cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 606A: Biological predictors and the impact of cancer among African American women

African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer yet, they have an overall higher mortality rate compared with women of other racial groups. Furthermore, some African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage when compared to other women and are also more likely to have biomarkers that are estrogen and progesterone receptor negative and have a greater propensity to be diagnosed with variant forms of breast cancer when compared with other women. These aforementioned factors may affect a women9s quality of life. While the literature is robust with psychosocial and behavioral factors that contribute to the quality of life that African American women experience; to date, there has been a paucity of empirical data that have investigated the role of biological predictors and its effect on the lives of these women. To that end, the specific aim of this study was to test a model and investigate the role of biological risk factors estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), triple negative breast cancer, Breast CAncer gene (BRCA1/2), Tumor Protein 53 gene (TP53, p53), age Methods: As part of a larger cross-sectional study, breast cancer survivors completed a demographic data questionnaire inclusive of biological risk factors and the impact of cancer scale. A multiple linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between the two variables. Utilizing recruitment flyers, support groups and word-of-mouth, we recruited and screened 169 women from breast cancer support groups and community dwellers in Southern and Northern California. One hundred and sixty women were eligible and n=155 participated. Inclusion criteria were women who self-identified as African/Black American, age 25 year or older, diagnosis of breast cancer and at least 1-year post-active treatment. Results: Among the biological predictors, none were statistically significant as predictors of the impact of cancer in the lives of these survivors. The results revealed a trend in survivors who were diagnosed before age 45 (p=.077) that their breast cancer experience had a positive impact on their lives.Conclusion: Understanding biological predictors and the unique interplay of these roles may be necessary along the survivorship trajectory. Additional exploration of psycho social predictors and inclusion of specific moderators may be warranted. Citation Format: Claudia M. Davis. Biological predictors and the impact of cancer among African American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 606A.
Paul: The Pagans’ Apostle. By Paula Fredriksen. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2017. Pp. xii, 319. $35.00.)

Adapting Ecclesiastes 12.12, “Of making many books [on Paul] there is no end,” but this one is a welcome addition to the field and well worth reading. The author correctly roots the career and lett...
Cryptoterrorism: Assessing the Utility of Blockchain Technologies for Terrorist Enterprise

Much recent policy discourse has pivoted on the relationship between terrorist campaigns and an emergent feature of the global financial landscape in the form of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies ...
Current controversies on the role of lymphadenectomy for testicular cancer for the journal: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations for the special seminars section on the role of lymphadenectomy for urologic cancers.

Abstract The role of surgery in the locoregional management of many solid tumors has long been established. For testicular cancer, the incorporation of lymphadenectomy has played an important part in generating long-term survival outcomes in excess of 90% for germ cell tumor patients. In this review, we address several clinical scenarios in which lymphadenectomy at times is underutilized, and others ill advised.
Postmodernism Meets the Balkan Crises: Affirming, Celebrating, and Prioritizing Difference and Sameness In Mediation Efforts

This paper will focus on apostmodern perspective on mediation in theBalkan crises. It will take three perspectivesfrom postmodern analysis – semiotics, chaosand catastrophe theory – and indicate how theycan contribute to peacemaking initiatives.Topology theory will orient and integrate thethree threads. Little in mediation literaturehas offered any theoretical analysis of thedynamics involved. More often it is of adescriptive nature. We will focus onconstructing better institutions for conflictresolution and for alternative semioticproduction. This article is a more theoreticalexamination on how differences and sameness canfind a space within which those in escalatingstates of difference come to an understanding,a space within which an alternative discourse,a peace discourse may begin to take form.
Comparative analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic value of exercise ECG and thallium-201 scintigraphic markers of myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients.

A considerable amount of data now exists that indicates that exercise ECG--due to its suboptimal sensitivity and specificity--has limited diagnostic and prognostic value in asymptomatic subjects, patients with chest pain of unclear etiology or those with chronic stable angina pectoris, and in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction. Because of this and the well-recognized advantages of thallium-201 scintigraphy, there appears to be a strong rationale for recommending exercise perfusion imaging, rather than exercise ECG alone, as the preferred method for detecting CAD and staging its severity. This recommendation seems justified given the fact that (1) thallium-201 scintigraphy is far more sensitive and specific in detecting myocardial ischemia than exercise testing; (2) unlike stress ECG, thallium-201 scintigraphy can localize ischemia to a specific area of areas subtended by a specific coronary artery; and (3) thallium-201 scintigraphy has been shown to be more reliable to risk stratification of individual patients than exercise testing alone. The more optimal prognostic efficiency of thallium-201 scintigraphy is due, in part, to the fact that the error rate in falsely classifying patients as low-risk is substantially and significantly smaller with thallium-201 scintigraphy than with stress ECG. 52 references.
Attenuation of sympathoadrenal function during delivery in the fetus of a diabetic mother

