cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Children Having Children”: Race, Innocence, and Sexuality Education

This feminist ethnographic study considers the rhetoric of “children having children” in debates over school-based sexuality education, a rhetoric that is universalizing but racialized and gendered. I use participant observation and interview data I collected in a North Carolina school system that serves a predominantly African American, low-income student population. I explore educators', activists', and policymakers' responses to state legislation requiring that public schools provide sexuality education that teaches students to abstain from sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage. In school-board meetings, proponents and opponents of the mandated instruction alike cast low-income, African American girls as central to perceived problems of teen pregnancy, promiscuity, and disease. Those advocating “abstinence-only sexuality education” argued that their curricula would protect innocent children from others' corrupting influence; racialized language and images suggested that these “others” were poor, African American girls. Those promoting “comprehensive sexuality education” recast these girls as “children having children”—innocents who needed guidance and who could not be held responsible for their missteps. In some ways, the rhetoric of “children having children” is a redemptive response to notions of African American and low-income women and girls as sexually excessive. However, the rhetoric is ultimately constraining, for it forestalls concern about boys' and men's sexualities, elides the specificities of African American women's and girls' sexual lives, and fails to recognize African American girls and women as simultaneously sexual, struggling, and worthy of protection.
Sexually dimorphic expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) in developing gonads of the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

Genetic sex determination leads to gonadal differentiation and ultimately the differences between the sexes in steroid hormone secretion. Gonadal steroidogenesis is critical for the development of a sexually dimorphic phenotype and adult reproductive function. Control of gonadal development and steroidogenesis is under the regulation, at least in part, of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). We have begun to characterize SF-1 expression in an amphibian to determine the role of this protein in development and reproduction. We have detected a putative SF-1 protein from several tissues in the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, that co-migrates with mouse SF-1 on a Western blot. Our results show that bullfrog SF-1 protein is expressed in steroidogenic and other reproductive tissues in a manner similar to that reported for other species, with high expression in the brain, pituitary, gonad, liver, and interrenal, but little or no expression in non-reproductive tissues such as skin and intestine. Using a quantitative Western blot analysis system, we documented changes in SF-1 protein in the gonads of developing tadpoles. Our results indicate that there is sexually dimorphic expression of SF-1 protein that becomes evident at the time of sexual differentiation of the gonads. In males, the expression of SF-1 decreases following testicular formation and in females the expression increases with the formation of ovaries. This is the first study to investigate changes in SF-1 during development at the protein level. The expression is similar to that reported for changes in SF-1 mRNA expression in chickens and alligators, however, opposite to that seen in mammals and turtles. These results indicate that SF-1 may play a pivotal role in development of the reproductive system in amphibians as it does in other vertebrate groups.
An analysis of birth sex ratio bias in captive prosimian species.

The extent to which sex ratio bias is a common reproductive characteristic of prosimians has not been well established. The present study analyzed reproduction in 13 breeding groups of captive prosimians for evidence of birth sex ratio bias. A substantial male bias was demonstrated in nongregarious, but not gregarious, breeding groups. Analyses of birth sex ratios of individual mothers suggested that the observed bias did not result from the tendency of a few mothers to overproduce males, but rather from a small but reliable excess of male births in general. An examination of infant mortality revealed that male Otolemur garnettii and Microcebus murinus infants were more vulnerable to preweaning mortality, whereas female Eulemur fulvus albifrons infants were more vulnerable. An analysis of birth order by sex found that mothers of one group (O. garnettii) tended to produce males initially and females later. Additionally, a distinct pattern of birth seasonality was noted among Malagasy prosimians that was absent in the African prosimians. Greater length of period of sexual receptivity for nongregarious females as compared to gregarious females is proposed as a possible mechanism of male birth sex ratio bias. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Role of the British Prison-Based Probation Officer

ABSTRACT Unlike probation officers in the United States, British probation officers serve a portion of their time working in a prison providing probation service to prisoners. This policy, referred to as “throughcare,” is intended to provide prisoners with probation services prior to, during, and following their incarceration. While the work of community-based probation and parole officers is well documented in the literature of British corrections, the role of the prison-based probation officer is less well researched. This paper reviews the kinds of services provided by prison-based probation officers in England and some of the unique problems they face providing these services in the prison setting. The author, having spent several months each year over a period of five years (from 1983 to 1987) observing in Her Majesty's prisons, draws upon interview data, official documents, and personal observations to provide the reader with a description and critique of the role of the British prison probation off...
Editorial overview: Membrane form and function in finer focus

Abstract I am interested in the structure and function of membranes and membrane components. One area of current activity in the group concerns the crystallization of membrane proteins using lipidic mesophases. Another takes a rational design approach to lipid function in transport and controlled-release applications. Our laboratory hosts the Lipid Data Bank ( http://www.ldb.chemistry.ohio-state.edu ), a web-based relational database of lipid phase properties, miscibility and chemical structure.
Individual differences in learning abilities: observations and research at home and abroad.

