cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The salicylic acid receptor NPR3 is a negative regulator of the transcriptional defense response during early flower development in Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT Arabidopsis NON-EXPRESSOR OF PR1 (NPR1) is a transcription co-activator that plays a central role in regulating the transcriptional response to plant pathogens. The NPR family consists of NPR1 and five NPR1-like genes. The NPR1 paralog NPR3 has recently been shown to function as a receptor of the plant hormone salicylic acid and to mediate proteosomal degradation of NPR1. The function of NPR3 protein during early flower development was revealed through a detailed molecular-genetic analysis including promoter transcriptional fusion analysis, phenotype characterization of npr3-3 mutants/overexpressors, and whole-plant fitness analysis. The physical interaction between NPR3 and NPR1/TGA2 was explored using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis in onion epidermal cells. Here, we show that NPR3 expression was strongest in the petals and sepals of developing flowers and declined after flower opening. Consistently with this observation, an npr3 knockout mutant displayed enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae infection of immature flowers, but not leaves. Developing npr3 flowers exhibited increased levels of basal and induced PR1 transcript accumulation. However, the npr3 mutant showed lower fitness compared to Col-0 in the absence of pathogen. Moreover, NPR3 was shown to interact with NPR1 and TGA2 in vivo . Our data suggest that NPR3 is a negative regulator of defense responses during early flower development and it may function through the association with both NPR1 and TGA2.
Genetic mapping of an insertional hydrocephalus-inducing mutation allelic to hy3.

The transgenic mouse line OVE459 carries a transgene-induced insertional mutation resulting in autosomal recessive congenital hydrocephalus. Homozygous transgenic animals experience ventricular dilation with perinatal onset and are noticeably smaller than hemizygous or non-transgenic littermates within a few days after birth. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that the transgene inserted in a single locus on mouse Chromosome (chr) 8, region D2-E1. Genetic crosses between hemizygous OVE459 mice and mice heterozygous for the spontaneous mutation hydrocephalus-3 (hy3) produced hydrocephalic offspring with a frequency of 22%, demonstrating that these two mutations are allelic. A genomic library was made by using DNA from homozygous OVE459 mice, and genomic DNA flanking the transgene insertion site was isolated and sequenced. A PCR polymorphism between C57BL/6 DNA and Mus spretus was used to map the location of the transgene insert to 1.06 cM ± 0.75 proximal to D8Mit152 by using the Jackson Laboratory Backcross DNA Panel Mapping Resource. Furthermore, sequence analysis from a mouse bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone, positive for unique markers on both sides of the transgene insertion site, demonstrated that the genomic DNAs flanking each side of the transgene insertion are physically separated by approximately 51 kb on the wild-type mouse chromosome.
Flow pattern visualization of a simulated digester.

Abstract Mixing patterns inside a simulated flat bottom digester were imaged using the non-invasive techniques of computer automated radioactive particle tracking (CARPT) and computed tomography (CT). Mixing/agitation was provided using gas (air) recirculation at three different flow rates ( Q g ) of 28.32, 56.64 and 84.96 l/h, corresponding to superficial gas velocities of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.075 cm/s, respectively. Better mixing was observed in the upper zone near the top of the draft tube. However, at the bottom of the digester there was a total stagnancy at all the three gas flow rates. The maximum value of the time-averaged axial velocity inside the draft tube, at a gas flow rate of 84.96 l/h, was observed as 34.4 cm/s. The turbulent kinetic energy was observed to be maximum (724 dyn/cm2) inside the draft tube, and decreases radially toward the wall of the digester. The present study showed that the CARPT and CT techniques could be successfully used to identify the flow pattern in the digester and to calculate velocity and turbulence parameters quantitatively. On the other hand, the increase in gas circulation rate from 28.32 to 84.96 l/h did not significantly reduce the dead zones inside the flat bottom digester. To achieve the desired mixing and reactor performance, the operating conditions and reactor configuration need to be optimized.
The ionization constant of carbonic acid in solutions of sodium chloride from e.m.f. measurements at 278.15, 298.15, and 318.15 K☆