Objective: We compared the association between cord arterial catecholamine levels and fetal oxygenation in newborns of mothers with diabetes mellitus to those of nondiabetic pregnancies.Methods: Co...
Cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the most common opportunistic infection in liver transplant recipients. CMV infections in post liver transplant patients cause significant morbidity and mortality, directly affecting post-transplant outcomes. This review will provide the framework for the surveillance, diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of CMV in the liver transplant population.
Veterum vestigia patrum: The Greek Patriarchs in the Manuscript Culture of Early Medieval Europe:

This article draws attention to the availability of Latin translations of Greek patristic literature in western reading communities before the year 800 through a survey of the contents of hundreds ...
Taking The Constitution Away From The Supreme Court of India

In very few countries worldwide, is constitutionalism confined to the apex court’s courtrooms, the way it is in India. This facet of Indian political life has been taken so much for granted that rarely have people stopped to examine whether it is even desirable. This article will argue that on a closer examination, the Supreme Court is an inefficient forum to realise the Constitution’s promises and more so in today’s political climate. On the contrary, India’s Supreme Court centric constitutionalism raises more challenges than it resolves. This article will suggest that there is an urgent need to usher in a revolution of popular constitutionalism wherein the battles regarding the Constitution are predominately fought outside the Supreme Court rather than within. While such arguments have been made in the Anglo-American context, seldom have scholars advocated for popular constitutionalism in global south countries like India, where courts are considered vital for constitutional sustenance. In departing from this trend, this article will demonstrate how although the Supreme Court might still have a crucial role to play, ‘Taking The Constitution Away From the Supreme Court’ is indispensable.
Implementation of clinical practice changes in the PICU: a qualitative study using and refining the iPARIHS framework.

Like in many settings, implementation of evidence-based practices often fall short in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Very few prior studies have applied implementation science frameworks to understand how best to improve practices in this unique environment. We used the relatively new integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (iPARIHS) framework to assess practice improvement in the PICU and to explore the utility of the framework itself for that purpose. We used the iPARIHS framework to guide development of a semi-structured interview tool to examine barriers, facilitators, and the process of change in the PICU. A framework approach to qualitative analysis, developed around iPARIHS constructs and subconstructs, helped identify patterns and themes in provider interviews. We assessed the utility of iPARIHS to inform PICU practice change. Fifty multi-professional providers working in 8 U.S. PICUs completed interviews. iPARIHS constructs shaped the development of a process model for change that consisted of phases that include planning, a decision to adopt change, implementation and facilitation, and sustainability; the PICU environment shaped each phase. Large, complex multi-professional teams, and high-stakes work at near-capacity impaired receptivity to change. While the unit leaders made decisions to pursue change, providers’ willingness to accept change was based on the evidence for the change, and provider’s experiences, beliefs, and capacity to integrate change into a demanding workflow. Limited analytic structures and resources frustrated attempts to monitor changes’ impacts. Variable provider engagement, time allocated to work on changes, and limited collaboration impacted facilitation. iPARIHS constructs were useful in exploring implementation; however, we identified inter-relation of subconstructs, unique concepts not captured by the framework, and a need for subconstructs to further describe facilitation. The PICU environment significantly shaped the implementation. The described process model for implementation may be useful to guide efforts to integrate changes and select implementation strategies. iPARIHS was adequate to identify barriers and facilitators of change; however, further elaboration of subconstructs for facilitation would be helpful to operationalize the framework. Not applicable, as no health care intervention was performed.
The Regulation of Right to Carry Laws by States and Their Impact on Violent Crime

This paper deals with the remarkable change in attitude toward the benefit of concealed handguns. There are currently 40 states with such qualifing legislation
Single-Channel Permeability from Markovian Milestoning, Umbrella Sampling, and Voltage Simulations

Permeations of ions and small molecules through membrane channels have diverse functions within cells. Various all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations methods have been developed for computing free energy and crossing rate of permeants. However, a systemic comparison across different methods is scarce. Here, using a carbon nanotube as a model of small conductance (~2 pS) ion channel, we systemically compared three classes of MD-based approaches for computing single-channel permeability for potassium ion: equilibrium free energy-based approach using umbrella sampling, rare-even sampling approach using Markovian milestoning, and steady-state approach using applied voltages. The consistent kinetic results from all three methods demonstrated the robustness of MD-based methods in computing ion channel permeation. Two solvent boundary conditions are tested for milestoning and yield consistent forward and backward mean first passage time (MFPT). The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed, with the focus on the future applications of milestoning in more complex systems.
The Characterization of Modulated Metallic Structures by X-Ray Diffraction

