cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic interactions of deformable polymeric nanocarriers and the effect of crosslinking

We report theoretical as well as numerical investigations of deformable nanocarriers (NCs) under physiologically relevant flow conditions. Specifically, to model the deformable lysozyme-core/dextran-shell crosslinked polymer based NC with internal nanostructure and subject it to external hydrodynamic shear, we have introduced a coarse-grained model for the NC and have adopted a Brownian dynamics framework, which incorporates hydrodynamic interactions, in order to describe the static and dynamic properties of the NC. In order to represent the fluidity of the polymer network in the dextran brush-like corona, we coarse-grain the structure of the NC based on the hypothesis that Brownian motion, polymer melt reptations, and crosslinking density dominate their structure and dynamics. In our model, we specify a crosslinking density and employ the simulated annealing protocol to mimic the experimental synthesis steps in order to obtain the appropriate internal structure of the core–shell polymer. We then compute the equilibrium as well as steady shear rheological properties as functions of the Peclet number and the crosslinking density, in the presence of hydrodynamic interactions. We find that with increasing crosslinking, the stiffness of the nanocarrier increases, the radius of gyration decreases, and as a consequence the self-diffusivity increases. The nanocarrier under shear deforms and orients along the direction of the applied shear and we find that the orientation and deformation under shear are dependent on the shear rate and the crosslinking density. We compare various dynamic properties of the NC as a function of the shear force, such as orientation, deformation, intrinsic stresses etc., with previously reported computational and experimental results of other model systems. The computational approach described here serves as a powerful tool for the rational design of NCs by taking both the physiological as well as the hydrodynamic environments into consideration. Development of such models is essential in order to gain useful insights that may be translated into the optimal design of NCs for diagnostic as well as targeted drug delivery applications.
Experimental and theoretical studies on halide binding with a p-xylyl-based azamacrocycle.

A p-xylyl-based macrocycle L has been synthesized and its binding properties with halides have been investigated by 1H NMR titrations, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. As investigated by 1H NMR titrations, the ligand preferentially binds a halide in a 1:2 binding mode, with the association constants (in log K2) of 2.82, 2.70, 2.28, and 2.20 for fluoride, chloride, bromide, and iodide, respectively. The overall binding trend was found to be in the order of fluoride > chloride > bromide > iodide, reflecting that the binding strength correlates with the relative basicity and size of the respective halide. Crystallographic studies indicate that the ligand forms 1:2 complexes with chloride, bromide and iodide. In the chloride complex, the ligand is hexaprotonated and each chloride is held via three NH···Cl– bonds. The ligand is tetraprotonated for the other complexes, where each halide is H-bonded to two secondary ammonium NH+ groups via NH···X– bonds...
Ion‐pair structure in anionic polymerization. Effect of temperature and association on an allylic lithium compound in two polar solvents

13C NMR studies are reported on enriched samples of a one-unit model of the active centres present in butadiene polymerization. Concentrations between 2 × 103 M and 1M, and temperatures between −120° and 50° were investigated. The effect of ion-pair association on charge distributions in diethyl ether solutions is described. The effect of temperature on the overall structure in tetrahydrofuran solutions is discussed.
Physical activity and breast cancer risk

Abstract To provide the current evidence linking physical activity to breast cancer risk, the objectives of this review were twofold: (1) to review the epidemiological literature examining the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer risk; and (2) to summarize the mechanisms through which physical activity can influence risk. A review of the literature was conducted to identify studies that addressed these two objectives. Of the 76 studies reviewed, 40 (53%) reported a protective effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk. The protective effects of physical activity on breast cancer risk are likely to be through changes in sex hormone levels, immune function, adiposity, and insulin-related hormones. To achieve the greatest reduction in risk of breast cancer, regular participation in physical activity should begin in childhood and persist throughout the lifespan.
Tissue perfusion as a key underlying concept of pressure ulcer development and treatment

The purpose of this article is to refine and advance the theory that tissue perfusion is the key concept in the development and delayed healing of pressure ulcers. The person likely to have (be at risk for) pressure ulcers is at greater risk for inadequate tissue perfusion generally and specifically at pressure points. Accordingly, the tissue perfusion theory of pressure ulcer development states that the factors that contribute to inadequate tissue perfusion should be used to predict (identify risk factors for) pressure ulcer development and delayed healing. Factors influencing a person's adequacy of tissue perfusion need to be assessed to identify risk for pressure ulcers. In addition, adequate tissue perfusion needs to be maintained to provide for healing of such wounds. Current beliefs about the causes and prevention of pressure ulcers are described. Physiologic components of the tissue perfusion theory are discussed: cellular exchange of nutrients and wastes, autoregulation of blood flow at the cellular level, and regulatory mechanisms that affect tissue perfusion when it is significantly compromised. The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) framework is used to classify or group examples of common pathophysiologic, treatment-related, situational, and maturational factors. Implications for research, practice, and education also are discussed.
The Role of Cultural Assets in European and United States Urban Regeneration

This paper compares the role that cultural economic development has played in countries on both sides of the Atlantic. It evaluates reasons why the United States and Western European countries have pursued contrasting policies, and whether both have benefited from the paths they have taken. Although the dichotomy is not perfect, Western European countries have relied more on heritage goods, while the United States is more renowned for its intellectual property industries. The paper concludes with an argument that each regions strategy may be optimal, given its endowments and constraints.
Elicitation of primary cytotoxic T lymphocytes in nude mice.

