cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aging Families and the Gendered Life Course

Family scholarship primarily focuses on the strains of working families raising children. But increased longevity and the large aging Boomer cohort necessitate attention to families moving through the later life course. Drawing on research conducted chiefly in the United States, we take a gendered life course approach, incorporating key life-course themes and processes: historical timing, transitions and trajectories, linked lives, and family adaptive strategies. These processes are taking place on a moving platform of demographic, structural, and policy changes-in family composition, work and retirement, and caregiving. Much of what we know comes from studies of previous cohorts in the twentieth century; such findings may not be relevant to the unique experiences of older families in the twenty-first century. This review points to the need for research on contemporary aging families, as well as differences according to their composition, race/ethnicity, social class, and life course stage.
Oil monopoly divestiture: A clash of media versus expert perceptions

Abstract The authors examine the economic evidence underlying charges of monopoly in the US oil industry and compare the perceptions of journalists who mediate or translate information for the general public with the conclusions of academic economists who have specialized in studying the oil industry's structure and competitive behaviour. This comparison suggests that a large proportion of the press suspects that the USA faces an oil monopoly problem …- a view that is sharply at variance with the studied conclusions of most of the economists. Given the influence of the press in defining the scope and context of most current public policy debates, these perceptual differences have serious implications for the design and implementation of energy policy.
Michael A. Hallett, Private Prisons in America: A Critical Race Perspective

Michael Hallett provides an informed and critical viewpoint on the rise of prison privatization in America in his book, ‘‘Private Prisons in America: A Critical Race Perspective. Hallett, a self-labeled ‘‘activist’’, advocates eliminating private prison corporations in America, which seemingly gives the book a biased perspective. However, Hallett informs the reader that his work intends to take a critical look at the topic at-hand, and yet provides the information so that the reader may decide their own opinion. Hallett’s prevalent theme throughout the book revolves around the issue of race. Although his critique of prison privatization is not entirely limited to racial discrimination in prisons; however he does focus a large majority of his commentary on the racial disparity as a by-product of prison privatization. Hallett supports his arguments by taking the reader through a systematic journey of America’s private prisons, from an in-depth historical foundation to the current trends in privatization. He also draws support from his mentor, Randall G. Sheldon, who wrote the foreword. Sheldon not only offers a succinct overview of the book but also adds general insight into Hallett’s theoretical perspectives. Hallett intertwines three major areas throughout the book: race, crime, and for-profit imprisonment. It is within these contextual frameworks that Hallett’s hypotheses emerge. Hallett presents the often-prominent racial picture that has been a fixture in many corrections theories. Although he focuses primarily on African Americans and the disparities associated with this group within the criminal justice system, he does make mention of other minorities as well as women. He also discusses the political agenda, what he calls ‘‘Fortress America’’, and its significant influence on criminal justice policy, including imprisonment. This ‘‘Fortress America’’ phenomenon involves an integration of increased security (preand post-September 11 policies), industry and technology, and globalization. All of these combine to create a powerful re-emergence of privatization and independent contracting. He also directly contrasts private prisons to public, government-run prisons in many areas to include but not limited to: costs, security, training, and policy-making. All of these areas serve not only as a platform to present the critical race theory to which he
Management Wake-Up and Govern: The Era of the Cyber Security Governance

The subject of cyber security governance has evolved and has achieved a greater degree of importance as organizations increase their operational efficiencies through Information Technology. Additionally due to the use of Information Technology, organizations also face increased pressure to manage data and the Information Technology that is used to store and transport it. As a result organizations must understand the depth and breadth of research on the subject of Information Security governance to best understand and choose the best methodology for its implementation. With a mature understanding of the research, organizations can best plan and act to gain an advantage, avoiding legislative penalties or loss or shareholders confidence. This paper examines the role that governance serves in cyber security.
Enfranchising Convicted Felons: Current Research on Opinions Towards Felon Voting Rights

ABSTRACT Due to their original intent, collateral consequences, such as felon voting restrictions, are still held to be civil in nature, but increasing evidence shows that over time their results have become punitive. Since felon disenfranchisement occurs as a collateral consequence once an individual has been convicted of a felony it arguably qualifies as an issue under the broader subject of punishment. If felony disenfranchisement was legally considered a punishment in 2007, would evolving standards of decency support its continued use? To answer this question this article will explore how punishments philosophies in the U.S. have changed in the last thirty years, then it will examine current opinion research that focuses on the re-enfranchisement or enfranchisement of convicted felons.
Mechanisms of RND Multidrug Efflux Pumps

