cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-lobed composite polymer nanoparticles prepared by conventional emulsion polymerization

Abstract The vast majority of latex particles, including those made from multiple polymers, are spherical in shape. This is a result of the minimization of the combined interfacial free energies at the polymer particle–water interface and the polymer–polymer interfaces within the particle. Yet there are special situations in which latex particles containing two, incompatible polymer phases can form asymmetric, multi-lobed particles during conventional, two stage emulsion polymerizations. Here we report on a variety of situations used to produce these interesting polymer particles and discuss the mechanism by which they are formed. The key condition is that the reaction process be carried out in a manner in which the second stage oligoradicals in the water are not allowed to significantly penetrate the first stage latex particle during the reaction. Then, the important variables are the relative differences between the interfacial tensions at the water-polymer interface for the two polymers in question, and the second stage polymer chain diffusivity on the surface of the first stage particles. By extension, the same fundamental parameters of interfacial tensions and polymer chain surface diffusion apply to the morphology possibilities when inorganic first stage particles are used to create inorganic-organic composite latices.
Early Prediction Tool to Identify the Need for Pharmacotherapy in Infants at Risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Objective To develop a tool to predict the need for pharmacologic treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) within 36 hours from birth in infants at risk for opioid withdrawal. Study Design Retrospective study of infants born at 34 weeks or later gestation with in utero exposure to opioids during two time periods from January 2013 through October 2016. Period 1 was used to develop a predictive tool for validation during Period 2. Birth weight, gestational age, four categories of opioid exposure, and individual scores for 21 withdrawal symptoms from the Modified Finnegan Score at 36 hours of life were recorded. During Period 1 a best subsets multiple regression analysis was performed on factors that were associated with pharmacotherapy on univariate analysis. Two tools were designed; one based on three highly predictive symptoms associated with need for pharmacotherapy for NAS and the other incorporating opioid exposure. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the tools were calculated during Period 2. Results The study included 264 infants (Period 1, n = 143; Period 2, n = 121). Polysubstance exposure and three withdrawal symptoms present at 36 hours of life were significantly associated with pharmacotherapy for NAS. The “symptoms only tool” was able to predict that infants with a scoreless than 1 would not receive pharmacotherapy, and infants with scores of 4 or greater would receive pharmacotherapy with positive predictive values of 90% and 100%, respectively. When opioid exposure was included, the “symptoms + exposure tool” was able to predict that infants with a score of 1 or less would not receive pharmacotherapy and infants with scores of 5 or greater would receive pharmacotherapy with positive predictive values of 94% and 86%, respectively. Conclusion A NAS prediction tool combining three clinical signs with category of opioid exposure had high positive predictive values for requiring and for not requiring pharmacotherapy. This tool may expedite pharmacotherapy decisions and optimize management for infants at risk for NAS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Catoms: moving robots without moving parts

We demonstrate modular robot prototypes developed as part of the Claytronics Project (Goldstein et al. 2005). Among the novel features of these robots ("catoms") is their ability to reconfigure (move) relative to one another without moving parts. The absence of moving parts is central to one key aim of our work, namely, plausible manufacturability at smaller and smaller physical scales using high-volume. low-unit-cost techniques such as batch photolithography, multimaterial submicron 3D lithographic processing, and self assembly. Claytronics envisions multi-million-module robot ensembles able to form into three dimensional scenes, eventually with sufficient fidelity so as to convince a human observer the scenes are real. This work presents substantial challenges in mechanical and electronic design, control, programming, reliability, power delivery, and motion planning (among other areas), and holds the promise of radically altering the relationship between computation, humans, and the physical world.
Comparative analysis of two microgrid solutions for island green energy supply sustainability

Microgrids (small-scale power systems optimizing variable generation and loads) that serve a remote island's load requirements demonstrate both the extreme challenges and opportunities in providing reliable power in remote locations. Microgrids which provide The entire power requirements with on-island resources can be considered a complex system. This complex system behavior when better understood should provide the knowledge to better influence the behavior of future green microgrids. This paper presents the first attempt to characterize such a complex system by conducting a comparative analysis of two different approaches to green microgrids serving two islands based upon an onsite visit to both.
Abstract 436: Smooth Muscle Specific Knock-out of the Zinc-Finger Protein 148(ZFP148) Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation via Regulation of Apoptotic Signaling Pathways