Abstract The presence of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor cells (CTLp) within BALB/c nude mice was analyzed. Allogeneic T lymphocytes were injected intravenously into BALB/c nude mice. The resulting graft versus host reaction circumvented the thymus defect of the nude mice and induced the differentiation of CTLp into anti-H-2 cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Differentiating mild papilledema and buried optic nerve head drusen using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical utility of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in differentiating mild papilledema from buried optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). Design Comparative case series. Participants Sixteen eyes of 9 patients with ultrasound-proven buried ONHD, 12 eyes of 6 patients with less than or equal to Frisen grade 2 papilledema owing to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Two normal fellow eyes of patients with buried ONHD were included. Methods A raster scan of the optic nerve and analysis of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was performed on each eye using SD-OCT. Eight eyes underwent enhanced depth imaging SD-OCT. Images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively to identify differentiating features between buried ONHD and papilledema. Five clinicians trained with a tutorial and masked to the underlying diagnosis independently reviewed the SD-OCT images of each eye to determine the diagnosis. Main Outcome Measures Differences in RNFL thickness in each quadrant between the 2 groups and diagnostic accuracy of 5 independent clinicians based on the SD-OCT images alone. Results We found no difference in RNFL thickness between buried ONHD and papilledema in any of the 4 quadrants. Diagnostic accuracy among the readers was low and ranged from 50% to 64%. The kappa coefficient of agreement among the readers was 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.54). Conclusions We found that SD-OCT is not clinically reliable in differentiating buried ONHD and mild papilledema.
The effect of perceived length on visuomotor localization

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to study visuomotor localization in the presence of either a horizontal array of equally spaced dots or a thin horizontal line. Methods: Pointing behavior was used to assess directional localization. In experiment 1, subjects were made myopic using a contact lens and then corrected with a spectacle lens. Subjects were tested in the presence and absence of a regularly spaced, horizontal array of dots with and without the contact lens/spectacle combination. In experiment 2, subjects wore the contact lens/spectacle in all cases. Some subjects were tested in the presence and then in the absence of a regularly spaced, horizontal array of dots while the order of conditions was reversed for other subjects. In experiments 3 and 4, subjects were tested without the contact lens/spectacle combination. In experiment 3, subjects were tested in the absence and then in the presence of a regularly spaced, horizontal arrays of dots. In experiment 4, subjects were tested in the absence and then in the presence of a thin horizontal line. Results: In experiment 1, in the absence of the array of dots, subjects undershot targets with the contact lens/spectacle combination. When the array was present, pointing with the contact lens/spectacle combination was accurate. In experiment 2, subjects undershot targets in the absence of the array of dots if this condition was performed first. If the array was present in the initial condition, the pointing undershoot in the second condition (array absent) was reduced. In all cases, the pointing undershoot was reduced in the presence of the array. In experiments 3 and 4, a pointing overshoot was found in the presence of an array of dots or a thin line. Conclusions: It is concluded that extraretinal eye position information is not the primary determinant of visuomotor localization in the presence of a horizontal contour. The overshoot produced by a horizontal contour may be related to a length illusion brought about by spatial filtering in the visual system or inaccurate distance judgments.
Plastic Strain Based Criterion for Reliability Assessment of CSP Packages Subjected to Dynamic Shock Loads

Drop impact induced crack in ball grid array (BGA) solder joint is one of the most dominant failure modes found in BGA package under mechanical load. The failure in BGA due to its excess stress resulting from over bended deformation in a PCB board during shock event is not only a function of solder material but a board and package structure as well. Due to extremely difficult and infeasible in directly measuring responses in BGA solder joint during drop shock event, computer modeling approach has been increasingly played an important role in evaluating product reliability performance during product development. Modeling technique with a comprehensive failure criterion and metric including high strain rate effect is necessary to be developed to quantitatively evaluate and benchmark BGA package reliability performance for different board designs. In this paper, dynamic responses in CSP/BGA in different boards and product phone have been characterized by using nonlinear dynamic finite element software, LS-Dyna. Different failure criteria, such as plastic strain and stress based are investigated and compared. It is shown that a good correlation between validation test and numerical result can be achieved by using proposed plastic strain based criterion only and thus it can be used in cross comparisons between different board designs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Dynamics of Cytonuclear Disequilibria in Subdivided Populations

