cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Political Theory of Government Debt and Deficits in a Neo-Ricardian Framework

In the presence of different abilities, and therefore different bequests, some individuals are bequest constrained even in a neo-Ricardian world. Such individuals vote for taxes on future generations, through the issuance of bonds, thereby increasing their current consumption. This produces some crowding out of capital, reduces wage rates, and increases the interest rate. As a consequence, even unconstrained individuals are no longer indifferent to the size of government debt. The paper derives conditions that are conducive to larger debt and deficits when each of the living generations determines current taxes, social security benefits, and the national debt by majority rule. Copyright 1989 by American Economic Association.
Local property reconstruction and monotonicity

We propose a general model of local property reconstruction. Suppose we have a function f on domain Γ, which is supposed to have a particular property P, but may not have the property. We would like a procedure that produces a function g that has property P and is close to f (according to some suitable metric). The reconstruction procedure, called a filter, has the following form. The procedure takes as input an element x of Γ and outputs g(x). The procedure has oracle access to the function f and uses a single short random string ρ but is otherwise deterministic. This model was inspired by a related model of online property reconstruction that was introduced by by Ailon, Chazelle, Comandur and Liu (2004). It is related to the property testing model, and extends the framework that is used in the model of locally decodable codes. A similar model, in the context of hypergraph properties, was independently proposed and studied by Austin and Tao (2008). We specifically consider the property of monotonicity and develop an efficient local filter for this property. The input f is a real valued function defined over the domain {1, . . . ,n}d (where n is viewed as large and d as a constant). The function is monotone if the following property holds: for two domain elements x and y, if x ≤ y (in the product order) then f(x) ≤ f(y). Given x, our filter outputs the value g(x) in (log n)O(1) time and uses a random seed ρ of the same size. With high probability, the ratio of the Hamming distance between g and f to the minimum possible Hamming distance between a monotone function and f is bounded above by a function of d (independent of n).
Molecular weight of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase in concentrated solutions of guanidine hydrochloride

The molecular weight of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase was determined in 6m- and 8m-guanidine hydrochloride by meniscus-depletion sedimentation equilibrium, sedimentation velocity and viscosity. Sedimentation equilibrium revealed heterogeneity with the smallest component having a molecular weight of about 50000. At lower speeds, the apparent weight-average molecular weight is about 80000. By use of a calculation based on an empirical correlation for proteins that are random coils in 6m-guanidine hydrochloride, sedimentation velocity gave a molecular weight of 91000, and the intrinsic viscosity indicated a viscosity-average molecular weight of 84000. Heating in 6m-guanidine hydrochloride lowered the viscosity of beta-galactosidase in a variable manner.
Transient (Dual) Zoning

A new concept and procedure are presented which can overcome major objections to complete zoning of a community. Transient zoning is recommended in place of what would normally be unzoned categories, to reduce spot zoning and thereby maintain the integrity of the community's comprehensive master plan. Transient zoning should also significantly reduce the number of public hearings relative to individual zoning applications. Greater use of urban open space is encouraged by providing tax reduction incentives.
The readiness of local law enforcement to engage in US anti-trafficking efforts: an assessment of human trafficking training and awareness of local, county, and state law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia

Human trafficking represents one of the largest criminal enterprises worldwide. International anti-trafficking efforts depend on the cooperation of individual governments to incorporate anti-trafficking measures within all levels of law enforcement. Millions of dollars have been appropriated for training and awareness programs within the USA. Research indicates, however, that there may be a lack of human trafficking awareness and training among local and state law enforcement agencies. Findings from a survey within the State of Georgia support the notion that training and awareness initiatives may not be reaching local counterparts.
Analysis of biological time-lapse microscopic experiment from the point of view of the information theory

We report objective analysis of information in the microscopic image of the cell monolayer. The process of transfer of information about the cell by the microscope is analyzed in terms of the classical Shannon information transfer scheme. The information source is the biological object, the information transfer channel is the whole microscope including the camera chip. The destination is the model of biological system. The information contribution is analyzed as information carried by a point to overall information in the image. Subsequently we obtain information reflection of the biological object. This is transformed in the biological model which, in information terminology, is the destination. This, we propose, should be constructed as state transitions in individual cells modulated by information bonds between the cells. We show examples of detected cell states in multidimensional state space. This space is reflected as colour channel intensity phenomenological state space. We have also observed information bonds and show examples of them.
Use of metabolic markers to identify overweight individuals who are insulin resistant.

