cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Companion Animals on Social Capital and Community Violence: Setting Research, Policy and Program Agendas

The term social capital has been used to describe the networks and other forces that build social cohesion, personal investment, reciprocity, civic engagement, and interpersonal trust among residents in a community. With the exception of three Australian reports describing positive associations between companion animal ownership and social capital, the literature has neglected to include the presence or absence of companion animal residents of communities as factors that could potentially affect social capital and serve as protective factors for community well-being. Companion animals are present in significantly large numbers in most communities, where they have considerable economic impact and provide emotional and physiologic health benefits and social support to their owners. Companion animals may mitigate the stresses of urban living and counteract what has been called “nature-deficit disorder.” Conversely, they may also be the victims of cruelty, abuse and neglect which can adversely affect the quality of life and social capital of a community. Efforts to measure the impact of companion animals on social capital are constrained by a lack of accurate data on companion animal populations and by gaps in our knowledge of attitudes toward companion animal ownership, particularly in communities of color. An agenda for research, public policy and programmatic activities to address these gaps is proposed to help determine whether the resilience and protective factors which companion animals can offer individuals extend to community populations as well.
Beyond U.C.C. Section 2-207: Should Professor Murray's Proposed Revision Be Adopted?

The traditional common law contract formation rule requires a manifestation of mutual assent expressed through an offer and acceptance. To be an acceptance, a reply to an offer must conform to the offer's terms; a reply that purports to be an acceptance but that varies the offer's terms is not an acceptance, but a counteroffer. The rule stated in the previous sentence is the well-known "mirror image" rule.The mirror image rule causes problems if applied to modern contracts for the sale of goods. The rule was designed when the volume of sales transactions was low and before the widespread use of printed forms by merchant-buyers and merchant-sellers. In modern commercial practice, many such contracts are not fully bargained. Instead, merchant-buyers and merchant-sellers transact business by exchanging printed forms, the buyer sending a purchase order form and the seller sending an acknowledgment form. The terms in these two forms often differ.The drafters of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) created Section 2-207 primarily to remedy the perceived deficiencies created by the mirror image rule's application to situations where contracting parties exchange printed forms whose terms do not match. Section 2-207 turned out to be controversial when applied by the courts, which prompted calls for its revision.One proposed revision was drafted by John Edward Murray, Jr. Mr. Murray (1932-2015) was a Professor of Law at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also served as Dean of the University of Pittsburgh Law School and the Villanova University Law School, and as President of Duquesne University. His treatise on contract and sales law is used by law students and practicing attorneys across America and has been cited in opinions by courts in numerous jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court.In 1990, the American Law Institute's (ALI) UCC Permanent Editorial Board (PEB) recommended that the PEB Drafting Committee consider Professor Murray's proposed revision of Section 2-207 for inclusion in a revised draft of Article 2.Our article analyzed Professor Murray’s proposed revision and addressed whether the ALI should adopt his version in place of the original Section 2-207. Our analysis included discussion of two works generally considered part of the canon of modern American legal thought: Ronald Coase, “The Problem of Social Cost,” 3 Journal of Law & Economics 1 (1960), and Stewart Macaulay, "Non-Contractual Relations in Business: A Preliminary Study," 28 American Sociological Review 55 (1963). Our article concluded that Professor Murray's proposed revision provided a good starting point for revising UCC Section 2-207, but could be substantially improved.
The Project on Death in America.

From its inception in July of 1994 to the present, the Project on Death in America (PDIA) has provided funding for individuals and institutions to address, through research and model systems of care, the barriers to appropriate compassionate care of the dying. The major medical, social and economic impediments include: changes in the trajectory of dying, exemplified by large numbers of patients living for months or years after diagnosis of incurable diseases such as cancer and AIDS; the increasing age of the population; high-technology medical support systems for patients with respiratory and cardiac failure; the greater emphasis on patient autonomy, along with the concerted shift from societal to individual rights; and the limitations in healthcare resources, particularly for patients with chronic medical illness. The mission of PDIA is to understand and transform the culture and experience of dying through initiatives in research and scholarship, the arts and humanities, through innovations in provision of care, through public and professional education and through public policy [www.soros.org/death]. PDIA is a programme of the Open Society Institute, a non-profit foundation created by George Soros to support the development of open societies worldwide [www.soros.org]. Mr Soros established the project because of his own experiences with the death of his parents. PDIA has committed $35 million over the past 7 years and another $15 million will be granted in the next 2 years to help build capacity and institutionalize palliative care. PDIA has created and funded a Faculty Scholars Program, a Social Work Leaders Program and a nursing leadership summit and consortium. It has also funded a broadly based grants programme, and through a series of special initiatives has attempted to focus attention on the needs of vulnerable populations—with special attention to children, prisoners, minorities and the elderly.
Bladder drainage during labor: a randomized controlled trial

