cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epithelial and neutrophil interactions and innate immune response to Shigella in a human intestinal enteroid-neutrophil co-culture

Abstract Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) respond rapidly to gastrointestinal inflammation and infection. Herein, we report the development of an ex vivo tissue co-culture model consisting of human primary epithelial cells and PMN, and an in-depth analysis of their physical and molecular interactions and coordinated responses to Shigella. Co-culture structure, barrier function, cell phenotype, cytokines production, cell-to-cell interaction, and innate immune responses were characterized in the presence or absence of Shigella. PMN embedded within human intestinal epithelium acquired a distinct phenotype through molecular and epithelial cell contact signals, increased IL-8 production, and transmigrated across the epithelial cell layer. Upon Shigella infection, co-cultured PMN and epithelial cells increased production and secretion of IL-6, and PMN rapidly transmigrated across the epithelial barrier and phagocytosed bacteria on the apical surface. The epithelial cell-PMN co-culture represents an advanced technology for mechanistic interrogation of gastrointestinal physiology, host-microbe interaction, innate immunity, and evaluation of preventive/therapeutic tools.
Semantic word integration in children with cochlear implants: electrophysiological evidence

Differential auditory experiences of children with hearing-loss who receive cochlear implants (CIs) may influence the integration of lexical and conceptual information. Here we measured event-relat...
Anisotropic Rod-Shaped Particles Influence Injectable Granular Hydrogel Properties and Cell Invasion

Abstract Granular hydrogels have emerged as a new class of injectable and porous biomaterials that improve integration with host tissue when compared to solid hydrogels. Granular hydrogels are typically prepared using spherical particles and this study considers whether particle shape (i.e., isotropic spheres versus anisotropic rods) influences granular hydrogel properties and cellular invasion. Simulations predict that anisotropic rods influence pore shape and interconnectivity, as well as bead transport through granular assemblies. Photocrosslinkable norbornene-modified hyaluronic acid is used to produce spherical and rod-shaped particles using microfluidic droplet generators and formed into shear-thinning and self-healing granular hydrogels at low and high particle packing. Rod-shaped particles form granular hydrogels that have anisotropic and interconnected pores, with pore number and size, storage moduli, and extrusion forces influenced by particle shape and packing. Robust in vitro sprouting of endothelial cells from embedded cellular spheroids is observed with rod-shaped particles, including higher sprouting densities and sprout lengths when compared to hydrogels with spherical particles. Cellular invasion into granular hydrogels when injected subcutaneously in vivo is significantly greater with rod-shaped particles, whereas a gradient of cellularity is observed with spherical particles. Overall, this work demonstrates potentially superior functional properties of granular hydrogels with rod-shaped particles for tissue repair.
Discovery of spontaneous de-interpenetration through charged point-point repulsions

Summary Energetically driven reduction of porosity through entanglement is ubiquitous in nature and synthetic systems. This entanglement decreases valuable internal pore space useful for applications, such as catalysis, storage, and sensing. Here, we describe the discovery of spontaneous de-interpenetration in a 6-fold interpenetrated uranium-based metal-organic framework (MOF), NU-1303-6. De-interpenetration transforms NU-1303-6 (14.2 and 19.8 A pores) to its larger pore (40.7 A) non-interpenetrated counterpart, which possesses a record-high 96.6% void fraction and 9.2 cm3g−1 pore volume. Density functional theory calculations reveal that charged point-point repulsions between anionic, closely positioned uranium-based nodes drive this phenomenon. These repulsions compete with water molecules that hydrogen bond nearby networks together, favoring interpenetration. Controlling the interplay between these intermolecular forces enables the reversal of omnipresent energetic equilibria, leading to thermodynamically favored open pore structures. The discovery of charged point-point repulsion will likely lead to the re-evaluation of non-interpenetrated network design, synthesis, and wide-reaching applications.
Chapter 11 The Erythrina Alkaloids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses studies focusing on erythrina alkaloids. In the case of the aromatic Erythrina alkaloids, the apo-rearrangement is accompanied by cleavage of the aromatic ether linkages in ring D so that the product in each case is apoerysopine. Also, because the apo-rearrangement results in destruction of both asymmetric atoms, apoerysopine and apo-β-erythroidine are optically inactive. Proof for the indoline structures, is now quite abundant. The spectral and physical properties, particularly the weak basicity, of these molecules are in agreement with the assigned structures. Apo-β-erythroidine is readily dehydrogenated to a true indole derivative. When apo-β-erythroidine is oxidized with permanganate, it yields 7-carboxyisatin and 2-aminoisophthalic acid, showing the points of attachment to be at the 1 and 7 positions of the indoline nucleus. Both apo-β-erythroidine and the dimethyl ether of apoerysopine have been carried through the Hofmann exhaustive methylation procedure, and these reactions are illustrated in the chapter. The infrared absorption spectra were particularly valuable in showing that the intermediate olefins are of the type, RCH = CH2.
The All-Payer Rate Setting Model for Pricing Medical Services and Drugs.