Artificial heterostructures provide fascinating examples of solid state systems in which structure and composition can be controlled on an atomic scale in order to achieve extraordinary physical properties [1,2]. This microscopic control of physical properties, for long a dream of solid state physicists and materials scientists, is made possible by recent progress in thin film deposition techniques and new methods for their characterization. Many of these advances are described in accompanying papers in these proceedings.
How the olfactory system makes sense of scents

The human nose is often considered something of a luxury, but in the rest of the animal world, from bacteria to mammals, detecting chemicals in the environment has been critical to the successful organism. An indication of the importance of olfactory systems is the significant proportion — as much as 4% — of the genomes of many higher eukaryotes that is devoted to encoding the proteins of smell. Growing interest in the detection of diverse compounds at single-molecule levels has made the olfactory system an important system for biological modelling.
Turbulence in a stratified ocean

Vertical distributions of potential temperature and salinity in the interior Pacific (excluding the top and bottom few hundred meters) can be reasonably fitted by exponential-like distributions with a scale height of i km. The observed distribution of C 14 and other radio isotopes suggests an "overturn time" of somewhat less than i000 years. A simple model balancing the effects of upward convection (velocity w) and downward turbulent diffusion (diffusivity ~) gives the exponential distribution and relates scale height to K/w and scale time to </w 2. The result is w = 0(i cm/day) and ~ = 0(I cm2/sec). The diffusivity so inferred is 103 and 105 times the molecular coefficients for heat and salt, respectively.
Creating Stack Floor Plans and Signage

Abstract At Adelphi University (AU), the circulating collections of two satellite libraries needed to be merged into the circulating stacks of the main campus library. However, there were no architectural shelving blueprints to use to determine the amount of available shelf space in the main stacks, and no accurate, current information on the size of the collections to be merged. With Excel, the borders function was used to create stack blueprints, measure the amount of shelf space available, and determine where shelves could be added or built. Classmark counts for the three collections were obtained from the library OPAC, and average classmark widths from library literature were used to obtain measurements of each classmark. This shift and merger was successfully completed using the methodology described. In addition, the blueprints were then modified to create floor plans on each stack level.
Effect of competing V-tail models on a UAS 6-DOF nonlinear simulation

A Six DOF nonlinear model of a large unmanned aerial system is developed using two competing approaches in modeling aircraft with V-tail configuration. In one approach the V-tail is projected into horizontal and vertical planes and the aircraft airflow angles, angle of attack and sideslip angle, are used for analysis. This approach has been successfully used to model aircraft with low horizontal tail dihedral however the nonlinear aerodynamics generated by the angularity of airflow is not captured. At large dihedral angles these nonlinearities can increase the uncertainty in physics based models. The second method employs lifting line method to calculate the local angle of attack on the V-tail and the pressure gradient effects from one lifting surface on another in close proximity. This method should reduce that uncertainty in the V-tail dynamics. For comparison of the two competing methods, fuzzy logic modeling techniques with nonlinear aerodynamic modeling capabilities are used for parameter identification of a large unmanned aerial system with a V-tail. Both methods fail to accurately capture nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamics such as yawing moments however, simulation results show moderate improvement in the quality of 6 DOF nonlinear models for longitudinal dynamics if the nonlinear projection method is used.
BLOCK OF CA CHANNELS IN RAT CENTRAL NEURONS BY THE SPIDER TOXIN OMEGA -AGA-IIIA

The effects of the spider toxin omega-Aga-IIIA were studied on Ca channel currents in rat central neurons. In hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, omega-Aga-IIIA blocked approximately 70% of the high-threshold Ca currents and had no effect on low-threshold T-type current. Occlusion experiments with blockers of L-, N-, and P-type Ca currents showed that omega-Aga-IIIA abolished dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type current and blocked a substantial fraction of the omega-conotoxin (CgTX)-sensitive N-type and omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive P-type Ca currents. The high-threshold current remaining with saturating concentrations of nimodipine, CgTX, and omega-Aga-IVA was also partially blocked by omega- Aga-IIIA in a variety of central neurons. Block of P-type current by omega-Aga-IIIA was investigated in more detail in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Block was potent (Kd approximately 0.5 nM), but incomplete and voltage dependent. Tail current activation curves showed that channel gating is shifted in the depolarizing direction by approximately 7 mV. The instantaneous current-voltage curve for P-type current was also altered; the toxin reduced Ba-carried inward currents by approximately 40% and had little effect on Cs-carried outward currents. The partial, voltage-dependent reduction of P-type Ca current can be accounted for by a combination of toxin effects on channel permeation and gating.
Spectra and structure of gallium compounds: Part X. Infrared and Raman spectra, vibrational assignment, and normal coordinate calculations for trimethylaminegallium trichloride