Aim: To compare two bladder draining methods during labor on time to delivery, cost and nursing preference. Material and Methods: This trial randomized 139 women with singleton pregnancies in active labor or undergoing induction of labor. Eligibility required an anticipated vaginal delivery with a clinical indication for bladder catheterization (epidural). Participants were randomly assigned to either indwelling or intermittent catheterization. The primary outcome was time to delivery; secondary outcomes were nurse preference, cost and route of delivery. A sample size of 138 women would be needed for 80% power to detect a 30 min difference in the time to delivery interval with a 0.05 alpha error. Results: Outcome data was available for 138 patients (72 indwelling and 66 intermittent). The time to delivery was similar among the two groups (13.8 h for indwelling and 14.4 h for intermittent). Route of delivery and cost estimate was similar in both groups; however, nurses preferred the indwelling method. Conclusion: Indwelling catheterization is recommended as the standard method for bladder drainage in laboring women with epidural.
Generalizability of Behavioral Observations: A Clarification of Interobserver Agreement and Interobserver Reliability.

Sixteen indices of interobserver agreement and six methods for estimating coefficients of interobserver reliability were critiqued. The agreement statistics were found to be imprecise, limited psychometrically, and relatively inflexible in terms of the diverse categorical and quantitative data sets typically encountered in mental retardation research. Five of the reliability statistics produced precise estimates of agreement, yet possessed similar limitations. Only the intraclass correlation--generalizability theory approach seemed to offer the precision, comprehensiveness, and flexibility required to deal with the complexity of reliability assessment. A basic generalizability model was described and illustrated with group and single-subject research data.
Theory of the current-field relation in silicon-rich silicon dioxide

The dependence of the current on the electric field in silicon-rich silicon dioxide (Si-rich ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$) is studied with the use of a theoretical model based on quantum-mechanical tunneling between a random array of small semiconducting Si islands in a large-band-gap ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ insulator matrix. The current $J$ is calculated in the presence of an electric field $F$ by a simple percolation method for various regimes of external voltage. In the high-field limit, the current is found to obey a Fowler-Nordheim law, 1n $J\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{\ensuremath{-}\overline{F}}{F}$, but with $\overline{F}$ weakly dependent on the field $F$.
The catalyst process: What academics provide to practitioners

In this article, I explore what academics may offer community groups and practitioners by suggesting that scholars serve as catalysts that make community projects possible. One goal is to propose the catalyst model as a way of refocusing the action research paradigm. Action research is an established paradigm for scholars who wish to combine their research agenda with a desire to partner with community leaders on change projects. Discussions of action research tend to focus on the value of the approach for academics and methodological strategies that allow them to produce research their university colleagues consider legitimate. In the catalyst approach, we explore what university people provide in pragmatic terms that allows community movements and projects to move ahead. I deemphasize expert knowledge and focus instead on institutional resources. Scholars provide a gateway to a rich resource environment. The organization of professional work also allows scholars to give continuity to projects and to provide a framework that allows projects that otherwise might stall to move toward completion. The catalyst model eliminates the notion that scholars and practitioners belong to fundamentally different intellectual cultures and thereby removes one of the perceived barriers to effective action research. The model also indicates some organizational strategies for university people to use should they wish to set up long-term university-community partnerships..
Roles of Acidic Phospholipids and Nucleotides in Regulating Membrane Binding and Activity of a Calcium-independent Phospholipase A2 Isoform

Phospholipase A2 activity plays key roles in generating lipid second messengers and regulates membrane topology through the generation of asymmetric lysophospholipids. In particular, the Group VIA phospholipase A2 (GVIA-iPLA2) subfamily of enzymes functions independently of calcium within the cytoplasm of cells and has been implicated in numerous cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and membrane transport steps. However, mechanisms underlying the spatial and temporal regulation of these enzymes have remained mostly unexplored. Here, we examine the subset of Caenorhabditis elegans lipases that harbor a consensus motif common to members of the GVIA-iPLA2 subfamily. Based on sequence homology, we identify IPLA-1 as the closest C. elegans homolog of human GVIA-iPLA2 enzymes and use a combination of liposome interaction studies to demonstrate a role for acidic phospholipids in regulating GVIA-iPLA2 function. Our studies indicate that IPLA-1 binds directly to multiple acidic phospholipids, including phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, and phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol. Moreover, the presence of these acidic lipids dramatically elevates the specific activity of IPLA-1 in vitro. We also found that the addition of ATP and ADP promote oligomerization of IPLA-1, which probably underlies the stimulatory effect of nucleotides on its activity. We propose that membrane composition and the presence of nucleotides play key roles in recruiting and modulating GVIA-iPLA2 activity in cells.
Choosing the Best Site for a Bridge