Price inefficiencies in health care can be rectified by using a payment method shared among all payors or a common payment method combined with uniform rates (all-payer rate setting), which can be combined with pay for performance to encourage higher-quality care.
Biaxially Aligned YSZ Buffer Layer on Polycrystalline Substrates

Biaxially aligned YSZ thin films were deposited on polycrystalline metallic substrates by Ion- Beam-Assisted Deposition (IBAD), with inclined ion beam bombardment. In-plane ordered YSZ layers could be formed independent on substrate crystalinity. These films should be effective buffer layers for large-scale application of thin films of oxide superconductors for tape- shaped cables, magnetic shields, microwave apparatuses, and other applications, using polycrystalline substrates.
What have we learned since hotelling's letter?: A meta-analysis

Abstract This paper reports the results of a meta-analysis of the estimates of the price elasticity of demand for recreation sites using the travel cost method. By using econometric methods to summarize empirical literature, meta-analysis assists in identifying research conclusions despite the non-experimental nature of most empirical research in economics. In this application, the results suggest that modeling decisions based on theory, as well as those relying on fitting criteria, were important influences to the estimated price elasticities across studies.
Think Globally; Act Locally

To the Editor.— Environmentalists use bumper stickers and other means to urge us to "think globally; act locally." The American Academy of Pediatrics could well make the same recommendations to authors who contribute to its publications. From one geographic location, we should not allow our writing to imply an ignorance of or disregard for the situations in which other child health care providers live. Whether reporting and discussing research findings or proposing practice guidelines, we should be careful to clearly define the relevant populations.
What are the Short-Run Eects of Increasing Labor Market Flexibility?

This paper evaluates the short-run eects of introducing labor market exibility to an economy characterized by large ring taxes. Dierent reforms are considered: ) eliminating all ring taxes, 2) introducing exible new contracts while retaining the ring taxes on workers employed previous to the reform, and 3) introducing temporary contracts. The paper nds that eliminating all ring taxes increases the unemployment rate much more in the short run than in the long run, that introducing new exible contracts has similar eects as eliminating all ring taxes, and that introducing temporary contracts of short durations can decrease the unemployment rate, but only in the short-run.
Prognostic implications of the International Staging System for Lung Cancer.

URVIVAL IN PATIENTS with lung cancer is a function of treatment. Because the potential for cure of available therapy is limited by the anatomic extent of the disease, this measure of tumor progression represents a valid index of prognosis. The TNM staging system (T, primary tumor; N, regional lymph nodes; M, distant metastases) as originally proposed by Denoix,’ and subsequently recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)* and the Internationale Union Contre le Cancer (UICC),3 provides a common language for description of the anatomic extent of disease that can be readily communicated. Revision and unification of earlier staging recommendations of the AJCC and the UICC are included in the International Staging System for Lung Cancer,4 a new nomenclature that has consistent meaning among physicians and scientists throughout the world. STAGING PRINCIPLES Estimates of prognosis according to TNM staging criteria relate to the time in the life history of the tumor growth that disease extent evaluations are made. The clinical stage is assigned on the basis of all diagnostic and evaluative information obtained before the institution of treatment.5 Although additional information may become available after treatment has
Prognostic importance of mutations in the ras proto-oncogenes in de novo acute myeloid leukemia

Mutations of the N- and K-ras genes are the most frequent genetic aberrations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their detection in preleukemic conditions such as the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) suggests a role in the earliest phases of leukemogenesis. Despite these observations, little is known about the clinical importance of ras mutations in AML. We studied the clinical impact of ras mutations in 99 patients with de novo AML. All patients were treated in two prospective multicenter trials. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify areas surrounding the codons 12, 13, and 61 of the three ras genes N-, K-, and H-ras from DNA from bone marrow cells, ras mutations were detected by an algorithm based on allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. Eighteen of 99 (18%) patients harbored mutations in either N- or K-ras. All of the observed mutations occurred in N-ras (N = 10) and K-ras (N = 5) or concurrently in both N- and K-ras (N = 3). There were no significant differences between ras-negative and ras-positive patients according to age, sex, blood counts, cytogenetic abnormalities, or French-American-British classification. However, univariate analysis suggested a longer survival in ras-positive patients (P = .11). When adjusted for age, which was the most important factor affecting outcome, the presence of a ras mutation emerged as a significant predictor for improved survival (P = .03) and along with lower bone marrow blast counts (P = .02) and better cytogenetic category (P = .01). However, the presence of an aberrant ras allele was strongly correlated with lower bone marrow blast counts (P = .007). Thus, whether a mutation in the N-ras or K-ras proto-oncogenes directly affects treatment outcome or indirectly through an association with lower leukemic burden remains to be determined. Nevertheless, these findings counter the prevailing bias that oncogene mutations lead to more aggressive behavior in human malignancies.
Transcriptome analysis of LuxS-deficient Streptococcus mutans grown in biofilms

