1995. The various dimensions of policing were compared between the two time periods and it was seen that overall political goals of the progressive decolonization process were achieved through the establishment of democratic government. However, the post-1978 expansion of the police specialization and bureaucracy has failed to contain increases in crimes. This has undermined accountability and indigenous development of the services.
Effects of cooling the ventrolateral medulla on diaphragm activity during NREM sleep

Abstract Dysfunction through cooling of neurons near the ventrolateral medullary (VLM) surface results in apnea in the anesthetized state, whereas similar neuronal dysfunction in the awake state only modestly decreases breathing. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects on breathing, as measured by diaphragm electromyogram (EMGdi), of VLM neuronal dysfunction during NREM sleep, a naturally occurring change in state. In six goats, thermodes for cooling were chronically implanted between the first hypoglossal rootlet and the pontomedullary junction (area M and area S). During wakefulness and NREM sleep, bilateral VLM cooling (thermode temp = 20°C) for 30 sec decreased EMGdi mean activity and minute EMGdi (p
DECREASED PURINE AND METHIONINE SYNTHESIS IN PURINE NUCLEOSIDE TREATED T AND B LYHPHOBLASTS: REVERSAL BY HOMOCYSTEINE: 21

Adenine and guanine nucleosides and deoxynucleosides inhibit methionine synthesis in cultured human T and B lymphoblasts; the deoxynucleosides are more potent inhibitors than the corresponding nucleosides and T lymphoblasts are more sensitive than B lymphoblasts (J. Clin. Invest. 74:1262-1268, 1984). Since homo-cysteine largely reverses the methionine synthesis inhibition, it appears that the mechanism is through S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibition with a consequent decrease in intracellular homocysteine synthesis. Because the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase reaction is functionally irreversible in vivo, reduced intracellular homocysteine production should lead to trapping of folates as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and thus to decreased purine synthesis. This hypothesis was tested in cultured T and B lymphoblasts. To eliminate inhibition of the first reaction of the de novo pathway, cells were treated with azaserine and aminoimidazolecarboxamide; thus, when incubated with [14C]formate only the last step of the pathway is measured. In the T lymphoblasts dAdo and dGuo inhibited purine synthesis significantly at concentrations less than 1 μM whereas it required greater than 3 μM of these deoxynucleosides to inhibit purine synthesis in the B lymphoblasts; at these low concentrations of dAdo and dGuo homocysteine fully reversed the decreased purine synthesis.
Calculation of the thermal A factors for methyl and ethyl rupture from chemically activated ethyltrimethylsilane. An application of RRKM theory

Abstract The unimolecular decomposition of ethyltrimethylsilane, chemically activated by the insertion of a singlet methylene radical into a CH bond of tetramethylsilane, has been studied from 0.03 to 70 mm Hg in the presence of oxygen. The singlet methylene radicals were produced by diazomethane photolysis at 4358 A. Using neopentane and trimethylsilane as internal standards, the specific rate constant for ethyltrimethylsilane decomposition was determined to be 4.5 × 104 sec−1. This rate correlates via RRKM theoretical calculations with thermal A factors in the range of 1014.8 to 1015.7 sec−1 for ethyl rupture and 1015.2 to 1016.4 sec−1 for methyl rupture from the Si atom of ethyltrimethylsilane. The range in these A factors reflects the uncertainties in the critical energies for these two paths.
Using videodisk instruction in an elementary science methods course: Remediating science knowledge deficiencies and facilitating science teaching attitudes

Inadequate science knowledge of preservice teachers enrolled in science methods courses not only limits their mastery of effective teaching practices, but also may foster negative attitudes toward science teaching. This study investigated the influence of science knowledge upon attitudes toward science teaching in a one-semester elementary science methods course by embedding a videodisk-based instructional component to remediate knowledge deficiencies. Preservice teachers in the experimental group first learned core concepts in physical and earth science through a series of 24 interactive videodisk lessons and then used the concepts as a foundation for preparing and presenting model science lessons. Results showed that the experimental group overcame their initial knowledge deficiencies by mastering the core concepts presented (mean proportion correct on mastery test = 0.91), with multivariate covariance analysis confirming that the experimentals gain in science knowledge was significantly greater than comparable controls in the parallel science methods sections. Additionally, as a result of mastering the core concepts underlying earth science, preservice teachers using the videodisk instruction also displayed significantly greater confidence in their understanding of science knowledge and more positive attitudes toward science teaching at the elementary levels. Implications for improving elementary science teaching through preservice and in-service training are discussed.
Affective cues and brand-extension evaluation: Exploring the influence of attitude toward the parent brand and attitude toward the extension ad