Abstract RND (Resistance-Nodulation-Division) family transporters are widespread especially among Gram-negative bacteria, and catalyze the active efflux of many antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. They have very large periplasmic domains, and form tripartite complexes with outer membrane channels and periplasmic adaptor proteins. AcrAB–TolC complex of Escherichia coli, which pumps out a very wide range of drugs, has been studied most intensively. Early studies showed that the transporter captures even those substrates that cannot permeate across the cytoplasmic membrane, such as dianionic β-lactams, suggesting that the capture can occur from the periplasm. It was also suggested that the capture occurs from the cytoplasmic membrane/periplasm interface, because most substrates contain a sizable hydrophobic domain; however, this may simply be a reflection of the nature of the binding site within AcrB. Genetic studies of chimeric transporters showed that much of the substrate specificity is determined by their periplasmic domains. Biochemical studies with intact cells recently led to the determination of the kinetic constants of AcrB for some β-lactams, and the result confirms the old prediction that AcrB is a rather slow pump. Reconstitution of purified AcrB and its relatives showed that the pump is a drug/proton antiporter, that AcrA strongly stimulates the activity of the pump, and that AcrB seems to have a highest affinity for conjugated bile salts. Structural study with mutants of the network of charged residues in the transmembrane domain showed that protonation here produced a far-reaching conformational change, which was found to be present in one of the protomers in the asymmetric crystal structure of the wild-type AcrB. The functional rotatory hypothesis then predicts that the drug bound in the periplasmic domain is extruded through this conformational change initiated by the protonation of one of the residues in the aforementioned network, an idea that was recently supported by disulfide cross-linking as well as by the behavior of linked AcrB protomers.
Medium-Capacity Air-Blast Circuit Breakers for Metal-Clad Switchgear

The cross-blast principle of arc interruption has been shown to provide maximum air economy; consequently this method of interruption is well suited for use in an air-blast breaker that must conform to the rigid space requirements and small phase spacings encountered in medium- capacity metal-clad equipment. It is shown that proper co-ordination of the operating mechanism, air supply, interrupting chamber, and resistor make possible a design to meet these requirements. The principle of operation is discussed and it is shown how a resistance is utilized to provide further air economy.
Recombination Events in the Bacterial Genus Nocardia

Genetic recombination was demonstrated in the bacterial genus Nocardia. The compatibility mechanism governing recombination differs from that of Escherichia coli and the streptomycetes. Mutants of N. erythropolis or N. canicruria, of homologous origin, were incompatible, but mutants of heterologous origin were compatible. Such a compatibility system is suggestive of classic heterothallism which up to now has not been known among the bacteria.
Departure from velocity proportionality in low-energy electronic stopping

A recent paper by Golser and Semrad [Phys. Rev. Lett. 66, 1831 (1991)] showed a departure from velocity proportionality in their energy-loss measurement of a hydrogen projectile in the gas below 20 keV. We point out that their result is a consequence of complex collision dynamics that is common in the molecular regime and has been known for some time among atomic physicists. The observation is well reproduced by a compilation of published stopping cross sections.
A self‐consistent model of a corotating Jovian magnetosphere

In the rotation-dominated model of the Jovian magnetosphere, proposed in the present paper, the plasma current distribution is dynamically consistent with the magnetic field. The model is constructed under the assumptions of an ionospheric plasma source without pitch angle scattering; loss-free radiation transport through flux tube interchange diffusion; and a static balance between centrifugal force and magnetic stress. Using these assumptions, a dynamic equation is derived for a self-consistent field configuration having a single adjustable parameter that is related to the plasma source strength. The equation is solved by an iterative technique. The self-consistent field resembles a radially distorted dipole field, rather than the flat magnetodisk configuration inferred from Pioneer data. The implication is that such a magnetodisk field would require an equatorial plasma source rather than a source at the feet of the field lines.
Endothelial integrins and angiogenesis: not so simple anymore.

The rapid growth and precise spatial organization of new blood vessels are central features of organ development, tissue repair, and neoplasia. Like many other processes that require tight spatial regulation, blood vessel formation is critically dependent on extracellular signals that are spatially restricted by their association with components of the ECM. Once regarded as simply a structural scaffold for the maintenance of tissue integrity, the ECM has emerged over the past decade as a highly dynamic repository of positional signals. These signals include matrix-associated growth factors, cytokines, and proteases as well as the ECM proteins, such as collagens, laminins, and fibronectin, which contribute to structural integrity. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that function principally as receptors for spatially restricted extracellular ligands, including most of the structural components of the ECM and several matrix-associated growth factors and proteases (1). It is therefore not surprising that several integrins have been implicated in vascular development and angiogenesis (2–5). However, there is controversy about the principal integrins involved in this regulation in vivo as well as the mechanisms by which these integrins regulate normal and pathological blood vessel development. New data from Kim et al. (6) in this issue of the JCI suggest that a resolution of this controversy may now be emerging. The authors convincingly show that in endothelial cells activated by the growth factor bFGF, inhibitors of the integrins α5β1 or αvβ3 induce apoptosis without causing cell detachment. This response, associated with the activation of protein kinase A (PKA), can be mimicked by increases in cAMP and by heterologous expression of constitutively active PKA and can be prevented by PKA inhibition. Apoptosis appears to be mediated by activation of the inducer caspase, caspase 8, both in vitro in endothelial cells and in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Together, these results strongly suggest that a pathway that links at least two different integrins to inhibition of PKA and protection from apoptosis plays an important role in blood vessel growth or maintenance. They also identify PKA as a potential new target for antiangiogenic therapies.
A MULTIVARLITE ANALYSIS OF RENAISSANCE PORTRAIT MEDALS: AN EXPANDED NOMENCLATURE FOR DEFINING ALLOY COMPOSITION

