cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who's the Boss? The Political Economy of Unpaid Care Work and Food Sharing in Brooklyn, USA

Abstract Over the last two decades, scholars have situated paid and unpaid care work as an important component in the US economic infrastructure. Until recently, scholars have neglected to address the sociological significance of the cooking and sharing of food (“foodways”) as part of the productive unpaid work of caregivers. This article details the lives of West Indian childcare providers in Brooklyn, New York and places their experiences in the context of economic structures. The study shows how childcare providers share food with their charges to establish forms of control and resist the subordination inherent in childcare work. By studying the unpaid care work of food sharing through participant observation and interviews during 2004–7, this research reveals blurred boundaries between reproductive and productive work. It also analyzes how childcare providers resist and momentarily invert the hierarchy of employer households, shaping their workdays beyond the responsibilities of taking care of children.
An elevated glutathione S-transferase in creosote-resistant mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

A population of mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabit a site (Atlantic Wood) in the Elizabeth River, VA, heavily contaminated with creosote. Although chronic effects including hepatic neoplasms have been observed in adult mummichog, these fish are resistant to the acute effects (mortality within a few days of exposure) of the creosote-contaminated sediments while fish from a reference site are not. Increased levels and activity of glutathione S-transferases (GST) in Atlantic Wood fish may play a role in this resistance. In the present study, hepatic GSTs from Atlantic Wood and reference site fish were isolated by S-hexylglutathione affinity chromatography. A monoclonal antibody was produced that recognizes a GST that is elevated approximately six-fold in Atlantic Wood fish and two-fold in fish from a moderately contaminated site relative to fish from the reference site. GST activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was elevated approximately four-fold and two-fold in these fish relative to fish from the reference site. The elevated GST has a molecular mass of approximately 27.2 kDa and isoelectric point of 8.1. The N-terminus of the isoform was blocked, preventing N-terminal amino acid determination.
Systematic evaluation of stone basket dimensions

Abstract Objectives To evaluate 17 commercial stone baskets for characteristics we believe are favorable for stone extraction. Methods The ACMI (Sur-Catch 3.0), Bard (Dimension 3.0), Boston Scientific (Zero-tip 2.4/3.0, Segura 2.4/3.0, Gemini 3.0, Parachute 3.1), Cook (N-Circle 2.2/3.0/3.2, N-Force 3.2, Flatwire 2.0), and Sacred Heart (Halo 1.9, Vantage 2.4, Summit 3.0, Hercules 3.0) were tested in triplicate. The maximal basket width was measured with a digital caliper as the basket length was opened in 0.5 to 2-mm increments using a mechanical caliper under optical light microscope visualization. Baskets were rated for the linearity of opening and length at which the target basket width (5 mm) was reached. Results The only basket to exhibit linear opening was the N-Circle. All other baskets opened in an exponential fashion, with the initial excursion in length corresponding to little change in basket width, followed by a rapid increase in basket width as the basket extended further. The N-Circle 2.2F, 3.0F, and 3.2F baskets reached the target basket width at a basket length of 9.4, 9.7, and 9.6 mm, respectively. As a group, the tipless baskets opened more rapidly to the target basket width (9.4 to 14.8 mm) than did the flat-wire baskets (17.5 to 22.7 mm) or helical baskets (18.6 to 24.8 mm). Conclusions A basket that requires a shorter basket excursion to reach a 5-mm width will be easier to maintain in the field of view. Linear basket opening provides the operator with greater control to engage a stone. After closure of a basket on a 5-mm stone, the larger the basket length dimension, the greater the likelihood the calculus may escape.
Stability of explicit‐implicit mesh partitions in time integration

The stability of time integration for a semidiscretization of structures and continua where the mesh is partitioned into subdomains integrated simultaneously by explicit and implicit methods is considered. Stability in energy is proven for linear systems subject to the Courant condition in the explicit subdomain for a central difference explicit and trapezoidal implicit integrator. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the procedure.
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of beliefs regarding cancer risks

BACKGROUND. Inaccurate beliefs about cancer risk may contribute to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and poor adherence to recommended screening and prevention guidelines. To address this issue the current study assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs about cancer risk in a representative sample of the US population. METHODS. Nine hundred fifty-seven US adults with no history of cancer were surveyed by telephone. The survey included 12 statements about cancer risk, risk factors, and prevention that were framed to be contrary to the consensus of current scientific evidence. RESULTS. Participants were inconsistent in their ability to identify the statements as false, and appraisal accuracy was associated with several sociodemographic characteristics. Five of the 12 misconceptions were endorsed as true by at least a quarter of the respondents, and uncertainty was higher than 15% for 7 statements. At the same time, more than two-thirds of the participants were able to identify 7 statements as false and, on average, respondents endorsed fewer than 3 statements as true. Respondents who were male, older, non-White, less educated, and of lower income were most likely to hold inaccurate beliefs. CONCLUSIONS. A notable percentage of the participants in this study hold beliefs about cancer risk at odds with the prevailing scientific evidence. Because the population segments with the least accurate knowledge also bear the greatest burden of cancer, areas for public education and intervention efforts are identified. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
INTERNAL FRICTION IN SOLIDS. I. THEORY OF INTERNAL FRICTION IN REEDS

