cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Violencia y democratización en Centroamérica: el impacto del crimen en la legitimidad de los regímenes de posguerra

The main purpose of this article is to show that the high levels of common violence and crime, which currently affect Latin American countries, especially post-war Central American ones, represent a threat and obstacle to democratization processes. This is so, because common violence erodes the citizens’ support to the regimes emerged from the political transitions and deteriorates the legitimacy of the political system. The article is based on the results of a series of surveys conducted with more than 6.700 citizens who live in post-war Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua) during 1999, as the link between victimization levels, perception of public insecurity and the level of political support for the system is analyzed.
Evolution of perceptions and play

An agent with a misperception may have an evolutionary advantage when others recognize his misperception and its behavioral implications. In such situations evolutionary forces can lead to misperceptions, yielding "irrational behavior," such as the play of strictly dominated strategies. We point out that this reasoning relies on the assumption of subjective rationality-agents are assumed to choose the behavior that maximizes their perceived payoffs. However, subjective rationality does not have solid evolutionary foundations: in the presence of misperceptions, agents who do not maximize their perceived payoffs may have greater fitness than those who do. We show that relaxing the subjective rationality requirement, somewhat paradoxically, leads to effectively rational behavior: although agents may have systematic misperceptions, they will develop other biases to undo these misperceptions, and will act as if they are rational. As a result, systematic biases in experimental settings may not necessarily translate into irrational behavior. We also demonstrate that the same evolutionary forces, in the long run, lead agents to play as if they have a common prior, even though each agent will have different and possibly incorrect perceptions of payoffs and the rules of the game.
A displacement‐based finite element formulation for general polyhedra using harmonic shape functions

SUMMARY A displacement-based continuous-Galerkin finite element formulation for general polyhedra is presented for applications in nonlinear solid mechanics. The polyhedra can have an arbitrary number of vertices or faces. The faces of the polyhedra can have an arbitrary number of edges and can be nonplanar. The polyhedra can be nonconvex with only the mild restriction of star convexity with respect to the vertex-averaged centroid. Conforming shape functions are constructed using harmonic functions defined on the undeformed configuration, thus requiring the use of a total-Lagrangian finite element formulation in large deformation applications. For nonlinear applications with computationally intensive constitutive models, it is important to minimize the number of element quadrature points. For this reason, an integration scheme is adopted in which the number of quadrature points is equal to the number of vertices. As a first step toward verifying the element behavior in the general nonlinear setting, several linear verification examples are presented using both random Voronoi meshes and distorted hexahedral meshes. For the hexahedral meshes, results for the polyhedral formulation are compared to those of the standard trilinear hexahedral formulation. The element behavior in the nearly incompressible regime is also examined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of hexachlorophene on myelin marker enzymes in rat oligodendrocytes

Abstract The antibacterial substance hexachlorophene (HCP) can affect myelin formation or integrity leading to intramyelinic oedema and vacuolation in the central nervous system through an unknown mechanism. These studies were conducted to investigate the direct, dose-dependent effects of HCP on myelin membrane markers in cultured oligodendrocytes (OLG) isolated from 4–7-day-old rat pups and cultured in vitro for up to 5 wk. 2-wk-old OLG cultures were exposed to 0, 0.24 or 0.74 μ m HCP for 48 hr. At 48 hr and again at 5, 12 and 19 days after the end of dosing the myelin markers galactosylceramide (GalC), myelin basic protein (MBP), and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase (CNPase) were quantified by ELISA or biochemical techniques. DNA was measured to estimate total cell mass and astrocyte contamination was determined by an ELISA procedure using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as the primary antibody. Because of the use of a selective culture medium, astrocyte contamination was initially low and continued to decrease from wk 2 to 4 as determined by GFAP binding. CNPase, GalC and MBP levels were similar in control and low-dose (0.24 μ m HCP) cultures with a general increase in MBP and CNPase over time. Cultures exposed to 0.74 μ m HCP showed a decline in GalC proportional to decreased DNA content with time, but levels of MBP and CNPase increased after dosing and were always greater than the corresponding levels in control or low-dose cultures. These studies suggest a direct, dose-related toxic effect of HCP accompanied by a stimulation of MBP and CNPase but not of GalC production in the membranes of the recovering OLG following removal of HCP.
The Use of Colon for Œsophageal Replacement in Children

