cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International institutions and credible commitment of non-democracies

How do non-democratic countries credibly commit to policies in front of domestic and international audiences? Unlike democracies, non-democracies do not have functioning electoral systems and free presses to make their commitments costly thus credible. Yet, the need to credibly commit to a policy arises for non-democracies as well. In particular, when non-democratic leaders push for economic reforms, they need to coordinate the beliefs of domestic groups and attract international resources. How do non-democracies solve the commitment problem and succeed in achieving their policy goals? In this study, we argue that international institutions provide an important mechanism through which non-democratic countries could credibly signal their commitment to open economic policies. We test the argument with the involvement of IMF programs by post-communist countries from 1989 to 2005. We find that while IMF status is used as a credible commitment device for all countries, the effect is more significant for non-democracies.
The Ponce de Leon Trail Today

Aging is both a complex and challenging scientific problem and a fact of universal concern. Raymond Pearl began his classic The Biology of Death by asserting that “probably no subject so deeply interests human beings as that of the duration of human life.” This concern is extremely ancient. Despite the belief of some that the “cult of youth” is a modern invention, even a product of American advertising, no one need look very far to be reminded otherwise. It was in the sixteenth century that the Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth. In fact, preliterate peoples attributed to their gods, whether in Valhalla or on Mt. Olympus, magical ways of postponing old age forever.
Low-Affinity T Cells Are Programmed to Maintain Normal Primary Responses but Are Impaired in Their Recall to Low-Affinity Ligands

Summary T cell responses to low-affinity T cell receptor (TCR) ligands occur in the context of infection, tumors, and autoimmunity despite diminished TCR signal strength. The processes that enable such responses remain unclear. We show that distinct mechanisms drive effector/memory development in high- and low-affinity T cells. Low-affinity cells preferentially differentiate into memory precursors of a central memory phenotype that are interleukin (IL)-12R lo , IL-7R hi , and Eomes hi . Strikingly, in contrast to naive cells, low-affinity memory cells were impaired in the response to low- but not high-affinity ligands, indicating that low-affinity cells are programmed to generate diverse immune responses while avoiding autoreactivity. Affinity and antigen dose directly correlated with IL-12R signal input and T-bet but not with Eomes expression because low- affinity signals were more potent inducers of Eomes at a high antigen dose. Our studies explain how weak antigenic signals induce complete primary immune responses and provide a framework for therapeutic intervention.
Tourist Landscapes and Regional Identities in Saxony, 1878–1938

The 1905 Kalender fur das Erzgebirge und Vogtland described an apparently spontaneous shift in the relationship between the German state of Saxony's mountainous southern borderlands and its rapidly urbanizing lowlands. Yet from the 1870s to the 1930s, the Kalender, the Erzgebirgsverein that published it, and a host of similar Heimat (homeland) and tourist organizations pushed, prodded, and cajoled lowlanders into visiting the borderlands. In the process, they repeatedly reframed the ways in which they portrayed the landscapes they championed, rethought their reasons for enticing travelers to the southern regions, and redirected their efforts to new audiences. Saxon Heimatler and tourism promoters succeeded in defining southern Saxony's regions, and eventually Saxony as a whole, in terms of three important characteristics: the interplay of nature and industry in their landscapes; the diversity of those landscapes; and proximity to and interactions with Bohemia. So powerful were these themes that they continue to shape ideas about southern Saxony to the present.
PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF TREHALASE (S) FROM NEUROSPORA.

Abstract Trehalase has been obtained in crystalline form from the mycelium of Neurospora crassa . During elution from the first pass through a DEAE-cellulose column, two peaks with trehalase activity were obtained. When the first of these was rechromatographed on DEAE-cellulose, two more major peaks were found. The enzymes of these fractions were compared and found to be similar in substrate specificity, response to inhibitors, pH optima, and Michaelis constants. However, small differences in the rate of inactivation of these enzymes at 50 ° were detected.
The origins and evolution of the field of industrial relations in the United States: A review essay

In sum, I am as pessimistic as Kaufman about the ability of existing IR and HR disciplinary institutions to develop a consensus around a different set of intellectual boundaries and a new label. Unfortunately, it will be a very difficult task to corral the energies currently misspent on the creation and defense of ideological and disciplinary territories and to devote them to creating disciplinary institutions that will facilitate the creation and transmission of knowledge about how best to balance the interests of workers with the organizations and societies in which they work. But if we fail as a discipline to take advantage of a favorable external environment that has put human problems on center stage, it will not be because his extremely important work has not clarified the problems and prospects involved in entering a new golden age.
Pulse wave velocity and carotid atherosclerosis in White and Latino patients with hypertension