The widespread practice of homogeneous ability-grouping in American schools is intended to facilitate maximum utilization of learning potential. Research findings and observations raise serious doubt about the validity of the practice and suggest that, in fact, differential education may be a deterrent to learning. Assumptions about the immutability of intelligence implicit in such grouping are challenged in this paper, and newer concepts about learning, some of them tentatively evaluated, are presented, along with evaluative data.
Deficits in startle-evoked arm movements increase with impairment following stroke

Objective The startle reflex elicits involuntary release of planned movements (startReact). Following stroke, startReact flexion movements are intact but startReact extension movements are impaired by task-inappropriate flexor activity impeding arm extension. Our objective was to quantify deficits in startReact elbow extension movements, particularly how these deficits are influenced by impairment.
ANOMALOUS FEATURES OBSERVED ON TESTS OF LIVE ARCHAIASINE FORAMINIFERS FROM THE FLORIDA KEYS, USA

Historically, Archaias angulatus has been a major contributor to foraminiferal assemblages and sediments in coral-reef environments throughout the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. A variety of anomalous features were observed in the tests of A. angulatus individuals collected live from the Florida reef tract in 2004 and 2005. Six types of anomalies were documented using scanning electron microscopy: microborings, microbial biofilm, pitted surfaces, dissolution, calcification abnormalities and growth abnormalities. Calcification abnormalities included mineralogical projections, lacy crusts and repair marks. These abnormalities were found among both juvenile and adult A. angulatus , and similar features were also found among Cyclorbiculina compressa and Laevipeneroplis proteus specimens collected live in the same samples. The implications of these observations are at least twofold. First, in studies of fossil assemblages, damage to tests and changes in test-surface textures should not be assumed to have occurred postmortem and may provide evidence of environmental stressors acting upon living populations. In addition, we speculate that test dissolution in larger miliolid foraminifers when alive can indicate declining carbonate saturation in seawater, which can result locally from salinity changes or increasing benthic respiration rates, as well as globally from rising concentration of atmospheric CO 2 .
Effects of thyroid hormones on human breast cancer cell proliferation.

The involvement of estrogens in breast cancer development and growth has been well established. However, the effects of thyroid hormones and their combined effects with estrogens are not well studied. We investigated the response of human breast cancer cells to thyroid hormone, particularly the role of T3 in mediating cell proliferation and gene expression. We demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) or triiodothyronine (T3) promoted cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in both MCF-7 and T47-D cell lines. The E2- or T3-dependent cell proliferation was suppressed by co-administration of the ER antagonist ICI. We also demonstrated that T3 could enhance the effect of E2 on cell proliferation in T47-D cells. Using an estrogen response element (ERE)-mediated luciferase assay, we determined that T3 was able to induce the activation of ERE-mediated gene expression in MCF-7 cells, although the effects were much weaker than that induced by E2. These results suggest that T3 can promote breast cancer cell proliferation and increase the effect of E2 on cell proliferation in some breast cancer cell lines and thus that T3 may play a role in breast cancer development and progression.
A nucleostemin-like GTPase required for normal apical and floral meristem development in Arabidopsis

Mammalian nucleostemin (NS) is preferentially expressed in stem cells and acts to promote cell cycle progression. In plants, stem cell activities have to be terminated during flower development, and this process requires the activation of AGAMOUS (AG) gene expression. Here, a nucleostemin-like 1 gene, NSN1, is shown to be required for flower development in Arabidopsis. The NSN1 mRNA was found in the inflorescence meristem and floral primordia, and its protein was localized to the nucleoli. Both heterozygous and homozygous plants developed defective flowers on inflorescences that were eventually terminated by the formation of carpelloid flowers. Overexpression of NSN1 resulted in loss of apical dominance and formation of defective flowers. Expression of the AG gene was found to be up-regulated in nsn1. The carpelloid flower defect of nsn1 was suppressed by the ag mutation in the nsn1 ag double mutant, whereas double mutants of nsn1 apetala2 (ap2) displayed enhanced defective floral phenotypes. These results suggest that in the delicately balanced regulatory network, NSN1 acts to repress AG and plays an additive role with AP2 in floral organ specification. As a midsize nucleolar GTPase, NSN1 represents a new class of regulatory proteins required for flower development in Arabidopsis.
Singularities in a scalar field quantum cosmology

