cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Synthesis of 6-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes. The Role of N-Substitution

The intramolecular cyclization reactions of aziridines with π-nucleophiles can be a useful route to a number of heterocyclic and carbocyclic ring systems. We were particularly interested in the use of this cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes. We report here the development of a new synthesis of the aziridine necessary for the aziridine−π-nucleophile cyclization. We also report on the cyclization of aziridines with three different substitutions on the aziridine nitrogen. We have found that N-diphenylphospinyl and N−H aziridines, while participating in the initial ring-opening reaction, do not lead to the desired bicyclic ring systems. In contrast, a nosyl group on the aziridine nitrogen leads efficiently to the bicyclic ring system and can be readily deprotected.
Fourier transform infrared isotopic study of SiC5: Identification of the ν4(σ) mode

SiC5 in its 3Σ ground state has been produced by trapping the products from the laser evaporation of a sintered silicon-carbon rod in solid Ar. For the first time a vibrational fundamental has been measured, the ν4(σ) asymmetric stretch at 936.9 ± 0.2 cm−1. Comparison of observed 13C and 29,30Si isotopic shifts with the predictions of DFT-B3LYP/cc-pVDZ calculations confirms the identification.
Renovascular hypertension in children. Surgical repair with special reference to the use of reinforced vein grafts.

Abstract Surgical correction of renovascular hypertension in children is especially challenging because there is high incidence of bilateral renal artery lesions and stenosis of the abdominal aorta. Seventeen patients with severe hypertension, whose ages ranged from 2 to 16 years (mean 10.2 years), had surgical repair of these lesions from 1974 to 1987. Twenty-nine renal artery lesions were repaired. Twelve (71%) were bilateral, five (29%) were unilateral, and eight patients (47%) had abdominal aortic lesions (midaortic stenosis). Twenty-eight saphenous vein grafts and one splenorenal graft were used to bypass the renal artery lesions. The midaortic lesions were bypassed with Dacron grafts from the superceliac aorta to the aortic bifurcation. No operative deaths occurred. Nineteen of the 28 vein grafts were reinforced with a 6 mm diameter tubular Dacron mesh to prevent aneurysmal degeneration seen in three of nine unsupported vein grafts. Follow-up arteriograms were available in 15 patients up to 11 years after operation (mean 5.0 years). There has been no aneurysmal dilatation in the 19 mesh-supported grafts. The ratio of vein graft diameter to the diameter of the native aorta was 1.25 ± 0.38 (± standard deviation) in unsupported grafts and 0.65 ± 0.09 in mesh-supported grafts, representing a 92% increased diameter in the unsupported grafts. Three vein grafts (10.3%) required percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for late postoperative vein graft stenoses, but no stenotic lesions have developed at the aortic suture lines. One graft occluded 7 years postoperatively after replacement of an aneurysmal vein graft, and one early postoperative graft occlusion occurred, for a graft failure rate of 7%. Seventy-six percent of patients (13 of 17) are normotensive without medication, and 24% (4 of 17) are considered improved with hypertension controlled with a lower dose of medication. Our results attest to the safety and efficacy of this complicated surgery. Saphenous veins, supported by external Dacron mesh, appear to be a suitable graft material for renal reconstruction in this population. (J Vasc Surg 1989;9:46–55.)
Is There a “Gender Affinity Effect” in American Politics?: Information, Affect, and Candidate Sex in U.S. House Elections

A common assumption people make about American elections is that women voters will be the most likely source of support for female candidates, a phenomenon referred to as the “gender affinity effec...
Rocking the Vote and More: An Experimental Study of the Impact of Youth Political Portals

ABSTRACT This study provides a controlled test of the effects of youth-oriented political portals. Based on existing theories of the individual effects of Internet use, we hypothesize that these sites may facilitate political engagement among members of their target audience in a variety of ways, but we also consider the possibility that such effects may be moderated by prior levels of political interest. Observations are drawn from a Web-based experiment administered to undergraduates at a major midwestern university at the height of the 2006 election season. Findings indicate weak to nonsignificant main effects for exposure to youth-oriented political portals on self-reported cognitive engagement with election information, and a pattern of differential effects of exposure on opinion formation and domain-specific political efficacy, based on users' prior levels of interest in politics.
Molecular analysis and chromosomal mapping of amplified genes isolated from a transformed mouse 3T3 cell line

We are exploring the origin and function of amplified DNA sequences associated with double minutes (DMs) in a spontaneously transformed derivative of mouse 3T3 cells. Toward that goal, we have constructed a cDNA library using RNA from these cells and have isolated cDNA clones representing sequences that are amplified and overexpressed in these 3T3-DM cells. From results of Northern- and Southern-blot analyses, we conclude that these cDNAs represent two distinct genes, which we have designated mdm-1and mdm-2.Using DNAs from a panel of Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrids together with in situ hybridization protocols for gene mapping studies, we have found that these DM-associated, amplified DNA sequences originate from mouse chromosome 10, region C1–C3. Sequences homologous to mdm-1and mdm-2are present in the genomes of several species examined, including that of man.
A multichambered apparatus for HF solvolysis experiments: reaction of cellulose HF solvolysis products with acetic acid and acetic anhydride