This study gathered and reported compositional and descriptive analyses of over 200 Italian Renaissance portrait medals in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington A statistical model was developed for allocation of these medals into meaningful assemblages, using the surface alloy composition, and an expanded nomenclature was formulated. Copper, zinc, tin and lead were the primary elements found to combine to form a wide range of alloys, Common impurities were discovered to be significantly lower in the sixteenth-century medals when compared with those in the fifteenth-century medals. Renaissance medallists had an extensive knowledge of metallurgy and could produce a variety of alloys without the use of modern technology.
Hybrid Design for Aircraft Wind-Tunnel Testing Using Response Surface Methodologies

A response surface methodology approach to wind-tunnel testing of high-performance aircraft is being investigated at the Langley Full-Scale Tunnel. An exploratory study was completed using a newly developed response surface methodology design in an effort to better characterize an aircraft's aerodynamic behavior while simultaneously reducing test time. This new design called a "nested face-centered design" was developed when classic designs were found to have inadequate prediction qualities over a cuboidal design space with factors at five levels. A 19% scale modified X-31 aircraft model was chosen for evaluation of the new response surface methodology design based on its nonlinear aerodynamic behavior at high angle of attack that is representative of modern fighter aircraft and due to a substantial preexisting data base. A five-level nested fractional factorial design, augmented with center points and axial points, produced regression models including pure cubic terms for the characteristic aerodynamic forces and moments over a cuboidal design space as a function of model position and control surface deflections. Model adequacy and uncertainty levels were described using robust statistical methods inherent to response surface methodology practice. Comparisons to baseline data and sample lateral-directional and longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics are given as validation of the new design.
Synthesis of 13C2-Benzo[a]pyrene and its 7,8-Dihydrodiol and 7,8-Dione Implicated as Carcinogenic Metabolites.

Abstract Synthesis of the 13C2-labelled analogues of the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene and its active metabolites is described. The method entails Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of a naphthalene boronic acid with 2-bromobenzene-1,3-dialdehyde followed by Wittig reaction of the product with 13CH2 PPh3.
Endogenous siRNA and miRNA Targets Identified by Sequencing of the Arabidopsis Degradome

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of target mRNAs in plants and animals [1]. Plant miRNA targets have been predicted on the basis of their extensive and often conserved complementarity to the miRNAs [2-4], as well as on miRNA overexpression experiments [5]; many of these target predictions have been confirmed by isolation of the products of miRNA-directed cleavage. Here, we present a transcriptome-wide experimental method, called "degradome sequencing," to directly detect cleaved miRNA targets without relying on predictions or overexpression. The 5' ends of polyadenylated, uncapped mRNAs from Arabidopsis were directly sampled, resulting in an empirical snapshot of the degradome. miRNA-mediated-cleavage products were easily discerned from an extensive background of degraded mRNAs, which collectively covered the majority of the annotated transcriptome. Many previously known Arabidopsis miRNA targets were confirmed, and several novel targets were also discovered. Quantification of cleavage fragments revealed that those derived from TAS transcripts, which are unusual in their production of abundant secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), accumulated to very high levels. A subset of secondary siRNAs are also known to direct cleavage of targets in trans[6]; degradome sequencing revealed many cleaved targets of these trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs). This empirical method is broadly applicable to the discovery and quantification of cleaved targets of small RNAs without a priori predictions.
Dyskinesias evoked in monkeys by weekly administration of haloperidol

