cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending the Debate over Nationalism Versus Integration: How Cultural Commitments and Assimilation Trajectories Influence Beliefs About Black Power

This paper revisits the longstanding ideological debate over black nationalism versus inter-racial integration. Survey research in this area concentrates on various concerns related to black nationalism. Consequently, scholars know very little about the relative effects of factors influencing the broader variation in beliefs about Black Power. The present study addresses this gap in the literature in several ways, most notably by testing predictions deriving from the Investment in Blackness Hypothesis. This new assimilation-based theory of adult African American identity posits that cultural commitments and assimilation trajectories drive contrasting levels of support for black nationalism and inter-racial integration. Findings from the 1997 Survey of Chicago African Americans are largely consistent with the investment thesis. The implications of the results are discussed, as well as the study’s limitations and suggestions for future research.
Role of LINC proteins in plant nuclear morphology

A common fate of post-mitotic interphase plant nuclei is morphological differentiation into an array of shapes and sizes. Development of nuclear morphology occurs in a cell-specific manner and is influenced by cell shape and nuclear DNA content. The LINC (LITTLE NUCLEI) proteins are plant-specific nuclear coiled-coil proteins that appear to couple nuclear development to cellular (shape) and nuclear (DNA content) cues. linc mutations cause a variety of defects, including smaller more spherical nuclei and whole-plant dwarfing. Supplementing our previous results, we constructed transgenic plants expressing LINC1-GFP from the native promoter and found that LINC1 is predominantly expressed in proliferating tissues. Moreover, LINC1-GFP signal was found to be concentrated at the nuclear periphery. These results suggest that LINC1 plays an important structural role at an early stage in nuclear development.
Rapid omnidirectional vision acquisition using an intelligent linear scanning technique

Many computer vision applications can benefit from omnidirectional vision sensing, rather than depending solely on conventional cameras that have constrained fields of view. For example, mobile robots often require a full 360° view of their environment in order to perform navigational tasks such identifying landmarks, localizing within the environment, and determining free paths in which to move. There has been much research interest in omnidirectional vision in the past decade and many techniques have been developed. These techniques include: (i) catadioptric methods which can provide rapid image acquisition, but lack image resolution; and (ii) mosaicing and linear scanning techniques which have high image resolution but typically have slow image acquisition speed. In this paper, we introduce a novel linear scanning panoramic vision system that can acquire panoramic images quickly with little loss of image resolution. The system makes use of a fast line-scan camera, instead of a slower, conventional area-scan camera. In addition, a unique coarse-to-fine panoramic imaging technique has been developed that is based on smart sensing principles. Using the active vision paradigm, we control the motion of the rotating camera using feedback from the images. This results in high acquisition speeds and proportionally low storage requirements. Experimentation has been carried out, and results are given.
Development of Newborn and Infant Vaccines

Vaccines for early-life immunization are a crucial biomedical intervention to reduce global morbidity and mortality, yet their developmental path has been largely ad hoc, empiric, and inconsistent. Immune responses of human newborns and infants are distinct and cannot be predicted from those of human adults or animal models. Therefore, understanding and modeling age-specific human immune responses will be vital to the rational design and development of safe and effective vaccines for newborns and infants.
An enzymatically inactive variant of human lactate dehydrogenase-LDHBGUA-1 Study of subunit interaction

Abstract The LDHBGUA-1 variant is an electrophoretic variant which is enzymatically inactive. It is only detectable because of its ability to form heterotetramers with A and/or active B subunits and alter the electrophoretic pattern, although all evidence suggests the B-GUA-1 subunits are always enzymatically inactive. All tetrameric combinatious of active plus inactive subunits including either an A or active B plus three inactive B subunits possess enzymatic activity. The heterotetramers composed of A and B-GUA-1 subunits are more thermostable than A4 homotetramers but less thermostable than normal AB heterotetramers. The AB-GUA-1 heterotetramers composed of active A and inactive B subunits have a Km for pyruvate, for lactate and for NADH which is similar to that observed for normal AB heterotetramers. The substrate specificity of the A plus normal B heterotetramer and the A plus variant B heterotetramer with α-hydroxybutyrate or the acetylpyridine analog of NAD as substrate are similar, while differences between the normal and variant erythrocyte isozymes are observed when glyoxalate is the substrate. Interaction with the B-GUA-I subunit reduces the sensitivity of the A subunit to urea inhibition (independent of dissociation), as does the active B subunit, but the inactive B subunit does not modulate the inhibition by oxalate. Although a single active subunit in a tetrameric conformation is sufficient for enzymatic activity, many of the kinetic properties of the lactate dehydrogenase molecule reflect the tetrameric structure rather than the sum of independent subunits. Thus communication among the subunits must exist and conformational changes which affect the catalytic properties of the enzyme ( l -lactate:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.27) must occur during tetramer formation.
Calmodulin-binding domain of recombinant erythrocyte beta-adducin.