We previously reported that LuxS in Streptococcus mutans is involved in stress tolerance and biofilm formation. In this study, flowcells and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to further examine the effects of LuxS-deficiency on biofilm formation. Similar to the wild-type strain (UA159), a strain deficient in LuxS (TW26D) bound efficiently to the flowcells and formed microcolonies 4 h after inoculation. Unlike UA159, which accumulated and formed compact, evenly distributed biofilms after 28 h, TW26D showed only loose, sporadic, thin biofilms. DNA microarray analysis revealed alterations in transcription of more than 60 genes in TW26D biofilms by at least 1.5-fold (P < 0.001). Among the upregulated genes were those for sugar-specific enzymes II of the phosphotransferase (PTS) system and the atp operon, which codes for the proton-pumping F-ATPase. Of the downregulated genes, several encode proteins with putative functions in DNA repair. Mutation of selected genes caused severe defects in the ability of the mutants to tolerate low pH and oxidative stress. These results provide additional proof that LuxS-deficiency causes global alterations in the expression of genes central to biofilm formation and virulence of S. mutans, including those involved in energy metabolism, DNA repair and stress tolerance.
Introduction to Applied Numerical Analysis.

Reprint. Originally published in 1971 by McGraw-Hill. Textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate engineers. No bibliography. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Stitching and Filling: Creating Conformal Faceted Geometry

Consistent and accurate representation of geometry is required by a number of applications such as mesh generation, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and computer graphics. Unfortunately, faceted Computer Aided Design (CAD) models received by downstream applications have many issues that pose problems for their successful usability. Automatic or semi-automatic tools are needed to process the geometry to make it suitable for these downstream applications. An algorithm is presented to detect commonly found geometrical and topological issues in the faceted geometry and process them with minimum user interaction. The present algorithm is based on the iterative vertex pair contraction and expansion operations called stitching and filling respectively. The combination of generality, accuracy, and efficiency of this algorithm seems to be a significant improvement over existing techniques. Results are presented showing the effectiveness of the algorithm to process two- and three-dimensional configurations.
Cellular Mechanisms of Torsade de Pointes

Torsade de Pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening arrhythmia closely linked to abnormal cardiac repolarization. It has been demonstrated that cardiac ion channel alterations underlying cellular repolarization results in the phenotypic expression of long QT syndrome, which is closely associated with TdP. However, the mechanisms by which prolonged repolarization leads to TdP remain controversial. Prolonged repolarization is associated with triggered activity, and multiple foci of triggered activity can underlie a TdP phenotype. Action potential shortening associated with rapid ventricular rhythms, in theory, removes conditions for triggered activity. Therefore, while triggered activity may initiate TdP, another mechanism may be responsible for the maintenance of TdP. Re-entrant arrhythmias can also give rise to a TdP phenotype. In intact myocardium significant inhomogeneities of repolarization are manifest in the presence of IKr blockade. Large repolarization gradients between subepicardial and midmyocardial cells formed zones of conduction block responsible for sustained reentrant TdP. Gap junction proteins responsible for intercellular coupling between subepicardial and midmyocardial cells are reduced in normal myocardium which may maintain arrhythmogenic gradients of repolarization. Therefore, the mechanism of TdP is multi-factorial and related to triggered activity and spatial inhomogeneities of ion channel expression combined with regional expression patterns of gap junctions.
Anthropology in the New Melanesia

Social Reproduction and History in Melanesia: Mortuary Ritual, Gift Exchange, and Custom in the Tanga Islands. Robert J. Foster Nation Making: Emergent Identities in Postcolonial Melanesia. Robert J. Foster
High-frequency hearing in seals and sea lions

