cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of PROSPER on the influence potential of prosocial versus antisocial youth in adolescent friendship networks.

Abstract Objectives We test the hypothesis that an evidence-based preventive intervention will change adolescent friendship networks to reduce the potential for peer influence toward antisocial behavior. Altering adolescents' friendship networks in this way is a promising avenue for achieving setting-level prevention benefits such as expanding the reach and durability of program effects. Methods Beginning in 2002, the Promoting School-University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) randomized control trial assigned two entire sixth-grade cohorts of 14 rural and small town school districts in Iowa and Pennsylvania to receive the intervention and of 14 to control. A family-based intervention was offered in sixth grade and a school-based intervention was provided in seventh grade. More than 11,000 respondents provided five waves of data on friendship networks, attitudes, and behavior in sixth through ninth grade. Antisocial influence potential was measured by the association between network centrality and problem behavior for each of 256 networks (time, grade cohort, and school specific). Results The intervention had a beneficial impact on antisocial influence potential of adolescents' friendship networks, with p Conclusions Current evidence-based preventive interventions can alter adolescents' friendship networks in ways that reduce the potential for peer influence toward antisocial behavior.
Occurrence and Control of Vibrio vulnificus in Shellfish

Abstract Vibrio vulnificus is a ubiquitous marine bacterium frequently isolated from shellfish and associated with severe and often fatal disease in humans. Various control measures have been suggested in an effort to reduce the disease risk associated with V. vulnificus and aquatic food products. This paper reviews the current literature to describe the physiological and morphological characteristics of V. vulnifi-cus, the epidemiological aspects of the diseases caused by this organism, and the scientific and practical considerations associated with various strategies aimed at controlling V. vulnificus contamination in shellfish.
Effects of training upon the maximal oxygen uptake of middle-aged men.

An experimental group of 15 middle-aged males participated in a 5-month endurance running program. Significant improvement was observed in maximal oxygen uptake, maximal ventilation, maximal oxygen pulse, and 2-mile run time.
On the Validity of the Top of the Barrier Quantum Transport Model for Ballistic Nanowire MOSFETs

This work focuses on the determination of the valid device domain for the use of the Top of the barrier (ToB) model to simulate quantum transport in nanowire MOSFETs in the ballistic regime. The presence of a proper Source/Drain barrier in the device is an important criterion for the applicability of the model. Long channel devices can be accurately modeled under low and high drain bias with DIBL adjustment. Keywords-component; nanowires; top of the barrier; MOSFET; ballistic transport model; DIBL; tunneling current; top-of-the- barrier; subthreshold- slope; Tight-Binding;Short channel effects .
Reconstruction of the (100) surfaces of Au and Ag.

Using first-principles total-energy calculations, together with simulations performed with a Frenkel-Kontorowa model, we show that it is energetically favorable for the top layer of the (100) surface of Au to transform from the ideal square lattice of the (100) surface of a fcc metal to a slightly distorted and contracted hexagonal-close-packed arrangement. The ground-state configuration from our simulation agrees well with experimental observations. The reconstruction is shown to be unfavorable in Ag, which is isoelectronic to Au. The difference in behavior is because the two-dimensional Au layer gains much more energy upon contraction than its Ag counterpart.
A methodology to measure joint stiffness parameters for toolholder-spindle interfaces*

This paper introduces a methodology to evaluate and compare machine tool toolholder-spindle interfaces based on experimental and analytical finite element analysis results. This paper illustrates that the results generated from bench tests (an approach previously used for comparing different sets of interfaces) to characterize toolholder-spindle interfaces do not represent properly the interfaces in a machine tool spindle. The proposed methodology can help standardize the tests and/or the joint parameters required for evaluating, comparing, and selecting toolholder-spindle interfaces by modeling the machine tool spindle itself.
Benzyl alcohol penetration into micelles, dielectric constant of the binding site, partition coefficient and high-pressure squeeze-out

The absorbance maximum, lambda max, of a local anesthetic, benzyl alcohol, is shifted to longer wavelengths when solvent polarity is decreased. The shift was approximately a linear function of the dielectric constant of the solvent. This transition in electronic spectra according to the microenvironmental polarity is used to analyze benzyl alcohol binding to surfactant micelles. A facile method is devised to estimate the micelle/water partition coefficient from the dependence of lambda max of benzyl alcohol on surfactant concentrations. The effective dielectric constants of the sodium decyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate and tetradecyl sulfate micelles were 29, 31 and 33, respectively. The partition coefficient of benzyl alcohol between the micelles and the aqueous phase was 417, 610 and 1089, respectively, in the mole fraction unit. The pressure dependence of the partition coefficient was estimated from the depression of the critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate by benzyl alcohol under high pressure up to 200 MPa. High pressure squeezed out benzyl alcohol molecules from the micelle until about 120 MPa, then started to squeeze in when the pressure was further increased. The volume change of benzyl alcohol by transfer from the aqueous to the micellar phase was calculated from the pressure dependence of the partition coefficient. The volume change, estimated from the thermodynamic argument, was 3.5 +/- 1.1 cm3.mol-1 at 298.15 K, which was in reasonable agreement with the partial molal volume change determined directly from the solution density measurements, 3.1 +/- 0.2 cm3.mol-1. Benzyl alcohol apparently solvates into the micelles close to surface without losing contact with the aqueous phase.
Biogeochemistry - its origins and development