Abstract Adducin is a 200-kDa heterodimeric protein of the cortical cytoskeleton of mammalian erythrocytes. Analogs are also abundant in brain and several other tissues. In vitro, adducin bundles F-actin and enhances the binding of spectrin to actin. Previous studies have established that the beta subunit of adducin binds calmodulin (CaM) in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion with intermediate affinity (approximately 200 nM) and that this activity is destroyed by proteolysis. We have confirmed the trypsin sensitivity of CaM binding by beta-adducin and the existence of a 38- to 39-kDa protease-resistant core. Calpain I digestion generates a larger core fragment (49 kDa) that is also devoid of CaM-binding activity. Use of recombinant beta-adducin peptides generated from partial cDNA clones identified strong CaM-binding activity within the protease-sensitive domain in residues 425-461: KQQKEKTRWLNTPNTYLRVNVADEVQRNMGSPRPKTT in single-letter amino acid codes. This region of the molecule is highly conserved between mouse, rat, and human and shares structural features with CaM-binding sequences in other proteins. Multiple flanking PEST sequences (sequences rich in proline, glutamic acid, serine, and threonine residues that enhance proteolytic sensitivity) may contribute to the protease sensitivity of this region. Consensus sequences for phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent kinases and by protein kinase C (or CaM-dependent kinase) are also found within or near this CaM-binding domain. Collectively, these data suggest a structural basis for the regulation of adducin by Ca(2+)-dependent CaM binding and possibly by covalent phosphorylation and calpain I-mediated proteolysis as well.
A prospective study of genetic markers of susceptibility to infection and inflammation, and the severity, progression, and regression of coronary atherosclerosis and its response to therapy.

Inflammation plays a key role in susceptibility to coronary atherosclerosis and response to therapy. A diverse array of factors modulates inflammation, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and CD14 receptors on the surface of macrophages. Genes encoding for inflammatory markers have variants that regulate their expression and are potential risk factors for atherosclerosis. We prospectively analyzed the possible association of CD14 –260C/T, TNF-α –308G/A, and IL-6 –174G/C variants, located in the promoter regions, with the severity, progression, and response to therapy of coronary atherosclerosis in a well-characterized cohort. We studied 375 subjects enrolled in the Lipoprotein and Coronary Atherosclerosis Study (LCAS). Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction mapping. Fasting plasma lipids and quantitative coronary angiograms were obtained at baseline and 2.5 years following randomization to fluvastatin or placebo. Distributions of genotypes were – for CD14: 100 CC, 184 CT, and 86 TT; IL-6: 152 GG, 153 GC, and 62 CC; and TNF-α: 244 GG, 110 GA, and 17 AA. The CD14 CC genotype was associated with incidence of new coronary occlusion (P=0.026); TNF-α AA genotype with history of myocardial infarction (MI, P=0.04), and A allele with total occlusions at baseline (P=0.027), and systolic blood pressure (P=0.046); and IL-6–174 CC genotype with baseline minimum lumen diameter (P=0.043) and reduction in lipoprotein(a) with fluvastatin (P=0.03). Otherwise, no association between the genotypes and the biochemical, angiographic, and clinical phenotypes was detected, and neither were genotype–treatment interactions. Functional variants of CD14 –260C/T, TNF-α –308G/A, and IL-6 –174G/C, implicated in the susceptibility to infection, are unlikely to confer major risk for susceptibility to coronary atherosclerosis and its progression or response to therapy in the LCAS population.
Evaluation of Tenax Gc Sorbent For IN SITU Formation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine

Abstract The formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (DMN) from dimethylamine (DMA) in the presence of ozone, NOx, NO, NO2 and humidity was evaluated for the sorbent, Tenax GC under conditions relevant to field sampling. Traces (<30 ppt) of DMN were formed from DMA when using a sampling cartridge containing Tenax GC held by glass wool plugs preceded by a glass fiber filter and high atmospheric concentrations of NO, NO2 and O3. However, the trace levels of DMN do not hamper the use of the Tenax GC cartridge sampler for ambient air sampling.
Terikalant, an inward-rectifier potassium channel blocker, does not abolish the cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning in the rat