In a vibrating reed opposite sides have dilations of opposite signs. Thus when one side is heated the other is cooled. At low frequencies the vibrations are isothermal. At high frequencies they are adiabatic. At intermediate frequencies they are of a hybrid type accompanied by internal friction. In this paper this internal friction is calculated solely from thermodynamical considerations. It is predicted that the internal friction associated with this hybrid type of vibration is of a larger order of magnitude than that due to all other causes.
Biosynthesis in vitro of a globoside containing a 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-galactopyranosyl group (1→3)-linked and forssman glycolipid by two N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases from chemically transformed guinea pig cells☆

Abstract Two N -acetylgalactosaminyltransferase activities (GalNAcT-2 and GalNAcT-3) have been characterized in chemically transformed, cultured guinea-pig cell lines (104C1 and 106B). Line 104C1 is a benz[ a ]pyrene-transformed tumorigenic variant, whereas line 106B is a 7,12-dimethylbenz a ]anthracene-transformed nontumorigenic variant obtained from fetal guinea-pig cells at 43 days of gestation. The GalNAcT-2 (UDP-GalNAc:GbOse 3 Cer β- N -acetylgalactosaminyltransferase) isolated from both 104C1 and 106B cells catalyzed the transfer of GalNAc from UDP-GalNAc to the 3 H-labeled terminal galactose group of Gb3 ([6- 3 H]Galα1→4Galβ1→4Glc→Cer). The 3 H-labeled globoside was purified and then subjected to exhaustive methylation. After acetolysis, the partially methylated sugars were separated by two-dimensional, thin-layer chromatography. 3 H-Label was detected in two major areas, 2,4,6-tri- O -Me-Gal (40%) and 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -Me-Gal (46%). In a separate experiment, 80% of the GalNAc was released when labeled GbOse 4 Cer ([ 3 H]GalNAc→Galα1→4Galβ1→4Glc→Cer) was treated with purified clam β-hexosaminidase. The present results establish the formation of a β- d -Gal p NAc-(1→3) linkage in the terminal region of the biosynthesized globoside. GalNAcT-3 activity (UDP-GalNAc:GbOse 4 Cer α-GalNAc-transferase), which catalyzes the transfer of GalNAc from UDP-[ 14 C]- or -[ 3 H]GalNAc to GbOse 4 Cer (GalNAcβ1→3Galα1→4Galβ1→4Glc→Cer), was three times higher in 106B cells than in 104C1 cells. The isolated, purified radioactive product formed an immunoprecipitin line against rabbit anti-Forssman antibody.
Solid-State Fermentation Systems—An Overview

Starting with a brief history of solid-state fermentation (SSF), major aspects of SSF are reviewed, which include factors affecting SSF, biomass, fermentors, modeling, industrial microbial enzymes, organic acids, secondary metabolites, and bioremediation. Physico-chemical and environmental factors such as inoculum type, moisture and water activity, pH, temperature, substrate, particle size, aeration and agitation, nutritional factors, and oxygen and carbon dioxide affecting SSF are reviewed. The advantages of SSF over Submerged Fermentation (SmF) are indicated, and the different types of fermentors used in SSF described. The economic feasibilities of adopting SSF technology in the commercial production of industrial enzymes such as amylases, cellulases, xylanase, proteases, phytases, lipases, etc., organic acids such as citric acid and lactic acid, and secondary metabolites such as gibberellic acid, ergot alkaloids, and antibiotics such as penicillin, cyclosporin, cephamycin and tetracyclines are highlighted. The relevance of applying SSF technology in the production of mycotoxins, biofuels, and biocontrol agents is discussed, and the need for adopting SSF technology in bioremediation of toxic compounds, biological detoxication of agro-industrial residues, and biotransformation of agro-products and residues is emphasized.
Controllable pulse parameter transcranial magnetic stimulator with enhanced pulse shaping

Commercially available transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices provide very limited control over the pulse parameters. We present a third generation controllable pulse parameter device (cTMS3) that uses a novel full-bridge circuit topology with two energy storage capacitors and incorporates a number of implementation and functionality advantages over conventional TMS devices and previous cTMS devices. cTMS3 is implemented with transistors with lower voltage rating than previous cTMS devices. It provides more flexible pulse shaping since the circuit topology allows four coil voltage levels during a pulse, including zero voltage. The zero coil voltage level enables snubbing of the ringing at the end of the pulse without the need for a separate active snubber circuit. cTMS3 can generate powerful rapid pulse bursts (<; 10 ms inter pulse interval) by increasing the width of each subsequent pulse and utilizing the large capacitor energy storage. These features enhance the advantages of cTMS and could extend the utility of TMS as a research, diagnostic, and therapeutic tool.
Structure of prothrombin fragment 1 refined at 2.8 A resolution.