Abstract The far IR (450–480 cm−1) and Raman (3200–3230 cm−1) spectra of (CH3)3 NGaCl3 have been recorded in the solid state and interpreted in detail on the basis of C3 molecular symmetry. A modified valence force field model is used to calculate the frequencies and potential energy distribution of the adduct. The calculated force constants of the adduct are compared with those previously reported for the free Lewis acid and the free Lewis base moieties, and the observed differences ascribed to geometrical changes of the uncomplexed species on adduct formation and explained on the basis of the VSEPR model and non-bond interactions. Extensive coupling is observed between the GaN stretching mode and the NC3 symmetric stretching and the NC3 symmetric deformational modes. Strong coupling interaction is also found between the GaCl3 antisymmetric stretch and the NC3 antisymmetric deformation. The calculated value of 2.50 mdyn A−1 for the GaN stretching force constant in (CH3)3NGaCl3 is larger than any of those previously determined in complexes such as (CH3)3NGaH3 (2.43 mdyn A−1), (CH3)3NGa(CH3)3 (1.61 mdyn A−1), and H3NGa(CH3)3 (1.08 mdyn A−1). The observed variations in the magnitudes of the stretching force constants of the donor—acceptor dative bond is found to be consistent with the estimated relative stabilities of this series of adducts.
Microbiologically assisted stress corrosion cracking in the presence of nitrate reducing bacteria

Abstract This study was conducted to establish the root cause of premature cracking failures detected on several firewater hydrants handling untreated seawater. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to characterize the microbial diversity of corrosion products collected from failed structures. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to gain insight into the corrosion mechanism. The qPCR results indicated that microbial communities were dominated by nitrate reducing bacteria (NRB) with limited contamination of other corrosion causative microorganisms such as sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Fracture examination revealed the effects of two distinctive failure modes: stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and selective leaching (dezincification). SEM examination revealed intergranular corrosion with preferential attack on grain boundaries whereas EDS results confirmed the depletion of zinc on examined fracture surface grains. Environmental cracking of copper alloy C86300 was attributed to ammonia produced by the metabolic activities of nitrate reducing bacteria.
Teaching discriminated social approaches to individuals with Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by intellectual and developmental disability. Common behavioral characteristics of this disorder include a heightened interest in social interactions and frequent bids to initiate interaction. These bids can be problematic, for instance, when a child attempts to hug strangers in public places. The current study evaluated a discrimination training program to teach 3 boys with Angelman syndrome to discriminate appropriate from inappropriate times to initiate interactions. During baseline, we alternated periods in which attention was delivered following social initiations on a continuous reinforcement schedule with periods in which initiations were placed on extinction. We then implemented discrimination training by presenting a salient discriminative stimulus, prompting the occurrence of initiations, and providing reinforcement during reinforcement periods and withdrawing the stimulus during extinction periods. This resulted in discriminated approaches for each of the 3 participants; these results were replicated across caregivers and extended to the participants' homes.
Sensory systems: their impact on C. elegans survival.

An animal’s survival strongly depends on a nervous system that can rapidly process and integrate the changing quality of its environment and promote the most appropriate physiological responses. This is amply demonstrated in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, where its sensory system has been shown to impact multiple physiological traits that range from behavior and developmental plasticity to longevity. Because of the accessibility of its nervous system and the number of tools available to study and manipulate its neural circuitry, C. elegans has thus become an important model organism in dissecting the mechanisms through which the nervous system promotes survival. Here we review our current understanding of how the C. elegans sensory system affects diverse physiological traits, whose coordination would be essential for survival under fluctuating environments. The knowledge we derive from the C. elegans studies should provide testable hypotheses in discovering similar mechanisms in higher animals.
An aggregation procedure for simulating manufacturing flow line models

We develop a formal method for specifying an aggregate discrete-event simulation model of a production flow line manufacturing system. The methodology operates by aggregating production stations or resources of a flow line. Determining the specifications for representing the aggregated resources in a simulation model is the focus of our presentation. We test the methodology for a set of flow lines with exponentially distributed arrival and service times. Comparisons between analytical and simulation results indicate the aggregation approach is quite accurate for estimating average part cycle time.
Fiber-Optic Quantum Counter Probe for Incident Excitation Energy Correction in Fluorescence Measurements