Background Insulin resistance is more common in overweight individuals and is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Given the current epidemic of obesity and the fact that lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and exercise, decrease insulin resistance, a relatively simple means to identify overweight individuals who are insulin resistant would be clinically useful. Objective To evaluate the ability of metabolic markers associated with insulin resistance and increased risk for cardiovascular disease to identify the subset of overweight individuals who are insulin resistant. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting General clinical research center. Patients 258 nondiabetic, overweight volunteers. Measurements Body mass index; fasting glucose, insulin, lipid and lipoprotein concentrations; and insulin-mediated glucose disposal as quantified by the steady-state plasma glucose concentration during the insulin suppression test. Overweight was defined as body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or greater, and insulin resistance was defined as being in the top tertile of steady-state plasma glucose concentrations. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the best markers of insulin resistance; optimal cut-points were identified and analyzed for predictive power. Results Plasma triglyceride concentration, ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and insulin concentration were the most useful metabolic markers in identifying insulin-resistant individuals. The optimal cut-points were 1.47 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) for triglyceride, 1.8 in SI units (3.0 in traditional units) for the triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and 109 pmol/L for insulin. Respective sensitivity and specificity for these cut-points were 67%, 64%, and 57% and 71%, 68%, and 85%. Their ability to identify insulin-resistant individuals was similar to the ability of the criteria proposed by the Adult Treatment Panel III to diagnose the metabolic syndrome (sensitivity, 52%, and specificity, 85%). Conclusions Three relatively simple metabolic markers can help identify overweight individuals who are sufficiently insulin resistant to be at increased risk for various adverse outcomes. In the absence of a standardized insulin assay, we suggest that the most practical approach to identify overweight individuals who are insulin resistant is to use the cut-points for either triglyceride concentration or the triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration ratio.
A Note on First Passage Times in Birth and Death and Nonnegative Diffusion Processes.

Abstract : Consider a birth and death process starting in state 0. Analytical arguments were shown earlier that the time of first passage into state n has an increasing failure rate (IFR) distribution. We present a probabilistic proof for this. In addition, our proof shows that for a nonnegative diffusion process, the first passage time from state 0 to any state x is IFR.
The cellular response to hypoxia: tuning the system with microRNAs

Adaptation to hypoxia is an essential cellular response controlled by the oxygen-sensitive master transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). HIF-1 expression is also controlled by specific microRNAs and, in turn, controls the expression of other microRNAs, which fine-tune adaptation to low oxygen tension. In this issue of the JCI, Ghosh and colleagues identify a unique microRNA in hypoxic endothelial cells, miR424, that promotes HIF-1 stabilization and angiogenesis. The actions of this microRNA are considered in the context of the complex interactions that act to ensure optimal endothelial adaptation to this critical environmental condition.
American and Chinese children's understanding of basic relational concepts in directions

Two hundred first- and second-grade Chinese children's knowledge of basic relational concepts in following directions was assessed on the Applications Booklet of the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts-Revised (BTBC-R, 1986). Chinese children's performance was then compared with that of the standardization sample of the BTBC-R. Results indicated that both the American and Chinese children made significant improvements between the end of first and second grades, yet both American and Chinese children experienced difficulties on items such as following multiple-step directions. American children, but not Chinese children, had difficulties following directions involving the concepts of right and left in combination with other relational concepts, the quantity concept of equal, and comparative and superlative features such as farther and farthest. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 261–272, 2004.
A Review of “Blood in the Forum: The Struggle for the Roman Republic”

Pamela Marin completed her PhD at University College Dublin in December 2005 with a dissertation titled “Cato the Younger: Myth and Reality.” With Blood in the Forum, she has now written a narrativ...
Distribution of foraging habitats of male loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) as revealed by stable isotopes and satellite telemetry

Most studies on the foraging ecology of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) have focused on adult females and juveniles. Little is known about the foraging patterns of adult male loggerheads. We analyzed tissues for carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) from 29 adult male loggerheads tracked with satellite transmitters from one breeding area in Florida, USA, to evaluate their foraging habitats in the Northwest Atlantic (NWA). Our study revealed large variations in δ13C and δ15N and a correlation between both δ13C and δ15N and the latitude to which the loggerheads traveled after the mating season, thus reflecting a geographic pattern in the isotopic signatures. Variation in δ13C and δ15N can be explained by differences in food web baseline isotopic signatures rather than differences in loggerhead trophic levels. Stable isotope analysis may help elucidate residency and migration patterns and identify foraging sea turtle subpopulations in the NWA due to the isotopically distinct habitats used by these highly migratory organisms.
Effects of α1-Receptor Blockade on the Hemodynamic Responses to Exercise in Young Hypertensives

