cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wall on Impulse of Solid Propellant Driven Millimeter-Scale Thrusters

An analytic model is presented for evaluating the decrement in impulse due to wall effects in millimeter-scale solid propellant driven thrusters. The model assumes a thin flame sheet moving with constant velocity along the thruster axis. Both frontend ignition (FEI) and backend ignition (BEI) are considered. The decrement in impulse due to plenum heat loss and the nozzle wall boundary layer is evaluated as a function of thruster geometric scale r and a flame speed parameter V f =t p /t s , where t s and t p are characteristic times for steady-state flame propagation and for pulsed flow operation, respectively. For the case of deflagration waves (V f <<1), the plenum heat loss in BEI devices and the nozzle boundary layer loss in FEI devices vary as (rV f ) -1/2 . Thus, relatively large flame speeds are needed in millimeter-scale thrusters to avoid significant impulse loss. In a numerical example, three out of six prospective high flame speed propellants had losses of about 10% or less. Hence, millimeter-scale thrusters appear viable with regard to wall loss. However, experimental confirmation of fabrication techniques, ignition techniques, and propellant performance is needed.
Rigid polyurethane foams based on soybean oil

Both HCFC- and pentane-blown rigid polyurethane foams have been prepared from polyols derived from soybean oil. The effect of formulation variables on foam properties was studied by altering the types and amounts of catalyst, surfactant, water, crosslinker, blowing agent, and isocyanate, respectively. While compressive strength of the soy foams is optimal at 2 pph of surfactant B-8404, it increases with increasing the amount of water, glycerin, and isocyanate. It also increases linearly with foam density. These foams were found to have comparable mechanical and thermoinsulating properties to foams of petrochemical origin. A comparison in the thermal and thermo-oxidative behaviors of soy- and PPO-based foams revealed that the former is more stable toward both thermal degradation and thermal oxidation. The lack of ether linkages in the soy-based rather than in PPO-based polyols is thought to be the origin of improved thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities of soy-based foams. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 467–473, 2000
Increased disulfide-mediated condensation of the nuclear DNA-protein complex in lymphocytes during postnatal development and aging

Abstract Previous studies with liver cells suggested that disulfide (SS) bonds may play a role in maintaining the compact structure of the condensed chromatin fraction in the interphase nucleus and in the formation of a more condensed nuclear DNA-protein complex with advancing age. In liver cells (generally postmitotic) the molecular species participating in these SS bonds appeared to be located in the relatively micrococcal nuclease resistant fraction of the nuclei. This fraction has been noted to contain a nuclear protein skeletal structure with which DNA associates. In the present study we investigated the SS mediated condensation of the nuclear DNA-protein complex in a non-postmitotic cell population (mouse spleen cells) as a function of postnatal development and aging, and the mechanism of the SS mediated condensation. The experiments involved lysis of live spleen cells on top of neutral sucrose gradients in the presence of varying concentrations of NaC1, or NaC1 plus varyingconcentrations of a positive supercoiler of DNA followed by sedimentation of nuclear DNA-protein complexes arising from these lyses. The results suggest that the SS mediated condensation of the nuclear DNA-protein complex previously found in liver cells may also occur in non-postmitotic (spleen) cells, and that it begins early in life and continues to increase during later aging. The molecular species participating in the SS bonds involved in the condensation appeared to be undissociable from DNA by 2.0 M NaC1, a concentration known to dissociate histones and most of the nonhistones from DNA, leaving behind a subgroup of nonhistone proteins. Studies by other workers have shown that such tightly DNA associated nonhistone proteins are largely homologous with the proteins of a nuclear protein skeletal structure obtained by extensive nucleolytic digestion of nuclei. Our present data are consistent with a role for SS bonds in the association of regions of nuclear DNA with the elements ofa nuclear protein skeletal structure. In addition we present evidence that a partial
Development of a suborbital flight experiment for validating a satellite inertia identification method

For three years, students at New Mexico State University have pursued flight experiments for validation of a newly developed inertia property identification algorithm. The robotics-based algorithm was developed and studied using computer simulations only. It has not been fully validated experimentally because of the difficulty to physically test full six degrees of freedom system dynamics in microgravity conditions on the ground. In the attempt to experimentally validate the algorithm, two experiments onboard NASA's C-9 microgravity flights have been performed. Although these flight experiments have been an invaluable experience, the zero-gravity environment desired to fully validate the algorithm has not yet been achieved. The full validation requires 6 DOF, a zero-gravity motion condition which is virtually inconceivable for ground-based testing or aircraft-based testing. Therefore, the student team is developing a suborbital experiment to further test the algorithm. The experiment has been scheduled to fly in the summer of 2011. This paper describes the activities of this suborbital flight project.
Does Believing Homosexuality Is Innate Increase Support for Gay Rights

