cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Securing Property Rights for Women (and Men) in Kosovo

This paper addresses the challenges of establishing clearly defined and enforced property rights for women in Kosovo. It proceeds in three parts. The first section of the paper addresses women’s immobile property rights in Kosovo from a comparative perspective, examining the situation of Kosovar women vis-a-vis women in other former Yugoslav republics. The second part of the paper examines the gap between the egalitarian property law and unequal enforcement practices in Kosovo. The third part of the paper addresses both why this gap exists and discusses the unique opportunity the Kosovar government has in this moment to shift from de jure articulation of egalitarian property rights to the de facto enforcement of them. This paper is based on four months of research in Kosovo.
Decreased membrane complement regulators in the retinal pigmented epithelium contributes to age‐related macular degeneration

Dysregulated complement is thought to play a central role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis, but the specific mechanisms have yet to be determined. In maculae of AMD specimens, we found that the complement regulatory protein, CD59, was increased in regions of uninvolved retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) of early AMD, but decreased in the RPE overlying drusen and in geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD. While CD46 immunostaining was basolaterally distributed in the RPE of unaffected controls, it was decreased in diseased areas of early AMD samples. Since oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) collect in drusen of AMD and are a known complement trigger, we treated ARPE-19 cells with oxLDL and found that cellular CD46 and CD59 proteins were decreased by 2.9- and nine-fold (p < 0.01), respectively. OxLDLs increased complement factor B mRNA and Bb protein, but not factor D, I or H. OxLDLs increased C3b, but not C3a, C5 or C5b-9. C5b-9 was increased by 27% (p < 0.01) when the medium was supplemented with human serum, which was sufficient to induce poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, a marker of apoptosis. The decreased levels of CD46 and CD59 were in part explained by their release in exosomal and apoptotic membranous particles. In addition, CD59 was partially degraded through activation of IRE1α. Collectively, these results suggest that a combination of impaired complement regulators results in inadequately controlled complement by the RPE in AMD that induces RPE damage.
Factors Affecting Sustained Medication Adherence and Its Impact on Health Care Utilization in Patients with Diabetes

Objective To identify factors associated with years of medication adherence and to examine the relationship between years of adherence and health care utilization. Methods This retrospective analysis used administrative data from adult patients with diabetes enrolled in health plan in Hawaii for four years (n= 23,450 patients). Ordered logistic regression was used to examine factors related to years of medication adherence for three types of medications (anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering). Multivariable logistic regression and negative binomial regression were used to examine relationship between years of adherence and health care utilization (hospitalizations and emergency department visits). Key findings Adherence to any of the medications for all four years was significantly associated with lower odds of a hospitalization or emergency department visit in the third year. The magnitude of reduction in utilization was greater for adherence to anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering medications, at 31% compared to 22% for antihypertensives. The 9% of patients who were adherent to all three types of medications for all four years showed a reduction of 53%. Conclusions Improvement is needed in medication adherence across all three types of medication. Interventions may need to target younger adults, women, patients with congestive heart failure, Filipinos and Native Hawaiians.
Effects of Group Conflict, Problem-Relevance, Manipulative Success and Decision-Satisfaction on Machiavellianism

60 Ss participated in groups making personally relevant decisions that affected their grades. The MACH IV test was administered before and after the discussions. It was hypothesized that Ss' perceptions of manipulative success and decision-satisfaction would be significant predictors of change in Machiavellian orientation in high-conflict groups but not in low-conflict groups. Data were analyzed as two separate step-wise regression problems. Only manipulative success was a significant predictor of change for the high-conflict group members (F = 6.1, df = 1/23, P < .025). An unexpected though nonsignificant relationship was found in low-conflict groups between decision-satisfaction and changes in MACH IV scores (F = 1.8, df = 1/32, P < .1).
How to run a successful and educational basketball camp

Camps are a great introduction to the sport of basketball for children. Universities and colleges usually offer different types of camps, typically during the summer months. Depending on the skill and maturity level of the player, basketball camps can serve a variety of purposes. Some popular types of camps include offensive skills, shooting, team, and youth camps. Regardless of the camp that is chosen, children need to have goals set for themselves before, during, and after to enhance the benefits. Each camper should have the opportunity to grow and develop as a basketball player as well as an individual. Running a successful camp is not only rewarding for the coaches, but for the players and campers too, which ultimately leads to the campers choosing to come back every year.
Combinaed chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (CVPP) for patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease. An alternative program to MOPP

