cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Model of the Effects of Grazing by Large Herbivores on Grassland Community Structure

Current disturbance models do not adequately account for the wide range of responses by grassland plant communities to grazing by large generalist herbivores. The evolutionary history of grazing, a...
A disease-centered approach to biomaterials education and medical device design

This paper describes the development of a novel elective course in biomaterials which integrates clinical medicine with engineering principles. In this educational approach, students are first introduced to disease pathologies and clinical needs, and then exposed to engineering technologies that can fulfill unmet needs. The course is directed toward the question, "Where are clinical needs most urgent, and how can engineering be applied to meet those needs?" This clinically-oriented, disease-centered approach is valuable for science and engineering education, as it relays to students the centrality of engineering in solving the world's most pressing healthcare problems.
Slow - neutron width of 200 meV vibration level in liquid H2O☆

A resolved vibration mode at 200 meV was observed in H2O with slow-neutron down-scattering techniques. The energy width of this level has been measured to be 24.8 ± 0.3 meV.
Paradoxical increase of renal blood flow in anesthetized hypertensive dog treated with indomethacin.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin inhibition on the renal blood flow of the ischemic kidney, we administered indomethacin to 10 anesthetized dogs with renal artery stenosis and contralateral nephrectomy. Following the operation to produce renal ischemia, there was an increase of blood pressure associated with an increase of renin and the prostaglandins Fl (PGF1), and E (PGE). The administration of indomethacin to the intact, normotensive animals caused the anticipated decrease of prostaglandin E, renin, and renal blood flow. However, in the hypertensive dogs, indomethacin caused a paradoxical 45 per cent increase in the renal blood flow, despite a 44 per cent decrease of prostaglandin E. PGF1, PGE, renin, and erythropoietin exhibited the anticipated decreased levels. The study suggests that prostaglandins may not be the sole important factor in the regulation of renal blood flow in the presence of ischemia. Other important factors likely include the renin-sensitive angiotensin, the adrenergic, and the kallikrein-kinin systems.
Lignotubers and burls— their structure, function and ecological significance in Mediterranean ecosystems

Vegetative regeneration provides for immediate tissue replacement and reestablishment of the “parent” genotype, after the aerial canopy of a perennial plant is partially or wholly destroyed. If the frequency of destruction of above-ground biomass (e.g., by fire) is such that tissue replacement (production) is the predominant mode of growth, this regenerative capacity may preadapt the plant for reproduction via vegetative growth. In the perennial shrubs of the California chaparral, and in other similar Mediterranean-type ecosystems, one of the most significant modes of reproduction is characterized by sprouting after injury of new stem or root tissue from an ontogenetically produced swollen stem base/root crown known as a lignotuber (or “burl”). Lignotubers have been well described inEucalyptus (Myrtaceae) and observed in other families in the Mediterranean-type climate regions. “Burls” of shrubs in the family Ericaceae are morphologically similar to lignotubers. The term “burl” is vague in meaning, since it has been used to describe any anomalous or unusual woody structure with a swirled grain. The term lignotuber, which has a more restricted usage referring only to ontogenetically produced structures, should henceforth be used to describe these swollen “root crowns.” Investigations of lignotuber (burl) anatomy have revealed that the wood contains dormant buds, carbohydrates, and nutrients necessary for bud development. Reproductive strategies and tactics have evolved partially in response to the frequency and severity of disturbance (e.g., fire in shrublands of Mediterranean-type ecosystems). Reproductive strategies are defined by the timing and mode of production and reproduction. Reproductive tactics are the options of “reproductive effort” and energy allocation within each strategy. In the chaparral, fynbos, macchia, etc., one prevalent tactic in the sprouting strategy is the allocation of energy to the woody structure which has sprouting as its prime function—the lignotuber.
A Fixed Point Approach to Analysis and Optimization of Motion Compensated Predictive Coding

In this paper, we propose a fixed point theoretical analysis of motion compensated predictive coding and demonstrate its potential in encoder optimization. Through viewing the encoder-decoder pair as a nonlinear dynamical system and inquiring about its convergent property, we demonstrate the feasibility of approximating the fixed point through recursive coding both theoretically and experimentally. Such a recursive coding approach to encoder optimization admits an interpretation of finding a more compact representation through local perturbation on the perceptual manifold. Experimental results have shown that our approach can achieve bit savings of 5-40% without sacrificing visual quality when tested on the KTA implementation of H.264 (JM14.2).
Intra-group variation in conservative Christians’ gender ideologies (1972–2006)

Abstract This paper illuminates significant intra-group variations in the gender ideologies of conservative Christians in the United States. Between the 1970s and the present, both conservative Christian men and women have become increasingly accepting of women's roles in politics and women's participation in the workforce. Religiously conservative women have become more opposed to sexual freedoms and abortion rights. Religiously conservative men have become less opposed over time to sexual freedoms and have not changed with regard to abortion ideology. In general, for both men and women, conservative Christians who are older, attend church services more often and have less education tend to be more conservative in their gender ideologies. For females only, higher incomes lead to less conservative gender ideologies, and living in the southern region of the United States tends to decrease their support for female politicians.
Vibrational spectroscopy reveals electrostatic and electrochemical doping in organic thin film transistors gated with a polymer electrolyte dielectric.