The history of how aspects of biology, geology and chemistry came together over the past three centuries to form a separate discipline known as biogeochemistry is described under four major headings: metabolic aspects, geochemical aspects, biogeochemical cycles, and the origin of life. A brief chronology of major conceptual advances is also presented.
Clustering and Periodic Recurrence of Microearthquakes on the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield, California

The San Andreas fault at Parkfield, California, apparently late in an interval between repeating magnitude 6 earthquakes, is yielding to tectonic loading partly by seismic slip concentrated in a relatively sparse distribution of small clusters (<20-meter radius) of microearthquakes. Within these clusters, which account for 63% of the earthquakes in a 1987-92 study interval, virtually identical small earthquakes occurred with a regularity that can be described by the statistical model used previously in forecasting large characteristic earthquakes. Sympathetic occurrence of microearthquakes in nearby clusters was observed within a range of about 200 meters at communication speeds of 10 to 100 centimeters per second. The rate of earthquake occurrence, particularly at depth, increased significantly during the study period, but the fraction of earthquakes that were cluster members decreased.
Detection Of Contaminants In Steel Tubing Using Infrared Reflection Spectroscopy

We have used Fourier transform infrared (FT1R) spectroscopy to evaluate the contamination of stainless steel tubing with inner diameters of less than one mm, and lengths of 25 to 100 mm. We will discuss the development of a non-destructive analytical tech-nique which is sensitive to both organic and inorganic contaminants which may arise during fabrication processes. Experimental results will be compared with theoretical calculations for thin films of hydrocarbon lubricants and metal oxides on metallic surfaces. The main advantages of infrared measurements are their non-destructive nature, ease of application, short measurement times, and the ability to interface the necessary auxilliary optics with existing FTIR instruments. The sensitivity of the technique and its application to the evaluation of current cleaning processes will be presented.
Stochastic optimal control of internal hierarchical labor markets

This paper develops an optimal control model for a graded manpower system where the demand for manpower is uncertain. The organization's objective is to minimize the discounted costs of operating the manpower system, including excess demand costs. The stock of workers in various grades can be adjusted in two ways. The first method is outside hiring flows, which is the usual control variable used in previous research. The second method is to control the transition rates between grades of the hierarchy, an instrument not previously studied. Incorporating the transition rates into the control variables creates time lags in the control process. The resulting problem is solved numerically using an approximation for the time-lagged control variables. The numerical example is based on the Air Force officer hierarchy. The model is used to examine such issues as the desirability of granting tenure to workers who are not promoted to the highest grade and the effects of length-of-service and demand uncertainty on manpower policy.
Models for analyzing data in initiation-promotion studies.

The objective of this paper is to construct a class of models for analyzing data in initiation-promotion (IP) studies. After the application of an initiator in animals IP studies, histochemical and...
The continuing evolution of auditing science: Megatrends and research opportunities for the 1990s*

. During the past 15 years, the field of auditing has evolved as a scientific discipline. This paper discusses the continuing evolution of auditing science by identifying current megatrends in the auditing environment. These megatrends include (1) the expanding scope of attestation and related audit services, (2) new competition and mergers between accounting firms, (3) changing information technology, and (4) an emerging global market for audits. Research opportunities for the 1990s that relate to such trends are illustrated to stimulate additional progress in the field. Finally, implications for interdisciplinary research and education and training future auditors are discussed. Resume. Depuis 15 ans, le domaine de la verification a gagne le rang de discipline scientifique. L'auteur traite de l'evolution incessante de la science de la verification et determine les megatendances actuelles dans le secteur. On retrouve parmi ces megatendances 1) l'elargissement de la portee de l'attestation et des services de verification connexes, 2) la concurrence inedite que se livrent les cabinets comptables et les fusions dont ils font l'objet, 3) l'evolution de la technologie de l'information et 4) un marche global en emergence pour les services de verification. L'auteur decrit les avenues de recherche qu'offrent ces tendances pour les annees 1990, en vue de stimuler les progres dans le domaine. Enfin, il traite des consequences en matiere de recherche interdisciplinaire et de formation theorique et pratique des futurs verificateurs.
Structure of the profilin-poly-L-proline complex involved in morphogenesis and cytoskeletal regulation