Thirty-eight patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease were treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (CVPP). Complete remissions were obtained in 74% of patients. Response rates were similar for previously untreated and previously extensively irradiated patients. Fifty-six percent of patients older than 50 and 50% of patients with bone marrow involvement responded. All patients with mixed cellularity Hodgkin's disease responded compared with 74% of patients with nodular sclerosis. At the present time the median duration of complete remission is 27+ months. However, of the responders, 75% (21 of 28) remain in continous complete remission for 14+ to 49+ months. Only five patients have relapsed but two have died from apparent sepsis without evidence of recurrent disease. The complete remission rate for CVPP is comparable of that for MOPP, CVPP is an easily administered, well-tolerated alternative to MOPP chemotherapy for patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease.
Electrical and mechanical activity in intestinal muscles of several invertebrate animals

Abstract 1. 1. Conduction velocity in cm/sec of action potentials was for intestines of Thyone 4–6, Arbacia 5·9, Spisula 8·6, Busycon 9, Loligo 12, Homarus 9·5. 2. 2. Spikes were blocked by tricaine in Spisula, procaine in Libinia, reduced by procaine in Homarus and Loligo, not reduced by nerve-blocking drugs in Thyone. 3. 3. Contractions were slow in Thyone, fast in Loligo, Libinia and Homarus. Spisula intestine showed fast and slow contractions, each with different excitation time. Ganglionic stimulation in Spisula revealed phasic and tonic excitatory, also inhibitory innervation. 4. 4. Echinoderm intestines conducts via muscles as do those of vertebrates; in molluscs and crustaceans conduction is nervous.
Anterior vs. Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty, a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to compare the clinical, radiographic and surgical outcomes among patients undergoing primary THA performed via the anterior versus posterior approach. We searched numerous sources and eventually included 17 studies, totaling 2302 participants. In terms of post-operative pain and function, the anterior approach was significantly favored in 4 studies at short-term follow-up. Pooled estimates showed a significant difference in favor of the anterior approach in terms of length of stay and dislocations. Current evidence comparing outcomes following anterior versus posterior THA does not demonstrate clear superiority of either approach. Until more rigorous, randomized evidence is available, we recommend choice of surgical approach for THA be based on patient characteristics, surgeon experience and surgeon and patient preference.
The Politics of Science and Technology

A Strategic Analysis of Science and Technology Policy. By Harvey A. Averch. (Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins Press, 1985. Pp. xiv, 216. $20.00.) The New Politics of Science. By David Dickson. (New York: Pantheon, 1984. Pp. ix, 404. $22.95.) Presidential Management of Science and Technology. By W. Henry Lambright. (Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 1985. Pp. xii, 224. $25.00.) Lost at the Frontier: U.S. Science and Technology Policy Adrift. By Deborah Shapely and Rustum Roy. (Philadelphia, PA: ISI Press, 1985. Pp. vii, 223. $13.95 paper.)
The challenges of translating an efficacious smoking cessation program, Commit to Quit, to the community setting of YMCAs

Commit to Quit (CTQ), a program that utilized vigorous intensity exercise as an adjunct to a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation program, was shown to be effective for female smokers (Marcus et al., Prev Med 26(4):586–597, 1997; Marcus et al., Arch Intern Med 159(11):1229–1234, 1999). Adapting effective programs, such as CTQ, to community settings could lead to a large public health impact as the program could substantially increase its reach. This case study chronicles the steps taken by researchers to translate CTQ from the medical to the community setting of YMCAs (CTQY). Use of aspects of Diffusion Theory [3] such as identifying a champion of the program and attending to the characteristics of an innovation to enhance program adoption are discussed. Details regarding attending to the tensions between internal and external validity as the program was adapted to the community setting are also outlined. The challenges of conducting community trials are discussed.
Low-pH-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-stabilized plasmid nanolipoparticles: effects of PEG chain length, lipid composition and assembly conditions on gene delivery.

Background We have studied the effects of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain length and acyl chain composition on the pH-sensitivity of acid-labile PEG-diorthoester (POD) lipids. The optimal conditions are described for preparation of DNA plasmid encapsulated POD nanolipoparticles (NLPs) which mediate high gene delivery activity in vitro with moderate cytotoxicity. Methods and Results A series of POD lipids with various PEG chain lengths (750, 2000, and 5000 Da) or acyl chains (distearoyl 18 : 0 or dioleoyl 18 : 1) were incorporated into DNA containing NLPs or model liposomes as a stealth and bioresponsive component. We investigated the collapse kinetics of the POD-stabilized liposomes when the PEG chain length was changed. We optimized a detergent dialysis method to encapsulate plasmid DNA into NLPs prepared from a mixture of the various POD lipids, cationic lipid and phosphatidylethanolamine lipid. A critical concentration (28 mM) of n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OG) enabled high encapsulation of DNA plasmid into 100 nm particles with a neutral surface charge. The POD NLPs are stable at pH 8.5 but rapidly collapse (∼10 min) into aggregates at pH 5.0. In the detergent solution there is a metastable DNA-lipid intermediate that evolves into a stable NLP if the detergent is removed shortly after adding DNA to the lipid-detergent mixture. The rank order of transfection activity from NLPs containing PEG-lipid was POD 750 > POD 5000 = POD 2000 > non-pH-sensitive PEG-lipid. The particle size stability was in the reverse order. Binding of the NLPs to cells reached a maximum level by 12 hours. The POD NLPs had slightly less transfection activity but considerably lower cytotoxicity than the PEI-DNA polyplex. Conclusions Of the PEG-orthoester lipids tested, POD 2000 is the better choice for the preparation of sterically stabilized NLPs with a small particle diameter, good stability, low cytotoxicity, and satisfactory transfection activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Private Higher Education and Public Policy: A Global View