We apply attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to directly probe active layers in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). The OTFT studied uses the n-type organic semiconductor N-N‘-dioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C8) and a polymer electrolyte gate dielectric made from poly(ethylene oxide) and LiClO4. FTIR spectroscopy of the device shows signatures of anionic PTCDI-C8 species and broad polaron bands when the organic semiconductor layer is doped under positive gate bias (VG). There are two distinctive doping regions: a reversible and electrostatic doping region for VG ≤ 2 V and an irreversible and electrochemical doping regime for VG > 2 V. On the basis of intensity loss of vibrational peaks attributed to neutral PTCDI-C8, we obtain a charge carrier density of 2.9 × 1014/cm2 at VG = 2 V; this charge injection density corresponds to the conversion of slightly more than one monolayer of PTCDI-C8 molecules into anions. At higher gate ...
Bayesian Analysis Distinguishes Brownian Motion from Motor-Driven Transport within Organelle Trajectories

Many organelles and vesicles move in a start-stop manner in live cells when observed by optical microscopy at 10 to 100 frames/s. One explanation for start-stop behavior is that the vesicles switch between a driven state in which they are being actively pulled by motor proteins, and a Brownian state in which they obey the laws of diffusion in the cytoplasm. To test this idea, we have carried out a hidden Markov, variational Bayesian Expectation Maximization, Gaussian mixture model ("Bayes") analysis. Either vesicle velocity v(t) or the direction of travel theta(t) was used to "train" the model. When tested with simulated tracks, Bayes reliably determined the number of states K_best corresponding to the number of distinct physical processes required to describe the data. The mean and variance of the velocity or direction were also found reliably for each state in the simulated dataset. The assignment of individual frames to particular states showed few false positives or false negatives as long as the vesicle remained in each state for 6 or more adjacent frames. Once each frame was assigned to a state by Bayes, the mean-squared displacement (msd) for each state was computed, displaying the distinctive t-dependence of its physical origin, e.g. motor-driven, Brownian, etc. Individual tracks of fluorescently labeled peroxisomes in HME cells and unlabeled vesicles in PC12 cells were analyzed in the same manner to separate driven from Brownian bouts in an objective manner.This research is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant CMMI-1106105. AMS is supported by NSF GRFP 0907738.
A Teaching Discussion Group in Your Department--It Can Happen!.

(2002). A Teaching Discussion Group in Your Department—It Can Happen! College Teaching: Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 29-33.
Geologic migration potentials of technetium-99 and neptunium-237.

Relatively mobile TcO +– and NpO 2+ can be chemically reduced to less soluble oxidation states in the presence of igneous rocks, as predicted by oxidation-reduction measurements. Current risk assessments, which consider technetium and neptunium as potentially capable of migrating from high-level radioactive waste repositories, may be overestimating their potential hazard to the public since the Fe(II) content of many subsurface waters may maintain these elements in less soluble oxidation states.
Terrain map resolution

Studies of land combat processes usually deal with interactions between combatants on (and above) specified terrain. When this involves modeling through computer simulation (or even tracking units in a field test over actual terrain), the terrain is usually represented as a digital terrain map for computational purposes. With a digital terrain map, the terrain surface is represented as a simple surface (often a step function) over a two-dimensional domain covered by a tesselation of squares or hexagons. As the size of the underlying units (let us assume squares) in the domain is reduced, the resolution of the map increases, but the computational cost of preparing, storing and using the map increases exponentially. Thus, there is a question of how high the resolution needs to be for a given application. We study this question from the point of view of accuracy of intervisibility calculations as a function of terrain resolution. The approach involves computation of theoretical total intervisibility with varying levels of terrain resolution over simple ''pseudo terrains'' having assumed mathematical forms. It is found that intervisibility approximations based on digital terrain rapidly approach the theoretical limiting intervisibility as resolution is increased. Relationships between intervisibility surfaces and current military doctrine concerning location of defending forces at the ''military crest'' are discussed.
the crosscurrents of ethnicity and class in the construction of public policy

In this study we analyze the creation of a land-use plan in south Florida to demonstrate the crosscurrents of ethnicity and class that underlie the plan's design and implementation, and that are unrecognized as such by the participants. We argue that the main determinants of “rational management” are the hidden relations of economic and symbolic power embodied in the intersection of class and ethnicity, and how these forms of power enable agents in the public political sphere. In this case, science has a legitimizing rather than analytical function, implicating it in the construction of misrecognition.
The electropreparation and characterization of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dipyridiniumanthracene diperchlorate: The product of the anodic pyridination of 9,10-diphenylanthracene