This research investigates the influence of two affective cues, namely, attitude toward the parent brand and attitude toward the extension ad, on brand-extension evaluation. Results show that as perceived congruity between the extension and the parent brand decreases, the influence of attitude toward the parent brand on brand-extension evaluation decreases, but the influence of attitude toward the extension ad increases. The impact of the two affective cues also appears to be moderated by an individual's need for cognition. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grading rubrics: hoopla or help?

The purpose of the study was to offer some quantitative, multivariate evidence concerning the impact of grading rubric use on academic outcome among American higher education students. Using a pre-post, quasi-experimental research design, cross-sectional data were derived from undergraduates enrolled in an elective during spring and fall 2009 at an American research university. The control group, who completed an assignment without a grading rubric, scored significantly lower, on average, than the treatment group who completed the same assignment with the use of the rubric. Regression results indicated that the grading rubric constituted a significant predictor of assignment outcome, but exerted a less powerful effect than baseline course knowledge and grade point average. Suggestions for future research are provided.
PAK to the future

Members of the Pak family of serine/threonine kinases serve as targets for the small GTP-binding proteins Cdc42 and Rac and have been implicated in a wide range of biological activities. Recently, some exciting developments help elaborate the regulation of Pak activity and identify downstream signalling targets. These include the discovery of the Cool/Pix and Cat proteins, which modulate Pak signalling, and downstream kinases that modulate the organization of the actin cytoskeleton or gene expression. We present these recent findings and consider how these new regulators and targets could explain some of the cellular effects that have been attributed to Pak family members.
Re-evaluation of the effects of norepinephrine on the single-unit activity of paraventricular neurosecretory neurons

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the A1 noradrenergic region elicited predominantly an excitatory orthodromic response from paraventricular neurosecretory neurons recorded in urethane-anesthetized male rats. In a majority of cases, locally applied norepinephrine (NE) as well as A1 region stimulation excited paraventricular neurosecretory neurons. However, in some neurons including a subpopulation of putative vasopressin neurons, iontophoresed NE was inhibitory. Both excitatory and inhibitory effects of NE were selectively blocked by the α-antagonist, phentolamine, but not by the β-antagonist, timolol. In general, the results support the notion that the A1 noradrenergic input to paraventricular neurosecretory neurons is excitatory. Nevertheless, the results do not exclude the possibility that NE exerts a specific, α-receptormediated, inhibitory effect on a subpopulation of paraventricular neurons.
Active control in combustion systems

Over the past decade, active control has been investigated in combustion systems as a means of preventing thermoacoustic instabilities from degrading the system performance. More recently, attempts to control instability and emissions as well as to satisfy other performance criteria have also been pursued. In this article, the authors review control problems in continuous combustion processes, the need for active control, and current status of the field. Despite the success reported in experimental investigations, a systematic procedure by which active control can be designed and implemented is currently not available. In particular, a theoretical framework which includes an investigation of the resonant nature of the thermoacoustic instability, an understanding of the significance of the mixing of modes and the dynamic impact of acoustic drivers, and the incorporation of the subtle coupling among the different physical processes of heat, mass, and momentum addition, as well as acoustics, turbulence, and chemistry, has not been developed. As an example of what can be accomplished using such a theoretically based approach, in this article the authors also review the results of their efforts expended thus far in the area of active control of a premixed combustor. The authors discuss the highlights of a feedback model proposed in Annaswamy et al. (1995) which captures the dominant dynamic features of the combustor. The authors demonstrate that their model captures the effects of several interacting modes, the mean-flow and mean-heat release in the combustor, and the locations of the actuator-sensor pair, and provides guidelines for an active control design. The authors suggest a systematic procedure for designing an active controller that provides an appropriate compensating action and results in improved performance.
Isolated sensor Ocean Bottom Seismometer

