cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-dimensional interactions in the oilfield market: A jackknife model averaging approach of spatial productivity analysis

Abstract This paper develops a methodology to assess the productivity in oilfield service companies, taking multi-dimensional interactions (e.g., regions, segments, products) into account. Firstly, various spatial models are utilized on 54 oilfield service firms to estimate the production function that separately accounts for cross-sectional dependence in business segment and geography, where the general spatial model (GSM) is found to be the most efficient. Secondly, two GSM models, one accounting for interactions in business segments and the other in geography, are combined in a Jackknife model averaging method to derive the aggregate production function of the oilfield market. Evidence of cross-sectional dependence and constant returns to scale are found, as well as positive spillover effects across firms. Moreover, the oilfield market had achieved high-speed growth in productivity since 2003, but experienced a significant crash in 2009 after the financial crisis and productivity has stagnated in recent years.
What to do about Comp Org?: (Abstract Only)

There is no doubt that Computer Organization (Comp Org) is not as central a topic as it once was. In the ACM's curricular guidelines, the number of hours devoted to Computer Architecture and Organization has fallen from 36 core hours in 2001 and 2008 to 16 tier 2 hours in 2013, and, incredibly, students are not always as enthralled with the subject as their instructor. Therefore, we are compelled to ask? what to do about Comp Org? How might we revamp it to make it more relevant and appealing? Should we concentrate on one ISA? Use CISC, RISC, or both? Do we need to use real, contemporary hardware, or stick with simulators? More radically, can micro-controllers, used for Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, be used to broaden the course, to weave together both traditional Comp Org topics and IoT?
Metabolism studies by radiorespirometry.

Many of the recent advances in the area of carbohydrate catabolism can be credited to the use of radiotracer methods. Although some tritium-labeled compounds have been used for these studies, the majority of research efforts in this regard involved the use of C14 specifically labeled carbohydrates or allied compounds. The catabolic mechanism for the utilization of a given carbohydrate is commonly elucidated by one or both of two basic approaches [1]. The first is the conversion of specifically labeled carbohydrate into catabolic products in the absence or presence of inhibitors. Isotopic distribution patterns and relative specific activity [2, 3] of a key product or an intermediate often provide important information on the nature and participation of an individual pathway. The discovery of the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway [4] (Fig. 1) is the result of experiments of this type. The second approach is the examination of the respiratory C14O2 samples derived from specifically labeled carbon atoms of a given carbohydrate with respect to either the specific activities or yields. Experiments of this type are easy to carry out and provide information on the occurrence and participation of a known pathway in a given biological system.
Moral and Philosophical Aspects of the Debate over A La Carte Regulation

The unstated assumption underlying the drive for a la carte regulation and family-friendly tiering mandates is that government can somehow magically create a right to receive video programming on any terms you wish. Certainly if you don't like what your current video service provider has to offer, you have the right to look elsewhere for service. But, until the Constitution is amended to say otherwise, you have no right call upon government to upend an industry's private business arrangements and substitute in its place a grand industrial policy scheme in the name of consumer choice. It's also highly unlikely that such regulations would be a good way to clean up content on cable and satellite TV in the first place, specifically as the channels and shows that these lawmakers and regulatory activists really want to drive off basic cable will likely continue to be some of television's most popular networks well into the future. The only thing that will change under the a la carte regulatory regime is that the smaller, niche-oriented networks could be driven under if they lack the support of stronger networks and TV advertisers. And if Congress mandates family-friendly tiers but few consumers subscribe, even some of the newly intended family-friendly networks could suffer financially and disappear altogether. As a result, what's to eventually stop lawmakers from extending their regulatory tentacles to premium or pay-per-view tiers if large numbers of viewers flock there to get their favorite programming? Meanwhile, attempts to sanitize basic cable for what is only fit for a child are quite ironic in that many of our kids have already bolted from the old television universe altogether and moved into the world of fully mobile, interactive digital media.
Industrial Applications of Search Theory

“Search theory” means different things to different groups of authors. In fact, the 1977 Science Citation Index reveals about 2,900 articles having “search” in their titles, of which only a few appear to be the sort of search theory to be discussed in this conference. Consequently, the kinds of search theory whose applications will be considered in this paper are now discussed.
Mink predation on radio-tagged trout during winter in a low-gradient reach of a mountain stream, Wyoming

Sources of natural mortality among fluvial salmonids are poorly understood, and contributions by predators to natural mortality rates have not been measured. Mink (Mustela vison) are effective fish predators (Duns ton 1978, 1983, Linscombe et al. 1982, Eagle and Whitman 1987) that can contribute to natural mortality of salmonids in streams (Erlinge 1969, Alexander 1976, Melquist et al. 1981, Whitman 1981). Evidence that mink predation is a significant source of natural mortality among fluvial salmonids has been observed. For example, Heggenes and Borgstrom (1988) reported that mink presence led to a marked increase in mortality of juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) and brown trout ( Salmo trutta) in streams. However, Burgess and Bider (1980) concluded that mink predation on brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis) was not a significant source of mortality in a stream improved to enhance brook trout.
Letterplace Algebra and Symmetric Functions

A new class of determinantal identities in the letterplace algebra is derived. These new identities are the symbolic analogues of the various relations in symmetric functions. Meanwhile, new bases in the letterplace algebra are discovered, and they are further extended to the supersymnetric algebra.
Biological relevance of computationally predicted pathogenicity of noncoding variants.