The purpose of this report is to understand the effects of hybrid zone architecture and genetic drift on cytonuclear genotypic disequilibria. We also study the exact dynamics of the expected values of the cytonuclear genotypic disequilibria for both the homozygotes and heterozygotes in a finite population containing reproductively isolated subpopulations under random drift alone and random drift along with mutation, respectively. We study the dynamics of the between-population component of the disequilibrium for the homozygotes. The dynamics of the variances of these disequilibria under the random drift model are studied by Monte Carlo simulations. The asymptotic formulas for both the expectations and variances are obtained. The results are contrasted with those for a single undivided population and their biological significances are discussed. Approximate normality of the disequilibria measures are also demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulations.
Luthrobium (Tetartopeus): natural history, phylogeny and revision of the nearctic species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

. The eleven species of Lathrobium subgenus Tetartopeus from the Nearctic Region are revised. Thirteen specific names are placed in synonymy, Lconvolutum sp.n. is described, and Deratopeus Casey is synonymized with Tetartopeus. A cladistic analysis suggests that Tetartopeus is monophyletic, and that five monophyletic species-groups are represented in the Nearctic Region.
Evaluation of sampling techniques to characterize topographically-dependent variability for soil moisture downscaling

Summary Downscaling methods have been proposed to estimate catchment-scale soil moisture patterns from coarser resolution patterns. These methods usually infer the fine-scale variability in soil moisture using variations in ancillary variables like topographic attributes that have relationships to soil moisture. Previously, such relationships have been observed in catchments using soil moisture observations taken on uniform grids at hundreds of locations on multiple dates, but collecting data in this manner limits the applicability of this approach. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of two strategic sampling techniques for characterizing the relationships between topographic attributes and soil moisture for the purpose of constraining downscaling methods. The strategic sampling methods are conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) and stratified random sampling (SRS). Each sampling method is used to select a limited number of locations or dates for soil moisture monitoring at three catchments with detailed soil moisture datasets. These samples are then used to calibrate two available downscaling methods, and the effectiveness of the sampling methods is evaluated by the ability of the downscaling methods to reproduce the known soil moisture patterns. cLHS outperforms random sampling in almost every case considered. SRS usually performs better than cLHS when very few locations are sampled, but it can perform worse than random sampling for intermediate and large numbers of locations.
Mas-related Gene X2 (MrgX2) Is a Novel G Protein-coupled Receptor for the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 in Human Mast Cells RESISTANCE TO RECEPTOR PHOSPHORYLATION, DESENSITIZATION, AND INTERNALIZATION

Human LL-37 is a multifunctional antimicrobial peptide that promotes inflammation, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis. Most effects of LL-37 are mediated via the activation of the cell surface G protein-coupled receptor FPR2 on leukocytes and endothelial cells. Although LL-37 induces chemotaxis, degranulation, and chemokine production in mast cells, the receptor involved and the mechanism of its regulation remain unknown. MrgX2 is a member of Mas-related genes that is primarily expressed in human dorsal root ganglia and mast cells. We found that a human mast cell line LAD2 and CD34+ cell-derived primary mast cells, which natively express MrgX2, responded to LL-37 for sustained Ca2+ mobilization and substantial degranulation. However, an immature human mast cell line, HMC-1, that lacks functional MrgX2 did not respond to LL-37. shRNA-mediated knockdown of MrgX2 in LAD2 mast cell line and primary CD34+ cell-derived mast cells caused a substantial reduction in LL-37-induced degranulation. Furthermore, mast cell lines stably expressing MrgX2 responded to LL-37 for chemotaxis, degranulation, and CCL4 production. Surprisingly, MrgX2 was resistant to LL-37-induced phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization. In addition, shRNA-mediated knockdown of the G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK2 and GRK3) had no effect on LL-37-induced mast cell degranulation. This study identified MrgX2 as a novel G protein-coupled receptor for the antibacterial peptide LL-37 and demonstrated that unlike most G protein-coupled receptors it is resistant to agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization.
Biology of the Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle, Glischrochilus q. quadrisignatus and Its Effect on European Corn Borer Populations

During the growing season of 1951 observations were made on the biology of the four-spotted fungus beetle, Glischrochilus q. quadringnatus (Say). Overwintering sites, emergence, mating, oviposition and larval habitats were observed. Simultaneous population estimates of adult beetles and of larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubn.), were made in early sweet corn. Adult beetles of the first generation emerged and moved to corn fields coincident with the beginning of stalk invasion by half-grown borer larvae, Beetles congregated in borer tunnels and exerted a reductive effect on borer populations. This reduction was estimated at 17% of those larvae reaching the third instar or about 8% of the initial population. This reduction is believed to be caused by mechanical injury with subsequent direct attack on weakened or moribund larvae. Other species of the genus Glischrochilus have been reported as predators on eggs and larvae of various bark beetles in England and in the United States.
Impact of phase aberrations caused by multilayer optical data storage in weakly inhomogeneous media

Various multilayer optical data storage methods have been proposed in which bits are written in an initially homogeneous material. To varying degrees, all of these methods will be constrained by phase aberrations that decrease the Strehl ratio as the number of layers and index perturbation of each bit are increased. Although the exact problem is theoretically and numerically intractable, statistical derivations of the impact are possible. These analytic expressions are derived and validated with simulations of low-capacity disks, and then are used to establish limits in the interesting high-capacity case. The resulting approximate expressions are shown to be remarkably simple and also potentially serious in limiting multilayer data storage capacities.
Evidence from Mexico on social status and violence against women.