Objective: Zinc-finger protein 148 (ZFP148) plays a profound role in the modulation of aortic aneurysm formation in part via modulation of smooth muscle (SMC) genes. The current study objective was to determine whether smooth muscle specific knock-out of ZFP148 is critical in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Methods: ZFP148 was examined via immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy in human atherosclerotic lesion samples (n=12/group). 6-8 week male (n=12/group) ZFP flx/flx Myh11 Cre+ ApoE-/-(SMC tamoxifen ZFP148 KO), Myh11 ZFP148 flx/wt Cre+ ApoE-/- and Myh11 ZFP wt/wt Cre+ ApoE-/- underwent tamoxifen injections followed by western diet feeding for either 13 or 25 weeks. A separate set of mice were fed western diet for 18 weeks and then administered tamoxifen injections. Aortic samples were evaluated with histology for α-actin, macrophages, neutrophils, TER119, caspase3, Ki67, picosirus red and movat staining. In vitro ZFP148 was knocked down using siRNA in smooth muscle cells and stimulated with the oxidized phospholipid POVPC. Results: ZFP148 expression was elevated in human atherosclerotic lesion samples and localized to smooth muscle cells. Lesion size was significantly reduced in SMC ZFP148 KO mice compared with controls in 25 week western diet fed mice(p Conclusions: While earlier studies documented a role for ZFP148 in aneurysm disease, the present study suggests that SMC ZFP148 KO attenuates atherosclerotic lesion formation in early and late atherosclerotic disease. ZFP148 represents a key regulator of multiple types of vascular disease.
Dusty Emission Nebulosity in NGC 1316 (Fornax A)

NGC1316 (Fornax A) is host to a powerful radio source, exhibiting characteristic jet structure on small scales and diffuse lobes on larger scales. The galaxy itself displays many of the features which we now believe are due to the merger of a companion galaxy (Schweizer 1980) — it has Malin-Carter shells, a semi-regular minor axis dust-lane with patches and filaments of dust elsewhere, associated emission-line gas and, of course, nuclear activity.
Integrated system with constructed wetlands for the treatment of domestic wastewaters generated at a rural property – Evaluation of general parameters ecotoxicity and cytogenetics

Abstract The present research investigated the efficiency of an integrated system for the treatment of wastewaters generated at a rural property located in the city of Vera Cruz do Sul, southern Brazil. The integrated system was composed of an anaerobic unit (UASB/AB), 4 subsurface constructed wetlands (SSFCWs), and two photoreactors (UV-254 nm). The evaluation of the performance was based on the reduction of the load parameters and mainly on the detoxification of the wastewaters. The ecotoxicological analysis included short-term assays with the microcrustacean Daphnia magna whereas the cytogenetic potential of the wastewaters was assessed by using the Allium cepa test system. On the one hand, the raw wastewaters presented a strong pollution potential due to high COD, BOD5, TKN, N-NH3 and total P values. On the other hand, the effluents treated by the integrated system showed high reductions of the abovementioned parameters and fully attend the Brazilian and International legal requirements. Furthermore, the treated wastewaters presented a complete absence of the acute ecotoxicity (100%) as well as significant reductions of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity when compared to the raw wastewaters. Therefore, the investigated system can be considered an interesting low-cost sanitation alternative, especially for wastewaters produced in rural areas, where decentralized systems are more suitable. Besides, the results obtained in the present work demonstrate the importance of including toxicity analysis in the monitoring of waters and wastewaters in order to obtain a broader evaluation concerning the efficiency of different treatment systems.
An Anticolonial Framework for Urban Teacher Preparation

ABSTRACTOur contemporary apprenticeship model of teacher education often places preservice teachers in learning environments where they never witness the types of dynamic and engaged practice they ...
A Bride’s Gift

Bridal fashion underwent a series of transformations in the 19th century. After researching this special period for wedding dresses, my design was inspired by royal wedding gowns such as the United Kingdom’s Princess Beatrice’s 1885 gown, which was fitted in front and ruffled on the hip with a long train. The purpose of this design is to create a sustainable yet fashionable and innovative wedding dress that will satisfy a brides’ need for creativity, identity, and versatility.
I’ve Seen It All Before: Memories and the Cognitive Appraisal of Organizational Change

While organizational change scholars would suggest that employees cognitively appraise change events, they have yet to examine how memories of past organizational changes influence affective respon...
Molecular flexure and atom trapping with sexiphenyl molecules by scanning tunneling microscope manipulation

Abstract Molecular flexure, and molecule-metal contact of para-sexiphenyl molecules on a Ag(111) surface are investigated by using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, and molecular manipulations. Atom trapping with sexiphenyl molecules is realized by laterally manipulating the molecules onto individual silver atoms and up to three silver atoms have been trapped. We also demonstrate breaking of a silver dimer into individual silver atoms by atom trapping. STM manipulation experiments show that the molecule-metal complexes formed by the atom trapping are mechanically stable. Moreover, Lateral manipulation of a single sexiphenyl across a Ag(111) atomic step highlights how the molecule moves across step-edges; the molecule can easily conform across the step and it recovers original configuration after the manipulation.
A Great State Fair: The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Revival of the Iowa State Fair