Existing evidence suggests that some pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) can detect underwater sound at frequencies well above the traditional high-frequency hearing limits for their species. This phenomenon, however, is not well studied: Sensitivity patterns at frequencies beyond traditional high-frequency limits are poorly resolved, and the nature of the auditory mechanism mediating hearing at these frequencies is unknown. In the first portion of this study, auditory sensitivity patterns in the 50-180 kHz range were measured for one California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), one harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and one spotted seal (Phoca largha). Results show the presence of two distinct slope-regions at the high-frequency ends of the audiograms of all three subjects. The first region is characterized by a rapid decrease in sensitivity with increasing frequency-i.e. a steep slope-followed by a region of much less rapid sensitivity decrease-i.e. a shallower slope. In the second portion of this study, a masking experiment was conducted to investigate how the basilar membrane of a harbor seal subject responded to acoustic energy from a narrowband masking noise centered at 140 kHz. The measured masking pattern suggests that the initial, rapid decrease in sensitivity on the high-frequency end of the subject's audiogram is not due to cochlear constraints, as has been previously hypothesized, but rather to constraints on the conductive mechanism.
Effects of microgravity or simulated launch on testicular function in rats

Testes from flight rats on COSMOS 2044 and simulated-launch, vivarium, or caudal-elevation control rats (5/group) were analyzed by subjective and quantitative methods. On the basis of observations of fixed tissue, it was evident that some rats had testicular abnormalities unassociated with treatment and probably existing when they were assigned randomly to the four treatment groups. Considering rats without preexisting abnormalities, diameter of seminiferous tubules and numbers of germ cells per tubule cross section were lower (P less than 0.05) in flight than in simulated-launch or vivarium rats. However, ratios of germ cells to each other or to Sertoli cells and number of homogenization-resistant spermatids did not differ from values for simulated-launch or vivarium controls. Expression of testis-specific gene products was not greatly altered by flight. Furthermore, there was no evidence for production of stress-inducible transcripts of the hsp70 or hsp90 genes. Concentration of receptors for rat luteinizing hormone in testicular tissue and surface density of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in Leydig cells were similar in flight and simulated-launch rats. However, concentrations of testosterone in testicular tissue or peripheral blood plasma were reduced (P less than 0.05) in flight rats to less than 20% of values for simulated-launch or vivarium controls. Thus spermatogenesis was essentially normal in flight rats, but production of testosterone was severely depressed. Exposure to microgravity for greater than 2 wk might result in additional changes. Sequelae of reduced androgen production associated with microgravity on turnover of muscle and bone should be considered.
Effects of Soot on Pyrometer Measured Temperatures in Pulverized-Coal Flames

Abstract A data reduction scheme for multiple-wavelength, line-of-sight, optical pyrometry applied to pulverized-coal flames that accounts for the presence o f soot and its elfect on computed temperatures is presented. Results o f the application o f the technique to laboratory scale flames are reported. Soot temperatures are calculated to be between gas and particle emperatures, with the gas temperature exceeding the particle temperature. From about 1 to about 10 percent of the original coal by mass is computed to be present as soot in the flames with soot concentration increasing with increasing coal concentration.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and cerebral ischemia in young people

The importance of a prothrombotic state as a cause of ischemic stroke in young adults is ill defined. We examined 46 unselected patients under age 50 years with cerebral ischemia for anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and lupus anticoagulants (LA), over a 3-year-period. Age- and sex-matched patients with other neurologic diseases served as a noncerebral ischemia comparison group to test whether (1) stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in young people is associated with aCL and/or LA, and (2) their presence is specific to cerebral ischemia. In the stroke/TIA group, 21 patients had aCL or LA and 25 had neither, whereas in the control group, 2 patients had aCL and 24 had neither. Equal numbers of stroke/TIA patients with and without antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) had other stroke risk factors. Patients with aPL and cerebral ischemia, however, had a more frequent history of multiple events than those without them. These antibodies occur with undue frequency in young patients with stroke/TIA and are not associated with a concurrent diagnosis of systemic lupus in most cases. A coexistent aPL-associated prothrombotic state may be a key determinant of whether patients with atherosclerosis, mitral valve prolapse, or other structural lesions experience recurrent ischemia.
Approach to the postoperative patient with Cushing's disease.

Cushing’s disease is a neuroendocrine disorder marked by hypercortisolemia secondary to overproduction of ACTH by a corticotropic pituitary adenoma. Due to the diverse and deleterious effects of hypercortisolemia including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, prompt and accurate diagnosis followed by surgical resection of the responsible corticotropic adenoma is critical. In the following review, we present a focused synopsis of recently published data and management strategies for the post-operative Cushing’s disease patient with a particular focus on studies examining perioperative complications, establishment of biochemical remission, factors associated with disease remission, and predictors of recurrence. Although no standard definition of remission exists, we suggest measurement of serum cortisol level on the morning of postoperative day 1 given the preponderance of evidence in the published literature suggesting its association with long-term remission and relatively low rates of recurrence. Nevertheless, all patients should be counseled that recurrence can occur in a delayed fashion and that annual endocrine testing should be utilized to track and confirm disease status.
The impact of trade liberalization on productivity: Evidence from India's formal and informal manufacturing sectors