Center for Theoretical PhysicsLaboratory for Nuclear Science and Department of PhysicsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA 02139 - USAe-mail: lemos@mitlns.mit.eduAbstractThe quantum theory of a spatially ﬂat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe with a mass-less scalar ﬁeld as source is further investigated. The classical model is singular, and in theframework of a genuine canonical quantization (Arnowitt-Deser-Misner formalism) a dis-cussion is made of the cosmic evolution, particularly of the quantum gravitational collapseproblem. It is shown that in a matter-time gauge such that time is identiﬁed with the scalarﬁeld the classical model is singular either at t = −∞ or at t = +∞, but the quantum modelis nonsingular. The latter behavior disproves a conjecture according to which quantum cos-mological singularities are predetermined on the classical level by the choice of time.PACS numbers: 98.80.Hw , 04.60.GwCTP # 2378 August 1995
Outcome-Related Metabolomic Patterns from 1H/31P NMR after Mild Hypothermia Treatments of Oxygen—Glucose Deprivation in a Neonatal Brain Slice Model of Asphyxia

Human clinical trials using 72 hours of mild hypothermia (32°C-34°C) after neonatal asphyxia have found substantially improved neurologic outcomes. As temperature changes differently modulate numerous metabolite fluxes and concentrations, we hypothesized that (1)H/(31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of intracellular metabolites can distinguish different insults, treatments, and recovery stages. Three groups of superfused neonatal rat brain slices underwent 45 minutes oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and then were: treated for 3 hours with mild hypothermia (32°C) that began with OGD, or similarly treated with hypothermia after a 15-minute delay, or not treated (normothermic control group, 37°C). Hypothermia was followed by 3 hours of normothermic recovery. Slices collected at different predetermined times were processed, respectively, for 14.1 Tesla NMR analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) cell-death quantification, and superoxide production. Forty-nine NMR-observable metabolites underwent a multivariate analysis. Separated clustering in scores plots was found for treatment and outcome groups. Final ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels, severely decreased at normothermia, were restored equally by immediate and delayed hypothermia. Cell death was decreased by immediate hypothermia, but was equally substantially greater with normothermia and delayed hypothermia. Potentially important biomarkers in the (1)H spectra included PCr-(1)H (phosphocreatine in the (1)H spectrum), ATP-(1)H (adenosine triphosphate in the (1)H spectrum), and ADP-(1)H (adenosine diphosphate in the (1)H spectrum). The findings suggest a potential role for metabolomic monitoring during therapeutic hypothermia.
Energy Prices and Turning Points: The Relationship between Income and Energy Use/Carbon Emissions

Models used to test whether an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) can be used to describe the relationship between GDP and energy use and/or carbon emissions may be biased by the omission of energy prices. Here we include real energy prices and fuel shares in models that describe energy use and carbon emissions. We test if these models show a turning point in OECD countries. Results indicate that including energy prices eliminates statistical support for a turning point and suggest that the relationship between income and both energy use and carbon emissions is represented most accurately by diminishing returns. These results imply that economic growth per se will not reduce energy use or emissions that cause global climate change.
p21-activated protein kinase γ-PAK in pituitary secretory granules phosphorylates prolactin

p21-activated protein kinase γ-PAK phosphorylates prolactin (PRL) in rat pituitary secretory granules on Ser-177 and on the equivalent site, Ser-179, in recombinant human PRL. This is shown by comparison of phosphopeptide maps with the human PRL mutant S179D. γ-PAK is present in rat and bovine granules as identified by in-gel phosphorylation of histone H4, and by immunoblotting. Thus, phosphorylation of PRL by γ-PAK in granules produces the PRL molecule that has been shown to antagonize the growth-promoting activity of unmodified PRL, and is consistent with the identified role of γ-PAK in the induction and maintenance of cytostasis.
Acoustic rhinometry in the practice of allergy.

Objective To provide a comprehensive practical overview of the use of acoustic rhinometry in the practice of allergy. Data Sources An all-inclusive PubMed search was conducted for articles on acoustic rhinometry that were published in peer-reviewed journals, between 1989 and 2006, using the keywords acoustic rhinometry , allergic rhinitis, and nasal provocation testing. Study Selection The expert opinion of the authors was used to select studies for inclusion in this review. Results Acoustic rhinometry is a sound-based technique used to measure nasal cavity area and volume. It has been validated by comparison to measurements with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Acoustic rhinometry requires minimal patient cooperation and may be used in adults, children, and infants. It is used by medical practitioners to diagnose and evaluate therapeutic responses in conditions such as rhinitis and to measure nasal dimensions during allergen provocation testing. Acoustic rhinometry also provides a visual reflection of the nasal response to therapy, which may be useful in increasing compliance to prescribed medications. Conclusions Acoustic rhinometry is a safe, noninvasive, objective, and validated measure of nasal obstruction that appears to be of practical use in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases of the upper airways.
Three-Dimensional Shape-Motion Analysis of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in EBCT Images

In this paper, we present a physics-based deformable model framework for the quantification of shape and motion parameters of the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery in the heart’s local frame of reference. We define the long-axis of the heart as the local frame of reference. The shape of the LAD is modeled as a parametric curved axis with Frenet-Serret frame. The motion of the LAD (due to heart motion) is modeled as a composite of primitive shape-motion components: 1) longitudinal elongation, 2) radial displacement, and 3) twist with respect to the heart’s local frame of reference. The three-dimensional shape-motion components are parameterized along the LAD’s length. Results from simulated data and three asymptomatic subjects’ Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT) data are in agreement with the expected physiological trends.
Common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting herbicides