Why are Americans who believe homosexuality is innate more likely to support the rights of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs)? Attribution theory suggests that people are more likely to support LGB rights if they do not blame LGBs for their sexual orientation. Alternatively, moral condemnation of homosexuality may lead both to belief that homosexuality is a choice and opposition to LGB rights, while acceptance of LGB rights may lead to a belief in a biological basis for homosexuality as part of a constellation of tolerant beliefs. Using logit analysis on individual-level data from 24 national surveys conducted since 1977, I find that the link between belief in a biological basis for homosexuality and support for LGB rights is strong and growing for almost all groups on almost all issues. The reason may have more to do with people shaping their origin beliefs to match their political and religious values, than with origin beliefs affecting support for LGB rights.
The sentient Web

In a startling revelation, a team of university scientists has reported that a network of computers has become conscious and sentient, and is beginning to assume control of online information system. In spite of the ominous tone typically chosen for dramatic effect, a sentient Web would be more helpful and much easier for people to use. An agent is an active, persistent software component that perceives, reasons, and acts, and whose actions include communication. Agents inherently take intentional actions based on sensory information and memories of past actions. All agents have necessary communication ability, but they do not necessarily possess introspective capabilities or awareness of place and time. Four things characterize being sentient Web conscious: 1) knowing 2) having intentions 3) introspecting and 4) experiencing phenomena. For the first two, it is easy to show that most Web entities possess and demonstrate the use of knowledge, and other entities, including Web services, exhibit intentions. The last two, introspection and phenomenal experience, are facets of awareness and are not as obvious in current Web systems, so we will consider them more thoroughly and conclude with future prospects.
Combinations of nitrogen sources for starch digestion by mixed rumen bacteria.

Abstract The effectiveness of all two-way combinations of arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, methionine, proline, serine, and valine as nitrogen sources for in vitro starch digestion by mixed rumen bacteria has been compared with that of urea and individual amino acids. Three-way and four-way combinations of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, proline, serine, urea, and valine were also evaluated. Thirteen of the 28 pairs tested significantly increased starch digestion, but only aspartic acid and lysine, aspartic acid and valine, and valine and serine approached the effectiveness of urea. The responses to these pairs exceeded simple additive effects. All three-way and four-way combinations tested significantly (P
Importance of the BOD plateau

ThE BIOChEMICAL oxygen demand test has been a subject of continual discussion and controversy. MONTGOMERY (1967) has pointed out that the standard test is slow, that there is little relation between laboratory and field conditions, and that the test possesses no theoretical significance and lacks reproducibility. Yet the five day 20°C BOD is the standard measure of the organic pollution potential of a waste water. All other methods of measurement of oxygen demand have been compared or correlated with the five day BOD. Thus the use of the Warburg Respirometer to measure BOD was only tentatively accepted by Standard Methods in the l lth edition and was eliminated from the 12th edition (1966). Biochemical oxygen demand data have been utilized for two purposes: to predict the total oxygen demand of a waste water and to predict the rate of deoxygenation. SWILLEY et al. (1964), I~TD/HRBERGER et aL (1964) and GULEVICH et al. (1968) have demonstrated the importance of diffusion on the rate of BOD exertion. Their work indicates that rate data obtained from a laboratory experiment, using quiescent bottles, would not be applicable to streams or waste treatment processes. The only use for BOD rate data would then be in predicting the total oxygen demand. Prediction of the total oxygen demand from five day BOD values is a questionable procedure. An assumption must be made with respect to the mathematical description of the BOD progression with time. A first order model is normally used [(dc/dt) = -kc]. Only two data points are needed to determine the rate constant, k, for which the use of a five day test would seem unreasonable. Any point on the curve should provide the necessary information. PhELPS (1944) states that the adoption of the five day test as the standard was based upon the unreliability of data taken previous to five days. The unreliability was assumed to be due to variation in the lag time before BOD exertion began. This fact contradicts the assumed first order models and is particularly important because both the model and experience indicate that the highest oxygen uptake rates occur early in the test. The model is therefore unreliable for the most sensitive part of the BOD progression and is usable only in the least sensitive region.
Estimation of ancestry using dental morphological characteristics.

The purpose of this paper is to provide logistic regression formulae for using dental morphological data to estimate whether an unknown person would have been considered African American (AA), European American (EA), Hispanic from New Mexico (NMH), or Hispanic from Southern Florida (SFH) during their lifetime. Additionally, equations are provided that can be used to estimate whether skeletal remains represent a person who would have been considered Hispanic American (HA), without specifying their geographic origin within the United States. Dental morphology, as the term is generally used in anthropology, considers observations of minor structures of the tooth crown and root, including grooves, ridges, and cusps (1). Most practitioners of forensic anthropology are aware that shovel-shaped incisors are more often seen in persons of Asian or Native American heritage. Many may believe, perhaps erroneously (2), that the presence of Carabelli’s trait indicates European ancestry. Often, the use of dental morphology in forensics has been non-statistical, with one or two characters included among cranial morphology and overall skull shape descriptors (3). This kind of qualitative use of dental morphology has been shown to be ineffective (4), and similar results have been shown for morphoscopic characteristics of the skull (5). The use of dental morphological characteristics to quantitatively estimate the biological ancestry of a skeleton, in much the same way cranial metrics are currently used, has been rarely encountered (6, but see 7). Dental anthropologists usually utilize many characteristics of the tooth and relatively complex statistics to describe how much variation exists within and between populations in order to learn how the populations may be related, especially ancestor-descendant relationships. As data, observations of dental characteristics are good for this purpose, because they are highly heritable and do not change (except through wear or caries) after a tooth is developed (1, 8). These same features make the use of a wider variety of dental traits, coupled with a statistical approach, a good potential tool for use in forensic contexts. The material, methods, and results presented here provide a quantitative method for the assessment of ancestry when the potential group affiliations are AA, EA, SFH, NMH and HA. Any practitioner of forensic anthropology familiar with the adult human dentition can use the equations that are developed and described below.
The effects of various carbohydrates on sympathetic activity in heart and interscapular brown adipose tissue of the rat

