cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model-agnostic vs. Model-intrinsic Interpretability for Explainable Product Search

Product retrieval systems have served as the main entry for customers to discover and purchase products online. With increasing concerns on the transparency and accountability of AI systems, studies on explainable information retrieval has received more and more attention in the research community. Interestingly, in the domain of e-commerce, despite the extensive studies on explainable product recommendation, the studies of explainable product search is still in an early stage. In this paper, we study how to construct effective explainable product search by comparing model-agnostic explanation paradigms with model-intrinsic paradigms and analyzing the important factors that determine the performance of product search explanations. We propose an explainable product search model with model-intrinsic interpretability and conduct crowdsourcing to compare it with the state-of-the-art explainable product search model with model-agnostic interpretability. We observe that both paradigms have their own advantages and the effectiveness of search explanations on different properties are affected by different factors. For example, explanation fidelity is more important for user's overall satisfaction on the system while explanation novelty may be more useful in attracting user purchases. These findings could have important implications for the future studies and design of explainable product search engines.
Hypoalbuminemia Predicts Adverse Events following Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Hypoalbuminemia is a potentially modifiable risk factor associated with adverse events following total knee arthroplasty. The present study aimed to evaluate whether hypoalbuminemia similarly predisposes to adverse events following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Patients who underwent UKA during 2006-2018 were identified through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Only patients with preoperative serum albumin concentration were included. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dL). All associations were adjusted for demographic, comorbidity, and laboratory differences between populations. A total of 11,342 patients were identified, of whom 6,049 (53.3%) had preoperative serum albumin laboratory values available for analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders, patients with hypoalbuminemia had a greater than 2-fold increased probability for occurrence of any complication (7.02% vs. 2.23%, p = 0.009) and a 4-fold increased probability of receiving a blood transfusion (1.81% vs. 0.25%, p = 0.045). Among procedures performed as inpatients, mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) was longer in patients with hypoalbuminemia (2.2 vs. 1.8 days; p = 0.031). Hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with complications and increased LOS following UKA and a marker for patients at higher risk of postoperative complications. Patients should be screened for hypoalbuminemia and nutritional deficiencies addressed prior to UKA.
Advanced Nanoengineering Approach for Target-Specific, Spatiotemporal, and Ratiometric Delivery of Gemcitabine–Cisplatin Combination for Improved Therapeutic Outcome in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an intractable malignancy with a dismal survival rate. Recent combination therapies have had a major impact on the improvement of PDAC prognosis. Nevertheless, clinically used combination regimens such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine (Gem)/nab-paclitaxel still face major challenges due to lack of the safe and ratiometric delivery of multiple drugs. Here, a rationally designed mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based platform is reported for the target-specific, spatiotemporal, ratiometric, and safe co-delivery of Gem and cisplatin (cisPt). It is shown that systemic administration of the nanoparticles results in synergistic therapeutic outcome in a syngeneic and clinically relevant genetically engineered PDAC mouse model that has rarely been used for the therapeutic evaluation of nanomedicine. This synergism is associated with a strategic engineering approach, in which nanoparticles provide redox-responsive controlled delivery and in situ differential release of Gem/cisPt drugs with the goal of overcoming resistance to Pt-based drugs. The platform is also rendered with additional tumor-specificity via a novel tumor-associated mucin1 (tMUC1)-specific antibody, TAB004. Overall, the platform suppresses tumor growth and eliminates the off-target toxicities of a highly toxic chemotherapy combination.
The Art of Forensic Psychiatry: A Montage of Murder Cases

The cases of 25 attorney-referred murder defendants were analyzed to determine reasons for referral and demographic and clinical characteristics, including mental status and possible relationships between psychiatric findings and trial outcomes. The results suggest that a finding of major mental disorder may be accepted as a mitigating factor, particularly when a disposition is reached through the plea bargaining process. Meanwhile, formal adjudications of fitness for trial (competency) and criminal responsibility did not appear to be significant determinants in the outcome of these cases, even when major mental disorder was demonstrable. Instead, it appears that the forensic psychiatrist functioned most effectively in these cases as an instrument of compassion rather than as ancillary to the criminal law process. It is suggested that this can be an appropriate role for the forensic psychiatrist.
Cytometry-Based Antimicrobial Resistance Techniques

Flow cytometry (FC) has been regarded as one of the most promising technologies for the clinical microbiology laboratories for nearly three decades. The accuracy, versatility, and quantitative nature of the FC measurements are both complementary and superior to many microscopic and other techniques used in the clinical microbiology laboratories. Since early 1990s, numerous proof-of-concept studies have appeared in the literature for the FC identification of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, and for the rapid testing of susceptibility of these pathogens to antimicrobials and other compounds. The reader is referred to a number of comprehensive review articles that describe the principles of FC, reagents, protocols, and a variety of applications for specific pathogens [1–6]. There are also excellent studies describing the use of FC and bead arrays, using antigen, antibody, or nucleic acid probes, for the identification and genotyping of microbes [7–9].
Computational aspects of chemical data assimilation into atmospheric models