This study investigates the impact of relative social status on violence against women in Mexico using state-level panel data. Relatively higher female social status, measured by educational, economic and political standings, is associated with lower homicide rates for women and lower intimate partner violence rates. More importantly, different status variables affect violence against women through different channels, depending on the victim–offender relationship. The results are robust to different specifications and different control variables. This study may provide helpful guidelines to policy-makers attempting to identify more effective means for deterring violence against women.
The moderating effects of occupation, age, and urbanization on the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction

Abstract A considerable body of research has accumulated concerning the strength of the relationship between job and life satisfaction. However, very few studies have examined the possible moderating effects of other variables. The present study, using a sample of 911 heads of households, examined the moderating effects of seven variables related to occupation, age, and urbanization. As hypothesized, education and income positively, and strongly, moderated the job satisfaction-life satisfaction relationship. Self-employment (vs non-self-employment) also had a significant impact; occupation, though, had only a modest effect. Age and job longevity exhibited strong, curvilinear effects. Urbanization did not attenuate the relationship. In view of national work force trends toward increased education, professionalization, income, and age, the relationship between job and life satisfaction will likely become stronger and more relevant over time.
Nitrate reductase of Neurospora crassa: the functional role of individual amino acids in the heme domain as examined by site-directed mutagenesis

The enzyme nitrate reductase, which catalyzes the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, is a multi-redox center homodimeric protein. Each polypeptide subunit is approximately 100 kDa in size and contains three separate domains, one each for a flavin, a heme-iron, and a molybdopterin cofactor. The heme-iron domain of nitrate reductase has homology with the simple redox protein, cytochrome b5, whose crystal structure was used to predict a three-dimensional structure for the heme domain. Two histidine residues have been identified that appear to coordinate the iron of the heme moiety, while other residues may be important in the folding or the function of the heme pocket. Site-directed mutagenesis was employed to obtain mutants that encode nitrate reductase derivatives with eight different single amino acid substitutions within the heme domain, including the two central histidine residues. Replacement of one of these histidines by alanine resulted in a completely nonfunctional enzyme whereas replacement of the other histidine resulted in a stable and functional enzyme with a lower affinity for heme. Certain amino acid substitutions appeared to cause a rapid turnover of the heme domain, whereas other substitutions were tolerated and yielded a stable and fully active enzyme. Three different single amino acid replacements within the heme domain led to a dramatic change in regulation of nitrate reductase synthesis, with significant expression of the enzyme even in the absence of nitrate induction.
The Unbound Prometheus: Technological Change and Industrial Development in Western Europe from 1750 to the Present

Preface to the new edition Preface to the original edition 1. Introduction 2. The industrial revolution in Britain 3. Continental emulation 4. Closing the gap 5. Short breath and second wind 6. The interwar years 7. Reconstruction and growth since 1945 8. Conclusion 9. Epilogue Index.
Why the Global Availability of Mind Wandering Necessitates Resource Competition: Reply to McVay and Kane (2010)

When the mind wanders, conscious thoughts come to mind that are only loosely related to the task being performed. This phenomenon produces tension within the cognitive sciences because the interfering nature of these thoughts is at odds with the assumption that such processes are functional in daily life. In their comment, McVay and Kane (2010) suggested that failures in executive control can create the conditions that favor mind wandering—a control-failure hypothesis that questions whether mind wandering consumes resources. Whether mind wandering always occurs following a control failure, it is always a conscious reportable experience and so is globally available to the system. Such global availability suggests that mind wandering does indeed demand resources, in particular access to a global workspace that supports conscious experience. Although the control-failure view explains the transient occurrence of mind wandering during demanding tasks, the global availability hypothesis is consistent with all mind wandering, regardless of context; it is implied by many features of the argument proposed by McVay and Kane (2010). Consideration of these issues leads to the conclusion that when the mind wanders, specific information from the default mode becomes globally available to the system; in this respect, mind wandering is resource demanding inasmuch as it occupies the global workspace necessary for consciousness.
Influence of dextran molecular weight on capture in and release from decylamine carboxymethylcellulose capsules

