cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contributions of the LPPVK motif of the iron-sulfur template protein IscU to interactions with the Hsc66-Hsc20 chaperone system.

Hsc66 (HscA) and Hsc20 (HscB) from Escherichia coli comprise a specialized chaperone system that selectively binds the iron-sulfur cluster template protein IscU. Hsc66 interacts with peptides corresponding to a discrete region of IscU including residues 99-103 (LPPVK), and a peptide containing residues 98-106 stimulates Hsc66 ATPase activity in a manner similar to IscU. To determine the relative contributions of individual residues in the LPPVK motif to Hsc66 binding and regulation, we have carried out an alanine mutagenesis scan of this motif in the Glu98-Cys106 peptide and the IscU protein. Alanine substitutions in the Glu98-Cys106 peptide resulted in decreased ATPase stimulation (2-10-fold) because of reduced binding affinity, with peptide(P101A) eliciting <10% of the parent peptide stimulation. Alanine substitutions in the IscU protein also revealed lower activities resulting from decreased apparent binding affinity, with the greatest changes in Km observed for the Pro101 (77-fold), Val102 (4-fold), and Lys103 (15-fold) mutants. Calorimetric studies of the binding of IscU mutants to the Hsc66.ADP complex showed that the P101A and K103A mutants also exhibit decreased binding affinity for the ADP-bound state. When ATPase stimulatory activity was assayed in the presence of the co-chaperone Hsc20, each of the mutants displayed enhanced binding affinity, but the P101A and V102A mutants exhibited decreased ability to maximally simulate Hsc66 ATPase. A charge mutant containing the motif sequence of NifU, IscU(V102E), did not bind the ATP or ADP states of Hsc66 but did bind Hsc20 and weakly stimulated Hsc66 ATPase in the presence of the co-chaperone. These results indicate that residues in the LPPVK motif are important for IscU interactions with Hsc66 but not for the ability of Hsc20 to target IscU to Hsc66. The results are discussed in the context of a structural model based on the crystallographic structure of the DnaK peptide-binding domain.
Stimulation and blockade of GABAA receptors in the raphe pallidus: effects on body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure in conscious rats

Studies in anesthetized rats have implicated GABAA receptors in the region of the medullary raphe pallidus (RP) at the level of the facial nucleus in sympathetic nervous regulation of both heart ra...
Candidate mechanisms controlling the electrical characteristics of silica/XLPE nanodielectrics

The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into polyethylene has been shown to increase the breakdown strength significantly compared to composites with micron scale fillers. Additionally, the voltage endurance of the nanocomposites is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the base polymer. The most significant difference between micron-scale and nano-scale fillers is the large interfacial area in nanocomposites. Because the interfacial region (interaction zone) is likely to be pivotal in controlling properties, this paper compares the behavior of nanoscale silica/cross-linked low density polyethylene nanocomposites with several silica surface treatments. In addition to breakdown strength and voltage endurance, dielectric spectroscopy, absorption current measurements, and thermally stimulated current determinations (TSC) were performed to elucidate the role of the interface. It was found that a reduction in the mobility in nanocomposites as well as a change in the defect size may be key to explaining the improvement in the properties.
Development and evaluation of method for simultaneous determination of phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin in plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

A procedure for the simultaneous analysis of diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital in plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography was developed and evaluated. Separation is effected on a porous particle silicic acid column with chloroformdioxan—isopropanol-acetic acid (310:9.7:1.0:0.1 by volume) and is monitored at 254 nm. Results of the procedure were compared with results of a GLC assay.
Waveform response to the morphology of 2‐D subducted slabs

Summary To evaluate waveform responses to morphological variations of the subducted lithospheric slab, scalar waveform solutions are computed for 2-D slab models perpendicular to the arc. The dependence of the waveforms on the background 1-D velocity model and on the wavelet frequency is analysed. The waveform variation due to the background velocity model is characterized by gradual changes in amplitude and traveltime over the take-off angle; such variation can be distinguished from the slab-generated waveform anomaly, which is restricted to a narrow take-off angle range and often severely alters the wavelet frequency. Therefore, much information can be gained through the waveform modelling of slabs in a homogeneous background velocity model. The characteristics of the waveform anomaly, such as slab-diffracted waveform broadening, depend on the ratio between the wavelength of the main source wavelet and the thickness of the slab. The slab-diffracted broadening, which has low-frequency characteristics, may be described more accurately as a wavelet broadening rather than a pulse-width broadening. When the wavelength is shorter than about one-half of the slab's thickness, a restoration of normal amplitude that is accompanied by waveform distortion is observed for waves propagating parallel and down-dip to the slab. Considerable waveform variations in arrival time, amplitude and wavelet-width exist among different morphological models of the slab, and may provide some useful guidance in inferring the real slab morphology from waveform data.
CONSISTENCY OF ARM-LEG OPPOSITION IN PERFORMING THREE TASKS