The task of providing aa optimal analysis of the state of the atmosphere requires the development of novel computational tools that facilitate an efficient integeration of observational data into models. In this paper we discuss some of the computational tools developed for the assimilation of chemical data imo atmospheric models. We perform a theoretical analysis of discrete and cominuous adjoints for stiff differential equation solvers. Software tools particularly tailored for direct and adjoint sensitivity analysis of chemical systems are presented. The adjoint of the state-of-the-art model STEM-III is discussed, together with ozone assimilation results for a realistic test problem.
Skinner's “Interpretation Panel”— A Means to Balance “Power”

The rules versus principles debate and the vital importance of context - the circumstances-specific nature of judgment - are at the heart of Ross Skinner's suggestion for an “interpretation panel". International considerations and developments involving governance and regulation have created imbalances in power, expertise, and impartiality, increasing the importance of and need for such a panel. This analysis considers the nature of the problem, how professional judgment has been characterized, and why a panel would be appropriate to address, among other concerns, the audit committee's dilemma when accounting disputes arise. Evidence is provided that management turnover is higher in cases involving multiple restatements, governance problems, or regulators' sanctions. Although, intuitively, management turnover is likely to be associated with widely publicized restatements, some patterns suggest that it is a function of entity size, scope of management changes considered, and the manner in which the restatement was identified. Specifically, an identifiable source of discovery, as well as external involvement, is associated with a greater propensity for management change. In contrast, restatements linked to changes in available guidance from regulators are less likely to result in such turnover. One implication is that effective control design and monitoring to facilitate internal discovery of errors can decrease the likelihood of multiple restatements and reduce fault finding that leads to management change. The judgmental nature of restatements suggests that an infrastructure supporting “right-mindedness” does have merit. An interpretation panel would increase the feasibility of principles-based standards, facilitating timely resolution of accounting-associated disputes and thereby enhancing the information environment underlying the allocation of capital.
Polyphenols of pine pollens

Abstract Pine pollens contain an array of polyphenolic compounds. Those identified include the phenolic acids p -hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, gallic, vanillic, cis - and trans - p -coumaric, cis - and trans -ferulic, and 4-glucosyloxybenzoic acid; the flavanonols dihydrokaempferol and dihydroquercetin; the flavanone naringenin; and a series of esters of p -coumaric acid which constitute the principal phenolic type present. The phenolic acids and the coumarate esters varied little with the species of pine, but the flavonoid fraction has sufficient variation to warrant further study.
Dissolving the Debunker’s Puzzle

There is a two-fold dynamic at work in chapter five of Thomas Nagel’s Mind and Cosmos. The first dynamic consists in Nagel conceding that what evolutionary biology (as it’s standardly understood) implies about the origin and nature of moral judgment is incompatible with his favored version of non-naturalistic moral realism. The second dynamic consists in Nagel’s resisting the conclusion that moral non-naturalism is false. Rather than concede that moral nonnaturalism is false, Nagel would conclude that what evolutionary biology (as it’s standardly understood) implies about the origin and nature of moral judgment is incorrect. I share Nagel’s sympathies with moral nonnaturalism. So, I applaud his resistance to concluding that this position is false on the basis of what evolutionary biology appears to imply about the origin and nature of moral judgment. I believe, however, that Nagel concedes far more than he should when he says that what evolutionary biology (as it’s standardly understood) implies about the origin and nature of moral judgment is incompatible with non-naturalistic realism. The better response to so-called evolutionary challenges to non-naturalist realism, I believe, is to point out that, even if we concede the standard evolutionary picture, these challenges have little bite against these realist views. In this short essay, I sketch two reasons why.
Progress Toward an EDM Measurement in 225 Ra

Permanent electric dipole moments (EDMs) in atoms or molecules are a signature of time-reversal and parity violation and represent an important window onto physics beyond the Standard Model. We are developing a next generation EDM search based on laser-cooled and trapped {sup 225}Ra atoms. Due to octupole deformation of the nucleus, {sup 225}Ra is predicted to be two to three orders of magnitude more sensitive to T-violating interactions than {sup 199}Hg, which currently sets the most stringent limits in the nuclear sector. We will discuss progress toward realizing a first EDM measurement for {sup 225}Ra.
Montesquieu's anti-Machiavellian Machiavellianism

Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu, mentions Niccolo Machiavelli by name in his extant works just a handful of times. That, however, he read him carefully and thoroughly time and again there can be no doubt, and it is also clear that he couches his argument both in his Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline and in his Spirit of Laws as an appropriation and critique of the work of the predecessor whom he termed ‘this great man’. In this paper I explore the manner in which the Frenchman redeployed the arguments advanced by the Florentine for the purpose of refuting the latter's conclusions. ☆ In citing Machiavelli, I employ N. Machiavelli, Tutte le opere, ed. M. Martelli (Florence, 1971), and I refer to the divisions within each work provided by the author. To make my references to Machiavelli's Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio more precise, I sometimes also employ the paragraph enumeration added by the editors of N. Machiavelli, D...
No Shortage of Dilemmas: Comment on “They Call It ‘Patient Selection’ in Khayelitsha”

Any program seeking to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) to the many patients in need is bound to confront ethical dilemmas. Dilemmas, as we know, are situations in which decisionmakers are faced with a choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives. Yet those in charge must make a decision or establish a policy that takes one pathway to the exclusion of another. Reasonable people may disagree over the choice, arguing that an alternative selection would have been ethically superior.
Multivariate analysis reveals differences in biofilm formation capacity among Listeria monocytogenes lineages

Biofilm formation capacity evaluated under identical conditions differs among Listeria monocytogenes lineages. The approach of using one set of factors or one variable at a time fails to explain why some lineages are more prevalent than others in certain environments. This study proposes the use of multivariate analysis to compare biofilm formation by various strains and describes the ecological niches of L. monocytogenes lineages. Nutrient availability, temperature, pH and water activity (aw) at three different levels were used to determine biofilm formation by 41 strains. Despite the high degree of similarity (≤ 80%), distinct lineage-associated biofilm formation patterns were identified. A linear regression model for each strain and a principal component analysis of regression coefficients indicated that Lineages I and III have different, but overlapping, ecological niches. This study is the first to report the use of multivariate analyses to compare biofilm formation by various isolates of L. monocytogenes.
Detoxifying Enzymes in Adults and Nymphs of the German Cockroach: Evidence for Different Microsomal Monooxygenase Systems

Abstract Detoxification enzyme assays were conducted on last-instar nymphs and adult males of the Village Green strain of German cockroach. Activities of glutathione transferases, general esterase, carboxyesterases, and reductases were the same in nymphs and adult males. However, microsomal enzyme assays revealed that aldrin epoxidase, phorate sulfoxidase, methoxyresorufin O -demethylase, and biphenyl hydroxylase activities were significantly higher (4- to 15-fold) in the adult male, whereas aniline hydroxylase, ethoxycoumarin O -deethylase, p -chloro- N -methylaniline N -demethylase activities and total cytochrome P450 content were not different. Equivalent cytochrome P450 content and disparate enzyme activity toward model substrates in nymphs and adult males suggest that the microsomal monooxygenase systems are different between the two stages.
Preferential O(+) heating in the topside ionosphere

Observations of preferential heating of the ionospheric majority ion species O(+), are reported. The heating took the form of a hot (few electron volts) tail in the upgoing thermal O(+). No such hot tail was observed in the light ion distributions. An event observed at 700-800 km altitude was highly anisotropic with a much hotter tail transverse to the local magnetic field. A series of events observed at 250-375 km were more nearly isotropic with respect to the local magnetic field. Broadband plasma wave emission near the lower hybrid resonance was observed in conjunction with the high altitude event. The low altitude events were tightly correlated with auroral electron precipitation, but broadband lower hybrid emission was much reduced. The observed hot tail formation is sufficient to produce significant O(+) ion transport to higher altitude auroral acceleration regions.
Effects of hand termination and accuracy constraint on eye–hand coordination during sequential two-segment movements

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of accuracy constraints and termination requirements of hand movement on eye-hand coordination. Healthy adults performed two-segment eye and hand aiming movements to predetermined stationary targets. While two-segment eye movements were made to the first and second targets for all conditions, hand movements were varied across conditions. The first segment had two target sizes to alter accuracy constraints. There were three hand movement types with different termination requirements: (1) stop both at the first and at the second targets, (2) stop at the first target and discontinue, and (3) move through the first target and discontinue. The results showed that the initiation of saccades was moderately correlated with the initiation of hand movements, and both initiations changed in a similar fashion depending on various hand termination requirements. Amplitude of primary saccades and frequency of corrective saccades during the first segment were affected by the combined effects of accuracy constraints and hand termination requirements. These results suggest that the planning and execution of saccades are based in part on global task constraints related to the accuracy and termination demands of hand movements over the two segments. During the transition from the first to the second segment, the gaze was held on the first target until shortly after the pointing to that target was terminated, showing gaze anchoring. The gaze anchoring was prolonged due to the increased accuracy constraint of that target or by including pointing to the second target. However, the gaze anchoring was broken prior to the completion of pointing when the accuracy constraint was reduced and pointing to the second target was excluded. The observed modifications of gaze anchoring imply that the oculomotor system is functionally obligated to fixate a gaze to a pointing target only to the extent that successful completion of a pointing task is ensured by the actual completion or by a predictive assessment of pointing termination.
Modulation of Vascular O2 Responses by Cytochrome 450-4A ω-Hydroxylase Metabolites In Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