Abstract Solvolysis of polysaccharides in anhydrous HF has not gained wide acceptance as an analytical tool despite superior reaction characteristics as compared to conventional hydrolytic agents. This reluctance seems primarily related to difficulties in handling HF. However, these difficulties are substantially reduced by an inexpensive, fully-enclosed, many-chambered reactor suitable for use in HF experiments as described in this article. The reactor has the advantages of multiple independent reaction vessels, means to precisely measure liquid HF, means to add measured volumes of reagents directly to the closed reaction vessels during the course of the solvolysis, and provision for rapid temperature changes and control. A series of experiments exploring the direct transition from HF solvolysis to acetolysis conditions by the addition of acetic acid and acetic anhydride, as an alternative to previously published solvolysis termination schemes, is also described.
Early evoked potentials in patients with acoustic neuroma

Abstract Using clicks with varying interstimulus intervals and coherent tone-bursts, early components of the auditory evoked potential (brain stem responses) were studied in four patients with confirmed acoustic neuroma. Abnormalities in responses appeared with shorter interstimulus intervals and with tonebbursts delivered monaurally to the involved ear; bilateral alterations occurred in the one patient with brain stem displacement. The results indicate that BSR can provide a stable, independent, noninvasive measure of auditory nerve function useful in the early detection of acoustic neuroma. The results contribute to the understanding of the so-called human FFR.
Screening all newborns for hearing loss using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions

The importance of identifying hearing loss before 12 months of age is well established. Although recent research provides some evidence for the value of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) in newborn hearing screening, data are needed from large-scale clinical evaluations about the value of using TEOAE for screening high-risk and healthy babies. A cohort of 1850 infants from the well-baby nursery (WBN) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were screened with TEOAE using a 2-stage process. Infants referred from the first stage prior to being discharged from the hospital were rescreened 4 to 6 weeks later. Those who did not pass the second-stage TEOAE screening were referred for diagnostic auditory brainstem response (ABR) and/or behavioral audiological evaluation for confirmation of hearing loss, fitting with amplification, and enrollment in early intervention programs. Eleven infants with unilateral or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss > 25 dB (a prevalence of 5.95 per 1000) and 37 with unilateral or bilateral recurrent conductive hearing loss > 25 dB (a prevalence of 20.0 per 1000) were identified from this cohort. These results suggest that TEOAE is a promising technique for screening newborns for hearing loss and should be evaluated further as a tool for universal newborn hearing screening.
Flux-pinning mechanism of proximity-coupled planar defects in conventional superconductors: Evidence that magnetic pinning is the dominant pinning mechanism in niobium-titanium alloy.

We propose that a magnetic pinning mechanism is the dominant flux-pinning mechanism of proximity-coupled, planar defects when the field is parallel to the defect. We find compelling evidence that this pinning mechanism is responsible for the strong flux-pinning force exerted by ribbon-shaped \ensuremath{\alpha}-Ti precipitates and artificial pins in Nb-Ti superconductors, instead of the core pinning mechanism as has been hitherto widely believed. Because the elementary pinning force ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathit{p}}$(H) is nonmonotonic when it is optimum (i.e., when the defect thickness t and the proximity length ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathit{N}}$ have comparable dimensions), the total pinning force ${\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{p}}$(H) generally does not show temperature scaling. Characteristic changes in the magnitude and shape of ${\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{p}}$(H) at constant T but at different t/${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathit{N}}$ (e.g., different Nb-Ti wire diameters) are also direct consequences of the pinning mechanism. The optimum flux-pinning state is a compromise between maximizing ${\mathit{f}}_{\mathit{p}}$ and getting the highest number density of pins. For a given defect composition this state is reached when t\ensuremath{\sim}${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathit{N}}$/3, while for varying defect composition the peak ${\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{p}}$ gets higher when ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathit{N}}$ is made shorter. Artificial pinning center Nb-Ti wires having short ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathit{N}}$ pins appear to be vital for obtaining high ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$ at high fields because only then is the elementary pinning force optimized at small pin thicknesses which permit a high number density of vortex-pin interactions and a large bulk pinning force. We find verification of our predictions in experimental ${\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{p}}$(H,T,t) data obtained on special laboratory-scale artificial pinning-center Nb-Ti wires. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Low-Temperature Blanching of Sweetpotatoes to Improve Firmness Retention: Effect on Compositional and Textural Properties

