cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The restoration of articular surfaces overlying replamineform porous biomaterials

Replamineform porous implants (4 mm X 4 mm diameter) were placed into full-thickness cartilage and bone defects of the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyles of adult male white rabbits. These were analyzed at 1 day, 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months for 1) ingrowth of tissue within the implants and 2) restoration of the articular surface overlying them. Appropriate unfilled, but similar, control defects were also studied. Mineralized bone was seen within the substance of both the TiO2 and hydroxyapatite implants at 1 week; this extremely rapid response was present in every specimen studied and was not seen with alphaAl2O3 or control animals. With the passage of time, maturation of this bone ingrowth occurred so that by 3 months, they were all incorporated into the surrounding bone. Only the hydroxyapatite implants showed consistent regenerative healing of hyaline articular cartilage from the margins of the defects with the passage of time; this occurred whenever the subchondral bone adjacent to the defect proliferated in a "creeping" fashion over the articular aspect of the implant, and the undamaged cartilage then followed it. Fibrocartilage, and not hyaline cartilage, formed the articular surface over the TiO2 and alphaAl2O3 implants and in the controls.
Dimethylpyrrolidinium amalgam formation and catalysis of organic electroreductions

Abstract The cathodic reduction of several tetraalkylanunonium cations on mercury in DMF with 0.1 M tetrabutylainmonium fluoroborate as the supporting electrolyte was investigated and dimethylpyrrolidinium (DMP + ) was chosen as a representative for an intensive study. It was shown that DMP + reacts by a reversible one-electron process forming an insoluble material best described as an amalgam. The material has a half life of 6.3 h at 5°C and consequently reacts with the solvent, yielding dimethylamine and regenerating DMP + . It was also shown that DMP + is a catalyst for the reduction of cyclohexanone. The catalytic nature of the DMP + reactions with DMF and cyclohexanone and the possible involvement of reduced tetraalkylammonium intermediates in other organic electroreductions are discussed.
Strictness and congregational growth in Middletown

The relative effectiveness of strictness theory and modernization theory in explaining congregational growth is tested using a random sample of white, Protestant churches in Middletown (N = 98). Although the former theory predicts that growth is positively related to an authoritative structure and to enforcing rules of ascetic strictness, modernization theory predicts the opposite pattern. For our sample, authoritative leadership seemed not to produce congregational growth. The main finding was that strict rules positively related to growth among working-class congregations, but negatively related to growth among middle-class congregations.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for the Navier–Stokes equations with hyperdissipation

Abstract The Navier–Stokes equations with hyperdissipation are used to numerically simulate turbulent flows. While numerical aspects of this model are well-understood, its analytic properties have not been thoroughly explored. In this article, we prove the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions to these equations on T 2 with periodic boundary conditions. Our proof extends the methods of Cannone (1995) and Cannone and Meyer (1995) to the discrete setting and relies on Littlewood–Paley theory and techniques from multiple Fourier series.
IMPROVED log(gf ) VALUES OF SELECTED LINES IN Mn I AND Mn II FOR ABUNDANCE DETERMINATIONS IN FGK DWARFS AND GIANTS

The goal of the present work is to produce transition probabilities with very low uncertainties for a selected set of multiplets of Mn I and Mn II. Multiplets are chosen based upon their suitability for stellar abundance analysis. We report on new radiative lifetime measurements for 22 levels of Mn I from the e {sup 8} D, z {sup 6} P, z {sup 6} D, z {sup 4} F, e {sup 8} S, and e {sup 6} S terms and six levels of Mn II from the z {sup 5} P and z {sup 7} P terms using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence on a slow atom/ion beam. New branching fractions for transitions from these levels, measured using a Fourier-transform spectrometer, are reported. When combined, these measurements yield transition probabilities for 47 transitions of Mn I and 15 transitions of Mn II. Comparisons are made to data from the literature and to Russell-Saunders (LS) theory. In keeping with the goal of producing a set of transition probabilities with the highest possible accuracy and precision, we recommend a weighted mean result incorporating our measurements on Mn I and II as well as independent measurements or calculations that we view as reliable and ofmore » a quality similar to ours. In a forthcoming paper, these Mn I/II transition probability data will be utilized to derive the Mn abundance in stars with spectra from both space-based and ground-based facilities over a 4000 A wavelength range. With the employment of a local thermodynamic equilibrium line transfer code, the Mn I/II ionization balance will be determined for stars of different evolutionary states.« less
Molybdenum disulfide as a lubricant: A review of the fundamental knowledge

Abstract This report consists of a review and evaluation of the work presented in the literature over the past 40 years on the behavior of MoS2 as a lubricant. The discussion is concerned with the behavior of MoS2 as a lubricant, its frictional characteristics, the apparent reasons for these characteristics, and the physical and chemical properties which are important to its use as a lubricant. The low friction and easy cleavage of molybdenum disulfide is intrinsic to the material and a result of its crystal structure. Although it is clear that the presence of condensable vapors is not required for molybdenum disulfide to exhibit low friction, as it is in the case of graphite, it is true that condensable vapors play an important role in determining the friction and wear characteristics of a lubricant film of MoS2. The presence of oxidizing agents, particularly water vapor and oxygen, tends to reduce the wear life of the MoS2 film. This is particularly true in the case of burnished films. Although a great deal of knowledge exists concerning the behavior of molybdenum disulfide as a lubricant, there are still voids in our understanding of this subject.
Regulation of murine endogenous retroviruses in the thymus after injury1,2