Objective: This study evaluated the role of the 20-HETE/cytochrome P450-4A ω-hydroxylase (CYP450-4A) system in microvascular regulation in the skeletal muscle circulation following short-term (three-day) exposure to a high-salt (HS) diet in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats.Methods: The effects of inhibiting CYP450-4A on resting diameter, O2-induced constriction, and vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), were evaluated in cremasteric arterioles of SS rats fed a low- (LS; 0.4% NaCl) or high-salt (HS; 4% NaCl) diet for three days.Results: The HS diet upregulated CYP450-4A mRNA expression and led to an enhanced constriction of arterioles in response to elevated PO2 in SS rats, which could be blocked by inhibiting CYP450-4A enzymes with dibromododecenyl methylsulfimide (DDMS). DDMS also inhibited resting tone significantly in SS rats fed the HS, but not the LS, diet, despite similar resting diameters and active tone in the two groups. Arteriolar ...
The mixed alkali effect in sodium and potassium galliosilicate glasses II. DC electrical conductivity

Abstract The DC electrical conductivities of several series of mixed alkali galliosilicate glasses have been measured. The appearance of a minimum in the electrical conductivity of these glasses, independent of the gallium content, suggests that the mixed alkali effect is independent of the non-bridging oxygen content. These results are discussed in terms of current theories proposed to explain this anomalous behaviour.
A seven-decimal table of the area (a) under the unit normal curve, for abscissae expressed in terms ofP.E.

A seven-decimal table is presented of the area under the unit normal curve, for abscissae expressed in terms of the “probable error” orPE. From the method of calculation, the partial verification by means of other tables, and the safeguards taken in the routine of computation, it is safe to consider the table reliable. Errors in previously published tables are pointed out.
Formulation and in vitro transfection efficiency of poly (D, L-lactideco-glycolide) microspheres containing plasmid DNA for gene delivery

The stability, in vitro release, and in vitro cell transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA (pDNA) poly (D,L.-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere formulations were investigated. PLGA microspheres containing free and polylysine (PLL)-complexed pDNA were prepared by a water-oil-water solvent extraction/evaporation technique. Encapsulation enhanced the retention of the supereoiled structure of pDNA as determined by gel electrophoresis. PLL complexation of pDNA prior to encapsulation increased both the stability of the supercoiled form and the encapsulation efficiency. Free pDNA was completely degraded after exposure to DNase while encapsulation protected the pDNA from enzymatic degradation. Rapid initial in vitro release of pDNA was obtained from microspheres containing free pDNA. while the release from microspheres containing PLL-complexed pDNA was sustained for more than 42 days. Bioactivity of encapsulated pDNA determined by in vitro cell transfection using Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) showed that the bioactivity of encapsulated pDNA was retained in both formulations but to a greater extent with PLL-complexed pDNA microspheres. These results demonstrated that PLGA microspheres could be used to formulate a controlledrelease delivery system for pDNA that can protect the pDNA from DNase degradation without loss of functional activity.
Levels of progesterone in peripheral plasma during the menstrual cycle of the rhesus monkey.

Plasma progesterone concentrations throughout the menstrual cycles of 12 normal rhesus monkeys were determined using a competitive protein binding technique for progesterone analysis. During the first 11 days of the cycle peripheral plasma progesterone levels were below 0.5 mμg/ml, rising to a mean of 3–4 mμg/ml between days 11 and 15, remaining at these values for approximately 7 days, then falling to the low levels observed during the early portion of the cycle 3 days before the onset of menstruation. Qualitative and quantitative variations in plasma progesterone concentration between individual menstrual cycles are described as are fluctuations during the luteal phases of individual cycles. (Endocrinology 81: 1161, 1967)
New Absolutely Stable Hadrons

The fundamental question which the discovery1 of the Υ(9.4) raises is the relationship of the new quark, supposing that this is the proper interpretation of the resonance, to the four previously known quarks. The answer to this may come only when the new e+e− machines are completed and conduct detailed studies of the decay patterns of the new pseudoscalars (let us call them D’s) which are expected by analogy to the charmed system. Since such experiments are still some time off and since the identification of actual decay modes may well be further off, there is plenty of time for theorists to speculate without fear of being contradicted by real evidence.
On the interlimb coordination and synchronization during gait