In two cebus (Cebus albifrons) monkeys given weekly oral doses of 0.25 milligram of haloperidol per kilogram, movement disorders appeared 1 to 8 hours after drug administration following the tenth weekly dose. These disorders included oral movements, peculiar postures, writhing, and stretching. Such reactions faded in intensity after the next two doses. Increasing the dose to 0.5 milligram per kilogram has elicited the disorders reliably after each weekly dose for almost 2 years. Similar reactions also developed in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciurea) treated weekly with haloperidol and in a third cebus monkey previously maintained for a year on a regimen of 0.25 milligram of haloperidol per kilogram on 5 days per week. These findings suggest an experimental model for determining the etiology of drug-induced movement disorders. They also suggest an unrecognized clinical problem.
“Ground-Truthing” Representations of Social Space: Using Lefebvre's Conceptual Triad

Planning requires accurate representation of a planning situation to formulate appropriate intervention that protects and promotes a common good. But most representations of social space are significantly limited by the distinct purposes of discipline, expertise, and policy domain, while planning is expected to be participatory and inclusive of all kinds of interrelationship. The article presents a method, based on an interpretation of Lefebvre's conceptual triad, for building a more comprehensive understanding of planning situations that involves recognizing sociospatial differences and investigating their interrelationship. Examples from the author's teaching, research, and community service in planning demonstrate ways in which the physical, conceptual, and social aspects of planning situations are at work and accessible.
Interactions between trinucleotides: the electrostatic contribution and its possible relation to the mechanism of translation of the genetic code.

The coulombic interaction between pairs of trinucleotides has been computed from quantum theory. The results are discussed in terms of their relation to hydrogen bonds and stacking in such systems and to the mechanism by which messenger RNA codons recognize transfer RNA nodocs.
Coulomb excitation of 107, 109Ag

Abstract Coulomb excitation effected with 10 MeV alpha particles and with 45.5 MeV oxygen ions has been used to determine the properties of the low-lying 3 2 − and 5 2 − states in 107, 109Ag. The gamma-ray energies and branching ratios, and the B(E2), B(M1) and T 1 2 values were extracted from the gamma-ray yields, angular distributions, triple angular correlations and Doppler shift measurements. The results were compared to the predictions of the single-particle core weak coupling model. It was found that the 3 2 − 786.5 keV and 5 2 − 949.7 keV levels in 107Ag and the analogous states in 109Ag at 702.0 and 862.5 keV are consistent with the interpretation that they are due to coupling of the odd p 1 2 proton to the second 2+ core state. Another state of spin 3 2 was observed at 1464.7 keV in 107Ag and at 1324.2 keV in 109Ag. Still other states were populated via multiple Coulomb excitation, as effected with oxygen ions, at 973.5 and 1146.8 keV in 107Ag and at 912.3 and 1090.6 keV in 109ag.
Higher Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMIsm) values measured in Detroit homes of severely asthmatic children.

Abstract Sieved vacuum bag dust from the homes of 143 children in Detroit was analyzed by mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) and the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMIsm) was calculated for each home. Children living in these homes were grouped as non-asthmatic (n = 83), moderately asthmatic (n = 28) and severely asthmatic (n = 32) based on prescription medication usage for their asthma management (none, occasional and daily, respectively). The mean ERMI for each group of homes was 6.2 for non-asthmatic, 6.3 for moderately asthmatic and 8.2 for severely asthmatic children. The ERMI values in the homes of severely asthmatic children were significantly greater compared to the non-asthmatics (p = 0.04 in Wilcoxon Rank-sum test). Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus unguis were the primary mold species that distinguished severely asthmatic children's homes and non-asthmatic children's homes (p
Twelve-year results of fenestrated endografts for juxtarenal and group IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

Objective The practice of using fenestrated endografts to treat juxtarenal and group IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) has become more accepted, but long-term outcomes are still unknown. We report long-term survival, complications, and branch-related outcomes from a single-center experience. Methods The study included consecutive patients enrolled prospectively into a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption classified as undergoing group IV TAAA or juxtarenal aneurysm repair by the treating surgeon using fenestrated endografts. Device morphology was used to subclassify this group of patients. Long-term survival and a composite outcome of secondary intervention, branch occlusion, stent migration, endoleak, aneurysm growth, or spinal cord injury were calculated. Descriptive analysis of branch-related outcomes and need for any reintervention was performed. Univariate and multivariate analysis of mortality and the composite outcome was performed to determine associative risks. Results Long-term survival for patients with juxtarenal and group IV TAAA aneurysms treated with fenestrated stent grafts was 20% at 8 years. Multivariate analysis showed long-term survival for this patient population was negatively associated with increasing age, congestive heart failure, cancer, and previous aneurysm repair. The risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in this group was 1.2% and of aortic-related mortality was 2%. The risk of a spinal event increased with coverage above the celiac artery (52 mm of coverage above the celiac artery in patients with SCI vs 33 mm without SCI; P = .099). More complex device configurations were more likely to require an increased rate of reinterventions, and patients with celiac fenestrations were more likely to experience celiac occlusion over time (3.5% vs 0.5%; P = .019). However, less complex designs were complicated by an increased risk of type I endoleak over time (10.4% for renal fenestrations only vs 1.9% for others; P Conclusions The use of fenestrated devices to treat juxtarenal and group IV TAAA is safe and effective in long-term follow-up. Mortality in this patient population is largely not aortic-related. Devices designed for fenestrated repair of juxtarenal and group IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms within a physician sponsored investigational device exemption have changed over time. Further research is needed to determine the best configuration to treat aneurysms requiring coverage proximal to the celiac artery.
Outcome after renal transplantation. Part I: Intellectual and motor performance