This article reviews the author's experience in replacing the œsophagus with a portion of colon in 31 children over a period of 14 years. When carried out for atresia or stricture, the procedure has in general been satisfactory, and modification of the technique over recent years has eliminated the majority of the complications that previously occurred. There were two deaths, one related to the operation and the other not. Experience suggests that the procedure is not satisfactory in the treatment of œsophageal varices. Summary A review of our experience with œsophageal replacement employing a portion of the colon is presented. In 21 patients, there was one unrelated death and one death directly related to the operation. The majority of the complications have been related to the upper anastomosis in the neck. They have not developed in recent cases, where distension of the colon segment has been prevented by a tangential tubeless cervical caecostomy which in each instance has subsequently closed spontaneously. The use of a colon segment to replace the resophagus because of atresia or stricture has been most satisfactory and has been relatively free from long-term complications. Failure to gain weight in three patients was found to be related to stricture at the neck anastomosis, which was not evident in a barium œsophagram. The diagnoses were made by œsophagoscopy, and the strictures were corrected surgically. Our limited experience, but with long-term follow-up, indicates that colon replacement of the œsophagus is an unsatisfactory method for the treatment of œsophageal varices.
Glutaraldehyde Fixatives for Preserving the Chick's Inner Ear

We preserved the inner ears of chicks in various concentrations of glutaraldehyde (2 to 3.5%) and cacodylate buffers (0.025 to 0.1 M). Buffer concentrations below 0.1 M caused osmotic damage that higher glutaraldehyde concentrations only partially counteracted. The combination of 3.5% glutaraldehyde and 0.1 M cacodylate buffer optimally preserved the different cell types and also eliminated problems of swelling and shrinkage. We further improved cellular preservation by immediately immersing the dissected specimen into chilled (4°C), aerated fixative. The improved fixation greatly increased the retention of cytoplasmic ground substances, particularly in supporting cells and nerve terminals.
Effect of chronic ethanol treatment and selective breeding for hypnotic sensitivity to ethanol on intracellular ionized calcium concentrations in synaptosomes.

The effect of chronic ethanol treatment and of selective breeding for hypnotic sensitivity to ethanol on intracellular ionized calcium concentrations (Ca1) were examined in mouse whole brain synaptosomes. Following treatment with a liquid diet for 7 days, resting Ca1 and KCl-stimulated increases in Ca1 were measured in synaptosomes isolated from chronic ethanol-treated and pair-fed animals. Ethanol (350–700 mm) increased resting Ca1 and reduced KCl-stimulated increases in Ca1 in synaptosomes isolated from pair-fed animals. Ethanol-induced changes in Ca1 were reduced in synaptosomes isolated from chronic ethanol-treated animals. The effect of ethanol on synaptosomal Ca1 in long-sleap (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice, selectively bred for differential sensitivity to the hypnotic actions of acute ethanol, was also investigated. In the absence of ethanol, resting values of Ca1 and KCl-stimulated increases in Ca1 did not differ between the two lines of mice. Ethanol (200–000 mm) increased resting Ca1 and reduced depolarization-stimulated increases in Ca1 in both long-sleep and short-sleep mice to the same degree. Similarly, KCl-stimulated increases in Ca uptake did not differ in synaptotomes isolated from whole brains and cortices of LS and SS mice, in the absence or presence of ethanol. These findings demonstrate that tolerance develops to the effect of ethanol on neuronal Ca1 following chronic treatment. However, sensitivity to the hypnotic action of ethanol is not related to changes in neuronal Ca1 in LS and SS mice.
Parathyroid carcinoma in a child: an unusual case of an ectopically located malignant parathyroid gland with tumor invading the thymus

Parathyroid carcinoma is exceptionally rare in children. Parathyroid carcinoma in the pediatric population most typically presents with significant hypercalcemia and a palpable neck mass. The authors report the seventh case of parathyroid carcinoma diagnosed in a child younger than 16 years. To our knowledge, this case is the first documented case, in the pediatric population, of parathyroid carcinoma in an ectopically located parathyroid gland with tumor invading the thymus.
Bilateral Compartment Syndrome as a Result of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis

A 54-year-old man with an inferior vena cava filter in situ presented to the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services, with acute onset of severe abdominal, lower back, and leg pain. He had fallen from a ladder 3 days before admission. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a large retroperitoneal hematoma and evidence of occlusive thrombus in the inferior vena cava, extending beyond the inferior vena cava filter. The occluded inferior vena cava filter caused increased venous pressures and compartment syndrome in the lower extremities. Measurement of compartment pressures in the ED revealed increased pressures exceeding 60 mm Hg in both calves and 75 mm Hg in the thighs. The patient underwent bilateral fasciotomies of the lower extremities within 3 hours. Postoperatively, he developed extensive tissue necrosis and gangrene, requiring bilateral above-the-knee amputations, and acute renal failure associated with severe rhabdomyolysis, requiring hemodialysis. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis.
CCD Spatial Light Modulators using Electroabsorption Effects in Multiple Quantum Wells

The recent observation of strong electroabsorption effects in AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) has raised the possibility of CCD-addressed spatial light modulators (SLMs) having much greater depth of modulation than obtainable with the Franz-Keldysh effect. In this paper, we review our work on CCD modulators employing each of these effects. The results from MQW structures are particularly promising and include optical modulation values as large as 50% at 852 nm. In addition, we have recently reported a new AlGaAs/GaAs CCD in which carriers are confined to a quantum well. This device was combined with a MQW structure, thus demonstrating the feasibility of integrating CCD and MQW structures on a common substrate.
On a problem of Erdös and Rothschild on edges in triangles