Excitation-power correction of fluorescence spectra is essential for meaningful interpretation of analytical data. In particular, fluorescence measurements obtained using optical fibers require special consideration due to the possibility of variations in the light intensity delivered to the sample or the incident excitation energy. A quantum counting fiber-optic probe has been developed to simultaneously and independently collect fluorescence spectra of both analytes and a quantum counter. The probe consists of excitation and emission fibers angled to maximize distal cone overlap and a third fiber positioned at a greater angle to allow excitation of rhodamine B, which is affixed to its distal end with a polymer. The fluorescence of the quantum counter affixed to the fiber was linear with incident 266 nm excitation energy over the measured range 1.2 × 1014 photons per exposure to 1.2 × 1015 photons per exposure at 266 nm. The corrected fluorescence signals were immune to adverse condition experiments such as laser power reduction and launch fiber-laser beam misalignment, while the uncorrected signals suffered greatly. The concentration calibration generated using the fiber-optic quantum counter method showed an improvement in the correlation coefficient, r2 = 0.950, compared with the calibration generated using uncorrected data, r2 = 0.906. Different types of adverse conditions were tested including power attenuation, power increase, and fiber launch misalignment; the prediction errors were between -87% and 366% for the uncorrected data compared with prediction errors between -9% and 15% when using the fiber-optic quantum counter method.
The Developmental Timing Regulator AIN-1 Interacts with miRISCs and May Target the Argonaute Protein ALG-1 to Cytoplasmic P Bodies in C. elegans

In metazoans, microRNAs (miRNAs) carry out various regulatory functions through association with multiprotein miRNA-induced silencing complexes (miRISCs) that contain Dicer and Argonaute proteins. How miRNAs regulate the expression of their mRNA targets remains a major research question. We have identified the C. elegans ain-1 gene through a genetic suppressor screen and shown that it functions with the heterochronic genetic pathway that regulates developmental timing. Biochemical analysis indicates that AIN-1 interacts with protein complexes containing an Argonaute protein, Dicer, and miRNAs. AIN-1 shares homology with the candidate human neurological disease protein GW182, shown to localize in cytoplasmic processing bodies that are sites of mRNA degradation and storage. A functional AIN-1::GFP also localizes at the likely worm processing bodies. When coexpressed from transgenes, AIN-1 targets ALG-1 to the foci. These results suggest a model where AIN-1 regulates a subset of miRISCs by localization to the processing bodies, facilitating degradation or translational inhibition of mRNA targets.
Cost comparison analysis of open versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background: In comparison with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP), laparoscopic distal pancreatec- tomy (LDP) is associated with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, but comparative cost data for the two approaches are limited. Methods: Records of all distal pancreatectomies carried out from January 2009 to June 2013 were reviewed and stratified according to operative complexity. Patient factors and outcomes were recorded. Total variable costs (TVCs) were tabulated for each patient, and stratified by category (e.g. 'floor', 'operating room' (OR), 'radiology'). Costs for index admissions and 30-day readmissions were compared between LDP and ODP groups. Results: Of 153 procedures, 115 (70 LDP, 45 ODP) were selected for analysis. The TVC of the index admission was US$3420 less per patient in the LDP group (US$10 480 versus US$13 900; P = 0.06). Although OR costs were significantly greater in the LDP cohort (US$5756 versus US$4900; P = 0.02), the shorter average hospitalization in the LDP group (5.2 days versus 7.7 days; P = 0.01) resulted in a lower overall cost. The total cost of index hospitalization combined with readmission was significantly lower in the LDP cohort (US$11 106 versus US$14 803; P = 0.05). Conclusions: In appropriately selected patients, LDP is more cost-effective than ODP. The increased OR cost associated with LDP is offset by the shorter hospitalization. These data clarify targets for further cost reductions.
Service efforts and accomplishments: a primer of current practice and an agenda for future research

The contributions of eight research reports sponsored by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) are discussed.(1) These research reports provided supported the recent adoption by GASB o...
The Recruitment of the American Business Elite

I. Introduction, 242. — II. National and racial origins, 244. — III. Religious heritage of the business elite, 246. — IV. Geographical and social backgrounds, 249. — Conclusion, 253.
Understanding the importance of caregivers in improving the care of geriatric oncology patients

the MOT?, Question 2: Are you satisfied by the follow up by the MOT?, Question 3: Do you feel more comfortable with the presence of the liaison oncogeriatric nurse?, Question 4: In which areas do you feel the benefit of the support of the MOT (social, nutrition, psychology, tiredness and daily activities, medicine, oncologic treatment as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, appointment)?, and Question 5: Any comments. Results: Three hundred and sixty seven elderly cancer patients (pts) were recruited by the MOT between July 2012 and April 2014. Currently we have respectively received 91 surveys at 3 months, 58 at 6 months and 20 at one year. The results of the Question 1 (Q1), Question 2 (Q2), Question 3 (Q3) and Question 4 (Q4) are described in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. Question 5, only 19 pts and 5 pts gave their comments at 3 months and 6 months respectively: very satisfied, no clear knowledge that the MOT was present, lack of contact for follow-up, and supported but not necessary.
Explaining Political and Economic Change in Post-Communist Eastern Europe Old Legacies, New Institutions, Hegemonic Norms, and International Pressures