Recent results have shown that the sulfonylurea receptor couples to several types of inward-rectifier potassium (KIR) channels, which suggests that sensitivity to blockade of a pathophysiological phenomenon such as ischemic preconditioning (PC) by glibenclamide may not be the result of this compound selectively blocking the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Therefore, to address this possibility, a role for myocardial KIR v KATP channels in ischemic PC was evaluated in the rat. To test this hypothesis, anesthetized, open-chest, male Wistar rats were assigned to one of seven experimental protocols. Animals assigned to group I (control) received 30 min of occlusion and 2 h of reperfusion. Ischemic PC was produced by 3x5-min occlusion and 2-h reperfusion periods (group II). Terikalant (TK), an inward-rectifier potassium channel blocker, was used to test the role of other K+ channels, most notably the KIR, in the cardioprotective effect of ischemic PC in the rat. TK was given at a dose of 3 mg/kg, i.v., 15 min before the prolonged occlusion and reperfusion periods (group III). In groups IV, V, and VI terikalant (1, 3 and 6 mg/kg, i.v.) was given 15 min before ischemic PC (lowTK+PC, medTK+PC and hiTK+PC, respectively). Group VII consisted of glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) given 30 min prior to ischemic PC (GLY+PC). Infarct size (IS) as a percent of the area at risk (AAR) was measured using the histochemical stain, 2,3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The average IS/AAR for the control was 49.9+/-2.1%. Ischemic PC markedly reduced infarct size (8.6+/-1. 8%; * P<0.05 v control). Terikalant (TK; 1, 3 and 6 mg/kg, i.v.) did not abolish the cardioprotective effect of ischemic PC at any dose (15.5+/-6.4, 16.4+/-5.2 and 8.8+/-1.6%, respectively; * P<0.05 v control). TK itself had no effect on infarct size. GLY completely abolished the cardioprotective effect of ischemic PC (48.2+/-6.4%). In addition, the high dose of TK significantly (P<0.05) increased the action potential duration at 50% repolarization from 48+/-3 to 64+/-4 ms and 30 microM of TK, a concentration which produced a 39% decrease in the inward-rectifier potassium channel current in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes in the whole-cell patch-clamp mode did not block the increase in K ATP current produced by the KATP opener bimakalim (3 microM). These results demonstrate that although the myocardial KATP channel belongs to the K IR superfamily, the endogenous myocardial KIR channel does not mediate ischemic PC in the rat heart; however, the K ATP channel does mediate its cardioprotective effect.
Electron transfer reactions of redox cofactors in spinach photosystem I reaction center protein in lipid films on electrodes.

Thin film voltammetry was used to obtain direct, reversible, electron transfer between electrodes and spinach Photosystem I reaction center (PS I) in lipid films for the first time. This reaction center (RC) protein retains its native conformation in the films, and AFM showed that film structure rearranges during the first several minutes of rehydration of the film. Two well-defined chemically reversible reduction−oxidation peaks were observed for native PS I in the dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine films, and were assigned to phylloquinone, A1 (Em = −0.54 V) and iron−sulfur clusters, FA/FB (Em = −0.19 V) by comparisons with PS I samples selectively depleted of these cofactors. Observed Em values may be influenced by protein−lipid interactions and electrode double-layer effects. Voltammetry was consistent with simple kinetically limited electron transfers, and analysis of reduction−oxidation peak separations gave electrochemical rate constants of 7.2 s-1 for A1 and 65 s-1 for FA/FB. A catalytic process was o...
On reduced lantern relations in mapping class groups

Let S be a hyperbolic Riemann surface with a finite area. Let G be the covering group of S acting on the hyperbolic plane H. In this paper, the author studies some algebraic relations in the mapping class group of Ṡ for Ṡ = S\{a point}. The author shows that the only possible relations between products of two Dehn twists and products of mapping classes determined by two parabolic elements of G are the reduced lantern relations. As a consequence, a partial solution to a problem posed by J. D. McCarthy is obtained.
Operating Current Reduction in Nickel Oxide Correlated Electron Random Access Memories (CeRAMs) Through Controlled Fabrication Processes

Low temperature process for metal organic decomposition (MOD) derived stable and charge compensated thin NiO films is presented. The coordination number ‘fine tuning’ in nickel oxide Correlated Electron Random Access Memories (CeRAMs) is obtained via carbonyl ligand doping. Further regulation of the number of oxygen vacancies and the surface excess of metal ions is realized by selecting the most stable metal-oxide interfaces. Inserting the ultrathin homo- or heterogeneous oxide layers or oxygen diffusion barriers into the top metal-oxide interface is just one example. We have demonstrated the improved performance of the CeRAM cell obtained by a combination of material doping, layer grading, oxygen diffusion barrier and the small cell sizes. It is shown that optimization of various process conditions leads to the endurance parameters improvement and the write current reduction for relatively large device areas with external compliance circuitry. Further current reduction through the cell size scaling and t...
Mechanistic investigation of stoichiometric alkyne insertion into Pt-B bonds and related chemistry bearing on the catalytic diborylation of alkynes mediated by platinum(II) diboryl complexes

The insertion reactivity of alkynes with the diboryl complex (Ph3P)2Pt(BCat)2 (1, Cat ≡ {C6H4O2}2-) has been investigated. Under stoichiometric conditions 1 mediates cis-diborylation of alkynes and the (PPh3)2Pt fragment is trapped by alkyne to give the corresponding Pt−alkyne complexes. Kinetic studies under pseudo first-order conditions of alkyne indicate that the reaction is first order in 1. In the absence of added phosphine, no alkyne dependence is observed. The stoichiometric reaction is inhibited by phosphine addition, and under these conditions, a first-order dependence on alkyne concentration is observed for the disappearance of 1. The stoichiometric results exclude simple, bimolecular insertion of an alkyne into Pt−B bonds of 1, and the observed dependence on phosphine and alkyne strongly favors a mechanism where phosphine dissociation generates a three-coordinate intermediate that mediates alkyne insertion. Activation parameters for the stoichiometric alkyne insertion were derived from the temp...
Combination therapy for adult T-cell leukemia-xenografted mice: flavopiridol and anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) develops in a small proportion of individuals infected with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-1. The leukemia consists of an overabundance of activated T cells, which express CD25 on their cell surfaces. Presently, there is no accepted curative therapy for ATL. Flavopiridol, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, has potent antiproliferative effects and antitumor activity. We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of flavopiridol alone and in combination with humanized anti-Tac antibody (HAT), which recognizes CD25, in a murine model of human ATL. The ATL model was established by intraperitoneal injection of MET-1 leukemic cells into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Either flavopiridol, given 2.5 mg/kg body weight daily for 5 days, or HAT, given 100 μg weekly for 4 weeks, inhibited tumor growth as monitored by serum levels of human β-2-microglobulin (β2μ; P < .01), and prolonged survival of the leukemia-bearing mice ( P < .05) as compared with the control group. Combination of the 2 agents dramatically enhanced the antitumor effect, as shown by both β2μ levels and survival of the mice, when compared with those in the flavopiridol or HAT alone group ( P < .01). The significantly improved therapeutic efficacy by combining flavopiridol with HAT provides support for a clinical trial in the treatment of ATL.
Valve ring abscess in infective endocarditis: Visualization with wide angle two dimensional echocardiography