Abstract The structure of prothrombin fragment 1, solved at 2.8 A resolution (1 A = 0.1 nm) by a combination of multiple and single isomorphous replacement methods utilizing solvent flattening, has been refined by restrained least-squares methods (R = 0.24), solvent not included, using fairly stringent restraints on the molecular geometry and individual thermal parameters. The inner kringle loop possesses significantly lower B-values than the outer loops even though the former also constitutes a surface of the folded kringle structure. This surface forms the Lys sub-site of the fibrin binding site of other kringles. The hydrogen bonding network and ion pair interactions of fragment 1 appear to maintain a compact folded structure among the various loops of the kringle structure. On the other hand, since there is only one hydrogen bond between the kringle and its preceding 30 residues, considerable flexibility is suggested for the Gla-domain consistent with its disorder in crystals. A chitobiose has been located at the Asn77 glycosylation site, but only a single N-acetyl-glucosamine is ordered at Asn101. The lysine binding site region of other kringles is not properly developed in fragment 1, accounting for its lack of Lys/fibrin affinity. Most of the conserved sequence among 11 different kringles is associated with either: (1) protecting the inner loop disulfides Cys87–127, Cys115–139 upon which the folding is based; or (2) a requirement of the lysine binding site. The remainder of the conservation is generally associated with the ten reverse turns of the folding; of these 40 residues, or about half the sequence, 14 are conserved among eight different turns. The intermolecular packing consists of infinite helical columns of fragment 1 molecules related by a crystallographic 43 screw axis, which are held together by van der Waals' interactions of aromatic clusters from different molecules related by a crystallographic 2-fold rotation axis.
Eating disorders and weight concern among lesbians

Objective This study estimated rates of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, and assessed risk factors among 203 lesbians. Method: Participants completed questionnaires containing measures addressing lifestyle, self-esteem, body esteem, attitudes about attractiveness, and disordered eating. Results: The rate of bulimia nervosa among lesbians was similar to that of heterosexual women, but binge eating disorder was more frequent. Eating as negative affect regulation was a more significant predictor of binge eating than body dissatisfaction or dieting. Lesbians were not significantly different from heterosexual women in attitudes concerning weight and appearance, or dieting. Self-esteem was significantly related to body esteem, and actual-ideal weight discrepancy was associated with body dissatisfaction, suggesting that lesbians are not immune from the effects of not meeting societal ideals of thinness. Increased lesbian/gay involvement was associated with lower weight concern. Discussion: Implications for models of risk for eating disorders, and understanding the experience of lesbians, are discussed. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Neural-network-based fuzzy logic decision systems

During the last few years there has been a large and energetic upswing in research efforts aimed at synthesizing fuzzy logic with neural networks. This combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic seems natural because the two approaches generally attack the design of `intelligent' system from quite different angles. Neural networks provide algorithms for learning, classification, and optimization whereas fuzzy logic often deals with issues such as reasoning in a high (semantic or linguistic) level. Consequently the two technologies complement each other. In this paper, we combine neural networks with fuzzy logic techniques. We propose an artificial neural network (ANN) model for a fuzzy logic decision system. The model consists of six layers. The first three layers map the input variables to fuzzy set membership functions. The last three layers implement the decision rules. The model learns the decision rules using a supervised gradient descent procedure. As an illustration we considered two examples. The first example deals with pixel classification in multispectral satellite images. In our second example we used the fuzzy decision system to analyze data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for tissue classification.
Broadband dielectric spectroscopy studies of glassy‐state relaxations in annealed poly(2,5‐benzimidazole)

A broadband dielectric spectroscopic (BDS) study of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) revealed three sub-glass relaxations and the manner in which the time scales of these local molecular motions shift with annealing temperature and time. Also issuing from the BDS studies was a trend in the degree of connectivity of charge migration pathways and conductivity with annealing temperature and time. These studies were complemented with dynamic mechanical analysis, which showed the same relaxations, and solid state 1H and 13C NMR studies that showed hydrogen bonding group mobility versus temperature. Wide angle X-ray diffraction investigations indicated an increase in chain-packing efficiency that was used to rationalize the BDS and NMR results. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Soybean oil quality as influenced by planting site and variety

Seven soybean genotypes were grown in various locations in Illinois and Missouri. Crude oils were analyzed for fatty acid composition, total phospholipid, free fatty acids, iron and peroxide value. Of the seven varieties examined, William’s beans showed significant differences in total oil, protein, and fatty acid composition relative to planting sites. Evidence was obtained that crude oil from beans grown on irrigated land were higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower in iron contents compared to those grown on nonirrigated land.
Anelastic creep and aftereffect studies of oxygen relaxation in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