The purpose of this study was to determine if alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockade alters the hemodynamic response to exercise in young (less than 25 yr) male borderline hypertensives differently than in young normotensives. Five hypertensive (HTN, MAP greater than 105 mmHg) and 7 normotensive (NTN, MAP less than 95 mmHg) college-age males underwent two 30 min bouts of cycle ergometry exercise at 50% VO2pk in a warm (25 degrees C, 50% rh) environment; one following alpha 1-receptor blockade with prazosin (PRAZ) and the other following placebo administration (PLAC). During resting PLAC and compared to NTN, HTN exhibited an elevated cardiac index (CI, p = .002), similar HR and elevated total peripheral resistance index (TPRI, p = .015). During resting PRAZ, CI and TPRI were similar but HR was higher (p = .013) in HTN than NTN. While reduced during PRAZ, resting MAP was higher in HTN than NTN (p = .007) for both trials. With exercise and PLAC, CI was higher (p = .029) while HR and TPRI were similar for HTN compared to NTN. With PRAZ, the exercise CI, TPRI and HR responses were similar for both groups. Exercise MAP was blunted in both groups with PRAZ. While not differing significantly between groups for each treatment, MAP was stable for NTN while it declined after 10 min of exercise in HTN. The elevated CI seen in exercising HTN with PLAC was removed with PRAZ; the exercise response was otherwise unaltered by alpha 1-blockade. Consequently, these data suggest that young male hypertensives have an elevated blood pressure due to an elevated CI incompletely offset by a reduced TPRI. While alpha 1-blockade lowers MAP by lowering CI, the MAP response to exercise remains unaltered.
Small ion-driven VUV/UV light sources for laboratory applications

Inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) devices offer a unique method to generate energetic ions for excitation of rare gas and rare gas halide excimers. A unique feature for this approach is that it allows small sized units with the ion source and excimer medium contained in vessels of order 30-cm radius. The IEC operates by applying a high negative voltage (up to -100 kV) on a spherical mesh grid (cathode) located in the center of a grounded grid (anode), all within a spherical vacuum vessel. A plasma discharge is created between the grids. The cathode extracts ions from the discharge and accelerates them towards the center of the device. Large ion background gas collision densities are created in the center region and along the ion beam paths, creating intense light emission. An alternate approach discussed here allow lower operating pressures and reduced ion thermalization, giving improved emission efficiencies, uses an external RF ion generator to separate the injected species from the mixture. The injector increases the device size, but a compact RF source has been developed which involves injector diameters of only ~ 6 cm by 30- cm length. Designs for such devices and their operation will be described.
Postsynaptic Target Specificity of Neurotrophin-Induced Presynaptic Potentiation

Abstract The role of the target cell in neurotrophin-induced modifications of glutamatergic synaptic transmission was examined in cultured hippocampal neurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induced rapid and persistent potentiation of evoked glutamate release when the postsynaptic neuron was glutamatergic, or excitatory (E→E), but not when it was GABAergic, or inhibitory (E→I). This target-specific action of BDNF was also found at divergent outputs of a single presynaptic neuron innervating both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, suggesting that individual terminals can be independently modified. Surprisingly, BDNF increased the frequency of miniature postsynaptic currents at both E→E and E→I, although it had no effect on evoked currents at E→I. Finally, potentiation by neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was also target specific. The selective effect at E→E suggests that retrograde signaling by the postsynaptic target cell endows a localized presynaptic action of neurotrophins.
Towards a Quantum Analog of Weak KAM Theory

We discuss a quantum analogue of Mather’s minimization principle for Lagrangian dynamics, and provide some formal calculations suggesting the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equation. We then rigorously construct from the dual eigenfunctions of a certain non-selfadjoint operator a candidate ψ for a minimizer, and recover aspects of ‘‘weak KAM’’ theory in the limit as h→0. Regarding our state ψ as a quasimode, we furthermore derive some error estimates, although it remains an open problem to improve these bounds.
Programmatic goals and approaches to onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is an endemic disease in 37 countries (in Africa in the Americas and in Yemen). It infects at least 17.7 million people and causes visual impairment in 500000 and blindness in another 270000. It is transmitted by black flies that breed in rapidly flowing rivers and streams. As response to an endemic disease programs have focused on the control of onchocerciasis transmission. In Africa the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control is based on an ivermectin-distribution strategy designed to control the skin and eye disorders that result from heavy infections. By contrast the strategy of the African Onchocerciasis Control Program is a vector control to completely interrupt the transmission cycle of the parasite by applying larvicide to riverine breeding sites. In the Americas another strategy being implemented is to use ivermectin more than once a year not only to stop progression of disease but also to interrupt transmission. Moreover the global lymphatic-filariasis initiative aims to halt transmission of lymphatic filariasis in endemic African communities by annual mass administration of single-dose combination therapy with albendazole and Mectizan.
Think-Aloud Strategy: Metacognitive Development and Monitoring Comprehension in the Middle School Second-Language Classroom.