Profilin, a ubiquitous low molecular weight (13,000–15,000 Mr) actin binding protein, regulates the formation of F-actin structures in vivo, and is localized to specific cellular regions through interaction with proline-rich sequences. Here we report the 2.2 A X-ray structure of the complex between human platelet profilin (HPP) and a decamer of L-proline (L-Pro10). The L-Pro10 peptide adopts a left-handed type II poly-L-proline helix (PPM) and binds to a highly conserved patch of aromatic amino acids on the surface of prof ilin. The peptide and actin binding sites reside on orthogonal surfaces, and L-Pro10 binding does not result in a conformational rearrangement of HPP. This structure suggests a mechanism for the localization of prof ilin and its actin-related activities to sites of actin filament assembly in vivo.
INTEREST RATE RISK AND EQUITY VALUES OF HEDGED AND UNHEDGED FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

This paper uses an approach developed by Flannery and James to show that interest rate changes have different effects on equity values of hedged and unhedged financial institutions. Equity values of (generally unhedged) savings and loans are significantly more sensitive to unexpected interest rate changes than equities of (generally hedged) commercial banks. The interest rate sensitivity of (generally hedged) life insurance equities is similar to that of bank equities. Overall, the equity values of unhedged financial institutions are more sensitive to interest rate changes than the equity values of financial institutions that more closely balance the maturities of their assets and liabilities.
Mass Persuasion: The Social Psychology of a War Bond Drive

The purpose of this book is to uncover the structure and dynamics of mass persuasion in our society. The case study for analysis was the Third War Loan appeal made by Kate Smith.
Novel actions of bisphosphonates in bone: Preservation of osteoblast and osteocyte viability

Bisphosphonates stop bone loss by inhibiting the activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. However, the effect of bisphosphonates on bone mass cannot completely explain the reduction in fracture incidence observed in patients treated with these agents. Recent research efforts provided an explanation to this dichotomy by demonstrating that part of the beneficial effect of bisphosphonates on the skeleton is due to prevention of osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis. Work of our group, independently confirmed by other investigators, demonstrated that bisphosphonates are able to prevent osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. This prosurvival effect is strictly dependent on the expression of connexin (Cx) 43, as demonstrated in vitro using cells lacking Cx43 or expressing dominant-negative mutants of the protein as well as in vivo using Cx43 osteoblast/osteocyte-specific conditional knock-out mice. Remarkably, this Cx43-dependent survival effect of bisphosphonates is independent of gap junctions and results from opening of Cx43 hemichannels. Hemichannel opening leads to activation of the kinases Src and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), followed by phosphorylation of the ERK cytoplasmic target p90(RSK) kinase and its substrates BAD and C/EBPβ, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of bisphosphonates is separate from the effect of the drugs on osteoclasts, as analogs that lack antiresorptive activity are still able to inhibit osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, a bisphosphonate analog that does not inhibit osteoclast activity prevented osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis and the loss of bone mass and strength induced by glucocorticoids in mice. Preservation of the bone-forming function of mature osteoblasts and maintenance of the osteocytic network, in combination with lack anticatabolic actions, open new therapeutic possibilities for bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteopenic conditions in which decreased bone resorption is not desired.
MET orchestrates cancer and blood coagulation

A new mouse model begins to unravel a longstanding mystery: why are cancers often associated with blood coagulation disorders?
Elastic moduli for plane stress analyses of unidirectional composites with anisotropic rectangular reinforcement

Abstract A unidirectional composite having reinforcing filaments of rectangular cross-section and orthotropic elastic properties, regularly arrayed in an isotropic matrix, is assumed to be subject to plane stress. Several approximate analyses of the composite response are developed. From the theorems of least work and of minimum potential energy it is shown that these approximate analyses lead to rigorous lower and upper bounds for the composite moduli. Selecting sets of parameters that are believed to be reasonable for the wall layers of cells of certain woods, a numerical study showed that the best upper and lower bound on each modulus were generally quite close. Thus, the average of these two values is a useful approximation to the modulus. From the same approximate analyses estimates of the composite Poisson's ratios are also obtained, but it is not clear that these values provide rigorous bounds on the actual values as with the moduli.
Protein-Losing Gastroenteropathy Associated With Sjögren's Syndrome: First Known Case Reported Outside of Asia.