It is desirable to better understand the atomic mobility of oxygen in YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] because the oxygen stoichiometry and thus the superconducting properties are determined by diffusion of oxygen into the bulk. Anelastic relaxation studies, especially those which involve jumping of atoms between sites, have in the past been important to the understanding of atomic mobility in many materials. The focus for this paper is to extend earlier anelastic investigations of oxygen mobility in YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] to a new regime of relaxation times, those greater than 100 s. The authors use the anelastic creep and aftereffect (ACA) method which complements internal friction (IF) studies by measuring relaxation times at much lower temperatures. Results form a typical ACA experiment on YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] are given, which is a plot of the fractional anelastic strain [epsilon][sub an] at 79.8C versus time on a logarithmic scale. That the ACA data span a much longer time than for a single relaxation time can be seen by comparing the time span of the measured data with that for the dashed curve which is for an anelastic relaxation having a single relaxation time of 5,500 s. For ACA the strength ofmore » the relaxation is given by [Delta]=[epsilon][sub anelastic]/[epsilon][sub elastic]. For the isothermal measurements in Fig. 1 [Delta] = 0.172. This agrees with [Delta] = 0.166 and the monotonic decrease of [Delta] with temperature reported for the same sample using an IF measurement with peak temperature of 211 C.« less
Evaluating the Very Special Arts Festival Programs Nationwide: An Attempt at Combining Subjective and Quantitative Approaches.

Abstract This article outlines the background and dual evaluation approaches used in an arts evaluation project for Very Special Arts. The project began in 1984 and was completed in 1986. Subjective, site visit/interview/participant/observation data collection and objective hard data collection methods were utilized. The data collected became the bases for the development of a comprehensive, systematic plan for the evaluation of the (then) more than 450 Very Special Arts Festival programs and related projects in all the arts for handicapped persons sponsored in this country and in many countries overseas by Very Special Arts. Included is a discussion of the development of assessment tools geared toward the future provision of much-needed hard data to supplement and reinforce the more subjective observational methods currently in use in arts evaluations. The results of a field test in eight states of one of these assessment instruments are discussed.
Challenges to providing quality substance abuse treatment services for American Indian and Alaska native communities: perspectives of staff from 18 treatment centers

Substance abuse continues to exact a significant toll, despite promising advancements in treatment, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities remain disproportionately impacted. Understanding the challenges to providing quality substance abuse treatment to AI/AN communities could ultimately result in more effective treatment interventions, but no multi-site studies have examined this important issue. This qualitative study examined the challenges of providing substance abuse treatment services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups at 18 substance abuse treatment programs serving AI/AN communities. Seventy-six service participants (21 individuals in clinical administrative positions and 55 front-line clinicians) participated in the project. Interview transcripts were coded to identify key themes. We found that the challenges of bringing effective substance abuse treatment to AI/AN communities fell into three broad categories: challenges associated with providing clinical services, those associated with the infrastructure of treatment settings, and those associated with the greater service/treatment system. These sets of challenges interact to form a highly complex set of conditions for the delivery of these services. Our findings suggest that substance abuse treatment services for AI/AN communities require more integrated, individualized, comprehensive, and longer-term approaches to care. Our three categories of challenges provide a useful framework for eliciting challenges to providing quality substance abuse treatment in other substance abuse treatment settings.
Monte Carlo Simulation

Introduction Generating Individual Samples from a Pseudo-Population Using the Pseudo-Population in Monte Carlo Simulation Using Monte Carlo Simulation in the Social Sciences Conclusion
Parental attitudes about sexual education: cross-cultural differences and covariate controls.

Cross-cultural differences in parental attitudes and experiences of childhood sexual education were examined. Parental attitudes and experiences were isolated for study because of their significance as a vehicle for transmitting culturally prescribed norms. The present study also tested for artifactual differences between cultures, in terms of explaining the differences with concomitant variability. Couples with children ranging in age from 1 to 10 were utilized and were drawn from four subcultures (Mexican-American, N =22, Black American, N =20, Caucasian American, N =27, and Japanese-American, N =18). The most salient and consistent finding was the pronounced significance of the covariate controls (especially father's education and mother's religiosity). That is, although a few cross-cultural effects remained significant despite the influence of a covariate, most of the findings were biased by a concomitant (i.e., demographic) variable.
A comparison of the effects of medial and lateral midbrain lesions in rats

In rats, both medial and lateral midbrain lesions produced a significant decrease in bar pressing for food. During a test session, animals with midbrain lesions made a greater number of active responses unrelated to food than did the controls. The motivational changes are ascribed to reticular damage.
Predictors of cesarean delivery for periviable neonates.