Twenty-seven middle school English learners participated in a study to determine the efficacy of the Think-Aloud Strategy, one of several metacognitive strategies created to help students strategically negotiate appropriate meaning from text. Students were grouped by level of English-language proficiency and were administered a reading comprehension pretest. They were then taught how to use the Think-Aloud Strategy and were administered a posttest to assess the strategy's effect on their reading comprehension. Use of the Think-Aloud Strategy was expected to improve comprehension of expository text among all three groups. However, each group presented different results, with only the intermediate group exhibiting benefits from using the strategy. The findings suggest English learners with varying levels of native-language proficiency have unique instructional needs in reading. No single reading strategy may exist that will improve comprehension in all English learners.
Use of surfactants as plasticizers in preparing solid dispersions of poorly soluble API: stability testing of selected solid dispersions.

Purpose The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of surfactant-plasticizers on the physical stability of amorphous drug in polymer matrices formed by hot melt extrusion.
A prediction model for pathologic N2 disease in lung cancer patients with a negative mediastinum by positron emission tomography

Introduction: Guidance is limited for invasive staging in patients with lung cancer without mediastinal disease by positron emission tomography (PET). We developed and validated a prediction model for pathologic N2 disease (pN2), using six previously described risk factors: tumor location and size by computed tomography (CT), nodal disease by CT, maximum standardized uptake value of the primary tumor, N1 by PET, and histology. Methods: A cohort study (2004–2009) was performed in patients with T1/T2 by CT and N0/N1 by PET. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model for pN2 among a random development set ( n = 625). The model was validated in both the development set, which comprised two thirds of the patients and the validation set ( n = 313), which comprised the remaining one third. Model performance was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. Results: Among 938 patients, 9.9% had pN2 (9 detected by invasive staging and 84 intraoperatively). In the development set, univariate analyses demonstrated a significant association between pN2 and increasing tumor size ( p p = 0.007), maximum standardized uptake value of the primary tumor ( p = 0.027), and N1 by PET ( p p p = 0.61) and validation (c-statistic, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.74; goodness-of-fit p = 0.19) sets. Conclusion: A prediction model for pN2 based on six previously described risk factors has reasonable performance characteristics. Observations from this study may guide prospective, multicenter development and validation of a prediction model for pN2.
Control of Myofibroblast Differentiation by Microtubule Dynamics Through a Regulated Localization of mDia2

Myofibroblast differentiation plays a critical role in wound healing and in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. We have previously shown that myofibroblast differentiation is mediated by the activity of serum response factor (SRF), which is tightly controlled by the actin polymerization state. In this study, we investigated the role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in modulating myofibroblast phenotype. Treatment of human lung fibroblasts with the microtubule-destabilizing agent, colchicine, resulted in a formation of numerous stress fibers and expression of myofibroblast differentiation marker proteins. These effects of colchicine were independent of Smad signaling but were mediated by Rho signaling and SRF, as they were attenuated by the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y27632, or by the SRF inhibitor, CCG-1423. TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation was not accompanied by gross changes in the microtubule polymerization state. However, microtubule stabilization by paclitaxel attenuated TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Paclitaxel had no effect on TGF-β-induced Smad activation and Smad-dependent gene transcription but inhibited actin polymerization, nuclear accumulation of megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 protein, and SRF activation. The microtubule-associated formin, mDIA2, localized to actin stress fibers upon treatment with TGF-β, and paclitaxel prevented this localization. Treatment with the formin inhibitor, SMI formin homology 2 domain, inhibited stress fiber formation and myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β, without affecting Smad-phosphorylation or microtubule polymerization. Together, these data suggest that (a) TGF-β promotes association of mDia2 with actin stress fibers, which further drives stress fiber formation and myofibroblast differentiation, and (b) microtubule polymerization state controls myofibroblast differentiation through the regulation of mDia2 localization.
Excitation and damping of a self-modulated laser wakefield

Spatially, temporally, and angularly resolved collinear collective Thomson scattering was used to diagnose the excitation and damping of a relativistic-phase-velocity self-modulated laser wakefield. The excitation of the electron plasma wave was observed to be driven by Raman-type instabilities. The damping is believed to originate from both electron beam loading and modulational instability. The collective Thomson scattering of a probe pulse from the ion acoustic waves, resulting from modulational instability, allows us to measure the temporal evolution of the plasma temperature. The latter was found to be consistent with the damping of the electron plasma wave.
Precise mapping and characterization of the RNA primers of DNA replication for a yeast hypersuppressive petite by in vitro capping with guanylyltransferase

The active origins of DNA replication for yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mitochondrial DNA share 280 conserved base pairs and have a promoter. Since intact replication intermediates retain their initiating ribonucleotide triphosphate, we used guanylyltransferase to in vitro cap the replication intermediates present in restriction enzyme-cut DNA from an ori-5 hypersuppressive petite. Restriction mapping and RNA sequencing of these labeled intermediates showed that each DNA strand is primed at a single discrete nucleotide, that one primer starts at the promoter and that the other primer starts 34 nt away, outside the conserved region. Deoxyribonuclease digestion of the capped fragments left resistant RNA primers, which enabled identification of zones of transition from RNA to DNA synthesis. Some of the results contradict the prevailing model for priming at the yeast mitochondrial origins.
Professionalism, Feminism, and Gender Roles: A Comparative Study of Nineteenth-Century Medical Therapeutics