Erdos and Rothschild asked to estimate the maximum number, denoted by h(n, c), such that every n-vertex graph with at least cn2 edges, each of which is contained in at least one triangle, must contain an edge that is in at least h(n, c) triangles. In particular, Erdos asked in 1987 to determine whether for every c > 0 there is e > 0 such that h(n,c) > ne for all sufficiently large n. We prove that h(n,c) = nO(1/loglogn) for every fixed c < 1/4. This gives a negative answer to the question of Erdős, and is best possible in terms of the range for c, as it is known that every n-vertex graph with more than n2/4 edges contains an edge that is in at least n/6 triangles.
Visualization of Crystalline Structures Using MAGE

A series of educational modules for teaching and visualizing crystalline structures has been developed for use with the MAGE program. The MAGE program, designed for display of protein structures, has features that make it well-suited for presentation of the structures of inorganic solids. Some of these features include: (1) the selective display of subsets of atoms, (2) short pseudoanimation sequences, and (3) predefined viewing angles. Three tutorial modules focusing on the unit cell, lattice-point sharing, closest-packed structures, and holes in ionic lattices have been prepared. The remaining five example modules are organized by structure type and include structures based on filling of tetrahedral and octahedral holes as well as more complex structures and silicates. We have successfully incorporated this instructional tool into the curriculum at the undergraduate level in both general chemistry and upper-level inorganic chemistry.
Estimating GEV models with censored data

Abstract We examine the problem of estimating parameters for Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) models when one or more alternatives are censored in the sample data, i.e., all decision makers who choose these censored alternatives are excluded from the sample; however, information about the censored alternatives is still available. This problem is common in marketing and revenue management applications, and is essentially an extreme form of choice-based sampling. We review estimators typically used with GEV models, describe why many of these estimators cannot be used for these censored samples, and present two approaches that can be used to estimate parameters associated with censored alternatives. We detail necessary conditions for the identification of parameters associated exclusively with the utility of censored alternatives. These conditions are derived for single-level nested logit, multi-level nested logit and cross-nested logit models. One of the more surprising results shows that alternative specific constants for multiple censored alternatives that belong to the same nest can still be separately identified in nested logit models. Empirical examples based on simulated datasets demonstrate the large-sample consistency of estimators and provide insights into data requirements needed to estimate these models for finite samples.
Time to death of mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) during acute inorganic mercury exposure: Population structure effects

Times-to-death (TTD) of mother and offspring mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) were examined during acute exposure to mercury concentrations of approximately 1.0 mg/L. Median TTD were more similar for fish sharing a common mother (defined herein as a sibship) and microhabitat during maturation than between sibships. Field populations may exhibit structure similar to that of these sibships. Correlations between broods (or other population subunits) and allozyme genotype could be responsible for transient, genotype effects noted during electrophoretic surveys attempting to measure population level response to toxicants.
The “sandwich” model of the amorphous material in semicrystalline polymers, block copolymers and filled or reinforced elastomers

A theoretical model of the amorphous material in semi crystalline polymers, block copolymers and filled or reinforced elastomers is presented. The model consists of a dense system of bridges, loops, cilia and floating chains ‘sandwiched’ between a pair of parallel walls. A prescription is given for determining the total free energy of the model.
Combined Forced and Buoyancy-Induced Convective Heat Transfer in a Partially Closed Vertical Channel

This paper reports a numerical study of mixed convection flow over a horizontal surface in a partially closed adiabatic symmetric vertical channel. For low Rayleigh numbers, the forced flow enhances the buoyant convective heat transfer rates. For higher Rayleigh numbers, complex interactions arise between the buoyancy-induced flow and forced convection. The shearing between the buoyancy-dominated wall layer and the forced flow over it induces a stagnation region and a pair of weak recirculating cells in the middle of the channel above the horizontal surface. This effectively reduces heat transfer rates. Nusselt number data are presented for a wide range of Rayleigh and Reynolds numbers. Finally, the effect of the inlet height of forced flow on the transport is discussed.
Review. Recent advances in lipid oxidation

In a major pathway of the autoxidation of methyl linolenate, peroxyl radicals of the internal hydroperoxides undergo rapid 1,3-tyclisation to form hydroperoxyepidioxides. Because linolenate hydroperoxides are relatively unstable, free radical antioxidants are much less effective in linolenate oils than in linoleate oils. Tocopherols and carotenoids effectively inhibit photosensitised oxidation of vegetable oils. Direct gas chromatographic analyses of malonaldehyde do not correlate with the TBA test. Model fluorescence studies indicate that malonaldehyde may not be so important in crosslinking with DNA. In contrast to oxidised methyl linoleate, oxidised trilinolenin does not form dimers. Although trilinolein oxidises with no preference between the 1(3)-and 2-triglyceride positions, the n-3 double bond of trilinolenin oxidises more in the 1(3)- than in the 2-position. Synthetic triglycerides oxidise in the following decreasing relative rates: LnLnL, LnLLn, LLnL, LLLn (Ln = linolenic and L = linoleic). To estimate the flavour impact of volatile oxidation products their relative threshold values must be considered together with their relative concentration in a given fat.
The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled Moves East on 42nd Street 1912 to 1925