Protein-losing gastroenteropathy (PLGE) is a rare extraglandular manifestation of Sjogren’s syndrome, reported in fewer than 10 cases. We report a 58-year-old white woman with Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 renal tubular acidosis, and PLGE, who presented with cachexia and 100-pound weight loss. The diagnosis was made based on hypoalbuminemia in the absence of significant proteinuria, low levels of fat soluble vitamins, low transferrin, and an elevated alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) fecal clearance, supported by imaging and endoscopy, with biopsy showing lymphocytic infiltration. She was successfully treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone. To our knowledge, this is the first such case outside of Asia.
Adaptive cancellation of acoustic echoes during double-talk based on an information theoretic criteria

This paper casts the problem of canceling acoustic echoes during a double-talk event as a blind signal separation problem. Principles of independent component analysis are applied to derive algorithms for updating the echo cancellation filter during double-talk, and the near-end signal is separated out from the microphone signal. This approach simplifies the the structure of acoustic echo cancelers by avoiding the need for double-talk detection. The same updating algorithm is applied under all conditions. The the proposed approach is compared with existing methods on live data recorded on a speaker phone.
Estado actual de la cirugía del cáncer del pulmón

Actualmente el cancer del pulmon es el mas formidable reto que cualquier medico o cirujano haya encontrado. Insidioso en sus comienzos, esta enfermedad prueba la habilidad que pueda tener el medico para sospechar su presencia, durante la evolucion de alguna otra dolencia. Es entonces cuando el cirujano debe emplear alguna intervencion quirurgica a su alcance para eliminar el tumor y al mismo tiempo conservar la mayor cantidad posible de tejido pulmonar funcionante. Si la enfermedad se encuentra en los estados iniciales, el diagnostico sera hecho en la mesa operatoria y tendra que emplearse entonces un juicio experto para indicar el tratamiento quirurgico correcto que la enfermedad necesita.
Spectral factorization and Nevanlinna-Schur algorithm in state space

A formulation for the Nevanlinna-Schur (NS) algorithm which operates on state-space realizations of matrix functions is presented. The state space form of the NS algorithm leads to a generalized version of the Chandrasekhar-type algorithm in linear optimal filtering. An NS-algorithm-based spectral factorization scheme with convergence estimates and error bounds is provided. The authors discuss how information on transmission zeros may be obtained and incorporated in the scheme to increase the rate of convergence. The proposed computationally efficient algorithm for solving the rational spectral factorization problem has a certain amount of flexibility which may be used to improve computational speed and numerical stability when compared with the Schur algorithm/discrete-time Riccati equation based approach. >
Aminergic influences on intravenous cocaine self-administration by Rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Earlier observations have demonstrated that when allowed limited daily access to cocaine, monkeys self-administer approximately the same amount of cocaine daily. Treatment with neuroleptic agents increases the frequency of this behavior which could be interpreted as resulting from an antagonism of the reinforcing actions of cocaine. The present paper demonstrates that agents known to alter central aminergic systems affect cocaine self-administration. Acute treatment with pargyline (50 and 100 mg/kg) decreased the behavior; DL alpha-methylparatyrosine (50 mg/kg) increased the behavior. Treatment with the peripheral alpha adrenergic blocking agents phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine (0.5 – 8.0 mg/kg) did not significantly alter the behavior. Chronic treatment (5–10 days) with reserpine (0.1 – 1.0 mg/kg) produced an initial increase in self-administration to which tolerance developed. Upon discontinuation of reserpine treatment, cocaine self-administration was decreased below baseline levels. Results tend to implicate either dopamine or norepinephrine as mediators of either cocaine-based reinforcement or of the other effects of cocaine which may regulate the frequency of its administration. Results were discussed in relation to those obtained from clinical studies in which drug effects on amphetamine-induced euphoria were ascertained.
Estimating the Probability of Neonatal Early-Onset Infection on the Basis of Maternal Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: To develop a quantitative model to estimate the probability of neonatal early-onset bacterial infection on the basis of maternal intrapartum risk factors. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study of infants born at ≥34 weeks9 gestation at 14 California and Massachusetts hospitals from 1993 to 2007. Case-subjects had culture-confirmed bacterial infection at RESULTS: We identified 350 case-subjects from a cohort of 608 014 live births. Highest intrapartum maternal temperature revealed a linear relationship with risk of infection below 100.5°F, above which the risk rose rapidly. Duration of rupture of membranes revealed a steadily increasing relationship with infection risk. Increased risk was associated with both late-preterm and postterm delivery. Risk associated with maternal group B Streptococcus colonization is diminished in the era of group B Streptococcus prophylaxis. Any form of intrapartum antibiotic given >4 hours before delivery was associated with decreased risk. Our model showed good discrimination and calibration (c statistic = 0.800 and Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .142 in the entire data set). CONCLUSIONS: A predictive model based on information available in the immediate perinatal period performs better than algorithms based on risk-factor threshold values. This model establishes a prior probability for newborn sepsis, which could be combined with neonatal physical examination and laboratory values to establish a posterior probability to guide treatment decisions.
A Leishmania major Response Locus Identified by Interval-specific Congenic Mapping of a T Helper Type 2 Cell Bias-controlling Quantitative Trait Locus