OBJECTIVE:To test for racial or ethnic disparities or both in periviable cesarean delivery and describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with periviable cesarean delivery.METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study of state-level maternal and neonatal hospital discharge dat
Cooperative bridge bidding (Corresp.)

A strategy is given for cooperative bidding by the players which results in the location of all 52 cards being encoded into a valid bridge auction which always terminates with a contract of six diamonds. Strategies are also given for encoding the card locations into auctions in which "double" and/or "redouble" are prohibited bids.
A Comparison of Black and White Women Entering Drug Abuse Treatment Programs

A comparison of Black and White women entering methadone maintenance programs and therapeutic communities found similarities with respect to living situation, financial dependency on others, and unemployment. White women, however, experienced more disturbances within the family of origin, early drug use, overdoses, use of different kinds of drugs, suicide attempts, criminal involvement, and linkages with drug-abusing partners. Black women were more likely to have child care responsibilies.
Antecedents and outcomes of workplace incivility: Implications for human resource development research and practice

This cross-sectional, correlational study (N = 402) examined the relationships among select demographics, workplace adaptation, employee affect, and incivility and physical health and job satisfaction. The paper-and-pencil survey battery consisted of nine scales. The hypotheses were tested through correlational, factor analytic, and hierarchical regression analytic procedures. Younger males engaged more frequently in uncivil behavior. After statistically controlling for the demographic variables, high negative affect and low degree of establishing relationships with coworkers and supervisors (adaptation) predicted more incivility. For the physical health model, establishing relationships with coworkers and positive affect positively contributed to perceived physical health, while organizational incivility negatively contributed to the dependent variable. As for the job satisfaction model, establishing relationships with coworkers and supervisors and positive affect positively predicted satisfaction, whereas negative affect and incivility made negative contributions to the regression equation. In all cases, the magnitude of effect ranged from medium to large, supporting the theoretical, empirical, and practical relevance of understanding the detrimental effects of uncivil behaviors on organizational outcomes. HRD researchers and professionals are highlighted as possible means for reducing uncivil workplace behaviors and improving organizational performance.
An empirical investigation of calls of non-convertible bonds

Abstract This paper examines call behavior of corporate issuers of non-convertible bonds. Evidence from a sample of 102 calls indicates that the market value of the called bonds is usually below the call price at the time of the announcement. The stock price reactions to call announcements are positively related to the direction of the change in leverage. When the call relaxes restrictive covenants, the firm on average pays a larger premium to call debt. The premium is a minimum estimate of the potential opportunity costs of restrictive covenants.
Cytokines modulate type I iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA levels and enzyme activity in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (INF-γ) have inhibitory effects on thyroid function both in vivo and in vitro. We have studied the effects of these cytokines on type I 5'-deiodinase (5'-DI) mRNA expression and enzyme activity in FRTL-5 cells maintained in standard cell culture medium containing 0 (5H) or 2 mIU/ml bovine TSH (6H). Northern blots were hybridized with 5'-DI cDNA. 5'-DI mRNA levels were reduced to 20% of control values after treating cells with 100 ng/ml TNF-α in 6H for 2 days while the corresponding enzyme activity was reduced 50%. Other cytokines, including IL-1β and interferon-γ, also significantly inhibited expression of 5'-DI in FRTL-5 cells grown in 6H medium. Because the majority of circulating T3 in the rat is secreted by the thyroid gland, the highly significant decline in the serum T3/T4 ratio following in vivo administration of cytokines may be due to their direct inhibitory effect on thyroidal 5'-DI expression.
Sexuality and the Older Adult: An Overview with Guidelines for the Health Care Professional

Research emphasis in sexuality and aging has progressed beyond earlier questions of whether sex exists and whether sexual capacity is maintained as one ages. Clinical research is thus moving into the practical realm of (1) educating health care professionals who work with, and must deal with the sexual issues of older adults, and (2) addressing neglected areas such as widowhood sexuality and homosexuality. This paper provides a current overview, along with guidelines for program development within the area of sexuality and aging. It is emphasized that any educational or therapeutic intervention should reflect a respect for the continuity of one's sexual lifestyle, and a readiness to explore alternative methods of meeting sexual and affectional needs of older adults who remain interested in their sexuality but who are disabled, without partners, or find themselves in a restricted environment.
The storm-time access of solar wind ions to the nightside ring current and plasma sheet