: Low-temperature blanching of sweetpotatoes (SP) prior to cooking has been shown to significantly increase firmness retention. This research investigated the effect of blanching on firmness, pectin methylesterase activity (PME), pectin methylation, and galacturonic acid and cell wall material concentrations in SP tissue subjected to blanching and cooking treatments. PME activity decreased 82% after 20 min of blanching in water at 62°C, while sample firmness continued to increase with blanching time (3.5 N for unblanched and 19.0 N for 90 min blanched, and cooked tissue), indicating that firming due to pectin demethylation explains part of the observed increased firmness retention caused by low-temperature blanching, but unknown factors also play a role.,
Relationship between weight and body proportionality at birth, growth during the first year of life, and cognitive development at 36, 48, and 60 months

This study evaluates the relation between Type I (symmetrical) intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and subsequent growth patterns during the first year of life and cognitive development in a group of children at 36, 48, and 60 months of life. Growth parameters of normal-birthweight children were compared to those of low-birthweight children having symmetrical growth (adequate ponderal index) in relation to cognitive outcome measures. Only at 36 months did IUGR show an independent association with verbal cognitive abilities. At 36 and 48 months, an interaction between IUGR and growth during the first year of life was associated with performance on measures of short-term memory. At 60 months, the effects of IUGR are not evident; however, estimates of low statistical power may also explain the absence of differences at this age.
Associations between shell morphology and land crab predation in the land snail Cerion

1. The land crab Gecarcinus lateralis is a significant predator of the abundant Bahamian land snails of the genus Cerion. The crabs typically ‘scissor’ the cylindrical shells in half or break the lip and peel back the shell to reach the animal which withdraws two or three whorls into the shell. Scars on shells of live adults at 73 sites in the Bahamas and Florida Keys show that about 8% (range: 0–44%) of the snails have survived attacks of this type. 2. An artificial crab claw was used to investigate the compressive force required to break Cerion shells of different morphotypes. Defining shell strength as the ability to withstand compressive forces, 10 morphotypes were found that exhibited mean relative strengths of between 30 and 300 newtons. Feeding trials with one adult crab showed that snails whose shells could withstand compressive forces of > 95 N were safe from this individual predator. 3. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that both shell size (length and width) and shell wall thickness were the ultimate determinants of shell strength. Ribs strengthen the shell by contributing to wall thickness and also by increasing overall shell width. The thickened adult shell lip and collabral ribs provide effective protection from attack by peeling.
Broad Emission Line Regions in Active Galactic Nuclei: The Link with the Accretion Power.

We present a model that relates the width of the broad emission lines of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) to the Keplerian velocity of an accretion disk at a critical distance from the central black hole. This critical distance falls in a region bounded on the inward side by the transition radius between the radiation pressure- and the gas pressure-dominated region of the accretion disk and on the outward side by the maximum radius below which a stabilizing, radially accreting and vertically outflowing corona exists. We show that in the framework of this picture, the observed range of Hβ FWHMs from broad-line to narrow-line type 1 AGNs is well reproduced as a function of the accretion rate. This interval of velocities is the only permitted range and goes from ~20,000 km s-1 for sub-Eddington accretion rates to ~1000 km s-1 for Eddington accretion rates.
Determination of the absolute configuration of 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one by optical rotation computation

The absolute configuration of 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one was determined by quantum chemical calculations of specific rotation angles with coupled–perturbed Hartree–Fock methods. The computation used molecular geometries obtained from ab initio calculations as well as from molecular mechanics and semi-empirical optimization. In addition to the dependence on geometry optimization strategies, the basis set dependence of the computed rotation angle was examined.
Captopril amelioration of renal reperfusion injury

The purpose of this study was to determine whether angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition could ameliorate renal ischemic injury. Both a chronic rat model and a rat isolated perfused kidney (IPK) model were used. Adult rats were subjected to 60 min of left hilar crossclamping and right nephrectomy. Captopril (1 mg/kg) was given intravenously 5-10 min prior to clamping (CAP-pre, n = 5), at reperfusion (CAP-post, n = 5), or 30 min after reperfusion (CAP-30 min post, n = 5). Other groups of rats received enalapril (0.8 mg/kg iv) in the same manner (ENAL-pre, n = 5; ENAL-post, n = 5; ENAL-30 min post, n = 4). Serum creatinine in the treated groups was compared to ischemic control (NS, n = 7) for 7 days. In the IPK experiments, kidneys were similarly treated with CAP or ENAL. Vascular resistance (VR) and oxygen consumption (O2 CON) were determined from pressure, flow, and oxygen tension data for 60 min after initial equilibration. In the chronic model, Day 2 serum creatinine was significantly lower in all treated groups vs ischemic control. By Day 7, serum creatinine remained significantly lower in all ENAL-treated groups and in the CAP-30 min post group, although other CAP-treated groups had appreciably, although not significantly, lower creatinines, too. Histologic examination of CAP-pre kidney revealed intact morphology compared to ischemic control where acute tubular necrosis was observed. In the IPK experiments, CAP- and ENAL-treated kidneys had VR values that were significantly lower than those of ischemic controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Calculations of highly excited vibrational energies of HCN (n1, 0, n3): a test of a two-mode model, and comparison with experiment

