cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial competition in serial transfer culture

A mathematical model of bacterial competition for a single growth-limiting substrate in serial transfer culture is formulated. Each bacterial strain is characterized by a growth response function, e.g. Monod function determined by a maximum growth rate and half-saturation nutrient concentration, and the length of its lag phase following the dilution event. The goal of our study is to understand what factors determine an organisms fitness or competitive ability in serial transfer culture. A motivating question is: how many strains can coexist in serial transfer culture? Unlike competition in the chemostat, coexistence of two strains can occur in serial transfer culture. Numerical simulations suggest that more than two may coexist.
Collagen synthesis during epitheliomesenchymal interactions

Summary The synthesis of collagenous proteins was examined in transfilter cultures of mouse embryonic mesenchyme and epithelium. Tissues were analyzed for polypeptide proline and hydroxyproline derived from proline- 3 H. Mesenchyme grown in the presence or absence of epithelium synthesized appreciable amounts of collagen, although radioactive collagen was not detected in epithelia grown in the absence of mesenchyme. The formation of epithelial collagen was investigated in transfilter cultures by continuous labeling of the rudiments and after mesenchymal labeling. After continuous labeling, pancreatic and salivary epithelia grown in association with salivary mesenchyme contained radioactive collagen. Compared to those exposed to continuous label, epithelia grown transfilter from labeled mesenchyme showed a 6-fold increase in the relative amount of radioactive collagen. Salivary epithelia cultured transfilter from labeled mammary mesenchyme did not undergo morphogenesis, yet contained a similar amount of radioactive collagen as pancreatic and salivary epithelia grown transfilter from labeled salivary mesenchyme. The label in the epithelia could not be accounted for by the transfer of free proline- 3 H from the mesenchyme. The results suggest that collagen synthesized in the mesenchyme is transported across the filter to the epithelium, but that the transfilter passage of collagenous proteins is not dependent upon epithelial morphogenesis. Developing epithelia were shown to regulate the amount of mesenchymal collagen. The relative amount of radioactive collagen in salivary mesenchyme cultured transfilter from pancreatic or salivary epithelium was significantly greater than in mesenchyme grown in the absence of epithelium. Equivalent quantities of polypeptide hydroxyproline were found in extracts of the nutrient medium from each culture type. No difference in the amount of radioactive collagen was detected between mammary mesenchyme cultured in the presence or absence of salivary epithelium.
Comparison of major complication rates with new atherectomy devices for percutaneous coronary intervention in women versus men.

Previous reports suggested that the risk of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is greater in women than in men.1–3 The initial National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) PTCA Registry (1977 to 1981) reported a greater overall hospital mortality for women, and multivariate analysis identified female gender as an independent predictor of hospital mortality after PTCA.1 When the more recent NHLBI PTCA Registry data were analyzed, female gender was a predictor of in-hospital mortality after PTCA. Coronary atherectomy has introduced a new approach to percutaneous revascularization by removing the atherosclerotic plaque within the arterial lumen as compared with PTCA in which the plaque is compressed against the arterial wall. Although the risk of PTCA may be greater in women, it is not known if the coronary arterial response to atherectomy may be different between men and women, leading to a difference in major complications. We reviewed 379 atherectomy procedures performed at our institution to determine if the risk of coronary atherectomy was increased in women.
Recent Advances in Capillary Gas Chromatography Related to Drug Research

Recent progress in capillary gas chromatography, with emphasis on the needs of drug research, has been briefly reviewed. The value of this method in studies of drug-induced changes in metabolic profiles has been emphasized. Recent improvements in technology of glass and fused-silica capillary columns and enhanced capabilities of detectors related to capillary techniques promise to increase their utilization in drug research and routine analyses.
Web Site for Computer Imaging Education

A web site for computer imaging education is described. The CVIPtools computer imaging environment is utilized as the platform. CVIPtools illustrates principles of computer imaging and enables the rapid development of complex algorithms. The web site provides examples of the many different imaging tools and algorithms for image enhancement, restoration, compression, and analysis. The web site also describes how these functions can be easily accessed from the CVIPtools graphical user interface. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 8: 61–71, 2000
A Collaborative Interagency Diagnostic Classroom

We encourage our readers to submit ideas, suggestions, or manuscripts for Spotlight. This feature of Intervention focuses on a specific school program, clinic, camp, or individual concerned with special and remedial education. We would be pleased to assist our readers in developing an article for this column.---GW
Effects of instruction on beginning reading skills in children at risk for reading disability

Children identified in kindergarten as being at risk for reading disability were taught in grades one and two using one of two methods of reading instruction, a structured phonics code-emphasis approach or an approach emphasizing use of context. At the end of first and second grade, children were tested on measures of achievement in word identification, word attack, passage comprehension and spelling. Those in the Code group earned uniformly higher scores on all achievement measures at the end of first and second grades. At the end of first grade, statistically significant differences between groups were found on nonword reading and spelling of phonetically regular words. At the end of second grade, significant differences were found in reading of polysyllabic real words and decoding of monosyllabic and polysyllabic nonsense words. It was concluded that reading instruction does have an important impact on acquisition of early reading skills, and that structured, systematic phonics instruction results in more favorable outcome than does a context emphasis approach.
Enhanced physician prompts in prenatal electronic medical records impact documentation on smoking cessation