We recently reported the induction of murine endogenous retroviruses (murine AIDS-related) in several distant organs of mice after burn injury. The regulation of endogenous retroviruses in response to burn injury was further investigated in the thymus. Female C57BLKS/J mice were subjected to 18% total body surface area flame burn injury. Thymus tissues collected at several time points (3 h to 7 days) were analyzed for the expression of subgenomic transcripts of murine endogenous retroviruses by RT-PCR. Interestingly, a novel 1.7-Kb subgenomic transcript and a recently described 1.1 Kb subgenomic transcript of murine endogenous retroviruses were transiently down-regulated in the thymus at day 1 after injury. The 1.7 Kb transcript has a coding potential for a truncated form of the envelope protein (total 214 amino acids) with a deletion of 418 amino acids near the C-terminus. The second transcript of 1.1 Kb has an open reading frame for the C-terminal transmembrane domain of the envelope protein including the p2E protein (R peptide). These data suggest the pathophysiologic effects of burn injury on the differential expression of murine endogenous retroviruses in the thymus after injury.
Retrospective-Cost Adaptive Control of Uncertain Hammerstein Systems Using a NARMAX Controller Structure

We apply an extension of retrospective cost adaptive control (RCAC) to a commandfollowing problem for uncertain Hammerstein systems. In particular, RCAC with a NARMAX controller strucuture is applied to linear systems cascaded with input nonlinearities. We assume that one Markov parameter of the linear plant is known. RCAC also uses knowledge of the monotonicity properties of the input nonlinearity. The goal is to determine whether RCAC with a NARMAX controller structure can improve the command-following performance compared to the linear RCAC controller.
Beyond the Effective Medium: Quasi Modes in Disordered Media

Abstract For wave propagation in disordered media, the intermediate frequency regime is defined as the frequency range where the wavelength is comparable to the scale of the inhomogeneities. While difficult to treat theoretically, the regime is rich in physical phenomena. The focus of this paper is the transport characteristics of the coherent part of the wave energy in the intermediate frequency range. Through a re-formulation of the well-known coherent potential approximation, a new scheme is developed which is capable of identifying the quasi wave modes as well as yielding their dispersion relations. With no adjustable parameter, this scheme is demonstrated to give an excellent quantitative of the experimental data that showed two branches of the acoustic wave in colloidal suspensions. The new approach is used to predict the quasi modes in a random collection of metallic spheres.
Nociceptin, an endogenous ligand for the ORL1 receptor, decreases cardiac output and total peripheral resistance in the rat.

Abstract Champion, H. C., M. A. Czapla and P. J. Kadowitz. Nociceptin, an endogenous ligand for the ORL1 receptor, decreases cardiac output and total peripheral resistance in the rat. Peptides 18 (5) 72–732, 1997.—The heptadecapeptide nociceptin, also known as Orphanin FQ, is a newly discovered endogenous ligand for the opioid-like G-protein coupled receptor, ORL1. In the present study, responses to intravenous injections of nociceptin were investigated in the systemic vascular bed of the rat. Nociceptin induced dose-related decreases in systemic arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance when injected in doses of 1–30 nmol/kg IV. Nociceptin decreased heart rate and in doses of 10 and 30 nmol/kg IV, significantly decreased cardiac output. In terms of relative vasodilator activity, nociceptin was approximately 10-fold less potent than the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. These data show that nociceptin has novel vasodilator activity in the systemic vascular bed of the rat.
Proteolytic footprinting of vaccinia topoisomerase bound to DNA

Abstract Vaccinia DNA topoisomerase, a member of the eukaryotic type I enzyme family, binds duplex DNA and forms a covalent protein.DNA complex at sites containing a conserved sequence element 5′-CCCTT decreases. The structure of the enzyme in the free and DNA-bound states was probed by limited proteolysis. The free topoisomerase (a 314-amino acid polypeptide) consists of protease-resistant amino- and carboxyl- terminal structural domains flanking a protease-sensitive “hinge.” The hinge region, located between residues 135 and 142, is defined by accessibility to three different proteases. The amino-terminal region is punctuated by a trypsin-sensitive “bridge” at Arg-80, suggesting at least a tripartite domain structure overall. A specific subset of residues accessible to proteases in the free enzyme becomes resistant to proteolysis in the DNA-bound state. The trypsin-sensitive site at Arg-80 is protected almost completely in the covalent complex. Within the hinge region, Lys-135, Tyr-136, and Glu-139 are protected from trypsin, chymotrypsin, and V8, respectively. Acquisition of altered protease sensitivity upon DNA binding occurs prior to covalent adduct formation. The 20-kDa carboxyl domain by itself binds noncovalently to duplex DNA, albeit without the sequence specificity characteristic of the full-sized topoisomerase.
247 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70 GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS AND CALVING RATES OF BRAHMAN-INFLUENCED COWS

