cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superoxide generation by photomediated redox cycling of anthraquinones.

Anthraquinones (AQs) comprise one important class of secondary metabolites predominantly produced by fungi and higher plants but also produced by a variety of other organisms. Humans orally ingest AQs from environmental sources as well as through direct use as nonpre-scription laxatives, and some AQ derivatives are used as topically applied antipsoritic agents. Some AQs are mutagenic. We present evidence that aqueous solutions of several AQs in the presence of an appropriate reducing agent and dissolved oxygen generate superoxide when they are illuminated with broad-spectrum light. Redox cycling of AQs could be responsible for some aspects of their toxicity in biological systems.
In Practice: Defining Mediator Knowledge and Skills

A two-year collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and advisers from the major national organizations of mediators produced a job analysis relevant to mediators involved in interpersonal disputes (i.e., divorce, community, formal parent-child mediation, etc.). One byproduct of the job analysis is an extensive list of the knowledge areas and skills important to effective job performance. This essay defines the knowledge and skill areas that emerged from the analysis.
Selective recognition of g-quadruplex telomeric DNA by a bis(quinacridine) macrocycle

The interaction of G-quadruplex DNA with the macrocyclic compound BOQ1, which possesses two dibenzophenanthroline (quinacridine) subunits, has been investigated by a variety of methods. The oligonucleotide 5‘-A(GGGT2A)3G3, which mimics the human telomeric repeat sequence and forms an intramolecular quadruplex, was used as one model system. Equilibrium binding constants measured by biosensor surface plasmon resonance (SPR) methods indicate a high affinity of the macrocycle for the quadruplex conformation (K > 1 × 107 M-1) with two equivalent binding sites. The affinity of BOQ1 for DNA duplexes is at least 1 order of magnitude lower. In addition, the macrocycle is more selective than the monomeric control compound (MOQ2), which is not able to discriminate between the two DNA structures (Kduplex ≈ Kquadruplex ≈ 106 M-1). Strong binding of BOQ1 to G4 DNA sequences was confirmed by fluorometric titrations with a tetraplex-forming oligonucleotide. Competition dialysis experiments with a panel of different DNA s...
Nanoprobe-based characterization of femtosecond laser pulses

We propose and develop a nanoprobe-based technique for characterizing femtoseond laser pulses. A preliminary demonstration based on the measurement of the interferometric autocorrelation trace through two-photon fluorescence from a nonlinear nanoprobe is reported.
Revitalizing a Spiritual Compassionate Commons in Educational Culture

Our acquiescence to a material motivated life experience distracts us from creating more ecologically and socially transformative educational contexts and institutional systems. Examining how our relationship to an abusive market culture in larger Western society dictates our educational culture contexts, this article explores metaphysical alternatives to a market-based educational mindset. As spiritual practitioners, we have a moral passion to enhance our ability to contemplate our collective purpose, identify roots of social and ecological injustice, explore imagination, and practice compassionate action. As was realized within a teacher education course community, revitalizing the “spiritual commons” in our daily contexts has possibility to influence the direction of our educational institutions.
Promoter clearance by RNA polymerase II

Many changes must occur to the RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription complex as it makes the transition from initiation into transcript elongation. During this intermediate phase of transcription, contact with initiation factors is lost and stable association with the nascent transcript is established. These changes collectively comprise promoter clearance. Once the transcript elongation complex has reached a point where its properties are indistinguishable from those of complexes with much longer transcripts, promoter clearance is complete. The clearance process for pol II consists of a number of steps and it extends for a surprisingly long distance downstream of transcription start. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
Asymmetric fano lineshapes in integrated silicon Bragg reflectors

Asymmetric Fano resonances in monolithic silicon Bragg reflectors are demonstrated. Optimization of the lineshapes is achieved by controlling the phase of the reflected light from the Bragg reflectors.
Targeting the IGF-1 receptor: from rags to riches.

The existence of the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) had been surmised for a number of years, before it was cloned in 1986 by Ullrich et al. [1]. At that time, the IGF-IR was considered a poor relative of the insulin receptor (IR), with which it has a 70% homology [1], a sort of redundant receptor that the cells used when the IR was defective. The past 15 years have established the IGF-IR as an independent receptor, with overlapping, but different, functions from the IR and playing important roles in apoptosis, cancer, differentiation and even longevity. In this commentary, I will focus on the role of the IGF-IR in cancer, with special emphasis on its use as a possible target for therapeutic purposes. The role of the IGF-IR in cancer therapy rests on three fundamental observations (with subsequent variations) from the laboratories of Argyris Efstratiadis and ours. In 1993, Efstratiadis and co-workers [2] reported that the targeted disruption of the IGF-IR genes resulted in mice that, at birth, weighed 50% of the weight of wild-type littermates (see review in [3]). If the IGF-II genes were also deleted or inactivated (IGF-II is the only IGF growth factor in mouse embryos), the newborn mice were 30% in size. This finding was of the utmost importance because it established that: (1) The IGF-IR was (and still is) the only growth factor receptor whose deletion gives a growth phenotype in mouse embryos (other growth factor receptors, deleted, may give a lethal phenotype, but not a growth phenotype). (2) It indicated that the IGF-IR is responsible, in a non-redundant way, for 50% of the mouse embryo normal growth. (3) It also showed that 50% of normal growth is outside the jurisdiction of the IGF-IR and can be replaced by other
Gendered Paths to Teenage Political Participation Parental Power, Civic Mobility, and Youth Activism