In most of the Ocean Bottom Seisometers (OBS) used today, the sensors, electronics, recorders, flotation, and ballast are contained in one rigid package. Usually this configuration requires a large mass, a large vertical cross section in the water, and relatively small bearing surface area in contact with the bottom, resulting in poor seismic characteristics and increased noise sensitivity. An OBS recently developed at the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics (HIG) minimizes these problems by physically separating the sensor from the main OBS package.
Corneal endothelial wound repair in normal and mitotically inhibited cultures

• Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the morphology, proliferative activity and cytoskeletal organization of bovine corneal endothelial cells during wound healing under normal and mitotically inhibited conditions. • Methods: Cell cultures were grown to confluency and incubated with the mitotic inhibitor 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 2.5 μg/ml) followed by a touch wound. Control cultures were maintained without 5-FU. Mitotic activity, F-actin, vinculin, vimentin and connexin 43 localization were evaluated before, during and after wound closure. • Results: 5-FU inhibited irreversibly the mitotic activity of corneal endothelial cells during the whole wound healing process. In the presence of 5-FU, a high degree of polymegathism and delay in actin and vinculin redistribution to the cell borders after wound closure was observed. Vimentin and connexin 43 immunolabeling revealed only slight differences between 5-FU-treated and control cultures. • Conclusion: Significant changes in cell geometry and cytoskeletal organization in the amitotic corneal endothelium became manifested only after wounding. These changes may influence cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions as well as functional restoration of the monolayer after wound closure.
SMALL ARTERY AND VEIN PRESSURES IN THE SUBARACHNOID SPACE OF THE DOG.

Summary The mean arterial pressure in vessels of 0.5 mm. diameter in the subarachnoid space is in the range of 63 mm. Hg, which is less than 50 per cent of mean systemic blood pressure. In the small veins of this space, the pressure is in the range of 255 mm. H 2 O (19 mm. Hg) with a gradient of pressure between subarachnoid vein and membranous sagittal sinus of approximately 150 mm H 2 O. A major determinant of SAVP is CSFP, and elevations of the latter increase subarachnoid venous pressure without elevating sagittal sinus venous pressure.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Whole-Body Field Mice Collected Upgradient and Downgradient of a Sediment Retention Structure in Los Alamos Canyon, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners were measured in (unwashed) whole-body field (deer) mice (Peromyscus maniculaltus) collected directly upgradient from a sediment retention structure (weir) within Los Alamos Canyon (LAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), New Mexico, USA, from 2007 through 2013. Samples were also collected approximately 8 km downgradient of the retention structure in 2009 and 2013. LAC, a major drainage that crosses LANL lands, contains legacy waste, including PCBs, and occasionally discharges storm water and snowmelt flows to the Rio Grande approximately 8.8 km away from the weir. The Rio Grande is the major waterway that flows southward across the state. The weir was constructed across the channel on the northeastern boundary of LANL in late 2000 to help contain sediments mobilized by floodwaters as a result of a large wildfire in early 2000 that burned forest lands west and adjacent to LANL. Total PCBs in field mice directly upgradient of the sediment retention structure from 2007 through 2012 were significantly greater (p 0.05) than in field mice collected from background locations but decreased in concentration over time; by 2013 the levels were statistically similar (p > 0.05) to background. The highest mean total PCB concentration in field mice was below the levels that may negatively impact field mice population attributes. Total PCBs in field mice collected 8 km below the sediment retention structure in 2009 were lower than field mice collected from behind the weir and decreased over time; also by 2013, the amount of PCBs in field mice 8 km below the sediment retention structure were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from background. The rank order of concentrations of ICES 7 PCB congeners in upgradient and downgradient field mice were: No. 153 > 180 > 138 > 118 > 28 > 101 > 52 and No. 153 > 180 > 138 > 52 > 101 > 118 > 28, respectively. Based on the PCB homolog distribution, the major formulation detected in field mice was Aroclor-1260. Overall, the reduction of PCBs in whole-body field mice from both sites over time was attributed, in part, to sediment control practices.
General and program-specific moderators of two eating disorder prevention programs.