Stress proteins and their genetic polymorphisms have been associated with decreased male and female fertility. Our objectives were to 1) identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located in the promoter region of the bovine heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene and 2) evaluate associations between Hsp70 SNP and calving rates of multiparous Brahman-influenced cows (n = 99). Genomic DNA was extracted from the buffy coats of EDTA- treated whole blood. Primers HSP-Pro749F (GCCAGGAAACCAGAGACAGA) and HSP-Pro1268R (CCTACGCAGGAGTAGGTGGT) were used for PCR amplification of a 539-base segment of the bovine Hsp70 promoter (GenBank accession number M98823). Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected: 8 transitions (G1013A, n = 2; G1045A, n = 8; C1069T, n = 4; A1096G, n = 14; G1117A, n = 12; T1134C, n = 7; C1154G, n = 11; andT1204C, n = 56), 2 transversions (A1125C, n = 53; and G1128T, n = 51), and 1 deletion at base position 895 (n = 37). Within an SNP, calving percentages were compared by chi-square analysis. Concentrations of Hsp70 and Julian date were analyzed by ANOVA, with each SNP represented as the main effect in the model. Cows that were homozygous for the minor allele at both transversion (A1125C and G1128T) sites had lower (P < 0.05) calving rates when compared with cows that were homozygous for the primary allele (48 v. 75%). Homozygous and heterozygous deletion of cytosine at base 895 resulted in lower (P < 0.05) calving percentages than homozygous cytosine cows (8, 50, 82%; respectively). In addition, DD cows had the latest (P < 0.05) Julian calving date. Eighteen Hsp70 promoter haplotypes were deduced, and 7 of those haplotypes (n = 37) included the deletion at base 895. Thirty-two cows had the haplotype consistent with the sequence deposited at GenBank, and the remaining 30 cows had an SNP other than the deletion. Cows with the deletion haplotypes had greater (P < 0.05) serum Hsp70 concentrations and lower (P < 0.05) calving rates (5.1, 4.7, and 3.5 MSE 0.5 ng mL-1; and 35, 78, and 87%; respectively, for Deletion, No, and Yes). Furthermore, cows with the deletion haplotypes had the latest (P < 0.05) Julian calving date (85, 77, and 73 d, respectively, for Deletion, No, and Yes). Our results suggest that the promoter region of the bovine Hsp70 gene is polymorphic and might be useful in selecting cows with greater fertility.
Dose and interval relationship for the interaction of WR-2721 and nitrogen mustard with normal and malignant cells☆

The protective effect of WR-2721 on nitrogen mustard (HN2) cytotoxicity against hematopoietic stem cells as well as the potentiation effect previously noted against leukemia cells was further examined for dose and interval dependency for these opposite effects. For AKR leukemia cells, a dose dependent potentiation of HN2 cytotoxicity was noted with WR-2721. The magnitude of the potentiation was about 10-fold with 5 mg/mouse WR-2721 and nearly 100-fold at 10 mg/mouse. Interval studies showed maximum potentiation occurred when WR-2721 was given close in time to HN2 and decreased in magnitude as the interval between the agents increased. However, a pronounced potentiation of cytotoxicity was also found when HN2 followed WR-2721 by 4 to 12 hr. For hematopoietic stem cells, a protective effect of WR-2721 on HN2 cytotoxicity was observed. This effect decreased rapidly with interval between the agents with no protection noted for an interval of 6 hr. These results indicate that agents like WR-2721 may have an important therapeutic role in chemotherapy.
Charge transfer between neon ions and metastable helium

Abstract Merging beams are used to measure cross sections for charge transfer in the Ne + -He(2 3 S, 2 1 S) system at relative energies from 0.01 to 1000 eV. The results are in reasonable agreement with calculations obtained from a modified Demkov approach.
Current developments concerning medial tibial stress syndrome.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common lower leg injuries in athletes who run. Studies have reported MTSS to occur in 4% to 20% of this population. It can be defined as an o...
Diagnostic utility of the critical level formula and clinical summary scales of the luria‐nebraska Neuropsychological Battery‐Children's Revision with learning‐disabled children

The diagnostic utility of the critical level formula and the clinical summary scales of the Luria‐Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery‐Children's Revision (LNNB‐C) were examined with 23 learning‐disabled (LD) and 15 normal children (mean age of 10 years, 3 months). Descriptive statistics indicated that LD children performed more poorly than did normal controls on all LNNB‐C scales with the exception of the Visual scale. High interscale correlations were found for both groups of children on some scales, although the consistencies of the scale relationships varied by group. Using the critical level formula and two different criteria to specify abnormal performance, a 96% anda 100% accurate classification rates for the LD group were obtained. Of the three summary scales, the Pathognomonic scale demonstrated the most sensitivity in differentiating the two groups. These data suggest that the critical level formula and clinical summary scales of the LNNB‐C may be useful in distinguishing LD from normal children....
Lung Function in Young Adults Predicts Airflow Obstruction 20 Years Later