In 1912, the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled (R & C) moved to its third location since its founding in 1863. It was a newly constructed six-story building on 42nd Street between Second Avenue and First Avenue. At the time Dr. Virgil Gibney, the second Surgeon-in-Chief, was 65 years of age and had already served 25 years in that position. The building housed a New York City public school since the length of stay of the children, many afflicted with tuberculosis and poliomyelitis, might be over 1–2 years. The large number of immigrants in the city led to very challenging social conditions that saw changes made in the first two decades of the twentieth century. When this country entered World War I in 1917, the physician staff was significantly affected as many volunteered for military service. Soldiers, sailors, and marines were treated at R & C, and military physicians were educated in orthopedics and hernia care on the wards and in the outpatient department. Because of declining health in 1924, Dr. Gibney retired and was replaced as Surgeon-in-Chief by his long-term friend and colleague, Dr. William B. Coley in January 1925.
Diffraction-limited atmospheric imaging of extended objects*

Recent studies have shown that the use of predetection processing can greatly improve the quality of images formed through atmospheric turbulence. It is generally assumed that the object to be imaged lies within a single isoplanatic patch, and it is recognized that the angular subtense of the isoplanatic patch may be quite small, comparable to the seeing limit. In this paper the use of predetection processing for objects which comprise many isoplanatic elements is considered. It is shown that an atmosphere–lens system behaves macroscopically as though it consisted microscopically of a collection of uncorrelated scatterers with random scattering strengths which contribute image components with varying spatial and spatial-frequency displacements. In communication theory such systems are referred to as wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scatter (WSSUS) channels and are characterized by a macroscopic scattering function. The macroscopic scattering function for the atmosphere is derived and used to show that under typical turbulence-strength conditions the seeing limit can resolve the isoplanatic patch. Thus the fields from different isoplanatic patches of an extended object may be separated in the image plane of an objective lens and processed individually to obtain a diffraction-limited image.
The vascular response to nerve transection : neovascularization in the silicone nerve regeneration chamber

The rat sciatic nerve regeneration chamber was used to study the spatial and temporal response of the endoneurial vasculature during regeneration. Proximal and distal stumps of a transected rat sciatic nerve were placed in opposite ends of a silicone tube and allowed to regenerate for periods of 2, 3, 4 or 52 weeks after the surgery. Serial, transverse sections of nerve were studied at each time-point to quantitate the number of vessels, capillary density and the vessel luminal perimeter per nerve area. The results indicate that the vascular growth relative to the existing tissue in the chamber increases to a peak beyond normal levels and later decreases to values associated with control tissue. While this growth occurred from both the proximal and distal stumps, it appeared predominantly as a traveling wave in the proximal-distal direction preceding the major thrust of neuritic outgrowth from the proximal stump. Morphologic measurements of angiogenesis were paralleled in other animals by measurements of nerve blood flow using laser Doppler flowmetry at corresponding time-points. These data differ somewhat from previous reports of angiogenesis following nerve crush injury and are useful in formulating a general mathematical model of regeneration in the peripheral nervous system.
Three-dimensional analysis of the seismic response of guyed masts

The response of a 120 m-tall guyed mast to three-dimensional seismic excitation is analyzed using the finite-element program ABAQUS. The Northridge earthquake and an amplified El Centro earthquake are applied. The mast is pinned at its base, and guy cables are attached at four equally spaced points along its height. The dynamic tension in the guys is modeled by a nonlinear function based on tests, and periods of slackness in the guys during motion of the system lead to snap tension loads and affect the response. The mast is represented by three-dimensional beam elements. Displacements, bending moments, and base shears are computed for the mast, along with guy tensions. The effects of guy stiffness and pre-tension, mast weight, and directionality of the ground motion are investigated.
Variable Augmentation Specification Tests in the Exponential Family

This paper motivates, exposits, and develops the variable augmentation specification test (VAST) approach from the perspective of generalized linear exponential family, which includes several parametric families widely used in applied econometrics and statistics. The approach is equivalent to score tests and link tests and serves to both unify and simplify the computation of score tests in such models using the Engle-Davidson-MacKinnon technique of artificial regression. Specification tests for both the mean and the variance components are treated symmetrically. Several theoretical applications are discussed.
Assessing the sustainability of goal-based changes in adjustment over a four-year period