AbstractA series of dextran molecular weight markers were encapsulated in decylamine carboxymethylcellulose microcapsules to serve as probes of capsule retentivity. The capsules were prepared by allowing microdrops of aqueous sodium carboxymethylcellulose to fall into aqueous decylamine acetate solution. Salt exchange reaction at the droplet pseudointerface resulted in self-assembling films which essentially instantaneously enclosed the droplets. Concentrations of anionic polymer were varied in the range from 1–3%. Chromophore-bearing dextrans were incorporated into these capsules by blending the dextrans with the carboxymethylcellulose prior to the encapsulation step. Four dextrans of differing (light scattering) molecular weights were used: 2 ×106, 6 × 105, 7 × 104, and 1.9 × 104 amu. The mass balance of dextran retained in the capsules, released on washing the capsules or which escaped encapsulation was determined spectrophotometrically. To measure total dextran in a population of washed capsules, the ...
MANAGING OVERDUES: Facts From Four Studies

Historically, librarians have resorted to short‐term, charitable, punitive, and legalistic means to resolve the mounting problems associated with overdues—materials unreturned from circulation. In their quest to retrieve overdues we hear and read reports of librarians confronting delinquent borrowers by sending staff to private homes, filing criminal charges or claims in small claims court, engaging credit collection agencies, sending overdue notices as Western Union Mailgrams, conducting “fine free” amnesty days for return of all overdue materials, and offering rewards for returning books. There is an air of desperation in these moves. Despite that desperation, however, while anecdotal accounts pepper the pages of library literature, there is surprisingly little hard evidence that can guide policy decisions to lessen the probability of unreturned materials.
Alcohol consumption and atherosclerotic burden in the proximal thoracic aorta.

Abstract Background The relationship between alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke or aortic atherosclerosis is unclear, but a protective effect of moderate consumption on stroke risk has been suggested. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a population-based sample to evaluate the possible association between alcohol consumption and aortic atherosclerotic plaque (AAP), which is associated with increased stroke risk. Methods As part of the NINDS-funded Aortic Plaques and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (APRIS) study, 464 subjects over the age of 55 were studied (mean age 69.1±9.0 with 251 males and 213 females), including 255 patients with first ischemic stroke and 209 stroke-free controls. Transesophageal echocardiogram was performed for the detection of AAP. Alcohol consumption was measured in number of drinks per week during the previous year using a standardized questionnaire, and categorized as: (1) none or minimal ( 2 daily). Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for alcohol consumption and AAP after adjustment for the potential confounding risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cigarette smoking). Results Overall, AAP was detected in 326 subjects (70.4%), and 174 subjects (37.6%) had AAP≥4mm, which carry higher stroke risk. No or minimal alcohol consumption was present in 241 subjects (53.2%), and 177 subjects (39.0%) had light to moderate consumption. Prevalence of light to moderate alcohol consumption was significantly lower in stroke patients than in controls (35.5% vs. 60.3%, p p =0.008). After adjusting for significant predictors of atherosclerosis, alcohol consumption of any degree was inversely associated with AAP (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.37–0.98, p =0.042). The significance of the association was borderline for AAP≥4mm (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41–1.00, p =0.054). In the dose–response analysis, only light to moderate alcohol consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of having any AAP (adjusted OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.29–0.68, p p =0.001). Conclusions Our data indicate that light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower atherosclerotic burden in the proximal aortic arch. This observation may explain at least in part the lower risk of ischemic stroke observed in moderate alcohol consumers.
Obstructive Jaundice Secondary to Multiple Hepatic Artery Aneurysms in a 14-year-old Boy With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is the most common inherited disorder of the nervous system, affecting approximately 1 in 3,000 people. A small but significant subset of these patients develop vasculopathies. We present the first reported case of neurofibromatosis type 1 presenting with obstructive jaundice secondary to multiple hepatic artery aneurysms. Therapy included staged coil embolization of the hepatic artery aneurysms and resection of a large retroperitoneal neurofibroma.
Error bounds for the linear complementarity problem with a P-matrix

Abstract We introduce a fundamental quantity associated with a P-matrix and show how this quantity is useful in deriving error bounds for the linear complementarity problem of the P-type. We also obtain (upper and lower) bounds for the quantity introduced.
Is there dynamic adverse selection in the life insurance market

Abstract This paper finds evidence of dynamic adverse selection in the life insurance market. Lower-risk individuals are more likely to cancel a policy, and to cancel one of greater face value conditional on cancelation, than are individuals with higher mortality risk.
The Christian Right: Engaged Citizens or Theocratic Crusaders?