The propensity of naive CD4 T cells to become T helper (Th) type 2 cells correlates with susceptibility to infection by the protozoal parasite Leishmania major . Using genetic linkage analysis, we earlier identified Dice1 as a Th2 cell bias-controlling quantitative trait locus on chromosome 16. Using interval-specific congenic mapping, we now resolve Dice1 into two independent genetic loci, Dice1.1 and Dice1.2 , which control Il4 expression from naive Th cells and thereby indirectly control Th2 cell bias. Interestingly, only one of the two congenic intervals containing Dice1.1 and Dice1.2 , respectively, also contained an L. major response locus, indicating that L. major responsiveness can be insensitive to determinants that influence Th2 cell bias by controlling naive T cell Il4 expression. These results lay the groundwork for identifying the Dice1.1 and Dice1.2 genes controlling naive T cell Il4 expression and L. major responses, and for testing whether these control other Th2 cell–dependent processes such as worm expulsion, allergic asthma, and dermatitis.
Near-Limit Flamelet Phenomena in Buoyant Low Stretch Diffusion Flames Beneath a Solid Fuel

A unique near-limit low stretch multidimensional stable flamelet phenomena has been observed for the first time which extends the material flammability limit beyond the one-dimensional low stretch flammability limit to lower burning rates and higher relative heat losses than is possible with uniform flame coverage. During low stretch experiments burning the underside of very large radii (greater than or = 75 cm stretch rate less than or = 3/s) cylindrical cast PMMA samples, multidimensional flamelets were observed, in contrast with a one-dimensional flame that was found to blanket the surface for smaller radii samples ( higher stretch rate). Flamelets were observed by decreasing the stretch rate or by increasing the conductive heat loss from the flame. Flamelets are defined as flames that cover only part of the burning sample at any given time, but persist for many minutes. Flamelet phenomena is viewed as the flame's method of enhancing oxygen flow to the flame, through oxygen transport into the edges of the flamelet. Flamelets form as heat losses (surface radiation and solid-phase conduction) become large relative to the weakened heat release of the low stretch flame. While heat loss rates remain fairly constant, the limiting factor in the heat release of the flame is hypothesized to be the oxygen transport to the flame in this low stretch (low convective) environment. Flamelet extinction is frequently caused by encroachment of an adjacent flamelet. Large-scale whole-body flamelet oscillations at 1.2 - 1.95 Hz are noted prior to extinction of a flamelet. This oscillation is believed to be due a repeated process of excess fuel leakage through the dark channels between the flamelets, fuel premixing with slow incoming oxidizer, and subsequent rapid flame spread and retreat of the flamelet through the premixed layer. The oscillation frequency is driven by gas-phase diffusive time scales.
Endoscopic ultrasound is highly accurate and directs management in patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative localization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with traditional imaging fails in 40 ‐ 60% of patients. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly sensitive in the detection of these tumors. Previous reports included relatively few patients or required the collaboration of multiple centers. We report the results of EUS evaluation of 82 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS: We prospectively used EUS early in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with biochemical or clinical evidence of neuroendocrine tumors. Patients had surgical confirmation of tumor localization or clinical follow-up of .1 yr. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent 91 examinations (cases). Thirty patients had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type I. One hundred pancreatic tumors were visualized by EUS in 54 different patients. The remaining 28 patients had no pancreatic tumor or an extrapancreatic tumor. Surgical/pathological confirmation was obtained in 75 patients. The mean tumor diameter was 1.51 cm and 71% of the tumors were #2.0 cm in diameter. Of the 54 explorations with surgical confirmation of a pancreatic tumor, EUS correctly localized the tumor in 50 patients (93%). Twentynine insulinomas, 18 gastrinomas, as well as one glucagonoma, one carcinoid tumor, and one somatostatinoma were localized. The most common site for tumor localization was the pancreatic head (46 patients). Most tumors were hypoechoic, homogenous, and had distinct margins. EUS of the pancreas was correctly negative in 20 of 21 patients (specificity, 95%). EUS was more accurate than angiography with or without stimulation testing (secretin for gastrinoma, calcium for insulinoma), transcutaneous ultrasound, and CT in those patients undergoing further imaging procedures. EUS was not reliable in localizing extrapancreatic tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, the largest single center experience reported to date, EUS had an overall sensitivity and accuracy of 93% for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Our results support the use of EUS as a primary diagnostic modality in the evaluation and management of patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. (Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:2271‐2277. © 2000 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology)
Criminal justice, cultural justice: The limits of liberalism and the pragmatics of difference in the new south africa