Human locomotion is based on the finely tuned coordination of the two legs. For this research, we studied the contribution of interlimb pathways for coordinating and synchronizing the legs' motion in the case where body weight is externally supported and vestibular feedback is limited. The experiments were conducted using a novel device intended for gait therapy: the MIT-Skywalker. The subject's body weight was supported by an underneath saddle-like seat, and a chest harness was used to provide stabilization of the torso. Two neurologically healthy individuals were asked to walk on the MIT-Skywalker, while one side of its split belt treadmill was unexpectedly dropped during the perturbed leg stance phase. Leg kinematics are reported as well as the effect of the timing of perturbation on the unperturbed leg. Presented here are the phase-response curves (PRCs) for both legs. We found that unilateral perturbations evoked responses at the contralateral limb, while the timing of the activation played a significant role in those responses.
The ciliary neurotrophic factor and its receptor, CNTFRα

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is expressed in glial cells within the central and peripheral nervous systems. CNTF stimulates gene expression, cell survival or differentiation in a variety of neuronal cell types such as sensory, sympathetic, ciliary and motor neurons. In addition, effects of CNTF on oligodendrocytes as well as denervated and intact skeletal muscle have been documented. CNTF itself lacks a classical signal peptide sequence of a secreted protein, but is thought to convey its cytoprotective effects after release from adult glial cells by some mechanism induced by injury. Interestingly, mice that are homozygous for an inactivated CNTF gene develop normally and initially thrive. Only later in adulthood do they exhibit a mild loss of motor neurons with resulting muscle weakness, leading to the suggestion that CNTF is not essential for neural development, but instead acts in response to injury or other stresses. The CNTF receptor complex is most closely related to, and shares subunits with the receptor complexes for interleukin-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor. The specificity conferring alpha subunit of the CNTF complex (CNTFR alpha), is extremely well conserved across species, and has a distribution localized predominantly to the nervous system and skeletal muscle. CNTFR alpha lacks a conventional transmembrane domain and is thought to be anchored to the cell membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linkage. Mice lacking CNTFR alpha die perinatally, perhaps indicating the existence of a second developmentally important CNTF-like ligand. Signal transduction by CNTF requires that it bind first to CNTFR alpha, permitting the recruitment of gp130 and LIFR beta, forming a tripartite receptor complex. CNTF-induced heterodimerization of the beta receptor subunits leads to tyrosine phosphorylation (through constitutively associated JAKs), and the activated receptor provides docking sites for SH2-containing signaling molecules, such as STAT proteins. Activated STATs dimerize and translocate to the nucleus to bind specific DNA sequences, resulting in enhanced transcription of responsive genes. The neuroprotective effects of CNTF have been demonstrated in a number of in vitro cell models as well as in vivo in mutant mouse strains which exhibit motor neuron degeneration. Intracerebral administration of CNTF and CNTF analogs has also been shown to protect striatal output neurons in rodent and primate models of Huntington's disease. Treatment of humans and animals with CNTF is also known to induce weight loss characterized by a preferential loss of body fat. When administered systemically, CNTF activates downstream signaling molecules such as STAT-3 in areas of the hypothalamus which regulate food intake. In addition to its neuronal actions, CNTF and analogs have been shown to act on non-neuronal cells such as glia, hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, embryonic stem cells and bone marrow stromal cells.
Correlated subtractions for computer simulations

Abstract A correlated subtraction scheme motivated by some work of Parisi [1] is presented. The method leads to high precision numerical estimates of correlation functions. The O(3) model is used to illustrate this.
Molecular markers of cardiac endocardial cushion development.

Endocardial cushions are precursors of mature heart valves. They form within the looped heart tube as discrete swellings and develop into thin, pliable leaflets that prevent regurgitation of blood. The embryonic origins of cardiac valves include endothelial, myocardial, and neural crest cells. Recently, an increasing number of animal models derived from mutational screens, gene inactivation, and transgenic studies have identified specific molecules required for normal development of the cardiac valves, and critical molecular pathways are beginning to emerge. To further this process, we have sought to assemble a diverse set of molecular markers encompassing all stages of cardiac valve development. Here, we provide a detailed comparative gene expression analysis of thirteen endocardial cushion markers. We identify endocardial cushion expression of the transcription factor Fog1, and we demonstrate active Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in developing endocardial cushions suggesting pathways that have not been previously appreciated to participate in cardiac valve formation.
Compromised imputation in survey sampling

In this paper, a compromised imputation procedure has been suggested. The estimator of mean obtained from compromised imputation remains better than the estimators obtained from ratio method of imputation and mean method of imputation. An idea to form “Warm Deck Method” of imputation has also been suggested.
Synthesis and Characterization of 2,6-Dipp2-H3C6SnSnC6H3-2,6-Dipp2 (Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2): A Tin Analogue of an Alkyne