Comprehensive information on neurodevelopmental outcome in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease is still limited. Intellectual performance (IP) and motor performance (MP) were systematically assessed in 27 patients at a median age of 14.1 years (range 6.5-17) and 6 years (range 0.5-12.7) after renal transplantation (RTPL). IP was analyzed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III) in 25 patients and by the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children in two patients. MP was evaluated by the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment. Median full- scale intelligent quotient (FSIQ) was 97 (range 49-133). Twenty-one patients had an FSIQ >or= 85 (i.e. >or= mean-1 standard deviation). The five patients with neurological comorbidity had a median FSIQ of 81 (range 49-101). Verbal IQ (VIQ) (median 104; range 50-146) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than performance IQ (PIQ) (median 88; range 48-117). The PIQ was significantly lower compared with controls (p < 0.007), and patients scored significantly lower compared with controls in five of 11 subtests of the Wechsler Scale. All MP tasks were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than in controls, and also in children without neurological comorbidity. Socioeconomic status was significantly correlated with FSIQ (p = 0.03). IP after RTPL was within the normal range for the majority of children. PIQ was lower compared with VIQ, and MP was significantly affected in all children after RTPL.
Vision guided multi-probe assembly of 3D microstructures

This paper describes the operator assisted automated assembly of a 3-legged spatial platform by using a vision guided multi-probe assembly process. This is the first step towards the ultimate goal of building a microscale active spatial platform. Two issues are highlighted in this paper: contact management and vision feedback. Using multiple probes for part grasping and manipulation has the advantage of robustness and versatility as compared to micro-grippers. However, the contacts between the probes and the part need to be carefully managed to ensure a grasp that is stable for part pick-up and yet manipulable to allow part motion in a controlled fashion. By using vision guidance, the probes can be coordinated to grasp the parts and lift them off the die securely and reliably. We show that the contacts act as point contacts with friction, so when a part is pressed against a stationary probe, the part rotates about the axis between the contacts, changing its orientation so it may be inserted into a slot in the substrate. We have demonstrated that the three legs can be assembled in a fully automated fashion via multiple-camera vision feedback. The platform is at present assembled via tele-operation. The assembled microstructure measures 450 µm×600 µm. We are now working on the full automation of the assembly onto a substrate populated with MEMS actuators.
Exit, stage left why entrepreneurs end their entrepreneurial careers before retirement

Abstract This article examines the process of entrepreneurship from a different perspective. It considers evidence not only about practicing entrepreneurs but also about ex-entrepreneurs: individuals who have ended their entrepreneurial pursuits to work for someone else. Why entrepreneurs ended their entrepreneurial careers is understood by examining not only their expressed reasons for leaving, but also by observing how they exited, when they exited, and who exited compared to who remained. The study's findings are tentative. They are published now because they have important implications for potential entrepreneurs, for practicing entrepreneurs, and for those working with entrepreneurs either directly or indirectly (e.g., policymakers) who must make important decisions before more evidence is available .Overall, the findings indicate that a high-risk profile exists that distinguishes ex-entrepreneurs, particularly those with brief careers, from “more seasoned” entrepreneurs who have experienced longer lives as entrepreneurs. Perhaps the most important implication is that early-career start-ups may be better than previously thought. Preexisting profiles of the “ideal entrepreneurs” place them in their mid- to late thirties at the time of venture start up. But this start-up age (and older ages) were highly correlated in this study with very short, aborted careers compared to practicing entrepreneurs and ex-entrepreneurs who started earlier. A second implication is related to the first: those who started earlier were able to do a better job of anticipating their future entrepreneurial pursuits than were those who started later, mainly because they were sensitized to entrepreneurship as a career possibility at a much earlier age. Early planning for an entrepreneurial career is correlated with longer careers not just because they start earlier but because they last longer. A third implication is the need to scale down the scope (and risk) of the first venture. Such venture “downsizing” can lessen financial requirements while also giving new entrepreneurs the flexibility to start another, often better, venture after they get into business and learn about new opportunities, contacts, and skills that they could not foresee or develop before starting their first ventures. A fourth implication reinforces existing notions about the relative perils of the first few years of an entrepreneurial career. Survival rates increase considerably after the completion of the second year and the probability of a long career rises substantially after the sixth year of entrepreneurial life. A final implication is that the overall costs, risks, and dangers of entrepreneuring have been overstated. Career exit rates are much lower than venture exit rates. Relatively few ex-entrepreneurs apparently suffered truly catastrophic career exits, at least to the extent that they felt that their careers had been very unrewarding and that they had ruled out ever entrepreneuring again.
Chronic effects of fluoxetine, a selective inhibitor of serotonin uptake, on neurotransmitter receptors