Preventive cardiology has expanded beyond coronary heart disease towards prevention of a broader spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. Ethnic minorities are at proportionately greater risk for developing extracoronary vascular disease including heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. We performed a cross sectional study of Latino and White hypertension patients in a safety-net healthcare system. Framingham risk factors, markers of inflammation (hsCRP, LPpLA2), arterial stiffness (Pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and central aortic pressure), and endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation) were measured. Univariate and multivariable associations between these parameters and an index of extracoronary atherosclerosis (carotid intima media thickness) was performed. Among 177 subjects, mean age was 62 years, 67% were female, and 67% were Latino. In univariate analysis, markers associated with carotid intima media thickness (IMT) at p .10). Only PWV retained a significant association with carotid IMT independent of the Framingham general risk profile parameters (p = .016). No statistically significant interactions between Framingham and other independent variables with ethnicity (all p > .05) were observed. In this safety net cohort, PWV is a potentially useful adjunctive atherosclerotic risk marker independent of traditional risk factors and irrespective of ethnicity.
An investigation of magnetic properties of Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 alloys

Abstract The magnetic phase transition of a rapidly quenched Fe 73.5 Cu 1 Nb 3 Si 13.5 B 9 alloy has been investigated by two different techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) under a magnetic field. The DSC measurement showed two distinct exothermic peaks during the crystallization process and a detectable peak at the amorphous Curie transition temperature ( T c = 325°C). These results were in good agreement with those measured by TGA under a magnetic field. In addition, the TGA measurements showed the Curie phase transition of the nanocrystalline structure at 570°C. After the nanocrystalline structure was fully developed, the relationship between the core loss at 10 kHz and temperature was established at two different magnetic induction levels. There was a minimum of the core loss at certain temperatures, which decreased with increasing magnetic induction.
Effect of tetraethylammonium on noradrenaline release from cat spleen treated with tetrodotoxin.

EXPERIMENTS by Katz and Miledi1 on the giant synapse of the squid stellate ganglion pretreated externally with tetrodotoxin (TTX) to block the conducted nerve impulses, and internally with tetraethylammonium (TEA) to block the potassium current, showed that a local regenerative response confined to the presynaptic terminal was obtained on depolarisation, provided that the external calcium concentration was sufficiently high. Strontium and barium substituted for calcium, and manganese and magnesium reduced the regenerative response. TEA, in the presence of TTX, also caused a massive release of acetylcholine from the frog neuromuscular junction in response to a depolarisation of the motoneurone terminals2. These results offered direct evidence for the existence in the nerve terminals of a TTX-resistant calcium channel involved in transmitter release, and suggested that TEA, by allowing an inward calcium current to become regenerative, enhanced transmitter release. The release of noradrenaline (NA) from sympathetic nerves also requires calcium, and further, strontium and barium substitute for calcium in sustaining release, and magnesium, manganese and lanthanum block release3. Moreover, TEA has also been shown to enhance NA release after electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves4–6. These observations suggest that a calcium channel also exists in the sympathetic nerve terminals and is responsible for the release of NA. The present investigation was undertaken to determine if in the presence of TEA and TTX, depolarisation of the sympathetic nerve terminal initiates a ‘regenerative’ inward calcium current which leads to an explosive release of NA. We report that it does.
A study of the atmospheric circulation between equator and 60 o N during the winter and summer seasons

The mean zonal and meridional wind components and the mean mass circulation in different latitudes are discussed in relation to previous studies. Divergence and vertical motion are calculated for various latitude belts. There is evidence for a strong tropical Hadley cell with a temperate latitude indirect circulation during the winter season. During summer, the northern Hadley cell is weaker and displaced poleward; a circulation in the opposite sense appears in equatorial latitudes. The regional patterns of divergence and vertical motion appear related particularly to the position of the subtropical high pressure cells. Subsidence and lower-layer divergence are characteristic of the eastern flanks of the subtropical anticyclones, while the opposite pattern prevails on its western flanks. These longitudinal contrasts appear particularly pronounced during the summer season. The three-dimensional flow pattern in the tropics is illustrated by selected trajectories for the winter and summer seasons.
Embryotoxicity and fetal toxicity of nickel in rats.