This article examines how gender shapes the development, involvement, and visibility of teenagers as political actors within their communities. Based on ethnographic research with two high school student movement organizations on the West Coast, the author argues that gender impacts the potential for young people's political consciousness to translate into public, social movement participation. Specifically, the gendered ways in which youth conceptualize and negotiate parental power influences whether or not, and in what ways, youth can emerge as visible agents of social change in their communities. For girl activists, there is more of a marked discontinuity between their political ideals and their political action because of their conflicts with parental power than for boys. This article considers the consequences of teens' relationships to parental power on their sociopolitical development, as well as the counter-effects posed by the feminist interventions of adult allies within youth movements.
The rotational friction characteristics of human long bones

Abstract The rotational friction characteristics of unembalmed human long bones (femora and tibiae) have been determined following osteotomy (surgical sectioning). The coefficients of static and kinetic friction were determined for bones cut with a Gigli saw and an oscillating saw as well as for bones ground to a 17 μm silicon carbide finish. It was found that there was no difference in the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for both types of bone when cut by surgical saws but the coefficients obtained were greater than those for ground bones. The results suggest that bone-bone friction is a function of the type of bone, its surface finish and the degree of bone-bone interdigitation arising from the apposition force used to reduce anatomically the osteotomy.
Stepwise arteriovenous fate acquisition during mammalian vasculogenesis

Arteriovenous (AV) differentiation is a critical step during blood vessel formation and stabilization. Defects in arterial or venous fate lead to inappropriate fusion of vessels, resulting in damaging arteriovenous shunts. While many studies have unraveled the molecular underpinnings that drive AV fate, surprisingly, the spatiotemporal emergence of arteries and veins in mammalian embryos remains unknown. Here, we examine artery and vein specification and differentiation during vasculogenesis. We show that the first intraembryonic vessels formed are arteries, which differentiate in a stepwise manner. By contrast, veins emerge later, progressively forming after embryonic turning. In addition, we demonstrate that hemodynamic flow is not required for arterial specification, but is required for maintenance of select arterial markers. Together, our results provide a first spatiotemporal analysis of mammalian AV cell fate establishment and anatomy, as well as a delineation of a molecular toolkit for analysis of arteries and veins during early vessel development.
Characteristics of estrous cycles in gilts treated with gonadotropins after estrus or treatment with a progestogen.

A combination of eCG (400 IU) and hCG (200 IU) (P.G. 600; Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ, USA) stimulates puberty in gilts, but variation in the estrual response exists among farms. We hypothesized that some of the variability is a consequence of gilts that have commenced cycling being inadvertently treated. The objective of experiment 1 was to determine the effect of intramuscular (im) P.G. 600 on estrous cycles in sexually mature gilts. Gilts in treatment 1 (n = 16) received P.G. 600 at the onset of daily boar exposure. Gilts in treatments 2 to 5 (n = 16 per treatment) were allowed to express a natural first estrus and were then treated with P.G. 600 during the first estrous cycle as follows: treatment 2 at Day 6, treatment 3 at Day 12, and treatment 4 at Day 18 of the estrous cycle. Treatment 5 gilts received no P.G. 600. The proportion of gilts displaying a normal estrous cycle (18-24 days) was greater (P < 0.05) for treatments 4 (100%) and 5 (100%) compared with treatments 1 (73.3%) and 3 (60%), with treatment 2 having a value (87.5%) that was not different from the other groups. For treatment 3, 33% of gilts displayed an increased interestrus interval that averaged 32.5 days. Concentrations of progesterone remained elevated 20 days after the onset of first estrus in treatment 3 gilts, which supports the concept that P.G. 600 administered at Day 12 of the estrous cycle induced follicular growth, ovulation, and formation of CL that functioned for approximately 15 days, increasing the length of the estrous cycle. It is common for swine producers to have groups of replacement gilts that include both cycling and prepubertal animals, or individuals, the cycling status of which is unknown. The objective of experiment 2 was to evaluate a system using a combination of a progestogen (Matrix; Merck Animal Health) and P.G. 600 to synchronize estrus in replacement gilts. Crossbred gilts, assumed to be a mix of cycling and prepubertal females, were allocated to one of four treatments (n = 12 per treatment): treatment 1, Matrix (15 mg/day) fed for 14 days and im P.G. 600 24 hours after the last feeding of Matrix; treatment 2, Matrix for 7 days and P.G. 600; treatment 3, P.G. 600 only; and treatment 4, im water only. The percentage of gilts in estrus within 7 days after im treatment was the greatest (P < 0.02) and days to estrus the least (P < 0.05) for gilts receiving Matrix for 14 days and P.G. 600 (treatment 1, 91.7% and 5.4 ± 1.9 days; treatment 2, 50% and 9.2 ± 2.0 days; treatment 3, 33% and 13.8 ± 2.1 days; and treatment 4, 50% and 9.1 ± 1.9 days). The results of these experiments suggest that P.G. 600 administered to gilts that have already obtained puberty may cause abnormal estrous cycles and demonstrate to swine producers the need to correctly classify replacement gilts as prepubertal or cycling before administering the product. The use of Matrix and P.G. 600 in combination has potential as an effective strategy for synchronizing estrus in a mix of prepubertal and mature, cycling gilts.
In-Plane and Out-Of-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Silicon Thin Films Predicted by Molecular Dynamics

