cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Psychopathic Traits in Children Using the Child Psychopathy Scale - Revised.

Applying the affective dimension of psychopathy to youth has advanced understanding of conduct problems in youth, leading to suggestions that other aspects of psychopathy may do the same. This was addressed in the present study by examining the structure and validity of psychopathic traits in elementary-age children as rated by mothers and teachers on the Child Psychopathy Scale – Revised (CPS-R). Participants were 222 children (80.2% male; Mage = 8.92), the majority (71.6%) of whom met criteria for both ADHD and conduct problems. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor model consisting of prosocial-empathic (PE), grandiose-manipulative (GM), emotionally volatile (EV), and attentive-planful(AP) factors. The CPS-R demonstrated good criterion validity with well-established measures of child behavior problems and callousness. The EV and AP factors demonstrate incremental validity by moderating the relation between conduct problems and impairment. Latent profiles supported a three-profile solution for mothers and a four-profile solution for teachers, with profiles consisting of one group low, one group moderate, and one high on all measures for both informants, and a fourth group that was high on all measures except CD and limited PE. Profiles differed significantly from each other on callousness and impairment, with limited PE being the best differentiator of youth highest in antisocial behavior based on mother and teacher report. Findings suggest that mothers and teachers may be able to identify children at risk for a more negative trajectory of antisocial behavior, that it is worthwhile to examine multiple psychopathy dimensions (rather than just the affective dimension), and that the CPS-R may be useful to screen for youth who are most likely to display more severe antisocial behavior and impairment.
Crossover between Mott and Efros-Shklovskii variable-range hopping in Sr2IrO4 epitaxial thin films by misfit strain and isovalent doping

We report three-dimensional Mott variable-range hopping (3D Mott-VRH) transport of Sr2IrO4 epitaxial thin films, with a transition to Efros-Shklovskii variable-range hopping (ES-VRH) with increased misfit strain or isovalent doping. We have observed that the characteristic temperature of 3D Mott-VRH transport decreases under increased misfit strain, implying that the density of states near the Fermi energy is reconstructed. With further increased misfit strain (or doping with Ca or Ba ions), a crossover from the 3D Mott-VRH to ES-VRH transport takes place due to increased carrier localization by disorder, opening a Coulomb gap by increasing the effective electron-correlation. The results of magnetoresistance measurements also confirm that the disorder caused by misfit strain or isovalent doping plays an important role in the electronic transport of these Sr2IrO4 thin films. Our experimental observations propose that subtle external stimuli such as structural modifications can modulate the electronic properties of the relativistic Mott insulator, suggesting an unprecedented pathway for electronic device applications.
A Microthermal Sensor for Cryoablation Balloons

Treatment of atrial fibrillation by cryoablation of the pulmonary vein (PV) suffers from an inability to assess probe contact, tissue thickness, and freeze completion through the wall. Unfortunately, clinical imaging cannot be used for this purpose as these techniques have resolutions similar in scale (∼1 to 2 mm) to PV thickness and therefore are unable to resolve changes within the PV during treatment. Here, a microthermal sensor based on the "3ω" technique which has been used for thin biological systems is proposed as a potential solution and tested for a cryoablation scenario. First, the sensor was modified from a linear format to a serpentine format for integration onto a flexible balloon. Next, using numerical analyses, the ability of the modified sensor on a flat substrate was studied to differentiate measurements in limiting cases of ice, water, and fat. These numerical results were then complemented by experimentation by micropatterning the serpentine sensor onto a flat substrate and onto a flexible balloon. In both formats (flat and balloon), the serpentine sensor was experimentally shown to: (1) identify tissue contact versus fluid, (2) distinguish tissue thickness in the 0.5 to 2 mm range, and (3) measure the initiation and completion of freezing as previously reported for a linear sensor. This study demonstrates proof of principle that a serpentine 3ω sensor on a balloon can monitor tissue contact, thickness, and phase change which is relevant to cryo and other focal thermal treatments of PV to treat atrial fibrillation.
The Politics of Locating Polling Places: Race and Partisanship in North Carolina Election Administration, 2008–2016

Do local election administrators change precincts and Election Day polling place locations to target voters based on their partisanship or race? We systematically evaluate whether decisions consist...
Geographic Variation in Neurologist Density and Neurologic Care in the United States.