Embryotoxicity and fetal toxicity of nickel chloride (NiCl/sub 2/) and nickel subsulfide (Ni/sub 3/S/sub 2/) were studied in Fischer rats. Injection of NiCl/sub 2/ (16 mg of Ni/kg, im) on Day 8 of gestation reduced the man number of live pups per dam and resulted in diminisehd body weights of fetuses on Day 20 of gestation and of weanlings at 4 to 8 weeks after birth. Injection of Ni/sub 2/S/sub 2/ (80 mg of Ni/kg, im) on Day 6 of gestation reduced the mean number of live pups per dam. No congenital anomalies were found in fetuses from any Ni-treated dams, including dams that recieved 10 im injections of NiCl/sub 2/ (2 mg of Ni/kg, twice daily, on Days 6 to 10 of gestation). /sup 63/NiCl/sub 2/ (12 mg of Ni/kg, im) was administered to a group of nonpregnant female rats and to groups of pregnant rats on Day 8 or 18 of gestation. After 24 hr, the relative concentrations of /sup 63/Ni in tissues were: kidney > serum > adrenal approx. = lung approx. = ovary > spleen approx. = heart approx. = liver > skeletal muscle. Pituitary /sup 63/Ni concentrations were much higher in pregnant rats than inmore » non-pregnant females. /sup 63/Ni concentrations in products of conception (embryos and embryonic membranes) on Day 9 and in placentas on Day 19 were equivalent to /sup 63/Ni concentrations in adrenal, lung, and ovary tissues of the dams. Autoradiography of fetuses and placentas on Day 19 of gestation showed /sup 63/Ni localization in fetal urinary bladders and in the basal laminae and yolk sacs of the placentas. These studies show (a) that im injection of NiCl/sub 2/ and Ni/sub 3/S/sub 2/ during early gestation causes embryonic mortality at dosages that do not cause maternal mortality, and (b) that /sup 63/Ni(II) can cross the feto-maternal barriers and enter the fetuses during late gestation.« less
Direct interaction between the TnsA and TnsB subunits controls the heteromeric Tn7 transposase

The transposon Tn7 transposase that recognizes the transposon ends and mediates breakage and joining is heteromeric. It contains the Tn7-encoded proteins TnsB, which binds specifically to the transposon ends and carries out breakage and joining at the 3′ ends, and TnsA, which carries out breakage at the 5′ ends of Tn7. TnsA apparently does not bind specifically to DNA, and we have hypothesized that it is recruited to the ends by interaction with TnsB. In this work, we show that TnsA and TnsB interact directly and identify several TnsA and TnsB amino acids involved in this interaction. We also show that TnsA can stimulate two key activities of TnsB, specific binding to the ends and pairing of the Tn7 ends. The ends of Tn7 are structurally asymmetric (i.e., contain different numbers of TnsB-binding sites), and Tn7 also is functionally asymmetric, inserting into its specific target site, attachment site attTn7 (attTn7) in a single orientation. Moreover, Tn7 elements containing two Tn7 right ends can transpose, but elements with two Tn7 left ends cannot. We show here that TnsA + TnsB are unable to pair the ends of a Tn7 element containing two Tn7 left ends. This pairing defect likely contributes to the inability of Tn7 elements with two Tn7 left ends to transpose.
Accumulation and Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Cadmium in a Simple Aquatic Food Chain

The toxicity of cadmium with regard to the vegetative reproduction of duckweed,Lemna gibba,grown in sterile culture, was determined. The EC50was found to be 800 ppb. Duckweed grown in 2.24 ppm cadmium (supplied as cadmium nitrate) for 7 days accumulated 98.5% of the available cadmium from the growth medium. Plants that had been grown for 7 days in 2.24 ppm cadmium and control plants were fed to red swamp crayfish,Procambarus clarkii,for 14 days. The concentrations of cadmium were measured in hepatopancreata and muscles of crayfish on Day 0 and in crayfish fed duckweed grown in cadmium for 14 days. Accumulation of this metal in hepatopancreata increased 26-fold, i.e., 176.80 ppb on Day 0 to 4657.56 ppb on Day 14, and in muscles almost 7-fold, i.e., 6.75 ppb on Day 0 to 46.28 ppb on Day 14. Crayfish fed cadmium-containing duckweed demonstrated inhibition (55% after 14 days of feeding) of acetylcholinesterase activity in their central nervous tissue compared to crayfish fed cadmium-free duckweed. The ovarian index and total lipids content in the ovaries of crayfish fed cadmium-containing duckweed demonstrated significant increases on Day 14.
Photodynamic therapy for cosmetic applications

With the advent of short contact and pulsed light techniques, topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT) has become a viable clinical modality. Intense pulsed light, the pulsed dye laser, and blue light-emitting lamps have become the most commonly used devices in inducing a cosmetic PDT effect. More recently, by combining the photothermal effects of pulsed light with the photochemical effects of PDT, an enhanced cosmetic effect has been demonstrated in a variety of dermatologic conditions. In addition, the use of shorter 5-ALA incubation times allows for improved patient tolerance during treatment and subsequently fewer adverse effects in the postoperative period. A review of the current literature on cosmetic uses of PDT as well as our personal techniques are discussed in detail.
High level domain definition in a relational date base system