Objective: To investigate general and program-specific factors hypothesized to moderate the effects of two eating disorder prevention programs. Method: High-risk adolescent girls (N = 481; M age = 17) were randomized to a dissonance-based thin-ideal internalization reduction program, a healthy weight management program, an expressive-writing control condition, or an assessment-only control condition. Participants completed diagnostic interviews and surveys at pretest, post-test, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Results: Dissonance program effects on bulimic symptoms were stronger for participants with initial elevations in body image distress, bulimic symptoms, and thin-ideal internalization. Healthy weight program effects on bulimic symptoms were stronger for adolescents with initial elevations in body image distress, bulimic symptoms, readiness to change, body mass, and emotional eating. Conclusion: Overall, intervention effects tended to be amplified for high-risk versus low-risk adolescents. However, certain moderator effects appeared to be specific to the two different prevention programs. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Interleukin‐1 increases expression of cytosolic and membrane PGE synthase in mouse astrocytes and brain

Increased production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accompanies inflammatory responses, both peripherally and in the brain. Previous studies have demonstrated marked up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by IL-1β in mouse astrocytes and brain. However, selective increases in PGE2 production are dependent on expression of downstream PGE synthases. Therefore, we have investigated regulation of two PGE synthase isoforms in cultured murine astrocytes and in mouse brain treated with IL-1β. In astrocytes exposed to 10 ng/mL IL-1β we see an early and dramatic increase in cytosolic PGE synthase mRNA and protein expression at 4 and 8 h that largely subsides by 24 h. This pattern is similar to that observed for COX-2 expression. Interestingly, increases in membrane PGE synthase levels also occur, but with a delayed time course. Similar increases in both isoforms are observed following intraparenchymal injection of 5 ng recombinant IL-1β. More specifically, the in vivo increase in COX-2 mRNA was accompanied by an increase in membrane PGE synthase mRNA levels 6 h following IL-1β injection. Subsequently, protein expression of both the cytosolic and membrane PGE synthases was elevated at 24 h. Interestingly, administration of NS-398, a COX-2 specific inhibitor, attenuated IL-1β-induced changes in PGE synthase expression, suggesting regulation of these isoforms by a COX-2-dependent mechanism. Together these data suggest that up-regulation of both PGE synthase isoforms contributes to cerebral inflammatory responses to IL-1β. Acknowledgements: Supported by RO1 NS33553 to MKO.
Reply to C.A. Hudis et al

TO THE EDITOR: We are grateful to Hudis et al for the opportunity to clarify both the limitations and uses of observational data in the assessment of clinical questions. With regard to the benefits of dosedense chemotherapy for elderly patients with hormone-positive breast cancer, we agree that there are subsets of older patients who are hormone positive who benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to hormone therapy, and likely a subset of those who benefit from more intensive therapy and dose-dense therapy. Current studies of personalized approaches will help inform the former, but not necessarily the latter. Unfortunately, however, in the absence of clear indications for treatment, it is common to err on the side of treating many for the benefit of the few. Our paper’s intent was to look at patterns of care and dissemination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, not the benefit of chemotherapy or a particular therapy. When results from clinical trials are presented they are often applied to patients who do not fit the strict eligibility criteria that is required for trial participants. We found the uptake of first-cycle colony-stimulating factor was rapid in many settings, and we describe the estimated costs associated with rapid uptake. Observational data cannot substitute for randomized trials in establishing the efficacy of an intervention. But randomized trials are limited to carefully defined subject eligibility and self-selection. It is impractical and unnecessary for a randomized trial to be conducted for every treatment in every subgroup setting. However, in addition to being hypothesis generating, observational data can effectively explore how interventions are utilized in “the real world,” can provide clues and insights into how quality of care can be improved and can help explore how the costs of cancer care can be reduce. Many of the limitations of the operationalized definitions mentioned by the authors were addressed in the Discussion section of the paper. We feel it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of making difficult therapeutic decisions when the efficacy data is ambiguous, especially when treating patients that may not be well represented by the clinical trial data.
MODEL‐UNBIASEDNESS AND THE HORVITZ‐THOMPSON ESTIMATOR IN FINITE POPULATION SAMPLING