This article offers a normative evaluation of the Christian Right's impact on American democracy. It argues that our response to the question of whether this movement enhances or diminishes democracy turns on our understanding of the ideal of democracy. When viewed as a participatory ideal, the Christian Right's mobilizing practices enhance democracy. When viewed as a deliberative ideal, the Christian Right's practices diminish the deliberative virtues of toleration and free and open debate. These conflicting assessments point to an important democratic paradox. They show that the very same practices that inspire the participatory virtues of active political engagement also incite the deliberative vices of intolerance and polarization. To address this paradox, I argue that we ought to strive for a balance between pure participation and pure deliberation. The primary problem with Christian Right organizations like Focus on the Family, I will argue, is that they tend to disrupt this balance. They inspire active participation at the expense of deliberation.
Notes: Predicting the Lethality of Fluctuating Low Temperatures to Blue Tilapia

Abstract Lower-lethal-temperature bioassays were performed with blue tilapias Tilapia aurea to test the utility of a lethal-dose model for forecasting cold-kill events. We applied the model to predict resistance times of blue tilapias acclimated to 24°C upon exposure to lower lethal temperatures varying between 5° and 13°C. Regression of predicted versus observed logarithmic median resistance times was significant, and the line of perfect agreement fell within the 95% confidence limits on the regression line. However, the model consistently underestimated the resistance time in tests that lasted longer than a few hours, presumably because fish in these tests achieved some downward thermal acclimation. We also applied a second model, developed for predicting upper incipient lethal temperatures, to the cold-resistance data from blue tilapias in an attempt to estimate the lower incipient lethal temperature (LILT) of fish acclimated to 24°C. Although the model's estimate of LILT, 14. 1°C, is reasonable, there...
Shape recognition by a scale-invariant model

In this article, we considered the recognition of unknown shapes by maximum likelihood methods. The contour of a shape is represented by its centroidal profile, and it is fitted by a circular autoregressive model. Two different shape recognition problems are considered: the decision on the similarity of two unknown shapes, and the classification of an unknown shape as one of many known shapes. Maximum likelihood decision rules for these two cases are derived. The decision rules are invariant to translation, rotation, and size change after normalizing the estimates.
Environmental effects on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of aspen fiber–polypropylene composites

Abstract The mechanical properties of newly developed aspen fiber–polypropylene composites (APC) were experimentally explored and numerically predicted at the temperatures and humidity that are typical for domestic housing applications. The mechanical properties of APCs with five different fiber-loadings were evaluated at the room temperature, 4 °C, and 40 °C. Environmental effects on the mechanical properties of APCS were experimentally quantified after conditioning the APCs with two different fiber-loadings in the following temperature and humidity for over 7000 h: (1) hot/dry at 40 °C and 30% relative humidity (RH), (2) hot/wet at 40 °C and 82% RH, (3) cold/dry at 4 °C and 30% RH, and (4) cold/wet at 4 °C and 82% RH. The tensile moduli, flexural moduli, and the flexural strength increased as the woodfiber content increased in the composites. However, the tensile strength decreased as the fiber content increased. The tensile strength was shown to slightly improve with an addition of a coupling agent between the aspen fibers and polypropylene. The simple empirical micromechanics Halpin–Tsai model for randomly distributed short fiber reinforced composites was employed to predict the homogenized elastic moduli of APC, by optimizing the interfacial model parameter. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed that an addition of the adhesion promoter maleated anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) between the aspen fibers and polymeric matrix improved the interfacial bonding.
Exploring Children/Adolescents’ Final Conversations with Dying Family Members

In the current study, the authors expanded on a program of qualitative inquiry exploring final conversations (FCs) to the understudied population of children/adolescents. Participants were 61 children/adolescents aged 5–18, who participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their FCs with a dying family member. Inductive coding analysis led the authors to discover four overarching themes of children/adolescents’ FCs messages, in order of descending prominence, are: everyday communication, messages of love, messages of individual identity, and messages related to religion/spirituality. The authors applied Functional Theory to further delineate how participants used, and continue to use, the messages from each theme within their FCs. Discussion of results, including limitations and directions for further research, is outlined.
Extrarenal metabolism of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the rat: regulation by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

To determine the role of the kidney in regulation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3, metabolism, the effects of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] on3H-25OHD3 were compared in intact and nephrectomized vitamin D-deficient rats. Sixteen hours after the intravenous administration of3H-25OHD3, extracts of serum and pooled small intestinal mucosa were fractionated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography followed by high performance liquid chromatography. In intact rats, 1,25(OH)2D3 (50 ng/day i.p. for 7 days) increased mean serum3H-24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [3H-24,25(OH)2D3] from 2±2–210±80 fmol/ml (mean±1 SD), increased mean serum3H-25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol [3H-25,26(OH)2D3] from 2±2–12±6 fmol/ml and lowered mean serum3H-1,25(OH)2D3 from 210±40–4±4 fmol/ml. Similarly, in nephrectomized animals, 1,25(OH)2D3 increased mean serum3H-24,25-(OH)2D3 from 6±11–115±30 fmol/ml and increased mean serum3H-25,26(OH)2D3 from 3±3–26 ± 10 fmol/ml. Nephrectomy increased serum3H-25(OH)D3 in untreated (from 1450±225–2675±225 fmol/ml serum) and 1,25(OH)2D3 treated rats (from 1600±175–3075±100 fmol/ml).3H-1,25(OH)2D3 averaged 74±16% of total radioactivity in intestinal mucosa of untreated intact rats and was not detected in either the serum or intestinal mucosa of nephrectomized animals. The results suggest that in intact animals, extrarenal synthesis can account for substantial 24,25(OH)2D3 production and for most 25,26(OH)2D3 production. Further, the observed stimulation of production of 24,25(OH)2D3 and 25,26(OH)2D3 by 1,25(OH)2D3 in anephric — D rats providesin vivo evidence for regulation of extrarenal 25OHD3: 24- and 26-hydroxylases.
A simple procedure for the preparation and purification of the oligosaccharide components of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor of membrane proteins