[1] We investigated the storm-time entry of solar wind ions into the magnetosphere by carrying out a large-scale kinetic particle tracing calculation for the 24–25 September 1998 and the 17 April 2002 geomagnetic storms. For each storm, we simulated the magnetosphere by using a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code that was driven by solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) data from spacecraft upstream of Earth. We then launched ions in the solar wind in the global time-dependent fields obtained from the MHD simulation, beginning prior to storm onset and extending into the main phase. We collected those ions that successfully reached the nightside plasma sheet and ring current, and then determined the mechanisms of entry and transport responsible for the injection of these ions into the magnetotail. We found that, in agreement with quiet time entry results, the IMF By component strongly influenced whether ions entered through the dawn or dusk flanks, and changes in IMF By were immediately reflected on the ion entry pattern. Also, in addition to the usual dayside merging source, ion entry into the magnetosphere was facilitated by dynamic pressure enhancements, during which entry occurred over a wide swath of latitudes and extended from the dayside to locations far downtail. More significantly, because of the warmer storm-time ion population in the magnetosheath, ions were more readily affected by inhomogeneities and rapid changes in the IMF, which caused solar wind ions to gradient drift onto open field lines and reach the inner magnetosphere.
Supercomputing and biomedical science

Abstract Supercomputing has already had an impact on biomedical research. It will become even more important in meeting the grand challenge of improving our public health. I illustrate the impact and point out opportunities for further contributions in selected examples, including the human genome project, crystallography and the structure of proteins, heart modelling, prosthetic design, and the epidemiology of AIDS.
High-dose melphalan, misonidazole, and autologous bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. A phase I study.

To augment the antitumor effect of high-dose melphalan and determine pharmacokinetics we conducted a phase I trial of escalating doses of high-dose IV melphalan with the chemosensitizer misonidazole for patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Fourteen patients with modified Dukes D adenocarcinoma of the colorectum were treated with a single course of melphalan (40-60 mg/m2 i.v. bolus q.d. X 3 days) and misonidazole (1-3 g/m2 p.o. q.d. X 3 days) followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation. Toxicity consisted of severe myelosuppression, moderate nausea and vomiting, and mild mucositis and diarrhea. One patient developed unexplained renal tubular acidosis, and a diffuse encephalopathy occurred in another patient. Three patients died within the first 30 days after the start of treatment, two due to tumor progression and one due to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation-induced intracerebral hemorrhage. Six of 14 patients achieved a partial response, and the median response duration was 4 months (range 3-10 months). Analysis of misonidazole serum concentrations showed similar pharmacokinetics to those previously reported, suggesting no significant drug interaction with intravenous melphalan. Mean peak serum concentrations ranged from 81.8 micrograms/ml to 115.2 micrograms/ml at the second and third misonidazole dose levels, which approximate those known to provide effective chemosensitization with melphalan in animal models. In this phase I study, we showed that maximally tolerated doses of intravenous melphalan can safely be combined with oral misonidazole. In view of the large volumes of oral misonidazole required at the highest dose level, subsequent studies to determine the maximally tolerated dose of misonidazole should employ the intravenous form.
Asymptotic analysis of stochastic models in population genetics

Abstract Stochastic models in population genetics, which lead to diffusion equations, are considered. A method for obtaining asymptotic expansions of the solutions of these equations is presented. The expansions are valid for t / N small, where t is the time in generations and N is the population size. The method permits the analysis of models including selection, mutation, migration, etc. The case of two alleles at one locus is considered. Formulas and numerical results are presented. In the few special cases for which exact solutions are known, comparison shows that the asymptotic solution is good for values of t from zero to 2 N generations. The method can be applied to cases of more than two alleles at one locus and to linkage of genes at different loci.
An experiment to stabilize an electromechanical continuum

An experiment is presented which demonstrates the stabilization of a distributed electromechanical interaction by means of feedback. A conducting elastic "string," stressed by a transverse electric field, is shown to exhibit a threshold electric pressure for instability. The transverse displacements of the spring are sampled and these signals used to induce a feedback field which tends to retain the static equilibrium. Open loop measurements are used to determine the distributed parameters. The experimental and theoretical stability limits of a two station system are compared. Using two sampling stations, the electric pressure consistent with stability is increased by a factor of five. The experiment has implication for the stabilization of more complicated electrostatic levitation devices and for the stabilization of certain hydromagnetic equilibria.
Neighborhood Characteristics and Availability of Healthy Foods in Baltimore