The present studies were undertaken to determine the effect of various carbohydrates on sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. Tritiated-norepinephrine (3H-NE) turnover was measured in heart and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) of rats fed either chow or chow plus 50% caloric supplements of fructose, sucrose, dextrose, or corn starch. Additional studies were performed to examine whether absorption of carbohydrate plays a role in the SNS response, and to determine whether sweet taste in the form of artificial sweeteners may influence SNS activity. After five to ten days on the respective diets, 3H-NE turnover was increased to a similar extent by all carbohydrates tested (from 38% to 160% greater than controls in different studies). Addition of acarbose (which impairs sucrose absorption) to a sucrose-supplemented diet abolished the SNS stimulatory response, whereas cholestyramine (a drug that blocks fat absorption) had no effect. Finally, the addition of saccharin or aspartame to a chow diet failed to alter SNS activity. Thus, caloric supplementation with several carbohydrates, in addition to sucrose, stimulates both cardiac and IBAT SNS activity, absorption of carbohydrate is required for this effect, and noncaloric sugar substitutes do not alter SNS function.
Direct Interaction between Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase and the Zinc Ribbon Domains of DNA Topoisomerase I

Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase I (encoded by the topA gene) is important for maintaining steady-state DNA supercoiling and has been shown to influence vital cellular processes including transcription. Topoisomerase I activity is also needed to remove hypernegative supercoiling generated on the DNA template by the progressing RNA polymerase complex during transcription elongation. The accumulation of hypernegative supercoiling in the absence of topoisomerase I can lead to R-loop formation by the nascent transcript and template strand, leading to suppression of transcription elongation. Here we show by affinity chromatography and overlay blotting that E. coli DNA topoisomerase I interacts directly with the RNA polymerase complex. The protein-protein interaction involves the β′ subunit of RNA polymerase and the C-terminal domains of E. coli DNA topoisomerase I, which are homologous to the zinc ribbon domains in a number of transcription factors. This direct interaction can bring the topoisomerase I relaxing activity to the site of transcription where its activity is needed. The zinc ribbon C-terminal domains of other type IA topoisomerases, including mammalian topoisomerase III, may also help link the enzyme activities to their physiological functions, potentially including replication, transcription, recombination, and repair.
THE EFFECTS OF ABDOMINAL SYMPATHECTOMY, ADRENAL INACTIVATION AND REMOVAL OF THE STELLATE GANGLIA ON THE SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY OF THE ALBINO RAT

It is well known that certain endocrine secretions play an important role in the regulation of the level of spontaneous activity of the ahlino rat. Removal of the adrenals (Durrant, 1), testes (Hoskins, 2), or ovaries (Wang, 3) results in a marked decrease in activity. Thyroidectomy, however (Lee and Van Buskirk, 4), apparently does not affect the activity level. Since these endocrine glands are innervated by the sympathetic system, it was thought important to investigate the question of the effect of sympathectomy on the spontaneous activity. Recently, Richter and Wislocki (5) found that rats with total removal of the pituitary gland are very inactive, but the innervation of the hypophysis is still largely unknown. Furthermore, in some of our rats, the sympathetic nerve supply to the four limbs was also destroyed, and the data here reported may have some importance in relation to the much debated question of the sympathetic innervation of the skeletal muscles.
Effects of several calcium antagonists and dipyridamole in the isolated perfused guinea pig heart.

