cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Studies of Catalytic Antibodies

A panel of catalytic antibodies which catalyze ester hydrolysis, transesterification, porphyrin metallation, Diels-Alder, and redox reactions has been selected for crystallographic study. While these examples are only a handful of the catalytic antibodies generated to date, they represent distinct and important aspects of antibody catalysis. Since the first reports of catalysis, a great deal of progress has been made with respect to the scope, selectivity, and efficiency of antibody catalysis and strategies for generating catalytic antibodies. However, it is clear that further progress in the field will benefit greatly from a detailed understanding of the molecular interactions occurring in the combining site. High-resolution crystallographic data should allow the importance of general base catalysis, entropy effects, electrophilic catalysis, and transition-state stabilization to be evaluated. Antibody and enzyme active sites have been shown to share considerable structural and mechanistic similarity, and ongoing structure-function studies of catalytic antibodies may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and evolution of enzymatic catalysis. Structural studies of antibodies which perform a biological or highly selective reactions should enhance our ability to generate catalysts for important synthetic applications. Finally, the combination of high-resolution crystallographic analysis with rational mutagenesis should provide a basis for engineering antibodies with enhanced properties.
Closed treatment of hip dislocation in Down syndrome

Two young children (three hips) with Down syndrome and dislocation of the hip were successfully treated by nonoperative methods by using the principle of prolonged immobilization or bracing. A 5-year, 6-month-old patient with bilateral habitual dislocation used an ambulatory abduction orthosis full-time for 6 months and then part-time for 4 months. Complete dislocation of the right hip in a 4-year, 6-month-old patient was managed by closed reduction, spica cast immobilization for 4 months, and then an ambulatory abduction orthosis for 8 months. Both patients developed stable, well-contained hips. Nonoperative management of hip dislocation in Down syndrome can be successful and avoids the complications associated with operations previously recommended for these patients.
The learning alliance: conscious and unconscious aspects of the second language teacher's role

Abstract The nature of the relationship established between teacher and student is the center of such approaches to teaching and learning as counseling–learning and the community language learning methodology associated with it. Counseling–learning is one of many instances of the influence of humanistic psychology on teaching in general and on second language teaching in particular. Less well known in the world of education is the tradition of psychoanalytic psychology, with its emphasis on unconscious personal and interpersonal processes. In this article some important and useful concepts from this domain are introduced, including the learning alliance driven by mutual commitment to the task by teacher and student, issues of “holding”, boundary maintenance, idealization, identification, narcissistic vulnerability, teacher “abstinence” and effects of stages of learning readiness. Some of the concepts parallel the better-known ones from the humanistic tradition, whereas others reflect a different but potentially very helpful point of view.
Immunoglobulin Content and Antibody Activity in an Artificial Body Cavity

Artificial body cavities (AHC) were created by the insertion of hollow polyethylene balls in the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits. After two months no inflammatory reaction could be detected, the ABC was enveloped by a membranous structure, and the cavity contained a-Dout 20 ml of fluid. The protein concentration was a-bout 3 times, and the IgG about 8 times, lower in the ABC fluids than in the corresponding serum. At the same time the antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SROC), human IgG and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) were about 20 200 times lower than in the corresponding serum samples. The IgG molecules appeared to be undamaged as shown by the presence of various allotypes and by the elution pattern from G-200 column. Testing the protective activity of ABC fluids and of serum against HSV infection showed that ABC fluids had no protective activity. The experiments suggest that the membranous structure selected among classes of Ig and probably among other serum proteins. In addition, the I...
Prophylactic effect of benadryl on experimental histamine headache

Abstract 1.1. Histamine phosphate, 0.3 mg. subcutaneously, did not produce headache in any of 21 normal individuals. 2.2. Of 34 individuals subject to headaches of various types, 22 developed them following the injection of 0.3 mg. of histamine phosphate. Benadryl, 100 mg., given orally one hour before a second histamine injection, was 100 per cent effective in preventing induced histamine headache. 3.3. Of 54 patients seen primarily because of headache, in 31 symptoms were reproduced by histamine. Eighteen of these were given the benadryl, previous to reinjections with histamine. Headache was prevented in 15, there were equivocal results in two, and one developed a mild headache. 4.4. We were impressed with the ability of adrenalin to relieve promptly most of the induced headaches and feel that it should be tried more often for the relief of headaches, especially those due to vasodilatation. 5.5. In 40 persons who had previously developed headache following histamine, benadryl was 92.5 per cent effective in preventing headache when the test was repeated by using the same dose of histamine as initially. 6.6. Four control cases receiving a placebo developed headache after the histamine test was repeated.
A Numerical Modeling of Fast Pyrolysis of Spherical Biomass Particles