Review of: "A Great State Fair: The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Revival of the Iowa State Fair," by William B. Friedricks.
Evaluation of the Patient Activated Learning System (PALS) to improve knowledge acquisition, retention, and medication decision making among hypertensive adults: Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background There are few engaging, patient centered, and reliable e-Health sources, particularly for patients with low health literacy. Objectives We tested the Patient Activated Learning System (PALS) against WebMD. We hypothesized that participants using PALS would have higher knowledge scores, greater perceived learning, comfort, and trust than participants using WebMD. Methods Participants with hypertension from an urban Internal Medicine practice were randomized to view 5 web pages in PALS orWebMD containing information about chlorthalidone. We assessed knowledge, learning perceptions, comfort, and trust through surveys immediately and one week following the intervention. Results 104 participants completed both survey sets (PALS = 51,WebMD = 53). Immediate post intervention mean knowledge scores were higher for the PALS participants [(4.33 vs. 3.62 (P = .003)]. A greater proportion of PALS participants answered ≥4/5 questions correctly (82% vs. 57%; IRR 1.46 [95% CI 1.13–1.89]). A greater proportion of PALS participants agreed they would feel comfortable taking chlorthalidone if prescribed to them (73% vs. 55%; IRR 1.38 [95% CI 1.04–1.84]). One-week recall and trust were similar in the two groups. Conclusions PALS may have advantages overWebMD for immediate knowledge acquisition, perceived learning, and comfort. Implications PALS is a promising new approach to eHealth patient education. ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier: NCT03156634
A New Species of Abbrosoga (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Delphacidae), An Endemic Puerto Rican Planthopper Genus, with an Updated Checklist of the Delphacidae of Puerto Rico

The genus Abbrosoga Caldwell (Delphacidae: Delphacinae: Delphacini) was described in Caldwell Martorell (1951) to include the single species Abbrosoga errata Caldwell, 1951. Here, a second species, Abbrosoga multispinosa n. sp. is described. Revised diagnostics are presented for the genus and A. errata, including a key to species. A compiled list of 64 delphacid species from Puerto Rico is presented, with updated nomenclature, including the new species and a new record of Delphacodes aterrima for Puerto Rico.
Highlights in Physical Simulation and Analysis at ICCAD

Six papers were chosen to represent twenty years of research in physical simulation and analysis, three papers addressing the problem of extracting and simulating interconnect effects and three papers describing techniques for simulating steady-state and noise behavior in RF circuits. In this commentary paper we will try to describe the contribution of each paper and place that contribution in some historical context.
A comparison of experimental and theoretical turbulence reduction from screens, honeycomb and honeycomb-screen combinations

A 1/2-scale model of a portion of the NASA Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel was used to conduct some turbulence reduction research. The experimental results are correlated with various theories. Screens alone reduce axial turbulence more than the lateral turbulence; whereas, honeycomb alone reduce lateral turbulence more than axial turbulence. Because of this difference, the physical mechanism for decreasing turbulence for screens and honeycomb must be completely different. Honeycomb with a downstream screen is an excellent combination for reducing turbulence.
Bradykinin and α-Thrombin Increase Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Macromolecular Permeability by Different Mechanisms

Bradykinin and α-thrombin both increase endothelial macromolecular permeability, however the mechanism for this effect is unclear. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) permeability to human serum albumin was increased by 1 μM α-thrombin (AT) or bradykinin (BK), but the kinetics of the permeability response were different. Intracellular calcium mobilization of HUVEC by AT was increased, yet BK had no effect on intracellular calcium. Distribution of F-actin and content was increased by AT as early as 10 minutes after administration, yet BK had no affect on F-actin when compared to control. We hypothesized that BK may increase HUVEC permeability by producing matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). The AT-treated HUVEC produced an intermediate 64 kDa MMP-2, whereas BK-treated HUVEC increased the intermediate 64 kDa MMP-2 and also an active 62 kDa MMP-2. Pre-treatment of the HUVEC with tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 slightly decreased the AT-induced increase in macromolecular permeability and completely inhibited the BK-induced increase in macromolecular permeability.
Management of Vaginal Mesh Exposures Following Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

To discuss considerations and current evidence for the diagnosis and management of vaginal mesh exposures following female mesh-augmented anti-incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Since the introduction of mesh into female pelvic surgery, various applications have been reported, each with their own unique risk profile. The most commonly encountered mesh-related complication is vaginal mesh exposure. Current evidence on the management of vaginal mesh exposure is largely limited to observational studies and case series, though this is continuing to expand. We present a synthesis of the available data, as well as clinical and surgical approaches to managing this complication. It is important for surgeons to be familiar with the management of vaginal mesh exposures. Depending on the patient’s presentation and goals, there is a role for conservative measures, mesh revision, or mesh excision. Further study is warranted to standardize mesh resection techniques and explore non-surgical treatments.
Susceptibility of canine chondrocytes and synoviocytes to antibiotic cytotoxicity in vitro