Abstract Three calcium (Ca) antagonists and dipyridamole were examined in the isolated perfused guinea pig heart at perfusate Ca concentrations of 1.25 and 3.75 mM. The Ca antagonists: FR 7534, nifedipine and D600 produced similar dose-dependent decreases in left ventricular dp/dt and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ) at both Ca concentrations. However, dose response curves were shifted significantly to the right by increased perfusate Ca requiring six to ten times more Ca antagonist to produce equivalent effects. Dipyridamole produced only slight negative inotropic effects which appeared to be less dependent on external Ca concentration. All four agents significantly increased coronary blood flow at 1.25 mM Ca but not at 3.75 mM Ca. The Ca antagonists decreased heart rate at 3.75 mM Ca whereas dipyridamole had strong negative chronotropic effects at both perfusate Ca concentrations. These experiments provide evidence that FR 7534 acts as a Ca antagonist. In addition, Ca antagonists of different structure had similar effects on the isolated heart distinct from those of dipyridamole.
Judaism and Christianity in Earth's Insights

In Earth's Insights, Baird Callicott argues that Hebrew scripture, because of its more communal and this-worldly standpoint, is more amenable to environmental ethics than the New Testament. I enumerate other insights from this tradition, portraying a three-way relation in which nature has its own autonomy, as well as reciprocal interrelation with the human and with God.
Analysis of natural gas consumption in commercial buildings using sample survey data

Abstract The use of regression analysis to identify measurement-error problems and to analyze natural-gas consumption in commercial buildings using sample survey data is discussed. The data from the survey are first evaluated. Then, the relationship between weather and consumption of natural gas for a sample of commercial buildings is estimated by using regression techniques. Square footage and other building characteristics are next examined to determine the extent to which these factors can be used to explain estimated heating-degree-day effects from the initial estimation.
Resolution of giant cell granuloma after treatment with calcitonin

Summary Genetic testing and immunohistochemical staining now afford greater ability to distinguish between different giant cell lesions and can help determine the optimal course of medical therapy. We report a giant cell granuloma (GCG) in a 9-year-old patient that completely resolved after one year of treatment.
In vitro synergism between carbenicillin and aminoglycosidic aminocyclitols against Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus.

Acinetobacter caleoaceticus var. anitratus is a nonfermentative, gram-negative bacillus that has been demonstrated to cause severe infections, usually in hospitalized patients. Since mild to moderate resistance of A. calcoaceticus to one or more aminoglycosidic aminocyclitols has been noted to occur, a study was undertaken to evaluate the activity of combinations of carbenicillin with either kanamycin, tobramycin, or gentamicin against 28 isolates of A. calcoaceticus obtained from clinical sources. Synergism (defined as at least 100-fold-increased killing at 24 h by the combination as compared with the most efficacious of the individual antibiotics) was demonstrated against 26 of 28 strains of A. calcoaceticus with carbenicillin plus kanamycin and carbenicillin plus tobramycin and against 25 of 28 strains with carbenicillin plus gentamicin. The median increased killing for the 28 strains was 4.2 log 10 with carbenicillin plus kanamycin and with carbenicillin plus tobramycin and 3.1 log 10 with carbenicillin plus gentamicin. The most important determinant of synergistic potential of each combination was the level of resistance of each strain of A. calcoaceticus to the aminoglycoside component of the combination.
Approach to the spectrum of Budd-Chiari syndrome: which patients require portal decompression?

Summary Budd-Chiari syndrome (occlusion of the hepatic veins) represents a spectrum disorder. From 1974 to 1984, 20 patients with the syndrome were managed. Eleven required shunt surgery (Group 1) and 5 were managed with nonshunt therapy (Groups 2 and 3). Results have been good. Retrospective review of the liver biopsy specimens showed that Group 1 patients had a greater degree of zone 3 necrosis than Group 2 and 3 patients. We submit that presence of zone 3 necrosis on an initial liver biopsy specimen may define the failing liver of Budd-Chiari syndrome that requires conversion of the portal vein to an outflow tract by shunting.
Hope: A Comparison of Two Self-Report Measures for Adults

The importance of hope has been noted by both physicians and by psychotherapists. The construct, hope, has -both cognitive and affective aspects. This article describes two self-report measures of hope that differentially assess these two aspects. The Expected Balance Scale (EBS), modeled after Bradburn's Affective Balance Scale, measures expected positive feelings and its separate scales measure optimism and pessimism. The Hope index, based on the interactions of wishes and expectations, is a better measure of the cognitive component of hope. Descriptive statistics for the two measures are promising.
Determination of LD50 of barium chloride and allied agents

Abstract The present study reports in detail the LD50 determination in white mice of ICR strain from iv administration of barium in the form of chloride. The LD50 value was found to be 19.2 mg Ba2+/kg. The results for nitrate and acetate were close to chloride, but in Swiss-Webster strains these values were lower by a factor of almost 2. Further, LD50 values for Mg, Ca and Sr (using chlorides in ICR-mice) were 14.4, 42.4 and 147.6 mg/kg, respectively.
Elements in biological AMS

AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) provides high detection sensitivity for isotopes whose half-lives are between 10 years and 100 million years. {sup 14}C is the most developed of such isotopes and is used in tracing natural and anthropogenic organic compounds in the Earth`s biosphere. Thirty-three elements in the main periodic table and 17 lanthanides or actinides have long lived isotopes, providing potential tracers for research in elemental biochemistry. Overlap of biologically interesting heavy elements and possible AMS tracers is discussed.
Double-Trap Kinetic Equation for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Pt(111) in Acidic Media†