Abstract The determination of the first ionization constant of carbonic acid has been made using (sodium chloride + sodium hydrogen carbonate + water) at 278.15, 298.15, and 318.15 K. Measurements have been made on cells of the type: Pt| (1−x) H 2 +x CO 2 | NaHCO 3 (m 1 ), NaCl (m 2 ), CO 2 (m 3 )| AgCl(s) | Ag with molality ratios m 1 m 2 ≈ 1, 2, 4, and 6 , at all three temperatures, and also at near saturation and at saturation with respect to NaHCO3 but only at 298.15 K. Three values of x were studied: x ≈ 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8; m1 was varied from 0.009 to 1.005 mol·kg−1 and m2 from 0.01 to 6 mol·kg−1. Values of −log10K were calculated by means of the normal extrapolation methods, and then these “apparent” values were extrapolated to x → 0 to obtain the “actual” results. Our final values for −log10K are 6.525, 6.360, and 6.292, at 278.15, 298.15, and 318.15 K, respectively (excluding the value at saturation). Even at near saturation and saturation, the values (6.359 and 6.371, respectively at 298.15 K) agreed well with the adopted value.
RF transport over optical fiber in urban wireless infrastructures [invited]

The technology for transport of RF signals over optical fibers at long (metropolitan-scale) distances which enables today's hybrid fiber/coax networks for community antenna TV and cable modem access is being leveraged for coverage and capacity enhancements in wireless networks providing affordable anywhere/anytime services. This is particularly important in high-traffic urban and in-building arenas where RF propagation is challenging. A hybrid Fiber/Cable (HFCa) approach utilizing legacy urban cabling infrastructures is shown to be highly cost effective, since the installation cost (which often dominates over equipment cost) is greatly reduced or eliminated. Optimum HFCa system architectures are discussed in this paper with Ca = C (coax) and C5 (Cat-5 unshielded twisted pair cables) for outdoor urban/metropolitan and indoor/in-building arenas, respectively. The general results in this paper apply to both. A quantitative evaluation of capacity gain by traffic trunking in a distributed antenna system is given. All-fiber RF transport for remote radio head systems serving outdoor metropolitan areas is briefly discussed.
Wildlife in some areas of New Mexico and Texas accumulate elevated DDE residues, 1983

Over the last decade, data gathered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program have identified an area of elevated DDE contamination in portions of New Mexico and Texas. Extensive wildlife sampling in 1983 confirmed that DDE, the major metabolite of the insecticide DDT, was present at high concentrations in wildlife at selected sites in the Rio Grande and Pecos River drainages. DDE in carcasses ranged up to 47 ppm (wet weight) in western kingbirds (Tyrannus verticalis), 35 ppm in house sparrows (Passer domesticus), 46 ppm in Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), and 104 ppm in whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus spp.). DDE was also detected in gut contents from western kingbirds at some of the highest concentrations ever reported, ranging up to 21 ppm in proventricular samples. An average of 40% of the eggs of black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) from two sites along the Pecos River in New Mexico had DDE levels (≥8 ppm) that have been associated in other studies with impaired reproduction. In contrast, wintering mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and American coots (Fulica americana) from the study area did not accumulate elevated DDE levels. DDE in wildlife samples at control sites (nonagricultural areas) was either absent or averaged less than 0.35 ppm.
Letter-sequence habits in children

The characteristics of letter associations in 7-year-old children, 10-year-old children, and college-age adults were compared. The study focuses on developmental changes in letter-to-letter habits, including the specific habits studied on the college-age adults by Underwood and Schulz (1960) . With respect to strategies in responding, children showed greater evidence of repetitive strategies, e.g., repetition of a stimulus term, alphabetical responding etc., than adults; but the frequency of meaningful units, e.g., words and initialed abbreviations of institutions, increased with age. In addition, frequencies of specific letter responses for adults tended on the whole to conform more closely to the frequencies in the language than did the children's frequencies. There was also a clear developmental trend toward increased strength of primary with age.
Source Beds in Red Wash-Walker Hollow Field, Eastern Uinta Basin, Utah: GEOLOGICAL NOTES

Lenticular bedding is prominent in reservoir units in the Green River (Eocene) Formation of the Red Wash-Walker Hollow field and adjacent areas. Shale beds are well indurated. Folding is gentle, and faulting is a minor feature of the area. These relationships suggest a short migration distance from source beds to reservoir beds. If the migration distance was small, then the kinds of rocks near the reservoir beds are important in determining the source of the oil. This note summarizes data showing the abundance of the various kinds of lutite within the productive intervals, and suggests that gray shale, and not oil shale, may have been the source beds of the oil.
Proximity and Introgression of Other Potato Species Does not Explain Genetic Dissimilarity between Solanum verrucosum Populations of Northern and Southern Mexico