OBJECTIVE To evaluate relative cytotoxicity of antibiotics to normal canine joint tissues in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Experimental in vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION Chondrocytes and synoviocytes (three dogs); cartilage explants (three dogs); six dogs total. METHODS Chondrocytes and synoviocytes from normal femoropatellar joints of three dogs were plated on 24-well plates (50 000 cells/cm2 , triplicate, 48 hours) and exposed to antibiotics (ampicillin sulbactam, vancomycin, cefazolin, ceftazidime, amikacin, enrofloxacin; 0.39-25 mg/mL, 24 hours). Viability was assessed by using trypan blue dye exclusion. Antibiotic concentrations at which 50% cell death occurred (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) were determined to rank antibiotics for relative cytotoxicity. Occurrence of caspase-3 expression after antibiotic exposure was assessed as an indication of apoptosis induction. Cartilage explants from three different dogs were minced and exposed to antibiotics (amikacin, ceftazidime, cefazolin, enrofloxacin; 5 mg/mL, 72 hours). Live/dead staining was performed, and fluorescence was visualized by using confocal microscopy. Percentage of live vs dead cells was quantitated. RESULTS Viability of chondrocytes and synoviocytes decreased with increasing antibiotic concentrations. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations were determined for synoviocytes (vancomycin 13.77, ampicillin sulbactam 3.07, amikacin 2.26, ceftazidime 1.62, cefazolin 1.48, enrofloxacin 1.25 mg/mL) and chondrocytes (vancomycin 8.65, ampicillin sulbactam 8.63, ceftazidime 3.16, amikacin 2.74, cefazolin 1.67, enrofloxacin 0.78 mg/mL). Caspase-3 expression was upregulated, providing evidence that apoptotic pathways were active in cell death. CONCLUSION Half-maximal inhibitory concentration data provided evidence of lower toxicity of vancomycin and ampicillin sulbactam to joint tissues in vitro. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These results provide evidence to justify future in vitro work with osteoarthritic joint tissues and in vivo clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy of intra-articular antibiotics to treat dogs with septic arthritis.
Treatment Outcomes of Slow Coagulation Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation In Pseudophakic Patients with Medically Uncontrolled Glaucoma.

Purpose Reporting treatment outcomes of slow coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) as an initial surgical intervention in pseudophakic patients with glaucoma. Design Retrospective case series. Methods This single academic center study reviewed 74 pseudophakic patients who had a diagnosis of glaucoma and no previous glaucoma surgeries (mean age 82.6 ± 12.5 years; mean follow-up 18.7 ± 9.1 months). The intervention used was slow coagulation continuous wave TSCPC (1250-mW power and 4-second duration). The primary outcome measure was surgical success defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 6-21 mm Hg with a ≥20% reduction from baseline, no reoperation for glaucoma, and no loss of light-perception vision. Secondary outcome measures included glaucoma medication use, visual acuity (VA), and complications. Results IOP decreased from 27.5 ± 9.8 mm Hg preoperatively to 16.1 ± 6.3 mm Hg postoperatively (P 21 mm Hg (high group) or ≤21 mm Hg (low group), success rates at 2 years were 64.9% and 45.5%, respectively (P = .144). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA changed from 0.70 ± 0.64 to 1.04 ± 0.87 at the last follow-up visit (P = .01). No serious complications were observed and most of the complications were mild and transient. Conclusions Slow coagulation TSCPC has good efficiency, especially in patients with baseline IOP >21 mm Hg, and safety profile as an initial surgical intervention in pseudophakic patients with glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 2021;221:•••–•••. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Community Collateral Damage: A Question of Priorities