What are the limits of liberalism in accommodating the growing demands of difference? Can a Euromodernist nation-state, founded on One Law, infuse itself with another, with an African jurisprudence? And how is it to deal with cultural practices deemed “dangerous” by the canons of enlightenment reason? These questions are especially urgent in postcolonies like South Africa, with highly diverse populations whose traditional ways and means are accorded constitutional protection. Here we examine how South Africans are dealing with such “dangerous” practices in an era in which their nation is becoming ever more policultural; how, in the process, an Afromodernity is taking organic shape in the interstices between new democratic institutions and the kingdom of custom; how the confrontation between Culture, in the upper case, and a state founded on liberal universalism is beginning to reconfigure the political landscape of this postcolony—as it is, we argue, in many places across the planet.
Local government and the politics of decency

Objective. Local government officials exhibit a variety of responses to morality issues involving “decency” (i.e., pornography, prostitution, sexually explicit businesses). The purpose of this research is to account for these differences. Methods. This research analyzes a subset of data from a larger study of morality policy making at the local level, that is, all cases of decision making on decency issues (e.g., pornography, prostitution, regulation of sexually explicit businesses, etc.) that occurred in the period 1994–2000 in 10 of the 52 largest cities in the United States. Results. In mayoral settings, decision making on decency cases is likely to evoke pro-decency action from officials when a high level of issue salience is combined with high levels of church adherence, low levels of women's political empowerment, low levels of fundamentalist religious attachment, and higher levels of per capita income. Officials in city manager settings act more favorably toward decency activists if (1) higher levels of salience combine with a lower prevalence of fundamentalist religious adherents and higher levels of per capita income or (2) there is an interaction of salience and low levels of female political empowerment and high unemployment. Conclusions. Although exploratory in nature, the results confirm conventional expectations concerning the importance of salience and the prevalence of church affiliation; the results are counterintuitive with respect to the prevalence of fundamentalist forces and the extent of female political empowerment.
Unequal Time for Unequal Value: Implications of Differing Motivations for Participation in Timebanking

Timebanking is a service-based community currency, built on the principle that everyone's time is valued equally. It has potential for community building and reenergizing neighborhoods, but it faces several adoption challenges. We report on the largest investigation of timebanking practices to date by analyzing a combination of service exchange records from the three largest hOurworld timebanks with over 3,500 members with 33,000 completed service exchanges, and a survey of 446 members of over 120 hOurworld timebanks. Our findings suggest that the ideal of 'equal time, equal value' that is at the foundation of timebanking is a source of tension between members with instrumental versus idealistic and altruistic motivations. We suggest that future peer-to-peer systems must incorporate different rewards and incentives in order to accommodate users with different motivations.
Reducing Ferrite Tuner Power Loss by Bias Field Rotation

It has been suggested that ferrite tuners for rf cavities with the magnetic bias field perpendicular to the rf magnetic field would have greatly reduced rf losses. Recent measurements at Los Alamos National Laboratory appear to confirm this effect. A simple model proposed here allows the calculation of tuning characteristics for a variety of bias schemes. The model shows that the perpendicular bias scheme mentioned above requires very much larger bias levels than does the parallel bias scheme in order to achieve the same tuning range with a particular ferrite tuner. However, further investigation with the model has led to the discovery that the use of perpendicular bias at low frequency and parallel bias at high frequency requires only a modest increase in the bias field. In effect, the ferrite is kept highly magnetized, reducing ferrite losses, and is tuned primarily by rotating the bias field direction with respect to the rf field direction. The resulting reduction in dissipation can significantly reduce the amount of ferrite required per cavity.
Adjusting the focus on human variation

Studies of nuclear sequence variation are accumulating, such that we can expect a good description of the structure of human variation across populations and genomic regions in the near future. This description will help to elucidate the evolutionary forces that shape patterns of variability. Such an understanding will be of general biological interest, but could also facilitate the design and interpretation of disease-mapping studies. Here, we integrate the results from surveys of nuclear sequence variation. When nuclear sequences are considered together with mtDNA and microsatellites, it becomes clear that neither the standard neutral model, nor a simple long-term exponential growth model, can account for all the available human variation data. A possible explanation is that a subset of loci are not evolving neutrally; even so, more-complex models of effective population size and structure might be necessary to explain the data.
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure is decreased in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose To compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with that in nonglaucomatous patients. Design Case–control study. Participants Thirty-one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six subjects underwent lumbar puncture (LP) between 1996 and 2007 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Of these, 28 patients who had POAG and 49 patients who did not have POAG were analyzed. Methods Retrospective review of medical records. Comparison of the 2 groups and factors associated with CSF pressure were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Main Outcome Measures Demographics (age and gender), medical history, medication use, indication for LP, intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disc cup-to-disc ratio, visual field assessment, and CSF pressure. Results The mean CSF pressure ± standard deviation was 13.0±4.2 mmHg in nonglaucoma patients and 9.2±2.9 mmHg in POAG patients ( P P P P P Conclusions Cerebrospinal fluid pressure is significantly lower in POAG patients compared with that in nonglaucomatous controls. These data support the notion that CSF pressure may play an important contributory role in the pathogenesis of POAG.
Prevalence, statistical thresholds, and accuracy assessment for species distribution models