Objective: Smoking cessation during pregnancy is a modifiable intervention that can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Encouraging smoking cessation is an assessed measure of the Meaningful Use incentives to ensure best practices with the increased use of the electronic medical record (EMR). Physician EMR prompts have been used shown to be successful with preventive care but there is a paucity of data evaluating prompts within obstetrics. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of enhanced smoking cessation prompts in a prenatal EMR. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of an enhanced smoking cessation prompting system within our prenatal EMR was performed. Pregnant women who reported tobacco use at first prenatal visit were included. The number of times a smoking cessation method was offered and documented, the number of documented attempts at smoking cessation, and the final number of cigarettes smoked were compared pre and post the enhancement of the smoking cessation prompting system. Results: 95 patients were included (48 pre-enhancement; 47 post-enhancement). Post-enhancement, the documentation of smoking cessation method offered increased (0 vs. 1, p = 0.03) and documentation of smoking cessation attempts increased (1 vs. 2, p = 0.006). There was no change in the final number of cigarettes smoked (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Enhanced prompting systems increase documentation related to smoking cessation with no change in number of cigarettes smoked. In the era of Meaningful Use guidelines which focus on documentation in the EMR, continued research must be done to assure that software enhancements and improved documentation truly result in improved patient care.
Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic functional illness that presents with widespread musculoskeletal pain as well as a constellation of symptoms including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep difficulties, stiffness, anxiety, and depressed mood. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia, similar to other functional disorders, requires that organic diseases are not causing the symptoms. Systemic and rheumatic diseases can be ruled out by a patient history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations. Because there are no specific laboratory tests for fibromyalgia, the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria have been used in clinical settings; however, they are not ideal for individual patient diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of limitations inherent in using tender points in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The multiple symptoms of fibromyalgia often overlap with those of related disorders and may further complicate the diagnosis. One of the most challenging diagnostic dilemmas that clinicians face is distinguishing fibromyalgia from other central pain disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine). Screening questions based on published criteria can be used as a first approach in diagnosing functional illnesses. Numerous studies report a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with fibromyalgia. Therefore, a careful history and evaluation should be taken for the presence of primary mood disturbances. To date, there is no "gold standard" for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Until a better clinical case definition of fibromyalgia exists, all diagnostic criteria should be interpreted with caution, considered rudimentary, and subject to modification.
Concurrent bilateral femoral neck stress fractures and osteonecrosis of the hip. A case report.

Although bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head and bilateral stress fracture of the femoral neck are well-documented conditions, the occurrence of both conditions in the same patient has not been reported, to our knowledge. We present the case of a patient with both entities who was managed with internal fixation of both hips, which provided stabilization of the stress fractures as well as treatment of the osteonecrosis with core decompression. Two years after treatment, the stress fractures had healed and there was no evidence of progression of the osteonecrosis. The patient granted permission for the publication of data concerning the case. Aforty-six-year-old woman presented to us with a six-month history of bilateral groin pain. The right hip was more painful than the left. There was no history of trauma. The medical history included interstitial nephritis, diagnosed on the basis of a renal biopsy performed five years earlier, and osteopenia, diagnosed on the basis of a bone mineral densitometry value that was -1.25 standard deviations below the mean for age and sex-matched controls. The nephritis was treated with a three-month course of prednisone at the time of the initial diagnosis. The serum creatinine level remained elevated at 2.0 to 3.2 mg/dL (176.8 to 282.9 μmol/L), but that level had remained stable since the diagnosis of interstitial nephritis five years earlier. The patient had not received medical treatment for the osteopenia although it was recommended to her at the time that the densitometry was performed. The patient had a history of drug and alcohol abuse more than twenty years previously, but she stated that she had not used drugs or alcohol since that time. There was no history of amenorrhea or an eating disorder. The patient stated that she was an “avid” runner, running >5 mi (>8 km) every morning, prior to …
Isomer in iridium-193

An 80.19-kev transition with a half-life of 11.9 days and $M4$ multipolarity has been observed in a neutron-irradiated sample of iridium. The corresponding isomeric state has been assigned to ${\mathrm{Ir}}^{193}$, which is produced by two successive neutron captures in ${\mathrm{Ir}}^{191}$. A pile-neutron capture cross section of 1500 barns is found for ${\mathrm{Ir}}^{192}$.
Two complementary approaches toward 2-alkoxy carboxylic acid synthesis from 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones.