Although privatization is a powerful and multi-faceted global phenomenon in many policy fields, few have matched higher education for the scope and drama of privatization. As in some other fields, ...
Expression of a human growth hormone (hGH) receptor isoform is predicted by tissue-specific alternative splicing of exon 3 of the hGH receptor gene transcript.

Four members of the GH gene family, human (h) GH-V, human chorionic somatomammotropin-A (hCS-A), hCS-B, and hCS-L, are expressed in the human placenta. In attempting to define the role of these hormones in placental development, we have structurally characterized the human placental GH receptor (GHR) mRNA. Human GHR cDNAs were cloned from a human placental cDNA library. Clone pGHR-P1 encompasses the entire hGHR-coding region and is identical to the previously reported liver hGHR cDNA, except for a precise deletion of the sequences corresponding to exon 3. This mRNA with an exon 3 deletion is the sole form of the hGHR mRNAs in the placental villi. A reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction assay was used to further characterize GHR mRNA expression. Human GHR mRNA was detected in all placental tissues as well as in a wide spectrum of other tissues and cell lines. The distribution of the exon 3-retaining and exon 3-excluding isoforms of the hGHR mRNA shows distinct tissue specificity. Some tissues and...
An embryogenic model to explain cytogenetic inconsistencies observed in chorionic villus versus fetal tissue

While the fetus and placenta have a common ancestry, chorionic villus tissue does not always reflect fetal genotype. Data are presented from 15 CVS subjects in whom cytogenetic inconsistencies were observed when comparing (1) cultured chorionic villi, (2) direct chromosome preparations of intact villi, and (3) cultured fetal tissue. Embryogenic models are presented to explain these discrepancies. Mosaicism confined to direct chromosome preparations was the most commonly observed inconsistency. This can be explained by postzygotic non-disjunction limited to cytotrophoblast. In all but one instance, the abnormal cell line was limited to the placenta, with the normal cell line reflecting fetal genotype. Analysis of direct chromosome preparations from multiple individually processed villus fragments may be helpful in recognizing mosaicism confined to the placenta. While both direct chromosome preparations and villus cultures can be misleading, the latter are more likely to reflect fetal genetic status since they are derived from the extraembryonic mesoderm.
Moral leadership in civil rights: An evaluation of John F. Kennedy

Abstract During the early 1960s, national attention began to be focused on the civil rights struggle in the United States. The freedom rides, sit‐ins, and the 1963 march on Washington forced the issue of human rights into the public consciousness in an unprecedented way. Several of John F. Kennedy's critics maintain that Kennedy did not serve as a moral leader in the battle for civil rights and that he never fully appreciated his responsibility to educate the nation on that issue during his years in the White House. This paper reviews Kennedy's record as a moral leader as that record was formed by him as a senator, presidential candidate, and president. While it finds a cautious approach in Kennedy's legislative activities in 1957, it also determines a growing involvement in and commitment to moral suasion, which began during the campaign of 1960 and was reinforced strongly during the presidential years. Its conclusion, supported by content analysis of Kennedy's public speeches and televised press confere...
Multiterminal source encoding with one distortion criterion

The authors unify earlier investigations concerning the encoding of two correlated sources (X/sub k/), (Y/sub k/) by means of separate encoders. Decoding is done by a single decoder which receives the outputs from both encoders. The reconstruction of (X/sub k/) is required to be perfect in the usual Shannon sense. The authors determine the admissible rate region R (D), where D is the distortion of the reconstruction of (Y/sub k/). The binary Hamming case is investigated explicitly. >
A geoinformatic approach to the collection of archaeological survey data

This article explores the integration of GIS technology with archaeological survey, focusing primarily on two case studies from central Anatolia, the Goksu Archaeological Project and the Avkat Archaeological Project. The methodology employed allows for expediency and accuracy in data recording, which enables refined analyses of anthropogenic and environmental phenomena. The approaches outlined in this article allowed the investigators to move from field observation to publication quality results within a single field day, usually within a four-hour window from initial field observation. The techniques described in the article are some of the geoinformatic applications that classical archaeology is implementing increasingly to develop a robust archaeoinformatic tool kit.
A neutron activation method for soil removal measurements: A comparison of the reflectance method and the neutron activation method