Some historians have argued that nineteenth-century medicine reflected a belief system that oppressed women and that doctors' cultural prejudices biased both treatment and the doctor-patient relationship. Nineteenth-century physicians have been accused of administering harsh and painful therapies to punish and control female patients who were unresponsive to the dictates of "true womanhood." Doctors allegedly practiced a form of medicine that attempted to reinforce childlike dependency in women, defined females as inherently weak and sickly, and discouraged excessive mental or physical exertion which might have turned a woman's attention to pursuits beyond her sphere. This interesting thesis, which has caught the imagination of many contemporary critics of the present-day male medical establishment, deserves careful examination. Medical practice does reflect and has in the past mirrored larger cultural and social ideologies.' We know, for example, that many standard nineteenth-century medical texts described puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy as critical periods in women's health when innate physiological weaknesses involving the reproductive system could cause permanent and serious damage if not properly managed. Many male physicians vociferously opposed the higher education of women on the grounds that it threatened female health. Indeed, the confluence of medical opinion and cultural attitudes concerning woman's role has been one of the most in-
High-pressure phase transition in CsCl at V/V0=0.53.

Using energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction with a synchrotron source we have observed a tetragonal phase of CsCl under high pressure. We have measured $\frac{c}{a}$ from $\frac{V}{{V}_{0}}=1$ to 0.505 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002 which corresponds to a pressure range of 0 to 80 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5 GPa. The transition was seen at a volume ratio of 0.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 and a pressure of 65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 GPa.
Dynamic Topography in Rift Zones: Implications for Lithospheric Heating [Extended Abstract]

Extension of the lithosphere in rift zones results in heating of the crust and mantle beneath the rift. Based on simple stretching models (McKenzie 1978), the subsidence history of rifts has been attributed to crustal thinning during extension and subsequent conductive cooling of the lithosphere beneath the rift. The amount of subsidence caused by cooling should provide an estimate of the amount of heat added to a column of lithosphere as it extends. Models of this type, which assume local isostatic compensation and uniform extension over the whole thickness of the lithosphere, underpredict the amount of post-rift thermal subsidence (Royden & Keen 1980) and do not explain the flanking uplifts associated with rifts. Predictions of central subsidence from models that do not explain flanking uplifts should be suspect since the same mechanisms producing the uplift may also affect the central subsidence. The origin of flanking uplifts may have important implications for the amount and horizontal distribution of lithospheric heating beneath a rift. In a study of the Gulf of Suez rift, Steckler (1985) proposes that flanking uplifts are isostatically supported by thermal expansion due to heating. Because horizontal heat conduction occurs too slowly to explain the amplitude and width of flanking uplifts, convection due to stretching-induced horizontal temperature variations beneath the rift (Buck 1986) has been suggested as a heat transfer mechanism.
The 3500 Å 1A2-1A1 transition of formaldehyde-h2 d2 and hd: Analysis of Coriolis and Fermi perturbations

Abstract Interactions of vibrations through rotation about the principal axes of the molecule, and anharmonic resonance interactions were found to explain satisfactorily almost all the rotational level perturbations observed in the vibronic states of the H 2 CO, D 2 CO, and HDCO molecules. The basis for these explanations was found in model calculations for perturbations in vibrotors of asymmetries and inertial parameters appropriate for formaldehydes. The most important result that emerged is that it can be difficult to distinguish a -axis Coriolis and Fermi resonances, and b - and c -axis Coriolis resonances from each other unless intensity as well as energy perturbations are analyzed. Strong coupling of the levels ν 4 and ν 6 in the ground state of HDCO, through rotation about the a -axis was analyzed exactly to determine the inertial constants of the two states, the coupling parameter and the difference in vibrational energy levels. There is appended a set of graphs which make it possible to estimate for a given a -axis Coriolis resonance in an asymmetric rotor whether the relatively simple symmetric top energy expression will be adequate for band analysis.
Immunotoxicology of Cigarette Smoke Condensates: Suppression of Macrophage Responsiveness to Interferon γ