Two complementary approaches to prepare 2-alkoxy carboxylic acids have been developed. Reductive ring opening of various 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones using TiCl4/Et3SiH or tBuMgCl affords the desired 2-alkoxy carboxylic acid in moderate to excellent chemical yield without loss of optical purity.
Effect of Neoprontosil on Bacterial Toxins

SummaryNeoprontosil was administered orally, subcutaneously, intraabdominally, or intramuscularly to a total of 740 mice which had received lethal doses of 5 bacterial toxins by intraabdominal injection. Oral administration of the drug prevented death in 87.7% of 440 mice given staphylococcal toxin, 77.5% of 80 mice given streptococcal toxin, 84% of 100 mice given the toxin of Clostridium welchii, and 86.7% of 60 mice given the toxin of Clostridium botulinum. On the other hand, only 5% of 60 mice injected with gonococcal “toxin” survived. In all instances, the compound was ineffective when administered parenterally.
Presence and absence of scaling violations in inclusive leptoproduction

In the standard model, the heavy--quark-parton scaling variable is used to study the effects of the color-octet piece of the integrally-charged--quark-parton electromagnetic current which would violate scaling in deep-inelastic leptoproduction. With spin-1/2 partons it is found that sigma/sub L//sigma/sub T/ would deviate significantly from zero since (sigma/sub L//sigma/sub T/)/sub muN/ approx. = 4m/sub c//sup ts2/f/sub v/(z)/ 5Q/sup 2/f/sub v/(x), where f/sub v/(z) + u/sub v/(z) + d/sub v/(z), m/sub c//sup ts2/ = effective mass-squared of quark-parton in color-excited hadron, and z approx. = x + m/sub c//sup ts2//2MEy. Such scaling violations must occur in the ..mu.. data at currently available energies if the step of 2 units of R (beyond charm) in the 4-GeV region in the SPEAR data for ee-bar annihilation is due to a color threshold for the production of color-octet qq-bar mesons, qqq baryons, and/or quark-antiquark pairs. Consistency is shown between the scaling violations in the electroproduction data in the x < or = 0.2 region and the energy independence in the data of the CDHS collaboration for charged-current neutrino distributions for average y and for sigma/sup nu-bar/sigma/sup ..nu../. Exclusive final states responsible for electroproduction scaling violations in the x < or = 0.2 region would containmore » the tau-particle-antiparticle pairs (i.e., integrally charged quarks) and/or high-momentum photons (few GeV) from radiative decay modes of color-octet hadrons.« less
Low‐dose prednisone therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: effect on vitamin d metabolism

Malgre l'incapacite d'observer des effets nefastes du traitement par la prednisone a faible dose sur le metabolisme de la vitamine D, une perte d'os produite par le corticosteroide peut encore survenir par d'autres mecanismes directs et/ou indirects
Hot-Mix Asphalt Linear Viscoelastic Response: Combining Creep and Dynamic Test Results

Linear viscoelastic (LVE) characterization of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) has traditionally been performed by conducting dynamic modulus or creep compliance tests. Results from each test can typically describe a different range of LVE response with some overlap. In the field of polymer viscoelasticity, LVE characterization of the material is most often performed by combining experimental dynamic and static tests to obtain a wider range of responses. This paper presents three different numerical approaches to determining LVE properties of HMA using a generalized Kelvin model (GKM) representation of the experimental creep compliance and dynamic modulus. The main advantages of combining the test results is that a wider range of material response can be modeled while a more representative characterization is obtained in the region where results from both tests overlap.
Radiation-Induced Signal Transduction and Stress Response

Radiation-induced DNA damage can induce death by apoptosis by activation of signal transduction pathways. One such pathway is the sphingomyelin/ceramide signal transduction pathway that is involved in initiation of stress-induced apoptosis in a variety of normal and neoplastic cells. This pathway is under regulation by the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway that constitutes an anti-apoptosis mechanism. DNA damage can also increase ceramide levels by activating the biosynthesis pathway, through the activation of the ceramide synthase enzyme. Both pathways could serve as potential targets for strategies that take advantage of signaling-based apoptosis to enhance cell killing in radiation therapy.
A constitutive theory for the mechanical response of amorphous metals at high temperatures spanning the glass transition temperature: Application to microscale thermoplastic forming

Abstract An extremely promising microscale processing method for bulk metallic glasses called thermoplastic forming has emerged in recent years. At present, there is no generally accepted theory to model the large-deformation, elastic–viscoplastic response of bulk metallic glasses in the temperature range relevant to thermoplastic forming. What is needed is a unified constitutive framework that is capable of capturing the transition from a viscoelastic–plastic solid-like response below the glass transition to a Newtonian fluid-like response above the glass transition. We have developed a large-deformation, constitutive theory to fill this need. The material parameters appearing in the theory have been determined to reproduce the experimentally measured stress–strain response of Zr 41.2 Ti 13.8 Cu 12.5 Ni 10 Be 22.5 (Vitreloy-1) in the strain-rate range [ 10 - 5 , 10 - 1 ] s - 1 , and in the temperature range [593, 683] K, which spans the glass transition temperature ϑ g = 623 K of this material. We have implemented our theory in a finite element program, and this numerical simulation capability is used to determine appropriate processing parameters in order to carry out a successful micron-scale hot-embossing operation. By carrying out a corresponding physical experiment, we demonstrate that micron-scale features in Vitreloy-1 may be accurately replicated under the processing conditions determined by use of the numerical simulation capability.
The M-form: Industrial groups, American style