Today’s soaring mortgage default rate and the uncertainty and delay associated with mortgage foreclosure proceedings threatens to cause financial tragedies of the commons in condominiums and homeowner associations across the country. Assessment defaults in privately governed communities result in an inequitable allocation of upkeep costs, and current law provides no way to prevent this spillover effect. But the collateral damages caused by delayed foreclosures and insufficient recoveries can be minimized by gradually increasing the priority position of the association lien. In a majority of states, association liens are completely subordinate to the first mortgage lien. At foreclosure of the mortgage lien, the junior priority assessment lien will be extinguished whether or not there are sufficient proceeds to reimburse for community charges. Assessment delinquencies grow over time, so the longer it takes to complete foreclosure, the greater the costs to the neighborhood. Although several states have adopted a limited lien priority for up to six months’ worth of unpaid assessments, foreclosures today take far longer than six months, and the amount ultimately owed to a community can be significant and far exceed that cap. Federal housing policy impacts the resolution of the issue because the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac only permit qualifying mortgages to be subject to a six-month assessment lien priority. The decelerating pace of foreclosure further exacerbates the already unjustifiable financial impact borne by non-defaulting neighbors. The lien priority status quo fails to adequately protect communities in today’s context of widespread and delayed foreclosures and under-collateralized mortgage loans. Decreasing the first mortgage lien’s priority during a foreclosure delay would mitigate the harm. Lien priority statutory changes can protect association finances in the future, and such provisions may be applied retroactively as well. In other contexts, states have held that changes to a lien priority regime can apply to existing associations and existing mortgages without unconstitutionally impairing contract or property rights. This is particularly true where the association’s lien is deemed to be created as of the date the organizational documents for the community were recorded (prior in time to any unit’s mortgage). Bank lobbyists have historically opposed any enhanced assessment lien priority, but supporting property upkeep and making assessments more predictable and collectible would actually benefit lenders by shoring up the value of their collateral. Better certainty with respect to homeowner payment obligations will also enable more responsible credit underwriting and contribute to economic recovery. Shoring up assessment lien priority not only ensures a fair allocation of community costs, but also helps to contain the current housing market decline.
The Value of Understanding the Human Side of Precautionary Behavior for Criminology and Crime Control Policy: The 2021 Bruce Smith Sr. Award Address to the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Criminology has traditionally emphasized the offender, relegating theory, research, and policy on target decision-making to a place of relative unimportance. I advocate a different view. In choice ...
Unusual Exchange Couplings and Intermediate Temperature Weyl State in Co 3 Sn 2 S 2

Understanding magnetism and its possible correlations to topological properties has emerged to the forefront as a difficult topic in studying magnetic Weyl semimetals. ${\mathrm{Co}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ is a newly discovered magnetic Weyl semimetal with a kagome lattice of cobalt ions and has triggered intense interest for rich fantastic phenomena. Here, we report the magnetic exchange couplings of ${\mathrm{Co}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ using inelastic neutron scattering and two density functional theory (DFT) based methods: constrained magnetism and multiple-scattering Green's function methods. ${\mathrm{Co}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ exhibits highly anisotropic magnon dispersions and linewidths below ${T}_{C}$, and paramagnetic excitations above ${T}_{C}$. The spin-wave spectra in the ferromagnetic ground state is well described by the dominant third-neighbor ``across-hexagon'' ${J}_{d}$ model. Our density functional theory calculations reveal that both the symmetry-allowed 120\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} antiferromagnetic orders support Weyl points in the intermediate temperature region, with distinct numbers and the locations of Weyl points. Our study highlights the important role ${\mathrm{Co}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ can play in advancing our understanding of kagome physics and exploring the interplay between magnetism and band topology.
Online Religion? The Evolving Religious Information Landscapes of Zen Buddhism and Roman Catholicism

Advances in technology allow for new modes of access to both secular and religious information. Historically, some religious groups seem to have been eager to accept technological developments, while others have done so reluctantly. Nevertheless, the sustainability of a religious tradition depends on the ability of its believers to continually access information in an evolving world. Modern technology has occasioned broader religious information landscapes than ever before, to the extent that religion can seemingly be practiced using entirely online tools. Is this possibility borne out in reality? Through a synthesis of the nature and historical development of Zen Buddhism and Roman Catholicism, this study identifies some aspects inherent in each tradition that have influenced each one’s religious information landscape. It then explores the extent to which each religion can be practiced without an in-person faith community. These findings suggest an opportunity for further investigation into the information behavior of technology-enabled believers as a means of better understanding the future of religious experience.
Combining Theory with Practice

The purpose of this chapter is to elaborate and update, with recent and relevant research, a contextual and developmental relational competence theory (RCT) in intimate/non-intimate relationships. RCT focuses on how effectively we deal with each other, with intimates and non-intimates, in close/distant, committed/uncommitted, dependent/interdependent/independent, and short/prolonged relationships. Relational means bidirectional rather than unidirectional interactions with intimates and non-intimates in a continuous interdependent and reciprocal exchange of resources available to us. Effectiveness is evaluated by how we feel, how we think, how we act, how we are aware, and how we evaluate proximal and distal subjective contexts as perceived by us. Theory means a hierarchical framework akin to the table of organization of any human enterprise with various levels expanding downward from generality to specificity and from abstract to concrete, going from overall general assumptions, normative models proper, models clinically relevant to dysfunctional conditions, improvement of competence, and conclusion.
The Resource Curse Reversed? Remittances and Corruption in Mexico