We derived an intrinsic kinetic equation for the four-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media using free energies of activation and adsorption as the kinetic parameters. Our kinetic model consists of four essential elementary reactions: a dissociative adsorption (DA) and a reductive adsorption (RA), which yield two reaction intermediates, O and OH; a reductive transition (RT) from O to OH; and a reductive desorption (RD) of OH. Analytic expressions were found for the O and OH adsorption isotherms by solving the steady-state rate equations. For the ORR on Pt(111) in 0.1 M HClO4 solution, we analyzed the measured polarization curves, thereby deducing activation free energies that are consistent with the values from theoretical calculations. The reductive adsorption (Δ = 0.46 eV) is not the rate-determining step (RDS) for the ORR on Pt because dissociative adsorption (Δ = 0.26 eV) offers a more favorable pathway at high potentials. It, however, generates strongly adsorbed O. The high activa...
WE‐E‐220‐08: Image Based Microwave Focusing for Transcutaneous Therapy in Combination with Focused Ultrasound Heating

Purpose: In the current standard‐of‐care treatments for breast cancer, there remains a need for the reduction of local recurrence, harmful side effects, and cosmetic harm. high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is generally effective but slow for large target areas and requires precise guidance. A combined microwave/ultrasound transcutaneous thermal therapy system is being developed for fast targeted or targeted plus diffuse treatment of breast cancer. Methods: In the microwave component, a cylindrical array of antennas operating at 915 MHz is used to focus continuous‐wave microwave energy transcutaneously into the pendent breast suspended in a coupling medium. The compatible HIFU system consists of two half shell arrays (Imasonic, Inc., Besancon, France) that allow close approach to the chest wall. In each case, prior studies provide breast tissue properties and distributions, for incorporation into multiphysics models. Time‐ reversal techniques are employed to find a solution (relative amplitudes and phase) for microwave focusing at a given location, and to precondition a weighted inverse solver that can optimize treatment planning for ablation at the tumor location while minimizing thermal dose elsewhere in the breast. Results: A full‐wave forward model of the microwave therapy array has been created and breast phantoms (E. Zastrow, //uwcem.ece.wisc.edu/MRIdatabase/) imported. Coupling of the electromagnetic energy deposition to the bioheat equation has been achieved using COMSOL Multiphysics, and a temperature map within the breast accounting for perfusion effects has been modeled. Studies of time‐reversal focusing results have shown that therapeutic levels of heat deposition with good targeting accuracy can be achieved using a twelve element array. Ultrasound beam patterns are close to predictions. Initial study of coupling agents compatible with both fields and with shared apertures is promising. Conclusions: Based on these encouraging results, the design and fabrication of adaptively focused combined laboratory systems are proceeding. Supported in part by DOD/BCRP W81XWH‐10‐1‐0730.
Crystallization of human liver alcohol dehydrogenase

Abstract Alcohol dehydrogenase has been crystallized from human liver. The purification procedure consisted of fractionation with ammonium sulfate, treatment with ethanol-chloroform, chromatography on car☐ymethylcellulose and on diethylaminoethyl-cellulose, and crystallization from aqueous ethanol. The crystalline protein was found to be homogeneous by ultracentrifugation and by disc electrophoresis. The enzyme is a basic protein. Amino acid analysis showed that there is an excess of basic amino acids over acidic amino acids. Under the conditions of the assay, human liver alcohol dehydrogenase is about 71% as active as horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase.
Isolation and purification of a vascular hyperreactivity factor from rabbit kidney cortex.

Abstract A compound capable of amplifying the threshold pressor response to norepinephrine (NE) was obtained from rabbit kidney cortex. This compound was purified and characterized using a series of techniques including gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, preparative electrofocusing, HPLC, FAB mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. From this, an acid/heat stable (6N HCl, 160°C, 24 hours), low molecular weight (ca 147) compound with a strong (+) charge density (Pi>10) was identified. When injected into assay rats (i.v.), this compound amplified the pressor response to fixed doses of NE. Taken together, this compound exhibits nearly identical characteristics (i.e. acid/heat stability, structure, charge and biologic activity to the naturally occurring polyamine spermidine (SPD - 145.6 daltons). Moreover, bolus injections of SPD (10 μg, i.v.) amplified the pressor response to NE over a range of doses from 5–25 ng.
HIF-1α Mediates Tumor Hypoxia to Confer a Perpetual Mesenchymal Phenotype for Malignant Progression

Although tumor progression involves genetic and epigenetic alterations to normal cellular biology, the underlying mechanisms of these changes remain obscure. Numerous studies have shown that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in many human cancers and up-regulates a host of hypoxia-responsive genes for cancer growth and survival. We recently identified an alternative mechanism of HIF-1α function that induces genetic alterations by suppressing DNA repair. Here, we show that long-term hypoxia, which mimics the tumor microenvironment, drives a perpetual epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through up-regulation of the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox protein ZEB2, whereas short-term hypoxia induces a reversible EMT that requires the transcription factor Twist1. Moreover, we show that the perpetual EMT driven by chronic hypoxia depends on HIF-1α induction of genetic alterations rather than its canonical transcriptional activator function. These mesenchymal tumor cells not only acquire tumorigenicity but also display characteristics of advanced cancers, including necrosis, aggressive invasion, and metastasis. Hence, these results reveal a mechanism by which HIF-1α promotes a perpetual mesenchymal phenotype, thereby advancing tumor progression.
Melt growth of quasi-binary (GaSb)1−x(InAs)x crystals