Fast pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process of converting biomass to bio-oil, which takes place in the absence of the oxidizer. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models existing in the literature often neglect temperature gradients within the particles and this may have resulted in inaccuracy of the fast pyrolysis process model. In this paper a dynamic numerical model to simulate fast pyrolysis of spherical biomass particles that considers the temperature gradient inside the particle is developed. This model incorporates the conservation of energy equation, coupled with the chemical kinetics model and allows for the shrinkage of the biomass particle during fast pyrolysis. The impacts of external heat flux, particle size, and biomass feedstock on the pyrolysis characteristics have been explored in terms of products’ composition and conversion time. The predictions of the present model are compared and identified to be in good agreement with experimental data in the literature.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The tensile strength of porous copper made by the GASAR process

Abstract Recently, porous metals and ceramics have been made by a novel solid-gas eutectic solidification process (the GASAR process). Control of the direction and rate of cooling and of the pressure of the system allows the control of the size, shape, orientation and volume fraction of the pores. Here we describe the microstructure and uniaxial tensile behaviour of porous copper made by the GASAR process. The strength of the porous specimens decreases linearly with increasing porosity, as expected for a material with aligned cylindrical pores. The yield strength of the nominally solid specimens is lower than that of the low porosity specimens; this strength anomaly is explained in terms of the degree of constraint on the grains. Finally, the potential for increased mechanical efficiency of materials made by the GASAR process is described.
Luteinizing hormone pulsatility is disrupted at a threshold of energy availability in regularly menstruating women.

To investigate the dependence of LH pulsatility on energy availability (dietary energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure), we measured LH pulsatility after manipulating the energy availability of 29 regularly menstruating, habitually sedentary, young women of normal body composition for 5 d in the early follicular phase. Subjects expended 15 kcal/kg of lean body mass (LBM) per day in supervised exercise at 70% of aerobic capacity while consuming a clinical dietary product to set energy availability at 45 and either 10, 20, or 30 kcal/kg LBM.d in two randomized trials separated by at least 2 months. Blood was sampled daily during treatments and at 10-min intervals for the next 24 h. Samples were assayed for LH, FSH, estradiol (E2), glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, cortisol, GH, IGF-I, IGF-I binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-3, leptin, and T3. LH pulsatility was unaffected by an energy availability of 30 kcal/kg LBM.d (P > 0.3), but below this threshold LH pulse frequency decreased, whereas LH pulse amplitude increased (all P < 0.04). This disruption was more extreme in women with short luteal phases (P < 0.01). These incremental effects most closely resembled the effects of energy availability on plasma glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, GH, and cortisol and contrasted with the dependencies displayed by the other metabolic hormones (simultaneously P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that LH pulsatility is disrupted only below a threshold of energy availability deep into negative energy balance and suggest priorities for future investigations into the mechanism that mediates the nonlinear dependence of LH pulsatility on energy availability.
A comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopy and conventional laparotomy for the surgical evaluation of pelvic masses

Abstract Objective. Although hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been utilized in abdominal surgery, limited data exist on the feasibility and safety of HALS in the evaluation of pelvic masses. Our goal was to compare HALS to conventional laparotomy for pelvic masses in gynecologic patients. Methods. A chart review identified patients who underwent a HALS or XLAP procedure for the evaluation of a pelvic mass from January 2003 to September 2004. Results. 70 patients were analyzed—29 cases (HALS) and 41 controls (XLAP). The groups were comparable in terms of age (48 vs. 49 years), body mass index (29.1 vs. 29.8 m 2 ), and mass size (11.0 vs. 11.3 cm). Operative times were similar between the groups (90 vs. 72 min, P = 0.9). HALS was associated with decreased estimated blood loss (108 vs. 207 cm 3 , P = 0.004), shorter hospital stay (2.8 vs. 4.2 days, P = 0.03), and fewer post-operative complications (4 vs. 11, P = 0.05). Conclusions. HALS is a safe and feasible alternative to conventional open laparotomy for the evaluation and surgical treatment of pelvic masses. In addition to similar operative times, HALS demonstrated a decreased estimated blood loss, complication rate, and length of hospital stay.
Purification and characterization of macromomycin-I, a protein antibiotic containing a non-protein chromophore.

Abstract One-step chromatography of crude macromomycin on DEAE-Sephacel yielded two forms of the antibiotic. The more active form of the drug contained a non-protein chromophore. Apoprotein and chromophore components of this drug form were separated. The apoprotein was found to be inactive and the chromophore only slightly active against Sarcina lutea , while recombination of both components resulted in a partial recovery of the activity. In contrast, recombination of chromophore and apoprotein did not restore the ability of intact macromomycin to nick isolated DNA.
A morphologic study of canine hearts subjected to fibrillation, electrical defibrillation and manual compression.