Computational prediction of the phenotypic propensities of noncoding single nucleotide variants typically combines annotation of genomic, functional and evolutionary attributes into a single score. Here, we evaluate if the claimed excellent accuracies of these predictions translate into high rates of success in addressing questions important in biological research, such as fine mapping causal variants, distinguishing pathogenic allele(s) at a given position, and prioritizing variants for genetic risk assessment. A significant disconnect is found to exist between the statistical modelling and biological performance of predictive approaches. We discuss fundamental reasons underlying these deficiencies and suggest that future improvements of computational predictions need to address confounding of allelic, positional and regional effects as well as imbalance of the proportion of true positive variants in candidate lists. Researchers can make use of a variety of computational tools to prioritize genetic variants and predict their pathogenicity. Here, the authors evaluate the performance of six of these tools in three typical biological tasks and find generally low concordance of predictions and experimental confirmation.
Evaluation of arabinoxylan isolated from sorghum bran, biomass, and bagasse for film formation.

Abstract Arabinoxylans (AX) are potential agricultural co-products for material applications. Sorghum has seen increased production as a bioenergy crop for biofuel and co-product generation. AX from three sorghum fractions (bran, bagasse, and biomass) were isolated to study film formation. All three AX fractions exhibited high moisture sensitivity. Sorghum biomass AX produced low water vapor permeability compared to sorghum bran or sorghum bagasse AX films. Glycerol addition to sorghum bran AX films reduced tensile strength from 34.8 to 16.0 MPa at 0% and 10% (w/w) glycerol, respectively; reduced the storage and loss moduli during dynamic mechanical analyses at 50% relative humidity (RH) and decreased the rubber-to-plastic material transition temperature at 50% RH, from 78.1 °C to 38.4 °C at 0 and 10% (w/w) glycerol, respectively. Sorghum bran AX, while sensitive to water absorption at high RH, produced favorable strength performance compared to AX from other cereal grains indicating potential utilization as a renewable material.
Assay of Nitroglycerin and Metabolites by Capillary GC

Satisfactory procedures are needed for the assay in plasma of nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate, GTN) and denitrated metabolites, two isomeric dinitroglycerols (1,2- and 1,3-GDN) and mononitroglycerol (GMN; 2 isomers). Besides glycerol itself, metabolism also furnishes inorganic nitrite and, therefrom by reaction with GSH (forming GSSG), nitrate; the desirability of being able to measure these 4 analytes was pointed out at the 1985 Bioanalytical Forum ([1], wherein p. 111 shows metabolic pathways) but is not pursued here.
P-039 Intravascular ultrasound of flow diverters in aneurysm treatment

Introduction/Purpose The use of flow diverting stents for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms has significantly increased since the PUFS (Pipeline for Uncoilable of Failed Aneurysms) trial was released in 2013. Based on the extensive literature on flow diverting stents one of the most critical features of stent placement is vessel wall apposition. Examining the cardiology literature, stents placed using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) show a 50% decreased in-hospital mortality and a 34% decrease in major adverse cardiac events in the 24 months following stent placement. Although the degree of flow diversion and wall apposition in cerebral aneurysm treatments can be assessed on angiography, it often provides an incomplete picture, which can result in the unnecessary placement of multiple overlapping stents. In this study, we assess the utility and feasibility of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in determining wall apposition and quantifying flow diversion post stent placement. Materials and methods Five (5) consecutive patients were selected who underwent angiography with possible flow diverting stent placement for known unruptured cerebral aneurysms at our institution. All five patients underwent full diagnostic angiography, followed by a separate endovascular surgery using flow diverting stents. Prior to stent placement, a Visions PV 0.014P RX (Philips) was introduced through the intermediate catheter past the aneurysm and a pullback recording was performed using Chromaflow for analysis. A Pipeline Flex Embolization Device (Medtronic) was then placed in the standard fashion. After stent placement, the IVUS catheter was re-introduced and another pullback recording obtained. Pre- and post- stent vessel diameter, as well as wall apposition was assessed. Flow diversion was assessed using Chromaflow power Doppler measurements. Results Intravascular ultrasound was safe and technically feasible in 100% (5/5) of the patients analyzed. Vessel wall dimensions were compared to angiography in these patients, and the IVUS measurements influenced a change in stent size in 60% (3/5) patients. Likewise, Doppler flow measurements influenced the decision to not place additional stents in 60% of patients. Doppler flow decreased in the aneurysms by 60–100% after flow diversion, and 90–100% at the conclusion of the procedure. Follow up angiography at 3- and/or 6-months post stenting was obtained in 4 of our patients. Conclusion Intravascular ultrasound is a safe and effective tool in the evaluation and treatment of cerebral aneurysms using flow diverting stents. In our small study our use of this technology improved accuracy of device sizing, wall apposition, and decreases the number of stents need to treat aneurysms. Disclosures A. Nicholson: None. S. Taylor: None. C. Woods: None. J. Cuoco: None. B. Klein: None. E. Guilliams: None. E. Marvin: None. J. Entwistle: None.
Academic achievement and depressive symptoms: Are fixed mindsets distinct from negative attributional style?