Summary.-The present study examined the presence of arm-leg opposition within three tasks, running, leaping, and over-arm throwing. The study examined consistency of arm-leg opposition and uansfer of developed arm-leg opposition to a novel task. Participants were 47 4-yr.-old and 49 8-yr.-old children. Subjects individually performed each task while a trained observer recorded the subject's use of arm-leg opposition. The results were inconclusive at both ages. Eight-yr.-old children were highly consistent; however, the nature of consistency was not determined. Four-yr.-old children appeared not to use previously developed arm-leg opposition in performing the three tasks. Motor development research has viewed acquisition of skill from a "total task point of view (Roberton, 1977). Most researchers have isolated the developmental patterns of each locomotor and manipulative skill rather than studied the development of common components of swerd skills. Lists containing developmental stages for each locomotor skill are readily available in published and unpublished manuscripts (Breihan, 1978; DeOreo, 1973; Wickstrom, 1977; Williams, 1975). Even the simplest motor skill contains several component parts (Magill, 1980). When two skills are compared in terms of similar components, a higher degree of similarity will produce a higher expected rate of positive transfer between the two skills. Thus, a higher rate of transfer would be expected between the run and leap since both patterns share similar components. Rarick and Dobbins (1972) identified six components which underlie the broad range of motor abilities in children. They were: body fat, fine visualmotor coordination, gross limb-eye coordination, strength-power, leg power coordination, and balance. Rarick and Dobbins' attempt to recognize components is a step in the right direction, however, their List of factors are not inclusive. Rarick ( 1979) readily admits that the factors were intuitively determined. Perhaps, more components are present than those used in chis classic study. Roberton ( 1977) has initiated a trend to examine movement (throwing) through a heuristic point of view. She suggests that stages of motor development occur in the components of movement rather than in the total body movement. Robertson uses the example of a child moving ahead a stage in trunk action while remaining in the same stage of arm action in the throwing pattern.
Risk Assessment, Environmental Factors, and Coronary Heart Disease

Since 1965, there has been a steady decline in the age-adjusted death rates for ischemic heart disease in both sexes, all races and at all ages in the United States. The U.S. decline has been parti...
CYTOGENETICS OF A FACTOR FOR MULTIPLOID SPOROCYTES IN BARLEY

A CONSIDERABLE number of genetic factors have been found in various organisms which disturb the process of meiosis and thus contribute to the analysis of its mechanism and complexities. Descriptions of the irregularities wrought by a number of these factors and reviews of and citations to literature dealing with many others may be found in Darlington (1937), Smith (1936, 1939), and Clark (1940). The present paper deals with the cytology and genetics of a recessive factor in barley (Hordeum vulgare, n=7) which affects meiosis in such a manner as to result in meiotic metaphases with 14, 21, 28, 56, 112, or various other numbers of pairs of chromosomes instead of the normal seven. This is apparently accomplished by the assembling of chromosomes from different cells rather than by the repeated division of chromosomes within individual cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Seed of the "multiploid sporocytes" (symbol mu) line was supplied in 1939 by G. A. Wiebe of the Bureau of Plant Industry from a selection out of C. 1.2 No. 3845, a sixrowed variety. (The mutant was formerly referred to as "contabescent anther.") Cytological observations were made on aceto-carmine smear preparations. Whole heads were fixed in Carnoy's fluid for a day or more; root tips for a week or longer. Some smears were made permanent by a tertiary butyl alcohol method described by Sears (1941). Most of the photomicrographs are from slides made permanent by this method. CYTOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONs.-Typically at diakinesis the pollen mother cells (hereafter referred to as PMC's) have seven pairs of chromosomes as in normal barley though frequently the boundaries of individual cells are not clear. That is, the PMC's in an anther sac tend to form plasmodium-like masses of various sizes in which the chromosomes lie in groups (fig. 1). The numbers in the groups are not large and usually the seven bivalents belonging with a particular nucleolus can be identified. At first meiotic metaphase the chromosomes form a plate in the PMC material. In some instances this material consists of only one PMC and in others consists of the aggregated cvtoplasm of several microsporocytes. In some groups there are 7 pairs, in others 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, etc. As many as approxi-
Eigenfunction properties and approximations of selected incidence matrices employed in spatial analyses

Abstract Mathematical properties of eigenfunctions of selected incidence matrices appearing in spatial statistics formulae are summarized. Seven theorems are proposed and proved, and three conjectures are posited. Results summarized here allow the determinant of massively large n×n geographic weights matrices to be accurately approximated. In addition, the behavior of eigenfunctions for graphs affiliated with a linear configuration of connected nodes are better understood.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN. V. CELL-FREE INCORPORATION OF L-(I-14C)LEUCINE INTO MICROSOMAL PROTEIN.