A new class of III-V quasi-binary [A III B V ] 1-x [C III D V ] x semiconductor alloys has been synthesized and bulk crystals grown from the melt for the first time. The present investigation is focused on (GaSb) 1-x (InAs) x (0 < x < 0.05) due to its importance for thermophotovoltaic applications. The structural properties of this melt-grown quasi-binary alloy are found to be significantly different from the conventional quaternary compound Ga 1-x In x As y Sb 1-y with composition x = y. Synthesis and growth procedures are discussed.
Euthanasia and Common Sense: A Reply to Garcia

J. L. A. Garcia holds that my defense of voluntary euthanasia in an earlier paper amounts to an "assault on traditional common sense" about what medical ethics permits physicians to do, particularly insofar as I hold that a physician's duty to abstain from intentionally killing is only a defeasible duty, not an unconditional one. But I argue here that it is Garcia's views that are more at odds with common sense, and that voluntary euthanasia is in fact a humane alternative that respects patient autonomy and is consistent with the most fundamental moral duties of physicians. Among these is a duty to relieve suffering, which can sometimes outweigh the fundamental duty to conserve life.
Building ventilation system as a low-pass filter for intermittent photovoltaic electricity generation

Photovoltaic electricity generation, as a renewable energy resource, is gaining more attention recently to partially replace the conventional electricity generation due to the reduction in the costs of devices as well as other factors including ‘clean energy’ concerns. One of the most important problems associated with this kind of electricity generation is cloud-driven intermittency. This feature puts a barrier on deploying this type of power generation beyond some certain fraction of a feeder capacity (typically 10% to 20%). This study addresses the aforementioned problem and suggests a method to absorb a considerable fraction of the power associated with the Photovoltaic electricity generation intermittency. The case study is a Photovoltaic site associated with a commercial-size building and the goal is to smooth the generated power by the means of the ventilation system at the place. Numerical results at the end of this paper verify the feasibility of implementing such an idea.
Variation in the genetic structure of Peromyscus populations. I. Genetic heterozygosity—its relationship to adaptive divergence

The genetic structure of nine Peromyscus maniculatus nebrascensis demes from southeastern Wyoming was determined by analyzing allozymes encoded by 23 genetic loci with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Genetic variability is extremely high for two genetic parameters; the proportion of loci heterozygous per individual averaged 0.16, and the proportion of loci polymorphic per deme averaged 0.41. Previous estimates of genetic heterozygosity for species within the genus Peromyscus have a mean of 0.06. The results of the present study suggest that genetic heterozygosity is considerably higher within P. maniculatus demes than within demes of other species in the genus. Geographic range is correlated with heterozygosity among Peromyscus species, as is adaptive divergence into broad-niched species. These correlates suggest that high heterozygosity may reflect an adaptation to a variable environment.
Sources of Personal Neighbor Networks: Social Integration, Need, or Time?

In response to Wirth's (1938) image of city dwellers as isolated individuals lacking strong ties to others, urban sociologists and network analysts have closely examined personal networks. Because neighbors are vital components of such networks, we examine three theoretical perspectives offered to explain the links between statuses and neighbor networks: social integration, need, and available time. Survey evidence from 690 adults in 81 Nashville, Tennessee neighborhoods best supports a social integration interpretation - those in statuses well integrated into society in general (female, middle-aged, married, and high-SES respondents) have larger networks within their neighborhoods. Need may be the inverse of integration, for low-SES persons, though maintaining smaller networks, have more frequent and intense contact with their
FACING AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY: WOMEN WHO ABORT AND THOSE WHO·CHANGE THEIR MINDS

The majority of research on abortion decisions involves case studies of women who have obtained abortions Or comparative analyses of fertility behaviors at the aggregate level. Few studies focus on women who initiate, but fail to complete, their abortion procedure. This paper explores this question using a sample of women who visited an abortion clinic to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. All of the women completed the necessary paperwork, medical exams, and counseling sessions for a therapeutic abortion. While the majority of women had abortions, a portion did not return. The women's background characteristics and aspects of their decision to abort are examined to compare those who aborted with their counter parts who did not. Statistical analysis of the data reveals that the most significant difference is related to interpersonal features of the decision making process.
Simulation and Prediction of Category 4 and 5 Hurricanes in the High-Resolution GFDL HiFLOR Coupled Climate Model