Abstract This paper reviews the evolution of industrial groups in the United States and then briefly compares their historical development with that of groups in other advanced market economies. The central role of the shift from attempting to achieve market control through contractual cooperation to achieve it through administrative efficiency, is underlined. Such a shift has occurred much earlier in the United States than in other economies.
Effects of Electronics Assembly Processes on Benzotriazoletreated Printed Wiring Board Copper Surfaces.

The performance and reliability of personal computers, workstations and other electronic products depend on the effective soldering of electronic components to printed wiring oards (PWBs). The copper surfaces of PWBs are frequently treated with benzotriazole (or similar organic complexes) to preserve solderability by preventing copper oxide formation. However, new assembly process techniques and more complex processes may degrade protective organo-copper surface complexes and allow copper oxidation to occur, thus inhibiting subsequent solder operations. This study uses Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) in conjunction with meniscograph wettability results to determine the effects of processing conditions on the solderability of PWB surfaces. Effects are characterized for aging up to 19 months; Infrared (IR) reflow in air and nitrogen; cleaning; and temperature cycles associated with adhesive or encapsulant cure. Surface compositions, oxide thicknesses, and solderability measurements are correlated to the above process steps. For example, IR reflow in air increases oxide thickness from ∼10 A to ∼150A (relative to sputtering rates in Ta 2 O 5 with an attendant increase in the meniscograph time-to-neutral-buoyancy from 10 seconds, relative to unprocessed PWBs. Such fundamental information serves as an invaluable complement to standard phenomenological observations of defective solder joints, and can aid in guiding processing decisions for improved yield and reliability.
Thymic alymphocytosis: Report of a case with normal Peyer's patches

A case of thymic alymphocytosis is described in a 5-month-old girl. The patient hadsevere hypoplasia of the thymus and of the entire lymphoid system; her peripheral lymphocytes failed to respond in vitro to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The number of these cells in peripheral blood, however, was only moderately decreased, and, in contrast to all previous reports, her Peyer's patches containing typical lymphoid follicles with germinal centers were morphologically normal. This apparent antinomy emphasizes the present uncertainty about the site of the primary defect in this syndrome which may be located not in the thymus, but in the primary lymphoid stem cells.
A maximum principle for optimal control problems with functional differential systems

Maximum principle in integral form for optimal control problems with delay differential system equations, using vector matrix notation
Penile prosthesis implantation : Size matters

When the outcome of penile prosthesis implantation according to the surgeon is excellent and the patient is displeased, the reason in my experience is almost always that the patient’s expectations in terms of penile size have not been met. With today’s three-piece inflatable penile prostheses, penile girth is seldom an issue. Instead when prosthesis recipients are dissatisfied, it is usually because their expectations in terms of length with the prosthetic erection have not been met. This is based on the patient’s recall of his erect penile length. Many of these men with erectile dysfunction have not had a normal erection in many months or years. Some have become obese with added adipose tissue in the prepubic area. Others have acquired disorders (e.g., Peyronie’s disease) that produce penile shortening. Even in the absence of these factors, a patient’s recall of his former erections may sometimes err in the direction of exaggerated length. In this issue, Deveci and coworkers compare stretched penile length to penile length following three-piece or two-piece inflatable penile prosthesis implantation in 56 first- time penile prosthesis recipients [1]. Although they found no found no statistically significant difference in stretched penile length before implant surgery and penile length with the prosthesis after surgery, 72% of the recipients reported a decrease in their penile length after surgery. Perceived loss of penile length was more common in men who had undergone radical prostatectomy. Savoie et al. measured stretched penile length before and after radical prostatectomy in 124 men [2]. There was a significant decrease in stretched penile length after prostatectomy and in 12 patients (19%) it was a 15% decrease. The findings of Deveci et al. in this regard therefore are
Role of metals in the biological activity of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins are the most potent toxins to humans and cause paralysis by blocking neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic nerve terminals. The toxicity involves four steps, viz., binding to neuronal cells, internalization, translocation, and catalytic activity. While the catalytic activity is a zinc endopeptidase activity on the SNARE complex proteins, the translocation is believed to be a pH-dependent process allowing the translocation domain to change its conformation to penetrate the endosomal membrane. Here, we report the crystal structures of botulinum neurotoxin type B at various pHs and of an apo form of the neurotoxin, and discuss the role of metal ions and the effect of pH variation in the biological activity. Except for the perturbation of a few side chains, the conformation of the catalytic domain is unchanged in the zinc-depleted apotoxin, suggesting that zinc's role is catalytic. We have also identified two calcium ions in the molecule and present biochemical evidence to show that they play a role in the translocation of the light chain through the membrane.
BPTES inhibition of hGA124–551, a truncated form of human kidney-type glutaminase