Abstract Brain microsomes were prepared from rats at different stages of development by a procedure using MgCl2 precipitation and density gradient centrifugation. These microsomes incorporated L-[ i -14C]leucine in absence of added pH 5 enzymes, indicating that some pH 5 enzymes were strongly bound to the microsomes. No correlation was noted between the age of the brain from which the pH 5 enzymes were obtained and their ability to enhance leucine incorporation into microsomes. However, the degree of amino acid incorporation was inversely proportional to the age of the brain from which the microsomes were obtained. A study of the relative distribution of microsomes, pH 5 enzymes, and pH 5 soluble fractions in brain and liver of rats at various stages of development, showed that the concentrations of both the microsome and pH 5 soluble fractions, in brain decrease with age. The concentration of pH 5 enzymes in either of the tissues remained fairly constant throughout the developmental period studied.
Resiliency Factors May Differ as a Function of Self-Esteem Level: Testing the Efficacy of Two Types of Positive Self-Statements Following a Laboratory Stressor

The self-help literature promotes the use of positive self-statements (e.g., I'm a lovable person) to boost self-esteem and mood; however, research provides evidence that positive self-statements may be harmful to people with low self-esteem. Prior research has only tested the efficacy of one type of positive self-statement (stable/global), but research on attitude change and self-verification motives suggests that people with low self-esteem may benefit more from using unstable/specific positive self-statements. To test the effect of each type of positive self-statement on self-esteem and mood, a quasi-experiment was conducted in which participants with high and low self-esteem were randomly assigned to either write about a stable/global positive self-statement, unstable specific positive self-statement, or their favorite activity following a laboratory stressor. Results provided evidence that participants with low self-esteem experienced the largest decrease in negative affect if they were assigned to w...
Compatibility of water-cooled refractories with a basic coal-ash slag at 1500 °C

The compatibility of 11 watercooled refractories with a basic coalash slag at 1500 °C has been investigated. The highest corrosion resistance was demonstrated by a fusedcast chromespinel refractory (80pct Cr2O3). Alumina refractories were found to react with the slag to produce primarily calcium hexaluminate. The addition of between 16 and 32 pct chromia to alumina refractories was sufficient to cause a dense spinel reaction product layer to form instead, with a marked decrease in corrosion. Free MgO in magnesiachrome magnesiaspinel refractories was quickly dissolved by the slag. These results indicate that high chromia content and density are important factors in limiting corrosion.
Relationship of obesity to outcome of medical abortion.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of medical abortion for obese women and nonobese women. Study Design We conducted a chart review of women having medical abortions in 2005-2007. Outcomes were classified as surgical intervention, need for additional visits, and complete abortion. The rate of surgical intervention was compared for women with BMI less than 30 to women with BMI greater than 30. Results Of the 1202 eligible procedures using mifepristone and misoprostol, there were 861 women with BMI less than 30 and 341 women with BMI greater than 30. Women with BMI less than 30, and women with BMI greater than 30 had identical rates of surgical intervention, 5% and 6%, respectively ( P = .72). Conclusion In light of the additional risks of surgical abortion to obese women, medical abortion should be considered for these women.
The Fine Line between Fantasizing Torture and Countenancing Abu Ghraib

Over two-thirds of the 110 college students in this study reportedly have entertained at least one fantasy of an offending person being tortured, and 58% of the students reportedly have entertained at least one fantasy of a terrorist being tortured—physically, psychologically, or sexually—by themselves, by other persons, or by divine or demonic beings in an afterlife. The 58% with one or more fantasies of torturing a terrorist felt significantly more ashamed of the real torture perpetrated by American military personnel at Abu Ghraib prison. The students who felt significantly more avenged by the actual torture at Abu Ghraib turned out to be the 34 who had torture fantasies and, at the same time, had higher psychoticism scores. Higher psychoticism—measured not as an all-or-none abnormality, but along an abnormal-to-normal continuum—was also associated with fantasizing the sexual torture of terrorists and fantasizing the torture of terrorists in an afterlife.
Long-Wave Economic Cycles, Techno-Economic Paradigms, and the Pattern of Reform in American Public Administration

Previous public administration research has failed to systematically explore the relationships between changing techno-economic paradigms and reform in American public administration. This article examines the linkages between bureaucratic reform and long-wave economic cycles. Specifically, the authors contend that the techno-economic paradigms that drive economic long waves are consistent with a pattern of initiation and eventually confirmation of reforms in public administration. The authors show that public administration reforms emerge during price downswings and are then followed by a period of “reform confirmation” during price upswings. The historical pattern of the approximately 50- to 60-year long-wave cycles reveals 25- to 30-year periods of downswing reform emergence followed by similar periods of price upswing reform confirmation. Finally, this article enhances our knowledge concerning the variables necessary to develop comprehensive theories of public administration reform.
Redesign of primary response areas for county ambulance services