The proper location for a bridge is as important as the characteristics of the bridge itself. This paper discusses a commonsense approach, combined with science, to help select the best locations for bridges. Problems associated with bridge location and construction can be alleviated by conducting a proper site investigation, paying attention to geomorphological indicators, and understanding road template design needs and how streams and watersheds function. Channel classification provides a simple framework to help understand the problems that may exist at bridge locations and to help with route locations. An interdisciplinary approach is required to incorporate all the considerations involved in choosing the best bridge location.
Structural insights into catalytic and substrate binding mechanisms of the strategic EndA nuclease from Streptococcus pneumoniae

EndA is a sequence non-specific endonuclease that serves as a virulence factor during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Expression of EndA provides a strategy for evasion of the host's neutrophil extracellular traps, digesting the DNA scaffold structure and allowing further invasion by S. pneumoniae. To define mechanisms of catalysis and substrate binding, we solved the structure of EndA at 1.75 A resolution. The EndA structure reveals a DRGH (Asp-Arg-Gly-His) motif-containing ββα-metal finger catalytic core augmented by an interesting ‘finger-loop’ interruption of the active site α-helix. Subsequently, we delineated DNA binding versus catalytic functionality using structure-based alanine substitution mutagenesis. Three mutants, H154A, Q186A and Q192A, exhibited decreased nuclease activity that appears to be independent of substrate binding. Glu205 was found to be crucial for catalysis, while residues Arg127/Lys128 and Arg209/Lys210 contribute to substrate binding. The results presented here provide the molecular foundation for development of specific antibiotic inhibitors for EndA.
Evaluation of Reproductive Characters for Four Strains of Channel Catfish

Abstract Two wild and two domestic strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus demonstrated different spawning periods among strains. This character may be under genetic control. Egg hatchability was variable and did not differ significantly among strains or strain crosses. Deformed fry occurred in all spawns, but (with one exception) their frequency did not differ significantly among strains or crosses, and may have been due to environmental factors. Female broodfish weight was positively correlated with total weight and number of eggs of the spawn, but negatively correlated with average egg weight. Egg size was not correlated with hatchability or percent deformed fry.
RFLP analysis of soybean seed protein and oil content

The objectives of this study were to present an expanded soybean RFLP map and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] for seed protein and oil content. The study population was formed from a cross between a G. max experimental line (A81-356022) and a G. soja Sieb. and Zucc. plant introduction (PI 468916). A total of 252 markers was mapped in the population, forming 31 linkage groups. Protein and oil content were measured on seed harvested from a replicated trial of 60 F2-derived lines in the F3 generation (F2∶3 lines). Each F2∶3 line was genotyped with 243 RFLP, five isozyme, one storage protein, and three morphological markers. Significant (P<0.01) associations were found between the segregation of markers and seed protein and oil content. Segregation of individual markers explained up to 43% of the total variation for specific traits. All G. max alleles at significant loci for oil content were associated with greater oil content than G. soja alleles. All G. soja alleles at significant loci for protein content were associated with greater protein content than G. max alleles.
Changes in serum PBB and PCB levels over time among women of varying ages at exposure.

The identification of host factors that are predictors of changes in serum polyhalogenated biphenyl contaminants over time has been a difficult challenge in epidemiologic studies of exposed individuals. Of particular concern are age at exposure, reproductive and lactational histories, and changes in body mass index. Using both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, this study examined factors related to high initial serum PBB and PCB levels and changes in these levels over time among women of varying ages at exposure (n=1772; age range<1 to 45 years). In 1973, PBB exposure occurred through consumption of farm products contaminated with PBB added to cattle feed. Exposures to PCBs began in 1941 through PCB-contaminated silo sealant deteriorating into animal feed. The Michigan Department of Public Health began enrolling participants in 1977 and has continued to follow them through annual updates. At enrollment, questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric measurements, medical/reproductive and occupational histories, and contaminated food consumption patterns. Blood samples were collected for PBB and PCB analysis at enrollment for all participants; additional serum tests were done on a subset of the population during follow-up. Median serum levels at enrollment were 2.0 ppb PBB and 5.0 ppb PCB. A decline in serum PBB level over an interval that ranged from 1 to 146 months (median=31) was observed for 44.6% of the women (median=1.0 ppb), while 12.2% showed an increase (median=1.0 ppb). PCB levels declined in 50.3% of the women (median=3.0 ppb) while 12.2% increased (median=2.0 ppb). Relative to women whose contaminant levels were stable, higher initial serum level was a predictor of decline for both PBB and PCB (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.52-1.82; OR=3.26, 95% CI 2.58-4.12, respectively); a yearly increase in interval between tests was related to declining PCBs (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.46-1.87). In addition, age< or =10 years at exposure (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.03-2.86) and residence on a quarantined farm (OR=1.40, 95- CI 1.03-1.90) were predictors of a decrease in PBBs. Factors related to an increase in PBB levels were age< or =10 years at exposure (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.10-0.96) and initial PBB level (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.15-1.33); and for PCBs, high initial level (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.17-1.53) and body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.13). One or more live births during the interval between tests were not related to changing levels of either contaminant; breastfeeding data were not available for examination. Early age at exposure appears to be an important predictor of changes in serum PBB levels over time.
Percutaneous retrieval of a misplaced titanium Greenfield filter