This article presents a framework for the analysis of regime change in post-Communist Eastern Europe. It examines two competing approaches, the “legacies of the past” and the “imperatives of liberalization,” as alternative causal factors shaping the trajectories of regime change. The article argues that the debate between these two approaches has important implications for comparative research methodology and design; to the extent that past legacies dominate the path of post-Communist regime change, comparisons with other regions emerging from an authoritarian past will yield less insight. The authors claim, however, that the immediate context of norms, institutions, and international pressures shapes the particular way that legacies influence outcomes. Thus they conclude that cross-regional research is likely to be fruitful and should be pursued.
Charge Transfer from Adsorbed Proteins

We have used transistor devices with carbon nanotubes as the conducting channel to explore the interaction between the nanotube surface and streptavidin, both in dry and in buffer environments. We find charge transfer between the protein and the nanotubes in both cases. Comparison with simpler molecules allows the estimation of the transferred charge. We argue that this effect can be understood as being due to the interaction between the -NH2 groups of the protein and the aromatic surface.
Tracing the Origins of Personalist Economics to Aristotle and Aquinas

Personalist Economics has identified a central problem in Neoclassical Economics that originates in its representation of the economic agent as homo economicus and its grounding in individualism. Both flaws are directly addressed by Personalist Economics that has a different perspective on human nature as set forth in Personalism. Our remarks are presented in three sections. In the first section we address why individualism is an unsatisfactory philosophical foundation for modern economic theory. In the second section we trace the origins of Personalist Economics to Aristotle and Aquinas. While others, such as Heinrich Pesch and Joseph Schumpeter, played important roles in the evolution of Personalist Economics, here our efforts are restricted to the contributions of Aristotle and Aquinas. In the third section we explore how, in terms of 18 tenets, Personalist Economics and a Personalist economy differ from Mainstream Economics and the individualistic market economy.
Hypothesis testing via a comparator

This paper investigates the best achievable performance by a hypothesis test satisfying a structural constraint: two functions are computed at two different terminals and the detector consists of a simple comparator verifying whether the functions agree. Such tests arise as part of study of fundamental limits of channel coding, but are also useful in other contexts. A simple expression for the Stein exponent is found and applied to showing a strong converse in the problem of multi-terminal hypothesis testing with rate constraints. Connections to the Gacs-Korner common information and to spectral properties of conditional expectation operator are identified. Further tightening of results hinges on finding λ-blocks of minimal weight. Application of Delsarte's linear programming method to this problem is described.
Minimum‐variance futures hedging under alternative return specifications

It is widely believed that the conventional futures hedge ratio, is variance-minimizing when it is computed using percentage returns or log returns. It is shown that the conventional hedge ratio is variance-minimizing when computed from returns measured in dollar terms but not from returns measured in percentage or log terms. Formulas for the minimum-variance hedge ratio under percentage and log returns are derived. The difference between the conventional hedge ratio computed from percentage and log returns and the minimum-variance hedge ratio is found to be relatively small when directly hedging, especially when using near-maturity futures. However, the minimum-variance hedge ratio can vary significantly from the conventional hedge ratio computed from percentage or log returns when used in cross-hedging situations. Simulation analysis shows that the incorrect application of the conventional hedge ratio in crosshedging situations can substantially reduce hedging performance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 25:537–552, 2005
Motivations and informing frameworks of game degree programs in the United Kingdom and the United States

The rise of games in the marketplace has resulted in a birth of a number of academic institutions establishing game degree programs. These programs may be entirely technical, like those based on a more traditional computer science program, or may be less technical and more focused on design and creativity. Unlike more established fields where information sharing is the norm, the newness of game degree programs means there is less information to guide faculty during the curriculum planning process. Further, though there has been much speculation about why these programs have been created, there is no formal research that explores the motivation behind their establishment. This study employed an explanatory mixed methods design to examine methods institutions used to inform the creation of their curriculum. The results provide important groundwork for educational researchers to consider when further examining the curriculum planning process for game degree programs.
Brownian Excursion Conditioned on Its Local Time

For a function $\ell$ satisfying suitable integrability (but not continuity) requirements, we construct a process $(B^\ell_u, 0 \leq u \leq 1)$ interpretable as Brownian excursion conditioned to have local time $\ell(\cdot)$ at time $1$. The construction is achieved by first defining a non-homogeneous version of Kingman's coalescent and then applying the general theory in Aldous (1993) relating excursion-type processes to continuum random trees. This complements work of Warren and Yor (1997) on the Brownian burglar.
Investigating Ways of Developed and Undeveloped Features from Satellite Images -Balancing Coastal Development and Preservation-