Abstract We have investigated systematically the effects of short-term exposure to main stream cigarette smoke condensates (CSC-MS) on basal and inducible functional capacities of murine peritoneal exudate macrophages. Macrophages treated with CSC-MS form granules that fluoresce orange under blue excitation, consistent with the speculation that they are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). CSC-MS selectively suppressed interferon gamma (IFNγ) induction of four macrophage functional capacities: enhanced phagocytosis of immunoglobulin-opsonized sheep red blood cells, TPA-induced H 2 O 2 production, class II major histocompatibility complex expression, and nitric oxide synthesis. In contrast, two macrophage functions that are not induced by IFNγ, basal electron transport and LPS-induced TNFα production, were enhanced by treatment with CSC-MS. These results suggest that the suppressive effects of CSC-MS on macrophage responsiveness were selective and were not due to nonspecific inhibition of general functions such as RNA or protein synthesis. Since macrophage responsiveness to IFNγ can result in induction of functional capacities that are fundamental to immunity, the data suggest that CSC-MS maybe deleterious to the general health of the smoker.
Reversed-phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of reduced monoclonal antibodies in pharmaceutics

A reversed-phase LC/MS method was developed for reduced antibodies that provides efficient separation of light chain and two variants of heavy chain containing N-terminal glutamine and pyroglutamic acid. The best separation was achieved on Zorbax CN and Varian Pursuit DiPhenyl columns eluted with increasing percentage of n-propanol and acetonitrile in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. Although glutamine was genetically coded for the N-terminal residue of heavy chain of a monoclonal antibody used in this study, we found that most of it (70%) was converted to pyroglutamate during production. The conversion process continued in vitro and was monitored by the method. Deconvoluted electrospray ionization mass spectrum of the heavy chain revealed the glycosylation profile of a single N-linked sugar including a-, mono-, and di-galactosylated biantennary glycans and a 5-mannose sugar form.
A note on metastatistics or ‘an essay toward stating a problem in the doctrine of chances’

Discussions about foundations are typically accompanied by much unnecessary proselytism, name calling and personal animosities. Since they rarely contribute to the advancement of the debated discipline one may be strongly tempted to brush them aside in the direction of the appropriate philosophers. However, there is always a ghost of a chance that some new development might be spurred by the arguments. Also the possibly desirable side effects of the squabbles on the teaching and on the standing of the debated disciplines cannot be entirely ignored. This partly explains why the present author reluctantly agreed to add to the extensive literature on the subject. Another reason for the present essay is the fortuitous circumstance that this author had the benefit of five years of spirited discussions with Etienne Halphen whose views were not entirely out of line with the present neo-Bayesian philosophies. By virtue of these special circumstances, it happened that, contrary to what seems to be the case for most American statisticians, we learned a form of the neo-Bayesian creed before being exposed to the classical theory of statistics. From these long discussions, in which the works of de Morgan, Venn, Keynes, Jeffreys and many others were constantly quoted, we have retained a certain awe for the Bayesian approach itself, but above all for the fascination its attractive simplicity seems to have for the sharpest minds. However, we could not defend ourselves at that time, and cannot defend ourselves now from the sentiment that this age and times should see an elaboration of a formalized mathematical theory in which the subject could not only be debated but also studied.
The structure of the turbulent boundary layer over a mobile and deformable boundary

The structure of the velocity field above a propagating water wave of fixed frequency was investigated in order to evaluate the transport of wind momentum to water waves and the influence of a mobile and deformable boundary on the bursting cycle. The vertical and horizontal velocities were measured in a transformed Eulerian wave-following frame of reference with the aid of a cross hot film, in a wind-wave research facility at Stanford University.
A commutative Banach algebra with factorization of elements but not of pairs

We find a one-point Gleason part q off the Silov boundary of H??(A) such that the maximal ideal M, factors but such that pairs do not factor in M, .
Constructive techniques for labeling constant weight Gray codes with applications to minimal generating sets of semigroups

Abstract The Partition Type Conjecture, a generalization of the Middle Levels Conjecture of combinatorics, states that for all positive integers n and r , with n > r >1, and every non-exceptional partition type τ of weight r of X n , there exists a constant weight Gray code which admits an orthogonal labeling by partitions of type τ . We prove results in combinatorics and finite semigroup theory, providing the completion of the proof that the Partition Type Conjecture is true for all types having more than one class of size greater than one (and leaving open only those cases which are equivalent to the Middle Levels Conjecture). The rank of a finite semigroup S is the cardinality of a minimum generating set for S ; if S is idempotent generated, the idempotent rank of S is the cardinality of a minimum idempotent generating set for S . A semigroup of transformations of X n ={1,…, n } is said to be S n -normal if S is closed under conjugation by the permutations of X n . The results here concerning the Partition Type Conjecture are used to determine a simple formula for the rank and idempotent rank of every S n -normal semigroup.
Arab–Kurdish Relations and the Future of Iraq