Abstract Despite a large literature investigating the impacts of trade on firm productivity, there is almost no evidence on how small firms react to trade liberalization. Using a unique dataset of firm-level surveys that are representative of the entire Indian manufacturing industry, I show that India's unilateral reduction in final goods tariffs increased the average productivity of small, informal firms, which account for 80% of Indian manufacturing employment but have been excluded from previous studies. In contrast, the increase in productivity among larger, formal firms was driven primarily by the concurrent reduction in input tariffs. By examining the effect of the tariff liberalization on the distributions of productivity and firm size, I find evidence consistent with the exit of the smallest, least productive firms from the informal sector. In addition, I find that although the decline in final goods tariffs did not significantly impact average formal sector productivity, it did increase productivity among the top quantiles of the distribution.
Water Vapor Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Edible Films Composed of Different Plasticizer Combinations

Water barrier and mechanical properties were measured for soy protein isolate (SPI) films plasticized with glycerol (GLY) and 1 of the plasticizers (propylene glycol [PG], polyethylene glycol [PEG], sorbitol [SOR], or sucrose [SUC]) at a ratio of 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 0:100. Plasticizer type as well as the plasticizer ratio in the GLY: plasticizer mixtures affected the film water barrier and mechanical properties. An addition of as little as 25% of a less hygroscopic plasticizer in the mixture induced significant reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) of SPI films. However, at least 50% of the mixture needs to be GLY to show significant improvement in tensile strength (TS). From our experimental design, 50:50 GLY:SOR was the recommended combination because of its comparatively low WVP value and relatively high flexibility and strength. Incompatibility of GLY:PEG plasticizer mixture in SPI film was observed by surface migration of PEG from the film matrix.
Spinal cord ischemia after TEVAR in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective To examine the incidence of and the anatomic factors that may contribute to spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in patients with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods The medical records, computed tomography (CT) angiograms, and a prospectively maintained clinical database of all TEVAR patients at a single institution between 2000 and 2007 were reviewed. Select preoperative demographics, thoracoabdominal aortoiliac anatomy, intraoperative procedural variables, and postoperative outcomes were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and odds ratio estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results Of the 261 patients who underwent TEVAR, 27 developed SCI (10%). Thirteen (48%) of these 27 patients were completely reversed with spinal drainage, and 14 (52%) were permanent. Patients with SCI tended to be older (P = .006), male (P = .049), and required more emergent procedures (P = .051) performed under general anesthesia (P = .004). Interestingly, while prior AAA repair (50/261, 19%) alone was not associated with SCI (P = .44), a history of either repaired or unrepaired AAA (101/261, 39%) was a predictor of SCI on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35 [1.43, 14.3], P = .10), independent of thoracic aortic coverage (P = .001) and lumbar artery patency (P = .008), both of which were also associated with SCI. Conclusion Although the causes of SCI after TEVAR are multifactorial, abdominal aortic anatomy appears to be associated with development of this complication. Patients with either prior AAA repair or those with unrepaired AAA appear to be at increased risk for SCI.
A theoretical model of nitric oxide transport in arterioles: frequency- vs. amplitude-dependent control of cGMP formation

Nitric oxide (NO) plays many important physiological roles, including the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. In response to hemodynamic or agonist stimuli, endothelial cells produce NO, whi...
The radiopacity of glass in soft tissue

Glass fragments are involved in many soft tissue injuries. The postibility of fragments remaining even after exploration must always be considered. Most fragments, if not all, that are commonly encountered in such injuries are radiopaque and can be seen using standard soft tissue radiographic techniques. Such x-ray films should be obtained for all sounds when there is any question of imbedded glass
Electronic Structure and Properties of Bunz' Polymers

The Bunz polymers consist of n-membered rings of carbon atoms connected via n mono- or diethynyl units (m = 1, 2 respectively) to other such rings. Coordinated to the three-, four-, and five-membered rings are MLn units (L = CO, Cp) which lead to 18-electron rule stability at each metal−organic center. The electronic band structures of the metal-free (often metallic) and metal-complexed (always insulating) materials are derived, and it is shown how the insulating polymer−M(CO)3 systems may be converted to systems with small bandgaps by the loss of a CO group. Depending on the width of the conduction band, either small bandgap semiconductors, ferromagnetic metals or antiferromagnetic insulators are predicted. The properties of C6MLx polymers are also investigated (MLx = NO, CO, C3H3+). These consist of an MLx unit attached to a graphite sheet. Bending the MNO group converts the linear three-electron donor “NO+” unit into an “NO-” moiety and generation of a metal. By construction of polymers with specific a...
The Anal Pap Smear: Cytomorphology of squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Anal smears are increasingly being used as a screening test for anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASILs). This study was undertaken to assess the usefulness and limitations of anal smears in screening for ASILs.
ANIONIC IRIDIUM MONOHYDRIDES