Vena caval filters are considered permanent indwelling devices. Occasionally, malposition of a filter prompts a desire for its removal. We report a method of percutaneous retrieval of a titanium Greenfield filter by snare.
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of p53 in vitro and in vivo modulates binding to its DNA consensus sequence.

Abstract The tumor-suppresser p53 undergoes extensive poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation early during apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells, and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) attached to p53 coincides with poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1, (PARP-1) cleavage, and expression of p53 target genes. The mechanism by which poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation may regulate p53 function has now been investigated. Purified wild-type PARP-1 catalyzed the poly(ADP-ribosyl) of full-length p53 in vitro . In gel supershift assays, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation suppressed p53 binding to its DNA consensus sequence; however, when p53 remained unmodified in the presence of inactive mutant PARP-1, it retained sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of p53 by PARP-1 during early apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells also inhibited p53 interaction with its DNA consensus sequence; thus, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation may represent a novel means for regulating transcriptional activation by p53 in vivo .
28.3: Evaluation of Thin Film Materials for Field Emission Displays

A simple method for the evaluation of materials suitable for the fabrication of field emission displays is presented. The technique is based on the sensitivity of a large field emitter array to the outgassing or desorption of gas species from thin films under electron beam excitation. We demonstrate the usefulness of the technique for the evaluation of thin film materials suitable for use with Mo field emitter arrays.
Harmonizing and consolidating the measurement of patient-reported information at health care institutions: a position statement of the Mayo Clinic.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) capture how patients perceive their health and their health care; their use in clinical research is longstanding. Today, however, PROs increasingly are being used to inform the care of individual patients, and document the performance of health care entities. We recently wrote and internally distributed an institutional position statement titled “Harmonizing and Consolidating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcomes at Mayo Clinic: A Position Statement for the Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery”. The statement is meant to educate clinicians, clinical teams, and institutional administrators about the merits of using PROs in a systematic manner for clinical care and quality measurement throughout the institution. The present article summarizes the most important messages from the statement, describing PROs and their use, identifying practical considerations for implementing them in routine practice, elucidating potential barriers to their use, and formulating strategies to overcome these barriers. The lessons learned from our experience – including pitfalls, challenges, and successes – may inform other health care institutions that are interested in systematically using PROs in health care delivery science and practice.
Concurrent thermal and electrical modeling of sub‐micrometer silicon devices

High electric fields, that are characteristic of sub‐micron devices, produce highly energetic electrons, lack of equilibrium between electrons, optical phonons, and acoustic phonons, and high rates of heat generation. A simple coupled thermal and electrical model is developed for sub‐micron silicon semiconductor devices consisting of the hydrodynamic equations for electron transport and energy conservation equations for different phonon modes. An electron Reynolds number is proposed and used to simplify the electron momentum equation. On a case study of the metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor with 0.24 μm gate length, the calculated transconductance of 0.175 1/Ω m agreed well with measured value of 0.180 1/Ω m at 2 V drain voltage. The maximum electron temperature is found to occur under the drain side of the gate where the electric field is the highest. Comparison with experimental data shows the predictions of optical and acoustic phonon temperature distributions to have the correct trend and the observed asymmetric behavior. Increase in substrate boundary temperature by 100 °C reduces the drain current by 17% and decreases the maximum electron temperature by 8%. The first effect increases device delay and the second effect decreases the possibility of device degradation by charge trapping in the gate oxide.
Investigation into the scope and limitations of molecular imprinting with DNA molecules

Abstract A brief account of the historical development of molecular imprinting introduces the connection between materials properties and recognition in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Polymers imprinted with DNA derivatives were investigated to understand the underlying principles governing the design, synthesis and application of imprinted polymer materials. A survey of 9-ethyladenine (9EA) imprinted polymers revealed an optimum mol% of cross-linking monomer to be in the range 70–80%, due to a balance of pre-polymer complexation and restriction of random polymer chain motion. MIPs to 9-ethyladenine using different porogens determined that binding site fidelity is best preserved when rebinding solvent matches the porogen. Colder temperatures and initiator concentration of 1 mol% or higher also improve the performance of 9EA imprinted polymers. All nucleosides were imprinted, revealing that only those with the 2-aminopyridine substructure show binding affinity and selectivity. Last, polymer complements to an adenine dimer and tetramer showed selectivity for the dimer, however, the tetramer exhibited little affinity for any imprinted or control polymers. If the lack of binding exhibited by the tetramer is due to size effects, this would set the upper limit of molecular size for molecular imprinting at approximately 20–30 A.
Nuclear medicine in hepatic mass lesions.