Abstract No published data addresses the longer-term sustainability of increases in well-being and adjustment derived from successful goal-striving. Although some theories and data suggest that such gains cannot be maintained, the sustainable happiness model [Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111–131.] suggests that successful intentional activity can indeed bring about lasting gains. In the current study, the “freshman goals” sample studied by Sheldon and Houser-Marko (Study 1) [Sheldon, K. M., & Houser-Marko, L. (2001). Self-concordance, goal-attainment, and the pursuit of happiness: Can there be an upward spiral? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80, 152–165.] was revisited at the end of their senior year. Students who strove successfully during their freshman year, thereby enhancing their adjustment during that year, had maintained those gains three years later. Path modeling suggested that initial adjustment predicted subsequent goal-attainment which in turn predicted enhanced adjustment, combining recent theories concerning both the functional benefits of positive affect and the causes of sustainable gains in well-being.
PRISON GUARDS AND THE USE OF PHYSICAL COERCION AS A MECHANISM OF PRISONER CONTROL

This paper examines the dynamics of the use of unofficial force by prison guards in a Texas penitentiary. The findings suggest that rather than being idiosyncratic or sporadic, guard use of physical coercion was highly structured and deeply entrenched in the guard subculture Upperranking guards served as mentors and socialized younger nonmnking guards into the process of using physical coercion. These nonranking guards actually served as apprentices. Most importantly, guards who used physical force were rewarded for their behavior with improved duty posts or even promotions.
Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, cyclophilin A and B cDNA characterization and expression analysis.

The preliminary observation of up-regulation of cyclophilin transcripts during Edwardsiella ictaluri infection prompted us to speculate on the potential importance of cyclophilins in the early stage of infection. To provide a framework for answering these questions, two cyclophilin cDNA of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were identified, sequenced and characterized. The complete nucleotide sequences of cyclophilin A and cyclophilin B cDNA consisted of 1170 and 996 bases, respectively. Analyses of the sequences revealed each had one open reading frame potentially encoding 164 amino acids with calculated molecular mass of 17,450 Da and 216 amino acids with calculated molecular mass of 23,852 Da for cyclophilin A and cyclophilin B, respectively. The degrees of conservation of channel catfish cyclophilin A and cyclophilin B amino acid sequences to counterparts of other species ranged from 74 to 84% and 80 to 92%, respectively. Both cyclophilin A and cyclophilin B transcripts were constitutively expressed in all tissues of channel catfish examined in this study. These results provide valuable information not only for further exploring the roles of cyclophilins in fish immune responses to infection, but also for production of polyclonal/monoclonal antibodies for channel catfish cyclophilins.
In Lieu of a Sovereignty Shield, Multinational Corporations Should Be Responsible for the Harm They Cause.

Some progress has been made in recent decades to articulate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and, more recently, to associate CSR with international enforcement of human rights. This progress continues to be hampered, however, by the ability of a multinational corporation (MNC) that violates human rights not only to shift liability from itself to a nation-state but even to win compensation from that nation-state for loss of profits due to restrictions on its business activities. In the process, the nation-state’s sovereignty is diminishing; and, in effect, though still attributed to nation-states, it is being transferred to the MNC. The main aim of this article is (1) to draw on normative considerations to claim that this MNC proto-sovereignty should be modified and (2) to contend that this can eventually be accomplished by adding to corporate adoption of CSR guidelines a regimen of global human rights enforcement. I base this contention on expectations about the internationalization of corporate criminal law and the globalization of civil society in general and of NGOs in particular. I consider various jurisdictions but I focus on US jurisprudence.
A Bingo Game Motivates Students to Interact with Course Material

Objectives. To create a bingo game that would increase student interaction with course material and provide students with options for demonstrating learning and earning extra credit. Design. A bing...
Mobilization of broad host range plasmid from Pseudomonas putida to established biofilm of Bacillus azotoformans. I. Experiments.

A strain of Pseudomonas putida harboring plasmids RK2 and pDLB101 was exposed to a pure culture biofilm of Bacillus azotoformans grown in a rotating annular reactor under three different concentrations of the limiting nutrient, succinate. Experimental results demonstrated that the broad host range RSF1010 derivative pDLB101 was transferred to and expressed by B. azotoformans. At the lower concentrations, donor mediated plasmid transfer increased with increasing nutrient levels, but the highest nutrient concentration yielded the lowest rate of donor to recipient plasmid transfer. For transconjugant initiated transfer, the rate of transfer increased with increasing nutrient concentrations for all cases. At the lower nutrient concentrations, the frequency of plasmid transfer was higher between donors and recipients than between transconjugants and recipients. The reverse was true at the highest succinate concentration. The rates and frequencies of plasmid transfer by mobilization were compared to gene exchange by retrotransfer. The initial rate of retrotransfer was slower than mobilization, but then increased dramatically. Retrotransfer produced a plasmid transfer frequency more than an order of magnitude higher than simple mobilization.
A review of etomidate for rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department