This research attempted to find possibilities of the practical use utilizing geospatial methods for the balanced promotion of sustainable coastal development and preservation through a case study of Jekyll Island, one of Georgia`s barrier islands. In response, this research provided ways for practical use in sustainable development and preservation plans. First this research thoroughly investigated the 1996 master plan of Jekyll Island and tried to recalculate developed and undeveloped areas. Second, new estimations for developed areas were investigated through field survey. Third, this research proposed the use of the satellite images with different levels of spatial resolutions and tested different classification schemes to find possibilities for practical use. For these purposes, first, we classified developed and undeveloped features by manual digitization using an aerial photo image with 0.5m spatial resolution. Second, a Landsat 7 ETM+ and a QuickBird satellite images with mid- and high-levels of spatial resolutions were applied to identify developed and undeveloped areas using both the National Land Cover Data (NLCD) and the Coastal Change Analysis Program (CCAP) classification schemes. Also, GEOBIA (Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis) was conducted to accurately identify developed and undeveloped areas.
Biliary obstruction and pancreatitis caused by diffuse nodular hyperplasia of Brunner's gland.

Introduction Brunner's gland hyperplasia (BGH) of the duodenum is an uncommon finding at endoscopy and is usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic BGH presenting with biliary obstruction and pancreatitis is extremely rare and the literature is limited to a few case reports.
Some effects of social stimulation on maze running in rats.

Evidence of social facilitation effects has been notably inconsistent in investigations using laboratory rats as subjects. The present study was designed to provide a systematic test of Zajonc's arousal hypothesis and to investigate the effects of four social stimulation conditions on running and eating behaviors of 20 white rats. The results indicated that social stimuli resulted in response inhibition, rather than facilitation. It is suggested that the social facilitation paradigm be modified to include additional parameters and response specifications.
IBM data communications: a quarter century of evolution and progress

This paper describes the evolution of technological development in data communications at IBM. Rather than attempting to present a complete history, it emphasizes the changing environment and describes the more signifiant innovations that were incorporated in IBM's line of data communications products. Evolutionary developments in this area are traced from point-to-point batch transmission, to on-line batch communications, to interactive systems, and finally to networking. Although several aspects are treated, the primary focus of this account is on systems architecture, applications, and technology.
Evaluation of Calcium - Arsenazo III Stoichiometry in the Presence and Absence of Egta at Various pH

Abstract The calcium titration experiments were performed with 9 uM and 100 uM concentrations of Arsenazo III (Az) at various pH°s in the presence as well as in the absence of ethylene glycol-bis-(2-amino ethylether)-N,N°-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA). Analysis of results indicated that in the presence of EGTA in 9 uM Az solutions the Ca-Az stoichiometry changes from 1:1 to two Ca binding with one Az (2:1) upon increase in pH from 6.55 to 7.26. In the same systems but without EGTA the binding stoichiometry remains 1:1 throughout the pH range 6.55 to 7.32. In case of 100 uM Az III, however, EGTA has no effect on Ca-Az stoichiometry and it is 1:1 in the above pH range. An estimate of dissociation constants (KD) in EGTA containing systems showed a simultaneous decrease in KD by three orders of magnitude with a change in stoichiometry from 1:1 to 2:1 in the case of 9 uM Az III. At 100 uM dye concentration, with no change in 1:1 binding stoichiometry, KD also remained constant throughout the pH range studied. We su...
Drug library screen to identify compounds that decrease secreted Aβ from a human cell line

In order to discover compounds that may be useful in the prevention of Alzheimer disease, a drug library was screened for drugs that could decrease amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) accumulation secreted from a human CNS-derived cell line. Of the 2160 compounds subjected to a primary screen, 16, or 0.74%, reduced Abeta accumulation by at least 40%. Seven of these compounds were confirmed to be effective in a secondary screen using each compound at a dose of 5 microM. Three of these seven compounds were more effective than the others at reducing Abeta levels in a tertiary screen, and led to 68 to 85% reductions in total Abeta, at the 25 microM dosage. The effects of these three drugs on secreted Abeta40, Abeta42, and sAPPalpha were also determined. Thus, we have identified lead compounds that may be useful for subsequent studies to determine the mechanism of action of each drug, as well as for pre-clinical studies to determine whether each of these drugs is safe and effective in vivo.
Analysis of the stability of multimeric proteins by effective ΔG and effective m‐values