Fluoxetine administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. daily up to 12 or 24 days failed to change the concentration-dependent binding of [3H]WB4101, [3H]clonidine and [3H]dihydroalprenolol to alpha 1-, alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic receptors, respectively; [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate to muscarinic receptors; [3H]pyrilamine to histamine H1 receptors and [3H]naloxone to opiate receptors. Persistent and significant decreases in receptor number (Bmax value) without changes in the dissociation constant (KD value) of [3H]5-HT binding in cortical membranes were observed upon chronic treatment with fluoxetine administered either by intraperitoneal injection or incorporation in the diet. A detectable reduction of 5-HT1 receptor number occurred after once-daily injections of fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg i.p. within 49 hours. After pretreatment for 3 days with p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, followed by repeated administration of fluoxetine, 5-HT1 receptor numbers were higher than those of normal rats, suggesting a dependence on synaptic concentration of 5-HT for fluoxetine to affect a receptor down-regulation. These studies provide further evidence for the selectivity of fluoxetine as an inhibitor of 5-HT reuptake, resulting in a selective down-regulation of 5-HT1 receptors in the cerebral cortex of rat brain.
Mossbauer Effect Experiments Applicable To Grasers

Gamma-ray experiments involving the Mossbauer Effect and multibeam Borrmann Effect in single crystal silver are reported. Calculations for multibeam radiation modes for electronic scattering in a (111)-oriented crystal of iron are detailed.
Parallel external merging

Abstract The problem of merging two large ordered sets A and B is considered. A detailed description of the development of an efficient parallel algorithm is given, starting with a version of the algorithm that demonstrates the idea of partitioning the merge problem into independent subproblems and ending with an optimal parallel algorithm for the EREW P- RAM model of computation.
Distribution and Status of Uncommon Mammals in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Abstract Knowledge of species distribution is fundamental to conservation and management efforts. Unfortunately, distribution of many mammal species in the southeastern United States, including some considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern, has been and remains poorly documented. We queried museums, reviewed the published literature, and searched state Natural Heritage Inventory databases to obtain distributional information for 13 mammal species considered rare (Global Rank G1–G3 or State Rank S1–S3) or of other conservation concern in the Southern Appalachian region. We constructed distribution maps for selected mammal species within the region based on 7 state Natural Heritage Inventory databases and 1539 county records from 26 museums and 57 published sources. Napaeozapus insignis (Woodland Jumping Mouse), Mustela nivalis (Least Weasel), and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Red Squirrel) exhibited large (>150 km) geographic differences from currently accepted range maps. Sorex dispar (Rock Shr...
Studies on the mechanism of mitomycin C(1) electrophilic transformations : structure-reactivity relationships

Previous studies have demonstrated that reductive activation of mitomycin C(1) under acidic conditions furnished high yields of the C(1) electrophilic product 2,7-diaminomitosene (5). This adduct was also the major metabolite produced upon administration of 1 to HT-29 cytosol, purified HT-29 colon carcinoma cells, and rat hepatic DT-diaphorase. Proton capture at C(1) in 1 is known to proceed with high stereoselectivity
Knowledge as power: the impact of normativity on epistemology.

(2003). Knowledge as Power: The Impact of Normativity on Epistemology. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 20-22.
X-ray photonics: X-ray imaging goes broadband