Decisions that improve genebank management depend on understanding patterns of diversity in the genetic resources being conserved. In potato, populations of the wild Mexican species S. verrucosum (ver) collected from the north (N) of the natural range had been shown to be genetically distinctive from those in the south (S). But this geographic association with genetic diversity was noted to be confounded with proximity of other wild potato species, suggesting introgression as a possible cause. RAPD bands that distinguished N and S ver were generated. When their association with nearby populations of other wild potato species was assessed, the hypothesis of introgression was not supported. We conclude that the apparently distinctive genetics of N ver are not explained by common alleles introgressed from proximal populations of other species. Thus, N ver germplasm populations, although less numerous, should be represented in samples of species ver with regard to collection, preservation and evaluation.
Children, adolescents and nuclear war anxiety.

Researchers have reported that 45–50% of American and European youth aged 10-19 worry about the negative impact of nuclear war on their lives. For some, the fear of nuclear war was associated with troubling feelings of sadness, powerlessness, and rage. Fearing they have no future, many teens rated fear of nuclear war as their second greatest worry. However, research has not identified those children or adolescents who are at high risk for nuclear anxiety (NA) or the impact of NA and developmental problems. Young Americans, who do not mention nuclear anxiety unless asked about it, were less optimistic and less knowledgeable about nuclear war than Soviet youth. Theory, implications for assessment, interventions, and research related to NA are examined.
Carbon isotopic fractionations associated with acetic acid production by Acetobacter suboxydans

Acetobacter suboxydans, strain 8.3, was grown using ethanol, made by the hydration of ethylene, as the sole energy source. After the microorganism had oxidized some of the ethanol to acetic acid, the unassimilated alcohol and produced acetic acid were isolated from the supernatant. Carbon isotopic analyses of these compounds and the starting ethanol show: (1) the methyl carbon of the starting alcohol is enriched in carbon-13 by 4.6% relative to the hydroxyl carbon, (2) the starting alcohol contains 2% less carbon-13 than the unassimilated ethanol and (3) the carboxyl carbon of the acetic acid excreted by the A. suboxydans is enriched by 3.8% in carbon-13 relative to the methyl carbon. These results support earlier findings which indicate that organisms preferentially utilize compounds enriched in carbon-12 and tend to concentrate carbon-12 in the reduced carbons relative to the oxidized carbons of metabolic products.
Coherence and Noise in the Era of the Maser

It is a commonplace for historians to write that physicists came out of their World War II radar experience with microwave engineering superadded to their knowledge of quantum physics. But what exactly was the content of this new amalgam? How fully was it achieved and by what processes? Publications from the 1950s by four American physicists, Charles Townes, Joseph Weber, Robert Dicke, and Israel Senitzky show that the amalgamation of physics and microwave engineering was far from complete, that it was stimulated by new instrumentation, and that part of the process entailed a re-thinking of the concepts of coherence and noise.
Blood calcium levels and the mechanism of DDE-induced eggshell thinning

Abstract The elucidate further the underlying mechanisms of organochlorine pesticide-induced eggshell thinning, we have determined the effect of DDE feeding on blood calcium levels in laying ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) and white Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). While DDE feeding caused significant thinning of dove and duck eggshells (35% and 20% thinning, respectively), it did not affect blood calcium levels. These findings are consistent with those mechanisms of DDE action involving inhibition of shell gland function, but not with those involving decreased calcium supply to the gland.
"Idiopathic" intracranial hypertension caused by venous sinus thrombosis associated with contraceptive usage.

Abstract Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a life-threatening condition that may present with symptoms and signs identical to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Both conditions consist of increased intracranial pressure (ICP); however, IIH shows no evidence of contributory intracranial pathology. Oral hormonally based contraceptive usage has been associated with both conditions as well. Because disc edema often occurs in CVST, and IIH and is evident in other sight- and life-threatening conditions such as intracranial mass lesions, neuroimaging and other ancillary testing must be conducted for definitive diagnosis. Case An 18-year-old white woman with IIH previously diagnosed presented with headaches and severe visual loss in the left eye. Bilateral disc edema with macular edema in the left eye (O.S.) was present. Threshold perimetry found bilaterally enlarged blind spots as well as a central scotoma O.S. Her medical history was significant for a right transverse, sigmoid and jugular siphon thrombosis secondary to a hypercoagulable state and associated with her use of oral birth control medication. Subsequent magnetic resonance venography (MRV) found the presence of CVST. Despite anticoagulation therapy and acetazolamide, she had severe, nonresolving papilledema. Treatment with oral prednisone was initiated. She recovered full visual fields and excellent visual acuity. Conclusion Because of the similarity in clinical presentation of CVST and IIH, it is important to differentiate distinguishing characteristics of these diseases for correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Understanding and resolving major contractual breaches in buyer–seller relationships: a grounded theory approach