The thermal conductivity of silicon thin films is predicted in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the film surfaces (in-plane and out-of-plane, respectively) using equilibrium molecular dynamics, the Green-Kubo relation, and the Stillinger-Weber interatomic potential. Three different boundary conditions are considered along the film surfaces: frozen atoms, surface potential, and free boundaries. Film thicknesses range from 2 to 217 nm and temperatures from 300 to 1000 K. The relation between the bulk pho.-non mean free path (A) and the film thickness (d s ) spans from the ballistic regime (A ≥ d s ) at 300 K to the diffusive, bulk-like regime (Λ «d s ) at 1000 K. When the film is thin enough, the in-plane and out-of-plane thermal conductivity differ from each other and decrease with decreasing film thickness, as a consequence of the scattering of phonons with the film boundaries. The in-plane thermal conductivity follows the trend observed experimentally at 300 K. In the ballistic limit, in accordance with the kinetic and phonon radiative transfer theories, the predicted out-of-plane thermal conductivity varies linearly with the film thickness, and is temperature-independent for temperatures near or above the Debye's temperature.
An evaluation of cytotoxicity of the taxane and platinum agents combination treatment in a panel of human ovarian carcinoma cell lines.

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum schedule for combination of taxane and platinum agents in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Methods Cell growth inhibition was determined by the standard MTT assay and an IC 50 was calculated for docetaxel, paclitaxel, cisplatin, and carboplatin in seven human ovarian cancer cell lines (CAOV-3, OVCAR-3, SKOV-3, ES-2, OV-90, TOV-112D, and TOV-21G). The IC 50 was defined as the drug concentration required for a 50% reduction in optical density. Cytotoxicity assays were performed with four sequential combinations of a taxane and a platinum compound. In each combination, cell lines were treated with the appropriate IC 50 of the drugs for varying time increments between 3 and 24 h. Controls were no drug, each agent alone and the combination of both. Results were obtained via manual cell counting with a hemocytometer. Results The inhibitory concentration to achieve 50% cell death (IC 50 ) was determined for each compound in each cell line. The IC 50 ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 nM, 0.7 to 1.8 nM for docetaxel and paclitaxel, respectively, and 17.4 to 25.7 μM, 15.1 to 25.7 μM for cisplatin and carboplatin, respectively. Conclusion In this study the combination of docetaxel plus cisplatin was considerably more active in vitro than any of the other taxane plus platinum agent combinations evaluated in the panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines. In vitro activity was similar to previously report clinical studies comparing taxane and platinum combination regimens. This suggests the combination of docetaxel with cisplatin will have enhanced clinical activity compared to the paclitaxel plus carboplatin regimen.
Dosimetry Errors in Co-60 Gamma Cells Due to Transition Zone Phenomena

Measurements were made of the enhanced dose deposited by Co-60 gamma rays in aluminum next to gold after the radiation had been attenuated by variable thicknesses of paraffin wax, aluminum, steel or lead. The gold films varied in thickness from 0.65 to 250 ?m. It was observed that the dose enhancement factor increased exponentially with the thickness of the attenuating material. Enhancement factors greater than 7.0 were observed for 66 g/cm2 of wax. The largest enhancement factor previously reported for a Co-60 source was slightly greater than 2.0. Using available calculations of differential photon intensity spectra and dose enhancement factors for monochromatic photon energies it was estimated that the enhancement could reach a maximum of ~10 at 100 g/cm2 and would not increase significantly for greater masses of attenuating material. The enhancement was experimentally found to be a maximum for ~6?m gold films and as great as a factor of two for gold less than 0.65?m thick. A simple empirical model reproduced the measured values within a few percent for all gold film thicknesses and wax attenuation thicknesses studied. Implications for testing electronic parts are discussed.
Quantitative measurement of inhibition of the enzymatic detoxification of malathion by EPN (ethyl p-nitrophenyl thionobenzenephosphonate).