The initial transcript of the GLS1 gene undergoes alternative splicing to produce two glutaminase variants (KGA and GAC) that contain unique C-terminal sequences. A truncated form of human glutaminase (hGA124–551) that lacks either C-terminal sequence was expressed in E.Coli and purified. This construct exhibits a hyperbolic glutamine saturation profile (Km of 1.6 mM). BPTES, bis-2[5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]ethylsulfide, functions as a potent uncompetitive inhibitor of this construct (Ki of 0.2 µM). The hGA124–551 is inactive in the absence of phosphate, but exhibits a hyperbolic phosphate-dependent activation profile that is also inhibited by BPTES. Gel filtration studies indicate that hGA124–551 forms a dimer in the absence or presence of 100 mM phosphate, whereas addition of BPTES causes the formation of an inactive tetramer. The combined data indicate that BPTES inhibits human glutaminase by a novel mechanism and that BPTES is a potential lead compound for development of an effective can...
Use of 3-D-computer graphics for imaging of distribution of hepatic metabolites

In conjunction with the investigation of intercellular compartmentation of liver metabolism and as a logical further step, following the introduction of a new sample isolation procedure for microchemical analysis of functional liver cell heterogeneity, the possible benefit of computer-assisted three-dimensional imaging procedures for the reconstruction of hepatic metabolite distribution was investigated. In this intent, we elected to access a central computer facility by means of a small microcomputer system which, nevertheless, permitted to take full advantage of a large capacity main-frame computer and a high quality graphics plotter, at comparatively low overal costs. Commercially available software (SAS/GRAPH) was tailored to the specific requirements of this application. The threedimensional imaging process recombines microchemical data (metabolite or enzyme values) with those of the size and location of samples within a particular cross-sectional area of a liver unit and provides an integrated view of metabolite distributions. The three-dimensional images were then used to define general distribution characteristics, as well as, differences in metabolite distribution along sinusoids of portal and septal origin. Glucose increased, whereas glucose-6-P decreased along sinusoids from the beginning to the end and values of both metabolites were found to be higher along ‘portal/central’ than along ‘septal/central’ sinusoids. Co-distribution of glucose-6-phosphatase with its substrate (glucose-6-P) was indicated by histochemical and microchemical results and is anticipated to be of considerable regulatory importance, since it further enhances the differences among hepatocytes at different locations along sinusoids with respect to their ability to produce glucose. In view of the results obtained, the new procedure which takes advantage of electronic acquisition, manipulation and graphical representation of data, is considered a valuable new tool and important part of a methodological approach that combines staining histochemistry, microdissection of minute tissue samples from frozen-dried cryosections and microchemical assays of high analytical sensitivity.
Chinese workers' work ethic in reformed state-owned enterprises: implications for HRD

Work ethic, as the construct of work-related values and attitudes, directly affects employees' job performance. Work ethic subjects to the influence of business and social practices. China is in the mix of major economical and political transformation, although little is known about how work ethic has changed for Chinese workers since the economic reform first initiated in 1979. This study is designed to examine work ethic currently held by workers of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Findings revealed work ethic perceptions based on the multidimensional work ethic profile (MWEP), a Western work ethic profile, and the Confucian work ethic (CWE), an Eastern work ethic profile, resulted in similarities but often lived different life styles. The major differences tended to focus on perceptions of hard work, self-reliance and centrality of work. Other areas such as education, use of time, delay of graduation and other MWEP concepts were very similar to Chinese workers' work perceptions.
Resolving complex targets in multipath environments using ARI RADAR systems

In this work, we introduce Frequency Modulated Angle-of-arrival-assisted Relative Interferometry (FM-ARI), which leverages the unique talents of ARI systems to provide robust high-resolution 3D imaging of complex targets given the presence of other reflectors (clutter) in the environment. The proposed approach is described and analyzed.
Temperature-dependent compensation and optical quenching by thermal oxygen donors in germanium.

Photothermal ionization spectroscopy of germanium, doped in the impurity-band conduction range with gallium acceptors and with thermal oxygen donors, reveals that the donors and acceptors compensate each other at temperatures higher than about 5K, but that the impurities coexist as neutral donors and acceptors at lower temperatures.
Parenting Behavior Mediates the Intergenerational Association of Parent and Child Offspring ADHD Symptoms