The reaction of Sn(Cl)C6H3-2,6-Dipp2 (Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2) with a stoichiometric amount of potassium in benzene affords 2,6-Pri2-H3C6SnSnC6H3-2,6-Pri2 (1) as dark blue-green crystals. The compound 1 is a tin analogue of an alkyne. It was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and UV−vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, combustion analysis and X-ray crystallography. The structural data show that 1 has a trans-bent, planar C(ipso)SnSnC(ipso) skeleton with a Sn−Sn bond distance of 2.6675(4) A and a Sn−Sn−C angle of 125.24(7)°. The Sn−Sn distance, which is ca. 0.15 A shorter than a conventional Sn−Sn single bond, and the trans-bent structure indicate the presence Sn−Sn multiple bond character unlike the related singly bonded ArPbPbAr species.
A Retrospective Survey of Childhood Experiences

The present study introduces a balanced survey of a range of behavioral and emotional experiences to assess impressions of a person’s childhood. Ninety-one undergraduates and 70 of their parents rated exposure to positive and negative social and solitary experiences. The survey demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and 4-week test–retest reliability, and scores correlated with Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory of temporally based beliefs and values, Batcho’s inventory of personal nostalgia, and Holbrook’s measure of historical nostalgia. Correlations with time perspective and nostalgia inventories suggest that favorable impressions of childhood are associated with benefits such as social connectedness, personal continuity, and health-promoting behaviors and adverse impressions with less adaptive impacts such as unsatisfactory relationships, discontinuity, and distress. Ratings of social experiences were correlated more closely with childhood happiness than were solitary experiences. The Childhood Survey shows promise as a tool to expand the exploration of childhood experiences beyond adverse events to encompass components that comprise a happy childhood.
Circular dichroism from windmill-shaped planar structures operating in mid-infrared regime

In this paper, windmill-shaped planar structure arrays operating in the mid-IR regime are proposed. Strong chiral dichroism of windmill-shaped planar structure is obtained numerically. The dependence of spectral characteristics on the geometrical parameters of the windmill-shaped planar structure is analyzed by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The chiroptical near-field response of windmill-shaped planar structure arrays is also determined. Furthermore, potential applications of the proposed windmill-shaped planar structure due to its enhanced near-field chiroptical response and tunable characteristics are discussed.
Changes in the relative electrophoretic mobility of higher plant tubulin subunits in SDS-polyacrylamide gels

Abstract The relative electrophoretic mobility of higher plant tubulin subunits in SDS-polyacrylamide gels varies depending upon the electrophoretic methods used to separate them. When reduced and alkylated rat and carrot tubulin heterodimers were separated by one method, the α-tubulin subunits, identified by means of a highly specific antibody, migrated more slowly than the β-tubulin subunits. However, when separated by another method, the carrot α-subunit migrated more rapidly than its β-subunit, while the relative mobility of rat brain tubulin subunits was unchanged. The two gel systems differ principally in the pH of the separating gel during electrophoresis, suggesting that pH markedly influences the interaction of SDS with the plant, but not the vertebrate α-tubulin.
The emergence of administrative science in the USSR: Toward a theory of organizational emulation

Emulation is a specific linkage pattern between an entity and its inter-organizational environment. It represents a genre of adaptation, i.e., purposive, goal-oriented activity designed to recreate the behavioral attributes in a referent. Emulation can also be symbolic—a legitimization of change within the receiving system. Soviet administrative theorists have consciously drawn from American experience in order to promote and develop a counterpart discipline at home. This constitutes an emulative linkage pattern. The metamorphosis of administrative science in the USSR is charted here as sequential stages in the innovation process—initiation, implementation, institutionalization. Emulation has had a specific impact at each stage.
Impaired insulin-mediated up-regulation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression by ethanol exposure in vitro

Abstract Ethanol exposure causes hepatocellular injury, hepatic insufficiency, and impaired hepatocellular regenerative capacity. In the present study, we examined insulin-responsive cell growth, DNA synthesis, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression in FOCUS hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with 0 mM, 40 mM or 100 mM ethanol since, the GAPDH gene contains 5′ insulin responsive regulatory sequences, and insulin is required for liver regeneration. Exposure of FOCUS hepatocellular carcinoma cells to ethanol resulted in an immediate reduction in GAPDH mRNA levels, and it abolished the sharp increase in GAPDH protein content observed at 24 and 48 h in control cultures. Diminished responsiveness of GAPDH gene expression to insulin stimulation could represent an important mechanism by which ethanol intoxication impairs liver regeneration.
Solid-phase synthesis of thalidomide and its analogues.