Abstract. For species distribution models, species frequency is termed prevalence and prevalence in samples should be similar to natural species prevalence, for unbiased samples. However, modelers commonly adjust sampling prevalence, producing a modeling prevalence that has a different frequency of occurrences than sampling prevalence. The separate effects of (1) use of sampling prevalence compared to adjusted modeling prevalence and (2) modifications necessary in thresholds, which convert continuous probabilities to discrete presence or absence predictions, to account for prevalence, are unresolved issues. We examined effects of prevalence and thresholds and two types of pseudoabsences on model accuracy. Use of sampling prevalence produced similar models compared to use of adjusted modeling prevalences. Mean correlation between predicted probabilities of the least (0.33) and greatest modeling prevalence (0.83) was 0.86. Mean predicted probability values increased with increasing prevalence; therefore, unlike constant thresholds, varying threshold to match prevalence values was effective in holding true positive rate, true negative rate, and species prediction areas relatively constant for every modeling prevalence. The area under the curve (AUC) values appeared to be as informative as sensitivity and specificity, when using surveyed pseudoabsences as absent cases, but when the entire study area was coded, AUC values reflected the area of predicted presence as absent. Less frequent species had greater AUC values when pseudoabsences represented the study background. Modeling prevalence had a mild impact on species distribution models and accuracy assessment metrics when threshold varied with prevalence. Misinterpretation of AUC values is possible when AUC values are based on background absences, which correlate with frequency of species.
Windup leads to characteristics of central sensitization

Central sensitization refers to enhanced excitability of dorsal horn neurons and is characterized by increased spontaneous activity, enlarged receptive field (RF) areas, and an increase in responses evoked by large and small caliber primary afferent fibers. Sensitization of dorsal horn neurons often occurs following tissue injury and inflammation and is believed to contribute to hyperalgesia. Windup refers to the progressive increase in the magnitude of C-fiber evoked responses of dorsal horn neurons produced by repetitive activation of C-fibers. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that windup leads to central sensitization. Recordings were made from rat nociceptive dorsal horn neurons classed as wide dynamic range. Windup was produced by conditioning stimuli in a train of 12 electrical pulses (0.5 ms duration) applied to the RF at intensities three times the threshold for excitation of C-fibers and at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. Single electrical stimuli applied outside the RF never evoked responses except when delivered following conditioning stimulation inside the RF, indicating an expansion of the RF following windup. C-Fiber conditioning stimuli applied outside the RF also increased the response evoked by a single stimulus and increased the total number of spikes evoked by a train of electrical stimuli delivered inside the RF. Although both A- and C-fibers were activated, conditioning stimuli did not alter subsequent responses evoked by stimulation of A-fibers. Enhanced responsivity to C-fiber input following windup produced by stimulation inside the RF at a frequency of 0.5 Hz could be maintained for approximately 100 s by stimuli delivered at 0.1 Hz, a frequency that itself cannot produce windup. It is concluded that neuronal events leading to windup also produce some of the classical characteristics of central sensitization including expansion of RFs and enhanced responses to C- but not A-fiber stimulation. Thus, windup may be a useful tool to study mechanisms underlying certain characteristics of central sensitization related to C-fiber activity.
Talking About Religion How Highly Religious Youth and Parents Discuss Their Faith

This study builds on previous research regarding parent-child religious conversations to explore the transactional processes of these conversations. It employs qualitative analyses of interviews with highly religious parents and adolescents representing the Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) from New England and Northern California. Variations in conversational processes are summarized in a conceptual model. Findings suggest that when parent-adolescent religious conversations are youth centered, the emotional experience is more positive for parents and adolescents than when they are parent centered. Parents from both traditional and progressive faith communities reported that they understood the value of transactional conversation processes over a more hierarchical, preachy, or parent-centered approach.
Ripples near edge terminals in MoS2 few layers and pyramid nanostructures

Atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides are of great interest due to their intriguing physical properties and potential applications. Here, we report our findings from scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy investigations on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) mono- to few-layers and pyramid nanostructures synthesized through chemical vapor deposition. On the few-layered MoS2 nanoplatelets grown on gallium nitride (GaN) and pyramid nanostructures on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, we observed an intriguing curved region near the edge terminals. The measured band gap on these curved regions is 1.96 ± 0.10 eV, consistent with the value of the direct band gap in MoS2 monolayers. The curved features near the edge terminals and the associated electronic properties may contribute to the catalytic behaviors of MoS2 nanostructures and have potential applications in future electronic devices and energy-related products based on MoS2 nanostructures.
α2-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion in Meal-Fed Holstein Steers

Effects of activation or blockade of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on serum growth hormone concentrations were studied in Holstein steers (115 +/- 4 days of age; 112 +/- 4 kg body wt). A pelleted diet was available ad libitum for 2 hr each day. Serum growth hormone concentrations were greater for 80 min immediately before feeding compared with 80 min immediately after removal of feed. Relative to saline-injected controls, activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors with clonidine (2 micrograms/kg body wt iv) before feeding rapidly increased serum growth hormone concentrations, but clonidine had no effect when administered after feeding. Compared with vehicle-injected controls, blockade of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors with either idazoxan (20 mg/kg body wt sc) or yohimbine (5 mg/kg body wt sc) decreased serum growth hormone concentrations before as well as after feeding. Feeding abolished the stimulatory alpha 2-adrenergic receptor-mediated increase in growth hormone secretion. Our data support the hypothesis that alpha 2-adrenergic receptor stimulation is an essential event mediating pulsatility of growth hormone secretion before feeding and is required to maintain basal concentrations after feeding.
The Fall of the Afghan Monarchy in 1973

Afghanistan proceeded along the road of constitutional monarchy for a decade from 1963 to 1973 in the reign of King Muḥammad Ẓāhir (1933–1973) much as it had during the reign of King Amān Allāh (1919–1929). In the 1950s, parliamentary democracy was also practiced for a brief period. But these experiments failed, and the reigning monarchs were forced into exile in Italy. In 1973, Afghanistan was proclaimed a republic. This article examines why, in the last period, the constitutional system of government, as well as the well-established Afghan monarchy, collapsed.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL LOCUS OF CONTROL AND VOLUNTARY CONTROL OF GSR

Much attention has been focused recently on the relationship between biofeedback and locus of control. Biofeedback refers to any technique using instrumentation to provide a person with instantaneous information on a bodily function, of which he is usually not aware, e.g., heartrate, GSR. Locus of control (Rotter, 1966) refers to the degree to which one sees reinforcements as contingent on his own behavior (inrernals) or determined by fate, chance, or powerful others (externals). Fotopoulos ( 1970) and Ray ( 1971) smdied the relationship between locus of control, biofeedback, and the ability to control heartrate. Using Rotrer's I-E scale, they found that inrernals were able to incrme their heartrates significantly more than externals. However, one cannot ascertain from these results if internals were more successful because they believed in self-control or because they believed chance was not an important factor in their lives. Several investigators have presented evidence indicating that the I-E scale is not unidimensional and have suggested that to be a valid instrument, the I-E scale must undergo further refinements. Levenson (1973) has developed three independent scales which attempt to measure different aspects of locus of control+xpectancies of control by self (I scale), powerful others (P scale), and chance (C scale). The purpose of this smdy was to use the new multidimensional scales in order to understand more precisely the relationship berween personality and biofeedback and to examine this relationship in terms of a measure other than heartrate. It was predicted that only scores on the I scale (personal control) would be significantly related to ability to control one's GSR. During a regular class period, 100 male and female undergraduates enrolled in an introductory psychology course, were administered the three scales. Of this number, 30 volunteered to participate in the biofeedback sessions. Ss were provided with a definition of GSR and were instructed to try to lower their GSR responses over a 2-min. interval with visual feedback provided in the form of a display meter. This procedure was repeated five times interspersed with l-min. rest intervals. A Smelting Psychogalvanoscope was used. The scale scores of the 10 Ss who were best able to lower their GSR responses (mean change = -2.75 reaction unin) were compared with the scores of those 10 Ss who were least able to lower their GSR (mean change = +. 13 ) . As expected, results indicated that those Ss who were more successful at using biofeedback had significantly higher I (personal control) scale scores (M = 38.4) than those who could not make use of the biofeedback (M = 32.3, t = 2.61, p < .01). There was no relationship between ability to control GSR and scores on the P (powerful others) or the C (chance) scales. Thus, personality differences are related to biofeedback performance. Furthermore, only beliefs about self-control and not about chance or powerful others appear to be relevant to voluntary coorrol of autonomic functions.