Although there are likely to be multiple mechanisms underlying parent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms as a key risk factor for offspring ADHD, potential explanatory factors have yet to be reliably identified. Given that parent ADHD symptoms independently predict parenting behavior and child ADHD symptoms, we tested whether individual differences in multiple dimensions of positive and negative parenting behavior (i.e., corporal punishment, inconsistent discipline, positive parenting behavior, observed negative talk, and observed praise) mediated the association between parental and offspring ADHD. We used a prospective design that featured predictors (i.e., parent ADHD symptoms) and mediators (i.e., parenting behavior) that temporally preceded the outcome (i.e., offspring ADHD symptoms). Using a well-characterized sample of 120 children with and without ADHD (ages 5-10 at Wave 1, 7-12 at Wave 2) and their biological parents, we examined multimethod (i.e., observed, self-report) measures of positive and negative parenting behavior as simultaneous mediators of the association of Wave 1 parent and Wave 2 offspring ADHD symptoms. Using a multiple mediation framework, consisting of rigorous bootstrapping procedures and controlling for parent depression, child's baseline ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and child's age, corporal punishment significantly and uniquely mediated the association of Wave 1 parent ADHD symptoms and Wave 2 offspring ADHD. We consider the role of parenting behavior in the intergenerational transmission of ADHD as well as implications of these findings for the intervention and prevention of childhood ADHD.
A systems engineering approach for crown jewels estimation and mission assurance decision making

Understanding the context of how IT contributes to making missions more or less successful is a cornerstone of mission assurance. This paper describes a continuation of our previous work that used process modeling to allow us to estimate the impact of cyber incidents on missions. In our previous work we focused on developing a capability that could work as an online process to estimate the impacts of incidents that are discovered and reported. In this paper we focus instead on how our techniques and approach to mission modeling and computing assessments with the model can be used offline to help support mission assurance engineering. The heart of our approach involves using a process model of the system that can be run as an executable simulation to estimate mission outcomes. These models not only contain information about the mission activities, but also contain attributes of the process itself and the context in which the system operates. They serve as a probabilistic model and stochastic simulation of the system itself. Our contributions to this process modeling approach have been the addition of IT activity models that document in the model how various mission activities depend on IT supported processes and the ability to relate how the capabilities of the IT can affect the mission outcomes. Here we demonstrate how it is possible to evaluate the mission model offline and compute characteristics of the system that reflect its mission assurance properties. Using the models it is possible to identify the crown jewels, to expose the systems susceptibility to different attack effects, and evaluate how different mitigation techniques would likely work. Being based on an executable model of the system itself, our approach is much more powerful than a static assessment. Being based on business process modeling, and since business process analysis is becoming popular as a systems engineering tool, we also hope our approach will push mission assurance analysis tasks into a framework that allows them to become a standard systems engineering practice rather than the “off to the side” activity it currently is.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Ocular Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether intensive treatment (INT) with the goal of achieving blood glucose levels as close to the nondiabetic range as safely possible reduced the risk of onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with conventional therapy (CON). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) (1982-1993) was a multicenter, controlled clinical trial comparing INT with CON for onset and progression of DR. The Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study (1994-present) is an observational follow-up of the DCCT cohort. RESULTS Of the 1,441 DCCT subjects, 726 had no DR (primary prevention cohort) and 715 had mild DR (secondary intervention cohort) at baseline. Subjects were followed for a mean of 6.5 years. INT median HbA1c was 7% compared with CON median of 9%. INT reduced the adjusted mean risk for the development of DR by 76% and slowed progression of DR by 54% compared with CON. Following DCCT, the HbA1c levels in the original INT and CON groups converged (year 8, INT 7.98%; CON 8.07%); nevertheless, the groups continued to have a durable effect of initial assigned therapy with significantly lower incidence of further DR progression in the INT group (hazard reduction 53-56%). Severe retinal outcomes and procedures to treat them were reduced by 50% in the original INT group. CONCLUSIONS INT delays the onset and slows the progression of DR. Furthermore, the early effects of metabolic control continue to accrue over many years despite subsequent comparable glycemic control (metabolic memory). These results emphasize the need for optimizing glycemic control as early as possible in patients with diabetes.
DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS IN THE CONCEPT OF LAW

In the posthumously published Postscript to The Concept of Law, H.L.A. Hart claimed that the account he advanced in that book was meant to be “both general and descriptive.”H.L.A. Hart, THE CONCEPT OF LAW 239 (2nd ed. with Postscript; Penelope A. Bulloch and Joseph Raz, eds., 1994). Hereinafter “Hart.” The meaning, possibility, and desirability of such an account of legal institutions form the subject of much recent interpretative and critical debate.See, e.g., Stephen Guest, Two Strands in Hart’s Concept of Law: A Comment on the Postscript to Hart’s The Concept of Law, in POSITIVISM TODAY 29-44 (Stephen Guest, ed., 1996); Michael Moore, Hart’s Concluding Scientific Postscript, 4 LEGAL THEORY 301-327 (1998); Joseph Raz, Two Views of the Nature of the Theory of Law: A Partial Comparison, 4 LEGAL THEORY 249–282 (1998). Prominent among the disputants is Professor Stephen Perry, who, in several recent articles, offers both an interpretation of Hart’s distinctive methodological aims and a critical argument that counsels their rejection.Stephen Perry, Hart’s Methodological Positivism, 4 LEGAL THEORY 427–467 (1998) (hereinafter “HMP”); The Varieties of Legal Positivism, 9 CAN. J. L. & JURIS. 361–381 (1996) (hereinafter “VLP”); Interpretation and Methodology in Legal Theory, in LAW AND INTERPRETATION: ESSAYS IN LEGAL PHILOSOPHY 97, 118 (Andrei Marmor ed., 1995) (hereinafter “IMLT”). Perry’s interpretation is worth examining, not only for his claims about Hart, but also for his more general claims and assumptions about what a descriptive theory of law would be expected to look like and what it could hope to accomplish.
Histone synthesis and differentiation in murine virus-infected erythroleukemia cells.