A relational data base is herein defined as a collection of normalized relations (relations in first normal form) and a collection of domains. A normalized relation may be viewed as a table, wherein each row of the table corresponds to a tuple of the relation, and the entries in a given column belong to the set of values constituting the domain underlying that column. The domains of a data base have an abstract existence apart from the data base relations.The data base also includes various types of semantic integrity rules, which specify additional properties of the data in the data base. One such type of semantic integrity rule is the domain definition. A domain definition includes the precise description of the set of values (objects) constituting the domain. In a normalized data base, all domains are sets of atomic data values. A domain definition also includes a specification of the ordering on the values in a domain, for comparability purposes. In addition, a domain definition contains a specification of the action that is to occur if an attempt is made to violate the restriction that every entry in each column of a relation must be from the underlying domain of that column.A nonprocedural language permitting the high level expression of domain definitions is defined. Language details and examples are presented, and the syntax and informal semantics of the domain definition language are given. This approach to domain definition is analyzed in terms of its impact on other aspects of data base semantic integrity. The relationship with the data base system in general is outlined. An analysis of intradomain and interdomain comparability is included. An introduction to relevant implementation issues is also presented. Emphasis is placed on a general approach to implementation and implementation techniques, rather than on a specific system.
The Role of Subjective Task Complexity in Goal Orientation, Self-Efficacy, and Performance Relations

We examined the role of subjective task complexity in goal orientation effects on self-efficacy and performance on a computerized simulation of a class scheduling task (N = 138). Results indicated that goal orientation effects on performance were mediated by subjective task complexity. In addition, our results revealed that subjective task complexity was related to self-efficacy but not cognitive ability. Moreover, subjective task complexity effects on performance were mediated by self-efficacy, and goal orientation effects on self-efficacy were mediated by subjective task complexity. Results are discussed in terms of conceptual relations between goal orientation, subjective task complexity, self-efficacy, and performance.
In Vivo Photoactivation Without “Light”: Use of Cherenkov Radiation to Overcome the Penetration Limit of Light

Purpose The poor tissue penetration of visible light has been a major barrier for optical imaging, photoactivatable conversions, and photodynamic therapy for in vivo targets with depths beyond 10 mm. In this report, as a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated that a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (18FDG), could be used as an alternative light source for photoactivation.
Vasopressin infusion into the lateral septum of adult male rats rescues progesterone-induced impairment in social recognition

It is well established that social recognition memory is mediated, in part, by arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP cells within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdala (MeA) send AVP-ergic projections to the lateral septum (LS). We have demonstrated that progesterone treatment decreases AVP immunoreactivity within the BST, the MeA and the LS, and that progesterone treatment impairs social recognition. These data suggested that progesterone may impair social recognition memory by decreasing AVP. In the present experiment, we hypothesized that infusions of AVP into the LS would rescue the progesterone-induced impairment in social recognition within adult male rats. One week after adult male rats underwent cannula surgery, they were given systemic injections of either a physiological dose of progesterone or oil control for 3 days. Four hours after the last injection, we tested social recognition memory using the social discrimination paradigm, a two-trial test that is based on the natural propensity for rats to be highly motivated to investigate novel conspecifics. Immediately after the first exposure to a juvenile, each animal received bilateral infusions of either AVP or artificial cerebrospinal fluid into the LS. Our results show that, as expected, control animals exhibited normal social discrimination. In corroboration with our previous results, animals given progesterone have impaired social discrimination. Interestingly, animals treated with progesterone and AVP exhibited normal social discrimination, suggesting that AVP treatment rescued the impairment in social recognition caused by progesterone. These data also further support a role for progesterone in modulating vasopressin-dependent behavior within the male brain.
Risk of Infection Following Laparotomy for Penetrating Abdominal Injury

• We analyzed the occurrence of putative risk factors for postoperative infection in 338 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for penetrating abdominal injury. Mortality was 3%, with nine of ten deaths directly related to infectious complications. Gunshot wounds and colon injuries occurred more frequently in the patients who died than in survivors. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that transfusion requirement, length of operation, age, and the penetrating abdominal trauma index were the most significant risk factors for any infection. Other risk factors examined (shock, number of organs injured, mode of injury, and chest injury) did not contribute any additional information. Colon injury was more prevalent in patients with trauma-related infections than in those with nosocomial infections. ( Arch Surg 1984;119:20-27)
Assessing the Role of Mortgage Fraud, Confluence, and Spillover in the Contemporary Foreclosure Crisis

This study explores three features of the contemporary foreclosure crisis that have been highlighted in the literature but relatively neglected in existing empirical research. First, the study evaluates the capacity for levels of mortgage fraud to serve as a potentially important leading indicator of significant foreclosure activity. Second, the study examines the possibility that high foreclosure rates may exhibit spatial dependence, affecting the foreclosure realities of surrounding areas in ways similar to how they have been shown to influence housing prices. Finally, the research considers whether key factors emphasized in scholarly and policy discussions interacted to produce particularly high rates of foreclosure in some areas of the United States. The findings indicate that foreclosure rates in 2008 were significantly higher in United States. counties where “profit-motivated” mortgage fraud was more prevalent several years earlier (i.e., 2004–2006). This study also reveals that, net of a wide varie...
Demultiplexing by electron bunch deflection in the dynamic crossed-field photomultiplier