A nondestructive neutron activation analysis technique has been developed to determine the amt of particulate kaolinite clay soil removed from cotton fibers during a wash cycle.
Phase space transport and control of escape from a potential well

Abstract A framework for controlling a nonlinear dynamical system against escape from a potential well is presented based on reducing the phase space transport across the separatrix associated with the potential well. A bandlimited open-loop control with finite lag is considered for systems with weak additive stationary forcing including, specifically, the colored Gaussian case. The related multiplicative, closed-loop control problem is shown to reduce to an open-loop problem. A numerical example based on the Duffing oscillator is presented to illustrate the theory.
Two-dimensional analytical solutions for a two-pump free product recovery system

A model was developed to estimate the free product recovery by a two-pump operation in a two-dimensional aquifer. Governing equations were obtained in terms of free product thickness and water table drawdown by vertical averaging of the mass balance equations for the oil and water phases. Simultaneous analytical solutions of these two coupled equations were obtained by applying an integral transform. The analytical solutions estimate the temporal and spatial variation of free product thickness and drawdown. Results were presented graphically to illustrate these variations for a particular set of model parameters.
Measurement of the Torsion Properties of Alumina and Zirconia at Elevated Temperatures

A precise instrument for measuring the torsion properties of refractories up to temperatures of 1500°C. is described. The twist is measured by sapphire mirrors mounted on the specimen itself. The mechanical properties of dense alumina and dense stabilized zirconia were measured at various temperatures. Higher ultimate strengths were reached than those reported for other bodies.
Reaction to the Managed Lane Concept by Various Groups of Travelers

Increased traffic combined with a lack of financial resources to reduce the resulting congestion is pushing many state departments of transportation to examine alternative financing and congestion mitigation techniques. The use of managed lanes (MLs) is one measure that addresses both issues at the same time. MLs are defined in this context as priced lanes on a freeway that also has toll-free lanes. MLs may have a considerable advantage over traditional toll roads in that in many cases it is politically impossible to institute tolls on an existing toll-free highway. Understanding the public's reaction to MLs is critical for their successful implementation. This paper reports the results of a survey of more than 4,600 travelers regarding their feelings toward, and the potential use of, MLs. This research reveals strong interest in the ML concept among residents of metropolitan regions in Texas. The potential ML users indicated that travel time savings and increased travel time reliability were the stronges...
Monoclonal antibody against adult marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells recognizes developing vasculature in embryonic human skin

We have described previously a monoclonal antibody (SH2) that specifically recognizes undifferentiated mesenchymal progenitor cells isolated from adult human bone marrow. These cells, which we operationally refer to as mesenchymal stem cells, have the capacity to differentiate and form distinct mesenchymal tissues such as bone and cartilage when the isolated cells are placed in the appropriate in vivo or in vitro environment. We report here the partial biochemical characterization of the antigen recognized by the SH2 antibody. Metabolically radiolabelled adult marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in culture were extracted and immunoprecipitated with the SH2 antibody. The purified antigen migrated as a single band of 90 kDa after sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed under reducing conditions. The SH2-immunoprecipitated protein exhibited a molecular weight band shift after removal of N-linked oligosaccharides. We investigated the expression of the SH2 antigen, along with the endothelial markers factor VIII-related antigen and Ulex europaeus I (UEA-I) lectin during specific developmental periods in human dermal embryogenesis and in the postnatal period through aged adults. Frozen sections of human embryonic, fetal, or postnatal skin ranging from 8 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) through 84 years of age were immunostained or double immunolabelled with antibodies SH2, UEA-I, or factor VIII-related antigen followed by second antibodies with fluorescent markers. Positive cell surface reactivity with the SH2 antibody was seen in cells in the vascular plane in the earliest specimens (day 55 EGA) corresponding to the late cellular dermis period. During the period of the cellular to fibrous transition, in which the initiation of appendage development occurs, most SH2-reactive cells colocalized with vasculature markers UEA-I and factor VIII-related antigen, although there was a subset of cells recognized by SH2 antibody that did not colocalize with the endothelial markers. In contrast to the endothelial markers UEA-I and factor VIII-related antigen, in which the number of immunopositive cells became more prominent with age and maturation of the dermis, the frequency of cells that contained the SH2-reactive antigen diminished with age. The SH2 reactivity evident in embryonic, fetal, and early postnatal periods was not observed in human skin specimens taken from adults greater than 30 years old. These observations support the hypothesis that the SH2 antigen is a cell surface marker of developing microvasculature and may play a role in dermal embryogenesis and angiogenesis.
Channeling radiation and coherent bremsstrahlung

Abstract We show that calculations based on the use of Bloch functions in at least two-dimensions predict both coherent brems-strahlung peaks ( k CB ) and channeling radiation peaks ( k CR ) in the spectrum of photons emitted by electrons traversing a crystal when moving nearly parallel to a crystal plane; and that furthermore, “sidebands” (e.g., k CB ± k CR ) are predicted when the electrons move nearly parallel to two intersecting crystal planes.
Use of Location-Allocation Models for Improving the Geographical Accessibility of Rural Services in Developing Countries:

Improved geographical accessibility to basic services for rural populations is a goal of most governments in developing countries. Yet, only rarely have formal methods for determining optimal locations (location-allocation models) been used as an aid to decisionmaking. The use of location-allocation models in health services development and in regional settlement planning are reviewed and compared to school location planning where these models have not been used. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate objective functions, the roles for modeling in the context of decentralized decisionmaking and the efficiency of past processes of location decisionmaking.
Synergistic interaction of magnesium and vanadate on glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.