The murine virus-infected erythroleukemia cells (MELC) has been used as a useful tool to examine the regulatory mechanism of the cytodifferentiation by the genetic approach. Addition of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to the MELC culture induces erythroid differentiation. A study was made to assess whether stimulation of histone synthesis is associated with DMSO-induced differentiation of MELC during 4 days of culture in vitro. The synthesis of histone increased 2-fold in the 48hr-incubated cells while the synthesis of non-histone protein was not stimulated. The histone synthesis was maximal at 48hr and declined by 72hr. 3H-leucine-labeled cells treated with DMSO was mixed with an equal weight of 14C-labeled control cells. Histones were isolated and fractionated on polyacrylamide gel. A 3.6-fold increase in 3H/14C ratio occurred in histone fraction 3 and 3. 4-fold in histone fraction 2b. The data indicate that the stimulation of histone synthesis is an early event following DMSO treatment of MELC cells.
Evidence for early disease-modifying drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Some research evidence supports early aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using combination therapy with two or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) plus steroids, or even DMARDs plus an anti-TNF. By contrast, conservatively delayed DMARD monotherapy, given after non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have failed, has been criticised. However, recent long-term studies highlight the complexities in evaluating whether to abandon pyramidal treatment in favour of early DMARDs. Although patients given early DMARD therapy show short-term benefits, longer-term results show no prolonged clinical advantages from early DMARDs. By 5 years patients receiving early DMARDs had similar disease activity and comparable health assessment questionnaire scores to patients who received DMARDs later in their disease course. X-ray progression was persistent and virtually identical in both groups. These negative findings do not invalidate the case for early DMARD therapy, as it is gives sustained reductions in disease activity in the early years of treatment without excessive risks from adverse effects. However, early DMARDs alone do not adequately control RA in the longer term. This may require starting with very aggressive therapy or treating patients more aggressively after early DMARD therapy has been initiated.
Polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy: update in diagnosis

The histological diagnosis of BK or JC polyomavirus allograft nephritis (PVAN) requires evaluation of a renal biopsy with demonstration of the polyomavirus cytopathic changes and confirmation with an ancillary technique such as immunohistochemistry. Three histological patterns of PVAN (A, B, and C) are identified in renal biopsies. Pattern A corresponds to the early disease, whereas patterns B and C identify intermediate and very advanced histological changes, respectively. The histological pattern found in the first biopsy correlates with graft outcome. Because PVAN affects the kidney in a random, multifocal manner, a negative biopsy does not rule out the disease. Patients with BK PVAN characteristically have high levels of BK viruria and viremia. Although the cutoff values of viral loads have not been fully determined, there is general agreement that BK viruria of >10(7)/mL and BK viremia of >10(4) are typical of patients with a biopsy showing BK PVAN. Prospective evaluation of viruria with urine cytology (decoy cells) and/or quantitative polymerase chain reaction can aid in the identification of patients at risk for developing PVAN. In addition to histological evaluation, viremia has emerged as the most specific test for the diagnosis of BK PVAN. JC PVAN is very infrequent in comparison with BK PVAN, but is also characterized by large viruria (>10(4)). On the other hand, JC viremia appears to be lower, in the order of 10(3)/mL. The inflammatory changes in PVAN need further characterization. Currently, there are no tools to differentiate acute cellular rejection from viral specific T-cell response.
Effect of Area Ratio on the Performance of a 5.5:1 Pressure Ratio Centrifugal Impeller

A centrifugal impeller which was initially designed for a pressure ratio of approximately 5.5 and a mass flow rate of 0.959 kg/sec was tested with a vaneless diffuser for a range of design point impeller area ratios from 2.322 to 2.945. The impeller area ratio was changed by successively cutting back the impeller exit axial width from an initial value of 7.57 mm to a final value of 5.97 mm. In all, four separate area ratios were tested. For each area ratio a series of impeller exit axial clearances was also tested. Test results are based on impeller exit surveys of total pressure, total temperature, and flow angle at a radius 1.115 times the impeller exit radius. Results of the tests at design speed, peak efficiency, and an exit tip clearance of 8 percent of exit blade height show that the impeller equivalent pressure recovery coefficient peaked at a design point area ratio of approximately 2.748 while the impeller aerodynamic efficiency peaked at a lower value of area ratio of approximately 2.55. The variation of impeller efficiency with clearance showed expected trends with a loss of approximately 0.4 points in impeller efficiency for each percent increase in exit axial tip clearance for all impellers tested.
Nfat: ubiquitous regulator of cell differentiation and adaptation