Two dimensional echocardiography permitted visualization of a valve ring abscess complicating infective endocarditis in four patients. Abscess formation was defined as an echo-free cavity within tissues surrounding the infected valve. Abscess in the valve ring extended into the perivalvular structures, including the upper ventricular septum (one patient), left ventricular myocardium (one patient) and contiguous fibrous structures (three patients). Two dimensional echocardiography is the only noninvasive technique for direct visualization of the abscess cavity complicating infective endocarditis and may allow better appreciation of incidence, evolution and natural (or unnatural) course of this heretofore seldom recognized complication of infective endocarditis.
Modified Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method for Dynamic Data Integration Using Streamline Approach

In this paper, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach is used for sampling of the permeability field conditioned on the dynamic data. The novelty of the approach consists of using an approximation of the dynamic data based on streamline computations. The simulations using the streamline approach allows us to obtain analytical approximations in the small neighborhood of the previously computed dynamic data. Using this approximation, we employ a two-stage MCMC approach. In the first stage, the approximation of the dynamic data is used to modify the instrumental proposal distribution. The obtained chain correctly samples from the posterior distribution; the modified Markov chain converges to a steady state corresponding to the posterior distribution. Moreover, this approximation increases the acceptance rate, and reduces the computational time required for MCMC sampling. Numerical results are presented.
Effect of chorion-decidua on prostaglandin E2 production in human fetal membranes

FETAL MEMBRANES HASSAN HARIRAH, WAHIDUZ ZAMAN, MAHMOUD AHMED, GARY HANKINS, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galveston, Texas OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of contact between the layers of human fetal membranes on prostaglandin E2 production using in vitro culture explant model. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal membranes (n=15) collected from (n=15) pregnant women who underwent elective C/S. Tissue segments, 2 cm in diameter, from a) amnion layer alone, b) chorion-decidua layer alone, and c) attached amnion and chorion-dcidua layers were incubated in DMEM culture media C FBS at 37(C for 48 hrs. Prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), and prostaglandin E2 metabolites (PGEM) concentrations in culture media were measured at 6, 24, and 48-hr intervals using Elisa assays. One Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used for comparison between PGE2 and PGEM concentrations produced by amnion alone vs. chorion-decidua alone, vs. attached amnion-chorion-decidua at 6, 24, and 48-hr intervals. Data are expressed in means G SD. RESULTS: At 6, 24, and 48-hr, amnion explants produced high levels of PGE2 (6147.4G7454.5, 10561.9G12613.9, and 9121.1G10199.3 pg/mL) and low levels of PGEM (32.0G27.28, 48.02G41.57, and 37.35G34.58 pg/mL). In contrast, chorion-decidua explants produced lower levels of PGE2 (210.2G325.1, 361.9G629.7, and 281.1G661.7 pg/mL) and higher levels of PGEM (463.31G417.7, 522.41G564.87, and 455.39G522.39 pg/mL) compared to those produced by the amnion. When the amnion and choriondecidua layers were kept attached, there was significant decrease of PGE2 levels (552.5G551.0, 1043.3G1701.9, and 670.2G961.7 pg/mL at 6, 24, and 48-hr) compared to PGE2 produced by the amnion alone; p ! .001, respectively. However,no significant increase noted in PGEM levels (422.48G 246.29, 806.59G789.44, and 459.13G337.06 pg/mL at 6, 24, and 48-hour) compared to PGEM levels produced by amnion alone; p=.9, .2, and .9, respectively. CONCLUSION: 1The contact between the amnion and chorion-decidua layers in human fetal membranes suppresses the production of PGE2 and no significant increase in PGEM. 2The role of chorion-decidua layer in maintainig uterine quiescence and labor deserves further investigation.
Anode power in quasisteady magnetoplasmadynamic accelerators