The pathologic effects on the heart of fibrillation, countershock and manual compression have been studied in canine hearts. Survival experiments have permitted evaluation of the permanence of the damage produced. Massage of the normally beating heart produced minimal nonspecific damage. Manual compression on the fibrillating heart was seen to elicit changes more severe than those observed after fibrillation alone, including occasional focal myocardial necrosis. Alternating-current countershock produced both epicardial and myocardial damage at the site of application of the electrodes. In view of their localization, these changes would not be expected to alter cardiac function appreciably. Comparable changes, but less severe in type, were found in the hearts of animals subjected to condenser discharge countershock. Padding of the electrodes with saline-soaked gauze did not appear to influence the degree of damage.
Acute renal failure, contrast media, and computer tomography

Acute renal failure (ARF) is recognized as a potential hazard of intravenous administration of radiologic contrast media (RCM). We present a case of contrast-induced ARF which was first detected on an unenhanced computed tomographic examination of the abdomen. A number of postulated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ARF are discussed. Multiple factors are associated with an increased probability of ARF when contrast material is given intravenously. The significance of advanced age as a risk factor is discussed. Certain predisposing circumstances are amenable to correction by the radiologist, thereby diminishing the chance of causing contrast-induced ARF.
RAFT Synthesis and Stimulus-induced Self-Assembly in Water of Copolymers Based on the Biocompatible Monomer 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl Phosphorylcholine

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization, mediated by 4-cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate and 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) (V-501) in water at 70 °C, of biocompatible 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) yields a macro-chain transfer agent (CTA) that was employed in the synthesis of a range of stimulus-responsive AB diblock copolymers in protic media. Well-defined block copolymers of varying molar composition, with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.10−1.24) were prepared with N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEAm), 4-vinylbenzoic acid (VBZ), N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-methacryloyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine (DMAPS), and the newly synthesized N,N-di-n-propylbenzylvinylamine (DnPBVA) in either methanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, or aqueous media. When a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering is used, it is shown that all block copolymers are capable of existing as molecularly dissolved chains in aqueous media with average ...
Evolution under nonequilibrium dynamics

Abstract We define an ESS to be a set of strategies (a coalition) which can persist together through time and which are resistant to invasion by rare alternative strategies. In spite of large fluctuations in population density and relatively small fluctuations in strategy frequencies, we show that the evolutionary game will still produce a well-defined coalition of strategies as an ESS. Since population fluctuations are endemic properties of ecosystems, it is significant that although such fluctuations may alter the strategies of the coalition, they do not preclude the existence of an ESS.
The DNA-protein coding problem

The DNA-protein coding problem is given a general algebraic formulation, the consequences of which are then explored by standard mathematical methods. To keep the treatment self-contained, the mathematical techniques to be used are explained in detail. It is demonstrated that there exista priori a countably infinite number of different abstract DNA-protein codes, thereby showing that inductive attempts to construct such a code will most likely be fruitless. A notion of ergodicity is then introduced, which imposes a number of restrictions on the admissible codes, and, in fact, these considerations enable us toderive a small portion of a code which, if our hypothesis of ergodicity is correct, must occur in nature. Finally, we discuss briefly the problem as to whether there can exist more than one DNA-protein code in nature.
Decreasing low-voltage manufacturing-induced delay variations with adaptive mixed-voltage-swing circuits

One of the major problems faced by the designer when operating CMOS static logic circuits at low power supply voltages (normalized to V/sub T/) is that the delay spread introduced by today's IC manufacturing variations can increase dramatically. In this paper we describe an approach for decreasing the delay spread and power spread in ICs based on adaptively servoing the circuits between static CMOS operation and QuadRail operation. An on-chip series-regulator employing a dummy delay path is used to generate the adaptive low swing power supply rails making this approach fully compatible with a standard CMOS IC design methodology. Simulation results are presented demonstrating that for a 16*16+36-bit multiplier-accumulator designed in 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS process the proposed approach decreases the delay spread from 3.9/spl times/ to 2.3/spl times/ and the power spread from 3.6/spl times/ to 1.8/spl times/.
Background adaptive band selection in a fixed filter system

An automated band selection algorithm suitable for real-time application with fixed filter multispectral cameras is presented for multispectral target detection. Fixed filter multispectral cameras collect all bands regardless of the background. Background adaptive band is the selection of a subset of the bands for target detection processing. Fixed filter systems typically include a small number of general-purpose bands. The bands are chosen to enhance target-background contrast but are not keyed to specific target features. In some situations it is unlikely that all bands contribute to target discrimination. Using only a subset of the available bands can decrease false alarms while maintaining target detection performance and reduced processing requirements. The advantages are demonstrated using six band multispectral data and two distinct background categories.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structure of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase: the genetic component of ethanol aversion.