This paper describes a simple crossed electric and magnetic field electron deflection system for use as a high speed demultiplexer for the output of a dynamic crossed-field photomultiplier. Theoretical and experimental results are presented.
Mass Flow through Solid 4H

We continue our solid 4He flow experiments in which we grow solid helium samples at constant temperature in the hcp region of the phase diagram. We exploit the properties of liquid helium in a confined geometry (porous Vycor glass), and induce a mass flow through the solid at pressures higher than the bulk melting pressure. We previously observed flow, but our temperature was limited to T≥350 mK. At T≈400 mK it was found that the flow ceased at P≈27 bar, and no flow was observed for T>550 mK. We have begun to extend our measurements to lower temperatures, and our data show that at lower temperatures we observe flow at higher pressures.
Vocalizations during withdrawal from opiates and cocaine: possible expressions of affective distress

Intense anxiety has been postulated to trigger relapse to abuse of opiates and psychomotor stimulants. Preclinical research methodologies need to be developed to adequately characterize the affective or emotional component of withdrawal. Classically, withdrawal from psychomotor stimulants and opiates focuses on somatic and autonomic indices, foremost based on observational assessments and, additionally, on measures of disrupted conditioned behavior. These measures depict the intensity and time course of withdrawal from specific doses of opiates and psychomotor stimulants, but require large numbers of subjects due to single use of each individual. Behavioral disruptions have been attributed to anhedonia, a core symptom of drug withdrawal, as well as major depressive and psychotic disorders. In spite of some pharmacological validation, inferences about anxiety-like disturbances, based on observed somatic and autonomic signs or on changes in conditioned responses, have to remain tentative. High-pitched vocalizations may communicate affective expressions and, in rodents, different kinds of ultrasonic vocalizations communicate maternal separation distress in infants, accompany the intensely arousing phases of agonistic confrontations, signal submission and distress in defensive responses to threats and painful events, and are part of the excitatory and inhibitory phases of sexual behavior. While acute treatment with opiates, psychomotor stimulants, alcohol and benzodiazepines suppresses ultrasonic vocalizations in the 22-25-kHz range, rats emit high rates of ultrasonic vocalizations upon withdrawal from prolonged exposure to these drugs, particularly if they have been startled. Peak rates of ultrasonic distress calls occur ca. 1-3 days after cessation of cocaine or opiate treatment and decline within 5-7 days. Ultrasonic vocalizations during withdrawal from cocaine, alcohol or benzodiazepines can be attenuated by renewed access to the drug. It will be informative to learn how the neural circuit mediating vocalizations interacts with the ones subserving self-administration of alcohol, opiates and psychomotor stimulants.
Theoretical Anxiety and Design Strategies in the Work of Eight Contemporary Architects

(2006). Theoretical Anxiety and Design Strategies in the Work of Eight Contemporary Architects. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 59, No. 4, pp. 84-85.
Sustaining Intergenerational Service-Learning In Gerontology Education

Abstract Service-learning is a pedagogical innovation in higher education that offers experiential learning to students while providing benefits to communities. Recognizing the importance of this innovation, the Corporation for National and Community Service has promoted the development of intergenerational service-learning components in gerontology classes through grants to the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education in partnership with Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh. The funding resulted in 66 service-learning projects in institutions of higher education nationwide over six years. This study assessed what has happened since the funding for these projects ended. A survey of former faculty grant recipients found that the majority were still utilizing service-learning components in their classes. This was despite the perception of all of the respondents that the time and effort involved far exceeds that of traditional classes. Respondents identified a number of barriers to the...
Efficient, automated Monte Carlo methods for radiation transport

Monte Carlo simulations provide an indispensible model for solving radiative transport problems, but their slow convergence inhibits their use as an everyday computational tool. In this paper, we present two new ideas for accelerating the convergence of Monte Carlo algorithms based upon an efficient algorithm that couples simulations of forward and adjoint transport equations. Forward random walks are first processed in stages, each using a fixed sample size, and information from stage k is used to alter the sampling and weighting procedure in stage k+1. This produces rapid geometric convergence and accounts for dramatic gains in the efficiency of the forward computation. In case still greater accuracy is required in the forward solution, information from an adjoint simulation can be added to extend the geometric learning of the forward solution. The resulting new approach should find widespread use when fast, accurate simulations of the transport equation are needed.
Priming with very low-affinity peptide ligands gives rise to CD8+ T-cell effectors with enhanced function but with greater susceptibility to transforming growth factor (TGF)β-mediated suppression