Abstract Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (protox)-inhibiting herbicides was identified in a population of common waterhemp that had been treated with acifluorfen for several years. The protox-resistant biotype of common waterhemp was approximately 34, 82, 8, and 4 times more resistant than a susceptible common waterhemp biotype to acifluorfen, lactofen, fomesafen, and sulfentrazone, respectively. The resistant biotype also showed a high level of resistance to acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides thifensulfuron and imazethapyr but not to glyphosate or paraquat. An organophosphate insecticide was applied with acifluorfen or lactofen to determine if metabolism could be the mechanism of resistance. No differences were observed between resistant plants treated with an organophosphate plus a protox-inhibiting herbicide and plants treated with a protox-inhibiting herbicide alone. Nomenclature: Acifluorfen-methyl; lactofen; fomesafen; sulfentrazone; thifensulfuron-methyl; imazethapyr; glyphosate; ...
Allocating SMART cache segments for schedulability

Since they were first introduced in the IBM 360/85 in 1969, cache designs have been optimized for average case performance, which has opened a wide gap between average case performance and the worst case performance that is critical to real-time computing community. The SMART (Strategic Memory Allocation for Real-Time) cache design narrows this gap. This paper focuses on an analytical approach to cache allocation. An overview of the SMART caching strategy is presented, as well as a dynamic programming algorithm which finds an allocation of cache segments to a set of periodic tasks that both minimizes the utilization of the task set and guaranteeing that the task set remains schedulable using rate monotonic scheduling. Results which show SMART caches narrowing the gap between average and worst case performance to less than 10% are then presented. >
Ion activation energy delivered to wounds by atmospheric pressure dielectric-barrier discharges: sputtering of lipid-like surfaces

The application of atmospheric pressure plasmas to human tissue has been shown to have therapeutic effects for wound healing and in treatment of skin diseases. These effects are attributed to production of UV photon fluxes, electric fields and beneficial radicals which intersect with biological reaction chains, and to energetic ions bombarding the surface. In this paper we report on results from a computational investigation of the ion energy and angular distributions (IEADs) in a dielectric-barrier discharge sustained in air incident directly on cell membranes for small dry and wet wounds in human skin. We found that ion energies in excess of 20‐30eV can be delivered onto cell membranes of dry wounds, and up to 60eV onto the liquid interface of the wet wound. The details of the IEADs depend on the orientation of the cell membrane and on the relative location of the plasma streamer to the wound. Using results from a molecular dynamics simulation of ion sputter probabilities of typical lipid-like material, we show that prolonged exposure of the cell membrane to such IEADs can produce significant carbon removal. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Determinants governing ligand specificity of the Vibrio harveyi LuxN quorum-sensing receptor

Quorum sensing is a process of bacterial cell-cell communication that relies on the production, release and receptor-driven detection of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. The quorum-sensing bacterium Vibrio harveyi exclusively detects the autoinducer N-((R)-3-hydroxybutanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3OH-C4 HSL) via the two-component receptor LuxN. To discover the principles underlying the exquisite selectivity LuxN has for its ligand, we identified LuxN mutants with altered specificity. LuxN uses three mechanisms to verify that the bound molecule is the correct ligand: in the context of the overall ligand-binding site, His210 validates the C3 modification, Leu166 surveys the chain-length and a strong steady-state kinase bias imposes an energetic hurdle for inappropriate ligands to elicit signal transduction. Affinities for the LuxN kinase on and kinase off states underpin whether a ligand will act as an antagonist or an agonist. Mutations that bias LuxN to the agonized, kinase off, state are clustered in a region adjacent to the ligand-binding site, suggesting that this region acts as the switch that triggers signal transduction. Together, our analyses illuminate how a histidine sensor kinase differentiates between ligands and exploits those differences to regulate its signaling activity.
Characterization and Development of the Ideal Pedal Force, Pedal Travel, and Response Time in the Brake System for the Translation of the Voice of the Customer to Engineering Specifications

It is a well-known fact that braking is one of the most important factors in customer satisfaction and a key factor in the voice of the customer (VOC). The VOC has to be translated into engineering...
Luminescent Nanocrystals with A2B2O7 Composition Synthesized by a Kinetically Modified Molten Salt Method