Abstract The oligosaccharide components of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchors of Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoproteins have been prepared and purified by treatment with hydrolytic enzymes and solvent extraction procedures followed by HPLC purification using a specific oligosaccharide binding matrix (Glyco-Pak N, by Waters). Three oligosaccharide peaks (peaks I, II and III) were resolved by a single isocratic HPLC step (70% acetonitrile in water). The material from these peaks was hydrolyzed in acid and analyzed by GC MS . GC MS analysis of the material obtained from each peak demonstrated the presence of inositol, glucosamine, and mannose in a 1:1:3 ratio. A variable number of galactose residues were detected in each peak. The galactose:inositol ratios of the purified components were 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 for peaks I, II and III, respectively, suggesting that the separation obtained depends primarily on the number of sugar residues present in each fraction.
EVALUATION OF SELECTED IN-FURROW AND SEED APPLIED INSECTICIDES, WITH AND WITHOUT AN ADDITIONAL FOLIAR BROADCAST APPLICATION AT COYTLEDON OR FIRST TRUE LEAF STAGE, FOR CONTROL OF THRIPS, 2004

Selected insecticides applied onto seed or into the seed furrow at planting, both with and without an additional broadcast treatment at cotyledon (BC at cotyl) or first true leaf stage (BC at 1 tl), were evaluated for control of thrips in cotton. ‘Delta Pine 432 RR’ cotton was planted 28 Apr at the Virginia Tech Tidewater Agric. Res. & Ext. Ctr., Suffolk, VA, using 36-inch row spacing. In-furrow (IF) treatments were applied into the seed furrow at the time of planting using tractor-mounted inverted jars with lid holes calibrated to deliver exact amounts via gravity. Cruiser 5FS and Gaucho 480 seed treatments were applied commercially. The foliar treatments were applied with a CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer as a broadcast at 14.3 gpa and 18 psi through 8002VS nozzles spaced 18 inches apart on the spray boom. Foliar applications were made on 11 May at the cotyledon stage or on 17 May at the first sign of true leaf emergence after the cotyledon stage. A RCB design was used with 4 replicates; plots were 4 rows by 40 ft. Thrips injury to plants was determined by visually rating injury using a 0 to 5 scale, where 0 = no thrips induced plant injury, 1 = 10% injured leaves, no bud injury; 2 = 25% injured leaves, no bud injury; 3 = 75% injured leaves, and 0 to 25% buds injured; 4 = 90% injured leaves, and greater than 25% buds injured; and 5 = dead plants. Yield was determined by harvesting the 2 center rows of each plot (80 row ft) using a commercial 2-row John Deere cotton picker. Sub-samples were ginned to determine lint versus seed and trash weight (41% lint, 59% seed and trash). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using LSD (P ≤ 0.10).
Evaluation of an improved blood-conserving POCT sampling system

Objective: To evaluate a modified point-of-care (POCT) testing i-STAT® analyzing cartridge that connects directly to the sampling port of a blood-conserving sampling line. Design and methods: In an in vitro setup, blood samples were drawn from a blood-conserving sampling line connected to a miniature cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system. Blood collection from the sampling port was either performed with a syringe necessitating subsequent sample loading on a standard i-STAT® cartridge (conventional procedure) or with a modified i-STAT® sampling cartridge allowing blood flow from the sampling port directly into the cartridge (modified procedure). The loaded cartridges were subsequently inserted into the i-STAT® Portable Clinical Analyzer for sample analysis. Multiple parameters such as blood gases, electrolytes, hematocrit, and glucose were measured. A series of 30 paired measurements was performed. Corresponding series of values were compared using linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman bias analysis (P Results: Twenty-five complete measurement series consisting of 12 parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2, SO2, base excess, bicarbonate concentration, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, glucose) were evaluated. Linear regression analysis between the two sampling methods tested demonstrated an excellent correlation for all parameters (Pearson correlation coefficients: 0.859–0.999). Bias and precision between corresponding series showed clinically acceptable performance levels for all parameters. Conclusions: The modified i-STAT® sampling cartridge allows reliable diagnostic blood sampling directly from a blood-conserving sampling line. The technique presented is also applicable to other POCT systems, thus reducing diagnostic blood loss because of the minimal amount of blood required for analysis.
Optimization based Tube Network Design for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)