Summary The product of the anodic pyridination of 9,10-diphenylanthracene at a platinum electrode in acetonitrile has been isolated and characterized as 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dipyridiniumanthracene diperchlorate. Macroscale electrolyses using tetraethylammonium perchlorate as the supporting electrolyte gave rise to a mixed product comprised of the titled compound and the corresponding triethylamine adduct. The source of the triethyl amine was found to be the cathodic discharge of the cation of the supporting electrolyte. A reversible equilibrium was shown to exist between 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dipyridiniumanthracene diperchlorate and 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diphenyl-9,10-di(triethyl)ammoniumanthracene diperchlorate.
Thionucleoside disulfide cross-linked duplex DNA

Abstract A strategy for covalent cross-linking of duplex oligonucleotides is described, and is based on a direct base-to-base disulfide bond formed by iodine oxidation of two appropriately positioned thionucleoside bases. Cross-link formation between 4-thio-2′-deoxyuridine and 6-thio-2′-deoxyinosine is demonstrated in three sequence contexts (3′ to 3′, 5′ to 5′, or opposed).
Thermic effect of feeding: orange juice vs. a protein drink (240 kcal)

We investigated the thermic effect of feeding (TEF) equicaloric (1004.16 kJ) portions of randomly provided fresh squeezed orange juice (17.45 oz) and Protein RushTM (40g protein, 17 oz). Eight subjects (5 women, 3 men; 25.8 ± 9.2 yrs, 174.9 ± 12.4 cm, 71.5 ± 17.5 kg) reported to the lab on subsequent mornings and underwent 30-minutes of resting metabolic rate testing, followed by 2-minutes of drink ingestion, followed by 60-minutes of supine rest. Data were collected via a metabolic cart and ventilated hood. Resting data were subtracted from all post-ingestion measures. Within groups the rate of O2 uptake (l min-1) increased significantly for protein (+29%, p = 0.03) but not for orange juice (+21%, p = 0.11); when expressed as ml . kg-1 min-1, both groups had significant increases (p < 0.005). Between groups O2 uptake measurements over the 1-hour period revealed a 21% difference between orange juice (2.66 ± 0.6 liters) and protein (3.36 ± 0.9 liters) that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). Energy expenditure (kJ) determined via the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) revealed orange juice at (60.8 ± 10.1 kJ) and protein (63.7 ± 20.0 kJ) were 5% different, also non-significant (p = 0.72). The RER averaged over the 60-min TEF period was significantly different between orange juice (0.868 ± 0.07) and protein (0.773 ± 0.04) (p = 0.005). Sample size calculations indicate that 14 subjects would reveal statistical significance for O2 uptake yet 163 subjects would be required for energy expenditure differences between drinks. We suggest the potential for bias in selecting a measure of TEF from data within- and between-groups and, O2 uptake vs. energy expenditure.
Temperature changes in thermoplasticized gutta-percha: A comparison of two ultrasonic units

Abstract With the use of an extracted human tooth as in vitro model, this study measured temperature changes in the surface of gutta-percha while it was being ultrasonically thermoplasticized. Two sources of ultrasonic oscillation were used: a Cavitron 2001 ultrasonic unit with a file in a PR-30 insert and an ENAC ultrasonic unit with a plugger or file. Temperature elevation in the apical third of the tooth was minimal with either instrument (1.66° C to 3.74° C). The temperature rise in the middle third was higher with the ENAC unit, although probably still within clinically acceptable limits (range, 6.35° C to 19.10° C). The time taken for each unit to thermoplasticize the gutta-percha and reach a predetermined distance in the experimental model was recorded and defined as instrument efficiency. The Cavitron unit that had the PR-30 insert with a No. 25 file required 0.48 sec/mm, whereas the ENAC unit with a No. 25 file required 10.83 sec/mm and the ENAC unit with a plugger required 8.38 sec/mm. It appears that the Cavitron unit with a PR-30 insert was more than 22 times as efficient as the ENAC unit for thermoplasticizing gutta-percha under the experimental conditions used in this study.
Besnoitia darlingi (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae, Toxoplasmatinae): Transmission between Opossums and Cats†

ABSTRACT. Opossums (Didelphis marsupialis), act as intermediate hosts for Besnoitia darlingi and could be infected orally with sporozoites (oocysts) and bradyzoites (tissue cysts), or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with tachyzoites. Infections could presumably be transmitted through cannibalism. Cats (Felis catus), the definitive host, could be infected only with bradyzoites but not sporozoites. Oocysts shed by cats measure about 12 × 12 μm, resemble similarly sized oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii and Hammondia hammondi, and must be differentiated by the appearance of tissue cysts after experimental infection of intermediate hosts. Cats did not form tissue cysts of B. darlingi. Tachyzoites from the related B. jellisoni could be used in the Sabin-Feldman dye test to determine the development of antibody to B. darlingi in opossums after infection.
Changes in the microvasculature of skin subjected to thermal injury