Analyzing the stability of a multimeric protein is challenging because of the intrinsic difficulty in handling the mathematical model for the folded multimer-unfolded monomer equilibrium. To circumvent this problem, we introduce the concept of effective stability, ΔGeff (= −RTlnKeff), where Keff is the equilibrium constant expressed in monomer units. Analysis of the denaturant effect on ΔGeff gives new insight into the stability of multimeric proteins. When a multimeric protein is mostly folded, the dependence of effective stability on denaturant concentration (effective m-value) is simply the m-value of its monomeric unit. However, when the protein is mostly unfolded, its stability depends on denaturant concentration with the m-value of its multimeric form. We also find that the effective m-value at the Cm is a good approximation of the apparent m-value determined by fitting the equilibrium unfolding data from multimeric proteins with a two-state monomer model. Moreover, when the m-value of a monomeric unit is estimated from its size, the effective stability of a multimeric protein can be determined simply from Cm and this estimated m-value. These simple and intuitive approaches will allow a facile analysis of the stability of multimeric proteins. These analyses are also applicable for high-throughput analysis of protein stability on a proteomic scale.
The PsbP protein is required for photosystem II complex assembly/stability and photoautotrophy in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Interfering RNA was used to suppress the expression of the genes At1g06680 and At2g30790 in Arabidopsis thaliana, which encode the PsbP-1 and PsbP-2 proteins, respectively, of photosystem II (PS II). A phenotypic series of transgenic plants was recovered that expressed intermediate and low amounts of PsbP. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction and QA– decay kinetics analyses were performed. Decreasing amounts of expressed PsbP protein led to the progressive loss of variable fluorescence and a marked decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield (FV/FM). This was primarily due to the loss of the J to I transition. Analysis of the fast fluorescence rise kinetics indicated no significant change in the number of PS IIβ centers present in the mutants. Analysis of QA– decay kinetics in the absence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea indicated a defect in electron transfer from QA– to QB, whereas experiments performed in the presence of this herbicide indicated that charge recombination between QA– and the oxygen-evolving complex was seriously retarded in the plants that expressed low amounts of the PsbP protein. These results demonstrate that the amount of functional PS II reaction centers is compromised in the plants that exhibited intermediate and low amounts of the PsbP protein. Plants that lacked detectable PsbP were unable to survive in the absence of sucrose, indicating that the PsbP protein is required for photoautotrophy. Immunological analysis of the PS II protein complement indicated that significant losses of the CP47 and D2 proteins, and intermediate losses of the CP43 and D1 proteins, occurred in the absence of the PsbP protein. This demonstrates that the extrinsic protein PsbP is required for PS II core assembly/stability.
Hormone therapy with oestrogen or oestrogen plus progesterone decreases cognitive function in older postmenopausal women

Summary Question What is the effect of hormone therapy with oestrogen, or oestrogen plus progesterone on cognitive function in postmenopausal women aged 65 years or older? Study design Randomised controlled trail. Main results Hormone therapy significantly decreased cognitive function compared with placebo, after 5 to 7 years (see Results table). This decrease in cognitive function was greater in women who had a lower base-line cognitive function score (pooled p value: Authors’ conclusions Oestrogen, or oestrogen plus progesterone, has no protective affect on cognitive function in postmenopausal women aged 65 years or older.
Managing Diabetes in Patients With Diabetes of Long Duration

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to review clinical issues related to the management of hyperglycemia in older patients with diabetes of long duration.ConclusionOlder adults represent an extensive proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes. Treatment goals need to be individualized to take into account comorbid conditions, life expectancy, diabetes complications, and the benefits of glycemic control. For both older patients and especially those with chronic renal insufficiency, the most important drug-related adverse effect to avoid is hypoglycemia, and avoidance of any severe hypoglycemia should be paramount. Patients with long duration of diabetes are often treated with insulin. Recent data show that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may be used in combination with insulin for patients not achieving glycemic goals, with reductions in the doses of insulin used and with a low risk of hypoglycemia and possible weight loss.
SEEDS AND EMBRYOS OF ARAUCARIA MIRABILIS

the Cerro Cuadrado petrified forest are described. One wingless seed, 0.8-1.3 cm in length and 0.2-0.6 cm in width, is embedded in each ovuliferous scale. Seeds show a three-layered integument and a prominent wavy nucellus which is attached basally to the endotesta. The megagametophyte contains cellular inclusions that may represent starch grains. Ovule vascularization is complex and appears most similar to that of Araucaria bidwillii. Embryos 2 mm long and 0.25 mm wide appear to be in a telo-stage period of development. Shoot apex, cotyledons, root meristem, and calyptroperiblem are present in the embryos in which vascular tissues and secretory elements were beginning to differentiate at the time of fossilization. Embryo ontogeny is considered in light of stages encountered in extant gynmosperm taxa. The absence of the microgametophyte phase in the Cerro Cuadrado collection is discussed. SILICIFIED CONIFEROUS remains from the Cerro Cuadrado petrified forest in Patagonia have been