This work focuses on the synthesis of nanocrystals with A2B2O7 composition (in this study, A = La, Er, or their mixture, B = Zr, Hf, or their mixture), their structural characterization, and luminescent property measurements. It was necessary to utilize a single-source complex precursor A(OH)3·BO(OH)2·nH2O to synthesize these A2B2O7 nanocrystals, by the synergistic interplay between the reduction of the transport distances of the reactive constituents to an atomic length scale and the enhanced diffusion of the reactants in the molten salt medium. This process is highly generalizable for the preparation of other complex oxide nanocrystals. Moreover, these nanocrystals possess outstanding luminescent properties, including strong photoluminescence in the infrared region, efficient pump-power dependence and excellent cathodoluminescence. These desirable properties make these nanocrystals promising for applications in display, bioanalysis, lighting, scintillating, and telecommunications.
Atypical atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in a child with polyvalvular dysplasia

A 10-year-old boy with polyvalvular dysplasia and severe involvement of both atrioventricular valves presented with palpitations. Concern was raised for atrial tachyarrhythmia due to biatrial enlargement; however, ambulatory monitoring discovered a reentrant mechanism. Electrophysiology study revealed atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia involving two components of the slow pathway, with inputs in the posterior septum around his dysplastic tricuspid valve. He underwent successful modification of the slow pathway using cryoablation.
Ferroelectricity in Strategically Synthesized Pb-free LiNbO 3 -type ZnSnO 3 Nanostructure Arrayed Thick Films

We report the evidence of ferroelectricity from LN-type ZnSnO3 nanostructure arrayed thick films (10 - 20 µm) on Si with remanent polarization value as high as ≈ 30 µC/cm2 in nanowire arrays. A combined pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) technique and a solvothermal synthesis scheme was adopted to effectively synthesize the nanostructured samples assisted by conducting ZnO template-layers. The similar crystal symmetry and comparable lattice parameter between ZnO and LN-type ZnSnO3 facilitated the dense growth of high-quality ZnSnO3 nanostructure arrays in the form of one-dimensional vertical nanowires, nanorods and two-dimensional nanoflakes. The strategic synthesis method allowed controlled tunability of the morphology, crystallinity, and packing density of ZnSnO3 nanostructures, which in turn facilitated the measurement of ferroelectric (FE) properties using a simple sandwich-device geometry. Analyses of the FE properties in relation to the structures are presented and their potential for designing future Pb-free FE devices for non-volatile memory applications is discussed.
Lack of Reproduction in Muskoxen and Arctic Hares Caused by Early Winter

A lack of young muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus ) and arctic hares ( Lepus arcticus ) in the Eureka area of Ellesmere Island, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut), Canada, was observed during summer 1998, in contrast to most other years since 1986. Evidence of malnourished muskoxen was also found. Early winter weather and a consequent 50% reduction of the 1997 summer replenishment period appeared to be the most likely cause, giving rise to a new hypothesis about conditions that might cause adverse demographic effects in arctic herbivores. Key words: arctic hare, Lepus arcticus , Ellesmere Island, malnutrition, muskox, Ovibos moschatus , population, reproduction, snow, weather, winter severity
Cyclooxygenase-2 Transcription Is Regulated by Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins: Evidence of a Corepressor/Coactivator Exchange

Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) is overexpressed in human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced diseases, including cervical cancer. Although HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins have been causally linked to cervical carcinogenesis, their effects on COX-2 gene expression are unknown. Increased levels of COX-2 mRNA, protein, and prostaglandin E2 synthesis were detected in HPV16 E6- and E7-expressing cervical cancer cells (CaSki and SiHa) compared with an uninfected cervical cancer cell line (C33A). HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins induced COX-2 transcription by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)→Ras→mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Interestingly, HPV16 oncoproteins stimulated EGFR signaling, in part, by inducing the release of amphiregulin, an EGFR ligand. The inductive effects of HPV16 E6 and E7 were mediated by enhanced binding of activator protein-1 to the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-responsive element (−59/−53) of the COX-2 promoter. The potential contribution of coactivators and corepressors to HPV16 E6- and E7-mediated induction of COX-2 was also investigated. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that E6 and E7 oncoproteins induced the recruitment of phosphorylated c-Jun, c-Fos, UbcH5, and cAMP-responsive element binding protein–binding protein/p300 to the COX-2 promoter. In contrast, E6 and E7 inhibited the binding of the histone deacetylase 3-nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) complex to the COX-2 promoter. Moreover, overexpression of NCoR blocked E6- and E7-mediated stimulation of the COX-2 promoter. Taken together, these results indicate that HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins stimulated COX-2 transcription by inducing a corepressor/coactivator exchange. To our knowledge, this study also provides the first evidence that NCoR can function as a repressor of COX-2 gene expression. [Cancer Res 2007;67(8):3976–85]
Conflict and Negotiation: Trends and Emerging Issues