Abstract Over the last thirty years, there has been an explosion of research on “mindset” theories of personal attributes such as intelligence (Dweck, 1988). Research shows that individuals who believe that their attributes are fixed (rather than changeable) are more likely to have negative academic outcomes and negative moods. However, it remains unclear if these mindset theories represent a novel construct or if they overlap with the cognitive theories of depression which were theorized a decade earlier. According to the cognitive theories, people who attribute negative life events to stable and global (i.e., unchangeable) causes are more likely to become helpless and develop depression. The purpose of the current study was to test whether the newer mindset theories provide an incremental advance in knowledge or are more likely specific instances of a more general negative attributional style. To this end, we conducted a two time-point prospective study with 130 undergraduates. Contrary to hypotheses, results showed that intelligence mindset was distinct from negative attributional style. However, intelligence mindset did not demonstrate predictive or incremental validity; it did not predict end of semester GPA, dropping a class or depressive symptoms. In contrast, negative attributional style predicted both dropping a class and increases in depressive symptoms. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
High contrast imaging of low boiling point phase change contrast agents in moving tissue with ultrafast inter-frame activation imaging sequence

Nanoscale phase change contrast agents (PCCA) have been demonstrated for extravascular imaging in tissue. However, contrast in PCCA images is typically limited by physiological motion and incomplete cancelation of unwanted tissue signal. In this work, we develop an ultrafast inter-frame activation imaging sequence for high contrast PCCA imaging in the presence of physiological motion by imaging the inter-frame variation produced by activation of PCCA, which is distinguishable from tissue and blood motion. Phantom studies indicate that in the absence of tissue motion, the CTR of UIAU images is 19.55±0.42 dB while the CTR of the amplitude modulate + pulse inversion (AMPI) is 8.15±0.65 dB and the CTR of differential imaging is 24.20±1.22 dB. Furthermore, the CTR of these UIAU images can reach 51.43±3.3 dB by applying a denoising approach. With 20 mm/s motion, the CTR of UIAU and denoised UIAU images were 18.70±1.40 dB and 31.77±9.76 dB respectively, which were both significantly higher than that of amplitude modulation + pulse inversion (AMPI) and differential images. The preliminary in vivo imaging results indicate the UIAU could significantly suppress the background tissue in the presence of physiological motion.
Joshua Armstrong. Maps and Territories: Global Positioning in the Contemporary French Novel. Liverpool: Liverpool up, 2019. 238 pp

The post-1980 or “contemporary” period of French literature has elicited a great deal of critical debate. As globalization’s cultural circulations undermine what were already questionable national ...
Examining Associations between Community Health Worker-Rated Health and Mental Health among Latino Adults with Chronic Disease

Latinos with chronic disease often experience comorbid depression, but confront barriers to mental health treatment. Community health workers (CHWs) develop trusting relationships with the communities they serve, and may be uniquely positioned to identify Latinos with mental health care needs. Research has not examined whether their rating of clients' health is indicative of their mental health. This mixed-methods study examines CHWs' appraisals of Latino adults' health and their relation to mental health outcomes, and explores factors informing CHWs' rating of health status. The current study utilized baseline data from the Linking Individual Needs to Community and Clinical Services (LINKS) study. We assessed associations between CHW-rated health (CHWRH), or rating of health status as poor-excellent, and mental health outcomes with multilevel linear regression modelling. We qualitatively analyzed CHWs' written perceptions of participants' health status to understand what influenced their health rating. The quantitative results showed that CWHRH was significantly related to depressive symptoms and emotional problems severity. The qualitative results showed that CHWs took a holistic and ecological approach in rating health. The findings suggest that CHWRH could be indicative of mental health among Latino adults. Further studies investigating CHWRH as an independent indicator of mental health are warranted.
Coordinated Control Strategy to Improve Performance of PMSG Wind Power Systems