SummaryA quantitative method for measuring the hydrolytic detoxification of malathion and its toxic metabolite, malaoxon, was developed. Application of the method to normal tissues revealed that the liver of several species contains the highest concentration of the enzyme but serum, kidney and lung also exhibited activity in some species. EPN was found to inhibit the enzyme system which detoxifies malathion in vitro and in vivo. This interference with the detoxification of malathion by EPN provides an explanation for the potentiation of toxicity which occurs when the two compounds are administered simultaneously and suggests the possibility that EPN may inhibit the detoxification of other esters which utilize the same detoxification pathway.
Green manures and plant disease management

AbstractThe use of green manures, which involves the incorporation of fresh plant material, hastraditionally been primarily for the purpose of soil enrichment through the addition of plantorganic matter and nutrients. However, green manures produce many changes in soil physical,chemical and biological properties, and may also result in suppression of speciﬁc plant pathogensand diseases. Green manures increase soil microbial biomass and activity, and cause distinctchanges in soil microbial populations that may be partially responsible for suppression of diseases.However, green manures of different crops and cultivars may vary considerably in their activity orefﬁcacy against different pathogens and diseases. In particular, green manures of Brassica andrelated crops have emerged as most effective for management of multiple plant diseases dueto their biofumigation potential, which refers to the suppression of pathogens and diseasethrough the release of volatile toxic breakdown products, as well as other unique effects on soilmicrobial ecology. Brassica crops and other green manures have been used to control a varietyof plant pathogens, including species of Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, Sclerotinia, Phythophthora, Pythium,Aphanomyces and Macrophomina, in various crop production systems, such as for the managementof multiple soilborne diseases of potato, including black scurf, common scab and Verticillium wilt.Although disease reduction with green manures can be variable and provides only partial control,it is a versatile and readily-implementable additional management strategy that should be used asan important component within a larger integrated disease management program to provideimproved sustainable production systems.Keywords: Green manure, Plant disease, Biofumigation, Brassica, Cover crop, Disease control
In vitro and in vivo inhibition of glycolytic enzymes by acrylamide

The effect of acrylamide on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase has been studied both in vitro and in vivo. Acrylamide inhibited crystalline GAPDH and PFK from rabbit muscle as well as the enzyme present in rat brain and sciatic nerve homogenates in vitro. Inhibition of enzyme activity was a function of the concentration and the duration of preincubation with acrylamide. Enzyme inhibition was prevented by dithiothreitol. Acrylamide did not inhibit LDH activity even at high concentrations. Rats intoxicated with acrylamide had approximately 33% less GAPDH in sciatic nerves, but normal levels were found in liver and brain homogenates. The significance of selective GAPDH inhibition is discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy induced by acrylamide.
Deaf and Hearing Children’s Use of Language Describing Temporal Order among Events

Six experiments are described in which deaf and hearing subjects decided the temporal order of events in picture series and in sentences. The deaf subjects, eight and 11 years old, performed as wel...
Some determinants of perceptual investigatory responses in children

Abstract Twenty-four nursery school children participated in each of three experiments in which one-word requests on the part of the S produced. 14-second tachistoscopic exposures of geometric and meaningful figures. Redundancy (relative uncertainty) had no significant influence on responsiveness, in contrast to the generally positive results from identical experiments with adults obtained separately by Berlyne and Minton. Incongruity and color, however, were effective variables. The response curve for repeated exposure to stimuli was a negatively accelerated, decreasing one, indicative of drive reduction, habituation or fatigue rather than the negatively accelerated, rising curve, similar in form to the usual learning curve previously observed by Berlyne.
Absorption measurements demonstrating the importance of Delta n=0 transitions in the opacity of iron.

Novel opacity calculations, which treat in detail the spectra of medium-Z ions [Rogers and Iglesias, Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 79, 507 (1992)], produce results that are substantially different from opacity calculations extant in the literature. These new opacities provide solutions to a number of outstanding problems in astrophysics, thus providing an indirect validation of the theory. We report the results of an experiment measuring the photoabsorption in the spectral region from 50 to 120 eV of x-ray-heated iron which corroborate these new opacity calculations.
Evidence for a Physiological Role of NH+4Transport on the Secretory Na+-K+-2Cl−Cotransporter☆

Abstract The secretory Na + -K + -2Cl − cotransporter in salivary acinar cells is responsible for driving the transepithelial Cl − fluxes that give rise to fluid secretion. We demonstrate that the application of the muscarinic agonist carbachol to rat parotid acini results in an intracellular acid load that can be blocked by bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of the cotransporter. One component of this bumetanide-sensitive acid load is ouabain-sensitive while a second is dependent on the presence of sub-millimolar concentrations of NH + 4 in our media. Our data indicate that this latter effect arises from NH + 4 entry on the cotransporter operating in a Na + NH + 4 -2Cl − cotransport mode and that at physiological NH + 4 levels in the rat (∼0.1 mM), 10-15% of the acinar Cl − entry occurs via this route. We suggest that Na + NH + 4 -2Cl − cotransport may also play a significant physiological role in other cell types and that this mode of operation of the secretory Na + -K + -2Cl − cotransporter could account for the currently unexplained presence of this protein in a number of tissues.
The effects of prenatal cocaine on language development at 10 years of age.