The effect of vanadate (V) alone, magnesium (Mg) alone, and the combination of Mg plus V (MgV) on insulin-mediated glucose disposal and glucose tolerance was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MgV, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and sodium metavanadate (NaV) were added to the drinking water of normal or diabetic rats (approximately 300 g) for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of V treatment (both MgV and NaV), diabetic rats demonstrated a normal meal tolerance test without any increase in the plasma insulin response. Rats also received a euglycemic insulin clamp (12 mU/kg x min for 120 minutes) with 3-3H-glucose infusion to quantify total body glucose disposal, glycolysis (3H2O production), and glycogen synthesis (total body glucose disposal minus glycolysis). Total glucose disposal was decreased in diabetic versus control rats (29 +/- 2 v 35 +/- 2 mg/kg x min, P < .01) and returned to levels greater than the nondiabetic control values after MgV (41 +/- 2, P < .01). Supersensitivity to insulin was not observed in diabetic rats treated with NaV (34 +/- 1). Glycogen synthesis was increased by both MgV and NaV treatment (23 +/- 21, P < .01 and 18 +/- 1, P < .05 v 14 +/- 2 mg/kg x min) in diabetic rats. A small increase in glycolysis was observed in MgSO4 and MgV rats (18 +/- 1 and 18 +/- 1 v 16 +/- 1, P < .05). NaV alone had no effect on glycolysis. Thus, Mg has a synergistic effect with V to increase muscle glycogen synthesis in diabetic rats. In normal rats, neither MgSO4 nor NaV had any effect on glucose utilization. However, MgV increased glucose disposal to rates that were significantly higher than the rate in untreated control rats (P < .05). Based on these results, MgV is superior to either V alone or Mg alone in improving insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis in diabetic rats.
An analysis of binocular slant contrast

When a small frontoparallel surface (a test strip) is surrounded by a larger slanted surface (an inducer), the test strip is perceived as slanted in the direction opposite to the inducer. This has been called the depth-contrast effect, but we call it the slant-contrast effect. In nearly all demonstrations of this effect, the inducer's slant is specified by stereoscopic signals; and other signals, such as the texture gradient, specify that it is frontoparallel. We present a theory of slant estimation that determines surface slant via linear combination of various slant estimators; the weight of each estimator is proportional to its reliability. The theory explains slant contrast because the absolute slant of the inducer and the relative slant between test strip and inducer are both estimated with greater reliability than the absolute slant of the test strip. The theory predicts that slant contrast will be eliminated if the signals specifying the inducer's slant are consistent with one another. It also pred...
A variant of the Slutsky equation in a dynamical account based model

Abstract Using the movements caused by the variations of income or prices of a dynamically stable account fixed point, it is possible to define an observable demand function that satisfies a variant of Slutsky's equation.
ASAS Centennial Paper: Future needs in animal breeding and genetics

The past century has seen animal breeding and genetics evolve and expand from definition and validation of basic population genetics theory to development of selection index theory to today's relatively sophisticated genetic prediction systems enabling industry genetic improvement. The end of the first century of the American Society of Animal Science coincides with the rapid movement of the field into the era of genome-enabled genetic improvement and precision management systems. Led by recent research infrastructure investments by the United States and international partners to develop chicken, bovine, swine, ovine, and equine "genomic toolboxes," the animal breeding community is poised to play a crucial role in the century to come. These genomic toolboxes provide the needed platforms for developing whole-genome selection programs based on linkage disequilibrium for a wide spectrum of traits; allow the opportunity to redefine genetic prediction based on allele sharing as opposed to traditional pedigree relationships; and provide for the first time simultaneous information upon which to practice genetic selection and plan precision management of specific genotypes, all early in the life of the animal. An area of major focus will be mining of the genomes through systems biology approaches to better understand gene and metabolic networks--what has previously been lumped into poorly understood genotype by environment and genotype by genotype interactions. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the successful merger of genomic and quantitative approaches will be the lack of necessary animal resource populations to appropriately define and measure phenotypes (i.e., the so-called phenomic gap) for difficult-to-measure traits such as resistance to disease and stress, adaptability, longevity, and efficiency of nutrient utilization. Additionally, because of de-emphasis of quantitative genetics and animal breeding programs in academia over the past quarter century, a dearth of qualified young scientists to effectively mine the genomes must immediately be addressed. Although the motivating factors may have changed, the need for high-quality animal breeding and genetics research and education has never been greater.
High-mix/low-volume batch of electronic equipment disassembly