This chapter is expected to help the reader understand the fundamentals of the control for the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) based Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). At first, the modelling of the WECS is introduced, including the model of the Wind Turbine (WT), the dynamic models of the PMSG and the power converters. It can be helpful for the readers to know the operation of the PMSG wind system, which are the basics to design the control systems presented in the following chapter. Then, the controls of the Machine Side Converters (MSCs) and Grid Side Converter (GSC) are introduced. The proposed control methods were used to maximize the generated power from Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), to keep a constant DC-bus voltage for the GSC and to control the powers fed to the grid.
Navier-Stokes equations paradox

It is proved that if the Navier-Stokes problem is considered in ℝ3 , then the initial velocity has to be zero. This is the paradox. The consequences of this paradox are: a) The NSP is contradictory physically and mathematically; it is not a correct formulation of the problem of motion of the incompressible viscous fluid . b) The solution to the NSP does not exist on [0, ∞). This solves one of the millennium problems.
La obsesión excluyente: las movilizaciones sociales en torno a la cuestión de la (in)seguridad en Argentina durante el año 2004

Fil: Schillagi, Carolina. Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Buenos Aires; Argentina.
Testosterone Replacement in Men with Treated and Untreated Prostate Cancer

Abstract Introduction Historically, men with a history of prostate cancer have been deprived of testosterone because of the potential risk of prostate cancer progression and/or recurrence. However, we have lacked sound scientific evidence demonstrating that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) actually does cause prostate cancer progression and/or recurrence in men with a history of prostate cancer. Our decision to withhold testosterone from these patients is based on several series of case reports and our current understanding of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Aim To assess the safety of testosterone replacement therapy in men with treated and untreated prostate cancer. Methods A Medline search was conducted from 1940 to 2013 using key words testosterone, prostate cancer, prostate specific antigen, and androgen. All manuscripts relevant to the use of testosterone in men with treated and untreated prostate cancer were reviewed and considered. Results Recent data suggest that TRT may be safe in men with a history of prostate cancer, but clearly more studies are needed. Low‐serum testosterone levels have been associated with greater risk of prostate cancer and higher grade of disease. The rate of prostate cancer progression and recurrence in men treated for prostate cancer tends to be lower than in those men not being treated with TRT. There are now data to suggest that TRT may be protective against the development and recurrence of prostate cancer. The prostate saturation model allows us to understand these changes in prostate specific antigen in response to TRT and ADT. Conclusion TRT may be safe in men with treated and untreated prostate cancer but further larger randomized placebo controlled studies are needed. Khera M. Testosterone replacement in men with treated and untreated prostate cancer. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:143–149.
An MCMC-based particle filter for multiple target tracking

This paper applies a Markov chain Monte Carlo-based (MCMC) particle filter on the multiple target tracking problem. Traditional particle filters employ the sequential importance sampling/resampling method along with the MCMC move step, which is commonly used as a means to improve diversity among particles. The MCMC-based particle filter applied in this paper is distinct from the traditional particle filters in that: 1) It replaces the importance sampling with MCMC sampling and 2) the MCMC move is used as the sequential sampling method instead of simply as a means to improve diversity. By virtue of its information-centric property, the MCMC technique can automatically explore the posterior distribution at each sampling step. The benefit is that it allows the MCMC-based particle filter to track multiple targets without suffering from exponential complexity, which is the major drawback while using a traditional joint particle filter. Simulation results are presented in a bearings-only tracking problem for three targets and a Keplerian orbital tracking problem involving two targets.
The Obama Administration, the Dream Act and the Take Care Clause

The Obama Administration announced last June that it would not enforce the removal mandate of the Immigration and Nationality Act as against as many as 1.76 million immigrants illegally present in the country: young people, often students or veterans, who were brought into the country illegally as children and who would have been legalized if Congress had passed the “DREAM Act.” This essay explores the constitutionality of such uses of prosecutorial discretion. Our main conclusions are: first, the common idea that the President has a positive constitutional “authority” to decide not to enforce the civil law is mistaken. The Take Care Clause, coupled with related constitutional provisions, establishes that the President has a duty to enforce the laws. This understanding of the President’s responsibility is supported by the Constitution’s text and structure, by the evidence of original intent and early practice, and by English constitutional history. Second, a range of defenses can be made to a breach of duty. The main justifications or excuses that can be used to defend a breach of the duty of faithful execution fall into four main categories: that the “law” whose non-enforcement is at issue is unconstitutional; that enforcement in the particular circumstances would interfere materially with the exercise of another constitutional power of the President; that equity in individual cases warrants forbearance in enforcement; and that the enforcing agency lacks sufficient resources for complete enforcement. The Administration’s non-enforcement decision does not fall within any of these categories. Third, the conception of Executive power we defend here is fully consistent with the attribution to the President of broad constitutional powers over foreign affairs, national security and military policy. The Framers intended to give Congress the dominant role in regulating domestic matters, while giving the Presidency, with its distinctive institutional qualities of energy, secrecy, speed and unity of purpose, the primary responsibility for foreign affairs. Although immigration straddles domestic and foreign policy, Congress, not the President, has the controlling authority.
Prediction and Validation of Pressure Drop for Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters

To meet the future emission targets for Diesel engines, one trend is the use of Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters (CDPF). Catalyzing the filter, however, alters filter behavior. In particular, alteration in filter permeability imparts a significant change in the filter's performance. To understand the impact of the catalyst coating on a DPF, engine tests have been conducted to measure the pressure drop across DPFs with different catalyst coatings, cell densities, and soot loadings. The tests were performed over a range of engine speeds and loads, with a corresponding range in exhaust flow rates and temperatures. A pressure drop model based on previous work for uncatalyzed filters has been modified and validated for CDPFs. To achieve optimum design for DPF's, a parametric study comparing the influence of catalyst, cell density, wall thickness, filter length and diameter was done.
A Semiparametric Regression Model for Panel Count Data: When Do Pseudo-likelihood Estimators Become Badly Inefficient?

We consider estimation in a particular semiparametric regression model for the mean of a counting process under the assumption of “panel count” data. The basic model assumption is that the conditional mean function of the counting process is of the form E{ℕ(t)|itZ} = exp(θ’Z)Λ(t) where Z is a vector of covariates and Λ is the baseline mean function. The “panel count” observation scheme involves observation of the counting process ℕ for an individual at a random number K of random time points; both the number and the locations of these time points may differ across individuals.
The use of Christian meditation with religious couples: A collaborative language systems perspective

Summary Even though Eastern forms of meditation have received the most attention in clinical practice, Christian meditation may be a better fit for some Christian couples. Couples may benefit from treatment when this intervention is used within the context of Anderson's collaborative theoretical perspective. In this paper, key concepts of Anderson's approach are described and their compatibility with Christian meditation is examined. Clinical applications of this integrated approach are discussed and transcripts from a session are presented to illustrate its use.
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Cigar Products in the United States

Introduction Although cigar use and sales have increased in the United States over the past decade, little is known about how these products are promoted. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a common method used to promote tobacco products and may be a potential channel through which cigars are advertised. Methods Comperemedia (Mintel) was used to acquire opt-in direct mail and email advertising for the top 10 cigar brands in the United States between January 2013 and July 2014. The advertisement and corresponding data on brand, advertising spend, and mail volume were downloaded and summarized. Promotions such as coupons, giveaways, and sweepstakes were also examined. Results A total of 92 unique advertisements met the search criteria and included two brands: Black & Mild (n = 77) and Swisher Sweets (n = 15). Expenditures on direct mail advertising during this period totaled $12 809 630. Black & Mild encompassed 80% of total direct mail volume and 78% of direct mail advertising expenditures. Almost all advertisements contained at least one promotion (88%) and included a URL to the product website (85%). Conclusions The results suggest that Black & Mild and Swisher Sweets are the primary cigar brands using DTC advertising. Promotional offers were nearly ubiquitous among the advertisements, which may appeal to price-sensitive populations. Future studies should continue to examine cigar advertising via direct mail and email, in addition to other channels, such as the point-of-sale. Implications Although cigar use and sales have increased in the United States over the past decade, there is limited data on cigar advertising. This article provides a snapshot of expenditures, volume, and promotional content of DTC cigar advertising in the United States between January 2013 and July 2014.
Bargaining Power in Transactions: A Basic Model of Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract. Four factors—the value of each of two things to each of two parties—determine the terms, or limits thereof, of all transactions, whether economic and objective or non-economic and subjective. This relationship is shown to coincide with some existing power-political, social-psychological, and economic formulations of bargaining power. These four factors as seen in comparative advantage display quantitatively the conditions for determinate bargaining power. The dichotomy (1) market vs. bargaining power forces is rejected for (2) bargaining power forces vs. strategy and tactics. The transaction is viewed briefly as a system.
Structural Features and Domain Organization of Huntingtin Fibrils

Misfolding and aggregation of huntingtin is one of the hallmarks of Huntington disease, but the overall structure of these aggregates and the mechanisms by which huntingtin misfolds remain poorly understood. Here we used site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to study the structural features of huntingtin exon 1 (HDx1) containing 46 glutamine residues in its polyglutamine (polyQ) region. Despite some residual structuring in the N terminus, we find that soluble HDx1 is highly dynamic. Upon aggregation, the polyQ domain becomes strongly immobilized indicating significant tertiary or quaternary packing interactions. Analysis of spin-spin interactions does not show the close contact between same residues that is characteristic of the parallel, in-register structure commonly found in amyloids. Nevertheless, the same residues are still within 20 A of each other, suggesting that polyQ domains from different molecules come into proximity in the fibrils. The N terminus has previously been found to take up a helical structure in fibrils. We find that this domain not only becomes structured, but that it also engages in tertiary or quaternary packing interactions. The existence of spin-spin interactions in this region suggests that such contacts could be made between N-terminal domains from different molecules. In contrast, the C-terminal domain is dynamic, contains polyproline II structure, and lacks pronounced packing interactions. This region must be facing away from the core of the fibrils. Collectively, these data provide new constraints for building structural models of HDx1 fibrils.
80. Minocycline attenuates stress-induced changes in leukocyte activation and anxiety-like behavior