I N RADIONUCLIDE images of the liver performed by the usual techniques, ie, multiple static views obtained with a radiolabeled colloid such as Tc-99m sulfur colloid, mass lesions appear essentially the same regardless of the pathology. Malignant and benign tumors, cysts, infarcts, abscesses, physical trauma, and certain vascular tumors all present as foci of decreased radioactivity. Greater specificity of pathologic diagnosis is usually made by inference. When hepatic imaging with radioactive tracers was the only noninvasive imaging modality available, these studies were used extensively with an acceptable level of confidence. Although development and progressive sophistication of transmission CT and ultrasonography (US) demonstrated the limitations of two-dimensional planar imaging with radiotracers, the positive contributions were not emphasized. We in nuclear medicine must accept the responsibility for instituting advances in the development of radiotracers, imaging instrumentation, and more sophisticated techniques to improve the data obtained from hepatic radionuclide studies. The observation made by Lunia et al’ in 1975 remains valid to some extent today: the diagnostic accuracy of static liver studies has not improved remarkably.’ In many respects liver imaging as performed now is similar to earlier methods that used radioactive gold colloid and rectilinear scanning equipment. Through innovative approaches and the application of techniques customized to a particular clinical problem, radionuclide hepatic scintigraphy can be used, both as a primary method for detecting a mass lesion and as a tool for better characterization of the lesion. It is now possible
Some personality traits of frequent clothing buyers

This study examined several personal characteristics of frequent clothing buyers. The data came from a survey of 533 adult consumers including college students and non‐students. As shown in prior studies of clothing as well as other products, the heavy users in this study described themselves as involved, innovative, and knowledgeable, and as opinion leaders. They were also more likely to view new fashions as a means of expressing social and personal identity than light users. These traits were consistent for both men and women of all ages. Moreover, the psychological constructs were more strongly associated with usage than were levels of age, education, and income. The findings extend a profile of frequent clothing buyers and support an argument that heavy usage of many product categories is associated with similar psychological traits.
Search for Resonance Structure in the np Total Cross Section below 800 MeV

The $\mathrm{np}$ total cross section has been measured from 40 to 770 MeV with good statistical precision and better than 1% energy resolution. No evidence is seen for narrow resonances with areas greater than 5 mb MeV or for the $I=0$, $^{1}F_{3}$ state reported by other authors. From 200 to 700 MeV the present results are as much as 6% lower than previous data.
Dobutamine increases cardiac output of the total artificial heart. Implications for vascular contribution of inotropic agents to augmented ventricular function.

BACKGROUND The synthetic catecholamine dobutamine increases stroke volume in normal subjects and in patients with congestive heart failure. In addition to its direct influence on myocardial contractility, dobutamine may significantly modulate vascular tone because of its alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist activity. METHODS AND RESULTS To test the hypothesis that such vasoactive properties significantly contribute to the improved ventricular performance noted with this agent, hemodynamic parameters were measured during stepped ascension infusion of dobutamine in a model that is insensitive to positive inotropic stimulation. Administration of dobutamine in nine calves that underwent replacement of the native right and left ventricles with pneumatically driven total artificial hearts resulted in a significant (p = 0.0001) increase in cardiac output from 7.0 +/- 1.8 to 8.2 +/- 1.8 l/min and a significant (p = 0.0001) decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance from 1,224 +/- 559 to 745 +/- 317 dyne.sec/cm5. A less marked influence was noted on the pulmonary vasculature, with pulmonary vascular resistance exhibiting a significant (p less than 0.05) decrease from its baseline value only at the peak infusion. Consistent with an increase in venous return, both left and right atrial pressures increased significantly (p less than 0.005) with dobutamine administration. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that the vasoactive properties of dobutamine significantly contribute to improved ventricular performance independent of direct myocardial stimulation. This effect appears to result in part from a direct modulation of myocardial stimulation. This effect appears to result in part from a direct modulation of arterial and venous tones rather than from a reflex response to primary changes in contractility.
Drug-induced changes in motor activity after selective MAO inhibition.