AbstractA new high-resolution Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) coupled model [the High-Resolution Forecast-Oriented Low Ocean Resolution (FLOR) model (HiFLOR)] has been developed and used to investigate potential skill in simulation and prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) activity. HiFLOR comprises high-resolution (~25-km mesh) atmosphere and land components and a more moderate-resolution (~100-km mesh) sea ice and ocean component. HiFLOR was developed from FLOR by decreasing the horizontal grid spacing of the atmospheric component from 50 to 25 km, while leaving most of the subgrid-scale physical parameterizations unchanged. Compared with FLOR, HiFLOR yields a more realistic simulation of the structure, global distribution, and seasonal and interannual variations of TCs, as well as a comparable simulation of storm-induced cold wakes and TC-genesis modulation induced by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Moreover, HiFLOR is able to simulate and predict extremely intense TCs (Saffir–Simpson h...
Effects of glycyl-L-glutamine and methylprednisolone on maintenance of acetylcholinesterase of transected rat sciatic nerves

Abstract Under anesthesia with sodium pentobarbital, the sciatic nerves of rats were transected bilaterally, and a catheter was inserted into the central end of the left renal artery. After an initial flush, an Alzet pump was attached to the catheter, containing various concentrations of glycyl-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln), methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MePred), or both. Rats were sacrificed at intervals of 2, 4, or 6 days; the peripheral portions of the sciatic nerves were excised, homogenized, and centrifuged, and the supernates were assayed for acetylcholinesterase (AcChoEase; acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) and protein. Significantly higher contents of AcChoEase over untreated transected controls were obtained (i) at 4 days posttransection in rats infused with 0.015 M Gly-Gln and (ii) at 6 days posttransection in rats infused with MePred at 3.0 mg.kg-1.hr-1 after an initial dose of 120 mg/kg with or without Gly-Gln.
Statistical Risk Assessment: Old Problems and New Applications

Statistically based risk assessment devices are widely used in criminal justice settings. Their promise remains largely unfulfilled, however, because assumptions and premises requisite to their development and application are routinely ignored and/or violated. This article provides a brief review of the most salient of these assumptions and premises, addressing the base rate and selection ratios, methods of combining predictor variables and the nature of criterion variables chosen, cross-validation, replicability, and generalizability. The article also discusses decision makers’ choices to add or delete items from the instruments and suggests recommendations for policy makers to consider when adopting risk assessments. Suggestions for improved practice, practical and methodological, are made.
WHY THE NEW LIBERALISM ISN'T ALL THAT NEW, AND WHY THE OLD LIBERALISM ISN'T WHAT WE THOUGHT IT WAS

It is conventional to distinguish between an old liberalism, with a robust conception of private property and a limited role for government in the economy, and a new liberalism that permits government to override individual property rights in the pursuit of the general welfare. The New Deal is often taken to mark the dividing line between these two forms of liberal governance. But when we focus on property rights through the magnifying lens of Takings Clause jurisprudence, we find that the movement away from strong property rights begins not with the New Deal but in the late 19 th century, at what is normally taken to be the peak of constitutionally protected private property. The much-criticized decision in Kelo v. New London (2005) represents, not a break with past doctrine, but rather its logical consequence. Protecting individual property-holders against expansive state powers of eminent domain runs into a structural conundrum: while categorical restraints on state power limit government's ability to promote important public purposes, an explicitly purposive approach renders all limits on government power (including individual rights) vulnerable to an aggregative calculus. The most plausible response is a two-tier approach: respect for legally established categories in ordinary circumstances, regardless of their aggregate consequences, and consequentialism in circumstances of emergency, when the lives or basic wellbeing of citizens are at stake. Judged against this template, the consequentialism guiding modern takings clause jurisprudence in ordinary, non-emergency circumstances is hard to justify.
Threonyl-tRNA synthetase overexpression correlates with angiogenic markers and progression of human ovarian cancer

Background Ovarian tumors create a dynamic microenvironment that promotes angiogenesis and reduces immune responses. Our research has revealed that threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS) has an extracellular angiogenic activity separate from its function in protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that TARS expression in clinical samples correlates with angiogenic markers and ovarian cancer progression.
Underlying Agreements Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research : The Short and Tall of It All

A review of the methodological literature describing mixed-methods and quantitative and qualitative research paradigms suggest that though many have rejected the so-called paradigm wars there remai...
Incorporating Forensic Accounting and Litigation Advisory Services Into the Classroom