This paper presents a procedure to disassemble electronic products with multiple subassembly modules. First, a partial schedule for each subassembly is obtained. The next step modifies the partial schedule in order to minimize the machine idle time at the retrieval process and, thus, the resulting makespan of the whole process. The procedure offers an optimal process makespan according to the sequence in which the batch of products pass through the disassembly and recovery processes. Special emphasis is placed on applying variant process planning methodology for disassembly and retrieval.
Unbiased least-squares fitting of lower states

Abstract An unbiased least-squares method to determine lower state rotational, spin-rotational, and centrifugal distortion constants for vibrational or electronic spectra with perturbed upper states is described. Continuation to fitting procedures for the determination of upper state constants is discussed.
Esophageal trachealization: a feature of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an inflammatory condition characterized by intense eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus. EE is frequently misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here, we present a child with EE and a characteristic endoscopic finding, “ringed esophagus”. An 11-year-old Saudi boy presented with dysphagia for 1 year. He had experienced an intermittent sensation of solid food sticking in his chest, which was relieved by drinking liquids. A barium swallow excluded anatomical causes of dysphagia, but revealed multiple-ringed esophagus. Endoscopy showed a furrowing and trachealizing appearance of the entire esophagus. Hisologically, extensive eosinophilic infiltration was a feature in biopsies obtained from the esophagus. The child responded well to a 2-month course of inhaled fluticasone. Symptoms recurred 3 months after discontinuation of therapy, which necessitated resumption of inhaled fluticasone. The endoscopic appearance of multiple esophageal rings should raise suspicion of EE and be confirmed by esophageal biopsies.
Filling the Female Political Pipeline: Assessing a Mentor-Based Internship Program

Many women are considered viable candidates to hold political office but choose not to run for various reasons. One of those reasons is that they do not see the characteristics in themselves that they determine necessary to be a successful politician. For the past five years, the Intern Fellowship Program at Simmons College has matched young women with female state legislators in Massachusetts. This article will discuss how this internship program has changed the perception of the women that participate in the program; they now see themselves as potential political players, both at the state and national level. Through interviews and quantitative assessment of alums, I will demonstrate that this type of mentoring internship program is a successful way to increase the number of women in the political pipeline because of their post-graduation job and graduate school choices that in turn continues them on the pathway to political office.
A kinetic study of nucleophilic addition to the alkene in dicarbonyl(alkene)(arene)manganese cations

Abstract Nucleophilic addition of tertiary phosphines to (arene)Mn(CO) 2 (alkene) + cations occurs at the alkene ligand to give σ-alkyl type products. A kinetic and thermodynamic study of this reaction shows that the transition state is an early one. The relative nucleophilic reactivities are the same as those found for addition to coordinated cyclic π-hydrocarbons and free carbocations.
An unusual temperature dependence in the oxidation of oxycarbide layers on uranium

Abstract An anomalous temperature dependence has been observed for the oxidation kinetics of outermost oxycarbide layers on polycrystalline uranium metal. Normally, oxidation or corrosion reactions are expected to proceed more rapidly as the temperature is elevated. Thus, it came as a surprise when we observed that the removal of the outermost atomic layers of carbon from uranium oxycarbide by O2 reproducibly proceeds at a much faster rate at 25°C than at 280°C.
Production of migration inhibitory factor and lympl toxin by non-T cells†

Treatment of tuberculin-sensitive guinea pig spleen or lymph node cells with a burro anti-T cell serum plus complement diminished markedly the number of functionally detectable T cells, but did not affect the amount of migration inhibitory factor (MIF) or lymphotoxin produced by the residual T cell-depleted populations.
Internalization of glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored lymphocyte proteins II. GPI‐anchored and transmembrane molecules internalize through distinct pathways

Ly-6A.2 (T cell-activating protein, TAP) and Thy-1 are glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored proteins expressed on the surface of murine T lymphocytes. We have found that Ly-6A.2 (TAP) and Thy-1 are internalized by T cells. In the present study we have investigated whether these GPI-anchored proteins enter cells by endocytosis through coated pits. Two lines of evidence argue against the involvement of coated pits in the internalization of Ly-6A.2 (TAP) and Thy-1. First, drugs that effectively blocked the endocytosis of transferrin receptor and H-2 class I molecules, (which are known to be internalized via coated pits) did not inhibit the internalization of the GPI-anchored proteins. Second, in ultrastructural analyses, Ly-6A2 (TAP) and Thy-1, in contrast to the transferrin receptor, were rarely found in coated pits or vesicles. These observations suggest that the GPI-anchored proteins on T lymphocytes are internalized by a distinct pathway that does not involve endocytosis through coated pits.
Poisson's ratios in diamond/zincblende crystals

Abstract The Poisson's ratios of crystals with diamond/zincblende structures are studied by using a simple method which considers the elastic energy to be due to bond lengths and bond angles. The relationships for two Poisson's ratios, ν 1 10 and ν 001 , are calculated with three slightly different models and compared with the experimental data. This investigation of the materials' macroscopic properties of Poisson's ratios reveals their behavior at the microscopic level.
Antihypertensive therapy with nitrendipine: comparison with hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol.