Anode heat flux in a quasi-steady MPD accelerator has been measured directly and locally by thermocouples attached to the inside surface of a shell anode. These measurements show that over a range of arc current from 5.5 to 44 kA, and argon mass flow from 1 to 48 g/s, the fraction of the total arc power deposited in the anode decreases from 50% at 200 kW to 10% at 20 MW. A theoretical model of the anode heat transfer asserts that energy exchange between electrons and heavy particles in the plasma near the anode occurs over distances greater than the anode sheath thickness, and hence the usual anode fall voltage, electron temperature, and work function contributions to the anode heat flux are supplemented by a contribution from the interelectrode potential. Calculations of anode heat flux using the measured current density, plasma potential, and electron temperature in the plasma adjacent to the anode agree with the direct measurements and indicate that the decrease in anode power fraction at higher arc powers can be attributed to the smaller mean free paths in the interelectrode plasma.
Atomic force microscopy nanotribology study of oligothiophene self-assembled films

The oligothiophene derivative 4-(-tetradecyl-[] pentathiophen-5-yl)-butyric acid (C14-5TBA) was synthesized and the structural and mechanical properties of self-assembled monolayers on mica have been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The films were prepared by drop casting a dilute THF solution (1 mM) of the oligothiophene on mica. Islands containing primarily monolayers with a very small percentage of multilayers were formed. The molecules adsorb through the carboxylic group, and expose the alkyl chain (CH2)13CH3. High resolution AFM scans reveal a well ordered structure of molecules with unit cell dimensions of 0.65 and 0.46 nm. Applying load to the tip, the molecular film was gradually compressed from an initial height of 4.1 nm to a final one of 2.6 nm, corresponding to a tilt of the alkyl chains. In regions covered with bilayers the molecules in the second layer were oriented opposite to those in the first layer, thus exposing the carboxylic end group to the air. This second layer was easily removed as the tip pressure increased.
Setting National Priorities: The 1973 Budget

The present size of Federal spending (almost $1,200 per capita, $4,800 for a family of four), the growth of expenditure (from $112 billion in 1963 to $256 billion in 1973), and strongly supported proposals for new undertakings of major significance such factors make serious study of Federal finances a matter of profound significance. This volume, the third in what we can hope will continue as an annual series, deserves wide attention. The authors and their supporting staff (and all that goes into rapid production of a volume of this size, including its 98 tables) have given us a most timely analysis or set of analyses. The volume bears directly upon issues on which Congress may act in 1972 and 1973. More generally, however, "final" decisions will await later action. The scholarly, nonpartisan, and searching substance of these chapters ought to help raise the level of political discussion, so often superficial and even irresponsible. An initial overview sketches a brief history, gives highlights of the budget proposals of January 1972, and indicates what to expect in the remainder of the volume. Four chapters then deal with foreign policy and national security. They recognize the need for "building systematic relationships between military forces and national security interests" (p. 25). This section draws upon exhaustive studies of basic choices not only for the coming year but for a much longer period. Alternatives are "priced" seven for strategic forces, four each for navy general
A Decision Analysis of Practice Patterns Used in Evaluating and Treating Abnormal Pap Smears

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate contemporary methods of evaluating and treating abnormal Pap smears, in terms of their potential for excessive treatment and financial impact on health care delivery systems. Methods: Clinical algorithms for the evaluation and treatment of abnormal Pap smears were constructed, taking into consideration different philosophies on the need for colposcopic biopsy, the role of cryotherapy, and LLETZ. The algorithms employed (1) colposcopy of all patients with cryotherapy of mild dysplasia and LLETZ of moderate to severe dysplasia; (2) colposcopy with observation of mild dysplasia, treatment of moderate dysplasia by cryotherapy, and severe dysplasia by LLETZ; (3) colposcopy of LGSIL Paps before treatment and immediate LLETZ of HGSIL; and (4) immediate LLETZ of LGSIL and HGSIL Paps. Each algorithm was theoretically applied to a cohort of colposcopy clinic patients based upon referral Pap smear, with excessive treatment and costs calculated. The cohort's repeat Pap smear, colposcopic biopsy, and candidacy for cryotherapy were included in the analysis. The decision to use repeat Pap smear in treatment planning, submit only diagnostic LLETZ pathology, and select immediate LLETZ candidates by HGSIL/severe dysplasia Pap smear was considered. Financial impact was calculated using nationwide fiftieth-percentile reimbursement costs for procedures and related pathology. Results: Colposcopy provided little opportunity for excessive treatment. In contrast, 49.3% of cases subjected to immediate LLETZ would theoretically not have required treatment, if initially evaluated by colposcopy. The use of the subset of HGSIL cases encompassing severe dysplasia only identified patients suitable for immediate LLETZ, with an excessive treatment rate of only 2.8%. Traditional colposcopy (algorithm 2) would have been least expensive at $718 per patient. Algorithms 1 and 3 were intermediate at $785 and $754 per patient, respectively. Immediate LLETZ of all abnormal Paps (algorithm 4) would have been most costly at $838 per patient. Conclusions: The abandonment of colposcopy and reliance on immediate LLETZ for evaluation and treatment of cervical lesions would have been expensive and had significant potential for excessive treatment. Traditional colposcopic evaluation, coupled with observation of mild dysplasia, appeared to be the most cost-effective means of treating cervical dysplasia and had a low potential for excessive treatment.
Relationship between potassium, aspartate and several amino acids in the circumesophageal connectives of the lobster