In business-to-business relationships, sellers are often faced with instances of contractual breaches by buyers. In many cases, relationship factors preclude legal enforcement of contract terms, requiring sellers to explore alternate resolution options. Literature on contractual breaches has primarily focused on enforcement options based on terms specified in the contract. However, little is known about how companies deal with contractual breaches by their customers when legal enforcement is not a viable option. The authors use a grounded theory approach to investigate this important issue. Based on in-depth interviews with 40 supplier managers and executives in multiple industries, the authors identify: (a) types of out-of-contract alternatives for resolving breaches, (b) factors that lead to use of enforcement options outside the terms specified in the contract, (c) contextual influences, and (d) individual and firm-level consequences of outside-of-contract enforcement.
Ephs and Ephrins Keep Pancreatic β Cells Connected

How insulin-secreting β cells of the pancreas communicate with each other is largely unknown. In this issue of Cell, Konstantinova et al. (2007) show that the signaling proteins EphA and ephrin-A modulate insulin secretion, providing fresh insights into the functional significance of the clustering of β cells, which occurs in islets.
In vivo electroporation of constitutively expressed HIF-1α plasmid DNA improves neovascularization in a mouse model of limb ischemia

Objective Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that stimulates angiogenesis during tissue ischemia. In vivo electroporation (EP) enhances tissue DNA transfection. We hypothesized that in vivo EP of plasmid DNA encoding a constitutively expressed HIF-1α gene enhances neovascularization compared with intramuscular (IM) injection alone. Methods Left femoral artery ligation was performed in mice assigned to three groups: (1) HIF-EP (n = 13); (2) HIF-IM (n = 14); and (3) empty plasmid (pVAX)-EP (n = 12). A single dose of HIF-1α or pVAX DNA (20 μL of 5 μg/μL each) was injected into the ischemic adductor muscle followed by EP (groups one and three). Mice in group two received IM injection of HIF-1α plasmid DNA alone. From preligation to days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 postligation, limb perfusion recovery quantified by laser Doppler perfusion imager, limb function, and limb necrosis were measured. On day 21, the surviving mice (4-5 per group) were sacrificed and adductor muscle tissues stained for necrosis using hematoxylin and eosin, capillary density (anti-CD31 antibodies), and collateral vessels via anti-α-smooth muscle actin antibodies. Results In vivo EP of HIF-1α DNA significantly improved limb perfusion (HIF-EP: 1.03 ± 0.15 vs HIF-IM: 0.78 ± 0.064; P P P P P P P P P P P P 2 vs HIF-IM: 7788.87 ± 392.04 μm 2 ; P 2 ; P Conclusions In vivo EP-mediated delivery of HIF-1α plasmid DNA improves neovascularization in a mouse model of limb ischemia and is a potentially suitable nonviral, noninvasive intervention to facilitate therapeutic angiogenesis in critical limb ischemia.
Thymic Selection by a Single MHC/Peptide Ligand Produces a Semidiverse Repertoire of CD4+ T Cells

Abstract The influence of individual peptides in thymic selection was examined in H2-M − mice, in which positive selection is directed to a single peptide, class II–associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) bound to H2-A b . Two sensitive in vivo approaches showed that 70%–80% of CD4 + T cells undergoing positive selection to CLIP+H2-A b have self-reactivity to the various peptides expressed on wild-type H2-M + antigen-presenting cells. When these self-reactive T cells were depleted, the residual CD4 + cells displayed a polyclonal repertoire in terms of alloreactivity, responses to foreign protein antigens, and Vβ usage. Nevertheless, studies with two T cell receptor transgenic lines suggested that the repertoire of CD4 + cells induced by CLIP was less diverse than the repertoire of CD4 + cells in normal mice. Generation of a fully diverse T cell repertoire thus requires positive selection against multiple peptides.
Papulosquamous lesions of glans penis