Abstract This paper describes a modeling approach used to redesign primary response areas (sectors) for an existing county ambulance service. The model employs multicriteria analysis of the problem including goals to minimize and balance travel times and balance workloads among ambulance service units. The model is quite flexible in that optimal designs can be made subject to budgetary and personnel constraints and sector continuousness is maintained. Given inputs such as the location of the ambulance bases and demographic information, the model generates efficient and equitable designs. The model is solved using a modified multicriteria gradient search technique for nonlinear models. The sensitivity of the model to reordering planning priorities is also evaluated.
Inhibition of the methylation of nicotinamide by chlorpromazine

Abstract The administration of chlorpromazine to mice inhibits in vitro the activity of a liver enzyme that N-methylates nicotinamide. Inhibition of nicotinamide methylation was also observed after the addition in vitro of chlorpromazine to a 25-fold purified enzyme isolated from rat liver. Kinetic studies indicated that this inhibition was due to a marked reduction in the affinity constant of the enzyme for nicotinamide. In the presence of saturating amounts of nicotinamide, chlorpromazine increased rather than decreased the methylation of nicotinamide.
American Identity: Impact of Youths' Differential Experiences in Society on Their Attachment to American Ideals

This article examines the problem of national and civic detachment among American youth. Using a developmental theoretical framework that integrates the ecological aspects of development with the phenomenological experiences of the developing individual, I argue that young Americans have difficulty developing an attachment to their identity as Americans due to contradictory experiences had between daily events and communicated perspectives and beliefs about America. The espoused story of America contains historical distortions, which we set as socializing adults and the collective context for youth development. Youth changes require that adults first confront the noted distortions in our own understanding of America before imposing American identity expectations on our youth. In order to do this, I propose that American society needs forums for civil discourse that can occur among groups with shared social experiences, to address these distortions in a safe space before engaging with those who have a diff...
Two divergent theories of the state

Cet essai propose un contraste et une comparaison entre perspectives marxistes et weberiennes sur la nature de l'etat contemporain, comme elles sont presentees dans les contributions de Jean Lojkine et de R. E. Pahl a l'occasion de ce colloque. En premier, la critique de la perspective marxiste faite par R. E. Pahl est consideree inadequate; largement parce qu'il neglige de presenter d'une facon rigoureuse la methode d'analyse et la complexite des concepts fondamentaux. Ensuite, une analyse est faite de deux questions opposes entre ces conceptions divergeantes: (I) sur la conceptualisation du pouvoir; (2) sur la perception des relations de classe. Il est suggere vers la fin que l'etat-nation, en tant qu'unite d'analyse et de stratification sociale, n'est vraisemblablement pas l'approche la plus utile pour la consideration de questions urbaines et regionales. Ce qu'il serait necessaire, plutot, est une theorie de l'accumulation mondiale du capital, qui est la plus visible dans les relations entre corporations multinationales et le rode expansioniste de l'etat, de facon a generer des contradictions menant a une transformation non seulement dans des formations sociales particulieres, mais aussi dans le systeme capitaliste tout entier.
Stiffening of Embryonic Myocarium during Development Parallels Myosin and Matrix Expression and Dynamically Matches Cell Function

Healthy heart function and structure, from the tissue to cellular scale, depends on establishment of proper tissue mechanics. On the cellular scale, late embryonic, neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes exhibit mechanosensitivity to ECM elasticity [1], such that culturing on substrates of physiological stiffness of ∼10-20 kPa optimizes function. However, the heart begins functioning long before this mature mechanical environment is established. Here we examine the effects of microenvironment mechanics on chick cardiomyocyte function during early development, embryonic day 2-4 (E2-E4). Micropipette aspiration measurements give an effective Young's modulus of ∼1-2 kPa at these earliest stages. Quantitative Mass Spectroscopy of embryonic myocardium identifies abundant structural proteins that most likely contribute to tissue mechanics. In particular, collagen I expression parallels the mechanical stiffening of the heart tissue. Treatment with collagenase or transglutaminase respectively softens or stiffens heart tissue in a dose dependent manner while maintaining functional cellular contractile machinery. Both stiffening and softening whole heart tubes reduces tissue strain during contraction, suggesting an optimum mechanics for myocardial contraction even at the earliest functional stages. Contraction wave velocity, however, changes proportionally to the stiffness of the tissue. E3-4 cardiomyocytes cultured on collagen-coated polyacrylamide gel substrates of different stiffnesses are best able to contract on substrates of ∼1.5 kPa, consistent with the physiological stiffness of the tissue from which they were derived. As in the whole heart, the cells were also less able to contract on much softer substrates of 300 Pa, or stiffer substrates of 10 kPa or more. This further points to optimizing mechanics for cardiomyocyte strain that matches the physiological stiffness of myocardium throughout development. Finally, effects environmental mechanics on nuclear proteins during development are being explored.[1] Majkut SF, Discher DE. (2012). BMMB. Doi: 10.1007/s10237-012-0413-8
C-3 halo and 3-methyl substituted 5′-nor-3-deazaaristeromycins: Synthesis and antiviral properties