Lensless X-ray imaging is no longer limited to monochromatic sources. A new approach that is compatible with polychromatic beams can increase the efficiency of diffractive imaging experiments, thus significantly reducing exposure times.
Unprotected casual sex and perceived risk of contracting HIV among drug users in Baltimore, Maryland: evaluating the influence of non-injection versus injection drug user status.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the relative importance and interactive effects of drug use status (i.e. injection or non-injection drug user) and condom use with casual partners in predicting perceived risk of contracting HIV among drug users in Baltimore, Maryland. Baseline data was used from the longitudinal NEURO-HIV Epidemiological Study. This battery of questionnaires assessed a variety of demographic, drug use and sex risk variables. The current study examined these variables in association with perceived risk of contracting HIV. Significant covariates included having at least some college education (AOR=.42, 95%CI=.20, .89), knowing someone who is HIV-positive (AOR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.15, 2.89), using drugs twice (AOR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.02, 3.99) or more (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.22, 4.04) per day and having unprotected casual sex (AOR = 2.51, 95%CI = 1.42, 4.41). These covariates explained 15% of the variance in perceived HIV risk. A significant interaction between type of drug user an...
Phase II evaluation of 24-h continuous infusion topotecan in recurrent, potentially platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative effective and more convenient administration schedule for intravenous topotecan when used as palliative treatment in ovarian cancer. Methods. The Gynecologic Oncology Group conducted a Phase II trial of 24-h infusional topotecan (8.5 mg/m 2 ) with treatment repeated every 3 weeks in 29 patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (prior response to platinum-based chemotherapy with a minimum treatment-free interval ≥6 months). Results. The major toxicities of therapy were grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia which developed in 86 and 14% of patients, respectively. Other severe side effects were uncommon. Only 2 partial responses (7%) were observed in the 28 patients evaluable for response. Conclusions. Despite the relatively favorable ovarian cancer patient population treated in this trial (platinum-sensitive recurrent disease), the response rate was disappointingly low. Considering the three- to fivefold higher objective response rates observed in other trials employing topotecan in individuals with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer utilizing a 5-day treatment program (delivered every 3 weeks), the results of the current study provide strong support for the conclusion that clinically relevant antineoplastic activity of this agent is highly schedule dependent.
Modeling excess lung cancer risk among screened arm participants in the Mayo Lung Project

BACKGROUND: The Mayo Lung Project (MLP) was a randomized clinical trial designed to test whether periodic screening by chest x-ray reduced lung cancer (LC) mortality in men who were high-risk smokers. Among MLP participants, there were more deaths from LC in the screening arm both at the trial's end and after long-term follow-up. Overdiagnosis was cited widely as an explanation for the MLP results, whereas a role for excess LC risk attributable to undergoing numerous chest x-ray screenings largely was unexamined. The authors of this report examined the consistency of the MLP data with a modified 2-stage clonal expansion (TSCE) model of excess LC risk. METHODS: By using a simulation model calibrated to the initial MLP data, the authors examined the expected statistical variance of LC incidence and mortality between the screening and control arms. A Bayesian estimation framework using a modified version of the TSCE model to evaluate the role of excess LC risk attributable to chest x-ray screening was derived and applied to the MLP data. RESULTS: Simulation experiments indicated that the overall difference in LC deaths and incidence between the study arm and the control arm was unlikely (P = .0424 and P = .0104, respectively) assuming no excess risk of LC. The authors estimated that the 10-year excess LC risk for a man aged 60 years who smoked and who received 10 chest x-ray screenings was 0.574% (P = .0021). CONCLUSIONS: The excess LC risk observed among screening arm participants was found to be statistically significant with respect to the TSCE model framework in part because of the incorporation of key risk correlates of age and screen frequency into the estimation framework. Cancer 2010. Published 2010 American Cancer Society
Corticocortical connections of visual, sensorimotor, and multimodal processing areas in the parietal lobe of the macaque monkey

We studied the corticocortical connections of architectonically defined areas of parietal and temporoparietal cortex, with emphasis on areas in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) that are implicated in visual and somatosensory integration. Retrograde tracers were injected into selected areas of the IPS, superior temporal sulcus, and parietal lobule. The distribution of labeled cells was charted in relation to architectonically defined borders throughout the hemisphere and displayed on computer-generated three-dimensional reconstructions and on cortical flat maps. Injections centered in the ventral intraparietal area (VIP) revealed a complex pattern of inputs from numerous visual, somatosensory, motor, and polysensory areas, and from presumed vestibular- and auditory-related areas. Sensorimotor projections were predominantly from the upper body representations of at least six somatotopically organized areas. In contrast, injections centered in the neighboring ventral lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) revealed inputs mainly from extrastriate visual areas, consistent with previous studies. The pattern of inputs to LIPv largely overlapped those to zone MSTdp, a newly described subdivision of the medial superior temporal area. These results, in conjunction with those from injections into other parietal areas (7a, 7b, and anterior intraparietal area), support the fine-grained architectonic partitioning of cortical areas described in the preceding study. They also support and extend previous evidence for multiple distributed networks that are implicated in multimodal integration, especially with regard to area VIP.
Paramagnetic polymerized liposomes as new recirculating MR contrast agents