The presentation of a scaly papule or plaque on the glans penis should suggest more wide-spread papulosquamous disease. Careful examination of the remaining body surface, including the oral mucosa and nails, in almost all cases will yield clues to the correct diagnosis. Papulosquamous disease which may present as a penile lesion include psoriasis, Reiter syndrome, lichen planus, lichen nitidus, seborrheic dermatitis, secondary syphilis, fixed drug eruption, erythroplasia of Queyrat, plasma cell balanitis of Zoon, bowenoid papulosis, and discoid and lichenoid chronic dermatosis of Sulzberger and Garbe.
Chemotactic activity in the coronary sinus after experimental myocardial infarction: Effects of pharmacologic interventions on ischemic injury

Various pharmacologic interventions that suppressed chemotactic factor activity in the coronary sinus after acute ischemia were analyzed for protective effects on myocardium. Ischemic injury was determined by comparing the slopes of the regression lines derived from 24 hour myocardial creatine kinase content versus S-T segment elevation 15 minutes after coronary ligation. Dogs treated 30 minutes after ligation with cobra venom factor, hydrocortisone or Trasylol showed a marked decrease in chemotactic activity in the coronary sinus. These agents also showed a protective effect on ischemic injury when compared to control. Myocardial biopsy specimens from areas of significant ischemia defined by S-T segment elevations in dogs treated with cobra venom factor were essentially devoid of an inflammatory response whereas those from dogs treated with Trasylol or hydrocortisone showed moderate neutrophil infiltration and minimal tissue exudate.
Misleading conclusions from Altria researchers about population health effects of dual use.

Frost-Pineda, Appleton, Fisher, Fox, and Gaworski (2010) from Altria Client Services reviewed the available literature on the health effects of “dual use” of smoked and smokeless tobacco and concluded that, “Overall, the concern about dual use appears to be contradicted by the evidence in the literature that dual use of smokeless tobacco and cigarettes may result in reduction in smoking-related harm as smoking intensity is decreased and smoking cessation increases.” This conclusion is surprising, given that the confidence intervals for smokers and dual users overlap for all health endpoints (cancer, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and acute myocardial infarction) that they present. These results would include the effects of any reduction in cigarette consumption that might occur among dual users. They also represent the U.S. study by Zhu et al. (2009) as supporting the assertion that smokeless tobacco use promotes cessation despite the fact that Zhu et al. concluded, “Promoting smokeless tobacco for harm reduction in countries with ongoing tobacco control programmes may not result in any positive population effect on smoking cessation.” We published an analysis (Mejia, Ling, & Glantz, 2010) of the effects of aggressive smokeless promotion in the United States that accounts for likely changes that will result from explicit tobacco industry promotion of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (branded as cigarette line extensions). Altria and other companies are promoting dual use as a way to continue tobacco use despite expanding smoke-free environments. These promotional activities will encourage people who might simply quit smoking (i.e., stop all tobacco use) in response to smoke-free environments to remain tobacco users, an effect that Frost-Pineda et al. ignore. (Our analysis assumed that the health costs of dual use were lower than smoking. Based on the data Frost-Pineda et al. present, it is likely that we underestimated the population-level health effects of promoting smokeless tobacco.) Our analysis showed that promoting smokeless as a harm-reduction strategy was unlikely to have any net health benefits, a conclusion strengthened by the data Frost-Pineda et al. summarize. Indeed, based on a careful review of the data in their paper, we are surprised that Frost-Pineda et al. did not reach the same conclusion that we did.
Applications of solutions to non-linear energy budget equations

Abstract A fourth-order (quartic) and second-order equation is developed to solve the energy budget equation for latent energy flux density. The solutions are compared with conventional iterative techniques and the linearized Penman-Monteith form. The fourth-order and second-order equations are then used to show that the generally accepted expression for equilibrium evapotranspiration is theoretically incorrect, both for infinite aerodynamic resistance and for zero vapor pressure deficit. The new methods give new insights for the analysis of canopy-air temperature differences, interactions between canopy resistance and vapor pressure deficit, the Priestley-Taylor equation, and the Jarvis-McNaughton concept of atmospheric coupling.
Analysis of compounded pharmaceutical products to teach the importance of quality in an applied pharmaceutics laboratory course.