Objective To describe geographic variation in neurologist density, neurologic conditions, and neurologist involvement in neurologic care. Methods We used 20% 2015 Medicare data to summarize variation by Hospital Referral Region (HRR). Neurologic care was defined as office-based evaluation/management visits with a primary diagnosis of a neurologic condition. Results Mean density of neurologists varied nearly 4-fold from the lowest to the highest density quintile (9.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2–10.2] vs 43.1 [95% CI 37.6–48.5] per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries). The mean prevalence of patients with neurologic conditions did not substantially differ across neurologist density quintile regions (293 vs 311 per 1,000 beneficiaries in the lowest vs highest quintiles, respectively). Of patients with a neurologic condition, 23.5% were seen by a neurologist, ranging from 20.6% in the lowest quintile regions to 27.0% in the highest quintile regions (6.4% absolute difference). Most of the difference comprised dementia, pain, and stroke conditions seen by neurologists. In contrast, very little of the difference comprised Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis, both of which had a very high proportion (>80%) of neurologist involvement even in the lowest quintile regions. Conclusions The supply of neurologists varies substantially by region, but the prevalence of neurologic conditions does not. As neurologist supply increases, access to neurologist care for certain neurologic conditions (dementia, pain, and stroke) increases much more than for others (Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis). These data provide insight for policy makers when considering strategies in matching the demand for neurologic care with the appropriate supply of neurologists.
Regulatory Soft Interventions in the Chinese Market: Compliance Effects and Impact on Option Market Efficiency

Securities Laws in China are administered by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The CSRC has great flexibility in administering securities laws since the committee represents the will of the state. Under the state‐controlled financial system, the CSRC works closely with state‐controlled financial firms and suggests, but does not mandate, actions to be taken in the equity market, especially during periods of extreme market stress. These suggestions, or soft interventions, have been used to block trades associated with short sales, significantly reducing short‐sales volume. With daily and intraday data, we investigate the impact of these interventions on put‐call parity and implied volatilities. There is overwhelming evidence of increased deviations from put‐call parity and changes in implied volatility after soft interventions. Our results are robust after allowing for bid‐ask spreads, taxes, transaction costs, and difference‐in‐differences comparisons with control securities in the Hong Kong market.
Mining Complex Genetic Patterns Conferring Multiple Sclerosis Risk.

(1) Background: Complex genetic relationships, including gene-gene (G × G; epistasis), gene(n), and gene-environment (G × E) interactions, explain a substantial portion of the heritability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Machine learning and data mining methods are promising approaches for uncovering higher order genetic relationships, but their use in MS have been limited. (2) Methods: Association rule mining (ARM), a combinatorial rule-based machine learning algorithm, was applied to genetic data for non-Latinx MS cases (n = 207) and controls (n = 179). The objective was to identify patterns (rules) amongst the known MS risk variants, including HLA-DRB1*15:01 presence, HLA-A*02:01 absence, and 194 of the 200 common autosomal variants. Probabilistic measures (confidence and support) were used to mine rules. (3) Results: 114 rules met minimum requirements of 80% confidence and 5% support. The top ranking rule by confidence consisted of HLA-DRB1*15:01, SLC30A7-rs56678847 and AC093277.1-rs6880809; carriers of these variants had a significantly greater risk for MS (odds ratio = 20.2, 95% CI: 8.5, 37.5; p = 4 × 10−9). Several variants were shared across rules, the most common was INTS8-rs78727559, which was in 32.5% of rules. (4) Conclusions: In summary, we demonstrate evidence that specific combinations of MS risk variants disproportionately confer elevated risk by applying a robust analytical framework to a modestly sized study population.
The Origins, Early Aspects, and Development of the Long Term Ecological Research Program

The chapter explores a series of overlapping discussions from the 1960s to the mid-1970s concerning the need to preserve natural areas for ecological research and observation, as well as the need for ecologists to be advocates for ecological science in the light of modern environmental problems. The U.S. Forest Service was also actively promoting the creation of Research Natural Areas and making them available for ecological research. A report prepared under the auspices of The Institute of Ecology in the mid-1970s drew attention to the desirability of creating a large network of experimental ecological reserves across the U.S. and its territories. This report led to three workshops during which ecologists debated what such a network of research sites might look like. The third workshop’s proposals led directly to the creation of the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program, which began in 1980 with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The chapter follows these conversations with particular emphasis on the participation of Jerry F. Franklin, who took part in early discussions about expanding ecological research infrastructure while serving as Ecosystem Studies Program Officer at NSF during 1973–1975. He subsequently was director of the H.J. Andrews Ecosystem Research Project, which joined the LTER Program in 1980, chaired the LTER Program’s Coordinating Committee from 1982 to 1995, and established and directed LTER’s coordinating office from 1982 to 1996. In 1997 the Network Office shifted to the University of New Mexico, beginning a new phase in the coordination of the developing network.
High-Resolution Structures of K+ Channels

Potassium channels are present in every living cell and essential to setting up a stable, non-zero transmembrane electrostatic potential which manifests the off-equilibrium livelihood of the cell. They are involved in other cellular activities and regulation, such as the controlled release of hormones, the activation of T-cells for immune response, the firing of action potential in muscle cells and neurons, etc. Pharmacological reagents targeting potassium channels are important for treating various human diseases linked to dysfunction of the channels. High-resolution structures of these channels are very useful tools for delineating the detailed chemical basis underlying channel functions and for structure-based design and optimization of their pharmacological and pharmaceutical agents. Structural studies of potassium channels have revolutionized biophysical understandings of key concepts in the field - ion selectivity, conduction, channel gating, and modulation, making them multi-modality targets of pharmacological regulation. In this chapter, I will select a few high-resolution structures to illustrate key structural insights, proposed allostery behind channel functions, disagreements still open to debate, and channel-lipid interactions and co-evolution. The known structural consensus allows the inference of conserved molecular mechanisms shared among subfamilies of K+ channels and makes it possible to develop channel-specific pharmaceutical agents.
1D topological systems for next-generation electronics