Repeated social defeat (RSD) is a murine stress model that recapitulates many key behavioral, immunological, and physiological changes observed in humans exposed to psychological stressors. Exposure to RSD increases circulating monocytes, macrophage recruitment to the brain, and activation of microglia, resulting in an increase in anxiety-like behavior. Minocycline is an antibiotic that readily crosses the blood–brain-barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties, down regulating microglial pro-inflammatory cytokine output within the central nervous system. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if suppressing microglia activation with minocycline prevents the RSD-induced alterations in immune function and anxiety-like behavior. In these experiments, daily oral administration of minocycline was given to C57bl/6 mice beginning two days prior to RSD. Here we show that minocycline attenuated RSD-induced alterations in myeloid cell trafficking, macrophage re-distribution and anxiety-like behavior. For example, minocycline prevented stress-induced increases in macrophage trafficking to the brain. In addition, mice treated with minocycline did not have stress-induced increases in circulating leukocytes or splenomegaly. Activation of circulating monocytes and granulocytes by RSD was also attenuated by minocycline. Furthermore, minocycline pretreatment blocked the induction of anxiety-like behavior after RSD. Collectively these data indicate that minocycline ameliorates stress-induced anxiety-like behavior by attenuating cellular redistribution and activation in the periphery and macrophage trafficking to the brain. Grants: R01MH097243-02 R01MH093473-03.
Using the bifactor model to assess the dimensionality of the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale.

The Hong Psychological Reactance Scale (HPRS) purports to measure reactance: a motivational state experienced when a behavioral freedom is threatened with elimination. To date, five studies have examined the psychometric properties of the HPRS, but reached different conclusions regarding its factor structure. The current study further investigated the factor structure of the HPRS by testing four competing models using responses from 1,282 college students. A modified bifactor model, in which a general reactance factor explained common variance among all the items and specific factors explained shared residual variance among sets of items, was championed. Implications for estimating reliability and scoring the HPRS are discussed.
The role of the neural crest in patterning of avian cranial skeletal, connective, and muscle tissues

The morphology of skeletal tissues formed in each of the branchial arches of higher vertebrates is unique. In addition to these structures, which are derived from the neural crest, the crest-derived connective tissues and mesodermal muscles also form different patterns in each of the branchial arches. The objective of this study was to examine how these patterns arise during avian embryonic development. Presumptive second or third arch neural crest cells were excised from chick hosts and replaced with presumptive first arch crest cells. Both quail and chick embryos were used as donors; orthotopic crest grafts were performed as controls. Following heterotopic transplantation, the hosts developed several unexpected anomalies. Externally they were characterized by the appearance of ectopic, beak-like projections from the ventrolateral surface of the neck and also by the formation of supernumerary external auditory depressions located immediately caudal to the normal external ear. Internally, the grafted cells migrated in accordance with normal, second arch pathways but then formed a complete, duplicate first arch skeletal system in their new location. Squamosal, quadrate, pterygoid, Meckel's, and angular elements were present in most cases. In addition, anomalous first arch-type muscles were found associated with the ectopic skeletal tissues in the second arch. These results indicate that the basis for patterning of branchial arch skeletal and connective tissues resides within the neural crest population prior to its emigration from the neural epithelium, and not within the pharynx or pharyngeal pouches as had previously been suggested. Furthermore, the patterns of myogenesis by mesenchymal populations derived from paraxial mesoderm is dependent upon properties inherent to the neural crest.
Large changes in cytoplasmic biopolymer concentration with osmolality indicate that macromolecular crowding may regulate protein-DNA interactions and growth rate in osmotically stressed Escherichia coli K-12.

From determination of amounts and concentrations of biopolymers and solutes in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli, we are obtaining information needed to assess the effect of macromolecular crowding on cytoplasmic properties and processes of osmotically stressed bacteria. We observe that growth rate, and the amount of cytoplasmic water decrease and cytoplasmic concentrations of biopolymers and K+, increase with increasing osmolality, even for cells grown in the presence of osmoprotectants like glycine betaine. We observe general correlations between the amount of cytoplasmic water, growth rate and cytoplasmic K+ concentration in osmotically stressed cells grown both with and without osmoprotectants. To explain these correlations, we propose that crowding increases with increasing growth osmolality, which in turn buffers the binding of proteins to nucleic acids against changes in cytoplasmic K+ concentration and (by affecting biopolymer diffusion rates and/or assembly equilibria) is a determinant of growth rate of osmotically stressed cells. Changes in biopolymer concentration and crowding may also explain the increase of the activity coefficient of cytoplasmic water with increasing osmolality of growth in E. coli. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of induction of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogenesis.