A novel solid-phase synthesis of thalidomide and its metabolites and analogues is described. The synthetic strategy involves the coupling of hydroxymethyl polystyrene with phthalic anhydride to form the resin-linked acid. The acid is then reacted with primary amines followed by acid or base treatment to form thalidomide and its analogues with either open or closed phthalimide rings. Most of the analogues are synthesized with high yields (40.3−98.1% in three steps) and purities (92.3−98.9%).
Examining the Leontief Paradox in U.S. Agricultural Trade

Abstract Factor intensity of United States agricultural trade is examined in the context of Leontief's classic paradox using Leontief's method as well as methods developed recently by Leamer and others. Findings indicate that factor endowments are important determinants of U.S. agriculture's comparative advantage in trade as suggested by the Heckscher-Ohlin theory.
A genetic analysis of the photosynthetic properties of populations of Danthonia spicata that have different growth responses to light level

Three populations of the grass Danthonia spicata were observed to have different rates of biomass accumulation when grown in common environment treatments. The populations were native to adjacent sites of different successional age and different levels of shading. Twelve individuals from each population were clonally replicated and two replicates were grown in each of two light treatments, 100% and 22% of unshaded sunlight. Following growth in the treatments the populations all exhibited the same mean light-saturated photosynthetic rate of 11.7 μmol m-2s-1. This rate is intermediate for published values of sun and shade species and for species from along a successional gradient. There was no difference in photosynthetic rate among treatments. There was significant genetic variation for lightsaturated photosynthetic rate within populations but no significant differences among populations. The populations had similar leaf water potential values of-1.12 MPa in all treatments. There were significant differences among treatments and genotypes for specific leaf weight which resulted in significant differences among treatments and no significant differences among genotypes in light-saturated photosynthetic rate expressed on a leaf weight basis. Lightsaturated photosynthetic rate had a high heritability and low plasticity. We postulate that photosynthetic rate is under strong selection and that the observed rates permit populations of D. spicata to grow in a wide range of habitat light levels.
Role of the 3′ Untranslated Region in Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Interleukin-10 Gene Expression. † 1297

Human neonates exhibit a number of deficits in host defense. One area of significant impairment is in antigen-specific antibody generation. IL-10 acts to support proliferation and differentiation of B cells into antibody producing plasma cells. Previously, we reported reduced IL-10 protein production by neonatal mononuclear cells. Also, we evaluated transcription of the IL-10 gene by nuclear run-on assays and identified active nuclear transcription in freshly isolated adult and neonatal cells. LPS did not alter transcription. No differences were observed in IL-10 gene transcription between adults and neonates. We reasoned that IL-10 gene expression is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The 3′ untranslated portion(UTR) of the IL-10 gene contains several AU-rich motifs implicated in regulation of mRNA stability and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. To determine whether elements in the 3′ UTR of IL-10 regulate these functions we cloned the full length IL-10 gene into an expression vector containing the CMV promoter. Next, portions of the IL-10 3′ UTR were deleted using exonuclease digestion. These constructs were transiently transfected into U937 cells. Using actinomycin D half-life assays we found no difference in mRNA stability between full length constructs and those with deletion of the entire 3′ UTR. The half-life was prolonged, >120 min, compared to that in freshly isolated cells, 60 min. Possible explanations for these findings are that 1) the 3′UTR is not involved in mRNA stability, 2) the constitutive CMV-driven IL-10 production overwhelms trans-acting factors regulating RNA stability, 3) U937 cells lack factors required to regulate IL-10 mRNA stability, 4) interaction between the 3′ UTR and 5′ promoter elements is required for mRNA regulation. We speculate that the IL-10 3′ UTR is insufficient by itself to regulate mRNA stability.
Two-fiber spectroscopic probe with improved scattered light rejection.

Our angled two-fiber probe design for in situ spectroscopic measurements (e.g., fluorescence, phosphorescence, or Raman) through a sapphire window has been modified to provide improved rejection of scattered excitation light while maintaining good efficiency of collection of the desired signal. The improvement is achieved by changing the probe axis to an off-normal configuration to minimize back reflection from window surfaces while maximizing the overlap of the light cones of the excitation and collection fibers at the outer window surface where the sample is in contact with the window. The results of laser-induced fluorescence measurements on phenol solution and sand samples, demonstrating the improved performance of the new probe, are reported. Up to 90-fold improvement in the fluorescence/scattered light ratio has been observed with the new probe.
Incomplete glandular ablation after salvage cryotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy.