BACKGROUND: Differential access to healthy foods may contribute to racial and economic health disparities. The availability of healthy foods has rarely been directly measured in a systematic fashion. This study examines the associations among the availability of healthy foods and racial and income neighborhood composition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 to determine differences in the availability of healthy foods across 159 contiguous neighborhoods (census tracts) in Baltimore City and Baltimore County and in the 226 food stores within them. A healthy food availability index (HFAI) was determined for each store, using a validated instrument ranging from 0 points to 27 points. Neighborhood healthy food availability was summarized by the mean HFAI for the stores within the neighborhood. Descriptive analyses and multilevel models were used to examine associations of store type and neighborhood characteristics with healthy food availability. RESULTS: Forty-three percent of predominantly black neighborhoods and 46% of lower-income neighborhoods were in the lowest tertile of healthy food availability versus 4% and 13%, respectively, in predominantly white and higher-income neighborhoods (p<0.001). Mean differences in HFAI comparing predominantly black neighborhoods to white ones, and lower-income neighborhoods to higher-income neighborhoods, were -7.6 and -8.1, respectively. Supermarkets in predominantly black and lower-income neighborhoods had lower HFAI scores than supermarkets in predominantly white and higher-income neighborhoods (mean differences -3.7 and -4.9, respectively). Regression analyses showed that both store type and neighborhood characteristics were independently associated with the HFAI score. CONCLUSIONS: Predominantly black and lower-income neighborhoods have a lower availability of healthy foods than white and higher-income neighborhoods due to the differential placement of types of stores as well as differential offerings of healthy foods within similar stores. These differences may contribute to racial and economic health disparities.
Improved modeling for the reheat phase in thermoforming through an uncertainty treatment of the key parameters

This work focuses on the treatment of parameter uncertainty in the simulation of the sheet reheat phase of the thermoforming process. The approach aims to improve the quality of predictions through more accurate evaluation of the input parameters. First, the modeling approach is employed to perform a sensitivity analysis on the reheat phase. Then, a series of specialized experiments with heat flux and temperature sensors are performed on a thermoforming machine. The key parameters identified through the sensitivity analysis are the subject of these experiments. The natural convective heat transfer coefficients are evaluated by two different approaches. Through treatment of the uncertainty associated with the input parameters, the prediction of sheet reheat phase is significantly improved.
Design and thermal-hydraulic analysis of tokamak divertor armor tiles

A prototype divertor armor tile design has been investigated using water-cooled ATJ graphite tiles fitted to a copper heat sink. Two-dimensional steady-state and 1-D time dependent heat transfer codes were developed to determine thermal design characteristics. A steady-state heat flux of 5 MW/m/sup 2/ and a transient disruption load of 140 MJ/m/sup 2/ over 100 /spl mu/s were assumed for an ITER-type device operating in a radiative divertor configuration. For a tile fitted to the heat sink by a bonded-pin mechanism, the optimal armor thickness was determined to be 1.0 cm, with a 2.2 cm diameter coolant channel. The maximum steady state and disruption temperatures of the tile were determined to be 1760 K and 4800 K, respectively. LOCA analysis yielded that a 7 second response time would be needed after loss-of-coolant in the armor tile. The design is predicted to survive approximately 6 disruptions before tile replacement would be necessary.
Two miRNA Clusters, Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3), Are Involved in the Regulation of Spermatogonial Differentiation in Mice

Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be critical players in spermatogenesis. The miRNA expression profiles of THY1(+)-enriched undifferentiated spermatogonia were characterized, and members of Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and its paralog Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) clusters are significantly downregulated during retinoic acid-induced spermatogonial differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo. The repression of microRNA clusters Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) by retinoic acid in turn potentially upregulates the expression of Bim, Kit, Socs3, and Stat3. The male germ cell-specific Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) knockout mice exhibit small testes, a lower number of epididymal sperm, and mild defect in spermatogenesis. Absence of Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) in male germ cells dramatically increases expression of Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) cluster miRNAs in the germ cells. These results suggest that Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) cluster and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) cluster miRNAs possibly functionally cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development.
Myristylation alters DNA-binding activity and transactivation of FBR (gag-fos) protein.

Abstract FBR murine sarcoma virus (gag-fos) protein, a virally transduced Fos protein, exhibits decreased gene transactivation in comparison with the cellular Fos protein. Biochemical analysis suggests that myristylation of the virally encoded N-terminal gag region results in decreased DNA binding and transcriptional activation without affecting heterodimerization with Jun protein. These findings demonstrate that protein myristylation can modulate gene regulation by a DNA-binding protein.
Aged B lymphocytes retain their ability to express surface markers but are dysfunctional in their proliferative capability during early activation events

Ageing is associated with dysfunction in the humoral response leading to decreased protection against infectious diseases. Defects in T cell function due to age have been well characterized but it is unclear if dysfunctions in antibody responses are due to deficiencies in a helper environment or intrinsic B cell defects. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that aged B lymphocytes are able to differentiate into high affinity antibody-secreting cells at a frequency similar to their young counterparts. However, expansion of B cells in vivo was reduced in aged animals when compared to young. To further investigate the cause of this reduced expansion, we have now examined early activation events of aged B cells in response to anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vitro. To do this spleen cells were harvested from young, middle-aged and aged quasi-monoclonal (QM) mice and cultured in complete RPMI for 24 and 48 hours. Cultures contained either LPS or anti-CD40 mAb and murine IL-4. Cells were collected and analyzed using flow cytometry. To examine the proliferative capacity of aged B cells spleen cells were collected as before and cultured in 96 well microtiter plates with either LPS or anti-CD40 mAb and murine IL-4 for 24 hours. Tritiated thymidine ([3H]-Tdr) was added to each well and incubated for another 24 hours after which cells were collected and analyzed using a scintillation counter. Resting aged B cells exhibited similar levels of CD40 expression when compared to young cells and efficiently up-regulated CD86 and CD69 and also down-regulated CD38 upon stimulation. However, aged B cells proliferated less than young B cells and showed a consistent, but not statistically significant, reduction in their ability to form blast cells. Aged B cells exhibited a reduced response in some early activation events but produced at least a partial response in all cases. Thus, therapeutic intervention may be possible, despite intrinsically different responses in aged B cells.
The Effect of 5-Fluorouracil Treatment of Chicks: A Cell Depletion Model for the Study of Avian Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Natural Host Defenses