Abstract The increase in motor activity produced in mice by phenylethylamine (PEA), L-DOPA and amphetamine was evaluated after selective inhibition of MAO Type A (by clorgyline) or Type B (by low doses of pargyline). PEA-induced motor stimulation was intensified in the presence of MAO-B inhibition, but not when MAO-A was inhibited. This was paralleled by higher concentrations of brain and plasma PEA (after injection) in mice in which there was inhibition of MAO-B compared with control or MAO-A inhibition. Conversely, L-DOPA produced significant stimulation only when MAO-A was inhibited. The clorgyline pretreatment resulted in larger increases in brain dopamine concentrations (in the striatum, olfactory tubercles and in the area containing the substantia nigra) than did MAO-B inhibition. This effect occurred both in mice receiving L-DOPA + inhibitor and in mice receiving the inhibitor alone. Amphetamine-induced stimulation was increased following the inhibition of either form of MAO, and this was not the result of changes in the distribution or metabolism of ampetamine. These results support the concept that MAO-A and MAO-B deaminate different substrates in the rodent CNS and that amphetamine may utilize either dopamine or PEA in producing its stimulant effects.
Dermatoses associated with sterile lytic bone lesions

In recent years several dermatoses, palmoplantar pustulosis, acne fulminans, and Sweet's syndrome, have been associated with sterile lytic bone lesions. This article discusses the clinical, laboratory, and histologic findings of these disorders and postulates a common mechanism underlying the bone lesions.
Transurethral evaporation of prostate (TUEP) with Nd:YAG laser using a contact free beam technique: Results in 61 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods. A total of 61 patients at a mean age of 71.6 years with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH underwent transurethral evaporation of prostate (TUEP) using Nd:YAG laser. Twelve of the patients were experiencing acute retention. Pre- and postoperative evaluation consisted of American Urological Association (AUA) symptom questionnaire and a sexual function questionnaire, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, hematocrit, and prostate volume estimation by transrectal ultrasound. TUEP was achieved by employing a side-firing Nd:YAG laser fiber with a durable quartz reflector and high-power density (Ultraline, Heraeus LaserSonics, Milpitas, CA) that was used in a contact mode. Results. All patients have been evaluated for three months, 26 for six rnonths, and 7 for twelve months. Mean prostatic size was 41.1 g. The mean improvement in symptom scores at one, three, six, and twelve months was 69.8 percent, 70.9 percent, 76.0 percent, and 70.9 percent, respectively (P = < 0.0001). The mean increase in maximum uroflow at one, three, six, and twelve months was 63.4 percent, 66.7 percent, 41.94 percent, and 164.52 percent, respectively (P = < 0.0001). There was no instance of significant fluid absorption or bleeding. The duration of postoperative catheterization was two days in 43 patients, three to seven days in 16 patients, and two to three weeks in 2 patients. There were no deaths. All patients evaluated by TRUS at six months had open channeling defects. Videocystoscopy performed in 16 patients at two to three months postoperatively revealed tissue slough. At repeat cystoscopy in these patients at six months, the prostatic fossa was completely healed with no evidence of tissue slough. Conclusions. It is concluded that the technique of TUEP using Nd:YAG laser is safe and, in preliminary results, appears apparently effective in the management of BPH.
Metal–ligand coordination in subphthalocyanines and phthalocyanines: DFT, AIM and ELF analyses

Abstract A comparative study of subphthalocyanines and phthalocyanines was carried out using high-level quantum chemistry calculations. These calculations represent the highest computational level that has been employed in a systematic study of such oligopyrrolic macrocycles. The boron–phthalocyanine coordination mode is quite different from many other metal–phthalocyanine modes. A metal–ligand bond in a subphthalocyanine is shorter and stronger than that in a phthalocyanine. All metal–ligand bonds are polar bonds with both covalent and ionic natures. The thermodynamic data is consistent with the relative stability of subphthalocyanines and phthalocyanines that have been examined. Fukui functions suggest that the attack perpendicular to the carbon atoms adjacent to the meso nitrogen atoms is probably an initial step for the decomposition of a subphthalocyanine.
Choice, Loyalty, and the Melting Pot: Citizenship and National Identity in Jordan

Debates over the relationship between citizenship and national identity are political battles that define regimes and their citizens. Transjordanian nationalists, the dominant voices in this debate in Jordan, assert that national identity trumps legal citizenship. In contrast, Jordanian pluralists define the political community through shared citizenship in the state, regardless of national origin. Both nationalists and pluralists use the concepts of choice, loyalty, and the melting pot to put forth their versions of Jordanian citizenship and to contest the distribution of political and economic power that maintains the Jordanian regime.
A generic flow algorithm for shared filter ordering problems