Summary Under the, notion of superpopulation models, the concept of minimum expected variance is adopted as an optimality criterion for design-unbiased estimators, i.e. unbiased under repeated sampling. In this article, it is shown that the Horvitz-Thompson estimator is optimal among such estimators if and only if it is model-unbiased, i.e. unbiased under the model. The family of linear models is considered and a sample design is suggested to preserve the model-unbiasedness (and hence the optimality) of the Horvitz-Thompson estimator. It is also shown that under these models the Horvitz-Thompson estimator together with the suggested sample design is optimal among design-unbiased estimators with any sample design (of fixed size n) having non-zero probabilities of inclusion for all population units.
Synthesis, SPS processing and low temperature transport properties of polycrystalline FeSb2 with nano-scale grains

Abstract FeSb 2 nanocrystals were synthesized by employing an ethanol-mediated surfactant-free solvothermal approach and subsequently densified to form dense polycrystalline Pnnm FeSb 2 with nano-grains employing spark plasma sintering (SPS). Structural and low temperature transport properties of nanostructured polycrystalline FeSb 2 were investigated and compared with that of bulk FeSb 2 . The nanostructured FeSb 2 had a much lower thermal conductivity, particularly below 150 K, compared to bulk FeSb 2 with resistivity values that were comparable to that of the bulk at these temperatures. This resulted in enhanced thermoelectric properties at cryogenic temperatures as compared to that of the bulk. The ability to form nanostructured polycrystalline materials by SPS processing of solution-phase synthesized nanocrystals, together with the resulting enhanced thermoelectric properties, represent proof of concept for this approach for low-temperature thermoelectrics applications.
An invariant imbedding difference equation algorithm

Abstract A difference equation algorithm, based upon the concept of invariant imbedding, is presented for solving non-linear boundary-value and optimal control problems. The algorithm, an expansion of one first proposed by Bellman, eliminates the global trial-and-error procedures that characterize most commonly-used techniques, provides a means for coping with systems instability and large dimensionality and can be as accurate as desired. Numerical examples for four different systems are presented to illustrate the algorithm.
The public and private purposes of case records

Abstract Social welfare agencies have official reasons and requirements for the construction of case records. Sociologists have detected a set of unofficial reasons that shape case records in practice. This paper suggests that case records that record the lives of children in child welfare systems are written, inter alia , to deny the failure of interventions, to justify the refusal to serve “bad clients,” and to justify the decision to extend hegemony over “good” clients.
Part VIII: Traditional midwives and family planning: An assessment of programs and suggestions for the future.

(1981). Part VIII: Traditional midwives and family planning: An assessment of programs and suggestions for the future. Medical Anthropology: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 107-136.
An investigation of the effects of model group size upon response facilitation in the high school classroom

The response facilitation effect of peer modeling groups was tested among a high school population of students following two weeks of treatment. Analysis of 185 student subjects in eight English classes showed that the facilitation effect did not occur. Target behavior rates generally declined once treatment was applied and increased when treatment was terminated. This led to the conclusion that the inhibitory responses in the observers were strengthened as they observed models being reinforced. The high school teacher appears to have less reinforcing significance to his students than does his elementary school colleague.
ENDOGENOUS HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND THE INTERACTION OF FRONTIER AND ADOPTIVE KNOWLEDGE ON GROWTH AND WAGE INEQUALITY

A three-sector, overlapping-generations growth model endogenizes the opportunity cost of human capital formation and the relative skill requirements of invention, innovation, and adoption of general-purpose technologies. As a result, the relative wage of skilled workers is a function of the endogenous ratio of total-to-adoptive knowledge (where the difference in knowledge stocks is frontier knowledge). Comparative statics are examined for the model's seven parameters. Simulations (representing a transition with phases to a more complex level of economic development) are presented for simultaneous exogenous shocks capable of matching (i) observed inverse movements of the relative wage and the detrended relative supply in the USA, (ii) the sharp slowing and recovering US multifactor productivity growth data since the 1970s, and (iii) a reconciliation of data used to support or deny skill-biased technological change as a major force driving up the relative wage since 1980.
Crystal structure of human thymine DNA glycosylase bound to DNA elucidates sequence-specific mismatch recognition.