The first iridium mononuclear monoanionic monohydrides are synthesized by the reaction of [(i-Pr3P)2Ir(H)X2] (X = I or Cl) with Bu4NI and PPNCl in acetone. Both mer-trans anions (X-ray, VT NMR) are easily isolable and remarkably air-stable. While being labile (on the NMR time scale at ambient temperature), the hydridoiridates become inert in the presence of extra halide.
Social Capital and Political Consumerism: A Multilevel Analysis

Does social capital–trust and association involvement–predict political consumerism–boycotting and buycotting? Using data from the 2002/2003 European Social Survey we conduct a multilevel logit analysis of 24,854 individuals nested in 228 within–country regions to evaluate whether social capital and political consumerism are positively related at both the individual and regional level. Findings indicate that individuals with greater personal social capital and those who live in regions with higher average levels of social capital are more likely to be political consumers. These results support previous fndings that link social capital with other forms of civic engagement.
ANTICONVULSANT COMPOUNDS AND 5‐HYDROXY‐TRYPTAMINE IN RAT BRAIN

In rats, a series of anticonvulsant compounds have been shown to cause a significant elevation of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in comparison with control values. This increase in 5-HT only occurred in brain tissue and was not observed in spleen, upper small intestine or blood. Elevation of brain levels of 5-HT by iproniazid (Marsilid) or 5-hydroxytryptophan failed to give protection against the convulsant or lethal action of lept zol (75 mg./kg.).
A New Vocabulary Test

Author's summary.— Modern testing techniques make possible interesting tests. A new method of testing evolved by the author embodies the element of interest and measures both vocabulary and story retention. For the teacher the test is time- and energy-saving, easy to construct, administer and correct.
Longitudinal study of medical students selected for admission to medical school by actuarial and committee methods1

This study evaluates a "mid period" follow-up evaluation of the outcomes of selection of medical students by customary committee review procedures versus actuarial selection. One-third of a freshman class was selected solely on the basis of a predictor index which was a previously validated, optimally weighted combination of scores on the Medical College Aptitude Test and the premedical grade-point average. The remaining two-thirds were selected by committee decision based on review of the total application file which, in addition to the aptitude test scores and academic record, included basic demographic data, information on extracurricular activities, avocational interests, work experience, letters of recommendation, personality test profiles, and interview impressions. In a previous study, it was reported that the two groups of students were undifferentiated with respect to their academic standing at the close of their sophomore year. In the present study, the actuarially selected and committee selected students were compared on class rank at the end of the junior year, total and subtest scores on part II of the National Board Examinations administered toward the close of their senior year, and type and location of internship, and practice or training status one year after graduation. The two groups were not reliably differentiated on any of these variables. Implications of the findings are discussed with respect to reliability, efficiency, and economy in the selection process and the function of the admissions committees with respect to borderline cases and issues of school policy and philosophy.
From Civil-Military Relations Towards Security Sector Governance

This article addresses the development and trend of thinking in terms of ‘civil-military relations’ towards ‘security sector governance’. The first section reviews political-military and civil-military relations theory from its beginnings to present. The next section examines the post-Cold War transformation of the principle of civilian control by taking into account i.e. its new relevance in international affairs. While the subsequent section briefly discusses the so-called ‘constructivist turn’ in civil-military relations theory, the paper concludes with an outlook related to the security-development nexus and its possible impact on civil-military relations.
The Lusternik-Schnirelmann category and the fundamental group

We prove that cat LS X ≤ cd ( π 1 ( X ) ) + dim X − 1 2 for every CW–complex X where cd(π1(X)) denotes the cohomological dimension of the fundamental group of X.
Biochemical mechanisms contributing to species differences in insecticidal toxicity

Comparison of published LD50 or LC50 levels for a variety of insecticides in several vertebrate species indicate that a wide range of toxicity levels exist, and these cannot be easily predicted within either a chemical group or within a species. There is a relatively limited data base documenting interactions between insecticides and other chemicals, either agricultural or non-agricultural; however, the fact that all major insecticide groups perturb nervous system function as their primary mechanism of acute toxicity suggests the potential for interactions. Studies in our laboratories on a select group of phosphorothionate insecticides in rats indicated that brain acetylcholinesterase sensitivity to inhibition by the oxons, the active metabolites of the phosphorothionates, does not correlate with acute toxicity levels. The activities and properties of hepatic cytochrome P450-mediated activation (desulfuration) and detoxication (dearylation) of the phosphorothionates as well as of A-esterase-mediated hydrolysis of oxons contribute substantially to understanding the acute toxicity levels in rats, as does the sensitivity of the protective aliesterases to phosphorylation. However, in the channel catfish, the acetylcholinesterase sensitivity to oxon inhibition reflects the acute toxicity level of these same insecticides, and may be largely responsible for determining the acute toxicity level in this species. Thus, metabolism of insecticides appears to be far more influential in some species than others in determining the toxicity elicited.
An efficient secure comparison protocol