Abstract Guinea-pigs were anaesthetized and the caudal 50 per cent of the animal was scalded by immersion in boiling water (100°C) for 3 seconds. Skin samples were obtained from 15 minutes to 24 hours after scalding. The microvascular alterations characteristic of experimentally-induced severe inflammatory responses were studied by electron microscopy. Large intercellular gaps were present in venule endothelium by 15 minutes after injury and in capillary endothelium by 30 minutes after injury. These were detectable for at least 24 hours after the burn. Extensive destruction was observed in peripheral nerves 15 minutes after injury and in endothelial cells 4 hours after scalding. No morphological evidence of a biphasic pattern of increased vascular permeability was detected in this material. The standardized, reproducible conditions of this study could be used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-inflammmatory procedures or burn treatments of skin.
The effect of arm exercise on regional cerebral blood flow in the subclavian steal syndrome

Reversed vertebral blood flow distal to a subclavian obstruction is not uncommon and rarely leads to stroke. A small subgroup of these patients have obstruction in other portions of the extracranial or intracranial circulation, however, and cerebrovascular symptoms are induced by arm exercise, which may decrease regional cerebral blood flow--at times to critical levels--indicating a true "steal" syndrome. We evaluated six patients with symptomatic subclavian steal syndrome using stable xenon with computed tomography cerebral blood flow mapping. A decrease in flow from 13% to 90% in one or more regional vascular territories was found after arm exercise. Patients with a true "steal" syndrome may be at higher risk for stroke. Measuring regional cerebral blood flow may be a means of detecting patients who have a critical loss of flow reserves and who will be symptomatically improved by cerebral revascularization.
True Aneurysmal Dilatation of a Contegra Conduit after Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction: A Novel Mechanism of Conduit Failure

Valved conduits are frequently used in congenital heart surgery to establish continuity between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arteries. The Contegra bovine jugular vein (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) is a conduit that incorporates a tri-leaflet valve and affords off-the-shelf availability, good handling characteristics, and excellent hemodynamics. However, complications related to the use of this device have been reported, with conduit failure occurring mainly as a consequence of stenosis, conduit thrombosis, and valve regurgitation. We present a case of aneurysmal conduit failure of a 14-mm Contegra conduit used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract.
Background of the prevention of cardiovascular disease. II. Arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and selected risk factors.

The prevention of cardiovascular disease antedates our current preoccupation with risk factors for coronary heart disease and hypertension. Indeed, earlier preventive efforts have in part been so successful that many people have forgotten that they existed. The almost forgotten entity, beriberi heart disease, was first prevented in 1883 by Takaki of Japan. With diphtheria, it was the identification of the causative bacillus by Klebs in 1883, leading finally to the development of diphtheria toxoid by Ramon in 1923, which resulted in the disappearance of diphtheritic heart disease. Success in the attack on syphilitic heart and vascular disease began with Bordet and Gengou in 1901 with the discovery of the phenomenon of complement fixation, and with the formulation of Salvarsan by Ehrlich in 1907. The story of the prevention of rheumatic fever has a large cast of characters, but special recognition must be given to Coburn for his observations confirming the role of the hemolytic streptococcus published in 1931 and showing the prophylactic value of sulfanilamide published in 1939. The important association of maternal rubella with congenital heart malformations was revealed by Gregg in 1941. Alcoholic heart disease was identified particularly by Brigden and Evans in 1957 and 1959, respectively. In relation to coronary and hypertensive heart disease, the names of Anitschkow (1933), Leary (1935), and Keys (1948) in relation to diet, of Freis (1967) in the field of hypertension treatment, of White (1927) in relation to physical exercise, and of English, Willius, and Berkson (1940) and Hammond and Horn (1954) in the role of cigarette smoking, deserve special recognition.
THE FORCES OF LABOUR

Despite an impressive amount of effort and extensive research, our knowledge of parturition remains scant. Although numerous scientists have investigated “the timing of birth”, we still have a limited understanding of the biological mechanisms that control events initiating delivery, or the availability of methods supposed to prevent these mechanisms from acting inappropriately. A multitude of factors and structures are involved; the myometrium, cervix, placenta and the fetus must act in concert to assure successful delivery. We do know that achievement of a “perfect” contractile force is not the sole factor. Successful delivery is also impacted by subtle differences in pelvic shape or size.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Morphology, Phase Transformation, and Carbon‐Layer Growth of Iron‐Based Catalysts

The morphological, phase transformations and carbon-layer growth for unpromoted and K-promoted iron catalysts were investigated over time during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Catalysts were activated in CO for 24 h, which transformed hematite into a mixture containing 93 % iron carbide and 7 % magnetite for the unpromoted catalyst and 81 % iron carbide and 19 % magnetite for the K-promoted catalyst. Initially, the activated catalysts had high CO conversions (≈85 %); however, the conversions decreased to approximately 30 % after approximately 280 h of synthesis time. For the unpromoted catalyst, the amount of iron carbide gradually decreased over time while the corresponding magnetite phase increased. However, for the K-promoted one, only one iron carbide phase (χ-Fe5C2) gradually decreased, while the other (-Fe2.2C) phase steadily increased and magnetite remained unchanged. TEM analyses revealed that for the K-promoted catalyst, carbon deposition increased over time, unlike that of the unpromoted catalyst.
M. de Montplaisir and his emblems