Abstract Objective To examine the long term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on the language development of 10-year-old children utilizing a prospective design, controlling for confounding drug and environmental factors. Participants Children exposed to cocaine in utero (PCE; n = 175) and non-exposed children (NCE; n = 175) were followed prospectively to 10 years of age and were compared on language subscales of the Test of Language Development-Intermediate 3rd Edition (TOLD-I:3) and phonological processing as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP). Methods Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), linear regression, and logistic regressions were used to evaluate the relationship of prenatal cocaine exposure to language development, while controlling for confounders. Results After controlling for confounding variables, prenatal cocaine effects were observed for specific aspects of language including syntax (Sentence Combining subtest of the TOLD-I:3, p = 0.001), semantics (Malopropism subtest of the TOLD-I:3, p = 0.05) and phonological processing (Phonological Awareness subscale, p = 0.01). The caregiver factors of vocabulary, HOME, and psychological symptoms also had consistent effects on language subtests and phonological processing scores. Children with PCE who experienced foster or adoptive care had enhanced language development compared to those living with birth mothers or in relative care. Cocaine exposed girls had lower scores on the phonological awareness subscale of the CTOPP than non-exposed girls. Conclusions PCE has subtle effects on specific aspects of language development and phonological processing at age 10, even after controlling for confounding variables. Environmental factors (i.e., postnatal lead exposure, home environment, and caregiver vocabulary and psychological symptoms) also impact language skills at 10 years. Adoptive or foster care appears to enrich PCE children's linguistic environment and protects children against language delay in the PCE sample.
Comparative study of thermal inactivation of "Escherichia coli" O157:H7, "Salmonella", and "Listeria monocytogenes" in Ground Pork

: Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in ground pork was compared. The D (decimal reduction time at a certain heating temperature) values of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes at 55 to 70°C were 33.44 to 0.048 min, 45.87 to 0.083 min, and 47.17 to 0.085 min, respectively. The z (temperature rise for 1 log10 reduction of D) value of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes in ground pork was 4.94°C, 5.89°C, and 5.92°C, respectively. Significant difference was found on the D and z values between E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella or between E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes. The D and z values of Salmonella in ground pork were not significantly different from L. monocytogenes.
Anisotropic proximity coupling in small YBa2Cu3O7‐normal‐Pb junctions

We report results of current‐voltage measurements made on small‐area YBa2Cu3O7‐N‐Pb thin‐film junctions (N=Au, Ag) where the orientation of the Cu‐O plane has been varied from (001) to (103) to (100) to study the effects of anisotropy. For (001) and (103) oriented junctions there is no well defined supercurrent despite very low contact resistances. By contrast, (100) junctions do display a well defined supercurrent. We compare these results to recent Josephson work and discuss implications for tunnellng and device work.
Controlled release for local delivery of drugs: barriers and models.

Abstract Controlled release systems are an effective means for local drug delivery. In local drug delivery, the major goal is to supply therapeutic levels of a drug agent at a physical site in the body for a prolonged period. A second goal is to reduce systemic toxicities, by avoiding the delivery of agents to non-target tissues remote from the site. Understanding the dynamics of drug transport in the vicinity of a local drug delivery device is helpful in achieving both of these goals. Here, we provide an overview of controlled release systems for local delivery and we review mathematical models of drug transport in tissue, which describe the local penetration of drugs into tissue and illustrate the factors – such as diffusion, convection, and elimination – that control drug dispersion and its ultimate fate. This review highlights the important role of controlled release science in development of reliable methods for local delivery, as well as the barriers to accomplishing effective delivery in the brain, blood vessels, mucosal epithelia, and the skin.
Evaluation of theoretical approaches for describing the interaction of water with linear acenes.

The interaction of a water monomer with a series of linear acenes (benzene, anthracene, pentacene, heptacene, and nonacene) is investigated using a wide range of electronic structure methods, including several “dispersion”-corrected density functional theory (DFT) methods, several variants of the random phase approximation (RPA), DFT-based symmetry-adapted perturbation theory with density fitting (DF-DFT-SAPT), MP2, and coupled-cluster methods. The DF-DFT-SAPT calculations are used to monitor the evolution of the electrostatics, exchange-repulsion, induction, and dispersion contributions to the interaction energies with increasing acene size and also provide the benchmark data against which the other methods are assessed.
The action of concanavalin A on migrating and differentiating neural crest cells.