Abstract Background: The single genetic factor most strongly correlated with reduced alcohol consumption and incidence of alcoholism is a naturally occurring variant of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). This variant contains a glutamate to lysine substitution at position 487 (E487K). The E487K variant of ALDH2 is found in approximately 50% of the Asian population, and is associated with a phenotypic loss of ALDH2 activity in both heterozygotes and homozygotes. ALDH2-deficient individuals exhibit an averse response to ethanol consumption, which is probably caused by elevated levels of blood acetaldehyde. The structure of ALDH2 is important for the elucidation of its catalytic mechanism, to gain a clear understanding of the contribution of ALDH2 to the genetic component of alcoholism and for the development of specific ALDH2 inhibitors as potential drugs for use in the treatment of alcoholism. Results: The X-ray structure of bovine ALDH2 has been solved to 2.65 A in its free form and to 2.75 A in a complex with NAD + . The enzyme structure contains three domains; two dinucleotide-binding domains and a small three-stranded β -sheet domain, which is involved in subunit interactions in this tetrameric enzyme. The E487K mutation occurs in this small oligomerization domain and is located at a key interface between subunits immediately below the active site of another monomer. The active site of ALDH2 is divided into two halves by the nicotinamide ring of NAD + . Adjacent to the A-side ( Pro-R ) of the nicotinamide ring is a cluster of three cysteines (Cys301, Cys302 and Cys303) and adjacent to the B-side ( Pro-S ) are Thr244, Glu268, Glu476 and an ordered water molecule bound to Thr244 and Glu476. Conclusions: Although there is a recognizable Rossmann-type fold, the coenzyme-binding region of ALDH2 binds NAD + in a manner not seen in other NAD + -binding enzymes. The positions of the residues near the nicotinamide ring of NAD + suggest a chemical mechanism whereby Glu268 functions as a general base through a bound water molecule. The sidechain amide nitrogen of Asn169 and the peptide nitrogen of Cys302 are in position to stabilize the oxyanion present in the tetrahedral transition state prior to hydride transfer. The functional importance of residue Glu487 now appears to be due to indirect interactions of this residue with the substrate-binding site via Arg264 and Arg475.
Digital image processing diagnostics for the HELIA and HERMES III accelerators

Abstract Digital image processing techniques have been successfully employed to enhance and extract coaxially distributed features in radiochromic film directly exposed by electrons on the HELIA and HERMES III accelerators. Radiochromic film processing capabilities include radial and rotational averaging to suppress random noise and reinforce radial and azimuthal structures, digital mosaicking to reconstruct the imaging geometry from exposed film segments, rotational interpolation to verify proper image reconstruction, and beam profile analysis. In addition to dosimetric analysis of radiochromic films, image processing provides a number of interactive capabilities that aid human interpretation. These allow the analyst to examine the full dynamic range of data found in the radiochromic film and identify characteristics that may otherwise have gone undetected.
Regular chains for equivalent complex irrationals

Abstract Regular chains are a generalization, due to A. Schmidt, of continued fractions to the approximation of complex irrationalities by Gaussian rationals. Many important properties of continued fractions are preserved, including the fact that chains of numbers equivalent under a complex unimodular transformation are eventually the same, up to certain transformations of chain elements. Some transformations omitted by Schmidt are discussed.
The Megawatt-Frequency Control Problem: A New Approach Via Optimal Control Theory

This paper records the development of a state variable model of the megawatt-frequency control problem of multiarea electric energy systems. The model is in a mathematical form necessary for application of theorems of modem optimal control theory.
Aggregating preference rankings: An AHP‐based approach

The problem considered here involves the selection of an alternative by a group of decision makers in a context that involves the aggregating of votes from a preferential ballot. A popular approach for solving such problems is the well-known weighting problem formulation. However, with such a formulation two issues become of critical importance: (a) the weights should reflect the decision-making group's belief on the importance of each rank position and (b) the weights should accord each alternative a fair (if not its best) assessment. Many researchers have studied this problem and proposed various solution strategies. None of these strategies, however, appears to have adequately addressed both issues. The objective of this research is to develop a group decision-making model that solves the problem in a manner that adequately addresses the two critical issues identified, as well as allows for sensitivity analysis and is fairly robust with respect to the various paradoxes identified in voting systems.
A survey of public-domain and shareware programs useful to EE students. II

For pt.I, see Proceedings of the 33rd Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems, p.496-9 (Aug. 1990). This paper presents the results of a lengthy survey of public-domain and shareware programs useful in electrical engineering education. Brief descriptions of those we feel are simultaneously sufficient for classroom applications and reasonable in cost are presented. Sources for all programs discussed are provided.
Trends in Radiologic Training: National and International Implications

We need to embrace the change that globalization is bringing and actively join in the discussion as we seek ways to adapt ourselves and our training programs to it.
Race, Education, and the Politics of Fear:

This article explores the legacies of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision within the historical context of race relations in the United States. The pursuit by African Americans to exercise their rights of citizenship is described as influenced by the changing face of fear. The Supreme Court decisions that determined the status of African Americans provide the framework for the description of the strategies (e.g. litigation, community protest, and electoral politics that were used in the past). The last section looks to the future, assessing the current changes in the social and economic status of African Americans. Can education still make a difference and keep the promise of social justice, equity, and equality—the fundamental values on which the nation was founded—alive? Will new fears emerge even as some progress is made toward a more integrated society?
The prevalence of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in young women with breast cancer undergoing breast-conservation therapy

Abstract Background Germline mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk for breast cancer. Mutation carriers selecting breast-conservation therapy (BCT) for treatment of operable breast cancer experience a higher rate of new primary breast cancers. We sought to determine the frequency of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in women who underwent BCT. Genetic testing results were compared with the prior probability of mutations in either gene. Methods Eighty-nine patients age 39 or younger entered the study. Genetic testing was performed for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and the BRCAPRO model determined the probability of carrying a mutation. Results Eight mutations were discovered (prevalence, 9.0%). Twenty (22%) uncharacterized sequence variants were found. The prior probability of carrying a mutation was 14%. Mutation carriers had a higher prior probability (.49) compared with women with uncharacterized variants (.09) or with normal genes (.11). Conclusions BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are common (9%) among unselected young breast cancer patients undergoing BCT.
Suppression of spurious frequencies in microwave dual-band bandstop filters

This paper presents a design methodology for suppressing spurious frequencies in dual-band bandstop filters. Traditional methods used for suppression of spurious frequency for bandpass filter are not effective for bandstop filters. Two techniques are discussed in this paper for achieving spurious response suppression in bandstop filters. With the first technique, the spurious response is pushed to a higher frequency expanding the useable band, while with the second proposed technique spurious response is suppressed for dual-band bandstop filters. Initially, a bandstop filter with dual operating frequencies at 1.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz is designed and both techniques discussed in the paper are used to suppress the spurious response.
Experience-induced fetal plasticity: the effect of gestational ethanol exposure on the behavioral and neurophysiologic olfactory response to ethanol odor in early postnatal and adult rats

Human fetal ethanol exposure is strongly associated with ethanol avidity during adolescence. Evidence that intrauterine olfactory experience influences chemosensory-guided postnatal behaviors suggests that an altered response to ethanol odor resulting from fetal exposure may contribute to later abuse risk. Using behavioral and neurophysiological methods, the authors tested whether ethanol exposure via the dam’s diet resulted in an altered responsiveness to ethanol odor in infant and adult rats. Compared with controls, (a) fetal exposure tuned the neurophysiologic response of the olfactory epithelium to ethanol odor at some expense to its responsiveness to other odorants in infantile rats—this effect was absent in adults; (b) the neural effect in infantile rats was paralleled by an altered behavioral response to ethanol odor that was specific to this odorant—this effect was also absent in adults; and (c) a significant component of the infantile behavioral effect was attributable to ethanol’s effect on the olfactory neural modality. These data provide evidence for an important relationship between prenatal ethanol experience and postnatal behavioral responsiveness to the drug that is modulated or determined by olfactory function.
An orphaned basement block: The Arequipa-Antofalla Basement of the central Andean margin of South America

The Arequipa-Antofalla Basement, a Proterozoic crustal block exposed along the central Andean margin, provides a key to interpreting the pre-Andean history of South America. New U/Pb geochronology and whole-rock Pb and Nd isotope geochemistry from the Arequipa-Antofalla Basement refine the tectonic history and delineate three distinct crustal domains that decrease in age from north to south. The northern domain of southern Peru and western Bolivia contains juvenile Paleoproterozoic 2.02–1.79 Ga intrusions that were metamorphosed at 1.82–1.79 Ga. The Mesoproterozoic central domain in northernmost Chile contains a significant Mesoproterozoic juvenile component that incorporates Paleoproterozoic crust from the northern domain. Rock units from both the northern and central domains were metamorphosed between 1.20 and 0.94 Ga, with coeval magmatism occurring only in the central domain. The southern domain in northern Chile and northwestern Argentina comprises Ordovician rocks, derived from a mix of juvenile material and older crust. Similar Ordovician magmatism (476–440 Ma) also occurred in the northern and central domains followed by metamorphism at ca. 440 Ma. Based on this refined geologic and tec tonic characterization of the Arequipa- Antofalla Basement and comparison with that of Amazonia, we conclude that: (1) the isolated exposures of the Arequipa-Antofalla Basement comprise a single basement block with multiple domains, (2) the Arequipa-Antofalla Basement was not derived from Amazonia, and (3) the Arequipa-Antofalla Basement accreted onto Amazonia during the 1.0 Ga Sunsas Orogeny.
Are Forensic Experts Biased by the Side That Retained Them