METROBATE est un homme de qualite qui fait fort bien des vers: le Songe qu'il a fait, et dedie a Galerius, en est une illustre marque pour luy, et je croy qu'il est peu de louange plus considerable que celle de dire qu'il en est considere, puisque l'estime de Galerius peut passer pour celle d'un des hommes le plus accomply de la cour. Ces galariteries n'en sont pas moins les justes marques que ses grands emplois; et l'estime generale que tout le monde en fait, accompagnee de cette joye qu'il porte dans tous les lieux ou il va, nous fait assez connoistre qu'il faut que Metrobate soit fort accomply, puis qu'il en est considere.
Age–gender considerations on survival in patients undergoing radial artery grafting

ary graft. We performed subgroup analysis to delineate the effect of age, gender and diabetes. We showed that CABG using the RA in combination with the LITA-to-LAD group is associated with improved long-term overall survival (P = 0.03). The long-term data allowed delineation of the clinical benefi tb eginning at 5 years postoperatively. Median follow-up was 9.4 (interquartile range 5.7–11.9) years. Follow-up in the RA subgroup was 10.3 (interquartile range 5.7–11.9) years. Statistically, the benefit was most pronounced in the following order: diabetics (P = 0.005), women (P = 0.02) and the elderly (P = 0.04) [2]. The use of RA for CABG has undisputable advantages: the length of the conduit per se (approximately around 20 cm), its large diameter, its exposure to arterial blood pressure, the thickness of the wall and its lower susceptibility to atherogenesis. There is a difference in survival between males and females using RA as a second conduit for the following reasons. Receptor-mediated (acetylcholine-induced) and receptor-independent (calcium ionophore-induced) factors modulate endothelium relaxation. Shapira et al. [3] have shown enhanced physiological characteristics related to endothelial production or vessel relaxation in response to nitric oxide in RA when compared with other conduits.
The AMA proposal to mandate nicotine reduction in cigarettes: a simulation of the population health impacts.

Background. The American Medical Association (AMA) has advocated gradually reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes to decrease smoking prevalence. Some experts have voiced concerns that smokers may “compensate” by smoking more cigarettes or inhaling more deeply. Further, a black market may emerge, perpetuating cigarette availability. Thus, it is unclear whether a federal mandate would result in a net increase or decrease in population health. The purpose of this research is to estimate the long-term health gains or losses that are likely to accrue to the US population if the nicotine content of cigarettes is gradually reduced to trace levels over a 6-year period. Methods. To estimate health impacts, we created the Tobacco Policy Model, a computer simulation model. The model simulates the US population as they age and change their smoking behavior over time. Secondary data for model parameters were obtained from publicly available sources. Population health impacts were measured as the change in cumulative quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in the US population over 50 years. Results. Following a mandate to reduce nicotine, smoking prevalence is likely to decline from 23% to 5% of the population. Accordingly, a cumulative gain of 157 million QALYs is expected over 50 years. Conclusions. Despite any mortality increases due to compensatory smoking or the emergence of a black market, implementation of the AMA proposal would likely prevent the addiction of scores of new smokers and result in important gains to the nation's health. This research should prove useful to Congress as they contemplate giving the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco.
Sensory and Associated Reactions to Mineral Dusts: Sodium Borate, Calcium Oxide, and Calcium Sulfate

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for irritant dusts have had no quantifiable bases. This study (1) charted chemosensory feel, denoted chemesthesis here, to dusts of calcium oxide (1 to 5 mg/m3), sodium tetraborate pentahydrate [sodium borate] (5 to 40 mg/m3), and calcium sulfate (10 to 40 mg/m3); (2) examined correlates of the chemesthetic sensations; and (3) sought to illuminate the basis for potency. Twelve screened men exercised against a light load while they breathed air in a dome fed with controlled levels of dust for 20 min. Measured parameters included nasal resistance, nasal secretion, minute ventilation, heart rate, blood oxygenation, mucociliary transport time, and chemesthetic magnitude, calibrated to pungency of carbon dioxide. Subjects registered time-dependent feel from exposures principally in the nose, secondarily in the throat, and hardly in the eyes. Calcium oxide had the greatest potency, followed by sodium borate, with calcium sulfate a distant third. Of the physiological parameter...
Imperial versus National Discourse: The Case of Russia