The calcium channel blockers are being used increasingly to treat essential hypertension. Nitrendipine is a second-generation dihydropyridine derivative that, though not yet approved in the United States, has been extensively evaluated both there and abroad. This report concerns two multicenter trials in which nitrendipine was compared to hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol. In the first study, which included 305 patients over 50 years of age with off-treatment sitting diastolic blood pressures of 95-114 mm Hg, nitrendipine 10 mg b.i.d. was compared to hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg q.d. The mean blood pressure readings were reduced from 157/101 to 142/89 mm Hg with nitrendipine and from 157/101 to 139/88 mm Hg with hydrochlorothiazide. The goal diastolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg was achieved in 69% of the nitrendipine-treated patients and 51% of the hydrochlorothiazide group (p less than 0.001). There were no differences in the incidence or severity of side effects with the two agents, but hydrochlorothiazide produced more frequent laboratory abnormalities. In the second trial, nitrendipine 5-20 mg b.i.d., was compared with propranolol 40-120 mg b.i.d. in 300 patients with the same entry blood pressure criteria. The reduction in blood pressure with nitrendipine, from 156/101 to 138/87 mm Hg, was slightly but significantly greater than that on propranolol, which was from 157/101 to 142/90 mm Hg. Side effects and dropouts were somewhat more frequent in the propranolol group. These studies indicate that nitrendipine is an effective and well-tolerated agent for hypertension monotherapy, and that it compares favorably with the other classes of drugs commonly used as initial therapy.
The mechanist and the snail

[Introduction] One of the most influential theories of scientific explanation to have emerged in the past two decades is Salmon's causal/mechanical theory (Salmon 1984). According to this account, scientific explanations describe a network of causal processes and interactions. In this paper, I will use an example from evolutionary biology to argue that the causal nexus, as characterized by Salmon, is not rich enough to account for many causal explanations in the sciences.
On the Structure, Function and Metalloregulatory Properties of the Zinc-Activated Repressor Streptococcus Pneumoniae AdcR

A response to a change in transition metal ion concentration is mediated by metal-sensing transcriptional regulators that harbor metal-specific coordination sites. Zinc homeostasis in the gram positive human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is maintained by two novel zinc-regulated repressors, SczA and AdcR. Spn AdcR is the first putative metal-dependent member of the MarR family of transcriptional repressors. Expression profiling on BHI media under microaerobic conditions with a wild-type and isogenic ΔadcR strain reveals that AdcR regulates the expression of genes encoding the high affinity zinc uptake system adcRCBA, a group of zinc-binding pneumococcal histidine triad proteins (PhtA, PhtB, PhtD and PhtE) and an orphan AdcA homologue (AdcAII). Much of the adcR regulon is necessary for the virulence of Spn. Analytical ultracentrifugation experiments reveal that AdcR is a 32 kDa homodimer. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is consistent with a primary five-coordinate N/O regulatory site, a finding unprecedented for a zinc-sensing metalloregulatory protein. As expected, Zn(II) binding strongly activates adc operator DNA binding on the basis of quantitative fluorescence anisotropy assays (pH 6.0, 0.2 M NaCl, 25°C). Nearly complete backbone (HN, 15N, 13Cα, 13Cβ) resonance assignments of apo-AdcR (pH 6.0, 0.05 M NaCl, 35°C) reveal a highly α-helical two-fold symmetric homodimer, and that zinc binding perturbs resonances in the C-terminal regulatory domain, as well as the N-terminal winged helical DNA binding domain. Mutagenesis of at least two His in a highly conserved histidine-rich sequence in the regulatory domain (His108, His112), significantly modulates zinc regulation in vitro and in vivo. Progress on the solution structure and residue-specific dynamics of AdcR in the apo- and zinc activated states will be reported. Supported by NIH grants GM042569 (to D.P.G.), F32 AI084445 (to F.E.J.), GM042025 (to R.A.S.) and AI060744 (to M.E.M).
A unified approach to evaluation algorithms for multivariate polynomials