Cytosine methylation at CpG dinucleotides produces m5CpG, an epigenetic modification that is important for transcriptional regulation and genomic stability in vertebrate cells. However, m5C deamination yields mutagenic G·T mispairs, which are implicated in genetic disease, cancer, and aging. Human thymine DNA glycosylase (hTDG) removes T from G·T mispairs, producing an abasic (or AP) site, and follow-on base excision repair proteins restore the G·C pair. hTDG is inactive against normal A·T pairs, and is most effective for G·T mispairs and other damage located in a CpG context. The molecular basis of these important catalytic properties has remained unknown. Here, we report a crystal structure of hTDG (catalytic domain, hTDGcat) in complex with abasic DNA, at 2.8 Å resolution. Surprisingly, the enzyme crystallized in a 2:1 complex with DNA, one subunit bound at the abasic site, as anticipated, and the other at an undamaged (nonspecific) site. Isothermal titration calorimetry and electrophoretic mobility-shift experiments indicate that hTDG and hTDGcat can bind abasic DNA with 1:1 or 2:1 stoichiometry. Kinetics experiments show that the 1:1 complex is sufficient for full catalytic (base excision) activity, suggesting that the 2:1 complex, if adopted in vivo, might be important for some other activity of hTDG, perhaps binding interactions with other proteins. Our structure reveals interactions that promote the stringent specificity for guanine versus adenine as the pairing partner of the target base and interactions that likely confer CpG sequence specificity. We find striking differences between hTDG and its prokaryotic ortholog (MUG), despite the relatively high (32%) sequence identity.
Warp drive and causality.

Alcubierre recently exhibited a spacetime which, within the framework of general relativity, allows travel at superluminal speeds if matter with a negative energy density can exist, and conjectured that it should be possible to use similar techniques to construct a theory containing closed causal loops and, thus, travel backwards in time. We verify this conjecture by exhibiting a simple modification of Alcubierre's model, requiring no additional assumptions, in which causal loops are possible. We also note that this mechanism for generating causal loops differs in essential ways from that discovered by Gott involving cosmic strings. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Primary soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities in adults

The modern literature on adult extremity sarcoma implies that adjuvant therapy (usually irradiation) is mandatory for adequate local control, at least in patients with high-grade tumours undergoing limb-sparing procedures. In 152 primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas, wide or radical resection was employed (116 patients) including amputation in nine patients (6 per cent), or local excision followed by adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy (36). Local recurrence alone occurred in 5 per cent of patients, and in combination with distant metastases in 9 per cent. The total rate of local recurrence was 10 per cent after wide resection (with or without chemotherapy) and 25 per cent after conservative resection and radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy). Limb sparing was possible in 94 per cent of patients. The majority (76 per cent) had surgical resection alone as local treatment with satisfactory results. Wide resection, when feasible, provides acceptable local control and may be preferable to local excision plus radiation therapy.
Reactive Power Reserve Issues

The lack of investments in transmission and the inductive nature of the network make reactive power of key importance in system operations and planning. Moreover, the many sources of uncertainty require reserves for the reliable operation of the power system. Reactive reserves can be viewed from the load's and the generation's perspective. From the load's perspective, the focus is on the margins to collapse, a key metric in voltage stability studies. From the generation's perspective, the focus is on the amount and value of reserves, a key need in system operations and planning, and in electricity markets. This paper defines reactive reserves as seen from the load's and generation's perspectives. The computational methods available for reactive reserves are discussed and compared. The heavy non-linear dependence of reactive reserves on the network's and the generators' physical characteristics, the plausible contingencies, the direction of load growth and the generation dispatch is shown using numerical examples.
Antennal sensilla of female Trichogramma nubilale (Ertle and Davis) (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) and comparisons with other parasitic Hymenoptera

Abstract We describe the external morphology and relative positions of antennal sensilla of female Trichgramma nubilale (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compared the results with 11 similar studies representing 15 species and 8 families within the parasitic Hymenoptera. There are 6 morphologically and structurally distinct structures on female T. nubilale antennae, which are probably sensilla, and one seta and one campaniform-like structure that may have a sensory function. Sensilla pore numbers and positions suggests that the multiporous grooved basiconica (MPG) C, multiporous pitted (MPP) trichodea A and the MPP placodea A have an olfactory function, whereas the MPP trichodea C have a gustatory function. The lack of pores and the presence of a basal socket suggests a mechanoreceptor function for aporous (AP) trichodea B, and the uniporous pitted (UPP) trichodea D, although, the latter also have a minute pore or dimple at the sensillar apex. Positions and numbers of these sensilla, setae and campaniform-like structures were consistent in all the specimens examined. These analyses suggest that antennal sensilla types and relative positions are highly conserved within the genus Trichogramma, and there are broad similarities within the parasitic Hymenoptera.
A structural model for the cholesterol-phosphatidylcholine complexes in bilayer membranes.