Theory and research on dyadic conflict is traced from its historical roots in social exchange theory and interpersonal gaming to current concerns with the cognitive and tactical aspects of multiple issue bargaining and conflict in close personal relationships. This review examines the contributions of research with the Prisoner's Dilemma game, explicit two-person bargaining paradigms, and threat games, as well as work on representative negotiation and third-party intervention in conflict. The interplay of structural and motivational variables in the understanding of conflict and negotiation is emphasized. Criticisms of the typical theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of conflict are noted, especially the lack of general theory and the questionable representativeness of typical laboratory paradigms. Finally, recent research in integrative bargaining and entrapment is examined for insights concerning the active role the parties themselves play in the structuring of their conflict, and the implications of such a role for cognitive as well as motivational factors in conflict resolution.
All Solid-State High-Efficiency Tunable UV Source for Airborne or Satellite-Based Ozone DIAL Systems

We designed, built, and tested two laboratory prototype nanosecond UV sources for airborne or satellite-based ozone differential absorption lidar (DIAL) remote-sensing systems. Our prototypes use a 532-nm second-harmonic pulse from a Q-switched injection-seeded Nd:YAG laser to pump an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) that generates a tunable signal wavelength near 803 nm. The OPO signal is mixed with additional 532 nm light either inside the OPO cavity, or in a subsequent sum-frequency generation (SFG) stage, to generate 10-ns pulses at 320-nm. Our system designs result from an integrated, iterative approach where operating parameters including the pump-beam's spatial profile, the second harmonic generation efficiency, the OPO's cavity geometry, output coupling, crystal lengths, and the length of the SFG crystals, are all determined from numerical modeling. By using this approach, we obtained 320 nm pulse energies approaching 200 mJ with overall optical conversion efficiency-from 1064 to 320 nm-exceeding 20%. To optimize efficiency, we incorporate three important design characteristics: a pump beam having a high-quality flat-topped spatial profile, an image-rotating non-planar ring-cavity OPO capable of generating high-quality large-diameter flat-topped beams, and pulse injection seeding of the OPO to achieve near-zero cavity buildup time to enhance the efficiency of sum-frequency mining. We believe additional optimization of our designs may eventually yield UV pulse energies approaching 300 mJ with optical conversion efficiencies comparable to those of our current systems.
What India Can Learn from China and Vice Versa

A partial convergence of the Indian and Chinese growth models is likely. Judging from China's experience, sustaining India's impressive economic performance of recent years will require a significant further opening of its economy (externally and internally), higher savings and investments, especially in physical infrastructure and social services, and stronger labor absorption in the modern sectors. The base of India's current economic boom — software, IT-related services and high-end manufacturing — is narrow compared to China's. Poor performance in agriculture is responsible for still significant poverty in many parts of rural India. Bilateral India—China ties, including trade and investment, are increasing rapidly and could help to bring about the structural economic changes India needs. Through its exports to China, India is becoming linked to global supply chains centered on China. The notion that India—China relations are, or are bound to become, fundamentally antagonistic, held by many in the USA, is mistaken and potentially dangerous.
Structural basis for the recognition of diastereomeric 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxypurine lesions by the human nucleotide excision repair system

The hydroxyl radical is a powerful oxidant that generates DNA lesions including the stereoisomeric R and S 5',8-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine (cdA) and 5',8-cyclo-2'-deoxyguanosine (cdG) pairs that have been detected in cellular DNA. Unlike some other oxidatively generated DNA lesions, cdG and cdA are repaired by the human nucleotide excision repair (NER) apparatus. The relative NER efficiencies of all four cyclopurines were measured and compared in identical human HeLa cell extracts for the first time under identical conditions, using identical sequence contexts. The cdA and cdG lesions were excised with similar efficiencies, but the efficiencies for both 5'R cyclopurines were greater by a factor of ∼2 than for the 5'S lesions. Molecular modeling and dynamics simulations have revealed structural and energetic origins of this difference in NER-incision efficiencies. These lesions cause greater DNA backbone distortions and dynamics relative to unmodified DNA in 5'R than in 5'S stereoisomers, producing greater impairment in van der Waals stacking interaction energies in the 5'R cases. The locally impaired stacking interaction energies correlate with relative NER incision efficiencies, and explain these results on a structural basis in terms of differences in dynamic perturbations of the DNA backbone imposed by the R and S covalent 5',8 bonds.
Open-source, self-replicating 3-D printer factory for small-business manufacturing

Additive manufacturing with 3-D printers may be a key technology enabler for entrepreneurs seeking to use disruptive innovations such as business models utilizing distributed manufacturing. Unlike centralized manufacturing, distributed manufacturing makes the parts and products (the prints) at (or closer to) the source of the demand, cutting out much of the traditional supply chain. Although many expect 3-D printing to take off at the household level and previous work has shown significant returns for those choosing to do so, there are still significant barriers to entry for typical consumers. Our analysis demonstrates that for an individual to make an abnormally high return on their investments in 3-D printers, they must serve others to achieve high utilization rates. The impetus to do so is created by a service that can undercut traditionally manufactured products due to affordability and customizability. Low-cost, open-source 3-D printers are now priced within range of individual entrepreneurs who can take advantage of the long tail of consumers with highly varied interests. The margin advantage, net present value, and return on investment (ROI) analysis provided herein could form the basis of thousands of new small-business ventures in the coming years.
Studies of a Patient with Selective Deficiency in Absorption of Vitamin B12

