cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functions of humor in the conversations of men and women

Abstract Humor can serve numerous functions in discourse. This paper provides a tool for categorizing functions of humor, and uses this tool to highlight statistically some interesting patterns in the humor of New Zealand men and women. The humor occurring in 18 New Zealand friendship groups was analyzed according to function and these functions were organized into a taxonomy. Functions of humor occurring in such groups can be classified under the three broad labels of solidarity-based, power-based and psychological functions. Further distinctions within these labels are also made. The distribution of these functions within the friendship groups was analyzed. The sample consisted of both mixed groups and male and female single-sex groups. Log-linear modelling revealed the women much more likely to share funny personal stories to create solidarity, whereas the men used other strategies to achieve the same goal. They were more likely to reminisce about shared experiences or highlight similarities to create solidarity within the group. While teasing was used in single-sex groups both to create power and solidarity, this behavior reduced markedly in mixed groups.
A preliminary linkage map of the hard tick, Ixodes scapularis.

A linkage map of the Ixodes scapularis genome was constructed based upon segregation amongst 127 loci. These included 84 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, 32 Sequence-Tagged RAPD (STAR) markers, 5 cDNAs, and 5 microsatellites in 232 Fl intercross progeny from a single, field-collected Pl female. A preliminary linkage map of 616 cM was generated across 14 linkage groups with one marker every 10.8 cM. Assuming a genome size of ~109 bp, the relationship of physical to genetic distance is ~300 kb/cM in the I. scapularis genome.
Performance characteristics of an adaptive controller based on least-mean-square filters

A closed loop, adaptive control scheme that uses a least mean square filter as the controller model is presented, along with simulation results that demonstrate the excellent robustness of this scheme. It is shown that the scheme adapts very well to unknown plants, even those that are marginally stable, responds appropriately to changes in plant parameters, and is not unduly affected by additive noise. A heuristic argument for the conditions necessary for convergence is presented. Potential applications and extensions of the scheme are also discussed.
The evolution of 6Li in standard cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis

Abstract We review the Galactic chemical evolution of 6 Li and compare these results with recent observational determinations of the lithium isotopic ratio. In particular, we concentrate on so-called standard Galactic cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis in which Li, Be, and B are produced (predominantly) by the inelastic scattering of accelerated protons and α off of CNO nuclei in the ambient interstellar medium. If O/Fe is constant at low metallicities, then the 6 Li versus Fe/H evolution – as well as Be and B versus Fe/H – has difficulty in matching the observations. However, recent determinations of Population II oxygen abundances, as measured via OH lines, indicate that O/Fe increases at lower metallicity; if this trend is confirmed, then the 6 Li evolution in a standard model of cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis is consistent with the data. We also show that another key indicator of 6 Li BeB origin is the 6 Li /Be ratio which also fits the available data if O/Fe is not constant at low metallicity. Finally we note that 6 Li evolution in this scenario can strongly constrain the degree to which 6 Li and 7 Li are depleted in halo stars.
Indicators of sustainable production: framework and methodology

Abstract This paper presents a new tool for promoting business sustainability — indicators of sustainable production. It first introduces the concept of sustainable production as defined by the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell. Indicators of sustainable production are discussed next, including their dimensions and desirable qualities. Based on the Lowell Center Indicator Framework, the authors suggest a new methodology of core and supplemental indicators for raising companies' awareness and measuring their progress toward sustainable production systems. Twenty-two core indicators are proposed and a detailed guidance for their application is included. An eight-step model provides a context for indicator implementation. The paper concludes with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology as well as recommendations for testing the indicators.
A model for multinational space cooperation

Abstract It is becoming increasingly clear that space activities can benefit from international cooperation, but concerns about national interests remain. This article examines the experience of the Inter-Agency Consultative Group (IACG), which achieved striking success in coordinating the efforts of the USA, the USSR, the European Space Agency and Japan to study Halley's Comet. Subsequently the IACG has undertaken a new project, focused on solar-terrestrial science, and further expansion could follow. However, tje group's success has depended on scrupulous respect for members' national autonomy, and so it is unlikely to herald the formation of a supranational space agency in the near future.
Computer Attitudes and Computer Knowledge of Adult Students

A computer survey was used to assess the attitudes and knowledge of 252 adult basic students in Texas. Data analyses indicated no significant differences at the .05 level of significance (α = .05) ...
Who is we?: constructing communities in US-Mexico border discourse

The purpose of this paper is to describe how a speaker in a bilingual, binational communicative event uses deictic expressions to index and build social relationships. After a short review of related theoretical issues a description of the communicative event is provided as well as a description of the sociopolitical and geographical contexts for the discourse. An analysis is then presented of the meanings of the deictic term `we' in one key conference speech. The analysis traces how the speaker builds relationships of solidarity and opposition, how he mitigates oppositional relationships based on ideological criteria, and how he constructs power hierarchies. I argue that rhetorical goals, including affective goals, are addressed through a coherent development and ordering of shifting meanings of deictic terms in discourse.
Time dependence of the source recoilless fraction for a cobalt-57 in rhodium source

The effect of source resonance self absorption (SRSA) has been measured for57Co in a rhodium matrix by determining the ratio of the intensity of the 14.4 keV gamma transition to that of the associated 22 keV rhodium x-ray, directly counting both intensities from a stationary source. A ratio, ρ, is defined asfs/fso, wherefs is the recoil-free fraction with the SRSA effect present, andfso is in the absence of SRSA effects [1]. The value of ρ is to within an additive constant, proportional to the gamma over the X-ray intensities. In the absence of SRSA it is expected that both the 14.4 keV and the 22 keV decay rate would be identical to that of the57Co parent, and ρ would be unity and time independent. But because of SRSA a fraction of the 14.4 keV gammas are reabsorbed by57Fe, which is increasing as a result of57Co decay, and hence, ρ decreases with time. By direct measurement our results confirm that the effect of SRSA can be appreciable even over short time intervals, and we find that in many cases SRSA may have a pronounced effect on Mossbauer experiments, affecting both the line width andf-value, and contrary to general practice in the field, needs to be evaluated in high intensity source experiments.
Reactive ion etching of glasses: Composition dependence

Abstract Magnetically enhanced reactive ion etching (MERIE) of silicate and phosphate glasses was examined in CF4/CHF3 and Ar plasmas. The etch depths were measured by profilometery to obtain etching rates as a function of plasma power, plasma composition and glass composition. It was found that in fluorocarbon plasmas, the etch rate of glasses decreases as the concentration of less-volatile oxides in the glass increases. These etching rates were interpreted in terms of ion-enhanced chemical reaction and physical sputtering. The compositions of the etched surfaces were determined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A high chemical reaction rate between the reactive (ion) species in the plasma and the glass surface was observed during the early stages of etching which lead to depletion of highly volatile species (SiF4 and BF3) and accumulation of less volatile species (AlF3, BaF2, NaF, etc.). At longer times, the glass surface reached a steady state composition (of the less volatile species) and subsequent etching was dominated by physical sputtering.
Abstract 2191: Identification of functional risk alleles in colorectal cancer-associated regions in African Americans

Background. There are disparities in both colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and survival between African Americans (AAs) and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Genetic susceptibility factors are believed to contribute to CRC development but have been inadequately studied in AAs. Our previous work showed both shared and independent CRC-associated risk alleles are present in some gene regions identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in NHWs. In the present work, using a functional bioinformatics approach, we searched for risk alleles in these regions in AAs. Methods. 10 chromosomal regions (8q23.3, 8q24.21, 10p14, 11q23.1, 14q22.2, 15q13.3, 16q22.1, 18q21.1, 19q13.11, 20p12) from COGENT consortium meta-analysis were selected for DNA sequencing. Three additional high-interest regions were included. The region surrounding each associated SNP was analyzed using r2 plots, based on European-ancestry genotype data from HapMap Phase 3. DNAs from 63 individuals (25 AA CRC cases and 38 AA controls) were sequenced using Agilent SureSelect enrichment arrays and Illumina HiSeq platform technology. Variants from the targeted sequencing were combined with 1000 genomes variant data for a total of 16,193 variants. Potentially functional variants were identified based on the following criteria: the variant is (i) in a coding region, (ii) an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) or a DNAseI eQTL (DsQTL), (iii) in a miRNA binding site, and (iv) in a transcription factor binding site. Golden Helix software was used to process the data. Using the Sequenom Massarray platform, we genotyped variants in discovery and replication sets for a total of 1177 AA CRC cases and 1264 AA controls. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression, assuming an additive genetic model and adjusting for age, sex, and African ancestry. Results. We identified 81 variants in coding sequences, 82 eQTLs, 5 dsQTLs, 38 variants in putative microRNA binding sites, 33 variants in possible transcription factor binding sites, and 6 variants that are in two or more of the preceding categories, for a total of 245 variants. After assay development and quality control, 163 SNPs were available for genetic analysis. Nominal associations (p Citation Format: Fabio Pibiri, Ricky Rechenmacher, Rosa Xicola, Rick Kittles, Robert Sandler, Temitope Keku, Xavier Llor, John Carpten, Sonia Kupfer, Nathan Ellis. Identification of functional risk alleles in colorectal cancer-associated regions in African Americans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2191. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2191
Rapid analysis of amino acid phenylthiohydantoins by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract All 20 amino acid phenylthiohydantoins (PTHs) can be separated in a single analysis in less than 20 min using a 25 × 0.46-cm DuPont Zorbax ODS column developed with a gradient of acetonitrile in 0.01 m sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5. With the single solvent, 0.01 m sodium acetate (pH 4.5)-acetonitrile, 42:58 ( v v ), all PTHs are separated in less than 10 min except serine and glutamine, which coelute, and arginine which elutes at about 14 min. With this procedure it is possible to keep pace with automated Edman methods.
Passive Scalar Advection in Burgers Turbulence: Mapping Closure Model

Passive scalar advection in Burgers turbulence is considered. Mapping-closure model based on the amplitudes is used. Advective stretching of scales is included. The simpler nature of this problem affords a convenient framework to clarify some aspects of mapping-closure analysis of coupled stochastic fields. The ability (or lack of it) of the joint action of advective stretching and molecular diffusion to generate non-Gaussian scalar statistics in Burgers turbulence in the absence of a non-Gaussian forcing is investigated.
Theory of Electron-Surface-Plasmons Interactions in Tunneling, Low-Energy-Electron Diffraction, and Photoemission

A general theory of surface-plasmon excitation by electrons in the cases of electron tunneling, low-energy-electron diffraction, and photoemission is developed. Particular emphasis has been given to the physical concepts related to the electron-surface-plasmon interaction. The inelastic-tunneling current due to surface-plasmon emission in semiconductor-metal junctions has been calculated in detail. The surface-plasmon contributions to the inelastic spectra in low-energy-electron diffraction and to the energy distribution curves of photoemitted electrons have also been evaluated. The theory involves essentially a single parameter which determines the magnitude of the Landau damping of the surface plasmons. Using the value for this parameter as deduced from Feibelman's theory, we obtain in all cases good agreement with available experimental results, both in magnitude and line shape.
Does d-Cycloserine Augmentation of CBT Improve Therapeutic Homework Compliance for Pediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder?

Clinical studies in adults and children with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) have shown that d-cycloserine (DCS) can improve treatment response by enhancing fear extinction learning during exposure-based psychotherapy. Some have hypothesized that improved treatment response is a function of increased compliance and engagement in therapeutic homework tasks, a core component of behavioral treatment. The present study examined the relationship between DCS augmented cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and homework compliance in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 30 youth with OCD. All children received 10 CBT sessions, the last seven of which included exposure and response prevention paired with DCS or placebo dosed 1 h before the session started. Results suggested that DCS augmented CBT did not predict improved homework compliance over the course of treatment, relative to the placebo augmented CBT group. However, when groups were collapsed, homework compliance was directly associated with treatment outcome. These findings suggest that while DCS may not increase homework compliance over time, more generally, homework compliance is an integral part of pediatric OCD treatment outcome.
Identification of proline-specific carboxypeptidase localized to brush border membrane of rat small intestine and its possible role in protein digestion.

A proline-specific carboxypeptidase (carboxypeptidase P, EC 3.4.12.-) was identified and partially characterized in the brush border membrane fraction of rat intestinal enterocytes and shown to be distinct from pancreatic proteases. The carboxypeptidase activity of isolated brush border membranes, with Z-Gly-Pro-Leu as substrate, was 43 nmol/min/mg protein representing a 16-fold purification when compared with mucosal cell homogenates. Activity was maximal in the middle region of the small intestine, and villus cells had twice the activity of crypt cells. Carboxypeptidase activity was maximal at pH 7.0, was stimulated by divalent cations, and was inhibited by metal chelating agents, suggesting that it is a metalloenzyme. The enzyme had the highest activity with synthetic peptides containing proline penultimate to the carboxy terminus. In vivopatterns of hydrolysis and absorption of amino acids from Z-Pro-Trp were examined using an intestinal perfusion technique. These studies indicate that brush border membrane carboxypeptidase may play an important role in the digestion of prolinecontaining peptides and proteins.
New approaches to transportation forecasting models: a synthesis of four research proposals

In 1992, the Federal Highway Administration awarded small research contracts to four teams of transportation researchers to design alternative approaches for improving the urban travel demand forecasting process. The purpose of these contracts was to enable each research team to explain how transportation planning models could and should be improved to meet the new forecasting requirements brought on by recent legislation, to address the impacts of new transportation technology, and to exploit the travel behavior theories and methodologies that have developed over the past two decades. This paper presents a summary and synthesis of the ideas which emerged from the four research reports. Its purpose is to identify common themes suggested by several of the research teams, to point out what appear to be critical elements missing from some approaches, and to combine the best aspects of the four approaches into a research plan for improving the current generation of travel demand models.
Arguing about international legal norms in parliamentary asylum debates

(1999). Arguing about international legal norms in parliamentary asylum debates. Global Society: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 349-366.
A removable tubing for implanting islet graft and studying immunosuppression.

THE RENAL subcapsular space is the most common implantation site for experimental islet transplantation. However, the islet graft disperses underneath the renal capsule and is therefore not discerniable when the site is dissected for histologic examination. In this study, we examined the feasibility of using removable subcutaneous hybrid tubing for implantation of islet transplants in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
Involvement of transcription factor NR2F2 in human trophoblast differentiation.

Background During the in vitro differentiation of human villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells to a syncytiotrophoblast (STB) phenotype, mRNA levels for the nuclear hormone receptor NR2F2 (ARP-1, COUP-TFII) increase rapidly, reaching a peak at day 1 of differentiation that is 8.8-fold greater than that in undifferentiated CTB cells. To examine whether NR2F2 is involved in the regulation of villous CTB cell differentiation, studies were performed to determine whether NR2F2 regulates the expression of TFAP2A (AP-2alpha), a transcription factor that is critical for the terminal differentiation of these cells to a STB phenotype. Methodology/primary findings Overexpression of NR2F2 in primary cultures of human CTB cells and JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells induced dose-dependent increases in TFAP2A promoter activity. Conversely, siRNA mediated silencing of the NR2F2 gene in villous CTB undergoing spontaneous differentiation blocked the induction of the mRNAs for TFAP2A and several STB cell specific marker genes, including human placental lactogen (hPL), pregnancy specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) by 51-59%. The induction of TFAP2A promoter activity by NR2F2 was potentiated by the nuclear hormone receptors retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA). Conclusions/significance Taken together, these results strongly suggest that NR2F2 is involved in villous CTB cell differentiation and that NR2F2 acts, at least in part, by directly activating TFAP2A gene expression and by potentiating the transactivation of TFAP2A by RARA and RXRA.
Optimization of an augmented Prosperetti-Lezzi bubble model.

Three enhancements are introduced for predicting the violent collapse and rebound of a spherical bubble with the matched-asymptotic-expansion model of Prosperetti and Lezzi [(1986). J. Fluid Mech. 168, 457–478]. The first introduces spatial variation of the pressure field inside the bubble. It derives from the perturbation analysis of the interior Euler equations begun by Geers et al. [(2012). J. Appl. Phys. 112, 054910]. The second enhancement augments the Prosperetti and Lezzi equation with a term that accounts for the kinetic energy of the bubble gas, while the third provides an optimum value for the free variable appearing in that equation. The optimum value emerges from a comparison of peak pressures predicted by the augmented equation with corresponding results generated by finite-difference simulations based on transformed Euler equations for both the bubble gas and the surrounding liquid [Geers et al. (2012). J. Appl. Phys. 112, 054910]. The three enhancements considerably extend the range of appl...
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

LESS than a decade ago, reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy was still controversial and uncommon. Today it is a much more accepted treatment, and the demand for it is increasing sharply. ...
The role of the adenylyl cydase system in the regulation of corpus luteum function in the human and in nonhuman primates

We have reviewed the properties of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropic (LH/hCG)-sensitive adenylyl cyclase (AC) of human corpus luteum (CL) and its regulation by several hormones and nonhormonal activators. We have also described the changes in enzyme activity in membrane preparations of human and cynomolgus monkey CL obtained at various stages of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The data have been analyzed with respect to the functional status of the luteal tissue and to the species differences among primate CL. In the menstrual cycle, luteal AC responsiveness to LH/hCG was detectable during the midluteal phase, but not during the late luteal phase or in the follicular phase of the following cycle. In addition, nonhormonal stimulation was high in CL obtained during the midluteal and late luteal phases, but declined drastically by the follicular phase of the next cycle. In early pregnancy, the enzyme was unresponsive to LH/hCG stimulation, yet its sensitivity to nonhormonal stimulation was similar, if not identical, to that of midluteal phase CL. Functional activity was also evident at the end of pregnancy. These results demonstrate that expression of AC activity in primate luteal membrane changes significantly with varying hormonal status under physiologic conditions. It is concluded that the AC system in luteal membranes is an effective model to study the mechanisms that regulate function and life span of the human and nonhuman primate CL.
O16+O16 elastic scattering

Abstract Differential cross sections for the elastic scattering of 9.65, 7.37 and 5.66 MeV/amu oxygen ions from a gaseous oxygen target have been measured over a range of laboratory angles from about 2° to 11°, with a relative precision of 4% and an estimated absolite precision (at 9.65 MeV/amu only) of 15%. Using a simple diffraction model and a nuclear radius of 1.34 A 1 3 fm = 3.37 fm , a good fit was obtained the maxima and minima of the angular distributions. In addition, this analysis gave qualitative agreement with the absolute magnitude of the measured cross section at 9.65 MeV/amu. Attempts to fit the data with a sharp cutoff model were not as succesful. By modifying this model with an imaginary nuclear phase shift to produce a diffuse cutoff, the agreement was somewhat improved. Linear and exponential shapes for the edge of the nuclear surface were equally satisfactory, and resulted in cutoff radius parameters which were larger than that obtained from the diffraction analysis and which increased with decreasing energy. The radial diffuseness parameters ΔR obtained from these calculations ranged from 0.51 fm at 9.65 MeV/amu to 0.23 fm at 5.66 MeV/amu, in reasonable agreement with those obtained from optical model calculations.
Radiation Problems with High-Energy Proton Accelerators

We shall restrict the discussion to proton accelerators in the multi-GeV energy range and of the alternating-gradient synchrotron type, with special attention given to the existing 30-GeV and the proposed 200-to 300-GeV machines. Radiation problems can be divided into two broad groups: those produced by the accelerator while it is running and those associated with the shut-down machine. The expense and difficulty of coping with these radiation problems influence the choice of design beam intensity. The problems while the machine is running are penetration of radiation through the shielding, muon shielding, penetration of radiation through ducts and labyrinths, skyshine, diffusion of radioactive air, and radiation damage to components. Some results of an LRL-CERN-Rutherford shielding experiment on the CERN-PS are presented. Problems of the shut-down accelerator include induced activity in the machine components and enclosure walls. These radiation fields affect maintenance procedures and require appropriate handling tools and shielded vehicles.
The effect of human patient simulation on critical thinking and its predictors in prelicensure nursing students

summary article i nfo Article history: Accepted 4 April 2012 Human patient simulation (HPS) is becoming a popular teaching method in nursing education globally and is believed to enhance both knowledge and critical thinking. Objective: While there is evidence that HPS improves knowledge, there is no objective nursing data to sup- port HPS impact on critical thinking. Therefore, we studied knowledge and critical thinking before and after HPS in prelicensure nursing students and attempted to identify the predictors of higher critical thinking scores. Methods: Using a one-group, quasi-experimental, pre-test post-test design, 154 prelicensure nursing stu- dents (age 25.7±6.7; gender=87.7% female) from 3 schools were studied at the same point in their curric- ulum using a high-fidelity simulation. Pre- and post-HPS assessments of knowledge, critical thinking, and self-efficacy were done as well as assessments for demographics and learning style. Results: There was a mean improvement in knowledge scores of 6.5 points (Pb0.001), showing evidence of learning. However, there was no statistically significant change in the critical thinking scores. A logistic re- gression with 10 covariates revealed three variables to be predictors of higher critical thinking scores: greater "age" (P=0.01), baseline "knowledge" (P=0.04) and a low self-efficacy score ("not at all confident" )i n "baseline self-efficacy in managing a patient's fluid levels" (P=.05). Conclusion: This study reveals that gains in knowledge with HPS do not equate to changes in critical thinking. It does expose the variables of older age, higher baseline knowledge and low self-efficacy in "managing a patient's fluid levels" as being predictive of higher critical thinking ability. Further study is warranted to de- termine the effect of repeated or sequential simulations (dosing) and timing after the HPS experience on crit- ical thinking gains.
Helium-Glow Photometer for Picomole Analysis of Alkali Metals.

The low-power electricglow discharge in helium can excite efftctively the characteristic emission lines of sodium and potassium. The helium-glow photometer used to generate the glow and measure the light is a relatively simple apparatus; it can be used to analyze samples containing 10 -14 mole or more of sodium and potassium. Overall precision of the apparatus and method is 5 percent or better.
The influence of sulfur on catalytic dehydrogenations with rhodium.

Abstract 1. 1. Rhodium dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol has the ability to dehydrogenate isopropyl alcohol and formic acid at moderately high temperature. 2. 2. Elementary sulfur increases the dehydrogenating efficiency of Rh but not that of palladium. 3. 3. A true-chemical binding is postulated between rhodium and sulfur, forming a compound with the formula Rh2S3·3H2S or Rh(SH)3. 4. 4. The favorable influence of sulfur on catalytic dehydrogenation with Rh-PVA is contrasted with its poisonous effect on catalytic hydrogenation. 5. 5. Two roles are assigned to sulfur, the first being that of a hydrogen acceptor, and the second consisting in the strengthening of the Rh:H linkage.
Inhibition of estrogen synthesis does not inhibit luteinizing hormone-induced ovulation

Abstract In isolated, perfused rat ovaries, the addition of luteinizing hormone (LH) to the perfusion medium consistently induced follicular ruptures. These ruptures were preceded by a marked increase in the levels of estradiol in the perfusion medium. The addition of 4-hydroxyandrostene-3,17-dione (4-OH-A) to the perfusion medium blocked this increase in estradiol, but did not prevent ovulation. Levels of estradiol in follicular fluid were also reduced during perfusion with LH plus 4-OH-A, in comparison to LH alone. The conclusion drawn was that the marked rise in the production of estrogen by preovulatory follicies of the perfused rat ovary, induced by an ovulatory dose of LH, is not required for ovulation to occur.
The murine p53 protein blocks replication of SV40 DNA in vitro by inhibiting the initiation functions of SV40 large T antigen

We have characterized the effect of murine p53 on SV40 DNA replication in vitro. Purified wild-type murine p53 dramatically inhibited the ability of SV40 T antigen to mediate the replication of a plasmid bearing the viral origin (ori-DNA) in vitro. In contrast, polyoma ori-DNA replication in vitro was unaffected by p53. Surprisingly, both unbound p53 and SV40 T antigen-bound p53 were equally detrimental to SV40 ori-DNA replication. Thus, p53 interferes with interactions between T antigen molecules that are required for DNA synthesis. p53 inhibited the binding to and subsequent unwinding of the SV40 origin by T antigen and thus selectively blocked the initial stages of ori-DNA replication. In contrast to the nononcogenic wild-type murine p53, high concentrations of a mutant transforming p53 failed to block SV40 ori-DNA replication in vitro. These observations may provide insight into a possible role for p53 in the cell.
Design and operation of ETA, an automated ellipsometer

The design and operational features are described for a computer-assisted ellipsometer (called ETA for Ellipsometric Thickness Analyzer), developed to provide reliable. real-time measurement of field-effect transistor gate insulator thickness in a manufacturing environment. ETA illuminates the sample with light of fixed polarization and uses a rotating analyzer to measure the polarization of the reflected light. Sample alignment is done automatically by ETA, so that usually no operator adjustments are required. Fourier analysis of the light transmitted by the analyzer is used to reduce noise and enhance measurement precision. In its normal mode of operation (incident light linearly polarized at 45°), ETA can measure single and double-layer films of SiO2, and Si3N4, in the thickness range of 300 to 800 A with precision comparable to that of conventional ellipsometers. Other modes of operation, which make use of a fixed-position compensator in the incident light path, allow precise measurement of thin films (0 to 300A) and permit use of ETA as a general-purpose ellipsometer. The typical time interval required for wafer alignment, data acquisition, analysis and recorded output of film thickness is about five seconds, and the measurement reproducibility is typically about 1A.
The effect of grain size and Fe:Co ratio on the room temperature yielding of FeCo

Abstract Compression tests have been used to determine the Hall-Petch parameter and the ductility has been measured under tension in three FeCo alloys, Fe30Co, Fe50Co and Fe70Co (compositions given in atomic percent throughout) in both their ordered and disordered states. It was that disorder, either constitutional or thermal, decreased the Hall-Petch parameter and increased the ductility, results explained by the increased ease of slip transmission on disordering. Surface slip trace observations showed that all the alloys exhibited wavy slip in their disordered states whilst planar slip occurred in the ordered states. The compression tests also showed that Fe50Co had a higher yield strength in the disordered state than in the ordered state, irrespective of grain size, as noted by others. In contrast, irrespective of grain size, the yield strength of Fe70Co was much lower in the disordered state than in the ordered state. On the other hand, Fe30Co was stronger in the ordered state at fine grain sizes but weaker at coarse grain sizes. This behaviour was interpreted in terms of the short range order upon quenching from 800°C.
Structural specificity of inhibition of human folylpolyglutamate synthetase by ornithine-containing folate analogs.

A series of folate analogs containing ornithine instead of glutamate was synthesized and tested for inhibition of folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) and other folate-dependent enzymes of human leukemia cell lines. Reduced derivatives of 2-amino-4-oxo-10-methyl-pteroyl-ornithine had dramatically increased inhibitory potency against FPGS compared to the oxidized parent. The aminopterin analog (2,4-diamino-pteroylornithine) was a potent inhibitor of both dihydrofolate reductase and FPGS. It was a much more potent linear competitive inhibitor of human FPGS than the corresponding methotrexate derivative previously described (Ki = 0.15–0.26 and 3 μM respectively). A quinazoline folate analog, 2-amino-4-oxo-5,8-dideazapteroyl-ornithine, was a relatively poor inhibitor of isolated dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase; however, it is the most potent human FPGS inhibitor identified to date (Ki = 100–150 nM). Because of the lack of appreciable interaction with other folatedependent enzymes, structures incorporating the 2-amino-4-oxo-5,8-dideazapteroate nucleus may thus lead to selective inhibition of FPGS. Substitution of ornithine for glutamate caused a profound decrease in cytotoxic potency for these analogs; this was apparently the result of poor transport. Together with earlier studies, these data indicate that the potency of FPGS inhibition by an analog containing ornithine closely parallels the relative substrate activity of its glutamate-containing counterpart. The substitution of ornithine apparently does not perturb the pterin specificity of FPGS. The close parallel between substrate and inhibitor specificity may thus allow the use of currently available structure-activity studies on FPGS to design more potent and more selective inhibitors of FPGS.
Molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases

Over the past several years, the development and application of molecular diagnostic techniques has initiated a revolution in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious diseases. Microbial phenotypic characteristics, such as protein, bacteriophage, and chromatographic profiles, as well as biotyping and susceptibility testing, are used in most routine laboratories for identification and differentiation. Nucleic acid techniques, such as plasmid profiling, various methods for generating restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are making increasing inroads into clinical laboratories. PCR-based systems to detect the etiologic agents of disease directly from clinical samples, without the need for culture, have been useful in rapid detection of unculturable or fastidious microorganisms. Additionally, sequence analysis of amplified microbial DNA allows for identification and better characterization of the pathogen. Subspecies variation, identified by various techniques, has been shown to be important in the prognosis of certain diseases. Other important advances include the determination of viral load and the direct detection of genes or gene mutations responsible for drug resistance. Increased use of automation and user-friendly software makes these technologies more widely available. In all, the detection of infectious agents at the nucleic acid level represents a true synthesis of clinical chemistry and clinical microbiology techniques.
Materials processing in nonequilibrium plasmas

Nonequilibrium plasmas (glow discharges) are extensively used in the fabrication of microelectronic devices because of their ability to create ions and radical species at low temperatures. Typically weakly ionized plasmas in the 1-1000-mtorr pressure range are used to deposit or selectively remove (etch) material. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is used to deposit thin films from gases. Although many materials can be deposited thermally (in the absence of a plasma), PECVD can be advantageous in that lower substrate temperatures can be used, materials an be deposited which are thermally unstable, chemical pathways can be facilitated which avoid high kinetics barriers which block thermal processes, etc. Plasma etching uses the ions and radical to react with a thin film and produce volatile species, thereby etching the film where it is not masked. The plasma kinetics of glow discharges is presently being modeled using both continuum and particle approaches. >
PROBLEM CHILDREN'S ADULT ADJUSTMENT PREDICTED FROM TEACHERS‘ RATINGS

Teacher ratings of 187 children seen at a guidance clinic are compared to interview-based ratings of social adjustment nine to fifteen years later. Children described as failing to get along with others are seen to be relatively disturbed at follow-up, and differences are found between teacher-rated behavior patterns relating to later social adjustment for boys and those for girls. It is concluded that teacher ratings can be useful predictors of adjustment, especially if focused on the child's peer relationships.
Copper proteins and oxygen. Correlations between structure and function of the copper oxidases.

A comprehensive survey of the interaction of the copper proteins and oxygen is presented including a correlation of structure, function, and other properties of the known copper oxidases and of hemocyanin. The origin of their blue color and the structure of copper complexes and copper proteins are related to the oxidation state of copper ion and relevant electronic transitions probably arising from the formation of charge transfer complexes. The oxygen reactions of hemocyanin, ceruloplasmin, and cytochrome oxidase show half-saturation values far below the other Cu enzymes. The formation of hydrogen peroxide as a reaction product is associated with the presence of one Cu atom per oxidase molecule or catalytic system. Water is the corresponding product of the other Cu oxidases with four or more Cu atoms per molecule, except for monoamine oxidase. Mechanisms for the oxidase action of the two and four electron transfer Cu oxidases and tyrosinase are proposed. These reactions account for the number, the oxidation-reduction potential, and the oxidation state of Cu in the resting enzyme, the cyclical change from Cu(II) to Cu(I), the diatomic nature of O2, the sequence of the oxidation and reduction reactions, and other salient features. The catalytic reactions involved in the oxidation of ascorbic acid by plant ascorbate oxidase, ceruloplasmin, and Cu(II) are compared. Finally the substrate specificity, inhibitory control, and the detailed mechanism of the oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin are summarized.
Photoinduced and thermally induced cationic polymerizations using S,S‐dialkyl‐S‐(3,5‐dimethylhydroxyphenyl)sulfonium salts

A study of the photoinitiated and thermally initiated cationic polymerizations of several monomer systems with S,S-dialkyl-S-(3,5-dimethylhydroxyphenyl)sulfonium salt (HPS) photoinitiators bearing different lengths of alkyl chains on the positively charged sulfur atom has been conducted. HPS photoinitiators are capable of photoinitiating the cationic polymerization of a wide variety of epoxy and vinyl ether monomers directly on irradiation with short-wavelength UV light. Aryl ketone photosensitizers are effective in extending the spectral response of these photoinitiators into the long-wavelength UV region. Kinetic studies with real-time infrared spectroscopy show that HPS photoinitiators exhibit good efficiency in the polymerization of epoxide and vinyl ether monomers. Comparative studies also demonstrate that S,S-dimethyl-S-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonium salts are more active photoinitiators than their isomeric S,S-dimethyl-S-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonium salt counterparts. Both types of HPS photoinitiators display reversible photolysis as a result of facile termination reactions that take place between the growing chains ends with the photogenerated sulfur ylides. Preliminary studies have shown that HPS photoinitiators can also be employed as thermal initiators for the cationic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides at moderate temperatures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2570–2587, 2003
Ionizing Radiation-induced Apoptosis in Ataxia-Telangiectasia Fibroblasts: ROLES OF CASPASE-9 AND CELLULAR INHIBITOR OF APOPTOSIS PROTEIN-1 *

Ionizing radiation (IR) has been shown to induce apoptosis to a greater extent in a fibroblast cell line AT5BIVA derived from an individual with ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) than in control fibroblasts. However, the signaling pathway that underlies IR-induced apoptosis in AT cells has remained unknown. The mechanism of apoptosis in response to γ-irradiation has now been examined in three AT fibroblast lines (AT3BIVA, AT4BIVA, and AT5BIVA) derived from different individuals with AT. The apoptotic indexes of these cell lines at 72 h after irradiation were 12, 31, and 35%, respectively, compared with a value of 2.3% for control fibroblasts. Immunoblot analysis and fluorometric assays revealed that the extents of IR-induced activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were markedly greater in AT4BIVA and AT5BIVA cells than in AT3BIVA and control cells. Furthermore, the basal abundance of the apoptotic inhibitor, a cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (c-IAP-1), was markedly reduced in AT4BIVA and AT5BIVA cells compared with that in AT3BIVA and control cells. The overexpression of either caspase-9 mutant forms or recombinant c-IAP-1 in AT5BIVA cells inhibited the IR-induced activation of caspases-3 and 9 and reduced the apoptotic index of the irradiated cells. These results indicate that the extent of IR-induced apoptosis in different AT cell lines is inversely related to the abundance of c-IAP-1 and directly related to the extent of activation of caspases-3 and 9.
Child Savings Accounts: Learning from poverty reduction policies in the world

This paper addresses the potential benefits of Child Savings Accounts (CSAs) in citizen–government partnerships on poverty reduction. CSA policies from 10 countries/regions in the world with official governmental website information are analyzed in terms of purpose, target age, account opening process, benefits, contributions, match, and fund usage as possible learning lessons for the USA. All 10 countries/regions with national CSA policies target low-income or disadvantaged children through five elements: 1) seed money for children’s education funds; 2) matching fund; 3) school attendance requirements; 4) graduation as a requirement; and 5) income determination. Aversion to higher taxes may still create difficulties in funding.
Bangla Plural Classifiers

This paper investigates the expression of plurality in Bangla. Like other languages that use classifiers in cardinal constructions, Bangla does not mark the singular–plural distinction on the noun....
Wavelength dependence of the linear growth rate of the E s layer instability

Abstract. It has recently been shown, by computation of the linear growth rate, that midlatitude sporadic-E (Es) layers are subject to a large scale electrodynamic instability. This instability is a logical candidate to explain certain frontal structuring events, and polarization electric fields, which have been observed in Es layers by ionosondes, by coherent scatter radars, and by rockets. However, the original growth rate derivation assumed an infinitely thin Es layer, and therefore did not address the short wavelength cutoff. Also, the same derivation ignored the effects of F region loading, which is a significant wavelength dependent effect. Herein is given a generalized derivation that remedies both these short comings, and thereby allows a computation of the wavelength dependence of the linear growth rate, as well as computations of various threshold conditions. The wavelength dependence of the linear growth rate is compared with observed periodicities, and the role of the zeroth order meridional wind is explored. A three-dimensional paper model is used to explain the instability geometry, which has been defined formally in previous works.
Faculty perception of bullying in schools of nursing.

This article is a report of a study conducted to determine the prevalence of bullying among faculty members in schools or colleges of nursing. The issue of bullying of nursing faculty in the academic setting is of interest in terms of recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, and the overall quality of the work environment. This cross-sectional, descriptive study of faculty in three northeastern states of the United States was carried out in 2010. The Negative Acts Questionnaire–Revised (NAQ-R) was used to survey faculty members in schools of nursing who award a baccalaureate degree (or higher) in nursing. A total of 473 faculty members met the inclusion criteria and responded to the NAQ-R. An iterative exploratory principal components analysis with orthogonal rotation was performed. Of the original 22 items, 13 were retained to measure the experiences of negative acts in the nursing faculty workplaces. The mean total score for the 13-item instrument was 17.90 ( SD = 6.07) and ranged from 13 to 56. The resulting components structure produced three clear subscales identifying the experiences of verbal abuse, physical abuse, and devaluing. The revised 13-item instrument had a Cronbach's alpha value of .88. Experiences of bullying were reported in 169 of the 473 (36%) respondents. A significant correlation was found between meeting frequency and the report of bullying ( r = .18, P ≤ .001). Administrators and senior faculty were more likely than expected to be the perpetrators of bullying. If the leaders are identified as bullies, the environment cannot be perceived as supportive and healthy. These unhealthy environments may have serious consequences related to retaining nursing faculty.
The Sonographic Double-Track Sign: Not Pathognomonic for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis; Can Be Seen in Pylorospasm

Objective. The double-track sign has previously been reported as specific for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis when noted on an upper gastrointestinal series. The sign has been noted on sonographic examinations as well. We sought to determine whether this sign can also be seen in cases of pylorospasm diagnosed by sonography, proving it not to be pathognomonic for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Methods. The data obtained prospectively from 91 consecutive patients studied between 1999 and 2002 by sonography for projectile vomiting were retrospectively reviewed. Cases with diagnoses of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis or pylorospasm were reviewed for the imaging finding of the double-track sign. Results. Thirty-seven patients had a sonographic diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis that was confirmed surgically. Twenty-six (70.2%) showed a sonographic double-track sign. Thirty-four patients had a sonographic diagnosis of pylorospasm that was confirmed by close clinical follow-up. Eighteen (52.9%) showed a sonographic double-track sign. Conclusions. The sonographic double-track sign can be seen in cases of pylorospasm as well as hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. It is not pathognomonic for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.