We present a unified framework for most of the known and a few new evaluation algorithms for multivariate polynomials expressed in a wide variety of bases including the Bezier, multinomial (or Taylor), Lagrange and Newton bases. This unification is achieved by considering evaluation algorithms for multivariate polynomials expressed in terms of L-bases, a class of bases that include the Bezier, multinomial, and a rich subclass of Lagrange and Newton bases. All of the known evaluation algorithms can be generated either by considering recursive evaluation algorithms for L-bases or by examining change of basis algorithms for L-bases. For polynomials of degree $n$ in $s$ variables, the class of recursive evaluation algorithms includes a parallel up recurrence algorithm with computational complexity $O(n^{s+1})$, a nested multiplication algorithm with computational complexity $O(n^s lgn)$ and a ladder recurrence algorithm with computational complexity $O(n^s)$. These algorithms also generate a new generalization of the Aitken-Neville algorithm for evaluation of multivariate polynomials expressed in terms of Lagrange L-bases. The second class of algorithms, based on certain change of basis algorithms between L-bases, include a dual nested multiplication algorithm with computational complexity $O(n^s)$, and a divided difference algorithm, a forward difference algorithm, and a Lagrange evaluation algorithm with computational complexities $O(n^s)$, $O(1)$ and $O(n)$ per point respectively for the evaluation of multivariate polynomials at several points.
Neural correlates of individual ratings of emotional salience: a trial-related fMRI study

Accurate appraisal of meaningful environmental signals involves the interpretation of salient information for their intrinsic emotional value and personal relevance. We examined the neural basis for these components of endogenous salience during such appraisals using trial-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subjects viewed affective pictures and assessed either the emotional intensity or extent of self-relatedness of the content of those pictures. In a parametric factorial design, individualized subjective ratings of these two dimensions were correlated with brain activity. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) responded to both increasing emotional intensity and self-relatedness. Activity in the amygdala was specifically related to affective judgments and emotional intensity. The volitional act of appraising the extent of personal association specifically engaged the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and additionally recruited dorsal medial frontal regions and insula as the extent of self-relatedness increased. The findings highlight both overlapping and segregated neural representations of intrinsic value and personal relevance during the appraisal of emotional stimuli.
Methyl punicate,Alpha andBeta eleostearate.Cis, trans isomerism and structure

Methyl esters ofbeta eleostearic,alpha eleostearic, and punicic acids have been isomerized with iodine and light to the same equilibrium mixture of 64%beta, 33%alpha, and 2.6% punicate structures. The course of isomerization is in agreement with the following structures:trans, trans, trans forbeta; cis, trans, trans foralpha; andcis, trans, cis for punicate, in agreement with structures provenvia synthesis by Crombie and Jackson. There is some theoretical and experimental evidence that the center double bond of this type of conjugated triene isomerizes less readily than the outer double bonds.
Role of cell adhesion molecules in invasion, anoikis resistance and drug resistance: An in vitro analysis using multiple phenotyping approach

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is an aggressive neoplasm that mainly metastasizes to organs of the peritoneal cavity. This event is mediated by molecular mechanisms that remain elusive. Cell adhesion molecules play a key role in tumor invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. The conventional in vitro two-dimensional cell culture models are not sufficient to explain the exact mechanism behind tumor invasion, migration and anoikis resistance events. The objective of the present study is to analyze the role of cell adhesion molecules in tumor invasion metastasis and drug resistance using multiple phenotyping approach. Five ovarian cancer cell lines PA1, SW626, CAOV3, SKOV3 and OVCAR3 were selected for the study. Cell line phenotyping was conducted using cultured cells in an anchorage independent method that utilized an ultra low attachment plate for mimicking anoikis resistance in vitro. Second type phenotyping was done for sorting highly invasive phenotype by selecting cells that can pass through Boyden chamber (8 micron pore size upper chamber membrane). Development of drug-resistant cell lines were achieved by growing cells in culture media containing standard chemotherapeutic agents such as Taxol and Carboplatin. Cells were selected according to their ability to attach different ECM and cell adhesion molecule coated chambers. A real time PCR array of 29 genes involved in cell adhesion, drug resistance and EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) were also analyzed and gene expression analysis conducted. The invasive potential of PA1 (teratocarcinoma) seems to be higher than other cell lines followed by SKOV3 cells. PA1 cells form embryoid bodies while culturing in in anchorage independent condition and exhibit an elevated level of expression of myc and TGF beta. Cell viability assay also shows that PA1 is the most sensitive cell line against carboplatin and taxol. Gene expression levels of cell adhesion molecules were altered among the phenotypes. Anoikis resistant cells show altered levels of expression in EPCAM, Collagen 6, CD24, vimentin and N-cadherin. These results suggest the cell lines are heterogeneous in nature and three dimensional culture model mimics the in vivo tumor model for anoikis resistance and EMT. To conclude, this study shows selection of various phenotypes of heterogeneous cancer cell lines can help decipher the role of cell adhesion molecules in ovarian cancer invasion and drug resistance. These experiments will give an overall view of the role of cell adhesion molecules in different ovarian cancer types in vitro.