Topological nanowires, topological materials confined in one dimension, hold great promise for robust and scalable quantum computing and low-dissipation interconnects, which will transform current computing technologies. To do so, research in topological nanowires must continue to improve their synthesis and properties.
Collaborative Infrastructure for On-Demand Crowdsourced Tasks

Increasing popularity in the use of crowd sourcing has led to many tasks that can be fulfilled by the wisdom of human actors. When natural disasters or criminal activities occur, then sometimes crowd sourced tasks must be generated in real-time and must be fulfilled in an on-demand fashion. Effective use of crowd sourcing techniques requires an array of services that fulfil many dimensions of the overall problem such as resource selection and allocation, solution selection, and compensation. Any architecture that can provide these services in real-time, on demand requires a dynamic configurable infrastructure. This paper describes an adaptive framework for on-demand crowd sourced tasks supported by a design pattern-inspired architecture.
Our moral condition in cyberspace

Some kinds of technological change not only trigger new ethical problems, but also give rise to questions about those very approaches to addressing ethical problems that have been relied upon in the past. Writing in the aftermath of World War II, Hans Jonas called for a new ``ethics of responsibility,'' based on the reasoning that modern technology dramatically divorces our moral condition from the assumptions under which standard ethical theories were first conceived. Can a similar claim be made about the technologies of cyberspaceq Do online information technologies so alter our moral condition that standard ethical theories become ineffective in helping us address the moral problems they createq I approach this question from two angles. First, I look at the impact of online information technologies on our powers of causal efficacy. I then go on to consider their impact on self-identity. We have good reasons, I suggest, to be skeptical of any claim that there is a need for a new, cyberspace ethics to address the moral dilemmas arising from these technologies. I conclude by giving a brief sketch of why this suggestion does not imply there is nothing philosophically interesting about the ethical challenges associated with cyberspace.
INFLUENCE OF BACTERIAL RIBONUCLEIC ACID ON ANIMAL CELLS IN CULTURE.I. STIMULATION OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS.

Abstract Chick embryo fibroblasts in primary culture resume protein synthesis after some delay. The length of the lag and the subsequent rate of protein synthesis depend to a large extent upon the serum content of the medium. Cells deprived of serum fail to synthesize protein even though they increase their capacity to synthesize protein. During the period of deprivation RNA is rapidly renewed. RNA from various sources (chick, rabbit, bacterial) shortened the lag by several hours. Active RNA of a bacterial type resembled in its distribution in cell fractions the so-called m-RNA. Inhibition of protein synthesis by actinomycin D was reversed by “active” RNA fractions.
Abstract 20058: Comparative Effectiveness of Standard Non-invasive Cardiac Imaging in Stable Outpatients: an Analysis of Downstream Testing, Interventions, and Outcomes

Introduction: We sought to determine the comparative effectiveness of different non-invasive cardiac testing strategies on downstream testing, interventions, and outcomes in stable, privately-insured outpatients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of health insurance claims data for a national sample of privately insured patients over the years 2009-2011. Individuals who received exercise electrocardiography (ExECG), stress echocardiography (SE), myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for the first time as an outpatient during the year 2010 were evaluated for cardiac catheterization, revascularization, repeat non-invasive testing, and hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (MI) over 360 days of follow-up. Baseline characteristics were collected in the 360 day period prior to the index test. Patients were excluded if they had an emergency department encounter for chest pain or hospitalization for MI within 3 months prior to the index test. Results: A total of 528,202 patients at an average of 52 years of age were included in the final cohort. Compared with ExECG, the reference standard, SE was associated with a slightly higher rate of revascularization but lower rate of repeat non-invasive testing (Figure). MPS and CCTA were associated with significantly higher rates of cardiac catheterization, revascularization, and repeat non-invasive testing (Figure). Hospitalizations for MI did not significantly differ across index test groups. Conclusions: ExECG and SE are associated with significantly lower rates of downstream catheterization, revascularization, and repeat non-invasive testing compared to MPS and CCTA without any difference in the rate of hospitalizations for MI. MPS and CCTA may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of obstructive CAD in this patient population. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Voluntary Environmental Programs: A Symposium