Abstract The Iraqi Kurds now not only possess their most powerful regional government since the creation of Iraq following World War I (the Kurdistan Regional Government—krg), but also play a prominent role in the Iraqi government in Baghdad, holding the posts of president, foreign minister and several other cabinet positions. After a great deal of wrangling, the Kurds managed to maintain their strong position in al-Maliki's new Baghdad government finally cobbled together in December 2010. This dual governmental role stood in marked contrast to the situation that existed before the events of 1991 and 2003, when the Kurds were treated as second class citizens and worse. The ultimate question is for how long this unique Kurdish position of strength will last. Many Arabs still resent the Kurdish claims to autonomy as a challenge to the Arab patrimony and see a federal state for the Iraqi Kurds within Iraq as simply a prelude to secession forced upon the Arabs at a moment of temporary weakness following the w...
Acoustic measures of stutterers' speech following an intensive therapy program

Abstract Characteristics of consonant-vowel duration and vocal fundamental frequency ( F 0 ) are reported for 12 school-age stuttering males. Subjects' speech was recorded pre- and post- therapy and at 2-mo follow-up. Mean F 0 and voice onset time values remained stable from pretherapy to 2-mo follow-up, and an increase of 12% vocalized time was maintained across all posttherapy samples. It is suggested that increases in speech fluency may not be accompanied by changes in fundamental timing gestures. Increased speech fluency may be accomplished through increases in vocalized time permitting adjustments in motor sequencing which accompany stuttering.
Measurement of (C13)arginine incorporation into apolipoprotein B-100 in very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins in normal subjects using (13C)sodium bicarbonate infusion and isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

We describe a new stable isotope technique for the in vivo study of hepatic plasma protein synthesis in humans. The method involves the infusion of (13C)sodium bicarbonate for 1 h and the measurement of the isotopic enrichment of (13C)arginine in newly synthesized apolipoprotein B of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-apoB) and low density lipoproteins (LDL-apoB) in blood samples taken over a 5–6 h period from the commencement of the infusion. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry was utilized to measure 13CO2 enrichment following hydrolysis of these proteins and conversion of the guanidinium carbon of arginine in the hydrolysate to carbon dioxide by sequential incubation with arginase and urease. The method is capable of measuring isotopic enrichment as low as 0.001 at. % excess (APE) with a precision of 1.2%. In both subjects studied, the (13C)arginine of VLDL-apoB reached enrichments of 0.2 APE and that of the arginine of LDL-apoB, 0.03 APE. Incorporation of labeled arginine into LDL-apoB was demonstrable at 60–90 min. The new technique is safe and is applicable to the study of the hepatic biosynthesis of a wide range of plasma proteins.
The role of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I in mammalian ageing

Research with invertebrates over the past 10 years has suggested that alterations in insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signalling result in increased lifespan and retard ageing. In this chapter, we describe the current research in mammalian systems with respect to the role of insulin or IGF-I in ageing. Using rodent models of caloric restriction and genetic mouse models, e.g. the Ames and Snell dwarf mice, fat-specific insulin receptor knockout mice (FIRKO) and mice that are heterozygous for the IGF-I receptor (Igf1r+/-), investigators have shown that a reduction in plasma levels of insulin and/or IGF-I or reductions in insulin/IGF-I signalling appear to be correlated with increased longevity and retarded ageing.
Estrone sulfate promotes human breast cancer cell replication and nuclear uptake of estradiol in MCF‐7 cell cultures

Estradiol levels in breast tumors from post-menopausal women are similar to those in pre-menopausal women even though plasma estrogens are much lower after the menopause. In situ estrogen production by the tumor provides a potential means of maintaining high estradiol levels in post-menopausal breast cancer tissue. The estrone sulfatase pathway has been proposed as the mediator of in situ estrogen production. A number of studies suggest that estrone sulfate may be converted into estradiol in breast tumors via the catalytic activity of estrone sulfatase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, these studies used pharmacologic levels of estrogen sulfates and have not shown that physiologic levels can support biologic effects. Accordingly, the present study examined the dose relationship of estrone sulfate to a variety of biologic endpoints in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in culture. These cells converted physiologic concentrations of estrone sulfate to quantities of free estradiol capable of stimulating cell growth. Under these conditions, the nuclear steroids observed were free estrone and estradiol. Increase in cell number after 6 days of exposure to steroid required 100 nM estrone sulfate. However, S-phase, a more sensitive measure of cell proliferation, was stimulated by 0.1 nM estrone sulfate, a clearly physiologic concentration. Stimulation of estrogen-dependent protein markers such as pS2 and progesterone receptor required much higher concentrations of estrone sulfate. These effects were mediated through the estrogen receptor since the pure anti-estrogen, ICI 164384, blocked all effects produced by estrone sulfate. While it has been suggested that anti-estrogens may partly exert their effects by inhibition of sulfatase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, this did not occur under our experimental conditions. These data provide evidence of the relevance of the estrone sulfatase pathway since biologic effects can be demonstrated in response to physiologic concentrations of estrone sulfate.
Comparison of Three Photochemical-Fluorimetric Methods for Determination of Chloroquine