While the effects of TCR affinity and TGFβ on CD8+ T-cell function have been studied individually, the manner in which TCR affinity dictates susceptibility to TGFβ-mediated suppression remains unknown. To address this issue, we utilized OVA altered peptide ligands (APLs) of different affinities in the OT-I model. We demonstrate that while decreased TCR ligand affinity initially results in weakened responses, such interactions prime the resultant effector cells to respond more strongly to cognate antigen upon secondary exposure. Despite this, responses by CD8+ T cells primed with lower-affinity TCR ligands are more effectively regulated by TGFβ. Susceptibility to TGFβ-mediated suppression is associated with downregulation of RGS3, a recently recognized negative regulator of TGFβ signaling, but not expression of TGFβ receptors I/II. These results suggest a novel tolerance mechanism whereby CD8+ T cells are discriminately regulated by TGFβ according to the affinity of the ligand on which they were initially primed. In addition, because of the major role played by TGFβ in tumor-induced immune suppression, these results identify the affinity of the priming ligand as a primary concern in CD8+ T-cell-mediated cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
Neural Network Modeling of Structured Packing Height Equivalent to a Theoretical Plate

The height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) of nine types of structured packing was successfully modeled using a neural network. The network was trained on data similar to that used to develop semiempirical mass-transfer models. The HETP was then predicted using the trained network. The neural network model yields a very accurate prediction of experimentally determined HETP values, and it is more accurate than a traditional semiempirical model. Using the neural network, it is also possible to rank the relative importance of input variables in determining the HETP. In particular, this work shows that the roughness of the structured packing surface is a very important input parameter.
Real-time defect inspection of periodic patterns using self-pumped barium titanate crystal

Abstract Results are presented on the observation of 5 μm×5 μm defects in a similar size periodic structure using self-pumping in a 5 mm×6 mm×5 mm barium titanate crystal and optics of NA ≈ 0.1 Signal-to-noise ratios in excess of 10:1 have been obtained, indicating that smaller sizes can be detected using a larger crystal and optics with higher NA without the need to magnify the object mask. The self-pumping geometry is useful in simplifying the experimental setup.
Measurement of muscle activity with magnetic resonance elastography.

Abstract Objective. To non-invasively determine muscle activity. Design. A correlation analysis study. Background. Electromyography is traditionally used to measure the electrical activity of a muscle and can be used to estimate muscle contraction intensity. This approach, however, is limited not only in terms of the volume of tissue that can be monitored, but must be invasive if deep lying muscles are studied. We wished to avoid these limitations and used magnetic resonance elastography in an attempt to non-invasively determine muscle activity. This novel approach uses a conventional MRI system. However, in addition to the imaging gradients, an oscillating, motion sensitizing field gradient is applied to detect mechanical waves that have been generated within the tissue. The wavelength correlates with the stiffness of the muscle and hence with the activity of the muscle. Methods. Six volunteers (mean age: 30.1 years, range: 27–36 years) without orthopedic or neuromuscular abnormalities, lay supine with their legs within the coil of a MRI scanner. The wavelengths of mechanically generated shear waves in the tibialis anterior, medial and lateral head of the gastrocnemius and the soleus were measured as the subjects resisted ankle plantar-flexing (8.2 and 16.4 nm) and dorsi-flexing (20.2 and 40.4 nm) moments. The findings were then compared to EMG data collected under the same loading conditions. Results. Magnetic resonance elastography wavelengths were linearly correlated to the muscular activity as defined by electromyography. (TA, R2=0.89, P=0.02; MG, R2=0.82, P=0.05; LG, R2=0.88, P=0.03; S, R2=0.90, P=0.02) Conclusions. Magnetic resonance elastography may be a promising tool for the non-invasive determination of muscle activity. Relevance Magnetic resonance elastography has potential as the basis for a new non-invasive approach to study in vivo muscle function.
A Study of the Nature and Incidence of Density Currents in a Shallow Glacial Lake

This paper outlines the findings of a study of sedimentation processes in a shallow glacial lake in which an integrated, basinwide instrumentation network, a multidimensional underwater sensor array, and a central rapid scan data-recording system were employed to obtain detailed information on processes both in and around the lake. The results presented here focus upon the nature and occurrence of density currents in the lake over a two-season period. The general character of the system includes a largely isothermal lake environment, water residency times of only 8–12 days, and considerable sediment throughput with over 30 percent of the incoming sediment load moving through the system. The lack of significant thermal stratification and the tendency toward generally isopycnal conditions precludes a conventional over-, inter-, and underflow model of density currents. It appears instead that an over- and underflow model with homopycnal mixing is more appropriate. The overflows, largely wind driven, are frequent events, and on occasion wind-driven translake overflows occur. Underflows, occurring with density differences as low as 0.19 kg m-3, are also frequent and may reach velocities capable of eroding the finer materials. Core data support many of the findings from the instrumentation network. Finally, the results point to the need for careful measurement of both input and output variables and the significance of even small variations in the entrance conditions on sedimentation processes in the lake.
Homoglutathione Selectivity by Soybean GlutathioneS-Transferases