How objective are forensic experts when they are retained by one of the opposing sides in an adversarial legal proceeding? Despite long-standing concerns from within the legal system, little is known about whether experts can provide opinions unbiased by the side that retained them. In this experiment, we paid 108 forensic psychologists and psychiatrists to review the same offender case files, but deceived some to believe that they were consulting for the defense and some to believe that they were consulting for the prosecution. Participants scored each offender on two commonly used, well-researched risk-assessment instruments. Those who believed they were working for the prosecution tended to assign higher risk scores to offenders, whereas those who believed they were working for the defense tended to assign lower risk scores to the same offenders; the effect sizes (d) ranged up to 0.85. The results provide strong evidence of an allegiance effect among some forensic experts in adversarial legal proceedings.
Microaggression, Women, and Social Work:

The behaviors described as microaggression, and the responses of people who are the target of microaggressions, underlie many of the challenges social workers strive to help clients overcome. In addition, many female social workers and academicians are targets of microaggression. This can be the case when dealing with institutions on clients’ behalf, or when managing relations and careers within their own institutions. There are three main aims of this editorial: (1) to clearly define and explain the concept of microaggression, (2) to call attention to the effects of microaggression on female academicians and on clients, and (3) to provide perspectives on how social workers can prevent and intervene when microaggressions occur.
Alvimopan accelerates gastrointestinal recovery after bowel resection regardless of age, gender, race, or concomitant medication use

Background Postoperative ileus is a transient cessation of bowel motility that occurs after bowel resection (BR). Alvimopan, a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist accelerated gastrointestinal (GI) recovery in 5 randomized, double-blind, phase III postoperative ileus trials. Methods Individual covariates (age, gender, race) were assessed separately using Cox proportional hazards models that included the main effects of treatment and covariate factor. Time-to-GI recovery (GI-3 [first toleration of solid food and first bowel movement or flatus]; GI-2 [first toleration of solid food and first bowel movement]) for patients who underwent open laparotomy for BR in the absence of epidural anesthesia and received alvimopan (12 mg) or placebo was analyzed within subgroups (age, gender, race, concomitant medication use) using Cox proportional hazards models to generate hazard ratios (HRs). P values were calculated with the Wald χ2 test. Results Elderly (≥65 years), male, and nonwhite patients achieved GI-3 recovery later than younger ( 1 and P 1 and P Conclusions These post hoc analyses support that alvimopan (12 mg) accelerates GI recovery across various patient populations.
Tone recognition for continuous accented Mandarin Chinese

In this paper, the ability of human listeners to recognize tones from continuous Mandarin Chinese is evaluated and compared to the accuracy of automatic systems for tone classification and recognition. All tones used for experimentation were extracted from the RASC863 continuous Mandarin Chinese database. The human listeners are native speakers of Mandarin and the automatic methods consist of tone classification using neural networks and tone recognition using Hidden Markov Models. Features used for the automatic methods are a combination of spectral/temporal features, energy contours, and pitch contours. When very little context is used (i.e., vowel segments only) the human and machine performance is comparable. However, as the context interval is increased, the human performance is much better than the best machine performance obtained.
The 'Invisible College of International Lawyers' Forty Years Later

Referring to Oscar Schachter’s metaphor of the “invisible college of international lawyers” to describe international law as a profession, this contribution considers the role played by the “invisible college” in contemporary affairs, in light of three developments that have consolidated in the international legal order in recent years, namely: (i) the alleged fragmentation of international law; (ii) the multiplication of international courts and tribunals, with the consequent regularisation of international adjudication; and (iii) the shift of codification efforts away from hard law instruments.
The toxicity of parenteral copper in the chick: dependence on route of administration.

Preliminarywork in our laboratory sug gested that the route of parenteralcopper administration influences the acute toxicity of copper (Cu). The present work examined the effects of Cu given either intraperito- neally(i.p.) or intravenously(i.v.) on mortality,feed intake, peritoneal fluid and hepatic accumulation of Cu and zinc (Zn) in chicks. We also studied the potential interactionof priorZn loading on these parameters. Four-wk-oldchicks were pretreated by injection (subcutaneous) with Zn ace tate (5 mg Zn/kg) or sodium acetate 24 h prior to Cu treatments. Copper as Cu acetate was given either i.p. or i.v. at a dose of 1.84 mg Cu kg. Mortalitywas markedly greater in those chicks given Cu i.p. compared to those given Cu i.v. (46.1% vs. 3.9%). Zinc pretreatmenthad no effect on any of the parameters associated with copper treatments. The accumulation (24 h) of copper in either total hepatic tissue or cytosol was comparable for both routes of injection. However, marked differences in Cu- induced hepatic Zn accumulation were observed. Massive peritonealfluid(41 %of total plasma volume) was observed 1 to 3 h followingthe administrationof Cu i.p. None was observed in those given Cu i.v. Thus, this effect was as sociated with the route-dependent mortality observed in the present study. We suggest that our data highlightthe gratuitous effects of reactive agents given intraperito- neally. J. Nutr. 118: 1398-1402, 1988.
ROC evaluation of SPECT myocardial lesion detectability with and without single iteration non-uniform Chang attenuation compensation using an anthropomorphic female phantom