A 2 year old girl with a megaloblastic anemia secondary to B 12 deficiency was presented. The mechanism appeared to be a specific inability to absorb vitamin B 12 from the small bowel in the absence of any other functional disability. Evidence of absorption of vitamin B 12 was obtained when intestinal juice from a normal patient was administered with the test dose of vitamin B 12 . This evidence consisted of (1) an increased urinary excretion of the test dose (positive Schilling test), (2) a decreased fecal excretion of the labelled B 12 and (3) the presence of significant counts over the liver (positive Glass test). A generalized malabsorption can only be totally and absolutely disproven by testing over many years. It is considered more probable, however, that this patient lacks an intestinal factor required for the absorption of vitamin B 12 .
Is the VRA Still Necessary?: Attitudinal Support of Electoral Reform in a Post-Jim Crow Era

The Supreme Court’s recently issued opinion in Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder (2013) declared an important part of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) unconstitutional, finding the 2006 reauthorized coverage formula to be inappropriate for an era where race based electoral discrimination has declined significantly. Interrogating the “Bull Connor is Dead” concept, this study explores public support for anti-democratic reforms in election law. We analyze survey results from the 2008 and 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, newspaper content analysis, and Department of Justice data to measure the degree to which attitudinal and contextual determinants explain the trends in white support for three election reform policies that affect minority voting rights. Building on prior research, we expect that support for voter ID laws and support for voters reading the Constitution in both periods will be best predicted by whether a person voted for Barack Obama. Additionally, we expect that beliefs about blacks will also determine support for voter ID laws. Lastly, we expect that support for Election Day Registration will be influenced by whether a person experienced problems registering in the past and their level of interest in the news. The implications of this study address the benefits and consequences of considering attitudinal support for minority voting rights in a post-Jim Crow era where some deem the VRA unnecessary.
Psoas abscess: thirty-four years after pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine.

Although purulent sequelae are common with pyogenic spinal osteomyelitis, they should not persist as chronic problems unless they are untreated or treated inadequately. In 1943 a man had a spinal fusion for spondylolisthesis and postoperatively had pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine, a complication that cleared after three years of treatment. Thirty-four years later, and after 30 years of being free of symptoms, the patient had a psoas abscess that was relieved by surgical intervention.
“Hit-and-Run” transcription: de novo transcription initiated by a transient bZIP1 “hit” persists after the “run”

Dynamic transcriptional regulation is critical for an organism’s response to environmental signals and yet remains elusive to capture. Such transcriptional regulation is mediated by master transcription factors (TF) that control large gene regulatory networks. Recently, we described a dynamic mode of TF regulation named “hit-and-run”. This model proposes that master TF can interact transiently with a set of targets, but the transcription of these transient targets continues after the TF dissociation from the target promoter. However, experimental evidence validating active transcription of the transient TF-targets is still lacking. Here, we show that active transcription continues after transient TF-target interactions by tracking de novo synthesis of RNAs made in response to TF nuclear import. To do this, we introduced an affinity-labeled 4-thiouracil (4tU) nucleobase to specifically isolate newly synthesized transcripts following conditional TF nuclear import. Thus, we extended the TARGET system (Transient Assay Reporting Genome-wide Effects of Transcription factors) to include 4tU-labeling and named this new technology TARGET-tU. Our proof-of-principle example is the master TF Basic Leucine Zipper 1 (bZIP1), a central integrator of metabolic signaling in plants. Using TARGET-tU, we captured newly synthesized mRNAs made in response to bZIP1 nuclear import at a time when bZIP1 is no longer detectably bound to its target. Thus, the analysis of de novo transcripomics demonstrates that bZIP1 may act as a catalyst TF to initiate a transcriptional complex (“hit”), after which active transcription by RNA polymerase continues without the TF being bound to the gene promoter (“run”). Our findings provide experimental proof for active transcription of transient TF-targets supporting a “hit-and-run” mode of action. This dynamic regulatory model allows a master TF to catalytically propagate rapid and broad transcriptional responses to changes in environment. Thus, the functional read-out of de novo transcripts produced by transient TF-target interactions allowed us to capture new models for genome-wide transcriptional control.
Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive-Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Preliminary Study

The field of neuroscience has influenced revisions to conventional models of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In the mental health counseling field, a conceptual model of neuroscience-informed cognitive-behavior therapy (n-CBT) was first published in the Journal of Mental Health Counseling in 2015. The present article reviews findings from the first six months of a year-long pilot study that examined counselor and client use and perceptions of n-CBT following application in clinical practice settings. Counselors reported successful alleviation of client symptomatology with n-CBT, particularly anxiety and depressive disorders. Counselors and clients also held similar and consistently high perceptions of n-CBT’s credibility and the likelihood of improvement when using the model.
Spectrum fragmentation analysis in a two-rate elastic optical link