A persuasive body of evidence indicates that substantial protection against chemical carcinogenesis can be achieved by induction of enzymes concerned with the metabolism of carcinogens. There are two classes of anticarcinogenic enzyme inducers: (a) monofunctional inducers (e.g., phenolic antioxidants, isothiocyanates, coumarins, thiocarbamates, cinnamates, 1,2-dithiol-3-thiones) that elevate Phase II enzymes (such as glutathione S-transferases, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, UDP-glucuronosyl-transferases) in various tissues without significantly raising the Phase I enzyme, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (cytochrome P1-450); and (b) bifunctional inducers (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, flavonoids, and azo dyes) that induce both Phase I and Phase II enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism. Induction of Phase II enzymes appears to be a sufficient condition for achieving chemoprotection, and since certain Phase I enzymes are responsible for activating carcinogens to their ultimate reactive forms, selective Phase II enzyme inducers offer intrinsically safer prospects for achieving chemoprotection. Whereas induction of both Phase I and II enzymes by bifunctional inducers depends on the Ah receptor, induction of Phase II enzymes by monofunctional inducers is independent of a functional Ah receptor. Studies on the structural requirements for induction of quinone reductase [NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase; EC 1.6.99.2] by monofunctional inducers in Hepa 1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells have revealed that such inducers contain a distinctive chemical feature (or acquire this feature by metabolism) that regulates the synthesis of this protective enzyme. The inducers are all Michael reaction acceptors characterized by olefinic (or acetylenic) linkages that are rendered electrophilic by conjugation with electron-withdrawing groups. Typical examples are alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones (including quinones), thioketones, sulfones, esters, nitriles and nitro groups. The potency of these inducers parallels their reactivity as Michael acceptors. These generalizations have provided mechanistic insight into the vexing question of how so many seemingly unrelated anticarcinogens induce chemoprotective enzymes. They have also led to the prediction of entirely new and unsuspected structures of inducers, with potential for chemoprotective activity.
Racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in rates of knee arthroplasty among Medicare patients

Background There are large variations in the use of knee arthroplasty among Medicare enrollees according to race or ethnic group and sex. Are racial and ethnic disparities more pronounced in some regions than in others, and if so, why? Methods We used all Medicare fee-for-service claims data for 1998 through 2000 to determine the incidence of knee arthroplasty according to Hospital Referral Region, sex, and race or ethnic group. A total of 430,726 knee arthroplasties were performed during the three-year study period. Results At the national level, the annual rate of knee arthroplasty was higher for non-Hispanic white women (5.97 procedures per 1000) than for Hispanic women (5.37 per 1000) and black women (4.84 per 1000). The rate for non-Hispanic white men (4.82 procedures per 1000) was higher than that for Hispanic men (3.46 per 1000) and more than double that for black men (1.84 per 1000). The rates were significantly lower for black men than for non-Hispanic white men in nearly every region of the coun...
Bicontinuous cubic photonic crystals via level set and 3D interference lithography

We present a combined analysis on the creation and fabrication of three-dimensional bicontinuous photonic crystals with large complete gaps based on the modulation of the dielectric material along principal directions and its relation to the interference lithography technique.
Leisure Activities and Risk of Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

"Vascular cognitive impairment'' refers to cognitive impairment caused or associated with vascular risk factors, and encompasses a cognitive spectrum ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. We examined the association of leisure activity participation to risk of developing VCI in the Bronx aging study. Over 21 years, 71 of the 401 participants who were free of dementia or VCI at entry developed VCI (49 participants with VCI without dementia). We derived Cognitive and Physical Activity Scales based on frequency of leisure activity participation. A 1-point increase on the Cognitive, but not Physical Activity Scale, was associated with lower risk of VCI (hazard ratio 0.931, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.895-0.970) in Cox analysis. Participation in cognitive but not physical leisure activities is associated with lower risk of VCI with or without dementia. Prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to define the causal role of cognitive leisure activities in influencing vascular risk for cognitive decline.
Tripodal saltren Al(iBu)(Cl)3

The compound saltren[AliBuCl]3 (1) has been prepared by the reaction of the tripodal ligand saltrenH3 (tris(((2-hydroxybenzyl)amino)ethyl)amine) and di-isobutyl aluminum chloride. It has been characterized by physical (mp, EA), spectroscopic (1H NMR, IR) and structural (single crystal X-ray diffraction) studies. 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group P-3. The structure is a trimetallic monomer. Each aluminum atom is four-coordinate with a distorted tetrahedral geometry. It is the first main group halide compound of the saltren ligand.
The accumulation of eosinophils and basophils at skin sites as related to intensity of skin reactivity and symptoms in atopic disease