Policy scholars, for at least a generation now, have addressed the usefulness of public-mandated “command and control” environmental regulations as an efficacious means to promote a cleaner environment. In the United States, these policies go back at least as far as the CleanAir Act of the late 1960s and are quite often designed, evaluated, and generally shepherded under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Given a series of mixed evaluations (for a recent review, see Coglianese & Nash, 2006; Prakash & Potoski, 2006) as to their overall effectiveness, the concept of a Voluntary Environmental Program (VEP) was posed as an alternative to the extensive governmental rules and regulations mandated by “command and control” legislation. In general terms, VEPs are self-regulation agreements that can be promoted by firms, governments, industry associations, and/or environmental groups to compel businesses to enhance their environmental protection performance (Steelman & Rivera, 2006). The idea underlying the voluntary programs concept was consonant with a widespread changing, deregulatory philosophy of government, and was reflected in a number of policy issue-areas, e.g., communications and transportation. However, it was in the area of environmental regulation where Voluntary Programs were most noted, especially under the sponsorship of the EPA (see the Green Lights—later incorporated into Energy Star—and the 33/50 programs). Still, it is important to recognize that the emergence of VEPs was more than just a public policy, as various industries similarly established their own set of VEPs, often in cooperation with and assistance of a government agency; for instance, the American Chemical Council created the Responsible Care Program and the National Association of Ski Areas created a Sustainable Slopes Program (see King & Lenox, 2000; Rivera, deLeon, & Koebler, 2006, respectively). Scholars investigating the VEP phenomenon have observed that there are a number of reasons for firms or industry to adopt VEPs, like as a way of reaching out to consumers with a green signal (thus abetting their comparative differentiation advantage), as a way of obtaining new technologies and information, or as a way of avoiding later, possibly more constraining and invasive government-imposed regulations. VEP scholars, not surprisingly, soon offered a small but growing number of VEP-specific evaluations, finding (again not surprisThe Policy Studies Journal, Vol. 35, No. 4, 2007
Changes in amniotic fluid optical density at 450 mμ in Rh-sensitized patients after maternal hydrocortisone treatment

Abstract In anticipation of elective premature delivery (32 to 34 weeks of gestation), five Rh-sensitized pregnant women were given hydrocortisone succinate for enhancement of fetal lung maturation. Serial amniocenteses were performed and an abrupt drop in the optical density at 450 mμ (OD 450 ) was observed in all cases immediately after administration of the steroid. Two infants in whom the OD 450 remained low were followed safely to term. The others were delivered prematurely. All infants were Rh-sensitized and required one or more exchange transfusions, and all survived. It is tempting to speculate that glucocorticoids alter the antigen-antibody affinity and inhibit splenic macrophage sequestration, thus reducing erythrocyte destruction. Maternal steroid administration may prove to be therapeutic in the management of Rh-sensitization, but until its mechanisms are further delineated, extreme caution must be used in the interpretation of OD 450 changes.
The role of lysosomes and microtubules in cardiac protein degradation.

The mechanisms and regulatory factors involved in cardiac proteolysis are incom- pletely understo0d. Agents that interfere with lysosomal function (e.g., chloroquine, leupeptin, methyladenine) cause a 25–30% reduction in the overall rate of protein degradation. In the same hearts, however, the rate of myosin breakdown remains unchanged. Disaggregation of microtubules with colchicine is accompanied by a 15% reduction in the rate of degradation of total protein and of myosin. In the same hearts, the degradation of “organellar” protein, including mitochondrial cytochromes, is reduced by over 30%. Thus, it appears that the degradation of different classes of cardiac proteins may be accomplished and regulated by different processes. Lysosomes are important in overall proteolysis, but appear not to be involved in the regulation of myosin breakdown. Microtubules are also involved in the proteolytic process, and appear to be especially important for the breakdown of proteins from mitochondria and perhaps other organelles.
Engaging Families, Building Relationships: Strategies for Working Across Systems from a Social Exchange Perspective

In child welfare, the relationship between worker and client is viewed as the mechanism through which families may be engaged. Certain settings may complicate the development of a helping relationship and require workers to counter these pressures by developing more effective means of engaging families. Utilizing a social exchange framework, this qualitative study was conducted to explore interactions among parents and professionals in dependency court hearings. Findings revealed that a lack of reciprocity hinders the development of collaborative relationships that could support and assist families. Implications for social work practice are examined.
Bond moments and bond moment derivatives of C122N142 and C12C13N142 from infrared intensities

Abstract The intensities of ν3 in C122N142 as well as ν1′ and ν4′ in C12C13N142 were measured, the latter in an isotopic mixture containing 15.5 atom percent C13. The intensities were interpreted in standard fashion as bond moments and derivatives, after carrying out a normal coordinate calculation. Results of this calculation were 0.8 debye for the CN bond moment, and 0.59 debye/angstrom for the derivative. This latter value fits both stretching vibrations, indicating that the dipole moments of the two bonds add independently without interaction.
Intratracheal pulmonary ventilation versus conventional mechanical ventilation in a rabbit model of surfactant deficiency.