Abstract Concanavalin A (ConA) binds preferentially with d -mannopyranosyl sugar residues on the plasma membrane. Embryonic cells are agglutinated in the presence of ConA while adult cells are not. When cultured neural crest cells are treated with various concentrations of this agglutinin throughout maturation, migration and differentiation are inhibited. The inhibition depends both on time and on concentration of ConA. Synthesis of both protein and DNA proceeds. These data indicate that the binding of the agglutinin on the embryonic membrane inhibits morphogenetic function.
The Impact of Employment Status on Voting Behavior

This paper examines the impact of employment status on voting by formally modeling the effect of partisan government on workers' economic interests. These interests are determined by model workers' labor supply decisions, which are conditioned on their expected wage, unemployment benefits, and the probability of receiving a job offer or being laid off. Both probabilities are influenced by the party in power. The solution to the model implies that, relative to the employed, the higher the education level, the income, and the unemployment benefits of the unemployed the less likely they are to vote for the party associated with higher growth. The unemployment rate has the same impact. These hypotheses are successfully tested on NES 1972–2000 U.S. presidential elections data.
Dynamic biomechanical evaluation of the dorsal intercarpal ligament repair for scapholunate instability.

Purpose A variety of soft tissue surgical procedures have been developed for treatment of scapholunate dissociation. One reconstruction method, using the dorsal intercarpal ligament, has been used clinically with some success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate biomechanically use of the dorsal intercarpal ligament for static scapholunate dissociation. Methods Eight cadaver wrists were tested in a wrist joint motion simulator. Each wrist was moved in continuous cycles of flexion–extension and radial–ulnar deviation. Kinematic data for the scaphoid and lunate were recorded for each wrist in the intact state, after the scapholunate interosseous, dorsal radiocarpal, and dorsal intercarpal ligaments were sectioned, and after reconstruction using the dorsal intercarpal ligament. Results Ligamentous sectioning resulted in static scapholunate dissociation. Visually, the repair initially reduced the gap between the scaphoid and lunate, but within a few cycles of wrist motion, there were statistically significant increases in scaphoid flexion, scaphoid ulnar deviation, and lunate extension. In 6 arms, gapping between the scaphoid and lunate was observed. In 2 arms, a gap occurred and the repair also pulled out of the bone junction. Conclusions This study does not support the hypothesis that the dorsal intercarpal ligament repair alone will stabilize the scaphoid and lunate after scapholunate instability in the immediate postoperative period.
Expertise, Counterfactual Thinking, and Fairness Perceptions: A Test of Fairness Theory

While fairness theory (Folger & Cropanzano, 1998, 2001) suggests perceptions of injustice are due to accountability judgments and counterfactual thinking, few studies have examined the influence of contextual variables on counterfactual thinking and the mediating role of counterfactual thought. Further, the few studies that have examined this have resulted in mixed findings, which may be attributable to the methodology used. The present research utilized a unique approach to examine fairness theory: the double-randomized design. Study 1 showed that agent expertise is related to would and should counterfactual strength and the generation of other-attributed counterfactuals (X → M). Study 2 showed that would and should counterfactuals are related to fairness perceptions (M → Y). This study integrates previous research examining fairness theory and highlights the importance of counterfactual thoughts on fairness perceptions when a person’s level of expertise is made salient. Additional implications for research and practice are discussed.
Human chorionic gonadotropin protects Leydig cell function against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in adult rats: role of leydig cell cytoplasmic volume

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters testicular steroidogenesis and reduces Leydig cell volume and number; however, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates testosterone production, increases the number and volume of Leydig cells and prevents TCDD's inhibition of testosterone production. The objective of this study was to determine if hCG protects Leydig cell function by maintaining sufficient Leydig cell cytoplasmic volume in TCDD-treated rats. Adult, male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six treatment groups. Half of the animals received TCDD in corn oil (50 μg/kg body wt) and half received corn oil alone on Day 7 only. Additionally the rats received daily treatment of saline for 14 days, saline for 7 days and then hCG for 7 days, or hCG for 14 days. Rats were sacrificed on Day 14 and tissues collected. The decapsulated left testes were incubated in Eagles MEM for 2 h to determine basal production of testosterone and for 2 additional hours after the addition of hCG (100 IU) to the culture media. The right testis was evaluated by stereology to determine the volume of Leydig cells. Body weight was reduced (P < 0.01) in each TCDD-treated group; whereas, testicular weight was not affected by TCDD or hCG treatment. hCG prevented the TCDD-induced reduction in prostate and seminal vesicles weights. TCDD reduced the total volume of Leydig cell cytoplasm in saline-treated rats, but hCG eliminated the TCDD-induced reduction in Leydig cell cytoplasmic volume. hCG prevented the TCDD-induced reduction in Leydig cell function for both the 7- and 14-day treatments. Variation in the total volume of Leydig cell cytoplasm induced by the various treatment combinations was positively correlated with stimulated testosterone production in vitro (r = 0.486; P < 0.01) and the weight of the androgen sensitive organs (seminal vesicles, r = 0.562, P < 0.01; prostate, r = 0.380, P < 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that hCG prevents the TCDD-reduced Leydig cell function by maintaining sufficient Leydig cell cytoplasm and organelle content.
The role of pyrimidine dimers in postreplication repair in Neurospora