We consider a fundamental flow maximization problem that arises during the evaluation of multiple overlapping queries defined on a data stream, in a heterogenous parallel environment. Each query is a conjunction of boolean filters, and each filter could be shared across multiple queries. We are required to design an evaluation plan that evaluates filters against stream items in order to determine the set of queries satisfied by each item. The evaluation plan specifies for each item: (i) the subset of filters evaluated for this item and the order of their evaluations, and (ii) the processor on which each filter evaluation occurs. Our goal is to design an evaluation plan which maximizes the total throughput (flow) of the stream handled by the plan, without violating the processor capacities.Filter ordering has received extensive attention in single-processor settings, with the objective of minimizing the total cost of filter evaluations: in particular, efficient (approximation) algorithms are known for various important versions of min-cost filter ordering. Min-cost filter ordering problem for a single processor is a special case of our flow maximization for parallel processors. Our main contribution in this work is a generic flow-maximization algorithm, which assumes the availability of a min-cost filter ordering algorithm for a single processor, and uses this to iteratively construct a solution to the flow-maximization problem for heterogenous parallel processors. We show that the approximation ratio of our flow-maximization strategy is essentially the same as that of the underlying min-cost filter ordering algorithm. Our result, along with existing results on min-cost filter ordering, enables the optimization of several important versions of filter ordering in parallel environments.
Testing How Well Foreign Language Teachers Speak: A State Mandate

This article reports on a three-year project to help establish an oral proficiency requirement for certification of new foreign language teachers. The project was conducted by ACTFL in association with the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Foreign Language Association, and the University of Texas.
Organic vapor recovery and energy efficiency during electric regeneration of an activated carbon fiber cloth adsorber

An electrothermal-swing adsorption system was demonstrated on the bench scale for capture and recovery of organic vapors from air streams. Methyl propyl ketone (MPK), methyl ethyl ketone, \in-hexane, acetone, and methylene chloride were removed and recovered at 200–1,020 ppm\dv in a 40.0 slpm air stream while using activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) adsorbent. Removal efficiencies were greater than 99.9%. Liquid recovery fractions increased with increasing relative pressure, ranging from 0.11 for methylene chloride (\IP/P\Nsat = 2.1×10\U-3\N) to greater than 0.80 for MPK (\IP/P\Nsat = 2.2×10\U-2\N). The electrical energy consumed during regeneration per mol of liquid organic compound recovered decreased with increasing relative pressure of the inlet gas stream, ranging from 4,698 kJ/mol for methylene chloride to 327 kJ/mol for MPK. Equilibrium ACFC adsorption capacity, throughput ratio, and length of unused bed were also evaluated. These results are encouraging for the development of a new technology to capture and readily recover a wide range of organic vapors from air streams.
When Are Arms Races Dangerous? Rational versus Suboptimal Arming

Are arms races dangerous? This basic international relations question has received extensive attention.1 A large quantitative empirical literature addresses the consequences of arms races by focusing on whether they correlate with war, but remains divided on the answer.2 The theoretical literature falls into opposing camps: (1) arms races are driven by the security dilemma, are explained by the rational spiral model, and decrease security, or (2) arms races are driven by revisionist adversaries, explained by the deterrence model, and increase security.3 These When Are Arms Races Dangerous?
Results of a United States and Soviet Union joint project on nervous system effects of microwave radiation.

During the course of a formal program of cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning the biological effects of physical factors in the environment, it was concluded that d...
Amorphization by mechanical alloying: The role of mixtures of intermetallics

Abstract This paper reports selected results of a continuing study of the systematics and mechanisms of amorphization by mechanical alloying of mixtures of intermetallic compound powders. Mechanical alloying was carried out on mixtures of “line” intermetallic compounds ( i.e . those having a narrow range of homogeneity) in the following binary alloy systems: Cr-Ti, Mn-Ti, Cu-Ti, Fe-Ti, Co-Ti, Ni-Ti, Cu-Zr, Ni-Zr and Mn-Si. Amorphization by mechanical alloying was observed to be complete, to the resolution of X-ray diffraction, for intermetallic compound mixtures ( e.g . NiZr 2 + Ni 11 Zr 9 → a-Ni 40 Zr 60 ) in all the above systems except Cr-Ti, which exhibited partial amorphization, and Mn-Si, which showed no amorphization. The amorphization tendencies could not be predicted from calculated enthalpies of mixing for the amorphous alloys, all of which were negative, or from calculated differences in free energy between the amorphous phase and the mixture of equilibrium intermetallic compounds. Preliminary transmission electron microscopy studies of the evolution of the amorphous phase for the system NiZr 2 + Ni 11 Zr 9 → a-Ni 40 Zr 60 revealed an amorphous halo-like region surrounding the transforming intermetallic particles in an amorphous matrix. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis measurements indicate that the halo-like region has a composition which falls between those of the intermetallic particle and the amorphous matrix.
Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on Island Flap Perfusion and Survival in Rats