We describe a well-tolerated blood pool contrast agent with extended reclrculatory half-life based on paramagnetic polymerized liposomes (PPLs). PPLs were constructed from a new type of polymerizable lipid molecule that has a derivative of gadopentetate dimeghimine as the hydrophilic head group and diacetylene groups in the hydrophobia acyl chains, which cross-link when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Biodistributlon, blood pool half-life, and MR image enhancement were determined for PPLs composed of 10% of the gadopentetate dimeglumine lipid and 90% of ditricosadiynoyl tricosadiynayl phospha-tidylcholine (DAPC) at a dose of 0.015 mmnol Gd+3/kg in rats. In T1-weighed MR images (TR/TE = 400/18 msec), an average signal enhancement of 34% in the kidneys and 20% in the liver was observed, which persisted for at least 90 minutes after administration of the PPLs. Biodistribution studies using radiolabe-led PPLs confirmed that 80% of the injected dose remained in the blood pool after 2 hours. The half-life of elimination from the blood pool was 19 hours. The preparation was well tolerated in rats and produced similar MR contrast enhancement of the blood pool as produced by other liposome contrast agents. However, the half-life of PPL elimination from the blood pool was prolonged relative to other liposome systems.
Unilateral block of NMDA receptors in the amygdala prevents predator stress-induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior and unconditioned startle--effective hemisphere depends on the behavior.

Abstract Effective hemisphere depends on the behavior. PHYSIOL BEHAV 65 (4/5) 739–751, 1999.—Lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior (ALB) in the elevated plus-maze are produced by a single 5-min exposure of a rat to a cat. Rats become more anxious in the plus-maze for up to 3 weeks after the exposure. The first study in this series demonstrated that blockade of NMDA receptors in rats with MK-801, AP7, or CPP, given systemically 30 min prior to exposure to a cat prevents the increase in ALB assessed 1 week later in the elevated plus-maze. To localize the site of action of systemic MK-801, MK-801 was injected in the amygdala 30 min prior to predator stress. Injections were given either unilaterally in either hemisphere, or bilaterally in both hemispheres. The target of the injection was the basolateral amygdala. The effects of injection depended on both the type of behavior and the hemisphere of injection. Injections of MK-801 in a variety of sites in the basolateral amygdala had no effect on the suppression of open-arm exploration produced by predator stress. Other amygdala nuclei or other limbic sites likely mediate the effects of systemically administered MK-801 on this behavior. In contrast, NMDA receptors in the left lateral amygdala mediate lasting suppression of risk assessment. MK-801, in a variety of sites in the left but not right lateral amygdala, blocked the effects of predator stress on risk assessment. This is clear evidence of separability of neural mechanisms controlling open-arm exploration and risk assessment. Different NMDA-dependent amygdala circuitry mediated effects of predator stress on unconditioned acoustic startle 1 week after cat exposure. The data indicate that integrity of the left lateral amygdala is necessary for potentiation of startle amplitude by predator stress, though NMDA receptors are not involved in this function. Nevertheless, NMDA receptors in the right, but not the left lateral amygdala, mediate initiation of changes in startle. The data also suggest that the right amygdala action is “downstream” from the left amygdala contribution. These findings are consistent with the view that NMDA receptors are involved in initiation, but not maintenance, of neural changes mediating lasting increases in anxiety following severe stress. Finally, the findings of the importance of the right amygdala in stress-induced enhancement of the startle response provides neurobiological face validity to predator stress as a model of aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Impact of collisional quenching on the detection of HgCl2 via photofragment emission.

The effects of collisional quenching on photofragment emission (PFE) detection of vapor-phase HgCl2 in combustion flue gas constituents are investigated. Exciting HgCl2 via the 1Πu1<--1Σg+1 transition, time-resolved measurements of emission from the Hg(63P1) daughter in buffer-gas mixtures of N2, O2, and CO2 indicate that the fragmentation pathway passes through a long-lived intermediate species, which we assign to Hg(63P2). Total quenching rate coefficients of Hg(63P1) by N2, O2, and CO2 are consistent with values reported in the literature. In addition, total quenching rate coefficients for the intermediate Hg(63P2) state are determined to be 1.72(±0.08)×10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and 2.90(±0.37)×10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for N2 and O2, respectively. An analysis of the impact of the collisionally dependent energy-transfer process that precedes the formation of Hg(63P1) on the use of PFE to measure HgCl2 concentration is presented.
Partial Purification of a Species‐Specific Lethal Factor from Amoeba indica1

The species-specific lethal factor obtained from Amoeba indica, a freeliving mononucleate amoeba, can be partially purified by differential centrifugation, gel exclusion chromatography, and elution from Cibacron blue-agarose. The factor is unstable in the partially purified form, but activity is correlated with a heat-labile protein having an apparent molecular weight of 186,000. The factor causes inhibition of division and death when injected into A. proteus. Purification of the lethal factor indicates that aggregation of the factor with amoebal proteins is not a hindrance to further investigation. The natural role of the factor is discussed.