Abstract The accumulation of eosinophils 18 to 24 hours after the application of allergenic extract to a superficially denuded area of skin (skin window technique) was observed in 20 patients, and in 10 the results were related to the intensity of hypersensitivity as judged by the scratch test and by end-point titrations in the skin. All three techniques gave a fairly satisfactory correlation with the occurrence and severity of symptoms on exposure to the relevant allergen. However, the numbers of eosinophils seen correlated better with symptoms than did either the scratch test or end-point titrations. Experience indicated that, with the technique used in this study, concentrations of extract in the range 1:1,000 to 1:10,000 weight by volume give satisfactory preparations without risk of systemic allergic reactions. Basophils were seen in many preparations, and in some their numbers exceeded the number of eosinophils. However, the number of these cells was less clearly related to skin reactivity and symptoms and appeared to be relatively independent of the concentration of extract used. Their role in the allergic response seems even more enigmatic than that of the eosinophil.
Pesquería artesanal de pez espada y temperatura superficial del mar registrada con satélites NOAA en Chile central

En Chile central el pez espada (Xiphias gladius) se distribuye mas bien en ciertas temperaturas de aguas de origen oceanico, que en discontinuidades termicas que se forman entre estas y las frias mas costeras. Estas caracteristicas de la superficie del mar (TSM) se visualizan en las imagenes de TSM confeccionadas con datos de satelites NOAA, a pesar del problema que provoca la presencia de nubes.
Accounting for “dissociative” actions without invoking mentalistic constructs

Professor Hilgard’s paper, “Divided Consciousness and Dissociation,” covers much ground. The many everyday examples of “divided consciousness” that he cites are a fitting background for the study of complex human action. To move from protocol language to a scientific vocabulary, Hilgard and others have coined the descriptive metaphors executive function and monitoring function. These metaphors have an abstract quality and are consistent with the tradition of inventing categories or dimensions of the mind. I find a different set of metaphors more helpful. Guided by dramaturgical and narrative frameworks, I construe the actions of a person as governed by a selfnarrative. At one time, the person is the narrator, the author, the scriptwriter; at other times, the spectator. The imageries stimulated by these metaphors overlap those of Hilgard’s executive and monitor. To make the description more complete, another metaphor is required: the actor. The self-as-narrator composes a script for the self-as-actor. The self-as-narrator can respond to feedback provided by the self-as-spectator in continuing the self-narrative. I prefer these metaphors because they are more consistent with a constructivist perspective that directs us to view persons as agents, as doers. In the first paragraph Hilgard acknowledges that persons are active agents. However, the thrust of the neodissociation account is that persons are entities that carry with them cognitive structures that under certain conditions appear to be autonomous from the agent’s goals and purposes. The process through which cognitive structures become dissociated appears to be a happening, rather than the
Final-offer arbitration in major league baseball: A nonparametric analysis

This study extends the non-parametric methodology for empirical efficiency analysis to allow for a double frontier based on perspective and applies the model to final-offer arbitration in major league baseball. Arbitration eligible players perceive their worth relative to other players who earn more with no better performance. Owners, on the other hand, perceive a player's value relative to other players performing as well with lower salaries. The two different perspectives give rise to different perceived frontiers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze arbitration using this approach.
The Catholic Church and Conflict Resolution in Mozambique's Post-Colonial Conflict, 1977–1992

Mozambique became independent on 25 June 1975 after ten years of military struggle against Portuguese colonial domination. Three po litical movements contributed to topple the colonial regime: the Na tional Democratic Union of Mozambique (UDENAMO), the Mozam bique African National Union (MANU), and the National Union for Mozambican Independence (UNAMI). All of these political move ments were formed by Mozambican migrants in Rhodesia, Malawi, and Kenya. UDENAMO was founded in Rhodesia in 1960. Its members came mainly from central and southern Mozambique. MANU was formed in Kenya in 1961. It drew its members from northern Mozam bique, particularly the Makonde ethnic group. UNAMI was formed by Mozambican migrants in Malawi. Its membership came mainly from Tete province. Once Tanganyika became independent, the three movements moved to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika's capital. President Julius Nyer ere, the leader of the newly independent country, urged the three movements to form one united front. The idea was persuasive, but each leader of these movements aspired to lead the future united front. In June 1962, President Nyere invited Dr. Eduardo Mondlane, a pro fessor at the University of Syracuse and a Mozambican, to form and head a new organization—the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO). Unfortunately, not everyone was satisfied with the solu tion for five primary reasons: personal conflict with Dr. Eduardo Mondlane; ethnic competition for leadership within the new front; dif ference in political orientation for the front; race issues in the new or