Abstract To expand on the antiviral properties of 5′-noraristeromycin, synthetic entry into 3-substituted 3-deaza-5′-noraristeromyin derivatives (i.e., bromo, 4 ; iodo, 5 ; chloro, 6 ; and, methyl, 7 ) has been accomplished from a common intermediate. An extensive antiviral analysis showed 7 to be basically inactive (except for weak effects against VSV) and there were no general trends among the halo compounds (except versus reovirus-1 and influenza B). Individually, compound 4 was most favorable towards HCMV, VZV, HBV, and VV; product 5 against HBV, VSV, VV, influenza B, HCMV, and measles; and, target 6 towards Punta Toro, VSV, measles, parainflucenza-3, influenza A (H5N1), and influenza B. The methyl target 7 was inactive in all viral assays.
Outbreak of Serratia marcescens Infections in a Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit

An outbreak of infections with pigmented Serratia marcescens involving 3 patients in a cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit is reported. A respirator is thought to have been the source of pneumonia in 2 patients, and fomite spread from 1 of these is considered responsible for the induction of fatal endocarditis in the third patient. This outbreak demonstrates the rapid dissemination of a bacterial strain within the unit, several methods of dissemination, the wide variation in apparent virulence of the organism, the alterations of antibacterial host defense which made bacterial disease possible and which determined the site of infection, and the difficulties of adequate therapy. The third patient is the seventh reported with serratia infection of a prosthetic heart valve.
Synthesis and physical properties of protein core mimetics.

A series of mimetic cores composed of a synthetic scaffold and amino acids have been constructed and their properties investigated in chloroform. A relative measure of H-bond strength was obtained by comparing temperature coefficients derived from variable-temperature 1H NMR experiments. Although most templates had a strong H-bond, only a single template composed of d- and l-phenylalanines was able to form two strong H-bonds. Templates containing d- and l-leucines formed only a single H-bond. The results of these studies suggest that aromatic edge-to-face interactions provide greater stabilization energy than aliphatic−aromatic interactions in the tightly packed hydrophobic cores of proteins. Partial structures of the templates were derived by analyzing a series of two-dimensional 1H NMR spectra and performing molecular mechanics calculations using AMBER and MMFF94 force fields.
Illuminance and caustic surfaces in multi-interface variable-index media. 2: Application to radial dependent variable-index singlet.

All terms required to calculate the illuminance and caustic points along a ray path are evaluated for a radial-dependent variable-index singlet. The procedure is applicable to aspheric surfaces and multiple lenses and is valid for all rays, meridional and skew.
On the Nucleation of Dislocations at a Crystal Surface

An exact expression for the elastic energy associated with a semicircular shear dislocation loop emanating from a free surface is derived (within continuum dislocation theory) and compared with an earlier approximation. The energy required to activate a semicircular dislocation loop into its unstable “saddle-point” configuration is then re-calculated, based on the modified expression for the self-energy. It is found that the shear stress necessary to emit the loop, as a function of temperature, is almost 50% less than earlier estimates. The principal drawback to this type of calculation is also discussed, namely, that the critical radius of an incipient dislocation loop is on the order of one atomic spacing, which is too small for a continuum theory to be valid. Ein exakter Ausdruck fu die elastische Energie eines halbkreisformigen Scherversetzungsringes, der von einer freien Oberflaher ausgeht, wird im Rahmen der Kontinuumsversetzungstheorie berechnet und mit fruheren Naherungen verglichen. Die Aktivierungsenergie, um einen halbkreisformigen Versetzungsring in die instabile Sattelpunktskonfiguration zu bringen, wird aufgrund des modifizierten Ausdrucks fur die Selbstenergie neu berechnet. Man findet, das die zur Emittierung eines Ringes notwendige Schubspannung als Funktion der Temperatur etwa 50% niedriger ist als fruher angenommen. Die prinzipielle Schwachstelle dieser Berechnungsweise wird auch diskutiert, namlich, das der kritische Radius eines anfanglichen Versetzungsringes in der Grosenordnung eines Atomabstandes liegt, was zu klein ist fur eine hier noch gultige Kontinuumstheorie.
Classical Conditioning of Electric Organ Discharge Rate in Mormyrids