Chloroquine [7-chloro-4-(4-diethylamino-1-methylbutylamino)quinoline] is both fluorescent and photochemically unstable. The primary photoproduct was also found to be both photoactive and fluorescent. Three fluorimetric methods for measurement of original chloroquine concentration were evaluated: (1) digital integration of the fluorescence decay signal from chloroquine (380 nm); (2) digital integration of the fluorescence increase due to the photoproduct (480 nm); (3) analog recording of product fluorescence as a function of exposure time. The digital methods gave better precision (0.6%) and limit of detection (0.1 ppb) by one and two orders of magnitude, respectively. Sensitivity using integration of native chloroquine fluorescence was better by an order of magnitude than that for integration of photoproduct signal and is therefore the method of choice. The analog method was much less sensitive than either digital procedure. The photochemical conversion of chloroquine to intermediate (fluorescent) and final (nonfluorescent) products was studied. Oxygen increases the photochemical quantum yields and decreases fluorescence quantum yields, but satisfactory analytical data are obtained with air-saturated solutions. Speed of analysis and limits of detection exceed previously reported methods.
Turbulent wall fires

Turbulent natural convection fires at the base of a vertical wall were considered. The burning surface was simulated by 51–305 mm high wicks soaked with methanol, ethanol or 1-propanol. Measurements were made of burning rates in the pyrolysis zone; radiative and convective heat fluxes to the wall (and radiative heat flux to the ambiance) in the wall plume above the pyrolysis zone; and profiles of mean velocity, temperature and concentrations in all regions of the flow. The measurements are compared with solutions of the laminar boundary layer equations, solutions of the turbulent boundary layer equations employing a mixing length model, and integral models approximating the more complete theories. The theoreis provided a unified correlation of laminar and turbulent burning rate measurements from both the present and earlier studies. The correlation was relatively insensitive to the radiant heat flux from the flame to the burning surface, which varies in the range 0–86 percent of the total surface heat flux; this behavior is convenient, but has not been fully explained and deserves further attention. Laminar wall flames are 2–3 times longer than turbulent wall flames, when length is normalized by the length of the pyrolysis zone; theory provides good length predictions in both cases. The soot content of the flames was low for the present tests and radiation comprised only 10–20% of the heat flux to the surface; the flux of radiation to the ambiance was larger than the wall component. Predicted wall heat fluxes were within 20% of the measurements. Predictions in the noncombusting portion of the plume employed earlier results for weakly buoyant plumes using average physical properties at each wall position; profiles of mean velocity and temperature approximated local similarity, based on local plume energy flux and height along the wall; however, effects of combustion near the flame tip, variable property effects, and an additional Rayleigh number dependence were observed.
Effects of Initial Site Treatments on Early Growth and Three-Year Survival of Idaho Fescue

Prairies in the Pacific Northwest have been actively restored for over a decade. Competition from non-native woody and herbaceous species has been presumed to be a major cause for the failure of restoration projects. In this research, plugs of the native prairie bunchgrass, Festuca idahoensis Elmer var. roemeri (Pavlick), were grown from seed in a nursery and transplanted into a grassland site dominated by non-native pasture grasses. The growth of the plants was followed for three years, and biomass of all volunteer plants was measured. Before planting, five treatments were applied to the plots: removal of vegetation by burning, removal of vegetation by an herbicide-and-till procedure, soil impoverishment by removal of organic matter, fertilizer application, and compost mulch application. Initial growth of Idaho fescue plugs was greatest with fertilizer and compost mulch. Plants grown in mulched plots were also able to photosynthesize later into the dry summer season. After the first year, plots initially fertilized or composted had the lowest survival rate of Idaho fescue. Impoverished and herbicide-and-till plots had the greatest 3-year survival. Mulched plots supported the greatest weed growth after three years. Stressful environments give a competitive advantage to Idaho fescue in prairie restoration projects. As weedy species increase, growth and survival of Idaho fescue decreases.
Development and Use of License Forms for Libraries with and without Electronic Resource Management Systems

In an effort to mitigate time spent inputting license terms into an Electronic Resource Management system, the Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of Northern Colorado developed a form to record license data. The development of the form and training of staff to enter pertinent data is discussed. The authors also touch upon implications for implementing license forms in libraries with an Electronic Resource Management and those without such a system.
Dietary fatty acids: Their metabolic fate and influence on fatty acid biosynthesis

Adult rats fed a low-fat diet or diets containing 15% of either tripalmitin, triolein or trilinolein were injected intraperitoneally with H3-labeled acetate. Those which received fat were also given by mouth, simultaneously with acetate, the 1-C14-labeled sodium salt of the respective dietary fatty acid. The fate of the tagged material was followed by time-spaced biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue and by collection of the expired C14O2.