Tyburski, Michael D. (2012) The Resource Curse Reversed? Remittances and Corruption in Mexico. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 0.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00721.x © 2012 International Studies Association Do remittances increase corruption in recipient states? Previous research suggests that remittances allow governments to maintain policies that create corrupt state–society relations. In contrast, this paper argues that remittances mitigate corruption by increasing government accountability and providing other incentives to reform. Using data from Mexico in 2001–2007, this study shows that corruption trended downward in states receiving larger remittance sums, after controlling for political competition, divided government, and market openness. The results are robust to instrumental variable analysis testing for potential endogeneity between corruption and migration. These findings bring attention to remittances as an exogenous resource for reform-minded groups and suggest that they may operate as the converse of the resource curse.
Binding of a curarimimetic toxin from cobra venom to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Interactions of six biotinyltoxin derivatives with receptor and avidin

We have reacted N-hydroxysuccinimidyl biotin with the principal curarimimetic toxin in Naja naja siamensis venom, biotinylating each of the five lysine residues and the N-terminal isoleucine. The six monobiotinyl-toxins were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography, and the residue modified in each was identified by peptide mapping and amino acid analysis. We evaluated the role of each lysine in the binding of toxin to the acetylcholine receptor by measuring the affinity of each biotinyltoxin for receptor and by determining which biotinyltoxins could bind receptor and avidin simultaneously. The effect of biotinylation of each residue decreased the affinity of toxin for receptor in the order Lys 23 greater than Lys 49 greater than Lys 35 greater than Lys 69 congruent to Lys 12 greater than Ile 1. Biotinyltoxin modified either at Lys 12 or at Lys 69 is effective in cross-linking avidin to receptor, while biotinyltoxin modified at Lys 49 can form a low-affinity avidin-biotinyltoxin-receptor complex. Taken together, these results help define the surface of toxin that binds to receptor.
Laryngofissur mit Chordektomie und vertikale Kehlkopfresektion

Die Plattenepithelkarzinome des Larynx stellen die haufigste maligne Erkrankung des oberen Aerodigestivtraktes dar. Anatomisch und klinisch werden sie in glottisch, supraglottisch oder subglottisch wachsende Karzinome eingeteilt. Am haufigsten findet man Karzinome der Glottis, die auf den Stimmlippen entstehen; ihr Anteil an den Larynxkarzinomen in Nordamerika betragt ungefahr 75%. Fast zwangslaufig kommt es mit der Entstehung eines Karzinoms im Bereich der Glottis zu Heiserkeit. Aus diesem Grunde ist die Tumorausdehnung zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnose normalerweise noch auf die Stimmlippen beschrankt und die meisten Patienten konnen erfolgreich behandelt werden.
Cardiac myocyte-specific deletion of Heat shock protein 10 results in altered cytosolic and mitochondrial protein expression (699.6)

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that prevent protein damage and proteolysis. HSP10 forms mitochondrial (Mito) chaperoning complexes with HSP60 to maintain protein quality contro...
Freeze–Thaw Effects on Stiffness of Unbound Recycled Road Base

A major concern for using recycled pavement material as an unbound base or subbase layer is the effect of changing seasons on the properties of the recycled material. Three sources of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), and one conventional base aggregate, were used to investigate the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the stiffness of unbound road base/subbase layers. Effects of freeze-thaw cycling on the mechanical behavior of three gradations (coarse, medium, fine) of recycled materials were systematically evaluated to determine how climatic factors and aging affect the resilient modulus. Sealed specimens were exposed to 5, 10, and 20 sets of freeze-thaw cycles. Resilient modulus tests were conducted according to NCHRP 1-28A after the final freeze-thaw cycle. Freeze-thaw cycling caused a decrease in the stiffness (i.e., the summary resilient modulus) of RAP samples and Class 5 aggregate due to the effect of the water retained in the pores. An increase in the stiffness of RCA was observed over 20 freeze-thaw cycles and is attributed to self-cementitious behavior of crushed concrete. Seismic modulus testing was used to investigate the continuous rate of change (daily) of the stiffness for RCA and Class 5 aggregate. The seismic modulus test confirmed the trends observed in resilient modulus testing and served as a non-destructive method for tracking changes in stiffness over time and freeze-thaw cycling.
Forskolin and Camptothecin Induce a 30 kDa Protein Associated with Melatonin Production in Y79 Human Retinoblastoma Cells