Using the Micrococcus luteus dimer specific endonuclease assay of Wilkins (1973), and photoreactivation we have examined the induction and fate of ultraviolet induced pyrimidine dimers in the excision defective strain, uvs-2, of Neurospora crassa. Dimer induction was fluence dependent from 0 to 800 ergs/mm2 UV. An interdimer distance of 19.6x106 DNA molecular weight was found after a fluence of 220 ergs/mm2. We confirm the earlier report that this mutant is completely excision defective (Worthy and Epler 1972). Photoreactivation (PR), which greatly enhanced survival (by 10 fold after 440 ergs/mm2 UV), reduced significantly (40–44%) the number of UV-endonuclease sensitive sites found in irradiated DNA. This treatment also alleviated immediately some of the temporary blocks to high molecular weight DNA synthesis (elongation or ligation) seen in irradiated cells. We have also attempted to elucidate the mechanism of cellular postreplication repair used to overcome the UV inhibition to DNA synthesis. It was determined that during postreplication repair, Neurospora does not use recombination to bypass dimers and that single stranded DNA gaps opposite dimers do not appear to be present during the time when DNA being synthesized is made only in short pieces.
Towards an MHD theory for the standoff distance of Earth's bow shock

A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory is developed for the standoff distance a(s) of the bow shock and the thickness Delta(ms) of the magnetosheath, using the empirical Spreiter et al. relation Delta(ms) = kX and the MHD density ratio X across the shock. The theory includes as special cases the well-known gasdynamic theory and associated phenomenological MHD-like models for Delta(ms) and As. In general, however, MHD effects produce major differences from previous models, especially at low Alfev (Ma) and Sonic (Ms) Mach numbers. The magnetic field orientation Ma, Ms and the ratio of specific heats gamma are all important variables of the theory. In contrast, the fast mode Mach number need play no direct role. Three principle conclusions are reached. First the gasdynamic and phenomenological models miss important dependences of field orientation and Ms generally provide poor approximations to the MHD results. Second, changes in field orientation and Ms are predicted to cause factor of approximately 4 changes in Delta(ms) at low Ma. These effects should be important when predicting the shock's location or calculating gramma from observations. Third, using Spreiter et al.'s value for k in the MHD theory leads to maxima a(s) values at low Ma and nominal Ms that are much smaller than observations and MHD simulations require. Resolving this problem requires either the modified Spreiter-like relation and larger k found in recent MHD simulations and/or a breakdown in the Spreiter-like relation at very low Ma.
Integrated material state awareness system with self-learning symbiotic diagnostic algorithms and models

Materials State Awareness (MSA) goes beyond traditional NDE and SHM in its challenge to characterize the current state of material damage before the onset of macro-damage such as cracks. A highly reliable, minimally invasive system for MSA of Aerospace Structures, Naval structures as well as next generation space systems is critically needed. Development of such a system will require a reliable SHM system that can detect the onset of damage well before the flaw grows to a critical size. Therefore, it is important to develop an integrated SHM system that not only detects macroscale damages in the structures but also provides an early indication of flaw precursors and microdamages. The early warning for flaw precursors and their evolution provided by an SHM system can then be used to define remedial strategies before the structural damage leads to failure, and significantly improve the safety and reliability of the structures. Thus, in this article a preliminary concept of developing the Hybrid Distributed Sensor Network Integrated with Self-learning Symbiotic Diagnostic Algorithms and Models to accurately and reliably detect the precursors to damages that occur to the structure are discussed. Experiments conducted in a laboratory environment shows potential of the proposed technique.
Mappings of Window Functions

In this paper we examine the mathematical relationships between window functions that share the same finite support. First, we find that the set of windows is closed under mappings that transform one into another or operations that operate on two or more windows that produce another window in the set. These operations include linear combinations, geometric combinations, raising to a power, and others, which all result in new window functions. The linear combination mapping operates on a number of windows to produce a new window in their convex hull and results in a search space using the Barycentric coordinates of any point to find optimal windows to satisfy a cost function. Any sequence of transformations or operations will result in fixed points. These fixed points, which are invariant under the operations, reflect the limits and importance of the operations. Operating on given windows with a sequence of transformations and operations, possibly iteratively, is shown to result in optimal windows.
Otolaryngologic Challenges in Cleft/Craniofacial Care:

An otolaryngology evaluation is an important aspect of care for any patient with craniofacial conditions. Otolaryngologists are commonly involved in the care of these patients to treat chronic otitis media, which frequently requires placement of pressure equalization tubes; however, there are many other otorhinolaryngologic issues that are addressed. Patients with craniofacial conditions may struggle with nasal obstruction, airway compromise, obstructive sleep apnea, dysphonia, swallowing, chronic sinonasal disease, and otologic disease.
The Environmental Protection Agency's National SunWise School Program: Sun protection education in US schools (1999-2000)