Abstract Objective The burden of obstructive lung disease is increasing, yet there are limited data on its natural history in young adults. To determine in a prospective cohort of generally healthy young adults the influence of early adult lung function on the presence of airflow obstruction in middle age. Methods A longitudinal study was performed of 2496 adults who were 18 to 30 years of age at entry, did not report having asthma, and returned at year 20. Airflow obstruction was defined as an forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio less than the lower limit of normal. Results Airflow obstruction was present in 6.9% and 7.8% of participants at years 0 and 20, respectively. Less than 10% of participants with airflow obstruction self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In cross-sectional analyses, airflow obstruction was associated with less education, smoking, and self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Low forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, and airflow obstruction in young adults were associated with low lung function and airflow obstruction 20 years later. Of those with airflow obstruction at year 0, 52% had airflow obstruction 20 years later. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity at year 0 was highly predictive of airflow obstruction 20 years later (c-statistic 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.93). The effect of cigarette smoking on lung function decline with age was most evident in young adults with preexisting airflow obstruction. Conclusion Airflow obstruction is mostly unrecognized in young and middle-aged adults. Low forced expiratory volume in 1 second, low forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, airflow obstruction in young adults, and smoking are highly predictive of low lung function and airflow obstruction in middle age.
Stat5 activation inhibits prolactin-induced AP-1 activity: distinct prolactin-initiated signals in tumorigenesis dependent on cell context.

The essential role of prolactin (PRL) in normal mammary gland growth and differentiation has implicated this hormone in the development and progression of breast cancer. Although Stat5 is the best-characterized mediator of PRL signals, PRL also activates multiple other signals, whose roles in normal and pathologic processes are not well understood. We have shown that PRL stimulates activating protein-1 (AP-1) activity in breast cancer cells, and can cooperate with estradiol in this pathway. AP-1 modulates many processes critical for carcinogenesis, including cell proliferation, survival, transformation, invasion and angiogenesis, and is elevated in many neoplasms, including breast tumors. Here, we investigated the relationship between PRL signals to AP-1 and Stat5. We found that PRL activation of Stat5a and Stat5b, but not Stat1 or Stat3, reduced PRL signals to AP-1, without altering estradiol-induced AP-1 activity. The truncation mutant, Stat5/Δ53C, but not Stat5Y699F, was an effective inhibitor, consistent with a requirement for Stat5 dimerization and nuclear accumulation, but not its C-terminal transactivation activity. The association of Stat5 with AP-1 proteins suggests that this underlies the inhibition. Predictably, the ability of PRL to activate Stat5 and AP-1 was inversely related in mammary cell lines. Further, reduction of Stat5 protein with siRNA in T47D cells, which contain elevated Stat5, increased PRL-induced AP-1 signals, transcripts for the AP-1 target, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and associated invasive behavior. This study points to the importance of cell context in determining the spectrum of PRL-induced actions, which is critical for understanding the contributions of PRL to breast cancer.
Pheromone of the male flesh fly,Sarcophaga bullata

Hexanal, isolated from a whole animal extract of the flesh fly,Sarcophaga bullata, attracts over 65% of the females tested with no apparent effect on males.
Parallel algorithms for arrangements

We give the first efficient parallel algorithms for solving the arrangement problem. We give a deterministic algorithm for the CREW PRAM which runs in nearly optimal bounds of O(log n log* n) time and n2/ log n processors. We generalize this to obtain an O(logn log* n) time algorithm using nd/logn processors for solving the problem in d dimensions. We also give a randomized algorithm for the EREW PRAM that constructs an arrangement of n lines on-line, in which each insertion is done in optimal O(logn) time using n/ log n processors. Our algorithms develop new parallel data structures and new methods for traversing an arrangement .
Issues in computerized art therapy assessment

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to explore some of the main issues springing from the computerized assessment of art-based instruments (CAABI). The results indicated that there were opposing viewpoints, limitations, and solutions regarding the limitations. Many art therapists believe that this technology will supplant their own expertise in assessment ( Hartwich and Brandecker, 1997 , Kim et al., 2006a ). However, due to the prototypical and delineating nature of these programs, CAABI are incapable of replacing human assessment, particularly clinical intakes ( Lichtenberger, 2006 ). Despite opposition and limitation, the author concluded that there is a need for increased research in CAABI based on the advantages it offers, such as ease-of-use, early detection, less scoring time, reduction of subjective human error, improved statistical measures, and resiliency in the face of healthcare reform ( Kim et al., 2006a , Kim et al., 2006b , Kim et al., 2008b , Kim et al., 2009a ). Overall, a hybridization of both subjective and objective methodologies will likely further art therapy assessment, but collaboration between clinicians and program developers is necessary for this to occur ( Kapitan, 2007 , Kim et al., 2008a , Mattson, 2009 ).
The effect of catalyst preparation on the performance of alumina-supported ruthenium catalysts: I. The impact of catalytic precursor on particle size and catalytic activity