Two-week-old Leghorn chicks injected intravenously with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were found to have a three- to fivefold reduction (P < .05) in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) 5 to 10 days later. The reduction in PMN was dose-dependent with a dosage of 200 mg/kg body weight of 5-FU, causing suppression of PMN to almost undetectable levels. Increasing the dosage of 5-FU to 400 mg/kg had no further effect on reducing the number of PMN in the circulation nor were overt clinical signs of toxicity observed. Single per os administration of 10(6) viable Salmonella enteritidis (SE) to individual groups of chicks treated or not treated with 5-FU at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 days postinjection resulted in a two- to sixfold increase in the incidence of SE organ invasion (liver and spleen) beginning on Day 4 postinjection and continuing through Day 12 postinjection. The greatest increase in organ invasion occurred on Days 8 through 10 postinjection and was inversely proportional to the greatest reduction in the number of circulating PMN. Using 5-FU, a granulocytopenic chicken model was developed that can be used to study the defensive role of avian heterophils against infectious agents. The results from these preliminary experiments indicate that PMN play a significant role in reducing organ invasion by SE in Leghorn chicks.
Ambivalence in Adult Sibling Relationships

The present study attempted to understand the contradictions in the literature concerning the persistence of ambivalence in adult sibling relationships. It examined a potential source of systematic variation—gender and developmental differences in awareness of underlying feelings about one's age-near, same-sex sibling. Respondents were a random sample of 60 eligible child-rearing (CR) and empty nest (EN) subjects, age 30 to 69. Underlying feelings about the targeted sibling were assessed using the Sibling Thematic Apperception Test. Conscious feelings were assessed using selfreport scales of positive feelings, negative feelings, and contact frequency. For CR women, ratings and corresponding theme frequencies of the projective stories were significantly correlated, but only for positive aspects of the relationship. For EN women, correlations were limited to negative aspects. Contact frequency was strongly associated with separation concerns for CR men and EN women. These findings partially support the diff...
Clinically prescribed orthoses demonstrate an increase in velocity of gait in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect clinically prescribed ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) have on the temporal-spatial parameters of gait, as compared with barefoot walking in children with cerebral palsy. A retrospective chart review of data collected between 1995 and 1999 in our motion analysis laboratory was performed. A retrospective chart review of 700 patients revealed 115 patients (mean age 9 years) who had a primary diagnosis of CP (diplegia n=97, hemiplegia n=18). All were wearing clinically prescribed hinged or solid AFOs at the time of undergoing a three dimensional gait analysis. In line with our standard clinical practice, data for both conditions (braced and barefoot walking) were collected the same day by the same examiner. Statistical analyses indicated the temporal and spatial gait parameters of velocity, stride length, step length, and single limb stance were significantly increased (p<0.001) with the use of AFOs versus barefoot walking. Cadence was the only parameter found to not be statistically different.
Geometric verification of swirling features in flow fields

In this paper, we present a verification algorithm for swirling features in flow fields, based on the geometry of streamlines. The features of interest in this case are vortices. Without a formal definition, existing detection algorithms lack the ability to accurately identify these features, and the current method for verifying the accuracy of their results is by human visual inspection. Our verification algorithm addresses this issue by automating the visual inspection process. It is based on identifying the swirling streamlines that surround the candidate vortex cores. We apply our algorithm to both numerically simulated and procedurally generated datasets to illustrate the efficacy of our approach.
Security for extensible systems

The recent trend towards dynamically extensible systems, such as Java, SPIN or VINO, promises more powerful and flexible systems. At the same time, the impact of extensibility on overall system security and, specifically, on access control is still ill understood, and protection mechanisms in these extensible systems are rudimentary at best. We identify the structure of extensible systems as it relates to system security and postulate an initial model for access control. This model extends the discretionary access control of traditional operating systems to encompass extensions and, by using ideas explored by the security community, introduces a notion of mandatory access control. While a new access control model does not address all aspects of system security, we believe that it can serve as a solid foundation for developing a fully featured and flexible security model for extensible systems.