ABSTRACT: Intratracheal pulmonary ventilation (ITPV) enhances the clearance of CO2 from dead space and lungs by a bias flow of gas administered in the distal trachea. ITPV flow is continuously administered through a separate catheter placed within an endotracheal tube (ETT). After exiting from catheter's tip in the distal trachea, the flow of gas is redirected outward away from the lungs. We hypothesized that, compared with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), ITPV may increase minute CO2 clearance (Vco2), reduce the partial pressure of CO2 dioxide in arterial gas (Paco2), and reduce distal tracheal peak inspiratory pressure (dPIP). We induced surfactant deficiency in 15 adult rabbits by lung lavage with 10 mL/kg normal saline. Animals were ventilated through a double-lumen 4.0 ETT, inserted through a tracheotomy incision. dPIP, distal positive end expiratory pressure, and distal mean airway pressure were monitored, and the mean exhaled CO2 concentration was measured. For ventilator rates (respiratory rate) of 30, 45, and 70 breaths/min, the study included two phases: phase I compared CO2 clearance and Paco2 between ITPV and CMV using similar ventilatory pressures; phase II evaluated the effectiveness of ITPV in reducing dPIP and tidal volume (Vt), compared with CMV, while maintaining eucapnea. When comparing ITPV and CMV, the following results (mean ± SD) were achieved at respiratory rate of 30, 45, and 70 breaths/min, respectively. Phase I ITPV resulted in mean percent reduction of Paco2 by 31.4 ± 10%, 37.1 ± 9.7% and 38.3 ± 9%; mean percent increase in Vco2 by 61.3 ± 29%, 56 ± 23%, and 98 ± 40%, compared with CMV. Phase II ITPV resulted in mean percent reduction of dPIP by 35.5 ± 14%, 38 ± 10.8%, and 37.2 ± 13.7%, and mean percent reduction in Vt by 34.7 ± 12.9%, 36.4 ± 15%, and 52.7 ± 10.7%, compared with CMV. The changes in Paco2, Vco2 (phase I), and dPIP and Vt (phase II) were all significantly more than 25% (p < 0.05). Oxygenation and pH were not significantly different between ITPV and CMV. We conclude that, in a surfactant deficiency rabbit model, ITPV is an efficient mode of assisted ventilation that increases CO2 clearance and reduces ventilator pressures required for adequate ventilation. We speculate that ITPV can minimize lung barotrauma associated with mechanical ventilation.
Effect of calcium on synaptic facilitation by potassium channel blockers in superior cervical ganglion of rat.

Abstract The effects of potassium channel blockers on synaptic transmission were studied in the isolated superior cervical ganglia of the rat by means of extracellular recorclings. The ganglia were exposed to gradual increase in the concentration of calcium in the presence and absence of potassium channel blockers. At all levels of calcium (0.1–2 mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) produced marked potentiation of both amplitude and duration of the compound action potential. At 0.1 mM, 4-AP completely reversed the failure of transmission regularly seen in low calcium (0.1 mM). The increase in duration, measured as time to peak, was more pronounced in low calcium and became less marked as the concentration of calcium was raised. In media containing low concentrations of calcium (0.8 mM), 4-AP induced a massive spontaneous discharge, often with rhythmic bursts. Cesium (6 mM) abolished the action potential in low calcium media, however, increasing levels of calcium in the presence of cesium resulted in recovery and later marked potentiation of both the amplitude and duration of the action potential in a calcium concentration-dependent manner. Guanicline potentiated the amplitude of the compound action potential but had no measurable effect on its duration and was unable to reverse transmission failure in low calcium. No potentiation of the amplitude or duration of the action potential was seen with tetraethylammonium. Neither guanicline nor tetraethylammonium induced a spontaneous discharge. The results suggest that some actions of 4-AP are unrelated to blockade of potassium channels.
Oligodendroglial Cells Express and Secrete Reelin

Oligodendrocyte (OL) progenitor cells (OPCs) give rise to the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), the OL. To examine molecular changes involved in OPC differentiation, a microarray analysis was performed at several time points during OPC maturation. The results revealed significant expression levels of mRNA for reelin, one reelin receptor, very low density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), and the cytoplasmic adaptor molecule, disabled homolog 1 (Dab1). The expression of these proteins in oligodendroglial (ODG) cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. It was also discovered that both progenitors and mature OLs secrete reelin. Although there is no known effect of reelin on ODG cells, the data suggest that these cells may be a source of reelin in the CNS. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Role of Chromatin Structure in Integration of Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vectors Containing the β-Globin Locus Control Region