The purpose of this work was to evaluate lesion detectability with and without nonuniform attenuation compensation (AC) in myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in women using an anthropomorphic phantom and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) methodology. Breast attenuation causes artifacts in reconstructed images and may increase the difficulty of diagnosis of myocardial perfusion imaging in women. The null hypothesis tested using the ROC study was that nonuniform AC does not change the lesion detectability in myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in women. The authors used a filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm and Chang's (1978) single iteration method for AC. In conclusion, with the authors' proposed myocardial defect model nuclear medicine physicians demonstrated no significant difference for the detection of the anterior wall defect; however, a greater accuracy for the detection of the inferior wall defect was observed without nonuniform AC than with it (P-value=0.0034). Medical physicists did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference in defect detection accuracy with or without nonuniform AC in the female phantom.
Three nuclear genes for phylogenetic, SNP and population genetic studies of molluscs and other invertebrates

The study reports new primers capable of amplifying fragments from three nuclear proteincoding genes in a variety of deep-sea molluscs and annelids – adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), calmodulin (CAL) and cyclophilin A (CYCA). The ANT primers appear to be restricted to bivalve molluscs, whereas the CAL and CYCA primers also amplified appropriate gene fragments from Lepetodrilus gastropod molluscs and Osedax polychaete worms. The amplified fragment of CAL contains an intron in the molluscs, but no intron was detected in the ANT and CYCA fragments from any of the tested animals. DNA sequences generated by the three primer sets exhibited one to 15 single nucleotide polymorphism sites in deep-sea vesicomyid clams and Osedax boneworms. The observed levels of polymorphism indicate that the genes are likely to be useful in both population genetic and phylogenetic analyses of different invertebrate taxa.
Phase Transitions in the Thermopower of TTF-TCNQ Single Crystals

We report the b-axis thermoelectric power of single crystal TTF-TCNQ in the temperature range from 30 K to 65 K. From the thermoelectric power measurement we can observe clearly two of the three phase transitions found in the structure studies. In the vicinity of the principal metal-insulator phase transition, the data were analyzed to compare with the results of electrical resistivity and specific heat.
Root development of acorn-origin oak seedlings in shelterwood stands on the Appalachian Plateau of northern Pennsylvania: 4-year results

Post-fire sprouting of oak seedlings in prescribe-burned shelterwood stands hinges on their root collar diameters exceeding 6.4 mm and root size depends on the type of partial cut and the time since harvest. To better understand this shelterwood stage/time/oak root size relationship, a study was begun in northern Pennsylvania in 2001. Acorns of black, chestnut, northern red, and white oak (Quercus velutina, Q. montana, Q. rubra, and Q. alba, respectively) were planted in mixed-oak stands treated with one of the cuts of a three-step shelterwood sequence (uncut, preparatory cut, first removal cut, and final cut) and the root development of the resultant seedlings was followed for 4 years. Root development of all four oak species was the least in the uncut treatment and changed little after the first year. Only northern red oak showed an increase in root size in the preparatory cut by the fourth year. All oak species had significantly larger roots in the first removal cut and final cut treatments by the fourth year with black and northern red oak having their most root development in the final cut and chestnut and white oak having their most root growth in the first removal cut. All species in the first removal cut and final cut treatments were nearing or had surpassed the 6.4 mm root collar diameter threshold by the third or fourth year indicating that at least 4 or 5 years should pass between the harvest and the prescribed fire.
An Evaluation of Indian Government Rice Policy in Tamil Nadu

Abstract The Indian government procures rice from wholesalers or producers at a price below the market price and then distributes it to low-income consumers at a subsidized price. This paper uses a simulataneous equations econometric model to evaluate the effects of this policy on supply/demand of rice in the state of Tamil Nadu, between 1956 and 1985. Results show that production is more responsive to power for irrigation and fertilizer prices than to output prices. Because supply is inelastic, producers bear the burden of the ‘tax’ imposed by procurement even though rice is procured from the wholesaler. Rice distributed by the government displaces rice demanded in the open market, and thus the government distribution of rice has not increased the total consumption of rice.
The Changing Concept of “Human Nature” in the Literature of American Advertising