Based on the structural properties of phospholipid and cholesterol molecules, and making use of the known structural and motional effects of cholesterol and its analogs on phospholipid bilayers, a model for the cholesterol-phosphatidylcholine complex is proposed. In this model, the 3β-hydroxyl group of cholesterol is assumed to engage in hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl oxygen of the fatty acyl groups in phospholipids. Some specific configurations of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acyl chains of the phospholipid are suggested to participate in van der Waals attractive interactions with the α and β surface of the steroid nucleus.
Illness intrusion and psychological adjustment to rheumatic diseases : A social identity framework

Objective To examine the extent to which arthritis intruded upon 4 social roles (spouse, homemaker, parent, worker). In accordance with propositions set forth by social identity theory and the identity-relevant stress hypothesis, we hypothesized that 1) illness intrusion would predict psychological well-being and 2) role importance would moderate the relationship between illness intrusion and psychological adjustment, such that intrusion into highly valued roles would be the most psychologically distressing. Methods Participants were recruited from the practices of rheumatologists affiliated with a major urban hospital. A total of 113 individuals (73% women) with diagnosed rheumatic disease completed a mailed questionnaire. Results For all 4 roles, illness intrusion was related to decreased psychological well-being. In the worker and parent roles, the effects of illness intrusion on adjustment were moderated by whether respondents valued these particular roles. For example, psychological well-being was lowest among those individuals whose illness intruded greatly upon work and who highly valued their worker role identity. Conclusion The findings highlight the advantages of assessing both domain-specific illness intrusion and role importance in predicting psychological well-being among persons with rheumatic diseases. Importantly, results also demonstrate the utility of applying a social identity framework in understanding adjustment processes among persons with chronic illness.
“To Everything There Is a Season”: Some Shakespearean Models of Normal and Anomalous Aging

Shakespeare perceived aging characters as falling broadly into two categories: normal and anomalous. The former age in conformity to societal expectations, often displaying an inability to affect the outcome of events; the latter (e.g., Lear and Falstaff), deviating from these behavioral norms, dominate the action of their respective plays. Falstaff, a prime example of the anomalous ager, suffers rejection by King Henry V, his former boon companion, a consequence of ageism.
US state crimes related to nuclear weapons: Is there hope for change in the Obama administration?

Given the long history of US state crimes related to nuclear weapons and the aggressive unilateralism of the George W. Bush administration that compounded these crimes, the election of Barack Obama created a “hope” for “change” in American nuclear weapons policy. While it is too early to render any conclusive judgment, we offer a preliminary assessment of the Obama record with regard to nuclear weapons based on a number of significant policy statements made and official actions taken, including Obama's 2009 Prague speech, the signing of the new START agreement in April 2010, the administration's 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, the Washington DC Nuclear Security Summit, and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference of 2010. Although the new administration has taken some steps to reduce the likelihood of the use or threat to use nuclear weapons, we conclude that under President Obama the US continues to be in violation of the solemn legal obligation to disarm as imposed by the NPT treaty of 1968. W...
Principal component analysis of ERP differences related to the meaning of an ambiguous word

Event-related potentials (ERPs) to the noun and verb meanings of/'led/in the single ambiguous phrase 'it was/'led/' were re-analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). These data had previously been analyzed by SWDA and reported in this journal. PCA defined 3 meaning-related components, comprising 40.3% of the entire data variance. The N150 component was shown to be larger for the noun meaning than for the verb meaning; the P230 epoch differed in its anterior-posterior distribution according to meaning; and N370 for noun responses was relatively more negative at the right posterior lead and positive at the left anterior. All components taken together, the left anterior lead showed the greatest meaning-related difference. Previous analysis by SWDA had resulted in significant discriminant functions for left hemisphere ERPs, but this analysis did not yield a clear definition of the effects of meaning on specific ERP components or of the scalp distributions of meaning-related components. Thus, while the results of both analyses support the interpretation that the perceived meaning of words has a substantial effect on ERP wave forms, PCA appears to provide the clearest definition of the ERP component effects.
Validation of autonomous rover functionality for planetary environments