Abstract Soybeans ( Glycine max ) have nearly undetectable levels of glutathione, substituting the tripeptide homoglutathione for the same functions. Some herbicides are detoxified in soybeans by homoglutathione conjugation catalyzed by glutathione S -transferase (GST) enzyme(s). We have cloned and overexpressed a new soybean GST (GSTa), the previously described soybean GST (GH2/4), and two maize GSTs. Their ability to utilize homoglutathione and glutathione in several nucleophilic substitution reactions was measured. In most cases conjugation to subsaturating concentrations of electrophilic substrate was faster with glutathione. However homoglutathione conjugation was faster with some combinations of enzyme and substrate, notably, GH2/4 and the herbicide chlorimuron ethyl. Steady-state kinetic evaluations revealed that a ternary complex is part of the reaction mechanism, and the binding of substrates takes place in random order. A random order rapid equilibrium model was used to compare the GH2/4-catalyzed reaction of both thiols with chlorimuron ethyl and alachlor. This revealed that catalytic rate constants do not differ significantly between the thiols. Conjugation rates with homoglutathione exceed those with glutathione when a high dissociation constant for second substrate makes formation of a glutathione containing ternary complex unfavorable. In GH2/4 this occurs with chlorimuron ethyl but not with alachlor.
MITOSIS AND CLEAVAGE DURING ZOOSPOROGENESIS IN SEVERAL COCCOID GREEN ALGAE1

The fine structure of mitosis and cleavage in Axilosphaera vegetata Cox & Deason, Chlorococcum echinozygotum Starr, Chlorosarcinopsis eremi Chantanachat & Bold, Nautococcus mammilatus Korshikoff, N. terrestris Archibald, N. soluta Archibald, Neospongiococcum solitarium Deason, and Tetracystis aeria Brown & Bold was observed. All possess a phycoplast, but differences in basal body position during mitosis were observed. Nautococcus mammilatus differs from the others as protoplast rotation occurs in many cells prior to cleavage.
Endoscopic transanal resection of rectal adenomas using the urological resectoscope.

Objective Large sessile rectal adenomas are often difficult to excise and several different techniques have been described. This study evaluates the results of adenoma excision by endoscopic transanal resection using the urological resectoscope by a single surgeon in a UK district general hospital. Method Between January 1989 and November 2004, data on all patients treated by endoscopic transanal resection of benign rectal tumours using a urological resectoscope (ETAR) were prospectively collected and analysed. Results Forty patients (50% male, median age 72 years) underwent a total of 81 endoscopic transanal resections. The tumour characteristics were: size > 2 cm (83%), location in lower 2/3 of rectum (83%) and extensive circumferential carpet-like appearances (13%). Fifty percent of the patients required only one procedure to achieve clearance. Mean operative time was 26 min (range 10–65 min). Seventy-eight percent of the patients were discharged home within 24 h. Postoperative morbidity was 8% and in-hospital mortality was zero. Histology revealed severe dysplasia in 48% of the tumours and five patients were incidentally found to have foci of rectal adenocarcinoma. With a median follow-up of 47 months (range 2–162 months), local recurrences occurred in 13% (n = 5) of patients. All, except one, were treated successfully with further endoscopic transanal resections. Conclusion ETAR is simple and safe for managing rectal adenomas.
Neutron radiation tolerance of field-controlled thyristors

The effect of fast neutron irradiation up to fluences of 1013per cm2upon the static characteristics of field-controlled thyristors is described. The forward voltage drop of these devices increases similar to that of a p-i-n diode. The forward blocking capability is not only retained after neutron irradiation but an increase in forward blocking gain is observed due to carrier removal effect. These results indicate superior radiation tolerance compared with other three terminal power devices.
A prospective study of paraoxonase gene Q/R192 polymorphism and severity, progression and regression of coronary atherosclerosis, plasma lipid levels, clinical events and response to fluvastatin.

Abstract Human serum paraoxonase (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme that is responsible for the protective effect of HDL against oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). PON1 has a Glu to Arg polymorphism at codon 192 (CGA→CAA) which is designated R/Q192. The R/Q192 polymorphism has been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in several, but not all, case-control studies. We prospectively studied the association of the Q/R192 genotypes with the severity, progression and regression of CAD, plasma lipid levels, clinical events and response to treatment with fluvastatin in a well-characterized cohort. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction mapping with AlwI enzyme in 356 subjects in the Lipoprotein and Coronary Atherosclerosis Study (LCAS). Fasting plasma lipids were measured and quantitative coronary angiograms were obtained at baseline and 2.5 years following randomization to fluvastatin or placebo. A total of 177 (50%), 142 (40%) and 37 (10%) subjects had Q/Q, Q/R and R/R genotypes, respectively. Baseline and final plasma levels of HDL, LDL, triglyceride and other lipoproteins, lesion-specific minimum lumen diameters (MLD), mean MLD, number of coronary lesions and total occlusions at baseline and follow-up and clinical event rates were not significantly different among the genotypes. There was no genotype-treatment interaction with respect to plasma lipid levels and angiographic indices of CAD. The Q/R192 variants of PON1 are not associated with severity, progression or regression of coronary atherosclerosis, plasma lipid levels, clinical events, or response to treatment with fluvastatin. Thus, the Q/R192 polymorphism is not a major risk factor in susceptibility to CAD in the LCAS population.
Early song discrimination by nestling sparrows in the wild