Weakly electric fish of the African family Mormyridae emit pulses at variable intervals with a distribution skewed toward longer intervals. Fourteen specimens of the genera Mormyrops, Gnathonemus, and Marcusenius were classically conditioned to increase briefly their discharge frequency. The unconditioned stimulus was electric shock and the conditioned stimulus was light. These results are novel in that the overt conditioned response involves neither secretion nor movement.
Urinary incontinence after continent urinary diversion using cecal wrap or plicated ileum: a patient questionnaire review.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the clinical and urodynamic results of a tapered-cecal wrap (TCW) versus a tapered-plicated ileal (TPI) anti-incontinence mechanism. Methods Of 54 consecutive patients who had undergone continent urinary diversions, 33 (17 with TCW and 16 with TPI) were evaluated. The primary disease that prompted diversion included bladder cancer (84%), neurogenic bladder (12%), and interstitial cystitis (3%). All patients were evaluated using a telephone questionnaire regarding ease of catheterization, degree of continence, occurrence of postoperative complications, and overall satisfaction in relation to their stoma. In addition, 6 patients in the TPI group and 5 in the TCW group underwent enterocystometry and outlet pressure recording. The mean follow-up was 30 months for the TCW group and 48 months for the TPI group. Results The overall functional continence rate was 100% for the TCW group and 81.3% for the TPI group. Transient difficulty with catheterization occurred in 35.3% of the TCW group and 18.7% of the TPI group. No differences were observed in the occurrence of postoperative complications. Urodynamics demonstrated a statistically significant increase in maximal outlet pressure with the reservoir full in the TCW group that was not noted in the TPI group. Conclusions The addition of a cecal wrap to the efferent limb results in significantly improved continence. This was supported urodynamically with demonstration of an increase in maximal outlet pressure with the reservoir full in the TCW group. No difference in the surgical complication rate or long-term difficulty with catheterization was observed.
Effects of Disorder on the Transition Temperature and Transport Properties of a Low- T c A 15 Superconductor: Mo 3 Ge

In ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{3}$Ge, an $A15$ superconductor with a low transition temperature of 1.45 K, ${T}_{c}$ is found to increase with increasing disorder. We also find that the density of states increases as ${T}_{c}$ increases. The transport properties indicate an "ideal" ${T}^{5}$ behavior with Matthiessen's rule being approximately obeyed, for small amounts of damage. For larger amounts of damage, saturation is found in the transport properties even though $\ensuremath{\lambda}$, the electron-phonon coupling, increases as is evidenced by the increasing ${T}_{c}$.
Viscosity of chain polymers in solution

A theory is developed for the intrinsic viscosity of chain molecules in solution. The molecules are assumed to be composed of many repeating units called segments, which are distributed spherically around the center of each molecule. An integral equation similar to, yet different from, that of Kirkwood and Riseman is set up. This equation does not require the replacement of the Oseen hydrodynamical interaction tensor by its diagonal element and yields a new viscosity formula. This formula is rather general and is characterized by the Fourier transform of the segment distribution function and the eigenvalue λ(k) of the Oseen tensor expressed in momentum space. In the absence of hydrodynamical interactions between segments the formula is reduced to the Debye formula for the Staudinger empirical law. In the presence of interactions the eigenvalue λ(0) characterizes the viscosity. This eigenvalue is related to the average characteristic length of a chain molecule, through which the molecular-weight dependence of the viscosity comes in.
The Emerging Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Antigen

Excerpt When most of us were medical students, we were taught thatserum hepatitiswas that variety of viral hepatitis having a long incubation period and transmitted solely by blood transfusions and...
Breaking Down the Silos: Examining the Intersection Between Child Welfare and Disability

While many people with disabilities are involved in the public child welfare system, the knowledge base regarding the intersection of disability and public child welfare services is still limited. ...
Preadolescents' Social-Emotional Adjustment and Selective Attrition in Family Research

Researchers often ask subjects to commit considerable time and effort to completing tasks that are not especially enjoyable. In a multistage investigation of sixth-grade boys and their families, we hypothesized that boys who were prone to high levels of distress (i.e., anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and low well-being) but only low or moderate levels of self-restraint (i.e., consideration of others, impulse control, suppression of aggression, and responsibility) would be particularly unlikely to agree to participate. Consistent with this hypothesis, boys from 33 classrooms who were nominated by their peers as high in distress and moderate or low in self-restraint were significantly less likely than other boys to take part in an in-class survey. In addition, the families of boys who scored high in distress and moderate or low in self-restraint on the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory (WAI) were less likely than other families to agree to an observation session in their homes and to a series of telephone interviews about daily events in the boys' lives. Across the 3 phases of the research, the cumulative attrition rate of these at-risk boys was approximately 80%, compared to only 50% for those low in distress and/or high in self-restraint. These results suggest that the children of greatest interest in studies of social competence and family interaction may often be among those least adequately represented.
Heat transfer analysis of air cooling in forced air and forced convection PEM fuel cells

The optimum operating temperature of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is approximately 80°C. The electrochemical reaction inside a PEM fuel cell stack produces approximately 50% of electrical and 50% of heat energy. The power output of the fuel cell stack is significantly influenced by the humidity and temperature inside the power stack. Therefore, an effective cooling system is necessary for a fuel cell stack to maintain its temperature within an acceptable level to produce optimum power output. In this study, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computer simulation model of the bipolar plate was developed to conduct a steady-state heat transfer analysis and eliminate the expensive and laborious laboratory testing. Two different air supply systems for PEM fuel cells, namely “forced air” and “forced convection” systems, and two different bipolar plate materials, namely “aluminum” and “graphic composite”, were investigated in the heat transfer analysis. In addition, an air cooling fin was designed and integrated into a bipolar plate as a part of a power stack in order to dissipate the excessive heat and maintain the operating temperature at 80°C or less. The results show that cooling fin design can produce effective cooling mechanism for 4.8 mm thick bipolar plates.
A Review of the Effects of Interspersing Procedures on the Stages of Academic Skill Development

Basic and applied research related to the effects of interspersing trials of maintenance (i.e., review) tasks among trials of acquisition tasks on academic skill development is reviewed. In general, empirical research suggests that interspersing procedures are effective in facilitating acquisition, learning rate, and maintenance. However, some inconsistency exists among the data that suggests student learning, in some instances, may be impeded. Research also suggests that interspersing procedures are not conducive to facilitating generalization. The discrepancy between various research findings and the consistent failure of research on interspersing procedures to increase generalization is critically reviewed in relation to a hierarchical learning theory set forth by Haring and Eaton (1978). From this hierarchical learning theory perspective, inconsistent results may be better understood and predicted. Implications for current practice and directions for future research are also discussed.
Marital Status, Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Death Among African American Women and Men: Incidence and Prevalence in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Participants

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and African Americans disproportionately experience more cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, and diabetes. The literature documents a complex relationship between marital status and health, which varies by gender. We prospectively examine the relationship between African American men’s and women’s marital status and their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and dying using the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) data. After multivariable adjustment for individual characteristics and health status, we found that marital status was not associated with hypertension or new cases of CHD, but remaining single throughout the study period was associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes for women and an increased likelihood of death for men. Culturally appropriate interventions for African Americans are needed to decrease racial disparities in cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
Forested wetlands in freshwater and salt-water environments

A review of data from over 50 freshwater and about 50 salt-water sites revealed that freshwater and salt-water forested wetlands exhibit parallel responses to hydrologic factors. Greater ecosystem complexity and productivity are associated with higher hydrologic energy and more fertile conditions (riverine > fringe 1 basin > dwarf = scrub). However, structural complexity is greater in freshwater forested wetlands than in salt-water forested wetlands. Net primary productivity, litter fall, and export of organic matter are higher in salt-water forested wetlands. These differences raise questions about the efficiency with which nutrients are used in forested wetlands. Available data suggest that nutrient-use efficiency by litter fall and litter turnover are higher in tidal salt-water wetlands than in freshwater wetlands,
Variability of the Mechanical Properties of Wrought Iron from Historic American Truss Bridges

The mechanical properties of wrought iron from multiple elements of six late 19th-century truss bridges is evaluated by a program of destructive and nondestructive testing, including hardness testing and tension tests to evaluate the yield stress (Fy), tensile strength (Fu), and ductility of the material. The yield stress and tensile strengths are found to be in accordance with those published in period reports and in other modern evaluations of the mechanical properties of wrought iron. The main findings of this work come from a statistical analysis of the test results and are (1) that hardness is a poor predictor of yield stress and tensile strength but has some predictive ability for ductility; (2) that there is a statistically significant difference in the distribution of yield stress and tensile strength between material samples from different bridges and, in some cases, between material samples from different members within a single bridge; and (3) that a size effect is present in the material that results in lower yield stress and tensile strength for larger members. These results provide guidance to engineers in the evaluation of historic iron trusses for rehabilitation and suggest that although nondestructive hardness testing is of limited value, a limited program of destructive testing can provide an adequate characterization of the mechanical properties throughout the bridge. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT .1943-5533.0000220. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Beta blockade in congestive heart failure: persistent adverse haemodynamic effects during chronic treatment with subsequent doses

Objective To determine whether the acute adverse haemodynamic effects of β blockade in patients with congestive heart failure persist during chronic treatment. Design Sequential haemodynamic evaluation of heart failure patients at baseline and after three months of continuous treatment with the β 1 selective antagonist metoprolol. Setting Cardiac care unit in university hospital. Patients 26 patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association grade II to IV) and background treatment with digoxin, diuretics, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and with a left ventricular ejection fraction Methods Baseline variables included a six minute walk, maximum oxygen consumption, and right heart catheterisation. All patients received metoprolol 6.25 mg orally twice daily initially and the dose was gradually increased to a target of 50 mg twice daily. Haemodynamic measurements were repeated after three months of treatment, both before (trough) and after drug readministration. Results Long term metoprolol had functional, exercise, and haemodynamic benefits. It produced decreases in heart rate, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and systemic vascular resistance, and increases in cardiac index, stroke volume index, and stroke work index. However, when full dose metoprolol was readministered during chronic treatment, there was a reduction in cardiac index (from 2.8 (SD 0.46) to 2.3 (0.38) l/min/m 2 , p 2 , p −5 , p Conclusions Adverse haemodynamic effects of β blockers in heart failure persist during chronic treatment, as shown by worsening haemodynamic indices with subsequent doses.
Diffusion of transition metals in periclase by experiment and first-principles, with implications for core-mantle equilibration during metal percolation

Diffusion of the divalent transition metals in the deep mantle is important for understanding length scales of mantle heterogeneity, transport across the core–mantle boundary, and the degree of equilibration during core formation. Here we report the results of experiments and theoretical calculations on Ni, Co, Fe and Mn diffusion in periclase, the primary repository of these elements in Earth’s lower mantle. The periclase used in the experiments was doped with 550 ppm Al 3 þ to fix the cation vacancy concentration, and the experiments were performed at 2 GPa and temperatures between 1673 and 2073 K. The variation in diffusion coefficients among the transition metals was ��
Representation Theory and the Analysis of Structure

A central topic in the philosophy of science is the analysis of the structure of scientific theories. Much of my own work has been concerned with this topic, but in a particular guise. The fundamental approach I have advocated for a good many years is the analysis of the structure of a theory in terms of the models of the theory. In a general way, the best insight into the structure of a complex theory is by seeking representation theorems for its models, for the syntactic structure of a complex theory ordinarily offers little insight into the nature of the theory. I develop that idea here in a general way, and expand upon things I have written earlier. I begin with some informal introductory remarks about the nature of representations. The first section is devoted to the central concept of isomorphism of models of a theory, the second section to the nature of representation theorems, with some elementary examples given, and the third section to the related question of invariance and meaningfulness of a representation.
Multiagent reputation management to achieve robust software using redundancy

This paper explains the building of robust software using multiagent reputation. One of the major goals of software engineering is to achieve robust software. Our hypothesis is that robustness can be increased through redundancy. We achieve redundancy by using agents, with each agent wrapping a different algorithm with similar functionality. The agents build trust in each other using reinforcement learning. Two types of reputation management are simulated: one in which the reputations of all agents are maintained centrally and a second, which is distributed, where an agent maintains locally the reputations of the agents it knows and each agent can have its own evaluation of its known agents' performances. We simulated and compared two ways of achieving distributed reputation management. A probabilistic function is used as a preprocessing technique for selecting a set of agents based on reinforcement values of the agents. The values are obtained based on the correctness of the results the agent produces in performing the task it is given. Voting is used as a postprocessing technique for judging the correctness of the output generated by the agents.
Control of a class of nonlinear uncertain systems via compensated inverse dynamics approach

The tracking control problem of a class of nonlinear systems via inverse dynamics method is addressed. The motivation for the study stems from the need to control practical systems arising from aerospace and mechanical engineering. Because modeling uncertainties and external disturbances are always present in these systems, inverse dynamics technique is not applicable directly. A compensated inverse dynamics approach is proposed to account for the effect of uncertainties. The compensation is achieved by adaptive and robust schemes. Application of the proposed strategy to the vibration suppression of a two-bay flexible truss structure is presented. >
A systematic analysis of XSS sanitization in web application frameworks

While most research on XSS defense has focused on techniques for securing existing applications and re-architecting browser mechanisms, sanitization remains the industry-standard defense mechanism. By streamlining and automating XSS sanitization, web application frameworks stand in a good position to stop XSS but have received little research attention. In order to drive research on web frameworks, we systematically study the security of the XSS sanitization abstractions frameworks provide. We develop a novel model of the web browser and characterize the challenges of XSS sanitization. Based on the model, we systematically evaluate the XSS abstractions in 14 major commercially-used web frameworks. We find that frameworks often do not address critical parts of the XSS conundrum. We perform an empirical analysis of 8 large web applications to extract the requirements of sanitization primitives from the perspective of realworld applications. Our study shows that there is a wide gap between the abstractions provided by frameworks and the requirements of applications.
Are we Assessing Patient Compliance

(1985). Are we Assessing Patient Compliance? Clinical Research Practices and Drug Regulatory Affairs: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 429-429.
If parallel computing is the new normal, how do we prepare our students (and ourselves)?

If one purchases any desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone today, its multicore processor can do multiple things at the same time. In order for software to take full advantage of these modern processors, it must be designed and written to use parallelism to improve its performance as the number of available cores increases. Designing such parallel software is very different from traditional software design.
Chapter 14: Freeman v. Dep't of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles and Webb v. City of Philadelphia - Accommodation Tangles in the Laws Over Hair

This paper focuses on two cases from the United States, Freeman v. Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles and Webb v. City of Philadelphia (where the author represented Webb) to critique legal approaches to Muslim women’s head coverings in the post-9/11 context. By critically exploring concepts like accommodation and tolerance, as well as post-9/11 discourses surrounding Islam and Muslims, the paper argues that in each of the cases the State has failed its obligations under the religion clauses of the First Amendment.