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) proteins are a family of transcription factors whose activation is controlled by calcineurin, a Ca2+-dependent phosphatase. Originally identified in T cells as inducers of cytokine gene expression, NFAT proteins play varied roles in cells outside of the immune system. This review addresses the recent data implicating NFAT in the control of gene expression influencing the development and adaptation of numerous mammalian cell types.
Culture and Exchange in Postclassic Oaxaca

Since the publication of Immanuel Wallerstein’s world-system model in 1974, there has been increasing interest in applying this approach to premodern situations. So far, the perspective has been used to analyze ancient world-systems in Europe and in the Mediterranean (Ekholm 1980, 1981; Ekholm and Friedman 1982; Frankenstein 1979; Frankenstein and Rowlands 1978; Friedman and Rowlands 1977; Kohl 1978, 1979, 1987; Larsen 1987; Rowlands 1980, 1984, 1986, 1987), in Mesoamerica (Blanton and Feinman 1984; Blanton et al. 1981; Price 1986; Weigand 1978, 1979, 1982a, 1982b; Whitecotton and Pailes 1979, 1986), including attempts to better understand the relationship between Mesoamerica and the Southwest in pre-Columbian times (Di Peso 1980; Kelley 1981; Pailes and Whitecotton 1979; Plog et al. 1982; S. Plog 1986; Riley 1987; Upham 1986; Weigand 1982a, 1982b; Weigand et al. 1977; Whitecotton and Pailes 1986; Wilcox 1986). It has also been used to characterize exchange relationships among hunter-gatherers and agriculturists (Bender 1981; Friedman 1982) and in other situations involving nonstate societies (Baugh 1984; Gledhill and Rowlands 1982; Kristiansen 1982, 1987; Rowlands 1987; Upham 1982).
Modulation of mammalian inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor isoforms by calcium: a role of calcium sensor region.

In the accompanying article, we compared main functional properties of the three mammalian inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3R) isoforms. In this article we focused on modulation of mammalian InsP3R isoforms by cytosolic Ca2+. We found that: 1), when recorded in the presence of 2 μM InsP3 and 0.5 mM ATP all three mammalian InsP3R isoforms display bell-shaped Ca2+ dependence in physiological range of Ca2+ concentrations (pCa 8–5); 2), in the same experimental conditions InsP3R3 is most sensitive to modulation by Ca2+ (peak at 107 nM Ca2+), followed by InsP3R2 (peak at 154 nM Ca2+), and then by InsP3R1 (peak at 257 nM Ca2+); 3), increase in ATP concentration to 5 mM had no significant effect of Ca2+ dependence of InsP3R1 and InsP3R2; 4), increase in ATP concentration to 5 mM converted Ca2+ dependence of InsP3R3 from “narrow” shape to “square” shape; 5), ATP-induced change in the shape of InsP3R3 Ca2+ dependence was mainly due to an >200-fold reduction in the apparent affinity of the Ca2+-inhibitory site; 6), the apparent Ca2+ affinity of the Ca2+ sensor region (Cas) determined in biochemical experiments is equal to 0.23 μM Ca2+ for RT1-Cas, 0.16 μM Ca2+ for RT2-Cas, and 0.10 μM Ca2+ for RT3-Cas; and 7), Ca2+ sensitivity of InsP3R1 and InsP3R3 isoforms recorded in the presence of 2 μM InsP3 and 0.5 mM ATP or 2 μM InsP3 and 5 mM ATP can be exchanged by swapping their Cas regions. Obtained results provide novel information about functional properties of mammalian InsP3R isoforms and support the importance of the Ca2+ sensor region (Cas) in determining the sensitivity of InsP3R isoforms to modulation by Ca2+.
Eating ‘Dawn’ in the Dark: Zombie desire and commodified identity in George A. Romero’s ‘Dawn of the Dead’

Romero’s masterpiece about cannibal zombies plaguing the world is set in a US shopping center, redefining the zombie so as to infect consumer identity. The popular perception of mindless consumer a...
The Concentration of Affluence in the United States, 1990

The author examines the concentration of affluent households in affluent neighborhoods in U.S. metropolitan areas in 1990. The rate of concentrated affluence, the percentage of affluent households living in affluent neighborhoods, is considered for the total population and separately for blacks and whites. Also, differences in the rate of concentrated affluence between blacks and whites are explored. Models of concentrated affluence that incorporate variables suggested by the literature on economic restructuring in the late twentieth century and by the literature on racial differences in the residential return to individual resources are developed and tested. In general, variables measuring industry/occupation employment mix influence the rate of concentrated affluence mainly through the levels of income they generate. Racial differences in the rate of concentrated affluence are influenced more by income differences between blacks and whites than by residential segregation.