We propose a new efficient cryptography-based secure comparison protocol for comparing secrets that are additively split between two parties. Our solution, based on homomorphic cryptosystems, needs 2N + 6 invocations of secure multiplications when the two secrets are numbers in the range [0; 2N); previous solutions required 12N + O(1) secure multiplications. The protocol provides substantial performance improvement in privacy preserving data mining protocols that use comparison as a primitive operation. In particular, we experimentally evaluate the performance of our secure comparison protocol in the implementation of a secure k-means clustering protocol applied to several real datasets.
The effect of individual cocaine withdrawal symptoms on outcomes in cocaine users

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that individual drug withdrawal symptoms may have differential effects on addictive behaviors. The goals of this study were (1) to explore the dimensions of DSM-IV cocaine withdrawal symptoms and (2) to examine the association of these dimension and individual withdrawal symptoms with problems related to drug dependence in male and female cocaine users. The results of the principal components analyses of withdrawal symptoms supported a two factor model. The first one is labeled the depressive symptoms factor and included symptoms of depressed mood, psychomotor agitation, psychomotor retardation, craving for cocaine, insomnia, and vivid, unpleasant dreams. The second factor labeled the somatic symptoms factor included symptoms of increased appetite, hypersomnia, and fatigue. The depressive symptoms factor, in comparison to the somatic symptoms factor, was associated with more frequent reporting of having chemical dependency treatment, having depressed mood for longer than 2 weeks, and trading cocaine for sex. When the individual withdrawal symptoms were examined, depressed mood, psychomotor agitation, vivid, unpleasant dreams, and fatigue were associated with more frequent reporting of some of these outcomes. Our findings support two dimensions in cocaine withdrawal symptoms with differential effects on cocaine dependence outcomes.
Grassroots Peace‐building and Third‐party Intervention: The European Union's Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland

This article explores the challenges of grassroots peace-building and third-party interventions into protracted conflicts, through an examination of the European Union's (EU) Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Contributing over a1 billion through a unique, decentralized funding mechanism, the EU has complemented the efforts of the British, Irish, and American governments to end the ethno-national conflict by targeting its intervention at civil society. In doing so, the EU initiative reflects the approach of conflict resolution theorists such as Lederach and Saunders, who argue that in the long run, peace can be sustained only if the efforts of elite-level politicians and (para)military leaders are reinforced by the participation and integration of ordinary citizens in the reconciliation process. We describe how the decentralized structure of the EU Programme involves civil society in addressing the structural and social–psychological sources of the conflict, but it also raises questions about whether the Programme can help disrupt long-standing patterns of ethnic animosity at the grassroots, particularly in the absence of elite-level cooperation and ethnic power-sharing.
Children's Safety on American Indian Farms: Information and Recommendations

It is estimated that 1.2 million youth younger than age 20 live on farms; American Indian children constitute an important but understudied subset of this at-risk group. Despite documented risks of injuries and death among children who live and work on farms and a descending trend in the overall reported fatalities among youth who live and/or work on farms, very little is known about the agriculture-related injury and fatality experience of American Indian youth. Limited data indicate that drowning, motor vehicles, and poisonings are leading causes of unintentional mortality and morbidity for this group, although the attribution to agricultural exposure is not evident. The scant available data indicate a need to look more closely at agricultural work, bystander exposures, and other farm events that put American Indian youth at risk of illness, injury, or death compared to factors more fully reported for majority youth in the agriculture population, in order to guide intervention and prevention programs that are appropriate and acceptable to this vulnerable population.
Life cycle carbon benefits of aerospace alloy recycling

Abstract The goal of this project is to determine the reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the recycling of aerospace alloys. This study is based on an aerospace recycler that sells much of its high-performance alloy scrap directly to remelters that produce these alloys for aircraft engine component manufacturers, with significant potential environmental benefits arising from the substitution of recycled materials for virgin materials. The project team explored existing sources of environmental data for all of the metals that make up aerospace alloys, and ten common alloys were chosen as case studies. Certain metal elements, including niobium, rhenium, tungsten, and zirconium, did not have any robust environmental impact information, and for these GHG emissions factors from primary production were modeled using a variety of statistical and industrial data sources. The project team then investigated the forms of metal inputs into alloying operations to ensure that the model reflects actual industrial practices and that the alloy scrap substitutes for virgin materials. GHG emissions are also incurred through alloy scrap collection and processing, and so a carbon footprint was performed for alloy recycling operations in order to determine these burdens. Overall, the recycling of aerospace alloys for reuse in the aerospace industry represents significant reductions in GHG emissions for each of the ten alloys considered, while emissions associated with collection and processing are
The right-to-die: state policymaking and the elderly.