. It is inaccurate and misleading to apply the term ‘nationalism’ to Russia prior to the present day. Both Tsarist and Soviet leaders sought to maintain an empire and not a nation-state, and their national consciousness was imperial rather than national. The lack of Russian nationalism was crucial for Russian history since it explains the failure of both Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union. Modern societies cannot be successfully constructed upon the basis of imperial thinking. The absence of Russian nationalism also has significance for nationalism theory. Russia possessed the social, political and cultural characteristics that have been adduced as ‘causes’ of nationalism by a wide variety of scholars, yet Russia failed to develop a nationalist movement. This suggests that what is crucial to modem nationalism is the appearance of a particularist, secular ideology, since the most notable aspect in which Russia differed from Europe was Russia's universalistic, religious and imperialist discourse of national identity.
Ultra-low frequency electromagnetic measurements associated with the 1998 Mw 5.1 San Juan Bautista, California earthquake and implications for mechanisms of electromagnetic earthquake precursors

Abstract Ultra-low frequency (ULF: 0.01–10 Hz) magnetic field anomalies prior to M ≥6.0 earthquakes have been reported in various regions of the world. Here, we test whether smaller magnitude earthquakes have associated ULF anomalies by using continuous measurements made ∼9 km above and ∼2 km NE of the epicenter of the M w 5.1 8/12/98 San Juan Bautista, CA earthquake. Half-hour spectral averages of the magnetic field data in nine different ULF frequency bands show no long-term (days to weeks) magnetic field anomaly prior to the earthquake. In addition, magnetic and electric field polarization shows no anomalous behavior clearly associated with seismic activity. An ∼0.02 nT increase in activity for 2 h prior to the earthquake is close to the background noise levels precluding identification of a precursor. We present scaling calculations to show if precursory ULF anomalies are related to the size of the earthquake. The observed ∼0.02 nT increase is the approximately expected magnetic anomaly prior to the San Juan Bautista (SBJ) earthquake, based on the anomaly observed prior to the 1989 Loma Prieta (LP) earthquake. Our reexamination of previously proposed dilatant-conductive and piezomagnetic mechanisms for ULF precursors shows that these effects are consistent with the observations prior to the SJB earthquake based on the observations (i.e., lack of a strong precursor). In contrast, previously proposed electrokinetic and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mechanisms do not appear to be appropriate for this particular earthquake. This analysis further supports the hypothesis that precursory ULF signals are related to the size of the earthquake.
Abstract 5286: Promoter methylation of PTPRT provides a mechanism for STAT3 activation in HNSCC

Purpose: The mechanisms underlying frequent aberrant STAT3 activation in human cancers, including HNSCC, remain incompletely understood. While genomic activation of positive regulators of STAT3, especially protein tyrosine kinases, have been studied at length, genomic inactivation of negative STAT3 regulators, including promoter methylation of protein tyrosine phosphatases that target STAT3, have been understudied. Here we investigate the hypothesis that silencing of PTPRT by promoter methylation leads to increased STAT3 signaling in HNSCC. Experimental Design: We have analyzed HM-450 and RNA-Seq data available from TCGA for 279 HNSCC tumors to determine the incidence of PTPRT promoter hypermethylation and its association with mRNA expression. We further analyzed an independent cohort of HNSCC tumors by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to confirm the incidence found in TCGA samples. These tumor samples were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry to assess STAT3 activation. A panel of HNSCC cell lines was used to identify models for further mechanistic studies. Treatment of PTPRT-methylated cells with 5-azacytidine (5-aza), a non-specific DNA demethylating agent, and/or PTPRT-targeted shRNA was performed to determine the specific effects of PTPRT promoter methylation in HNSCC cells. Results: TCGA data indicate that the incidence of aberrant PTPRT promoter hypermethylation in HNSCC is 59.5% (166/279 tumors analyzed). The observed hypermethylation of PTPRT is significantly associated with downregulation of PTPRT mRNA in these tumors (P Conclusion: The PTPRT promoter is frequently aberrantly hypermethylated in HNSCC in association with downregulation of PTPRT mRNA. Treatment of HNSCC cells that exhibit PTPRT promoter methylation and low PTPRT expression with 5-aza successfully and specifically leads to upregulation of PTPRT and downregulation of pSTAT3(Y705), suggesting that PTPRT promoter methylation may serve as a biomarker for response to STAT3 pathway inhibitors. The combination of such inhibitors with 5-aza in the context of PTPRT promoter methylation warrants further investigation. Citation Format: Noah D. Peyser, Lin Wang, Jennifer R. Grandis. Promoter methylation of PTPRT provides a mechanism for STAT3 activation in HNSCC. [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 5286. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5286
FLT3 Inhibitors in AML: Are We There Yet?