The synthesis of melatonin in Xenopus retinas, chick and quail retinal cell cultures, and Y79 human retinoblastoma cells is stimulated by cAMP through a protein synthesis-dependent mechanism. In Y79 retinoblastoma cells, combined treatment with the RNA synthesis inhibitor camptothecin and agents that elevate cAMP, such as forskolin, causes a synergistic elevation of melatonin. Using two-dimensional gel analysis we have identified a 30 kDa cytosolic protein (p30) whose radiolabeling was consistently increased in parallel with increases in arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity and melatonin production that were induced by forskolin and/or camptothecin. Pulse-chase experiments suggest that the elevation in radiolabeling of p30 is due to increased synthesis. Three candidate proteins found in the mammalian pineal, protein 14-3-3, malate dehydrogenase, and recoverin, do not comigrate with p30.
Herbicides and Cancer: A Review and Discussion of Methodologic Issues

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, investigators in Sweden reported over fivefold risks for soft-tissue sarcoma and lymphoma among persons exposed to phenoxyacetic acid herbicides and chlorophenols (Eriksson et al. 1981; Hardell and Sandstrom 1979; Hardell et al. 1981). The possibility that these widely used and important commercial chemicals might be human carcinogens prompted a number of epidemiologic investigations. Reports from over 20 additional studies are now available. Results from these investigations, which employed cohort and case-control designs, have not been consistent, but as of yet the discrepancies cannot be explained. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of available findings, to note consistencies and inconsistencies, to consider methodologic issues, particularly for case-control studies that might account for these inconsistencies, and to identify areas of research needing development.
Sites of Desire, Economies of Pleasure: Sexualities in Asia and the Pacific

Sites of Desire, Economies of Pleasure: Sexualities in Asia and the Pacific. Lenore Manderson and Margaret Jolly. eds. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997. 367 pp.
Generating Novel Options during Systems Architecting: Psychological Principles, Systems Thinking, and Computer-Based Aiding

Systems Architecting is a decision-intensive process that stands to benefit from access to historical architectural options and the ability to rapidly generate novel ones. Despite this recognition, option generation, and, more precisely, the process of creative option generation has been underemphasized in both the decision making and system architecting literature. This paper reviews the literature on option generation from the perspective of systems architecting. It presents a framework for option generation that exploits systems thinking and psychological principles for stimulating creative option generation. It presents the system concept of an option generation aiding system that can assist systems architects in expanding and systematically exploring the option space in the early stages of architecting and design when cost avoidance is more easily achieved and change is possible.
Logic is to the quantum as geometry is to gravity

I will propose that the reality to which the quantum formalism implicitly refers is a kind of generalized history, the word history having here the same meaning as in the phrase sum-over-histories. This proposal confers a certain independence on the concept of event, and it modifies the rules of inference concerning events in order to resolve a contradiction between the idea of reality as a single history and the principle that events of zero measure cannot happen (the Kochen-Specker paradox being a classic expression of this contradiction). The so-called measurement problem is then solved if macroscopic events satisfy classical rules of inference, and this can in principle be decided by a calculation. The resulting conception of reality involves neither multiple worlds nor external observers. It is therefore suitable for quantum gravity in general and causal sets in particular.
Narratives on Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Personal Responses to the Standardized Curriculum

As curriculum objectives become more standardized, pedagogical strategies that reach diverse populations become more important, not less as some practitioners might be prone to believe. Through the use of narratives, we have found that students achieve greater understandings of curriculum as well as find culturally relevant ways of applying curriculum to previous knowledge. Using the same line of thinking, stories of successful pedagogical practice help to reinforce the ideas behind culturally relevant pedagogy as it translates from theory into practice. Classroom narratives from students and teachers where culturally relevant pedagogical practices have been implemented are the focus of this article.
Effective discretization strategies in optimal design

The authors define a successive approximation algorithm which consists of a sequence of progressively finer stages of discretization, with a prescribed number of iterations of the optimization algorithm carried out in each stage. They associate with the successive approximation algorithm two optimal discretization problems and propose methods for their solutions. They present an implementation scheme based on estimates and show by experiment that it is quite effective. >
Global optimization of the infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry using statistical design of experiments

Design of experiments (DOE) is a systematic and cost-effective approach to system optimization by which the effects of multiple parameters and parameter interactions on a given response can be measured in few experiments. Herein, we describe the use of statistical DOE to improve a few of the analytical figures of merit of the infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry. In a typical experiment, bovine cytochrome c was ionized via electrospray, and equine cytochrome c was desorbed and ionized by IR-MALDESI such that the ratio of equine:bovine was used as a measure of the ionization efficiency of IR-MALDESI. This response was used to rank the importance of seven source parameters including flow rate, laser fluence, laser repetition rate, ESI emitter to mass spectrometer inlet distance, sample stage height, sample plate voltage, and the sample to mass spectrometer inlet distance. A screening fractional factorial DOE was conducted to designate which of the seven parameters induced the greatest amount of change in the response. These important parameters (flow rate, stage height, sample to mass spectrometer inlet distance, and laser fluence) were then studied at higher resolution using a full factorial DOE to obtain the globally optimized combination of parameter settings. The optimum combination of settings was then compared with our previously determined settings to quantify the degree of improvement in detection limit. The limit of detection for the optimized conditions was approximately 10 attomoles compared with 100 femtomoles for the previous settings, which corresponds to a four orders of magnitude improvement in the detection limit of equine cytochrome c. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo regulation of the β-myosin heavy chain gene in soleus muscle of suspended and weight-bearing rats