• Investigations of the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on skin flap survival have generated mixed results. In addition, to our knowledge, the effect of systemic DMSO on skin flap blood perfusion has not been previously studied. For this study, 48 rats were divided into three groups: (1) a control group, (2) a group injected with DMSO postoperatively only (for seven days), and (3) a preoperatively injected group (for three days preoperatively and seven days postoperatively). The DMSO was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 1.5 g/kg. On each rat, an abdominal island flap (3 × 6 cm) was raised and restored to its original site. Laser Doppler velocimetry and perfusion fluorometry were used to monitor flap perfusion immediately following surgery (day 0) and on postoperative day 3. Flap survival was significantly greater in the DMSO-treated groups when compared with the control group. Significant increases in blood perfusion were noted in the treated flaps on day 3. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1987;113:859-863)
Preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of ribgrass mosaic virus.

Abstract Fiber diffraction data were collected from oriented sols of ribgrass mosaic virus and a lead derivative of the virus. Two lead binding sites were found. Two intersubunit carboxyl-carboxylate pairs, different from those in other tobamoviruses, are predicted to control vital assembly and disassembly. One of the carboxyl-carboxylate pairs forms part of a lead binding site.
Modeling of cerebellar hemorrhage.

The model developed by Lekic and his colleagues provides a framework for a number of important studies on cerebellar hemorrhage. Using biochemical, histological and behavioral approaches they have mapped out the essential features of the model. Future directions will need to refine the behavioral studies to determine the sites in the cerebellum responsible for the behavioral effects. Are the biochemical changes produced by hemorrhage in cerebellar tissues similar to those in the basal ganglia? Will drugs that have a positive effect on supratentorial hemorrhage also work in the cerebellum? Do larger lesions produce brainstem compression with hydrocephalus, which would more closely model the acute illness in man? If so, can medical treatments reduce the secondary damage in such a model and prevent the mass effects that are now treated by surgical excision? This interesting report of a new model will stimulate interest in this important cause of stroke.
Combining NMR and EPR Methods for Homodimer Protein Structure Determination

There is a general need to develop more powerful and more robust methods for structural characterization of homodimers, homo-oligomers, and multiprotein complexes using solution-state NMR methods. In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on integrating distinct and complementary methodologies for structure determination of multiprotein complexes. One approach not yet widely used is to obtain intermediate and long-range distance constraints from paramagnetic relaxation enhancements (PRE) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based techniques such as double electron electron resonance (DEER), which, when used together, can provide supplemental distance constraints spanning to 10-70 A. In this Communication, we describe integration of PRE and DEER data with conventional solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods for structure determination of Dsy0195, a homodimer (62 amino acids per monomer) from Desulfitobacterium hafniense. Our results indicate that combination of conventional NMR restraints with only one or a few DEER distance constraints and a small number of PRE constraints is sufficient for the automatic NMR-based structure determination program CYANA to build a network of interchain nuclear Overhauser effect constraints that can be used to accurately define both the homodimer interface and the global homodimer structure. The use of DEER distances as a source of supplemental constraints as described here has virtually no upper molecular weight limit, and utilization of the PRE constraints is limited only by the ability to make accurate assignments of the protein amide proton and nitrogen chemical shifts.
Binding of mercury compounds to the chloroplasts in relation to the inhibition of the Hill reaction

The binding behavior of mercuric chloride (HgCl/sub 2/), phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), and ethylmercuric chloride (EMC) to the spinach chloroplasts in relation to the inhibition of the Hill reaction was studied at pH 6.8 and 7.8 using /sup 203/Hg labeled compounds. The pH of the reaction medium did not influence the amount of mercury binding of the chloroplast at various mercurial concentrations, but it altered the inhibition curve of the Hill reaction. Between 0-1 x 10/sup -5/ M the binding of Hg/sup 2 +/ and EMC were similar and increased linearly with the concentration, while the binding of PMA was similar to the binding of Hg/sup 2 +/ only at a concentration below 4 x 10/sup -6/ M and was less when the concentration was above 4 x 10/sup -6/ M. However, the inhibition of the Hill reaction by these mercury compounds was quite different; at ph 7.8, the I/sub 50/ values for Hg/sup 2 +/, PMA, and EMC were 5 x 10/sup -6/, 2.5 x 10/sup -6/, and 2.5 x 10/sup -6/ M, respectively, while at pH 6.8, these values were 4 x 10/sup -6/, 4 x 10/sup -5/, and 2 x 10/sup -4/ M, respectively. The differential block ofmore » electron flow by the mercury compounds at pH 6.8 and 7.8 was further confirmed by electron spin resonance study.« less