Abstract Background: Melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer, is rising at a rate faster than that of all preventable cancers except lung cancer in the United States. Childhood exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases the risk for skin cancer as an adult; thus starting positive sun protection habits early may be key to reducing incidence. Methods: We evaluated the US Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise School Program, a national, environmental education program for sun safety of children in primary and secondary schools (kindergarten through eighth grade). The program was evaluated with surveys administered to participating students. An identical 18-question, self-administered survey was completed by students (median age, 10 years) in the classroom before and immediately after the SunWise educational program. Results: Surveys were completed by students in 40 schools before (pretests; n=1894) and after the program was presented (post-tests; n=1815). Significant improvement was noted for the 3 knowledge variables: appropriate type of sunscreen to be used for outdoor play, highest UV Index number, and need for hats and shirts outside. Intentions to play in the shade increased from 73% to 78% ( P Conclusions: Brief, standardized sun protection education can be efficiently interwoven into school health education and result in improvements in knowledge and positive intentions for sun protection.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL LUMBOSACRAL INTER VERTEBRAL DISC IN 22 DOGS

Computed tomography of the lumbosacral spine was performed on 22 purpose-bred, medium-sized hound dogs between 1 and 6 years of age. Images were evaluated to determine the degree of disc bulge. All dogs were neurologically normal. Dogs were imaged in dorsal recumbency with the pelvic limbs variably extended. Sagittal reconstructions were made from transverse images. The mean (+/-SD) width of the mid-portion of the L7-S1 intervertebral disc was 0.5 +/- 0.07 cm (range 0.33-0.62 cm). All L7-S1 intervertebral discs were dorsally convex, with the mean bulge measuring 0.25 +/- 0.07 cm (range 0.17-0.50 cm). The height of the vertebral canal at L7-S1 was 0.91 +/- 0.11 cm (range 0.68-1.15 cm). The mean percentage of the vertebral canal occupied by the bulge was 26.89 +/- 5.05% (range 20.74-43.08%). Mild bulging of the L7-S1 intervertebral disc can be present without associated neuropathy in medium-sized dogs.
Formation of a crater in the workpiece on an electrical discharge machine

Abstract A steel molding of ASTM A681 developed a large crater while being fabricated on an electrical discharge machine. Most probably, the fault was caused by inadequate flushing of the dielectric/coolant.
Comments on "The Identification of Maximal Parallelism in Straight-Line Microprograms"

This correspondence makes a comment on an aspect of a recent paper1by Dasgupta and Tartar.1The purpose here is to point out an implicit assumption used in their presented algorithm which prevents it from producing optimum output for all input sequences.
A rapid analytical technique for flow cytometric analysis of cell viability using calcofluor white M2R

Analysis of dead versus live cells is shown to be possible using Calcoflour White M2R (CFW), a fluorescent brightener. Comparison of CFW with both propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) was performed on a FACS 440 dual laser flow cytometer on several populations of cultured rat and mouse cell lines, peripheral leukocytes, splenocytes, diatoms, and plant protoplasts. As a measure of cell viability, staining results with CFW were strongly associated with PI (correlation coefficient of 0.9886) and FDA (inverse correlation coefficient of 0.9647). With plant and algal cells, controls are necessary as CFW does stain live cells to some extent. CFW (excitation: UV, emission max: 435 nm) can be used in conjunction with two-color immunofluorescence analysis using fluorochromes excited at 488 nm with no interference.
Are we looking for content in all the wrong places? The significance of human factors research for complex tasks in documentation

For complex tasks and problems, users need instructional content that differs in kind from the information in current documentation. To develop this content, writers need to adopt new contextual perspectives on tasks similar to the views in much recent research in interface design. These perspectives alter current assumptions about learning, performance, and the nature of instructional information for mental models, procedural steps, and errors.
Bottom-up learning in marketing frontlines: conceptualization, processes, and consequences

This study proposes a frontline learning process by which organizations capture new knowledge generated by frontline employees in addressing productivity-quality tradeoffs during customer interactions and transform it into updated knowledge for frontline use. Updated knowledge, in turn, is posited to influence customer satisfaction and financial outcomes (i.e., revenue, efficiency). Empirical testing with multi-source data reveals that: (1) knowledge articulation mediates the transformation of knowledge generated in the frontlines into updated knowledge, (2) updated frontline knowledge positively impacts customer and financial outcomes, and (3) frontline employee workload inhibits the transformational process unless it is at an intermediate level (inverted U-effect), while employee goal convergence bolsters it linearly.
Predicting reactions to everyday events from measures of self-esteem

The responses of 47 women and 43 men to everyday social and achievement events were gathered for a three-week time period Subjects' self-ratings of competence and performance following achievement events were positively related to their scores on the Performance-Self-Esteem Scale (PSES) More positive and consistent relationships between subjects' responses and PSES scores were found among subjects scoring low on a social self-esteem measure (SSES) than among subjects scoring high on the SSES Similarly, SSES level was positively related to subjects' responses to social events only among subjects scoring low on the PSES The importance of using sets of specific self-esteem measures for exploring subjects' reactions to everyday events is discussed