Songs play an important role in premating isolation in birds. However, when songs are learned, experience with both conspecific and heterospecific songs in early life could lead to the development of both mixed songs and mixed preferences. One way that such learning errors can be prevented is if birds can discriminate between songs of different species prior to learning and preferentially memorize conspecific songs. Prior captive studies have shown that white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys, are able to discriminate songs early in the process of song memorization, after about 10 days since hatching. I studied early song discrimination in wild golden-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia atricapilla, the sister species of white-crowned sparrow. The two species occur syntopically in the study population, and therefore sparrows were expected to selectively learn conspecific songs. Playbacks of songs elicited vocal responses from nestlings as young as 6 days old, and nestlings responded more to conspecific songs than to songs of the sympatric white-crowned sparrow subspecies. These results suggest that conspecific song templates exist at the onset of song memorization, and this could allow golden-crowned sparrows to learn the songs of their own species correctly despite syntopy with their sister species. I suggest that studying species recognition prior to learning could provide fresh insights into the evolution of reproductive isolation and song divergence.
The Popular Sources of American Capitalism

Long ago, Louis Hacker noted the anticapitalist bias in American historiography. The tendency of capitalism, particularly marked after the advent of industrialization, to concentrate wealth and to turn that wealth into political power suggests the problem. The Declaration of Independence with its twinned affirmation of equality and liberty provided the ideological underpinnings for national unity. Both seemed threatened during the long transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy as the rich got richer and more and more of America's free citizens were exposed to the unfreedom of the workplace. Progressive historians who systematically analyzed the impact of industrial capitalism in the United States wrote out of sympathy with labor in its struggle for recognition, and no doubt Hacker was thinking of this tendency when he made his remark. This anticapitalist bias in the writing of American history has continued, only now historians decry the steady incursion of commerce and industry out of deference to a traditional way of life.
Policies to increase the social value of science and the scientist satisfaction. An exploratory survey among Harvard bioscientists.

Basic research in the biomedical field generates both knowledge that has a value per se regardless of its possible practical outcome and knowledge that has the potential to produce more practical benefits. Policies can increase the benefit potential to society of basic biomedical research by offering various kinds of incentives to basic researchers. In this paper we argue that soft incentives or “nudges” are particularly promising. However, to be well designed, these incentives must take into account the motivations, goals and views of the basic scientists. In the paper we present the results of an investigation that involved more than 300 scientists at Harvard Medical School and affiliated institutes. The results of this study suggest that some soft incentives could be valuable tools to increase the transformative value of fundamental investigations without affecting the spirit of the basic research and scientists’ work satisfaction. After discussing the findings, we discuss a few examples of nudges for basic researchers in the biomedical fields.
A low-cost digital controller for a switching DC converter with improved voltage regulation

A new control algorithm with improved regulation is presented for a switching dc buck converter. The controller is realized with hardware description language (HDL) and can be implemented in any process. The controller uses four decision levels, combines pulse frequency modulation (PFM), pulse width modulation (PWM), and uses dithering for improved regulation. The controller is prototyped on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and experimental results show good performance over input and load disturbances. Importantly, the controller does not require high resolution analog-to-digital conversion for signal processing, and also does not require fast digital clocking. This controller has significant potential to be widely used in industrial applications where cost and design time are of great concern.
Work engagement of older registered nurses: the impact of a caring-based intervention

Aim The aim of this evaluation research was to measure the impact of a caring-based intervention on the level of work engagement in older nurses. Background Every effort is needed to retain older nurses at the bedside by assisting them to revitalise the internal motivation and self- reward that brought them to nursing. Method A mixed method evaluation research approach using both qualitative and quantitative measurements was used to determine the impact of a caring-based programme on improving the work engagement scores of older Registered Nurses (RNs). Result The results of this study suggest that leadership strategies aimed at improving work engagement using caring theories have a significant positive impact. Conclusion The findings contribute to our understanding of how work engagement can be enhanced through building work environments where there is a sense of belonging and teamwork, where staff are allowed time to decompress as well as build positive work relationships. Implications for nursing management Nurse Leaders (NLs) bear a responsibility to partner with older Registered Nurses (RNs) to build engagement in their work life while enhancing the quality of care. Successful leaders will find ways to meet these unique challenges by creating a healthy work environment.