Abstract 1. 1. The contents of potassium, aspartate, glutamate, glycine, proline and alanine were determined in the four neuronal areas of the connectives from the CNS of the lobster (Homarus americanus). 2. 2. A correlation between potassium and these five amino acids was shown. 3. 3. The aspartate to potassium correlation was significantly higher than the correlation coefficients of the other amino acids with potassium. 4. 4. These findings do not exclude a neurotransmitter role for aspartate or glutamate in CNS tissue.
Neuropharmacology of Nimodipine: From Single Channels to Behavior

To supplement the existing pharmacological evidence describing the effects of nimodipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine with calcium channel blocking properties, our group has used a multidisciplinary approach. This work attempts to characterize the mechanism of action of nimodipine in neurons as well as investigate the effects of nimodipine in models of neurodegeneration and dementia. Patch voltage clamp studies demonstrated high-affinity nimodipine block of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel activity in central neurons from primary cultures of neonatal rat hippocampus. Nimodipine potently blocks depolarization-induced increases in free calcium throughout the soma of these hippocampal neurons. In addition, somatic free calcium elevations induced by acute beta A4(25-35) exposure are also potently blocked by nimodipine. In behavioral studies, nimodipine produced enhanced retention in aging rabbits on eyeblink conditioning and also was shown to protect against medial septal lesion-induced retention deficits in a spatial learning task. These findings, from channel to behavioral effects, support the therapeutic usefulness of nimodipine in the treatment of aging and dementia and are consistent with the view that calcium regulation is important in disorders of neuronal degeneration.
Long and oriented single-walled carbon nanotubes grown by ethanol chemical vapor deposition

We report the controlled chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), using ethanol as the carbon feedstock and bimetallic CoMo-doped mesoporous silica (SBA16) as the catalyst. Ultralong (up to 4 mm) and horizontally aligned SWNTs can be grown directly on flat substrates or across slits (20−120 μm apart), and the orientation of the nanotubes is always parallel to the gas flow direction. The control of the growth direction and length also enables us to fabricate parallel nanotube arrays or two-dimensional networks on flat surfaces. The growth of the carbon nanotubes is relatively fastit is attributed to the high reactivity of ethanol and high activity of the CoMo/SBA16 catalystand no doubt contributes to increased length and orientation control. Unlike previous procedures that have been used to grow well-oriented nanotubes, neither a strong external electrical field nor a fast-heating technique is required in this ethanol CVD process. Moreover, the as-grown SWNTs have a...
Romantic Relationship Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults The Role of Mothers’ Relationship History

With most current studies focusing on the snapshot of family structure and offspring relationship outcomes, this study examined how children's exposure to mothers' cumulative relationship history affected the likelihood of their own romantic involvement in adolescence and relationship frequency from adolescence to young adulthood. Using a large, nationally representative dataset, this study found that the number of mothers' relationship transitions was positively associated with both the likelihood of romantic involvement among adolescent children and relationship frequency their children had from adolescence to young adulthood. Further, the association between mothers' relationship transitions and young adults' relationship frequency was mediated by mother-adolescent relationship closeness and young adults' attitude towards marriage and relationships. Finally, an interaction between mother-adolescent relationship closeness and adolescent gender on young adults' relationship frequency was found.
BLASTPLOT: a PERL module to plot next generation sequencing NCBI-BLAST results

Background The development of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) during the last decade has created an unprecedented amount of sequencing data, as well as the ability to rapidly sequence specimens of interest. Read-based BLAST analysis of NGS data is a common procedure especially in the case of metagenomic samples. However, coverage is usually not enough to allow for de novo assembly. This type of read-based analysis often creates the question of how the reads that align to the same sequence are distributed. The same question applies to preparation of primers or probes for microarray experiments. Although there are several packages that allow the visualization of DNA segments in relation to a reference, in most cases they require the visualization of one reference at a time and the capture of screen shots for each segment. Such a procedure could be tedious and time consuming. The field is in need of a solution that automates the capture of coverage plots for all the segments of interest.
Attachment for Automated Single Breath Diffusing Capacity Measurement

The single breath CO diffusing capacity has proved valuable for screening, particularly in situations in which altered mechanics of breathing do not reflect the degree of pulmonary impairment Although simple in concept, the method has proved technically difficult both for patients and operators. Also, results are modified by the volumes of breathholding, of wash-out and of sampling and by the manner and timing of breathholding. A device is described that eliminates these variables. It is virtually error-proof, simple to operate, inexpensive and easy to construct, has less deadspace, and can be attached to any box-balloon spirometer. Because all switching and sampling is controlled electrically, it is well suited for computer-controlled testing and analysis. Routine use of the instrument for the past two years in our laboratory and during two industrial surveys has greatly reduced the time required for testing and for operator instruction, and the coefficient of variation for test and retest has been reduced from ±8.3 percent to ±2.4 percent.
On the linear smoothing problem

The solution to the smoothing problem for a linear discrete-time system can be obtained directly from Kalman filtering theory by first converting it into a special case of the standard linear filtering problem. This conversion is accomplished by suitably defining a new state vector which contains all the relevant information about the past history of the system.
Secretion of LamB-LacZ by the Signal Recognition Particle Pathway of Escherichia coli