Abstract The effect of preparation method and the choice of metallic precursor on the performance of a series of Ru Al 2 O 3 catalysts were studied. Wet impregnation and incipient wetness were the methods employed; ruthenium nitrosylnitrate and ruthenium trichloride were the reagents. In the latter case, either Ru(III) Ru(IV) chlorospecies or mixtures of Ru(II) hydrazine complexes were the catalytic precursors. The series of Ru Al 2 O 3 catalysts, with metal loadings from 0.7–5% by weight, were subjected to a battery of performance tests: CO temperature-programmed reaction, steadystate CO hydrogenation, and temperature-programmed surface reaction. The methanation activity and carbon deposited during steady-state reaction varied systematically with the dispersion of Ru on the alumina. High rates of methane production were found on catalysts containing a large reservoir of carbon-containing reaction intermediates. The performance of these catalysts depended on the precursor used in their preparation. The effects of weight loading, method of preparation, and variations in the impregnant pH were small within a group prepared from a Common precursor.
Interdisciplinarity in mathematics education: psychology, philosophy, aesthetics, modelling and curriculum

As I begin this editorial, there is a tremendous sense of relief that comes from bringing a massive undertaking to an end. The idea for this special issue on interdisciplinarity spawned at the first editors meeting in Hamburg in January 2007, when ZDM was transitioning into a new era with Springer. At one point in this meeting, we were brainstorming to determine themes of interest for the mathematics education scholarly community, and the idea to release a special issue on interdisciplinarity was born. Little did I realize the reckless bravado with which I volunteered to put together such an issue would result in a two year roller coaster of intellectual stimulation, and a whole host of other contradictory emotions that come into play when one is working with a large group of collaborators and stake holders on the task at hand. For the quantitatively inclined reader, I can break this double issue up by the numbers into an interesting identity. ZDM, vol 41, nos 1 and 2 = 3 International Symposia ? 5 years of collaboration ? 22 months of planning ? 44 reviewers ? 3 rounds of reviews, revisions, commentaries, re-revisions ? 24 authors ? 1 idiosyncratic guest editor ? 1,123 e-mail communications = 22 articles. I find many of these numbers pleasing; 22 is a pentagonal
Relationship between radiation therapy dose and outcome in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and surgery for stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: A population-based, comparative effectiveness analysis

Purpose To compare, using the National Cancer Database, survival, pathologic, and surgical outcomes in patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer treated with differential doses of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, with the aim to discern whether radiation dose escalation was associated with a comparative effectiveness benefit and/or toxicity risk. Methods and Materials Patients in the National Cancer Database with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and surgery between 1998 and 2005 were analyzed. Dose strata were divided between 36 to 45 Gy (low-dose radiation therapy, LD-RT), 45 to 54 Gy (inclusive, standard-dose, SD-RT), and 54 to 74 Gy (high-dose, HD-RT). Outcomes included overall survival, residual nodal disease, positive surgical margin status, hospital length of stay, and adverse surgical outcomes (30-day mortality or readmission). Results The cohort consisted of 1041 patients: 233 (22%) LD-RT, 584 (56%) SD-RT, and 230 (22%) HD-RT. The median, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival outcomes were 34.9 months, 48%, and 37%, respectively. On univariable analysis, patients treated with SD-RT experienced prolonged overall survival (median 38.3 vs 31.8 vs 29.0 months for SD-RT, LD-RT, and HD-RT, respectively, P =.0089), which was confirmed on multivariable analysis (hazard ratios 0.77 and 0.81 vs LD and HD, respectively). Residual nodal disease was seen less often after HD-RT (25.5% vs 31.8% and 37.5% for HD-RT, LD-RT, and SD-RT, respectively, P =.0038). Patients treated with SD-RT had fewer prolonged hospital stays. There were no differences in positive surgical margin status or adverse surgical outcomes between the cohorts. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy between 45 and 54 Gy was associated with superior survival in comparison with doses above and below this threshold. Although this conclusion is limited by selection bias, clear candidates for trimodality therapy do not seem to achieve additional benefit with dose escalation.
Interpersonal Networks and Democratic Politics

1 1 Interpersonal Networks and Democratic Politics Some of the most fundamental concerns about democratic politics involve information – who has access to it, how do they get it, and of what quality and type is it? The answer to each of these questions invariably involves other people, and it is for this reason that modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of social networks. Fully understanding democratic politics requires us to wrestle with the choices and constraints that individuals face as they navigate the political world and acquire political information. By “choice” we are referring to the decisions that individuals make about what environments to inhabit – what neighborhood to live in, what church to join, and what people to befriend. Individuals frequently make those choices for reasons unrelated to politics and then live within the “constraints,” or range of available information defined by those choices. The distribution of politics in socially-defined contexts – geographical or otherwise – then limits subsequent political decisions; for example, the neighborhood may be politically homogenous but dissimilar to the individual, and the trusted friend might be ignorant of politics. In this essay, we consider the choices individuals make and the constraints that follow as we discuss what social network research has taught us about 1) how citizens form reasoned opinions and attitudes, and 2) acquire the resources and motives necessary to participate in public life. We then move beyond the state of the literature to suggest ways to further integrate a networks approach into the study of political behavior. We note the advantages of a more developed networks approach, including linking disparate research traditions, linking different levels of politics, and ultimately, clarifying what “choice” really means in a democratic society. The Informed Citizen Combining social and psychological perspectives, the scholars of the “Columbia School” viewed social groups as independent bases of political information and pitted interpersonal
The energy mechanics of semistatic space-times