We constructed helper-dependent, fiber-chimeric adenoviral vectors that efficiently transduce human hematopoietic stem cells. We found that vectors carrying a 23-kb fragment of the β-globin locus control region (LCR) flanked by adeno-associated virus inverted terminal repeats (Ad.LCR) preferentially integrated into the chromosomal β-globin LCR of human erythroid Mo7e cells. We hypothesized that this targeted integration involves β-globin LCR-specific chromatin structures. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays of the β-globin LCR revealed active chromatin within, and immediately downstream of, DNase hypersensitivity region 2 (HS2) in erythroid Mo7e cells, but not in nonerythroid cells. Importantly, most of the Ad.LCR integrations in Mo7e cells were found within this area. We provide further data indicating tethering of incoming Ad.LCR genomes to the chromosomal LCR. We also provide data that suggest a role for active chromatin in AAV Rep78-mediated Ad.LCR integration. Our findings support a new strategy for...
Pentamidine congeners. 4. DNA binding affinity and anti-Pneumocystis carinii activity of butamidine analogues

Abstract A number of pentamidine-like compounds are known to bind to DNA. DNA could therefore be the molecular target for the anti- P. carinii activity of these compounds. We provide the first evidence demonstrating a correlation between in vitro anti- P. carinii activity and in vitro DNA binding affinity of pentamidine related aromatic dicationic compounds.
Green Supercomputing Comes of Age

Energy-efficient (green) supercomputing has traditionally been viewed as passe, even to the point of public ridicule. But today, it's finally coming into vogue. This article describes the authors' view of this evolution. Ignoring power consumption as a design constraint will result in supercomputing systems with high operational costs and diminished reliability. Fortunately, improving energy efficiency in supercomputers (and computer systems in general) has become an emergent task for the IT industry. Hopefully, this article inspires further innovations and breakthroughs by providing a historical perspective. From Green Destiny to BG/L to innovative power-aware supercomputing prototypes, we envision that holistic power-aware technologies will be available and largely exploited in most, if not all, future supercomputing systems.
Comparison of MRI and CT for Predicting the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) Preoperatively in Patients Being Considered for Cytoreductive Surgical Procedures

To compare the accuracy of MRI and CT for predicting the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) preoperatively compared with the PCI tabulated at surgery. Twenty-two patients underwent preoperative MRI and CT scanning followed by cytoreductive surgery for appendiceal (n = 17) and ovarian (n = 5) cancer. MR and CT examinations were retrospectively reviewed to determine the PCI. The results of these scores were compared with PCI tabulated at surgery. Patients were categorized as small volume tumor (PCI 0–9), moderate volume (PCI 10–20), and large volume (PCI > 20). Respective anatomic site scores for MRI and CT were compared with surgical findings. Compared with surgical PCI, MRI correctly categorized tumor volume in 20 (0.91) of 22 patients, including 3 of 4 patients with small volume tumor, 2 of 2 patients with moderate volume tumor, and 15 of 16 patients with large volume tumor. CT correctly categorized tumor volume in 11 of 22 (0.50) patients, including 2 of 4 patients with small-volume tumor, 2 of 2 patients with moderate volume tumor, and 7 of 16 patients with large-volume tumor. In 19 of 22 patients, CT underestimated the volume of tumor found at surgery. For all patients, the median PCI score at surgery was 33 compared with 36 for MRI and 15 for CT. Surgery confirmed 222 sites of tumor. MRI demonstrated per site sensitivity of 0.95, specificity 0.70, and accuracy 0.88. CT showed a corresponding per site sensitivity 0.55, specificity 0.86, and accuracy 0.63. MRI more accurately predicts PCI preoperatively in patients undergoing evaluation for cytoreductive surgery.
Hair bundles of sea anemones as a model system for vertebrate hair bundles.

Abstract Sea anemones are marine invertebrates that use hair bundles to detect swimming movements of prey. Prey are captured by nematocysts (stinging capsules) that discharge into the prey. To further characterize anemone hair bundles and to compare hair bundles in anemones with hair bundles in vertebrates, we investigated fine structure and cytochemistry of anemone hair bundles. In addition, using a biological assay based on counting nematocysts discharged into vibrating test probes, we examined sensitivity of vibration detection to aminoglycoside antibiotics, Ca 2+ -free seawater, and amiloride. Like vertebrate hair bundles, anemone hair bundles are composed of stereocilia, possess lateral linkages between stereocilia whose preservation for transmission electron microscopy is enhanced by ruthenium red, and possess tip links morphologically similar to vertebrate tip links. Furthermore, vibration-dependent discharge of nematocysts is reversibly inhibited by 10 −4 M streptomycin and abolished by brief exposure to Ca 2+ -free seawater. However, unlike vertebrate hair bundles, anemone hair bundles appear to be insensitive to amiloride since vibration-dependent discharge of nematocysts is unaffected by up to mM amiloride. Thus, anemone hair bundles may serve as a useful model system for vertebrate hair bundles with the interesting feature of being insensitive to amiloride.
Parisi-sourlas mechanism and dimensional reduction in the bosonic string