The skies over the US are becoming more crowded every day. The current airspace system is under growing strain as the demand for air travel is steadily increasing, from over 740 million passengers flying in fiscal year 2006 to an estimated 1 billion passengers by 2015, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates. The current national airspace structure consisting of ARTCCs, sectors, etc has been defined several decades ago and barely delivers optimum results in the current-day heavy and concentrated traffic scenario. There may be many ways to optimize the current structure but there is always the need of finding a new structure which would serve not only the current air traffic requirements but also the expected 3 fold increase in air traffic as predicted by the FAA by 2025. A tube network has been studied in this paper as a possible way to re-define the air routes structure taking into consideration the current air traffic scenario and future capabilites of aircraft to maintain autonomous separation. An optimum number of tubes required have been derived using the point to point operations data for the top 500 airports in the National Airspace System (NAS).
DNA polymerases in mouse spermatogenic cells separated by sedimentation velocity

Abstract Activity levels of DNA polymerase α and DNA polymerase β have been measured in mouse spermatogenic cells separated by sedimentation velocity. Testes from prepuberal (17 day old) and sexually mature mice were dissociated and separated by unit gravity sedimentation into 6 populations of cells. Phase contrast microscopy and [ 3 H]thymidine labeling kinetics revealed that at least 85% of the cells in fraction A were pachytene-stage primary spermatocytes, fraction B was enriched for primary spermatocytes and round spermatids, fraction C contained spermatogonia and/or pre-leptotene primary spermatocytes and later stages of spermatids (no spermatids were present in fraction C from the testes of 17 day old mice) and fractions D to F contained mixed populations of cells, many in later stages of spermiogenesis. When expressed as activity in 10 6 cells or as a specific activity, fractions A, B, and C from mature animals contained substantially higher levels of DNA polymerases α and β than the cell population initially loaded onto the gradient while fractions D, E and F had activity levels similar to or below the population of dissociated cells. The ratio of activity between the DNA polymerases was constant in fractions A, B, and C, but in fractions D, E, and F, the ratio decreased due to a more rapid decline of activity of polymerase α. A comparison of activity levels in fraction C from prepuberal and sexually mature mice revealed an increase in DNA polymerase α activity and a decrease in the activity of DNA polymerase β in the cells from the 17 day old animals.
Rate of acropetal transport of the xylem stream in phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract Hate of acropetal movement of the xylem stream was measured in the petioles, epicotyls, and hypocotyls of bean plants. Loss of water by intact, transpiring plants was first determined gravimetrically. Next, volume of the functional xylem in various sections of the stems was determined using radioisotope dilution techniques. Rate at which the xylem stream renewed itself to account for the overall water loss of the plant served as the basis for flow rate values.
Surveillance of British foods for PCDDs and PCDFs

Abstract As part of an extensive programme to survey the levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in UK foods, some analyses of retail fish and of cow's milk have been completed. For eight samples of retail fish the total level of toxic equivalents (calculated on a wet weight basis using NATO/CCMS I-TEF values) had a mean of 0.74 ng/kg and range 0.15-1.84 ng/kg. This mean value corresponds to an average intake of 15 pg/day. For seven samples of cow's milk obtained from farms well removed from potential sources of PCDDs and PCDFs the mean total level of toxic equivalents on a whole milk basis was 0.045 ng/kg with a range 0.034-0.052 ng/kg. This mean value corresponds to an average intake of 10 pg/day. Milk from four farms in areas containing potential sources gave levels in the range 0.12-0.25 ng/kg, corresponding to intakes of 26–55 pg/day. In a study of migration from paperboard cartons into milk about 6% of the 2,3,7,8-TCDF content of the paperboard had been transfered to the milk after 7 days refrigerated storage. For most examples of cartons studied migration made only a minor contribution to the total PCDD and PCDF content of the milk.
Absolute shielding scale for 31P from gas-phase NMR studies

Abstract Differences in the 31 P nuclear shielding in the zero-pressure limit have been measured in seven compounds. An absolute 31 P shielding scale based on the PH 3 molecular beam data is established and the absolute shielding of the standard liquid reference (85% aqueous H 3 PO 4 ) is found to be 328.35 ppm, based on PH 3 being 594.45 ± 0.63 ppm. Comparisons with ab initio calculations show that calculations using local origins (the IGLO method) are in good agreement with experiment.
Group A streptococcal appendicitis in a patient with AIDS

A man with AIDS developed appendicitis and bacteremia caused by Group A streptococcus, neither of which is considered an opportunistic infection. Group A streptococcus is rarely implicated in appendicitis in children and has not previously been reported in an adult. Immunodeficiency might have predisposed the patient to this unusual infection.