Let ℰ be a 4-dimensional, hyperbolic normal metric space and letK denote a time-oriented normal congruence in ℰ. If the Lie derivative of the metric tensor vanishes when projected onto the hypersurfaces normal toK, then ℰ is termed semistatic. A unique characterization of such spaces is given in terms of the admissible forms of the metric tensor. If the Einstein field equations are assumed to hold in ℰ, the most general form of the momentum-energy tensor that supports a semistatic energy mechanics is obtained. It is shown that all cosmological line elements previously considered are conformally equivalent to a semistatic space in which the metric tensor on the hypersurfaces orthogonal toK is Euclidean. This provides a simple and straightforward means of analysing cosmological line elements in which there are small inhomogeneities and anisotropies. It turns out that all physical quantities can be determined in terms of the metric and curvature of the hypersurfaces orthogonal toK and one additional function of all four co-ordinates. These determinations are exhibited and provide a means whereby the hypersurface geometry is uniquely determinable in terms of the projection of the momentum-energy tensor onto the hypersurface. The treatment concludes with the study of a semistatic perfect fluid.
Post-Imperial Third Romes: Resurrections of a Russian Orthodox Geopolitical Metaphor

Shortly after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, a Russian Orthodox monk nominated Russia as the ‘Third Rome’, or successor to the Roman and Byzantine empires. Some analysts have seen Muscovite Third Romism (that allegedly persisted into the Bolshevik era of the Soviet Union) as the Russian equivalent of the USA's Manifest Destiny, and other concepts used to rationalise imperialism. This paper attempts to broaden and deepen similar interpretations of the major geopolitical dictum coming from Russian Orthodoxy: questionably a direct justification for Russian imperialist messianism and far from being just a feature of the past, this metaphor is an essential element of post-imperial Russian geopolitical discourse as evident in its usage in writings of politically diverse authors. The paper focuses on resurrections of the metaphor in post-imperial Russia nowadays, and, ultimately, broadens our understanding of ‘religion as geopolitics’ nexus by presenting the too frequently overlooked field of Russian Orthod...
The association of enhancement of renal allograft survival by donor-specific blood transfusion with host MHC-linked inhibition of IgG anti-donor class I alloantibody responses

Donor-specific blood transfusion (DSBT) in animals and humans can either promote subsequent renal graft survival or lead to sensitization and graft rejection. Using a rat renal allograft model, we have examined whether the effects of DSBT on renal allograft outcome and IgG alloantibody responses are linked to the host MHC. In F1 rats produced by mating PVG (RT1c), a low IgG alloantibody responder to transfused ACI (RT1a) blood, with 3 different high-IgG responders [W/F (RT1u), LOU (RT1u), and LEW (RT1l)], high IgG alloantibody production was found to be inherited as a dominant trait and associated with acute rejection of ACI renal allografts. DSBT given to offspring of (PVG x W/F)F1 rats backcrossed to W/F with either RT1u/c (u/c) or RT1u/u) (u/u) phenotype induced high-IgG-alloantibody responses that were associated with acute renal allograft rejection. Likewise, offspring of (PVG x W/F)F1 rats backcrossed to PVG expressing the u/c phenotype had high IgG responses to ACI DSBT associated with acute renal allograft rejection. In contrast, DSBT given to backcrossed recipients expressing the RT1c/c (c/c) phenotype elicited a transient IgM response that switched to a very low IgG response and was associated with renal allograft acceptance. Analysis of IgG isotypes demonstrated that DSBT prevented production of IgG1 and IgG2a, and to a lesser extent IgG2b and IgG2c alloantibodies in c/c but not u/c renal allograft recipients. The differences in the level and isotype of IgG alloantibody responses found in sera of DSBT-pretreated backcross rats of u/c and c/c phenotypes were also present in allograft eluates and splenocyte cultures. Likewise, DSBT-pretreated renal allograft recipients of the c/c phenotype produced lower levels of alloantibodies directed to class I RT1.Aa antigens compared with their u/c counterparts; in contrast, no difference was found in alloantibody responses to class II RT1.Ba antigens. These findings demonstrate that the variable ability of DSBT to enhance renal allograft survival correlates with the inhibition of antidonor class I alloantibody responses of all IgG subclasses by a mechanism that is linked to host MHC.
A dose-response study for I-125 prostate implants