Abstract The light-cone gauge path-integral is obtained from the conformal gauge fixed expression of Polyakov's theory for the bosonic string by integrating out the unphysical degrees of freedom. A generalized Parisi-Sourlas mechanism is shown to be responsible for the factorization of the integrations over the unphysical modes (and hence the dimensional reduction of the bosonic string) in the functional formulation of the theory. The corresponding decoupling mechanism in the canonical formulation of the theory is demonstrated to be the Kugo-Ojima “quartet” mechanism. The equivalence of the Parisi-Sourlas mechanism in the functional approach with the Kugo-Ojima “quartet” mechanism in the operator language is emphasized.
Changes in herpetofauna resulting from ditching of cypress ponds in coastal plains flatwoods

Abstract Three ditched and three unditched cypress ponds in north Florida were surveyed to assess the effects of ditching on their herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles). Predominantly aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibians were captured. Unditched ponds had more persistent surface water and more consistent water depths than ditched ponds. No differences in mean numbers of individuals, numbers of species, or species diversity were detected between ditched and unditched ponds. However, species richness was reduced in ditched ponds in dry weather and relative abundances of species in the two types of ponds were different: more terrestrial species were associated with ditched ponds; more aquatic species were associated with unditched ponds. Herpetofauna were most abundant and species richness was greatest along pond edges.
The Compton profile and Compton defect in aluminium

Abstract Compton profile measurements of aluminium at MoKα failed to find any anisotropy between the [100] and [110] directions but by extending the measurements to MoKβ (where the doublet separation is much less critical) a Compton defect of ∼10 eV has been found for the valence electrons.
SENSITIVITY OF THE BAYESIAN RELIABILITY ESTIMATES FOR THE MODIFIED GUMBEL FAILURE MODEL

The classical Gumbel probability distribution is modified in order to study the failure times of a given system. Bayesian estimates of the reliability function under five different parametric priors and the square error loss are studied. The Bayesian reliability estimate under the non-parametric kernel density prior is compared with those under the parametric priors and numerical computations are given to study their effectiveness.
Achieving Database Information Accountability in the Cloud

Regulations and societal expectations have recently emphasized the need to mediate access to valuable databases. Fraud occurs when a person (mostly an insider) tampers illegally with a database. Data owners would like to be assured that such tampering has not occurred, or if it does, that it will be quickly discovered. The problem is exacerbated with data stored in cloud databases such as Amazon's Relational Database Service (RDS) or Microsoft's SQL Azure Database. In our previous work we have shown that information accountability across the enterprise is a viable alternative to information restriction for ensuring the correct storage, use, and maintenance of databases on extant DBMSes. We have developed a prototype audit system (DRAGOON) that employs cryptographic hashing techniques to support accountability in high-performance databases. Cloud databases present a new set of problems that make extending DRAGOON challenging. In this paper we discuss these problems and show how the DRAGOON architecture can be refined to provide a more practical and feasible information accountability solution for data stored in the cloud.
Role of alpha 1 adrenoceptors in the turnover of phosphatidylinositol and of alpha 2 adrenoceptors in the regulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in hamster adipocytes.

Abstract The incorporation of radioactive phosphate into phosphatidylinositol was stimulated by epinephrine in hamster fat cells. This action was inhibited by alpha-adrenergic antagonists in the potency order: Prazosin⪢phentolamine>yohimbine. Methoxamine, but not clonidine, was able to mimic the effect of epinephrine. These data indicate that the phosphatidylinositol effect in fat cells is due to activation of alpha1 adrenoceptors. On the other hand, the accumulation of cyclic AMP due to epinephrine was potentiated by alpha-adrenergic antagonists in the potency order phentolamine>yohimbine ⪢prazosin, in hamster fat cells. Clonidine significantly decreased the accumulation of cyclic AMP due to isoproterenol or ACTH in hamster fat cells, suggesting that the alpha-adrenergic modulation of cyclic AMP levels in hamster fat cells is mediated by alpha2 adrenoceptors. Radioligand binding studies with plasma membranes from hamster adipocytes demonstrated the presence of both alpha1 and alpha2 adrenoceptors but about 90% of the binding sites were alpha2. These data support the hypothesis that alpha2 effects of catecholamines are due to inhibition of adenylate cyclase while the increases in phosphatidylinositol turnover that seem to be involved in the mobilization of calcium are linked exclusively to alpha1 adrenoceptor activation.
Spanish socialism: On the road to Marbella

This essay analyzes the underlying social and economic forces that explain the gap between the Spanish Socialist Party's working class base and its pro-business supply-side economic policies. The essay examines the ascendancy of a new professional class linked to financial capital and European multi-national capital that challenges the industrial policies of the Franco right. From an analysis of incomes policy, economic deregulation and state allocation, the study concludes that the Socialists have displaced the traditional Right as the principal representatives of corporate capital — they have become the New Right.
Revealing progesterone's role in uterine and mammary gland biology: Insights from the mouse