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is the most frequently mutated gene in AML. Thirty percent of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor activating mutations in FLT3, either internal tandem duplication mutations in the juxtamembrane domain (FLT3-ITD) or point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3 TKD). Small molecule FLT3 inhibitors have emerged as an attractive therapeutic option in patients with FLT3 mutations; however, the clinical activity of early inhibitors was limited by a lack of selectivity, potency and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. Newer agents such as quizartinib have improved potency and selectivity associated with much higher bone marrow response rates; however, response duration is limited by the development of secondary resistance. We will review here a number of FLT3 inhibitors that have been evaluated in clinical trials and discuss challenges facing the use of these agents in AML.
The assured clear distance ahead rule: implications for nighttime traffic safety and the law

The assured clear distance ahead (ACDA) rule holds the operator of a motor vehicle responsible to avoid collision with any obstacle that might appear in the vehicle's path. Although widely considered a fundamental responsibility of safe driving, the ACDA rule is routinely violated by most drivers under nighttime conditions. This fact does not necessarily imply reckless disregard for public safety, however. Rather the troublesome discrepancy between drivers' behavior and the principles of safe driving may be understood in terms of vehicle operators' lack of awareness of selective losses of visual function that occur in low light. This theoretical perspective holds basic implications both for traffic regulations and for assessment of liability in nighttime road accidents.
Lead induces chondrogenesis and alters transforming growth factor-beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling in mesenchymal cell populations.

BackgroundIt has been established that skeletal growth is stunted in lead-exposed children. Because chondrogenesis is a seminal step during skeletal development, elucidating the impact of Pb on thi...
State statutory reforms and retention of prescribed fire liability laws on U.S. forest land

Abstract Escalating wildfires on U.S. forest lands in recent years have resulted in statutory reforms in redefining the liability for landowners using prescribed fires. This study summarized these reforms in recent years. While in some states there is still strict tort liability for damages from prescribed fires, 18 states have reduced the liability burdens on landowners with simple negligence rules, and furthermore, 4 states with gross negligence rules. A multivariate ordered probit model was estimated to examine factors that have influenced the retention of certain liability rules across states. Demand for prescribed fires from industrial and nonindustrial private forest landowners turned out to be the key driving force behind these statutory changes related to prescribed fires.
Perceptions of faculty evaluation in the soft sciences: A case study

There has been considerable debate on the evaluation of faculty performance by administrators. Much of the research has focused on the “publish or perish” issue on a university-wide basis rather than considering differences between disciplines which might invalidate the effectiveness of a global evaluation policy. This paper is a case study of three areas (Business, Psychology, and Sociology/Anthropology) at Kansas State University. Significant differences were found in the orientations of the different areas and in the criteria that are being used and that should be used (according to the respondents) for performance evaluation. Despite the significant differences in the departments' orientations, all of the faculty tended to agree strongly that teaching should be an important evaluative criterion.
An Examination of the Alternative Methods Used by the Investment Casting Industry to Produce Sacrificial Patterns: Have All of the Available Options Been Considered?

The investment casting (IC) process has remained relatively unchanged throughout recorded history [1]. Indeed, there have been refinements to the individual processes required to produce castings; pattern making, the ceramic materials used to create the molds, foundry equipment, and post-cast processing of the castings. All have undergone numerous improvements. Yet, with the innovations that IC foundries have enjoyed, the casting process still requires a one-to-one ratio to produce an IC component from a sacrificial master pattern [2]. It is the alternative technologies used to produce the sacrificial master pattern that are the focus of this paper. New product development and introduction (NPDI) of an IC component requires the expertise of several engineering disciplines. Communications between the various engineering disciplines are critical to assure that cost effective decisions during product design and process development are made. With that in mind, several of the options available to the engineering teams responsible for NPDI are explored in the subsequent text. Rapid prototype (RP) technologies have played a crucial role during NPDI. The patterns produced using the various forms of RP technologies have allowed the IC industry to be considered by design engineers as a viable manufacturing option for their products. A more recent development in the United States is rapid tooling (RT). RT is an additive process, using metal to build the individual layers of the cavity block or the cavity insert. The finished component can then be used as a wax pattern cavity. Engineering teams should also consider a combination of RT and traditional wax pattern tooling. The complex pattern cavities are produced using RT while the more simple components are produced using traditional tooling. For IC foundries to be competitive all available pattern making options must be considered. Multi-disciplined engineering teams will play an important role choosing the technologies discussed. With careful consideration, the engineering teams responsible for NPDI can ensure the future of the IC industry.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Spectroscopic properties and potential energy curves for 27 electronic states of TcH

Abstract State-averaged complete active space self-consistent field followed by first-order configuration interaction and multireference singles + doubles CI calculations are carried out on 27 low-lying electronic states of TcH. In addition spin-orbit effects on low-lying states are studied. The ground state of TcH is found to be of 7Σ+ symmetry ( R e = 1.75 A , ωe = 1633 cm−1, De = 2.6 eV) with a very low-lying excited state of 5Σ+ symmetry (Te ∼ 2619 cm−1). Ten low-lying bound states below 20 000 cm−1 are found. Many spectroscopic transitions in the far IR-UV regions are predicted for TcH which are yet to be observed. The analyses of the wavefunctions, dipole moments, and Mulliken populations reveal that all the low-lying electronic states of TcH are very ionic (Tc+H−). The TcH bonds in most of the states are composed of spd hybrid bonds of the metal atom. The TcH σ bond in the 7Σ+ ground state is composed of 36% Tc(s), 23% Tc(p), and 41% Tc(d) character while in the 5Σ+ state, the σ bond is made of 50% Tc(s), 3% Tc(p), and 47% Tc(d).
The role of the anteriolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in stress-induced nociception