In their debates over the functions of advertising (such as “tell versus sell” and “inform versus manipulate”), practitioners have employed various conceptualizations of the “nature” of man. Implicitly and explicitly, as Professor Curti reveals, these views also tell us much about the “nature” of American society in the twentieth century.
Characteristics of girls with early onset disruptive and antisocial behaviour

Background Crime, particularly among juvenile females, has increased in recent years. Little is known, however, about the development and precursors in childhood of female delinquent behaviour. This is primarily due to a lack of consensus on how to define and assess female antisocial behaviour, and a lack of studies using sufficiently large samples. Method A community sample of 2451 girls between the ages of five and eight years were recruited into a longitudinal study following the enumeration of 103 238 households in the city of Pittsburgh. Data on disruptive and antisocial behaviours were collected from parents, teachers and children during the first wave of the study. Results Prevalence rates of disruptive disorders varied by choice of informants and measurement thresholds. The prevalence of most disruptive behaviours was similar across the four age cohorts. Where there were differences, parents of younger girls tended to report fewer problematic behaviours compared with parents of older girls. Teachers reported more disruptive behaviours than parents and, by their reports, older girls were more likely to show oppositional/defiant behaviour and relational aggression than younger girls. Girls scoring highly on several domains relative to their peers were over-represented in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Conclusions A range of disruptive disorders are present among a subgroup of females at an early age, particularly among girls in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Longitudinal follow-up is required to examine the developmental trajectories and predictive utility of these behaviours. The implications for clinical interventions are discussed. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Iterative inversion for velocity using waveform data

Summary. In this paper, velocity inversion using waveform data is investigated. A linearized approach is used in which a linear sensitivity operator must be derived. This operator can be computed economically using reciprocity of the Green's function. In order to avoid a large matrix inversion, several descent algorithms are described. Data errors and a priori model information are incorporated using covariance operators. A fast and reasonably accurate forward modelling scheme is required and here the Gaussian beam method for a slowly varying heterogeneous medium is used. Several types of linearizations can be done including the Born approximation, a linearization in terms of the field, and the Rytov approximation, a linearization in terms of the log field. Field linearizations are expected to be useful for small-scale heterogeneities which result in scattering effects that are additive in the field. For small perturbations from a homogeneous background, a linearized inversion in terms of the field is equivalent to a sequence of Kirchhoff migrations. Log field linearizations may be more robust for large-scale heterogeneities where forward scattering predominates, but phase unwrapping may be difficult numerically. Several numerical examples using a field linearization are performed in which transmitted body waves through a model with small velocity variations are used. The results using the waveform data identify the trial structures and are comparable or slightly better than the travel-time inversion results.
BLUE‐GREEN ALGAL MATS IN A SMALL STREAM1

Bedrock erosional features in a small stream (Little Schultz Creek, Bibb County, Alabama) created a variety of habitats for epilithic growth. One suck habitat was illustrated by the occurrence of small falls (<0.3 m) in the main channel of the stream and blue-green algal mats associated with them. The cohesive, laminar algal mats were found at 15 such sites along a 250-m reach of the stream. The primary mat matrix consisted of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria submembranacea Ardissone and Strafforella. The uppermost portion of each mat consisted of a thin (<1 mm thick) green layer of biologically active filaments. The lower layers were thicker (up to 2 cm thick) and consisted of brown laminae of Oscillatoria filaments, and associated sediments. In addition, numerous diatoms mere associated with the mat surface. Some were loosely attached (e.g. Achnanthes); others (Cymbella tumida (Breb.) V. H.) were stalked. These mats were present throughout the year and showed a bimodal annual distribution with maxima hi February and July. In February, total mat coverage was higher than in July. This winter maximum may have been related to a mode of growth dependent upon sedimentation from storm events and subsequent upward growth of the alga. Mat primary productivity on an areal basis (432 mg C · m−2· d−1 in March and 907 mg C · M−2· d−1 in April) was 2–12 times the maxima measured on epizoic and cobbles surfaces and other bedrock surfaces in the same stream. The limited areal coverage of the mats, when compared to other surfaces available for algal colonization, made them less important than other epilithic and epizoic surfaces in terms of total primary production in this stream reach. However, we propose that the combination of their unique structure and high primary productivity may make these algal mats sites of high algal and bacterial metabolic activity, which may include anaerobic processes in midchannel, where such activity would not be expected to occur.
Electrokinetic Transport Through Nanometer Deep Channels

Electroosmotic flow was evaluated in fluidic devices with channel depths of 98 nm, 300 nm, and 10.4 µm. At each channel depth electric double layer thicknesses of 21.5, 6.80, 2.15, and 0.78 nm were examined. For the 21.5 nm double layer thickness, a 35% decrease in the electroosmotic mobility was observed with the 98 nm deep channel relative to the 300 nm and 10.4 µm channel depths. These results were in good agreement with theoretical predictions.