Apart from distinguishing the in vivo effects of progesterone (P) from those of estrogen (E), the progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mouse has furnished unprecedented access to novel cell-signaling paradigms, hitherto unsuspected. Along with providing new cellular principles by which P influences proliferative and differentiative programs obligate for tissue development and tumor progression, the PRKO in conjunction with transcript profiling has begun to uncover the transcriptional cascades underlying these processes. Moreover, studies on isoform-specific knockouts for PR-A (PR-AKO) and PR-B (PR-BKO) have clearly defined distinct physiological roles for the two subtypes of PR, providing essential physiological support for previous in vitro observations. Although the PR-AKO exhibits an infertility phenotype, the PR-BKO displays normal fecundity. Conversely, although normal mammary morphogenesis can manifest in the PR-AKO, pregnancy-associated mammary morphogenesis is severely impaired in the PR-BKO. By virtue of its ability to suppress E-induced and PR-B-mediated uterine and mammary proliferation, the PR-A isoform is likely to be an attractive drug target for the next generation of selective PR modulators in the treatment of uterine and mammary gland hyperplasia. Along with defining the dynamic interplay between E and P responses and physiological events mediated by PR-A and PR-B, further studies on these models should provide a broader conceptual framework for understanding abnormal progestin responses in vivo, with attendant implications for the management of female reproductive health and for the diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer.
Nitrogen metabolism of soybean genotypes selected for seed composition, fasciated stem, or harvest index

Development of methodologies for genetically increasing the efficiency of N metabolism in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] requires the identification of desirable genetic variation. Two field experiments were conducted at Beltsville, MD, to determine the genetic variability for measures of N metabolism among soybean genotypes selected for diversity in chemical composition of seed, podding habit, and harvest index. Nitrogen accumulation and partitioning and N 2 fixation were determined, the latter by the difference method utilizing the nonnodulating «Clark» rj1 genotype (.)
The Use of Classification Zones for Fatigue Behavior in Steels—2

This is the second and updated version of a paper with a similar name, that was published in this journal in 1977. The basic idea of classification of the Fatigue Regime is implemented aging, using updated fatigue studies, and the result is a new and updated diagram. Numerous studies on Fatigue Damage and Fatigue Crack Propagation dealt with these problems either by the cumulative damage approach, or by using crack propagation equations based on linear elastic fracture mechanics. Although these two approaches scatter, but only within defined limits. This study updates the Fatigue Diagram,'' which classifies different combinations of stresses and crack lengths in a given specimen, as zones in which different fatigue evaluation criteria govern. The whole fatigue regime is divided into six zones, that fit to known and to new prediction methods. For the more problematic zone, where the stress amplitude is higher than the fatigue limit, and the stress intensity factor range is higher than the threshold, a superposition of two prediction procedures is shown to match closely to test results in AISI 4XXX types of steel specimens. The fatigue diagram is shown to be a useful tool for dealing with real life, fatigue design problems. Themore » Threshold Crack Length'' is reintroduced, and directions for additional studies are indicated.« less
Increasing ORT use in Bangladesh.

90% of parents in Bangladesh are familiar with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and more than 80% administer some amount of ORT fluids while still feeding their children during diarrheal episodes. Yet only about 45% administered increased ORT fluids. The concept of using the child as teacher has been developed into an ORT promotion strategy to close the gap between knowledge and behavior in Bangladesh. The strategy involves combining the Meena Initiative which promotes the potential of girls and the elimination of extreme discrimination against girls and the scout movement. Meena an enchanting heroine of a cartoon film series developed by UNICEF has been transformed into a guide and her brother Raju into a scout. The communication strategy involves the scouts promoting ORT use to nonscout students nonstudent children their own parents other parents and the community. The Promotion of ORT Project aims to communicate effectively to the targeted audiences the need to increase fluids to continue feeding and to refer children with diarrhea whose condition does not improve; to increase ORT coverage to 80% in Khulna division; and to reduce the number of diarrhea-related deaths among children under 5 years of age by 50%. ORT camps (3 days in the field and 1 day in school) will train scouts nonscout students teachers and health workers. Once they have been oriented they divide into 3 teams (4-5 scouts and nonscouts) and conduct house-to-house visits promoting ORT use. Once every house has been visited either a white flag goes up or an ORT tree is planted in a prominent location as a recognition of success. The government supports large-scale mobilization for child survival projects such as this project.
A Technique for Prolonged Arterial Infusions of Fibrinolytic Agents in the Immediate Postoperative Period through a Cutaneous Venostomy

Prolonged use of fibrinolytic agents post thrombectomy is limited by present techniques that require arterial puncture and indwelling arterial catheters. This limitation can be avoided by attaching a short segment of saphenous vein to the arteriotomy used for the thrombectomy and bringing this out to the skin as a “venostomy”; thus providing ready access to the vascular tree for arteriography, prolonged infusion of thrombolytic agents, or selective catheter placement. In delayed thrombectomies (Categories 2 & 3 as described by the Ad Hoc Committee on Reporting Standards, J Vasc Surg 1986;4:80-94), extending the use of these agents may represent the only hope for limb salvage. (Ann Vasc Surg 1997;11:546–549.)