Abstract Accurate three-mode vibrational calculations of energies of highly excited overtone and combination stretch states of HCN ( n 1 , 0, n 3 ) are presented using the Murrell—Carter—Halonen potential. The calculations employ rotated, mass-scaled Jacobi coordinates, and a bending basis adapted specifically for the ground bend states. The three-mode energies are compared with the results of a simple, two-mode stretch model of Botschwina which includes bend—stretch coupling perturbatively. Comparisons are also made with previous three-mode calculations for lower energy states, as well as with experimental energies.
Ages of onset of DSM-III anxiety disorders

Abstract The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III) contains little specific information pertaining to the ages of onset of anxiety disorders. Such information is of clinical and research value in understanding the natural history of mental illnesses, in determining which of several possible etiologies for a given diagnosis may be relevant for a particular patient, and in testing theories of psychopathology or pathophysiology. Age-of-onset data is presented for 423 psychiatric outpatients seen at a University Hospital—based anxiety disorders program. All adult anxiety disorders are represented except posttraumatic stress disorder. The relevance of this information is discussed in terms of past research on ages of onset of the anxiety disorders, and in its bearing on the psychiatric diagnosis of these conditions.
Intracellular cleavage of Notch leads to a heterodimeric receptor on the plasma membrane

Previous models for signal transduction via the Notch pathway have depicted the full-length Notch receptor expressed at the cell surface. We present evidence demonstrating that the Notch receptor on the plasma membrane is cleaved. This cleavage is an evolutionarily conserved, general property of Notch and occurs in the trans-Golgi network as the receptor traffics toward the plasma membrane. Although full-length Notch is detectable in the cell, it does not reach the surface. Cleavage results in a C-terminal fragment, N(TM), that appears to be cleaved N-terminal to the transmembrane domain, and an N-terminal fragment, N(EC), that contains most of the extracellular region. We provide evidence that these fragments are tethered together on the plasma membrane by a link that is sensitive to reducing conditions, forming a heterodimeric receptor.
Synaptic behaviors and modeling of a metal oxide memristive device

Nanoscale memristive devices using tungsten oxide as the switching layer have been fabricated and characterized. The devices show the characteristics of a flux-controlled memristor such that the conductance change is governed by the history of the applied voltage signals, leading to synaptic behaviors including long-term potentiation and depression. The memristive behavior is attributed to the migration of oxygen vacancies upon bias which modulates the interplay between Schottky barrier emission and tunneling at the WOX/electrode interface. A physical model incorporating ion drift and diffusion effects using an internal state variable representing the area of the conductive region has been proposed to explain the observed memristive behaviors. A SPICE model has been further developed that can be directly incorporated into existing circuit simulators. This type of device can be fabricated with low-temperature processes and has potential applications in synaptic computations and as analog circuit components.
Pap smear and mammogram screening in Mexican-American women : the effects of acculturation

OBJECTIVES. For Mexican Americans, acculturation is a multidimensional process of adopting attitudes, values, and behavior from the non-Hispanic White culture. This study examines the effects of different dimensions of acculturation on the cancer screening behavior of Mexican-American women. METHODS. Subjects were 450 randomly selected Mexican-American women age 40 years and older living in El Paso, Texas. Personal interviews solicited information on age, income, education, health insurance, Pap smear and mammogram use, and acculturation. Acculturation was measured with five scales that assessed English proficiency, English use, value placed on culture, traditional family attitudes, and social interaction. RESULTS. The 2-year prevalence of Pap smear and mammogram screening increased with each gain in acculturation on English proficiency and use. These associations disappeared when adjusted for age, income, insurance, and education. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other acculturation dimen...
Fusion of hyperspectral remote sensing data for near real-time monitoring of microcystin distribution in Lake Erie

Urban growth and agricultural production have caused an influx of nutrients into Lake Erie, leading to eutrophic zones. These conditions result in the formation of algal blooms, some of which are toxic due to the presence of Microcystis (a cyanobacteria), which produces the hepatotoxin microcystin. Microcystis has a unique advantage over its competition as a result of the invasive zebra mussel population that filters algae out of the water column except for the toxic Microcystis. The toxin threatens human health and the ecosystem, and it is a concern for water treatment plants using the lake water as a tap water source. This presentation demonstrates the prototype of a near real-time early warning system using Integrated Data Fusion techniques with the aid of both hyperspectral remote sensing data to determine spatiotemporal microcystin concentrations. The temporal resolution of MODIS is fused with the higher spatial and spectral resolution of MERIS to create synthetic images on a daily basis. As a demonstration, the spatiotemporal distributions of microcystin within western Lake Erie are reconstructed using the band data from the fused products and applied machine-learning techniques. Analysis of the results through statistical indices confirmed that the this type of algorithm has better potential to accurately estimating microcystin concentrations in the lake, which is better than current two band models and other computational intelligence models.
Survival strategies of Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease

To fight, flee or hide are the imperatives of long-term survival by an infectious microbe. Active immune suppression, induction of immune tolerance, phase and antigenic variation, intracellular seclusion, and incursion into immune privileged sites are examples of survival strategies of persistent pathogens. Here we critically review the supporting evidence for possible stratagems utilized by Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, to persist in the mammalian host.
Skip-Row and Equidistant-Row Barley with Nitrogen Placement: Yield, Nitrogen Uptake, and Root Density

Small grain management strategies are sought in the subarctic that improve the plant growing environment and maximize production. This study assessed whether seed-row configuration and N fertilizer placement could alter growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the subarctic. Row spacing and N placement treatments established at Fairbanks, AK, during 1987 through 1989 consisted of equidistant-row planting (0-18-m equidistant seed rows) with N banded between alternate rows or broadcast and incorporated, and skip-row planting (skipping every third row of equidistant rows) with N banded between the two closely spaced rows or broadcast and incorporated [...]
The foundations of confounding in epidemiology

Abstract A statistically coherent view of confounding motivated by the over controversy over the proper control of confounding in the presence of prior knowledge is presented. Confounding by a covariate C in the presence of data on C is distinguished from confounding in the absence of data on C. A covariate C is defined to be a nonconfounder in the absence of data on C if the population parameter of interest can be unbiasedly estimated (asymptotically) absent data on C. Under this definition, C may be a confounder for some parameters of interest and a nonconfounder for others. If C is a confounder for a parameter of interest that has a causal interpretation, we call C a causal confounder. When data on C are available, C is defined to be a nonconfounder for a particular parameter of interest if and only if inference on the parameter of interest does not depend on the data through C. Bayesians, frequentists and pure likelihoodists will in general agree on the prior knowledge necessary to render C a non-confounder. In particular C will in general be a nonconfounder precisely when the crude data ignoring C are S-sufficient for the parameter of interest. The intuitive view held by many practicing epidemiologists that confounding by C represents a bias of the unadjusted crude estimator is in a sense correct provided inference is performed conditional on approximate ancillary statistics that measure the degree to which associations in the data differ due to sampling variability from those population associations known a priori.
Optimal alphabetic trees for binary search

Abstract Search in a conventional binary search tree requires three-way key comparison ( ). High-level language support for three-way branch on comparison is rare, and experiments have shown that a modified tree requiring only two-way key comparison (
A Study of the Behavior of Six Infectious Bronchitis Virus Strains in Chicken Embryos

Abstract THE RESPONSE of susceptible chickens to inoculation with some commercially available infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccines formed the subject of investigation of the first paper of this series (Raggi and Bankowski, 1956). The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether or not the pathogenicity of the above IB vaccine strains for chicken embryos was sufficiently characteristic for use as a criterion to differentiate a field strain from a vaccinal strain of IB. An attempt was also made to stabilize the time and the pattern of death of normal chicken embryos inoculated with one of the strains (No. 6) of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE IB vaccinal strains obtained directly from the manufacturers were stored at 2°C. for a few days before being tested. The vaccines were reconstituted by aspirating the diluent with a sterile syringe and needle inserted through the rubber stopper previously swabbed with 95 …
Gorgias and the art of rhetoric: Toward a holistic reading of the extant Gorgianic fragments

T hroughout this essay, I argue that the three primary extant fragments of Gorgias of Leontini-On Non-Existence (or On Nature), the Encomium of Helen, and the Defense of Palamedes-are not disparate or contradictory statements, as is often assumed, but are intricately interrelated and internally consistent contributions to a complex theory and art (techne') of rhetoric. Of course, we cannot argue that Gorgias composed these texts with a holistic rhetorical task in mind; however, reconstructing and interpreting On Non-Existence, the Helen, and the Palamedes holistically does shed significant new light on our current understanding of Gorgias' emerging theory and techne' of rhetoric. In brief, On Non-Existence describes the effects that externally given "atechnical" realities (ta onta) have on the human psyche (psuche), the Helen explores the unethical workings of the persuasive arts on the human psuche, and the Palamedes demonstrates rhetorical topoi for the invention of arguments designed to move the human psuche' of a forensic audience to ethical action. Reconstructed thus as a holistic statement, Gorgias' primary extant fragments theorize the social nature of linguistic symbols and explore their artistic uses for both unethical and ethical purposes; and as a holistic interpretation of the extant fragments demonstrates, Gorgias favors the topical invention of ethical arguments over the "magical" invention of false arguments, unsupported opinions, and deliberate deceptions. Criticism of Gorgianic rhetoric as "inartistic" is almost as ancient as the very texts themselves. Plato, who probably wrote some of his earliest dialogues while Gorgias was still living and teaching in Athens, argues that Gorgianic rhetoric is not a techne. In the Gorgias, for example, Plato (through the mouthpiece of Socrates) tells the character Gorgias that his conception and practice of rhetoric whose scope is logos is not a true art but merely a false art, a form of flattery because its goal is to elicit pleasure and not to discover the Good. Moreover, in the Phaedrus Plato explains that sophistic rhetoric is irrational and thus atechnical because it is not founded on truth discovered through the principles of philosophical dialectic. No activity, according to Plato, is artistic unless it begins with a foundation of pure universal knowledge discovered through dialectical inquiry, and it is precisely because those who claim to teach and practice the art of rhetoric "are ignorant of dialectic that they are incapable of properly defining rhetoric, and that in turn leads them to imagine that by possessing themselves of the requisite antecedent learning they have discovered the art itself' (269b). But if we accept Plato's philosophy/rhetoric demarcation along with the claim that all
Software development/programming environments

I promised Peter Neumann that I would make the deadline for the next issue of Software Engineering Notes dispite illness (almost everyone on the East coast either has or is currently recovering from the flue), other deadlines, or whatever. My silence for the past few issues has not been due to a lack of enthusiasm, but a lack of contributions to this special subsection on software development environments (and my missing several deadlines set by Peter). I hope you enjoy this informal subsection and continue to contribute articles, comments, or whatever (within limits). I would like to thank Peter Lempp for his contribution which appears after some brief comments.Since my last report I have attended the SIGPLAN '86 Symposium on Programming Languages and Programming Environments in Seattle, Washington, and the Eighth International Conference on Software Engineering in London last August. From the environments point of view I found both meetings to be extremely interesting and beneficial. It is clear that there is a large, diversified amount of both theoretical and practical work in this area.
Pain measurement: present concerns and future directions.

Over the past 15 years, researchers have worked to establish reliability and validity of several pain measures used to assess pain in older adults. A recent state of the science consensus statement cited slightly more than 400 references focusing on the various aspects of pain assessment in older adults [1] that identify some of the unique concerns of this population. Accurate, valid, reliable pain measures are essential in assisting clinicians as they quantify, track, and evaluate treatments to reduce pain. Although some researchers have focused on development of comprehensive pain measures for older adults, many researchers have been testing instruments that focus on the single characteristic of pain severity. This issue of Pain Medicine reports two articles on instruments that measure pain severity. Herr, Spratt, Garand, and Li report their work evaluating the sensitivity and utility of the Iowa Pain Thermometer (IPT) and four other pain severity measures [2]. This article is another in a series of the works by Herr, whose career focus has been to establish sensitivity, reliability, validity, ease of use, and preference of pain severity instruments in older adult populations. In early work, Herr and Mobily established that older adults most preferred the Verbal Descriptor Scale (VDS) when compared with other pain measures [3]. In recent years, Herr et al. have modified the VDS into the IPT, which gives a visual image of a pain thermometer and allows subjects to select levels of severity that fall between the words offered. Herr et al. confirm relatively higher failure rates in both younger and older populations of the visual analogue scale (VAS), a scale preferred by …
Using the Online Assessment System to Support the Program Report Process in Physical Education Teacher Education

(2008). Using an Online Assessment System to Support the Program Report Process in Physical Education Teacher Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 41-45.
Ring contraction and selective ring opening of naphthenic molecules for octane number improvement

Different catalytic strategies have been evaluated to maximize the production of non-aromatic compounds with high octane number, starting from naphthenic molecules, which are typically obtained from the saturation of aromatics. The research octane number (RON), the motor octane number (MON), and the specific volume of the product mixtures were evaluated in each case. The product distribution obtained on acidic and Ptcontaining zeolites was investigated in the temperature range 533‐563 K in the presence of hydrogen at a total pressure of 2 MPa. It was found that skeletal isomerization (ring contraction) was the primary reaction in both HYand Pt/HY catalysts. The presence of Pt was found to enhance the stability of the catalyst, but also greatly altered the distribution of RC products, enhancing 1,1-dimethylcyclopentane. This enhancement can be explained in terms of a higher rate of hydride transfer caused by the presence of the metal. Evaluation of the octane numbers of the product indicated that a mixture of RC products results in rather high RON, but the MON and specific volume were about the same as that of the feed. To improve MON and specific volume an Ir/SiO2 catalyst with high hydrogenolysis activity was added to realize the ring opening (RO). The combination of RC and RO was tested on physical mixtures and segregated beds of Pt/HYand Ir/SiO2 catalysts in order to optimize the production of the iso-alkanes with highest octane number. It was found that with segregated catalyst beds, a better control of the selective breaking of C‐C bonds of RC isomers can be achieved, which optimizes octane number and specific volume. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Activates PI3K/Akt/Forkhead Signaling in Endothelial Cells

Objective— Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic growth factor that promotes endothelial cell (EC) survival, migration, and permeability. The forkhead transcription factors FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX are mammalian orthologues of DAF-16, a forkhead protein that controls longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans . In this study, we examined whether VEGF is coupled to phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/forkhead in ECs. Methods and Results— We demonstrate that human ECs express members of the forkhead family (FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX) and that VEGF modulates the phosphorylation, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activity of one or more of these isoforms by a PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. VEGF inhibited EC apoptosis, promoted DNA synthesis and the G 1 -to-S transition, and reduced expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 kip1 . Each of these effects was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or by a phosphorylation-resistant mutant of FKHRL1, but not by wild-type FKHRL1. Conclusions— These results suggest that VEGF signaling in ECs is coupled to forkhead transcription factors through a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway.
Properties of different fish processing by-products from pollock, cod and salmon

Individual fish processing waste stream components can be used to make feed ingredients or other products. Waste stream components obtained from commercial fish processing plants included heads, viscera, frames, and skins from Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus); and heads, and viscera from pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). The protein content of heads from all three species ranged from 13.9 to 16.4%; and the fat content ranged from 0.9 to 10.9%. Viscera protein content ranged from 13.0 to 15.3%, and the fat content from 2.0 to 19.1%. After heating to 85C the percent soluble protein in salmon heads was different (P < 0.05) from pollock or cod heads. Percent soluble protein of pollock and cod skin increased 8 fold (P < 0.05) after the 85C heat treatment. Connective tissue content was calculated from chemical determination of hydroxyproline content, and large differences in percent connective tissue content were found (1 % for pollock viscera to 46% for skin). Estimated rat PER values ranged from a low of 2.1 for skin to a high of 3.1 for viscera and fillet samples (P < 0.05).
The interaction of tropomodulin with tropomyosin stabilizes thin filaments in cardiac myocytes.

Actin (thin) filament length regulation and stability are essential for striated muscle function. To determine the role of the actin filament pointed end capping protein, tropomodulin1 (Tmod1), with tropomyosin, we generated monoclonal antibodies (mAb17 and mAb8) against Tmod1 that specifically disrupted its interaction with tropomyosin in vitro. Microinjection of mAb17 or mAb8 into chick cardiac myocytes caused a dramatic loss of the thin filaments, as revealed by immunofluorescence deconvolution microscopy. Real-time imaging of live myocytes expressing green fluorescent protein–α-tropomyosin and microinjected with mAb17 revealed that the thin filaments depolymerized from their pointed ends. In a thin filament reconstitution assay, stabilization of the filaments before the addition of mAb17 prevented the loss of thin filaments. These studies indicate that the interaction of Tmod1 with tropomyosin is critical for thin filament stability. These data, together with previous studies, indicate that Tmod1 is a multifunctional protein: its actin filament capping activity prevents thin filament elongation, whereas its interaction with tropomyosin prevents thin filament depolymerization.
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical, Electrocardiographic, Scintigraphic, Echocardiographic, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of a Case

The apical variant of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) constitutes a minority of all cases of HCM and generally carries a favorable clinical outcome. We describe a 68 year-old Caucasian woman who presented with exertional dyspnea. The patient underwent stress testing with electrocardiogram-gated single-photon emission computed tomography imaging and resting transthoracic echocardiography. The patient also underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at rest, including conventional structural and functional imaging and cine complementary spatial modulation of magnetization-tagged imaging (CSPAMM). The noninvasive evaluation of the heart demonstrated apical hypertrophy with regional systolic dysfunction, establishing the diagnosis of apical HCM. This case suggests a potential value of CSPAMM in characterizing apical HCM.
Tibet and Chinese-British-American Relations in the Early 1950s

The leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) who seized power in Beijing in 1949 viewed Tibet as Chinese territory. In this respect, they were no different from previous rulers of China. The chairman of the CCP, Mao Zedong, carefully devised a plan to re-annex Tibet, which had been effectively independent of China since 1911. The CCP's recent victory in the Chinese civil war gave Mao high confidence that he could reclaim Tibet without provoking outside intervention. Such a move not only would bring international political benefits but would also carry a symbolic meaning at home and thereby legitimize the rule of the CCP. Although Mao sent troops to Tibet, he also planned to rely on negotiations and coercive diplomacy. This article highlights the complicated relationships that emerged on the international scene as a result of China's actions in the early 1950s.
Fixing Dendritic Spines in Fragile X

Studies in humans and animal models have converged on the idea that autism spectrum disorders including fragile X syndrome (FXS) may arise as a consequence of dysfunctional synapses. Fixing aberrant synapses would seem to be an overwhelming challenge; there are 0.15 quadrillion of them in the human cortex. FXS results from transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene and loss of the mRNA binding protein FMRP. A mouse in which Fmr1 has been knocked out recapitulates the core pathophysiology of FXS, including increased dendritic spine density, seizures, and hyperactivity. Studies in FXS mice have revealed that FMRP inhibits translation at the synapse in response to metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling. One treatment strategy—reducing mGluR5 signaling—has been shown to reverse pathophysiology in FXS mice and is now in clinical trials. In a new study, Dolan et al. take a different tack in developing a small-molecule inhibitor to reverse the dendritic spine defect in FXS mice. Previously, this group found that inhibition of p21-activated kinase (PAK), a serine threonine kinase that modulates the actin cytoskeleton, resulted in small, sparse cortical dendritic spines in mice, a phenotype that is opposite of that found in FXS mice, which have an excess of dendritic spines. The investigators then found that when transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative form of PAK were crossed with mice in which Fmr1 had been knocked out, the FXS dendritic spine pathology improved, as did behavioral impairments. Dolan et al. now build on these insights by identifying a small-molecule inhibitor of PAK, FRAX486. When they treated FXS mice with FRAX486, the authors obtained rescue of dendritic spine pathology and amelioration of seizures, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviors. These encouraging findings suggest a new strategy and drug candidate for the treatment of FXS and potentially other neuropsychiatric disorders involving dendritic spine abnormalities. B. M. Dolan et al., Rescue of fragile X syndrome phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice by the small-molecule PAK inhibitor FRAX486. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. , publiahed online 18 March 2013 (10.1073/pnas.1219383110). [[Pubmed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23509247
Sex, ADHD symptoms, and smoking outcomes: an integrative model.

Abstract Both females and individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been found to be at increased risk for a range of smoking outcomes, and recent empirical findings have suggested that women with ADHD may be particularly vulnerable to nicotine dependence. On a neurobiological level, the dopamine reward processing system may be implicated in the potentially unique interaction of nicotine with sex and with ADHD status. Specifically, nicotine appears to mitigate core ADHD symptoms through interaction with the dopamine reward processing system, and ovarian hormones have been found to interact with nicotine within the dopamine reward processing system to affect neurotransmitter release and functioning. This article synthesizes data from research examining smoking in women and in individuals with ADHD to build an integrative model through which unique risk for cigarette smoking in women with ADHD can be systematically explored. Based upon this model, the following hypotheses are proposed at the intersection of each of the three variables of sex, ADHD, and smoking: (1) individuals with ADHD have altered functioning of the dopamine reward system, which diminishes their ability to efficiently form conditioned associations based on environmental contingencies; these deficits are partially ameliorated by nicotine; (2) nicotine interacts with estrogen and the dopamine reward system to increase the positive and negative reinforcement value of smoking in female smokers; (3) in adult females with ADHD, ovarian hormones interact with the dopamine reward system to exacerbate ADHD-related deficits in the capacity to form conditioned associations; and (4) during different phases of the menstrual cycle, nicotine and ovarian hormones may interact differentially with the dopamine reward processing system to affect the type and value of reinforcement smoking provides for women with ADHD. Understanding the bio-behavioral mechanisms underlying cigarette addiction in specific populations will be critical to developing effectively tailored smoking prevention and cessation programs for these groups. Overall, the goal of this paper is to examine the interaction of sex, smoking, and ADHD status within the context of the dopamine reward processing system not only to elucidate potential mechanisms specific to female smokers with ADHD, but also to stimulate consideration of how the examination of such individual differences can inform our understanding of smoking more broadly.
Receiver improvement for ultra-wideband transmitted-reference systems

The optimality of the cross-correlation receiver for ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitted-reference (TR) systems is first justified as the optimal linear combiner with a noisy reference. In light of the observation that combining all the available paths with a noisy reference may lead to inferior performance to that of combining just some of them, a weighted cross-correlation receiver is proposed based on the output detection signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) maximization. The similarity between this weighted cross-correlation receiver and that suggested by the average likelihood ratio test (Chao et al. (2004)) is also addressed.
Research: Discrete Choice Analysis in Hospitality Management Research:

This article focuses on discrete choice analysis (DCA), which offers an effective approach for incorporating customer preferences into operating decisions in hospitality businesses. First the theor...
Applications of Distributed Microprocessors in the CESR Control System

Intelligent microprocessor based interfaces are used to relieve the main control computers of time consuming tasks requiring real-time response. The basic system consists of a Zilog Z80 CPU, CESR control system interface, read-only and read-write memory, and input/output address decode circuitry. One application employs inexpensive potentiometers to provide a cost effective operator-machine interface with excellent response. It uses a 64 channel analog-to-digital converter to scan 30 two-gang potentiometers, calculating the change in position of each knob 60 times a second. A second application uses multiprogramming techniques to achieve separate position setting of ten motorcontrolled devices with adaptive feedback. The controller can accept high-level commands to let the microprocessor guide the device to its destination, or low-level commands to let the main computer retain complete control of the device. Applications include RF phase-shifters and attenuators, and motor-driven variacs.