Currently, there is no one drug that is the agent of choice for induction in rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department (ED). All agents currently used as induction agents in the ED offer distinct advantages for various clinical conditions, but each has a significant side effect profile and specific contraindications that limit its use in many common clinical settings. A review of the data available from the anesthesia literature suggests that etomidate possesses many properties that may make it the agent of choice for rapid sequence intubations in the ED. These advantages include excellent pharmacodynamics, protection from myocardial and cerebral ischemia, minimal histamine release, and a hemodynamic profile that is uniquely stable. Disadvantages include a lack of blunting of sympathetic response to intubation, a high incidence of myoclonus, prominent nausea and vomiting, potential activation of seizures in patients with epileptogenic foci, and impaired glucocorticoid response to stress. Further studies are needed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the use of etomidate for rapid sequence intubation in the ED.
Conversions between parallel and hierarchic architecture analysis multirate filter banks

General conversion between equivalent parallel and hierarchic analysis multirate filter banks (MRBs) as well as sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of the conversions are derived. MRBs are used with arbitrary, rational number changes in sampling rate between successive outputs and arbitrary linear-time-invariant filtering for each output. Conversion consists of commuting sampling rate expanders, sampling rate compressors, and filters to turn one MRB into the form of the other. For a class of MRBs which the authors call well-formed the conversions between architectures are one to one. >
Prospective study of surgical resection of duodenal and pancreatic gastrinomas in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Background. The role of surgical resection of gastrinoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is controversial because of low biochemical cure rates, but with adequate duodenal exploration higher cure rates may be possible. Methods. We have prospectively evaluated this proposal in ten consecutive patients with MEN 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome who underwent surgical exploration for gastrinoma resection including a detailed evalution of the duodenum by palpation, intraoperative endoscopy with transillumination, and duodenotomy. Results. Duodenal tumors were present in seven patients. Six of seven patients had metastatic deposits in lymph nodes, and two of seven had synchronous pancreatic tumors. Three patients had a single duodenal tumor, one patient had two tumors, and three patients had more than 20 duodenal tumors. Positive gastrin staining by use of immunohistochemistry was seen in all duodenal tumors. None of these seven patients were biochemically cured. Of three patients with negative duodenal explorations, two had single pancreatic tumors removed and one had only lymph node gastrinoma. No patients were biochemically cured. Conclusions. Not all patient with MEN 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have duodenal gastrinomas. In the 70% of patients with duodenal tumors even extensive duodenal exploration with removal of positive lymph nodes does not result in cures because 86% of tumors had metastasized to lymph nodes and 43% of patients had large numbers of tumors.
B'← X Rovibrationally Resolved Photodissociation of 24MgH

New accurate photodissociation cross sections have been obtained for the B' 2Σ+ ← X 2Σ+ transition of 24MgH using a combination of ab initio and experimentally derived potential curves and dipole transition moments. The partial cross sections have been evaluated for all rotational transitions from the vibrational levels v'' = 0-11 and over the entire accessible wavelength range λλ1770-4560 A. In particular, all shape resonances arising from rotational predissociation of quasi-bound levels of the B' state have been obtained near threshold. Assuming a Boltzmann distribution of the rovibrational levels of the X 2Σ+, LTE photodissociation cross sections are presented for temperatures between 1000 and 10,000 K.
Correlations in 2-dimensional critical theories

Abstract We study the correlation functions of 2D statistical models at a critical point, using the techniques based on conformal invariance developed by Belavin, Polyakov and Zamolodchikov and Friedan, Qiu and Shenker. These functions are known to obey systems of linear partial-differential equations. We show that in many cases, determinable from properties of the operator product expansion, these systems reduce to first-order equations, soluble by inspection. The method is used to calculate 4- and 5-point functions in the Ising and tricritical Ising models. Finally, we propose a connection between the number of independent solutions of the differential equations and the existence of nontrivial symmetries such as the Kramers-Wannier duality.
Dictators and Deterrence: Syria's Assad, Chemical Weapons, and the Threat of U.S. Military Action

The United States’ attempt to deter chemical weapons use by the Syrian government failed largely due to the former's lack of credibility. Having seen its implicit deterrent threats ignored in spring and summer, 2013, the United States scrambled to restore them by threatening to use force explicitly, only to find that its credibility was exhausted. Syria's subsequent pledge to give up its chemical weapons, popularly explained as a response to renewed U.S. threats, likely reflected a strategic environment changed more by developments in Syria than any application of U.S. deterrent strategy.
Adenosine deaminase 1 and concentrative nucleoside transporters 2 and 3 regulate adenosine on the apical surface of human airway epithelia: implications for inflammatory lung diseases.