Abstract The life prolonging power of medical technology and traditional ethics which require the maintenance of life have generated growing political demand for new law to regulate the use of lifesaving equipment and techniques, and to establish the rights of individuals to determine the course of their own treatment. This research maps the politics of the right-to-die through an analysis of state legislation and appellate court decisions and interviews with political participants in three states. It also examines the role of interest groups of and for the elderly in shaping this policy. The research has discovered that, with an important exception, state law has become more supportive of patients'rights since the earliest legislation, but that state courts and legislatures often compete in policymaking. However, the elderly have not substantially sought to influence this policy in either branch of government. The political potential of the elderly is examined.
Militarism and the environment in Guatemala

This paper examines how civil war in Guatemala created and destroyed community cohesion, which, in turn, influences land use practices in the frontier region of Ixcan today. The impact of civil war on the environment and land use in this region takes many forms. Some communities took refuge in Mexico. Other communities refused to take refuge in Mexico and also refused to submit to military rule. These communities of “people in resistance” formed highly cohesive units in order to evade military detection. The lessons of cooperation and the high levels of cohesion they developed during their years in hiding have carried over to their successful management of natural resources in post-conflict Guatemala. Return refugees accumulated higher levels of cohesion while in refuge because they often participated in workshops organized and funded by outside relief agencies. Higher levels of community cohesion have allowed return refugee communities to better organize and use their land in more sustainable ways. Other communities did not flee and thus endured military rule. They were forced out of their dispersed land parcels into concentrated model villages. Concentration of community members forced intensive use of the environment in the zone immediately surrounding the new settlement. Often, distrust permeated these occupied communities and community cohesion dipped. Today, these low levels of community cohesion lead to a lack of consensus on how to use land and resources in the community. The overall goal of the paper is to point out the community level variation in the relationship between military actions, community cohesion, and the environment.
Predictors of asthma-related health care utilization and quality of life among inner-city patients with asthma

Background Asthma morbidity and mortality are highest among minority inner-city populations. Objective To identify factors associated with acute health care resource utilization and asthma-related quality of life among high-risk, minority patients with asthma. Methods We interviewed a prospective cohort of 198 adults hospitalized for asthma in an inner city hospital over a period of 1 year. Detailed information about sociodemographics, asthma history, access to care, asthma medications, and self-reported allergy to aeroallergens was collected at baseline. Data on resource utilization (emergency department visits and hospital admissions for asthma) and asthma-related quality of life were obtained at 6 months after discharge. Multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of resource utilization and quality of life. Results The mean age of patients was 49.9 ± 17.4 years, 78% were women, and 97% were nonwhite. At 6 months, 49% of patients had an emergency department visit or hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, sex, medication regimen, and asthma severity, patients with a physician in charge of their asthma care had lower odds of resource utilization (odds ratio, 0.4; P =.03). Conversely, a self-reported history of cockroach allergy was associated with greater utilization (odds ratio, 2.3; P =.05). Asthma-related quality of life was worse among patients who spoke mostly Spanish or who reported allergy to cockroaches ( P Conclusion Lack of an established asthma care provider, language barriers, and self-reported allergy to cockroaches are associated with higher resource utilization and worse quality of life among minority, inner-city patients with asthma. Interventions targeting these factors may lead to better outcomes among these patients.
The South Will Not Rise Again Through Direct Election of the President, Polsby and Wildavsky Notwithstanding

In Chapter 5 of Presidential Elections," Polsby and Wildavsky lapse into errors of fact and interpretation in appraising the political implications of employing direct popular election of the President in lieu of the Electoral College. As these errors have reappeared in the second edition of their book, they are overdue for critical examination.2 Polsby and Wildavsky contend that if the President were elected by direct popular vote, the political influence of each state would be proportionate to the popular-vote margin of difference it gives to the winner. That is, the greater the size of the popularvote plurality for the winner in a state, the more influence that state would have with the President. The authors then argue that the non-competitive, one-party states of the South would produce larger winner's margins than the highly competitive, two-party states of the urban North. Hence they predict that "To change the present manner of electing the President would play directly into the hands of the Southern states and other one-party states as well." (Page 246). We may now explicitly state, and test, the hypotheses underlying this argument. These hypotheses are as follows: