cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PDA: a tool for automated problem determination

Problem determination remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming functions in system management due to the difficulty in automating what is essentially a highly experience-dependent task. In this paper we study the characteristics of problem tickets in an enterprise IT infrastructure and observe that most of the tickets come from very few products and modules, and OS problems present higher resolving duration. We propose PDA, a problem management tool that provides automated problem diagnosis capabilities to assist system administrators in solving real-world problems more efficiently. PDA uses a two-level approach of proactive, high-level system health checks, coupled with rule-based "drill-down" probing to automatically collect detailed information related to the problem. Our tool allows system administrators to author and customize probes and rules accordingly and share across the organization. We illustrate the usage and benefits of PDA with a number of UNIX problem scenarios that show PDA is able to quickly collect key information through its rules to aid in problem determination.
Processing of a High Temperature Imide Copolymer into Hollow Fibers

Abstract Hollow fibers spun from synuietic fiber forming polymers have been of interest, especially for producing high-bulk, low-density fabrics. Such fibers produced from a high temperature resistant polymer provide a number of advantages in certain applications. Ultem, a polyetherimide resin marketed by General Electric company, is a copolymer with ether molecules between imide groups and is thermoplastic. Being an amorphous thermoplastic polyimide, the Ultem resin combines the high performance associated with exotic specialty polymers and the good processability of typical engineering plastics. Equipment was built at the Air Force Research Laboratory of Edwards AFB, CA to spin hollow fibers. The spinneret designed has a hollow tube supported in the center of the orifice, and an inert gas is injected through the needle to maintain the tubular shape until the solidification of the fiber. Using that set-up, fibers were spun from Ultem under several different conditions. Effect of some of the processing co...
Tea pigments inhibit the production of type 1 (TH1) and type 2 (TH2) helper T cell cytokines in CD4+ T cells

Tea pigments are oxidized products of polyphenols derived from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Theaflavins are constituents of tea pigments with antioxidant, antineoplastic and antiinflammatory properties similar to their parent compounds. The biological properties of polyphenols and theaflavins have been linked to their capacity to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor, which is critically involved in the molecular regulation of a number of proinflammatory cytokines. The current study examines the requirement for NF-kappaB in the immunosuppressive effects mediated by tea antioxidants. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that cytokines produced by type 1 (T(H1)) CD4(+) T cells which require NF-kappaB for gene expression, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma), are selectively inhibited by tea pigments. We found that tea pigments potently suppress IL-2 secretion, IL-2 gene expression and the activation of NF-kappaB in murine spleens enriched for CD4(+) T cells, as expected. Consistent with our hypothesis, tea pigments also inhibited the induction of IFNgamma mRNA. However, the expression of the T(H2) cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, which lack functional NF-kappaB sites within their promoters was unexpectedly suppressed by tea pigments, as well. The results indicate that NF-kappaB may be only one of multiple transcription factors inhibited by tea pigments.
Climate variability and spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) outbreaks in south‐central and southwest Alaska

We used tree ring data (AD 1601-2007) to examine the occurrence of and climatic influences on spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) outbreaks in south-central and southwest Alaska and found evidence of regional-scale outbreaks dating from the mid-1700s, related to climate variability at multiple temporal scales. Over interannual time scales (approximately 1-3 years), El Nino years, combined with severe late-summer drought, appeared to contribute significantly to spruce beetle outbreaks in the study area. Over multidecadal time scales (up to approximately 40 years), cool-phase Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) conditions tended to precede beetle outbreaks, regardless of the phase of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). All sites showed low-severity disturbances attributed to spruce beetle damage, most notably during the 1810s. During other major periods of disturbance (i.e., 1870s, 1910s, 1970s), the effects of spruce beetle outbreaks were of moderate or higher severity. The highly synchronized timing of spruce beetle outbreaks at interannual to multidecadal scales, and particularly the association between cool-phase PDO conditions and beetle disturbance, suggests that climate (i.e., temperature, precipitation) is a primary driver of outbreaks in the study area. Our disturbance chronologies (mid-1700s to present) suggest that recent irruptions (1990s to present) in south-central and southwest Alaska are within the historical geographic range, but that outbreaks since the 1990s show greater spatiotemporal synchrony (i.e., more sites record high-severity infestations) than at any other time in the past approximatly 250 years.
Patterns of first recurrence following adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy for stage IIIC ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Adjuvant intraperitoneal (IP) platinum-based chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcome for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. We hypothesize that patients who have received adjuvant IP chemotherapy more commonly recur first at extraperitoneal sites than patients who have received adjuvant intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed stage IIIC optimally debulked serous ovarian cancer were identified from institutional databases. Patterns of recurrence were compared between patients who received IV and IP chemotherapy using standard two-sided statistical tests. Results Of the 104 patients who met inclusion criteria, 60 received IV chemotherapy and 44 received IP chemotherapy. Patients in the IV group had a first recurrence more commonly in the lower abdomen or pelvis than the IP group. Patients in the IP group more commonly recurred in the upper abdomen and extra-abdominal lymph nodes. More patients in the IP group than the IV group recurred at extra-abdominal sites (45.5% versus 23.3%, P =0.018). Conclusions Patients receiving adjuvant IP chemotherapy are less likely to first recur in the lower abdomen or pelvis and more likely to recur outside of the abdominal cavity. The data suggest that IP chemotherapy is highly effective in the anatomic areas of peritoneal distribution.
Enhancement of MEK/ERK signaling promotes glucocorticoid resistance in CD4+ T cells

Glucocorticoids have potent immunosuppressive properties, but their effects are often modulated by the conditions prevailing in the local immune milieu. In this study we determined whether the action of glucocorticoids is influenced by the degree of signaling during T cell activation. We found that dexamethasone (Dex) effectively suppressed T cell receptor-induced (TCR-induced) proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells, through a mechanism involving downregulation of c-Fos expression and inhibition of activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), and NF-kappaB transcriptional activity. However, enhancement of TCR signaling by CD28- or IL-2-mediated costimulation abrogated the suppressive effect of Dex on c-Fos expression and AP-1 function and restored cellular proliferation. The amount of signaling through the MAPK pathway was critical in determining the effect of Dex on T cell activation. In particular, costimulatory signaling via MAPK kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was essential for the development of T cell resistance to Dex. Selective blockade of MEK/ERK signal transduction abolished the costimulation-induced resistance. In contrast, transmission of IL-2 signals via STAT5 and CD28 signals via NF-kappaB remained inhibited by Dex. These results imply that the immune system, by regulating the degree of local costimulation through MEK/ERK, can modify the effect of glucocorticoids on T cells. Moreover, these findings suggest that MAPK inhibitors may offer a therapeutic solution for glucocorticoid resistance.
Effect of molecular scale roughness of glass beads on colloidal and bacterial deposition.

Molecular-scale surface roughness and charge heterogeneity have been hypothesized as factors that can affect the deposition rates of colloids during their transport in porous media. To test their relative importance, a single batch of cleaned glass beads was divided in half and chemically treated with acid or base to alter surface roughness. Analysis of the topography of 20 glass beads with an atomic force microscope (AFM) indicated that the chromic acid-treated (rough) beads had a root-mean-square roughness of 38.1 ± 3.9 nm, while the sodium hydroxide-treated (smooth) beads had root-mean-square surface roughness of 15.0 ± 1.9 nm. AFM force volume imaging of glass bead surfaces did not reveal surface charge heterogeneity. Filtration experiments with inorganic colloids (latex microspheres, 1 μm diameter) consistently demonstrated that there was a greater retention of latex microspheres on rough than smooth glass beads suspended in either low (10-5 M) or higher (10-1 M) ionic strength (IS) solutions. Collis...
Isolation of a cell membrane-DNA-nascent RNA complex from bacteria.

Abstract A new method has been developed for the isolation of DNA attached to a portion of the bacterial cell membrane. The method consists of lysing spheroplasts of Bacillus megaterium , or fragile forms of other bacterial species, with the detergent, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. In the presence of magnesium the detergent crystallizes and the crystals are banded by centrifugation through a sucrose gradient. Associated with the crystals is 10 to 30% of the cell membrane, 90% or more of the DNA, and about three-fourths of the RNA which is labelled during a short pulse. The crystals also contain about one-third of the ribosomes. some of which have been shown to be attached to nascent RNA. The formation of this complex depends on the interaction of cell membrane components with the crystals of detergent, since neither nucleic acids nor ribosomes interact with the crystals directly, whereas partially purified membranes and phospholipids do. We infer that the complex comprises the specific portion of the cell membrane to which the DNA is attached within the cell.
Electrically conducting, Ca‐rich brines, rather than water, expected in the Martian subsurface

If Mars ever possessed a salty liquid hydrosphere, which later partly evaporated and froze down, then any aqueous fluids left near the surface could have evolved to become dense eutectic brines. Eutectic brines, by definition, are the last to freeze and the first to melt. If CaC12-rich, such brines can remain liquid until temperatures below 220 K, close to the average surface temperature of Mars. In the Martian subsurface, in intimate contact with the Ca-rich basaltic regolith, NaC1-rich early brines should have reacted to become Ca-rich. Fractional crystallization (freezing) and partial melting would also drive brines toward CaC12-rich compositions. In other words, eutectic brine compositions could be present in the shallow subsurface of Mars, for the same reasons that eutectic magma compositions are common on Earth. Don Juan Pond, Antarctica, a CaC12-rich eutectic brine, provides a possible terrestrial analog, particularly because it is fed from a basaltic aquifer. Owing to their relative density and fluid nature, brines in the Martian regolith should eventually become sandwiched between ice above and salts beneath. A thawing brine sandwich provides one explanation (among many) for the young gullies recently attributed to seepage of liquid water on Mars. Whether or not brine seepage explains the gullies phenomenon, dense, CaC12-rich brines are to be expected in the deep subsurface of Mars, although they might be somewhat diluted (temperatures permitting) and of variable salt composition. In any case, they should be good conductors of electricity.
General analysis of D → Kπlν physics☆

Abstract We give the general formalism for the analysis of the decay D → K π l ν (and F → K K l ν etc.) in order to extract the hadronic current form factors and study the ( c , s ) weak current and its symmetry properties.
Phase composition and the effect of thermal cycling for VHx, V0.995C0.005Hx, and V0.975Zr0.020C0.005Hx

Abstract X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were performed on hydride phases formed by vanadium and its carbon substituted alloys. It was previously found that thermal cycling of VH x across the β–γ mixed phase region changed the reversible hydrogen storage capacity and other properties. The present materials were compared where annealing was one prior treatment and the materials were cycled from 3 cycles to over 1000 cycles and one sample was cycled 6182 times. The effects on phase composition, c / a unit cell axial ratios, unit cell volume and crystallite particle size and BET surface area measurements were studied. Earlier studies placed the β–γ phase boundary at x =0.82 for XRD studies. The phase boundaries of the substituted alloys are found to be virtually the same. Thermal cycling produced similar behavior for all the materials.
Classifying Services by Tangibility/Intangibility of Attributes and Benefits

ABSTRACT This study involved two primary objectives. First, since no multi-item measure of perceived tangibility/intangibility of service offerings has emerged in the services literature, one is proposed. Second, the measure is used to classify service offerings according to the level of perceived tangibility/intangibility of their salient attributes and desired benefits. The resulting services taxonomy is intended to help guide services marketers with their positioning and promotional decisions relating to the need for overcoming the problem of service intangibility.
Hierarchical cognitive maps

We describe a computational model of spatial navigation based on experimental studies conducted with human participants. The model builds and uses a hierarchical cognitive map of a large environment. Computer simulations show that the model correctly describes experimental results including hierarchical organization of space and distance estimation. Furthermore, the model predicts that reaction time for distance estimation varies nonlinearly with distance.
On a lagrangean action based kinetic instability theorem of Kelvin and Tait

Abstract This article provides a simple and comprehensive proof of the Kelvin/Tait Kinetic Instability theorem. According to it: “if the Lagrangean Action (LA) of a holonomic and conservative system along a fundamental trajectory I for cotermini and noncontemporaneous but isoenergetic variations \ gd(I) , is a minimum, when calculated from an initial configuration to a final one reached at any time, however much later, then I is unstable”. The proof hinges on the study of the sign of the second such variation \ gd 2 (LA) , of LA . The introduction of the concept of Lagrangean kinetic foci, combined with the extended Jacobi's sufficiency condition (for this variable endpoints variational problem) leads to a hitherto missing quantitative formulation of the theorem. Possible extensions to nonconservative systems are also indicated.
Dynamic optical gratings in two layer system: ferroelectric and nanostructured metal film

ABSTRACT Dynamic reflection gratings, recorded by the single laser beam in ferroelectric crystals covered by nano-structured golden film generate optical and electrical pulsations. Freque ncy and amplitude of pulsations depend on laser intensity, the ambient pressure and temperature. Model explaining pulsations are developed based on the photogalvanic and pyroelectric mechanisms of holographic grating recording. Possible applications for the remote pressure and temperature sensing are discussed. Golden nanostructured film increase significantly sensitivity of the crystal pulsations to laser intensity, temperature and pressure. For a focused HeNe laser beam (intensity about 160mW/cm 2 ) an interesting phenomenon (deserving special considerations) of self-phase conjugation was observed. 1. INTRODUCTION Recording of the reflection-type hologram, using single be am and placing holographic medium between laser and object, is known as Denisyuk-Lippman holograms [1-3]. In this paper we describe recording of the dynamic reflection or mirror hologram (holographic grating) in ferroelectric crystal iron doped lithium niobate (Fe:LN). In our case single laser beam illuminate z-cut LN crystal sample (1x1x0.1cm ) with rear side coated by gold film. Incident and mirror-reflected from the rear surface beams form interference pattern, that is recorded in the crystal as a dynamic transient holographic grating. Self diffraction of the recording beam on this reflection-type grating change intensity of the beam reflected from the rear crystal surface. In the same time laser illumination generate photogalvanic current [4, 5], that charge crystal to high voltage, that may produce ionization of the near-surface air and electrical discharges. Electrical discharges are picked-up by the capacitance-type electrodes and are detected by oscilloscope. These electrical discharges are also influence self-diffraction, leading to quasi-periodic modulation (pulsations) in the optical reflected signal. It is important to note, that both electrical and optical pulsations are produced by the CW laser with constant intensity. Both pulsations are due to the photo induced charging processes in the volume due to the photogalvanic and pyroelectric effects and to the discharging near the crystal surface. In our experiments we observed dependence of the frequency of pulsations on the laser intensity, ambient pressure and temperature. To explain these experiments, we suggest physical model that describe both electrical and optical pulsations. In our theoretical model we w ill use two systems of equation: material photorefractive equations that include pyroelectric effect and Maxwell wave equations.
Three Harms of 'Conversion' Therapy

In “Brave New Love: The Threat of High-Tech ‘Conversion’ Therapy and the Bio-Oppression of Sexual Minorities,” Brian Earp, Anders Sandberg, and Julian Savulescu (2014) defend the ethical permissibi...
Multi-wall structural response to hypervelocity impact: Numerical predictions vs experimental results

Abstract Over the last three decades, multi-wall structures have been analysed extensively, primarily through experiment, as a means of increasing the protection afforded to the interior of habitable spacecraft or modules. However, as structural configurations become more varied, the number of tests required to characterize their response has begun to increase dramatically. As an alternative to experimental testing, numerical modeling of high-speed impact phenomena is often being used to predict the response of a variety of structural systems under different kinds of impact loading conditions. This paper presents the results of a combined numerical/experimental investigation of the hypervelocity impact response of multi-wall structures. The results of a series of experimental high-speed impact tests are compared with the predictions of the HULL hydrodynamic computer code. It is shown that the hypervelocity impact response characteristics of a specific system cannot be accurately predicted from a limited number of HULL code impact simulations. However, if a wide range of impact loading conditions are considered, then the ballistic limit curve of the system based on the entire series of numerical simulations can be used as a fair indication of the actual system response.
Prismatic displacement and the remembered location of targets

Following adaptation, only the trained limb misreaches to the remembered location of targets. This suggests a change in the feit position of the trained limb, but conflicts with recent reports, and with the hypothesis that when a limb changes, the remembered location of targets encountered only by that limb undergo some change too. It suggests that information is stored independently of the mode of acquisition.
Iron-sulfur proteins of the green photosynthetic bacterium Chlorobium

Abstract The iron-sulfur proteins of the green photosynthetic bacterium Chlorobium have been characterized by oxidation-reduction potentiometry in conjunction with low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Chlorobium ferredoxin was the only iron-sulfur protein detected in the soluble fraction; no high-potential iron-sulfur protein was observed. In addition, high-potential iron-sulfur protein was not detected in the chromatophores. Four chromatophore-bound iron-sulfur proteins were detected. One is the “Rieske” type iron-sulfur protein with a g -value of 1.90 in the reduced state; the protein has a midpoint potential of +160 mV (pH 7.0), and this potential is pH dependent. Three g = 1.94 chromatophore-bound iron-sulfur proteins were observed, with midpoint potentials of −25, −175, and about −550 mV. A possible role for the latter iron-sulfur protein in the primary photochemical reaction in Chlorobium is considered.
MultiGigabit millimeter wave communication: System concepts and challenges

The millimeter wave band from 60-95 GHz offers large swathes of unlicensed and semi-unlicensed spectrum, which may well form the basis for the next revolution in wireless communication, in which wireless catches up with wires.With the rapid scaling of silicon processes, low-cost implementations for radio frequency front-ends are on the horizon. A key challenge now is to parlay these breakthroughs into innovative system concepts. We review three such concepts here.Millimeter wave MIMO: The small carrier wavelength enables spatial multiplexing in line-of-sight environments, potentially resulting in point-to-point outdoor wireless links at optical speeds (40 Gbps) using bandwidths of the order of 5 GHz. Directional multihop networking: Indoor Gigabit wireless links based on 60 GHz unlicensed spectrum are subject to disruption due to line-of-sight blockage by obstacles such as furniture and humans. We show that a multihop architecture with a small number of relays assures full network connectivity. All-digital multiGigabit baseband: Since high-speed analog-to- digital conversion (ADC) is costly and power-hungry, in order to design all-digital baseband processing that can be implemented inexpensively by riding Moore's law, we must be able to perform signal processing with sloppy ADC. We discuss Shannon-theoretic limits and signal processing challenges in this context.
Comparison of mechanical fatigue with thermal fatigue in ceramics

Thermal fatigue studies have shown a saturation of damage accumulation with cycling. Similar damage saturation has been observed for mechanical fatigue. This study compares damage saturation behavior for mechanical fatigue with thermal fatigue in ceramics. Studies of thermal fatigue of ceramics show that the accumulation of thermal shock cycling damage depends on the magnitude of the thermal shock, [Delta][Tau] (where [Delta][Tau] is the temperature change of the specimen from the initial temperature to the temperature of the quenching medium). Three distinct regimes of damage accumulation exist depending on the magnitude of [Delta][Tau]. For the first regime where the thermal shock cycling is below [Delta][Tau][sub c], a critical thermal shock value, there is no thermal damage detected. In the second regime where [Delta][Tau] is higher than [Delta][Tau][sub c] but lower than [Delta][Tau][sub 1], the accumulating microcrack damage initially induces a rapid change in material property P. As the number of cycles increases a steady state value of properties is reached. For the third regime [Delta][Tau] is higher than [Delta][Tau][sub 1] and rapid crack growth results in fracture of the specimen. Each regime depends on [Delta][Tau] since, for a given specimen and quenching medium, the maximum thermal shock stress is proportional tomore » [Delta][Tau]. So characterization of each regime by [Delta][Tau] is indicative of the maximum stress applied by the thermal shock.« less
An Open Trial of Bupropion for ADHD in Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders and Conduct Disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) and substance use disorders (SUD) have higher rates of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those without CD and SUD. Comorbid ADHD may contribute to more severe SUD. Treatment of ADHD may enhance effective treatment of substance abuse and behavior problems, yet there are few data regarding pharmacological treatment of ADHD in such youths. Method Pilot data are presented from a 5-week, open-label bupropion trial in 13 nondepressed adolescent boys in a residential treatment program focusing on substance and behavioral treatments. All had diagnoses of ADHD, CD, and SUD. Patients' doses were titrated to a maximum fixed daily dose of 300 mg of bupropion. The Conners Hyperactivity Index and Daydream Attention scores, along with Clinical Global Impressions Severity of Illness (CGI-S) ratings, were obtained at baseline and at the fifth week of treatment. Results Subjects' mean Conners Hyperactivity Index score declined from 75.5 to 65.4 ( p p p Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that bupropion may be a useful treatment for ADHD in adolescents with CD and SUD; they suggest the need for a controlled trial of bupropion in such youths.
Coercive Force of Precipitation Alloys

Cunico, Cunife, and the various types of Alnico are structurally analogous in that at the state of high coercive force the crystal structure of the precipitate is distorted from a cubic lattice to a tetragonal lattice. A single empirical relation has been derived from the data for these types of materials in which maximum coercive force is directly related to degree of tetragonality and saturation induction of the precipitate. On the basis of the fine particle theory this result suggests that not only shape anisotropy but also crystal anistropy, as affected by strain, contributes to the coercive force. This work represents the first successful attempt to correlate the coercive force of the various commercial permanent magnet alloys with more fundamental characteristics.
Adhesion, friction and wear characterization of skin and skin cream using atomic force microscope

Skin cream is commonly used to improve skin health and create a smooth, soft, and moist perception by altering the surface roughness, friction, and adhesion of skin surface. In this study, a systematic characterization of the friction and adhesion properties of skin and skin cream was carried out, which is essential to develop better skin care products and advance biological, dermatology, and cosmetic science. Since cream rheology is expected to be a function of its thickness as well as the velocity and normal load during its application, friction and adhesion experiments were performed at a range of cream film thickness, velocity, and normal load in order to study their effect on virgin skin and cream treated skin. Since environmental dependence of skin and skin cream is of importance, the effect of relative humidity and temperature on the coefficient of friction and adhesive force was also studied. Durability of the virgin skin and cream treated skin was studied by repeated cycling tests. These experiments were performed by using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a macroscale friction test apparatus in order to study the scale effects. Friction and wear mechanisms under various operating conditions are discussed.
Requirement of Poultry for Carbohydrates

(1967). Requirement of Poultry for Carbohydrates. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 20-31.
The Effect of Financial Leverage on Profitability and Risk of Restaurant Firms

ABSTRACT This study presents an empirical insight into the relationship between return on equity (ROE), financial leverage, and size of firms in the restaurant industry for the period 1998 to 2003 using OLS regressions. Research results suggest that, at least during the test period, firm size had a more dominant effect on ROE of restaurant firms than debt use, larger firms earning significantly higher equity returns. Results also suggest that regardless of having lower financial leverage, smaller restaurant firms were significantly riskier than larger firms. As such, the dominance of size effect in the ROE-financial leverage relationship within the restaurant industry is better understood.
Histochemical study ofSarcocystis sp. intramuscular cysts in gastrocnemius and soleus of the cat

Histochemical investigations ofSarcocystis microcysts found in two hindleg muscles of cats were carried out. Genus identification was based on the reinforced cyst membrane structure and its dimensions, the structure of the sarcocysts, and an electron microscopic survey of bradyzoite characteristics. The cyst membrane is partly contributed by the host myofiber, the characteristic histochemical features of which it retains. Materials adjacent to the limiting membrane make it appear thicker than it actually is, particulary when the PAS method as well as techniques for the demonstration of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and ATPase activities are used. The ground substance occupying the parasitophorous vacuole is not amorphous and metabolically inert, but rather displays a fairly strong and definite ATPase activity, suggesting a trophic role in the support of metrocytes and zoites embedded therein. Cysts tend to adapt their biochemical characteristics to the particular metabolism of the muscle fibers in which they are located. All of these findings are discussed in terms of host-parasite relationships.
Divided Government and the Supreme Court: Judicial Behavior in Civil Rights and Liberties Cases, 1954-89

One of the common explanations for the existence of divided government is that voters, preferring moderate public policy outcomes, split their tickets in voting for president and Congress. This argument presumes that divided government in fact results in more moderate policy outcomes than would be the case under unified government. To date, no one has examined the consequences of divided government for policymaking by the Supreme Court. Does appointment of Supreme Court justices under conditions of divided government produce a more moderate Court? The authors address this question in the context of civil rights and liberties cases, looking at liberal-conservative voting by justices between 1954 and 1989, inclusive. They test a model of Supreme Court decision making that incorporates a number of factors along with the existence of divided party government at the time of a justice's appointment. These factors include the number of years the individual justice has served on the Court, and the possible effect...
Surgical management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the office: Three mucosal sparing techniques

In the management of nasal obstruction, identification and treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy remains an important consideration for long-term improvement of nasal breathing. New technological advances have offered application of innovative surgical modalities to the management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the office. We describe 3 progressively more aggressive approaches to reduction of the submucosal vascular stroma of the inferior turbinates that can be performed in the office. Using radiofrequency cautery, ionized field ablation, and the powered microdebrider, these procedures are easily performed, usually successful, and have a high level of patient satisfaction. Based on an assessment of the patient's specific needs, otolaryngologists can use these techniques to improve a patient's nasal breathing without the expense or bother of a trip to the operating room.
Effect of a 10-Week strength training program and recovery drink on body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and anaerobic power and capacity

Abstract Objective We investigated whether postexercise consumption of a supplement containing whey protein, amino acids, creatine, and carbohydrate combined with a strength training program promotes greater gains in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength and endurance, and anaerobic performance compared with an isocaloric, carbohydrate-only control drink combined with strength training. Methods The study was double blind and randomized, and the experimental supplement was compared with a carbohydrate-only control. Forty-one males ( n = 20 in control group, n = 21 in the supplement group; mean age, 22.2 y) participated in a 4 d/wk, 10-wk periodized strength training program. Subjects had to complete at least 70% of the workouts. Before and after 10 wk of strength training, subjects were tested for body composition by using hydrostatic weighing and skinfold thicknesses, one repetition maximum strength and muscular endurance for the bench press and 45-degree leg press, and anaerobic performance using a 30-s Wingate test. Thirty-three subjects (80.5%) completed the training program ( n = 15 in control group, n = 18 in the supplement); these 33 subjects also completed all post-training test procedures. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on time. P ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. All statistical analyses, including calculation of effect size and power, were completed with SPSS 11.0. Results Across groups, FFM increased during 10 wk of strength training. Although there was no statistically significant time × group interaction for FFM, there was a trend toward a greater increase in FFM for the supplement group (+3.4 kg) compared with the control group (+1.5 kg; P = 0.077). The effect size (η 2 = 0.100) was moderately large. Percentage of body fat declined and fat mass was unchanged; there were no differences between groups. One repetition maximum strength for the bench press and 45-degree leg press increased, but there were no differences between groups. Muscular endurance expressed as the number of repetitions completed with 85% of the one repetition maximum was unchanged; external work, which was estimated as repetitions completed × resistance used, increased for the 45-degree leg press but not for the bench press over the 10-wk training period; there were no time × group interactions for either measurement. Anaerobic power and capacity improved, but there were no differences between groups for these variables or for fatigue rate. Conclusions Consumption of a recovery drink after strength training workouts did not promote greater gains in FFM compared with consumption of a carbohydrate-only drink; however, a trend toward a greater increase in FFM in the supplement group suggests the need for longer-term studies. Performance variables such as muscle strength and endurance and anaerobic performance were not improved when compared with the carbohydrate-only group.
Periodic Updates on Prevention

Excerpt Most physicians had their introductory course in preventive medicine as pre-premedical students and learned such axioms as, Don't go out at night without a sweater. . . .Always wear clean u...
Plays of Destruction

L’auteur considere ici la possibilite que les objets esthetiques — histoires, narrations, et autres structures cognitives semblables — recouvrent et deguisent l’experience humaine de telle sorte qu’elle ne peut se reveler qu’a la faveur de certaines distorsions particulieres du jeu. Travaillant a partir de la notion du jeu humain comme forme anti-esthetique, l’auteur examine des destructions ludiques au cinema — Groundhog Day (1993), Lola rennt (1998), et Memento (2000) —, ainsi que dans d’autres formes mediatiques qui servent a ebranler le temps et l’espace conventionnels et qui, pendant ce processus, revelent les mecanismes fondamentaux de l’experience humaine et de la formation du moi.
Engineering the assembly of heme cofactors in man-made proteins

Timely ligation of one or more chemical cofactors at preselected locations in proteins is a critical preamble for catalysis in many natural enzymes, including the oxidoreductases and allied transport and signaling proteins. Likewise, ligation strategies must be directly addressed when designing oxidoreductase and molecular transport functions in man-made, first-principle protein constructs intended to operate in vitro or in vivo. As one of the most common catalytic cofactors in biology, we have chosen heme B, along with its chemical analogues, to determine the kinetics and barriers to cofactor incorporation and bishistidine ligation in a range of 4-α-helix proteins. We compare five elementary synthetic designs (maquettes) and the natural cytochrome b562 that differ in oligomeric forms, apo- and holo-tertiary structural stability; qualities that we show can either assist or hinder assembly. The cofactor itself also imposes an assembly barrier if amphiphilicity ranges toward too hydrophobic or hydrophilic. With progressive removal of identified barriers, we achieve maquette assembly rates as fast as native cytochrome b562, paving the way to in vivo assembly of man-made hemoprotein maquettes and integration of artificial proteins into enzymatic pathways.
Usefulness of electron beam computed tomography scanning for distinguishing ischemic from nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives. This study was undertaken to evaluate the ability of electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) to distinguish ischemic from nonischemic causes of cardiomyopathy by evaluating heart failure patients for coronary calcification (CC). Background. The etiology of heart failure, whether coronary-induced or nonischemic, may be difficult to discern clinically. Differentiation of ischemic from nonischemic etiology is clinically important for both therapeutic and prognostic implications. With its ability to noninvasively discern and quantitate coronary artery calcification, EBCT correlates well with angiographic stenosis and thus may be useful in distinguishing ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. Methods. One hundred and twenty-five patients with cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction Results. Of the 72 patients who were found to have ischemic cardiomyopathy, 71 patients had CC by EBCT (sensitivity 99%, p Conclusions. This prospective, blinded study indicates that EBCT detected CC accurately and can noninvasively distinguish between cardiomyopathy because of CAD and nonischemic causes of left ventricular dysfunction.
Pliocene archaeological occurrences in the Lake Turkana basin

Abstract Archaeological evidence from the Lake Turkana basin, as well as from several other localities in eastern and central Africa, shows that stone tool manufacture and use occurred at least by the later part of the Pliocene, about 2·4 million years (Ma). However, little is known from the archaeological record about the technological characteristics of Pliocene material culture, and related aspects of hominid behavior, such as habitat use and preference and subsistence of the tool makers. Expanded excavations at the West Turkana site of Lokalalei, dated to about 2·35 Ma indicate that hominids making artifacts at this site had little success in striking off whole flakes from the parent core forms. The large number of scars left on these forms consists of step, hinge, and small flakes (>2 cm) which may not have been very successful in cutting or slicing, despite the fact that the raw material utilized was a medium-grained volcanic lava with observable conchoidal fracture mechanics. The fauna is characterized by mainly size 1 or 2 bovids, suggesting early access if scavenged or hunted. This lithic technology patterning, which is shared by other assemblages in the basin, suggests that the Oldowan is not the earliest stone tool technology industry. Rather, the Oldowan represents a point in a continuum from simpler Pliocene technology characterized by little understanding of stone fracture mechanics to greater technological complexity and appreciation of fracture mechanics in the Pleistocene.
Cities in a globalizing world: from engines of growth to agents of change:

This paper describes the key role that city authorities and their civil societies should play in mediating the relationship between economic globalization and human development so that cities act not only as engines of growth but also as agents for greater social justice and environmental sustainability. In a globalizing and urbanizing world, urban governments have a much more important role in guaranteeing that citizen needs are met and citizen rights are respected. This is not a conventional public-sector-led, professionally determined role but one more rooted in participatory democracy and partnerships with citizens, both to redress the limits of market mechanisms and to ensure urban livability.
Post-mortem electrical stimulation of broilers

Post-mortem electrical stimulation (ES) is not a new technology but has only recently become a commercial possibility for use in broiler processing. In broilers, ES seeks to reduce the toughness of meat that is deboned prior to the normal aging (or maturation) period. This is different from its previous use in red meat in which it is largely used to improve many aspects of the quality of meat that is aged on the carcass. Although many different ES techniques have been studied, the systems can be grouped into low amperage (0–200 mA per bird) and high amperage systems (350–500 mA per bird). Both types of systems have been used by processors and high amperage stimulators are available from a commercial manufacturer. The low amperage systems vary in their conditions and are commonly combined with other, enhancing procedures. The low amperage systems accelerate rigor development and prevent sarcomere shortening in the breast fillet after deboning, while the high amperage systems also induce the additional effect of myofibrillar damage to further improve tenderness. ES is a complex technology with many factors that need to be controlled for its successful implementation.
Assembly of Glucocorticoid Receptor and c-JUN Homodimer on the Promoter of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Long Terminal Repeat Is Influenced by Order of Addition

Abstract Interactions between the glucocorticoid receptor (OR) and c-Jun/c-Jun homodimer (JUN) on the promoter DNA of mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR) are reported here using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Both GR and JUN are capable of independently binding to their respective response elements, including glucocorticoid response element (GRE) and phorbol ester response element (TRE), on MMTV-LTR promoter. The protein-DNA complex, assembled by pre-incubating JUN and DNA before the addition of GR, migrates slower (supershift) on gel electrophoresis than do the complexes formed by the other orders of addition. The formation of the supershifted complex is GR and JUN dose-dependent. The supershift is not detected with the cleaved fragments of MMTV-LTR promoter that separate GRE from TRE, indicating that the integrity of the promoter and possibly the spacing between GRE and TRE are important. The interaction of GR and JUN on the MMTV-LTR promoter appears to be more complex than simple protein-protein interaction.
Greenhouse gas mitigation options in the Forest sector of Russia: National and project level assessments

Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation options in the Russian forest sector include: afforestation and reforestation of unforested/degraded land area; enhanced forest productivity; incorporation of nondestructive methods of wood harvesting in the forest industry; establishment of land protective forest stands; increase in stand age of final harvest in the European part of Russia; increased fire control; increased disease and pest control; and preservation of old growth forests in the Russian Far-East, which are presently threatened. Considering the implementation of all of the options presented, the GHG mitigation potential within the forest and agroforestry sectors of Russia is approximately 0.6–0.7 Pg C/yr or one half of the industrial carbon emissions of the United States. The difference between the GHG mitigation potential and the actual level of GHGs mitigated in the Russian forest sector will depend to a great degree on external financing that may be available. One possibility for external financing is through joint implementation (JI). However, under the JI process, each project will be evaluated by considering a number of criteria including also the difference between the carbon emissions or sequestration for the baseline (or reference) and the project case, the permanence of the project, and leakage. Consequently, a project level assessment must appreciate the near-term constraints that will face practitioners who attempt to realize the GHG mitigation potential in the forest and agroforestry sectors of their countries.
Application of Commercial Finite Element Codes for the Analysis of Induced Strain-Actuated Structures:

For the past decade, much research effort has been devoted to finite element formulation for the electromechanical coupling effects of piezoelectric materials, and yet, fully elec tromechanical cou...
NMR of hydrogen bonding in cold-shock protein A and an analysis of the influence of crystallographic resolution on comparisons of hydrogen bond lengths

Hydrogen bonding in cold-shock protein A of Escherichia coli has been investigated using long-range HNCO spectroscopy. Nearly half of the amide protons involved in hydrogen bonds in solution show no measurable protection from exchange in water, cautioning against a direct correspondence between hydrogen bonding and hydrogen exchange protection. The N to O atom distance across a hydrogen bond, R(NO), is related to the size of the (3h)J(NC') trans hydrogen bond coupling constant and the amide proton chemical shift. Both NMR parameters show poorer agreement with the 2.0-A resolution X-ray structure of the cold-shock protein studied by NMR than with a 1.2-A resolution X-ray structure of a homologous cold-shock protein from the thermophile B. caldolyticus. The influence of crystallographic resolution on comparisons of hydrogen bond lengths was further investigated using a database of 33 X-ray structures of ribonuclease A. For highly similar structures, both hydrogen bond R(NO) distance and Calpha coordinate root mean square deviations (RMSD) show systematic increases as the resolution of the X-ray structure used for comparison decreases. As structures diverge, the effects of coordinate errors on R(NO) distance and Calpha coordinate root mean square deviations become progressively smaller. The results of this study are discussed with regard to the influence of data precision on establishing structure similarity relationships between proteins.
Suicide in Elders

Older persons in the United States are at higher risk for suicide than any other segment of the population. The epidemiology and risk factors for suicide in later life and the most promising approaches to its prevention are reviewed. Available data suggest that psychiatric and physical illnesses, functional impairment, personality traits of neuroticism and low openness to experience, and social isolation are important correlates of late-life suicide. Affective illness is the risk factor with the strongest association. As treatable conditions in most cases, mood disorders are critical targets for preventive interventions. Because 70% of older adults who committed suicide saw their primary care provider within 30 days of death, the primary care setting is an important venue for intervention. Mood disorders are common in primary care practice, but often go undiagnosed and inadequately treated. One important approach to late-life suicide prevention, therefore, is to optimize the ability of primary care providers to diagnose and treat late-life mood disorders and suicidality effectively. Other elders at high risk have no active relationship to primary care. Strategies designed to identify this group and provide them with preventive services through outreach to the community have shown promise as late-life suicide prevention measures as well.