Adenosine is a multifaceted signaling molecule mediating key aspects of innate and immune lung defenses. However, abnormally high airway adenosine levels exacerbate inflammatory lung diseases. This study identifies the mechanisms regulating adenosine elimination from the apical surface of human airway epithelia. Experiments conducted on polarized primary cultures of nasal and bronchial epithelial cells showed that extracellular adenosine is eliminated by surface metabolism and cellular uptake. The conversion of adenosine to inosine was completely inhibited by the adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1) inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA). The reaction exhibited Km and Vmax values of 24 μM and 0.14 nmol·min-1·cm-2. ADA1 (not ADA2) mRNA was detected in human airway epithelia. The adenosine/mannitol permeability coefficient ratio (18/1) indicated a minor contribution of paracellular absorption. Adenosine uptake was Na+-dependent and was inhibited by the concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) block...
Effect of Continued Treatment with Cortisol on Thymidine Incorporation Into Mouse Lymphatic Tissue Nucleic Acid.

SummaryThe data presented here show that immature cell populations produced by continued treatment with cortisol became resistant to its effects on nucleic acid synthesis after 3 days of treatment in thymus and lymph nodes. The spleen did not show this resistance.
Seabirds influence Arctic methane and nitrous oxide emissions

Seabird activity is contributing significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions in the Arctic tundra, a new study shows. Methane emissions, which play an important role in the global carbon cycle, and nitrous oxide fluxes, a key element in the nutrient cycle, are predicted to increase in the Arctic and contribute to Arctic warming in the near future.
Simulating Solar Cycles in Northern and Southern Hemispheres by Assimilating Magnetic Data into a Calibrated Flux-Transport Dynamo

We use the flux-transport dynamo prediction scheme introduced by Dikpati, de Toma, and Gilman (Geophys. Res. Lett.33, L05102, 2006) to make separate simulations and predictions of sunspot cycle peaks for northern and southern hemispheres. Despite the division of the data, the skill level achieved is only slightly lower than that achieved for the sum of both hemispheres. The model shows skill at simulating and predicting the difference in peaks between North and South, provided that difference is more than a few percent. The simulation and prediction skill is achieved without adjustment to any parameters of the model that were used when peaks for the sum of North and South sunspot areas was simulated. The results are also very insensitive to the averaging length applied to the input data, provided the simulations and predictions are for peaks defined by averaging the observations over at least 13 rotations. However, in its present form, the model is not capable of skillfully simulating or predicting short-time-scale features of individual solar cycles.
Particle Deposition from Natural Convection Enclosure Flow Onto Smooth Surfaces

ABSTRACT Deposition can be an important fate for airborne particles in indoor environments. The effects of particle size (diameters: 0.1, 0.5, 0.7, 1.3, and 2.5 μm), surface orientation, and surface-air-temperature difference (±10 K and ±1.5 K) on particle deposition velocity have been studied experimentally in a 1.22 m × 1.22 m × 1.22 m aluminum chamber. Monodispersed ammonium fluorescein particles were deposited onto the chamber surfaces under natural convection flow conditions and then extracted to determine particle deposition at seven locations along each surface. For horizontal surfaces, gravitational settling was the dominant factor for particle diameters greater than 1 μm. For vertical surfaces, several factors significantly influenced deposition. Excluding near-corner areas, the average deposition velocities on cool vertical walls varied from a maximum of 5.8 × 10−5 m s−1 for 0.1 μm particles (surface-to-air temperature difference of -10 K) to a minimum of 5.3 × 10−7 m s−1 for 1.3 μm particles (-...
Managed Care, Primary Care, and the Patient-practitioner Relationship

OBJECTIVES: This study examines how specific attributes of managed health plans influence patients’ relationships with their primary care practitioners (PCPs) and determines whether these effects are mediated by access to, continuity with, or perceived choice of PCPs.
Inhibition of induction of group A bacteriocins of Serratia marcescens by rifampin

Rifampin blockierte die Induktion von Gruppe A Bakteriozinen in bakteriozinogenenSerratia marcescens Zellen; demnach scheint die Induktion dieser Bakteriozine auf funktionstuchtiger, DNS-abhangiger RNS-Polymerase der Wirtszellen zu beruhen. Rifampin hatte keinen Einfluss auf die Empfindlichkeit von Indikatorzellen auf Gruppe A Bakteriozine; demzufolge scheint die bakterizide Wirkung dieser Bakteriozine unabhangig von Proteinsynthese durch Indikatorzellen zu sein.
Mannich Bases from 2-Phenylindolizines I: 3-Alkyl-1-Dialkylaminomethyl Derivatives

In a search for new therapeutic agents, a series of Mannich derivatives of 3-methyl-2-phenylindolizine and 3-ethyl-2-phenylindolizine has been prepared. The mechanism by which 2,3-disubstituted indolizines participate in the Mannich reaction has been examined and alternate SN 1 and SN 2 routes have been proposed. 1-Diethyl-aminomethyl-3-methyl-2-phenylindolizine has been tested and found to have central nervous system depressant activity.
Electron micrograph studies on sodium desoxyribose nucleate