LamB-LacZ fusion proteins have classically been used in studies of the general secretion pathway of Escherichia coli. Here we describe how increasing signal sequence hydrophobicity routes LamB-LacZ Hyb42-1 to the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. Secretion of this hydrophobic fusion variant (H*LamB-LacZ) was reduced in the absence of fully functional Ffh and Ffs, and the translocator jamming caused by Hyb42-1 was prevented by efficient delivery of the fusion to the periplasm. Finally, we found that in the absence of the ribosome-associated chaperone, trigger factor (Tig), LamB-LacZ localized to the periplasm in a SecA-dependent, SRP-independent fashion. Collectively, our results provide compelling in vivo evidence that there is an SRP-dependent cotranslational targeting mechanism in E. coli and argue against a role for trigger factor in pathway discrimination.
Horizontal thermal contraction of oceanic lithosphere: The ultimate limit to the rigid plate approximation

average strain rate inferred from seismic moment release. Newly created (i.e., 0.1 Ma old) lithosphere is displaced by thermal contraction toward lithosphere in old ocean basins at a rate that is 1.35% of the half rate of seafloor spreading, giving displacement rates of 0.1 to 1.1 km Ma �1 (or, equivalently, 0.1 to 1.1 mm a �1 ). Predicted displacement rates parallel to midocean ridges depend strongly on lithospheric age and are proportional to the distance along which contractional strain rates are integrated. Displacement rates can be significant (� 1k m Ma �1 ) for young lithosphere. In particular the displacement of oceanic lithosphere adjacent to southern Baja California relative to lithosphere near the Pacific-Antarctic Rise has an indicated north-south displacement rate between � 3 and � 10 km Ma �1 . This suggests that global plate motion circuits based on the assumption of plate rigidity may be biased by a substantial velocity.
The benefits of biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with narrow QRS, NYHA class II and right ventricular pacing.

Objective: To identify subgroups of heart failure patients who might benefit from biventricular pacing. Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves the quality of life, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and exercise capacity and decreases hospitalizations for heart failure for patients who have severe heart failure and a wide QRS. It is unclear if other populations of heart failure patients would benefit from CRT. Methods: One hundred forty-four consecutive heart failure patients who underwent CRT and completed 3 months of follow-up were reviewed. Demographic, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, and clinical outcome data were analyzed to assess the relationship of functional class and QRS duration before device implantation to postimplant outcomes. Results: There were 20, 88, and 36 patients in NYHA functional class II, III, and IV, respectively. Thirty-four patients had right ventricular pacing and another 29 patients had a QRS duration ≤150 ms. Patients who were in NYHA functional class II at baseline had significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and indices of left ventricular remodeling after CRT. Similar significant findings were seen in the subgroup with right ventricular pacing at baseline after CRT. However, in the subgroup with a narrow QRS duration, there were no significant changes in the indices of left ventricular remodeling or in the NYHA functional class and there was a significant increase in the QRS duration. For the study cohort as a whole, an improvement in NYHA functional class after CRT correlated with a significant decrease in adverse clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Heart failure patients who were in NYHA functional class II and those with right ventricular pacing appeared to benefit from CRT.
Analysis of an Idealized, Three-Dimensional Diabatic Rossby Vortex: A Coherent Structure of the Moist Baroclinic Atmosphere

Abstract The fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) is used to conduct a number of idealized numerical simulations to confirm recent findings of an alternate growth mechanism in a moist baroclinic environment to that of traditional baroclinic instability. In this alternate growth scenario, disturbance growth depends on the presence of sufficient environmental moisture and baroclinicity. The resulting coherent structure, termed a diabatic Rossby vortex (DRV), grows as a result of an approximate phase locking and mutual amplification of two diabatically generated potential vorticity (PV) anomalies: a low-level positive (cyclonic) PV anomaly and a midtropospheric negative (anticyclonic) PV anomaly. The three-dimensional structure of a DRV is found to be qualitatively very similar to that seen in previous two-dimensional model simulations. The most apparent structural discrepancy from the two-dimensional model is the increased s...
Improving Pain Management at the End of Life in the Home Care Environment

Pain management for terminal or end-of-life patients in the home environment is an important quality-of-life issue. Providers in home care have a responsibility to evaluate the quality of their pain management and make changes as necessary to meet patient needs and national guidelines. This article explores some of the specific challenges seen in the home care environment and makes suggestions for addressing these challenges.
Natural Killer Cells Mediate Severe Liver Injury in a Murine Model of Halothane Hepatitis