This paper discusses autonomous rover functionality as it relates to planetary environmental issues and aspects of associated software validation. The focus is on Mars rover functionality and operational issues related to the Mars surface thermal environment, solar power usage, and terrain interactions with rover mobility systems. A hardware-centric approach to functional validation of Mars rover software is advocated. A brief example is discussed in the context of functional validation activities performed for the NASA Mars exploration rovers mission using a high-fidelity model of the spirit and opportunity rovers
Underwater-airborne laser communication system: characterization of the channel

An underwater-airborne laser communication system is presented as a practical alternative to VLF and ELF radiowave technology for submerged vessels. The system is compact, self-contained, and employs frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser sources. This system has applications in secure high-bandwidth communication for semiautonomous and autonomous submerged vessels operating at depths of less than 100m. A propagation analysis is provided and theoretical and experimental data are given for the transmission channel. A CCD camera system is also described, which provides feedback for laser pointing and surface-state beam compensation.
Carpooling: Who, how and why☆

Abstract Carpooling is the commuting mode of 18 to 20% of American workers, but relatively little definitive information has been available on who carpools, how and why. Based on data from the 1977–1978 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey, this paper analyzes the characteristics of carpoolers, distinguishes among different types of carpoolers, identifies the key differences between carpoolers and drive alone and transit commuters, describes how commuters carpool, and offers explanations of why commuters carpool. The paper also addresses the issue of the feasibility of a substantial increase in carpool mode share.
A PET Investigation of implicit and explicit sequence learning

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating neuroanatomy of implicit and explicit sequence learning using a modified version of the serial reaction time (SRT) paradigm. Subjects were seven healthy, right-handed adults (three male, four female, mean age 26.7, range 18–43 yr). PET data were acquired via the oxygen-15-labeled-carbon dioxide inhalation method while subjects performed the SRT. Subjects were scanned during two blocks each of (1) no sequence (Random), (2) single-blind, 12-item sequence (Implicit), and (3) unblinded, same sequence (Explicit). Whole-brain-normalized images reflecting relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were transformed to Talairach space, and statistical parametric maps (SPMs) of z-scores were generated for comparisons of interest. The threshold for significant activation was defined as z-score ≥ 3.00. Behavioral data demonstrated significant learning (P < .05) for Implicit and Explicit conditions. Tests of explicit knowledge reflected non-significant explicit contamination during the Implicit condition. Foci of significant activation in the Implicit condition were found in right ventral premotor cortex, right ventral caudate/nucleus accumbens, right thalamus, and bilateral area 19; activation in the Explicit condition included primary visual cortex, peri-sylvian cortex, and cerebellar vermis. Activations in visual and language areas during the Explicit condition may reflect conscious learning strategies including covert verbal rehearsal and visual imagery. Right-sided premotor, striatal, and thalamic activations support the notion that implicit sequence learning is mediated by cortico-striatal pathways, preferentially within the right hemisphere. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High doses of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in chicken meat are required to infect ferrets

High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) have caused fatal infections in mammals through consumption of infected bird carcasses or meat, but scarce information exists on the dose of virus required and the diversity of HPAIV subtypes involved. Ferrets were exposed to different HPAIV (H5 and H7 subtypes) through consumption of infected chicken meat. The dose of virus needed to infect ferrets through consumption was much higher than via respiratory exposure and varied with the virus strain. In addition, H5N1 HPAIV produced higher titers in the meat of infected chickens and more easily infected ferrets than the H7N3 or H7N7 HPAIV.
Optimizing Oven Radiant Energy Use

This paper reports on research efforts to reduce oven energy use while maintaining the quality of foods that are baked or roasted. The baking process and the role of radiant energy in the conventional electric oven were investigated. This led to the development of a more energy efficient oven system that optimizes the use of radiant energy by using two electric elements controlled independently to present more radiant power to the top of prod ucts being baked, utensils that readily absorb radiant energy, and oven walls that reflect infrared radiation to the product being baked. Energy savings of 75 percent or more are possible for baking many foods.