Abstract The electron micrographs of sodium desoxyribose nucleate are described and typical photographs are reproduced. Comparison of the existing data in the literature regarding particle lengths and widths with these micrographs indicates the occurrence of lateral and longitudinal aggregations of the nucleic acid columns.
Quasiclassical trajectory studies of state-resolved bimolecular reactions. Vibrational distributions in triatomic products

This paper describes theoretical and computational research aimed at understanding the vibrational state distributions of triatomic molecule products which are produced in diatom plus diatom reactive collisions. The primary computational tool in this research is quasiclassical trajectories, wherein the vibrational states of the products are determined by numerically calculating the [open quotes]good[close quotes] actions associated with vibrational motion. Four exothermic reactions are considered: OH + H[sub 2](D[sub 2]), H[sub 2][sup +] + H[sub 2], OH + CO, and NH + NO. The first two of these reactions are direct reactions which produce nonlinear product triatomics while the second two involve the formation of short-lived complexes and linear product triatomics. Our analysis considers energy partitioning between vibration, translation, and rotation and state distributions associated with the vibrational modes. Common features among all the reactions are that bend modes excitation is significant and that stretch mode excitation is accompanied by significant bend excitation. None of the vibrational distributions are statistical, but only the HOD stretch modes in OH + D[sub 2] and the bend mode of CO[sub 2] and N[sub 2]O in OH + CO and NH + NO show easily understood mode-specific propensities. 39 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
Cloning, expression, and distribution of functionally distinct Ca2+-activated K+ channel isoforms from human brain

Summary We have cloned and expressed nine Ca 2+ -activated K + channel isoforms from human brain. The open reading frames encode proteins ranging from 1154 to 1195 amino acids, and all possess significant identity with the slowpoke gene products in Drosophila and mouse. All isoforms are generated by alternative RNA splicing of a single gene on chromosome 10 at band q22.3 ( hslo ). RNA splicing occurs at four sites located in the carboxy-terminal portion of the protein and gives rise to at least nine ion channel constructs (hbr1–hbr9). hslo mRNA is expressed abundantly in human brain, and individual isoforms show unique expression patterns. Expression of hslo mRNA in Xenopus oocytes produces robust voltage and Ca 2+ -activated K + currents. Splice variants differ significantly in their Ca 2+ sensitivity, suggesting a broad functional role for these channels in the regulation of neuronal excitability.
A contribution to comparative studies in the Guaraní linguistic family

The front vowels of four Guarani languages are examined with special attention to the development of Siriono which exhibits asymmetry in the front vowels derived from Proto Guarani *i and *i.
Measurement of the size of the isoplanatic patch using a phase-correcting telescope

In the presence of several-arc-second seeing at Mt. Wilson observatory, a flexible mirror image-sharpening telescope produced diffraction-limited (0.5 arcsec) images of the primary stars in the double star systems of Castor (alpha Gem), Algieba (gamma Leo) and Almach (gamma And). The images of both the primary and the companion star were simultaneously sharpened for Castor (separation 2 arcsec) and Algieba (4 arcsec) but not for Almach (10 arcsec). Thus the size of the isoplanatic patch came to lie between 4 and 10 arcsec. Using a simple model, we conclude that the bulk of the turbulent air responsible for the seeing was situated between 1.1 and 1.7 km above ground.
Kawasaki disease and the T-cell antigen receptor.

Abstract ABSTRACT: We investigated the evidence for an infectious etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology, by assessing the effects of KD on the T cell antigen receptor variable beta region families (Vβ). Using 3-color flow cytometry, we studied KD patients pre- and post-intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) therapy and at >40 days post therapy, additionally comparing them to matched pediatric control patients (PCC) and their own healthy parents (one parent/KD child). Of all the Vβ families examined, only Vβ2 exhibited statistically significant differences, between the pre- and postIVIG samples and preIVIG and parent samples. No associations were found between Vβ2 findings and T cell memory, activation, or adhesion markers. For 2 KD patients, 4 parents, and 1 PCC participant, >15% of resting CD8+ lymphocytes and >15% of blastic CD8+ lymphocytes expressed a single Vβ family, which varied by individual, without similar expansions in the CD4+ cell populations. One of the participants with this abnormality was the only one with significant cardiac abnormalities. For all participants with the Vβ abnormality, other T-cell abnormalities were extensive and involved both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. We suggest that Vβ2 changes do occur in KD, as previously reported. However, these may not be involved in disease pathogenesis. Other Vβ changes also occur. Those occurring in parents may reflect asymptomatic reinfection with an infectious agent causing KD. Further, some KD patients may have restricted cytotoxic T-cell responses to that as yet unidentified agent; this restricted response may be associated with more severe cardiac involvement. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.