In the weight-bearing hindlimb soleus muscle of the rat, approximately 90% of muscle fibers express the beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC) isoform protein. Hindlimb suspension (HS) causes the MHC isoform population to shift from beta toward the fast MHC isoforms. Our aim was to establish a model to test the hypothesis that this shift in expression is transcriptionally regulated through specific cis elements of the beta-MHC promoter. With the use of a direct gene transfer approach, we determined the activity of different length beta-MHC promoter fragments, linked to a firefly luciferase reporter gene, in soleus muscle of control and HS rats. In weight-bearing rats, the relative luciferase activity of the longest beta-promoter fragment (-3500 bp) was threefold higher than the shorter promoter constructs, which suggests that an enhancer sequence is present in the upstream promoter region. After 1 wk of HS, the reporter activities of the -3500-, -914-, and -408-bp promoter constructs were significantly reduced ( approximately 40%), compared with the control muscles. However, using the -215-bp construct, no differences in promoter activity were observed between HS and control muscles, which indicates that the response to HS in the rodent appears to be regulated within the -408 and -215 bp of the promoter.
Eroded Unity and Clientele Migration: An Alternative Explanation of Mexico’s Democratic Transition

This paper offers a new explanation of Mexico’s democratization. I propose that despite the occurrence of three serious economic crises and five electoral reforms between 1977 and 1994, by the mid-1990s the PRI was able to remain as the dominant party at the federal and state level because its elite still had strong incentives to remain united, and this allowed the party to keep its virtual monopoly over voters’ mobilization. However, once the 1996 electoral reform changed the structure of incentives for the average PRI leader at the federal and – specially relevant – state level, the union of this party’s elite rapidly eroded, leading to the migration of experienced cadres and valuable political machines to other parties. This soon translated into significant electoral defeats for the PRI, including the loss of the presidency in the 2000 election.
Prioritarianism for Global Health Investments: Identifying the Worst Off

The available resources for global health assistance are far outstripped by need. In the face of such scarcity, many people endorse a principle according to which highest priority should be given to the worst off. However, in order for this prioritarian principle to be useful for allocation decisions, policy-makers need to know what it means to be badly off. In this article, we outline a conception of disadvantage suitable for identifying the worst off for the purpose of making health resource allocation decisions. According to our total advantage view: (1) the worst off are those who have the greatest total lifetime disadvantage; (2) advantage foregone due to premature death should be treated in the same way as other ways of being disadvantaged at a time; (3) how badly off someone is depends on the actual outcomes that will befall her without intervention, not her prospects at a time; and (4) all significant forms of disadvantage count for determining who is worst off, not just disadvantage relating to health. We conclude by noting two important implications of the total advantage view: first, that those who die young are among the globally worst off, and second, that the epidemiological shift in the global burden of disease from communicable to non-communicable diseases should not lead to a corresponding shift in global health spending priorities.
Mutations that diminish expression of Kell surface protein and lead to the Kmod RBC phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Kmod is an inherited rare RBC phenotype characterized by weak but detectable expression of high-incidence Kell antigens. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 19 exons and the intron-exon regions of the KEL gene from four unrelated Kmod individuals were sequenced and compared to wild-type KEL. To study the mechanisms by which the mutations result in depression of Kell antigens, mutant and wild-type Kell proteins were expressed in 293T cells and the amounts of protein present on the cell surface were determined. RESULTS: The following point mutations were identified: Kmod−1, homozygous 1208G>A, S363N; Kmod−2, heterozygous, 1208G>A, S363N and 2150 A>G, Y677C; Kmod−3 (previously classified as KEL:−13), heterozygous 1106T>C, L329P and 1716G>A, W532Stop; Kmod−4, heterozygous, 2227G>A, G703R and a silent 1839C>T mutation. In transfected 293T cells, fewer G703R and L329P mutant Kell proteins were transported to the cell surface compared with wild-type Kell protein, and there was no detectable Y677C mutant Kell protein. Previously, it was shown that that S363N Kell protein was not detected on the cell surface. CONCLUSION: Different point mutations, causing amino acid substitutions and presumably altering protein conformation, inhibit transport of the mutant Kell proteins to the cell surface. The different mutations leading to the Kmod phenotype explain why anti-Ku made by persons with the Kmod phenotype are not mutually compatible.