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of a product-analysis laboratory exercise in teaching students the importance of quality in pharmaceutical compounding.Design. Second-year pharmacy students (N=77) participated in a pharmaceutical compounding laboratory exercise and subsequently analyzed their final product using ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry.Assessment. Reflection, survey instruments, and quiz questions were used to measure how well students understood the importance of quality in their compounded products. Product analysis showed that preparations compounded by students had an error range of 0.6% to 140%, with an average error of 23.7%. Students’ reflections cited common sources of error, including inaccurate weighing, contamination, and product loss during both the compounding procedure and preparation of the sample for analysis. Ninety percent of students agreed that the exercise improved their understanding of the importance of quality in compounded pharmaceutical products. Most students (85.7%)...
Stem homographs and lemma level representations.

Previous studies have found that priming a target like cerr-o ("hill") with an unmasked stem-homograph (e.g., cerr-ar, "to close") or with an unmasked allomorph of a stem-homograph (e.g., cierr-a, "he/she/it closes") has an inhibitory effect on target recognition. We report evidence from stem-homograph priming studies that implicate both morphological parsing and lexical selection processes at the lemma level. We argue that stem-homograph inhibition is the product of lexical selection mechanisms that are engaged just when a fully ambiguous stimulus (here, an inflectional stem) must be assigned one of its viable interpretations in order to afford conscious perception of lexical identity.
Age-related changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in osteoblastic cells

Aging demonstrates deleterious effects upon the skeleton which can predispose an individual to osteoporosis and related fractures. Despite the well-documented evidence that aging decreases bone formation, there remains little understanding whereby cellular aging alters skeletal homeostasis. We, and others, have previously demonstrated that gap junctions--membrane-spanning channels that allow direct cell-to-cell conductance of small signaling molecules--are critically involved in osteoblast differentiation and skeletal homeostasis. We examined whether the capacity of rat osteoblastic cells to form gap junctions and respond to known modulators of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was dependent on the age of the animal from which they were isolated. We observed no effect of age upon osteoblastic Cx43 mRNA, protein or GJIC. We also examined age-related changes in PTH-stimulated GJIC. PTH demonstrated age-dependent effects upon GJIC: Osteoblastic cells from young rats increased GJIC in response to PTH, whereas there was no change in GJIC in response to PTH in osteoblastic cells from mature or old rats. PTH-stimulated GJIC occurred independently of changes in Cx43 mRNA or protein expression. Cholera toxin significantly increased GJIC in osteoblastic cells from young rats compared to those from mature and old rats. These data demonstrate an age-related impairment in the capacity of osteoblastic cells to generate functional gap junctions in response to PTH, and suggest that an age-related defect in G protein-coupled adenylate cyclase activity at least partially contributes to decreased PTH-stimulated GJIC.
On the Political Economy of Welfare Expansion: A Comparative Analysis of 18 Advanced Capitalist Democracies, 1960-1971

This article elaborates the thesis that economic growth and various types of collective action by class-linked actors determine the expansion and decline of welfare spending in rich capitalist democracies. Our multivariate model of this thesis, specified to 1960-1971 growth rates in direct cash transfer payments as proportions of gross domestic product, is supported strongly by regression analyses. These indicate that economic growth notably facilitates transfer payment growth. They also suggest that rightist party participation in government notably dampens welfare expansion, while leftist, centrist and Christian democratic party participation in government are conducive to welfare expansion; and they suggest that the political influences of both unions and large industrial corporations are conducive to growth in transfers payments as well. In addition, state authorities appear to augment welfare spending in response to working class protests, strike activity, and capital investment/disinvestment — activ...
Social matching: A framework and research agenda

Social matching systems bring people together in both physical and online spaces. They have the potential to increase social interaction and foster collaboration. However, social matching systems lack a clear intellectual foundation: the nature of the design space, the key research challenges, and the roster of appropriate methods are all ill-defined. This article begins to remedy the situation. It clarifies the scope of social matching systems by distinguishing them from other recommender systems and related systems and techniques. It identifies a set of issues that characterize the design space of social matching systems and shows how existing systems explore different points within the design space. It also reviews selected social science results that can provide input into system design. Most important, the article presents a research agenda organized around a set of claims. The claims embody our understanding of what issues are most important to investigate, our beliefs about what is most likely to be true, and our suggestions of specific research directions to pursue.
Quantitative evaluation of low-temperature performance of sustainable asphalt pavements containing recycled asphalt shingles (RAS)