Abstract Purpose: No dose–response study has ever been performed for I-125 prostate implants using modern techniques of implant evaluation and modern treatment outcome end points. The amount of activity per volume implanted was increased over time based on review of postimplant dosimetry. This resulted in different delivered dose levels. This study explores the relationship between dose, biochemical failure, and biopsy results. Materials and Methods: 134 patients with T1–T2 prostate cancer were implanted with I-125 radioactive seeds and followed from 12 to 74 months (median: 32) postimplant. No patient received external beam irradiation or hormonal therapy. All patients implanted with I-125 had Gleason scores ≤6. One month postimplant, a CT-based three-dimensional dosimetric evaluation was performed on all patients. Using TG43 guidelines, dose–volume histograms were calculated. The dose delivered to the gland was defined as the D90 (dose delivered to 90% of prostate tissue as defined by CT). The D90s ranged from 26.8 to 256.3 Gy (median: 140.8 Gy). Biochemical failure was defined as two consecutive rises in prostate specific antigen (PSA) or a nadir level above 1.0 ng/ml. Posttreatment prostate biopsies (six to eight core samples) were routinely performed at 2 years postimplant. Results: Improvements in freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) rates were seen with increasing D90 levels. The 4-year FFBF rates for patients with D90 values p = 0.02). Patients receiving a D90 p = 0.02). Two-year posttreatment biopsies were negative in 70% (33 of 47) of patients with a D90 p = 0.2). A multivariate analysis using dose, PSA, score, and stage revealed that dose was the most significant predictor of biochemical failure ( p = 0.001). This dose response was more pronounced in patients presenting with PSA levels >10 ng/ml. In these patients, the 4-year FFBF rates were 51 and 100% for the low and high dose groups, respectively ( p = 0.009) and the negative biopsy rates were 64% (14 of 22) and 100% (8 of 8), respectively ( p = 0.05). In patients with presenting PSA p = 0.29). Conclusion: A dose response was observed at a level of 140 Gy. Adequate I -125 implants should deliver a dose of 140–160 Gy using TG43 guidlines.
Biomarkers of exposure and effects of environmental contaminants on swallows nesting along the Rio Grande, Texas, USA

We collected adult cave swallows (Petrochelidon fulva) and cliff swallows (P. pyrrhonota) during the breeding seasons in 1999 and 2000 from eight locations along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to El Paso (unless otherwise specified, all locations are Texas, USA) and an out-of-basin reference location. Body mass, spleen mass, hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), thyroxine (T4) in plasma, DNA damage measured as the half-peak coefficient of variation of DNA content (HPCV) in blood cells, as well as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in brain were compared with concentrations of organochlorines, metals, and metalloids in carcasses to determine potential effects of contaminants on swallows during the breeding season. Concentrations of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE) were significantly greater in swallows from El Paso than in those from most locations, except for Pharr and Llano Grande. All swallows from these three locations had p,p′-DDE concentrations of 3 μg/g wet weight or greater. Swallows from El Paso either had or shared the highest concentrations of p,p′-DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls, and 13 inorganic elements. Swallows from El Paso exhibited greater spleen mass and HPCV values as well as lower T4 values compared with those from other locations. Thyroxine was a potential biomarker of contaminant exposure in swallows of the Rio Grande, because it was negatively correlated with p,p′-DDE and Se. Spleen mass was positively correlated with selenium and HSI and negatively correlated with body mass, GSI, Mn, and Ni. Overall, the present study suggests that insectivorous birds living in areas of high agricultural and industrial activity along the Rio Grande bioaccumulate environmental contaminants. These contaminants, particularly p,p′-DDE, may be among multiple factors that impact endocrine and hematopoietic function in Rio Grande swallows.
Evaluation of family growth response to fishmeal and gluten-based diets in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate genotype × feed interactions in a commercial strain of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Microsatellite DNA markers were used to determine the pedigree of the top 1% and bottom 1% of progeny in a large scale commercial growth trial of 24,000 rainbow trout from 20 full-sib families (20 dams × 10 sires in a nested mating design). The progeny were pooled at eyed stage and divided into 2 groups. Half of the fish from each family were fed a standard fishmeal-based diet and the other half was fed a plant protein (gluten)-based diet to determine the relative family rankings in each diet. The primary protein sources in the plant protein-based diet were corn gluten and wheat gluten meals. Krill was supplemented to this feed for the early life stages (starter, #1, #2, #3 crumbles), but was eliminated in the larger pellet sizes. Large genetic variation for growth was identified for both diets and the sire effect was found to be highly significant (P
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity blocks cell-to-cell spread of human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus has previously been shown to induce the accumulation of cyclooxygenase-2 RNA, protein, and enzyme activity. High doses of cyclooxygenase inhibitors substantially block viral replication in cultured fibroblasts. However, doses corresponding to the level of drug achieved in the plasma of patients have little effect on the replication of human cytomegalovirus in cultured cells. Here, we demonstrate that two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tolfenamic acid and indomethacin, markedly reduce direct cell-to-cell spread of human cytomegalovirus in cultured fibroblasts. The block is reversed by addition of prostaglandin E2, proving that it results from the action of the drugs on cyclooxygenase activity. Because direct cell-to-cell spread likely contributes importantly to pathogenesis of the virus, we suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might help to control human cytomegalovirus infections in conjunction with other anti-viral treatments.
Dermatophilosis in captive tortoises.