Severe halothane (HAL)-induced hepatotoxicity occurs in one in 6000–30,000 patients by an unknown mechanism. Female sex is a risk factor in humans and rodents. We tested the hypothesis that a sex difference in natural killer (NK) cell activity contributes to HAL-induced liver injury. HAL (15 mmol/kg, ip) treatment resulted in severe liver injury by 12 h in female, wild-type BALB/cJ mice, and the magnitude of liver injury varied with stage of the estrous cycle. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice developed only mild liver injury. Plasma interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was elevated 10-fold in HAL-treated females compared with similarly treated male mice or with OVX female mice. IFN-γ knockout mice were resistant to severe HAL-induced liver injury. The deactivation of NK cells with anti-asialo GM1 treatment attenuated liver injury and the increase in plasma IFN-γ compared with immunoglobulin G–treated control mice. Mice with a mutated form of perforin, a protein involved in granule-mediated cytotoxicity, were protected from severe liver injury. Furthermore, HAL increased the activity of NK cells in vivo, as indicated by increased surface expression of CD69, an early activation marker. In response to HAL, NK cell receptor ligands on the surface of hepatocytes were expressed in a manner that can activate NK cells. These results confirm the sexual dimorphic hepatotoxic response to HAL in mice and suggest that IFN-γ and NK cells have essential roles in the development of severe HAL-induced hepatotoxicity.
Some Personality Differences in Children Related to Strict or Permissive Parental Discipline

(1957). Some Personality Differences in Children Related to Strict or Permissive Parental Discipline. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 227-249.
A sensitive and specific liquid-chromatographic assay for determination of ganciclovir in plasma and urine and its application to pharmacokinetic studies in the rabbit

A liquid-chromatographic assay for the analysis of ganciclovir in plasma and urine is described. This assay involves the use of acyclovir, an antiviral drug structurally related to ganciclovir, as the internal standard. A two-step sample preparation method is used. After protein is precipitated with acetonitrile and the addition of diethyl ether, ganciclovir and the internal standard are back extracted into a small volume of aqueous ammonium phosphate, taking advantage of their relatively high water solubility. This isocratic method is specific and sufficiently sensitive to allow quantification of ganciclovir throughout the entire range of concentrations observed during therapeutic use of this antiviral drug. There was no interference from various over-the-counter and prescription drugs often prescribed to patients most likely to receive ganciclovir therapy. This assay was used to analyze plasma and urine samples obtained after intravenous administration of ganciclovir to rabbits. Biexponential decay of ganciclovir plasma concentration–time and urinary excretion rate–time profiles was observed, with a mean distribution half-life of 15.8 min and an elimination half-life of 96 min. The mean renal clearance, 9.0 ml/min per kg, exceeds the glomerular filtration rate in the rabbit, indicating that ganciclovir is actively secreted in the renal tubule. Similar results were obtained by determining the renal clearance at steady state during constant-rate intravenous infusion of ganciclovir.
Familial Origins of Gender Role Attitudes

Extensive public opinion research on gender-related attitudes has focused on identifying and understanding the dynamics of individual gender role attitudes, as well as attitudes toward more explicitly policy-related and political issues broadly related to gender. One stream of research considers egalitarianism in a generic sense as in inquiries about whether men and women should have equal roles in public affairs (e.g., Jennings 2006; Sanbonmatsu 2002, chapter 3) and evaluations of the women's movement (e.g., Huddy, Neely, and Lafay 2000). Another line of research has solicited opinions about specific gender-related policies and issues, including support for the ERA (Mansbridge 1986; Plutzer 1991), abortion (e.g., Bolzendahl and Myers 2004; Wilcox and Carr 2010), gender-based affirmative action (Kane and Whipkey 2009), the suitability of women for political life (Sanbonmatsu 2002, chapter 3), and a variety of other issues and policies often noted as being especially relevant for women (Sapiro and Shames 2010).
2007 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: FEAR OF LOSING CONTROL: POWER, PERFECTIONISM, AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

Anecdotal evidence and popular culture suggest that fear of losing control of oneself is common among North American women, yet there is little in the way of data or theory to show why so many women fear loss of control or how to help them to leave that fear behind. In this article a commonly accepted definition of self-regulation is examined through a feminist lens to see how gender-role socialization might affect women's sense of whether and when they can regulate (or control) themselves. Particular attention is paid to eating behavior, body image, and reproductive phases (e.g., premenstrual syndrome) as areas where fears of loss of control are often expressed. Intervention points suggested here are women's standards for body and behavior; the extent of the areas that doing femininity requires them to control; and their beliefs, not only about what they can control, but what they are allowed to do.
Carbon partitioning patterns of mycorrhizal versus non‐mycorrhizal plants: real‐time dynamic measurements using 11CO2

Gas exchange and carbon allocation patterns were studied in two populations of Panicum coloratum, an Africa C-4 grass. The plants were grown in split-root pots, containing partially sterilized soil, with one side either inoculated (I) or not inoculated (NI) with a vesicular arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal Fungus, Gigaspora margarita. Net carbon exchange rates (CER) and stomatal conductances were measured with conventional gas exchange apparatus, and carbon assimilation, translocation, and allocation were measured using photosynthetically-fixed 11 CO2 . Mycorrhizal infection on one half of the split-root system caused a 20%, increase in CER. The effect on CER was less in tillers on the opposite side of the plants from the infected half of the roots. The rate at which photosynthates were stored in the leaves was 45% higher. Sink activity (concentration of labelled photosynthates in stem phloem tissue) more than doubled in 1 versus NI plants. CER and stomatal conductances, along with most of the carbon allocation patterns, were nearly identical between the NI (control) high grazing and low grazing ecotypes. However, VA mycorrhizal fungi caused a greater storage of photosynthates in the low grazing ecotype.