ABSTRACT: Forensic accounting is a rapidly growing segment of accounting practice, and the demand for forensic accountants far outstrips the current supply (Kellogg 2008). Litigation support and expert witnessing is a major component of the practice of forensic accounting. Virtually all areas of accounting knowledge and expertise are directly applicable to the field of litigation support. Faculty can provide an effective learning environment by carefully fashioning forensic accounting courses, or small portions of other accounting courses, that address the knowledge base and many diverse skills that provide the essential foundation for practicing forensic accounting litigation specialists. The purpose of this paper is to explore the numerous exciting aspects of forensic accounting and to address the unique educational experiences that arise from forensic accounting courses. We start with a brief overview of the litigation environment in the United States. Next, we discuss the nature of litigation support ...
Patient Retention in Antiretroviral Therapy Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Background Long-term retention of patients in Africa’s rapidly expanding antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs for HIV/AIDS is essential for these programs’ success but has received relatively little attention. In this paper we present a systematic review of patient retention in ART programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and Findings We searched Medline, other literature databases, conference abstracts, publications archives, and the ‘‘gray literature’’ (project reports available online) between 2000 and 2007 for reports on the proportion of adult patients retained (i.e., remaining in care and on ART) after 6 mo or longer in sub-Saharan African, non-research ART programs, with and without donor support. Estimated retention rates at 6, 12, and 24 mo were calculated and plotted for each program. Retention was also estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. In sensitivity analyses we considered best-case, worst-case, and midpoint scenarios for retention at 2 y; the best-case scenario assumed no further attrition beyond that reported, while the worst-case scenario assumed that attrition would continue in a linear fashion. We reviewed 32 publications reporting on 33 patient cohorts (74,192 patients, 13 countries). For all studies, the weighted average follow-up period reported was 9.9 mo, after which 77.5% of patients were retained. Loss to follow-up and death accounted for 56% and 40% of attrition, respectively. Weighted mean retention rates as reported were 79.1%, 75.0% and 61.6 % at 6, 12, and 24 mo, respectively. Of those reporting 24 mo of follow-up, the best program retained 85% of patients and the worst retained 46%. Attrition was higher in studies with shorter reporting periods, leading to monthly weighted mean attrition rates of 3.3%/mo, 1.9%/mo, and 1.6%/month for studies reporting to 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and suggesting that overall patient retention may be overestimated in the published reports. In sensitivity analyses, estimated retention rates ranged from 24% in the worse case to 77% in the best case at the end of 2 y, with a plausible midpoint scenario of 50%.
Network and user driven alpha-beta on-off source model for network traffic

We shed light on the effect of network resources and user behavior on network traffic through a physically motivated model. The classical on-off model successfully captures the long-range, second-order correlations of traffic, allowing us to conclude that transport protocol mechanisms have little influence at time scales beyond the round trip time. However, the on-off model fails to capture the short-range spikiness of traffic, where protocols and congestion control mechanisms have greater influence. Based on observations at the connection-level we conclude that small rate sessions can be characterized by independent duration and rate, while large rate sessions have independent file size and rate. In other words, user patience is the limiting factor of small bandwidth connections, while users with large bandwidth freely choose their files. We incorporate these insights into an improved two-component on-off model--which we call the alpha-beta on-off model-comprising an aggressive alpha component (high rate, large transfer) and passive beta component (residual). We analyze the performance of our alpha-beta on-off model and use it to better understand the causes of burstiness and long-range dependence in network traffic. Our analysis yields new insights on Internet traffic dynamics, the effectiveness of congestion control, the performance of potential future network architectures, and the key parameters required for realistic traffic synthesis.
Restorative proctocolectomy in children with ulcerative colitis utilizing rectal mucosectomy with or without diverting ileostomy

Abstract Background: Controversies continue concerning the best way to perform restorative proctectomy (RP) for ulcerative colitis (UC). Can rectal mucosectomy and hand-sewn ileoanal anastomosis (IAA) withstand the challenge posed by extrarectal dissection with a double-stapled technique and no mucosectomy? Is a diverting ileostomy mandatory after RP? Methods: The authors describe 30 consecutive children with UC who underwent RP with rectal mucosectomy and handsewn IAA. The authors assess the results and compare the first 14 patients (group 1) treated with temporary diverting ileostomies with the next 16 consecutive patients (group 2) without diverting ileostomies. Results: The average age (13.8 years in group 1 v 10.4 in group 2), duration of illness before resection (3.2 years in group 1 v 1.5 in group 2), and gender breakdown (10 of 14 were girls in group 1, 10 of 16 were girls in group 2) were similar between the two groups. Outcome was not significantly different between the two groups. Average bowel movements per 24-hour period was 5.5 in group 1 and 4.2 in Group 2. Occasional nighttime staining occurred in two patients in group 1 and five in group 2. No one suffered daytime staining in group 1, and one patient had occasional daytime staining in group 2. Average quality of life (on a scale of 0 to 5) as assessed by the patients or parents was 4.4 in group 1 and 4.9 in group 2. There were 10 total complications in group 1. One child required a permanent stoma for ileoanal separation. Two patients required reoperations for complications caused by the diverting ileostomy. The single instance of peritonitis was in group 1 caused by anastomotic leak after ileostomy closure. There were five total complications in group 2, of which, two required temporary stomas for ileoanal separations. Conclusions: RP with rectal mucosectomy and hand-sewn IAA in children with UC provides good functional results. Peritonitis did not occur in the absence of diversion. Eliminating routine diverting ileostomy avoids the considerable complications and morbidity from the stoma and its closure.