Abstract Purpose To determine the clinical variables associated with inadequate salvage cryotherapy and to correlate the disease-free survival rates associated with biopsy results in prostate cancer (CaP). Methods and materials Between July 1992 and January 1995, 150 patients underwent salvage cryotherapy for locally recurrent CaP. Biopsy specimens were examined for the presence of cancer cells and normal or atypical glands, all of which were considered evidence of inadequate cryotherapy. Clinical variables, as predictors of biopsy results, were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The impact of the biopsy results on disease-free survival was also determined. Results The number of cryoprobes and freeze-thaw cycles correlated with inadequate cryotherapy ( p = 0.037 and p = 0.0022, respectively). The number of freeze-thaw cycles was an independent predictor of inadequate cryotherapy ( p = 0.003). The finding of cancer cells in the biopsy specimens was the only histopathologic variable that affected disease-free survival ( p = 0.016). Conclusion Complete ablation of the prostate gland and tumor is difficult to achieve with salvage cryotherapy. To optimize for complete ablation, salvage cryotherapy should include at least two freeze-thaw cycles and a minimum of five cryoprobes. The finding of atypical or normal epithelial tissue in biopsy specimens after salvage cryotherapy is not predictive of biochemical failure.
Actinobolin and Bactobolin: Chemical Aspects and Syntheses

The discovery of a natural product with a novel carbon skeleton will undoubtedly challenge organic chemists to develop synthetic routes for its construction. If the natural product is complex, because of the presence of delicate functional groups and/or myriad chiral centers, the challenge becomes virtually irresistible. If the material displays biological activity, organic chemists will succumb to the challenge, and in time, a synthesis will be achieved.
Factors influencing the in vitro production of radiolabeled taxol by Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia

Abstract A system for the production of [14C]taxol in vitro has been devised. The aseptic system utilized an appropriate 14C-labeled precursor, a reducing environment (dithiothreitol) and aseptically prepared pieces of the inner bark of Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew). [14C]Phenylalanine and [14C]leucine are the best precursors, of the compounds tested, for [14C]taxol production. However, in the standard assay sodium [1-14C]acetate is used because of its relatively low price and its ability to label taxol uniformly. Chlorocholine chloride, an inhibitor of plant steroid metabolism, was an effective stimulator of [14C]taxol production, as were certain fungal elicitors. Taxol biosynthetic activity is greatest in the bark from lower portions of the main stem (trunk: 1 m from ground level).
Familiarity and the Inferential Theory of Perception

Not all empirical work in the psychology of perception has operated explicitly within a theoretical framework. But when it has, that framework has usually been provided by the inferential theory of perception. I argue that in spite of its explanatory strengths, the inferential theory of perception conceals a well-established empirical phenomenon. That phenomenon is known in ordinary parlance as ‘familiarity’. I discuss why the inferential theory of perception cannot deal with familiarity and what it reveals about the limits of the inferential theory of perception.
Blood–brain barrier, ion homeostasis and epilepsy: possible implications towards the understanding of ketogenic diet mechanisms

The finding that epileptic seizures alter blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties has stimulated interest into the possibility that phenotypic changes in brain endothelium may constitute a pathological initiator leading to seizures. Recent evidence obtained from epileptic patients undergoing cortical resection, demonstrated abnormal expression of glucose transporter molecules (GLUT1), while [18F]deoxyglucose PET studies demonstrated regions of decreased glucose uptake and hypometabolism in seizure foci. The properties of other 'nonexcitable CNS cells' are also altered in epileptic tissue, and glial cells from epileptic brain displayed diminished capacity for ionic homeostasis; voltage-dependent mechanisms were primarily affected, increasing reliance on energy-dependent mechanisms. Diminished ion homeostasis together with increased metabolic demand of hyperactive neurons may further aggravate the neuropathological consequences of BBB loss of glucose uptake mechanisms. Since ketone bodies can provide an alternative to glucose to support brain energy requirements, it is hypothesized that one of the mechanisms of the ketogenic diet in epilepsy may relate to increased availability of beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body readily transported at the BBB. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the ketogenic diet is the treatment of choice for the glucose transporter protein syndrome and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, both associated with cerebral energy failure and seizures.
Reconstruction of the residual stresses in a hyperelastic body using ultrasound techniques

Abstract This paper focuses on a novel approach for characterizing the residual stress field in soft tissue using ultrasound interrogation. A nonlinear inverse spectral technique is developed that makes fundamental use of the finite strain nonlinear response of the material to a quasi-static loading. The soft tissue is modeled as a nonlinear, prestressed and residually stressed, isotropic, slightly compressible elastic body with a rectangular geometry. A boundary value problem is formulated for the residually stressed and prestressed soft tissue, the boundary of which is subjected to a quasi-static pressure, and then an idealized model for the ultrasound interrogation is constructed by superimposing small amplitude time harmonic infinitesimal vibrations on static finite deformation via an asymptotic construction. The model is studied, through a semi-inverse approach, for a specific class of deformations that leads to a system of second order differential equations with homogeneous boundary conditions of Sturm–Liouville type. By making use of the classical theory of inverse Sturm–Liouville problems, and root finding and optimization techniques, several inverse spectral algorithms are developed to approximate the residual stress distribution in the body, given the first few eigenfrequencies of several induced static pressures.