This paper presents an approximation analytical model for estimating the blocking probability in a two-rate spectrum-elastic optical fiber link. Oscillations of the blocking probability are observed for the first time and quantified.
Corona Discharge Characteristics of Jumper Fitting of 500 kV Transmission Lines

The adjacent strain conductors of transmission lines are connected with jumper mode.The fitting of jumper has complex structure and it produces severe corona.In order to acquire corona discharge characteristics of jumper fitting,the jumper spacers of 500 kV transmission lines is experimented for different spacing,quantity and position.The corona voltage is obtained with ultraviolet imager apparatus.We also test the line clamps of spacers and the electric field distribution is calculated with finite element method.Analysis results show that corona discharge characteristics of the fitting are different with different test methods.So,it should be selected appropriate jumper fittings on the basis of project requirement and on-site situation in practical application.
Penile Horns: Report of 2 Cases

AbstractWe report 2 cases of penile horns, including 1 in which verruca carcinoma developed in the base. Treatment of this disease and its potential malignant degeneration are discussed.
Clara cell secretory protein: a determinant of PCB bioaccumulation in mammals.

Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) is a product of nonciliated cells of the conducting airway epithelium. The normal physiological function of CCSP is unknown. However, the ability of CCSP to bind...
The Local Economy of Political Power: Participation, Organization and Dominance

Corporations and labor unions have political power. What accounts for their political power, how that political power affects public policy, and how that power can be observed are questions that have puzzled researchers for most of this century. Group political power, including that of groups of economic organizations like corporations and labor unions, is affected by three attributes of the group: the political participation of its members, the organizational structure which composes it, and its control over local material conditions. Each of these attributes is a source of political power. Each has been studied, at least partially, in order to understand the power of a group. In this chapter I will review how these attributes of corporations and labor unions have been studied as sources of political power.
Preparing for Crew: Dragon V2

In parallel with preparing Dragons for their commercial cargo missions, SpaceX was also busy developing its manned variant – the V2. In 2013,NASA had outlined its strategy for enabling the certification of commercial crew systems with a goal of restoring domestic manned launch capability by 2017. Phase 1 of this certification strategy was the Certification Products Contract (CRC), which was awarded to SpaceX, along with Boeing and Sierra Nevada in 2012. The contract was based on Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) that required the companies to adhere to specific standards such as hazards analysis, verification, and validation. The next phase of the contract went into action in the summer of 2014 with the awarding of funding to SpaceX and Boeing and the de-selection of Sierra Nevada. This phase of the contract outlined the Design, Development, Test, and Evaluation (DDTE) milestones that were required for NASA to certify a man-rated vehicle. Under the CCtCap certification, SpaceX was required to check off certain DDTE tasks, one of which included one manned test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) between July 2014 and September 2017. Once the first man-rated mission was checked off, NASA required at least two post-certification missions (PCMs) to be flown, although the maximum number of PCMs for each Boeing and SpaceX was six. These PCMs could be flown until 31 December 2020. Another important item encompassed special studies that Boeing and SpaceX would be required to perform to reduce risk in their man-rated vehicle, and a fourth item was complying with the cargo requirement of the manned vehicle, which was defined as a minimum of 100 kilograms of stowage volume, or an additional 100 kilograms for a seat that is not taken by a crewmember.
Pyrazolopyrimidine Metabolism in Leishmania : An Overview

The hemoflagellates that infect man have proven recalcitrant to effective chemotherapy. The specificity of antimicrobial therapy, so useful in the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, is lacking in diseases caused by these protozoans which have adapted themselves to survival within mammalian cells. This is evinced by the significant toxicity of the agents used in their treatment. A high therapeutic index for a given antimicrobial usually requires a specific difference in metabolism between the host and the parasite. Such a difference appears to exist in the ability of organisms of the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma to metabolize the pyrazolopyrimidine nucleus as though it were a purine base.
Detecting Snap Points in Egocentric Video with a Web Photo Prior

Wearable cameras capture a first-person view of the world, and offer a hands-free way to record daily experiences or special events. Yet, not every frame is worthy of being captured and stored. We propose to automatically predict “snap points” in unedited egocentric video—that is, those frames that look like they could have been intentionally taken photos. We develop a generative model for snap points that relies on a Web photo prior together with domain-adapted features. Critically, our approach avoids strong assumptions about the particular content of snap points, focusing instead on their composition. Using 17 hours of egocentric video from both human and mobile robot camera wearers, we show that the approach accurately isolates those frames that human judges would believe to be intentionally snapped photos. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of snap point detection for improving object detection and keyframe selection in egocentric video.