Activation of the central amygdala (CeA) by corticosterone (CORT) induces somatic and colonic hypersensitivity through corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF)-dependent mechanisms. However, the impor...
A Kinematics Based Testing Protocol for Studying Lumbar Disc Dynamics

The human lumbar intervertebral disc helps stabilize the vertebral bodies by absorbing and distributing loads acting on the spine while maintaining motion across the joint [1]. Current testing methodologies have been designed to study rigid mechanical devices (plates, rods, screws, mechanical joints), and are not suitable for assessing the overall ability of a compliant structure, like the intervertebral disc, to interact with the surrounding tissue structures and restore functionality to the joint [2]. The objective of this study was to develop a kinematics-based testing protocol that prescribes a known kinematics input to a lumbar spinal motion segment unit (MSU) and measures the capacity of the intact MSU to accommodate the motion in terms of compressive and shear loads and range of motion.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervix: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of two cases.

Two cases of primary primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the cervix are presented. The two female patients are 35 and 51 years of age who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding of several weeks' duration. On gynecologic examination, a mass in the cervical area was palpated and a biopsy was obtained. The initial biopsy was interpreted as possible small cell carcinoma in both women. A radical hysterectomy was performed in both patients. Grossly, in both cases, the uterine cervix showed an ill-defined tumor involving the ectocervix and endocervix, measuring 3.0 and 4.0 cm in greatest dimension, respectively, and showing areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. Histologic sections showed the presence of a malignant neoplasm arranged in cords and with a vague nesting pattern. Areas of hemorrhage and necrosis were also present. The neoplastic cells were characterized by having indistinct cell borders, small round to oval nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic figures were easily identified. In one patient, the tumor had metastasized to lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the neoplastic cells to be positive for antibodies for CD99 and focally for synaptophysin, while keratin, chromogranin, smooth muscle actin, desmin, and neurofilament protein were negative. Both patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and remain alive 5 and 18 months after initial diagnosis, respectively. The present cases highlight the importance of keeping primitive neuroectodermal tumors in the differential diagnosis of small cell neoplasms of the uterine cervix.
Determination of AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT parasitic resistances

Abstract An improved technique has been developed to measure source and drain parasitic resistances of AlGaAs/GaAs HEMTs. Similar to the measurement technique typically used for MESFETs, a positive d.c. gate crowding current is applied. Because of the structure of the HEMT, this gate current must be kept very small in order to prevent significant leakage into the AlGaAs layer, which would result in current paths not present in normal operation of the device. The small d.c. gate current necessary to limit the current in this leakage path did not yield a usable signal-to-noise ratio of the measured gate-source, gate-drain and drain-source voltages needed to calculate the parasitic resistances. To overcome this problem, modulation of the drain current with a low-frequency a.c. signal coupled with lock-in techniques to measure the desired voltages was implemented. The resulting improvement in signal-to-noise ratio has made the gate crowding technique suitable for measuring the parasitic resistances of AlGaAs/GaAs HEMTs.
Kicking Around International Sport: West Germany's Return to the International Community Through Football

In 1948, the American Military Government worked with Swiss soccer officials to organise Germany's first post-war international matches, three simultaneous German–Swiss intercity games. The American occupation authorities viewed these games as part of their broader efforts to help teach Germans about democracy, as a way for the international community to begin the process of reaccepting Germany and as a way to raise funds for charitable purposes tied to the reconstruction efforts. These games received tremendous popular support in Germany and Switzerland from football officials, the general public and the press. These German–Swiss games also facilitated Germany's return to the international community by forcing one of the most powerful international sport federations to address Germany's exclusion. Through a combination of materials from military governments, football federations and the press, this article examines how states used the internationalism of sport to obtain diplomatic aims. With these three ...
Integrating Total Physical Response Strategy in a Level I Spanish Class

The Total Physical Response (TPR) strategy for teaching languages has been researched for more than twenty years, yet, in spite of significant research differences, TPR has not received widespread acceptance in the language teaching profession. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies conducted on the secondary school level. This study reports on an experiment conducted in a secondary school level I Spanish class for a period of thirteen weeks. The experimental group was taught by the TPR strategy for twenty minutes a day while the control group was taught in the usual manner. Results showed significant statistical and educational differences on the unit tests provided by the publisher. Experimental subjects also expressed greater satisfaction with their Spanish course and their Spanish teacher. The authors conclude that it is feasible to leach a beginning class using a combination of implicit (TPR) and explicit (audiolingual/cognitive-code) methodologies. Suggestions for future research using a combination of implicit and explicit strategies are also made.