ogenesis of canine parvovirus enteritis: sequential virus distribution and passive immunization. Vet Pathol 22:617–624. 12. Olsen CW: 1993, A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus: molecular biology, immunopathogenesis, clinical aspects, and vaccination. Vet Microbiol 36:1–37. 13. Takeuchi A, Binn LN, Jervis HR, Keenan KP: 1976, Electron microscopic study of experimental enteric infection in neonatal dogs with a canine coronavirus. Lab Invest 34:539–549. 14. Yasoshima A, Fujinami F, Doi K, et al.: 1983, Case report on mixed infection of canine parvovirus and canine coronavirus. Electron microscopy and recovery of canine coronavirus. Jpn J Vet Sci 45:217–225.
Protein and humic acid adsorption onto hydrophilic membrane surfaces: effects of pH and ionic strength

Abstract The effects of solution chemistry on the rate and extent of adsorption of a protein (BSA) and humic acid (Suwannee River humic acid) onto a regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membrane were studied. Isotherms were performed to determine equilibrium adsorption behavior. Rate of adsorption was determined by measuring adsorbed mass as a function of time. Experiments were performed at differing conditions of pH, ionic strength and bulk feed concentration. For both compounds, adsorption was higher at lower pH values. Adsorption decreased as pH increased. Increased salt concentration reduces electrostatic repulsion between like-charged material (increasing adsorption) and decreases electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged material (decreasing adsorption). These interactions between the adsorbing material and the membrane surface affect the adsorption rate, which was evaluated using two mechanistic models. The modeling was designed to determine the governing mechanism in adsorption onto the hydrophilic membrane surface. These models confirmed that, under conditions of this study, the transport rate to the membrane surface is fast compared to the reactions at the membrane surface, thus electrostatic interactions are very important in determining adsorption of this material onto the membrane. Controlling electrostatic interactions could reduce adsorption of protein and humic material onto the membrane, consequently reducing long-term membrane fouling. Parameters from the models developed in this study can be used to determine the “fouling potential” of a given feed stream.
Imposture: A Late Modern Notion in Poststructuralist SLA Research

This article explores the feelings of imposture that are sometimes experienced by multilingual subjects—learners of a language other than their own or users of multiple languages—and their difficulty of finding authentic or legitimate subject positions in a global world with fluid boundaries and uncertain categories of identity. It examines what modernist and poststructuralist approaches to the problem of imposture can yield in applied linguistic theory. Modernist scholars focus on revealing abuses of institutional power and on uncovering the artificiality of language rituals, whereas poststructuralist scholars seek to understand the social and historical conditions of possibility of discourses of imposture. They attempt to deal with the pervasive contradictions of the search for authenticity and legitimacy in a world of commodified discourses and self-declared authorities. In such a world, multilingual subjects have a particular role to play to transform imposture into the multilingual art of interrogating and imagining various forms of discourse.
Determinants of Disciplinary Practices in Low‐Income Black Mothers

Disciplinary attitudes and practices of low-income black mothers were examined. Mothers were interviewed about their parenting attitudes and control practices, and their responses were coded in terms of the degree to which they took a parent- versus a child-oriented approach to discipline. Mothers in the sample varied widely in their attitudes toward physical punishment, and mothers who used power-assertive techniques were as likely to take the child's perspective and give input into the socialization process as those who did not. Factors associated with maternal disciplinary styles included: maternal education, father absence, maternal age, and self-reported religious beliefs. Findings are discussed in terms of the variability in disciplinary practices in this population, as well as the factors contributing to these individual differences.
Personality correlates of individual differences in electrodermal lability

This study examined relationships between individual differences in the spontaneous fluctuation rate of electrodermal activity (EDA lability) and a battery of personality measures. In contrast to previous work, which emphasizes cognitive correlates of EDA lability, in this study a broad-band personality inventory and specific emotion-relevant personality dispositions were administered. A sample of 62 male and female undergraduates completed a battery of personality questionnaires and a laboratory session where spontaneous, nonspecific skin conductance responses were recorded while the subject was at rest in a sound-attenuated and dimly lit room. The strongest personality correlate of resting EDA lability, consistent across sexes, was neuroticism (N), with a high N S s exhibiting more spontaneous sympathetic nervous system activity than low N Ss. Beyond Neuroticism, other results reveal a different pattern of personality correlates of EDA lability in men and women. Discussion focuses on possible sources for this sex difference.
Convective motions in a spherical shell

We compute the axisymmetric convective motions that exist in a spherical shell heated from below with inner to outer radius ratio equal to 0.5. The boundaries are stress-free and gravity is directly proportional to radius. Accurate solutions at large Rayleigh numbers, O(100000), are made feasible by a spectral method that employs diagonal-mode truncation. By examining the stability of axisymmetric motions it is inferred that the preferred form of convection varies dramatically according to the value of the Rayleigh number. While axisymmetric motions with different patterns may exist for modestly nonlinear convection, only a single motion persists at sufficiently large values of the Rayleigh number. This circulation is symmetric about the equator and has two meridional cells with rising motion at the poles. Instability of this single axisymmetric motion determines that the preferred pattern of three-dimensional convection has one azimuthal wave.