Abstract The low-temperature cracking characteristics of asphalt concrete materials containing varying amounts of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), 0–12.5%, and mixed at three different temperatures are investigated using the Disk-shaped Compact Tension (DC(T)) and acoustic emission (AE) tests. The specimens’ AE activities were monitored during cooling from room temperature to −50 °C to determine their embrittlement temperatures. It was observed that the mixtures containing RAS had lower DC(T) fracture energies, higher DC(T) peak loads, and warmer embrittlement temperatures than the control mixture. Results also showed that higher mixing temperatures appear to lower embrittlement temperatures for mixtures containing RAS.
Evaluation of work product defects during corrective & enhancive software evolution: a field study comparison

Information systems portfolio management assumes that software will evolve to maintain alignment with operational needs, a goal that must be met through effective ongoing maintenance. Thus, a primary goal of software maintainers is to ensure that production code is updated without the introduction of defects. However, there is a dearth of research that examines the work product defects that occur as these applications evolve.The goal of this study is to characterize software evolution lifecycle work product defects and factors that may increase or reduce their occurrence. The study takes place within a global consulting organization conducting ongoing software maintenance for a Fortune 100 telecommunications firm by a project team assessed at Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3. This study reports on 991 work product reviews conducted across the evolution activities of the ISO/IEC 12207 Software Development Life Cycle Processes.After controlling for team and expertise differences, the study's major finding is that corrective evolution projects inject a greater number of work product defects than enhancive evolution projects. This result does not arise from the schedule compression often associated with corrective evolution. Rather, it is concluded that the increase in work product defects is associated with the increased complexity of analysis-stage problem diagnosis found in corrective evolution projects. The analysis is augmented by additional covariates including the number of work product reviewers, preparation time of reviewers, and size of the project.
Abstract LB-206: A novel scaffold that targets the IKK complex

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The IκB kinase (IKK) complex is a central component of the NF-κB pathway. The expression of a number of gene products are controlled and regulated by NF-κB. Dysregulation of the NF-κB pathway proteins has been implicated in a number of cancers including pancreatic cancer. A cell-based luciferase reporter assay was used to screen in house chemical libraries and identify NF-κB inhibitors. This led to the identification of quinoxaline urea (QU) analog as a validated hit. We found that QU inhibits the nuclear translocation of p65 in response to TNF-α stimulation. Our studies also indicate that QU inhibits a constitutively active form of the IKK complex. QU induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines with low-μM potency. NF-κB is an important player in the invasion and metastases of pancreatic cancer. The in vitro migration and matrigel invasion assay results with QU shows that it inhibits the migratory and invasive ability of pancreatic cancer cell lines. QU has comparable activities in all our assays to known NF-κB inhibitors, parthenolide and curcumin, that are in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer therapy. In summary, we present a novel scaffold that targets the constitutively active IKK complex with the potential to be developed as pancreatic cancer therapeutic. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-206. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-206
Repetitive stratal patterns in a foreland basin sandstone and their possible tectonic significance

Two distinctive, repetitive stratal patterns within members of the Upper Cretaceous Blackhawk Formation in Utah are recognized by comparison of (1) progradational distances of individual parasequences within each member and (2) the position of the updip termination of marine facies for each parasequence. The oldest parasequence within each member always progrades substantially farther than the younger parasequences within the same member, regardless of whether these parasequences are separated by sequence boundaries. The pattern of progradational distances results in an initial progradational to later aggradational stacking pattern within each member. This pattern is observed in all members of the Blackhawk Formation where there is sufficient outcrop exposure to trace the nonmarine-to-marine transition, which is used to establish the progradational distances. These stratal patterns are interpreted to define the path of relative change of sea level through time within the Cretaceous foreland basin and may provide information characterizing thrust-sheet emplacement. Flooding events bounding parasequences may represent periods of punctuated thrusting, with the main flooding surface (member boundaries) representing the period of greatest thrust-sheet movement.
Coupled-channel scattering calculations of rotational resonances of ArHO(2Σ+, v=0)

We report a computational study of rotationally predissociating resonance states of ArHO(2Σ+, v=0) for total angular momentum zero and one, using fully converged, close-coupled, scattering calculations. The three-dimensional intermolecular potential surface we use is the semi-empirical one proposed by Schnupf. [Chem. Phys. Letters 189 (1991) 487]. The calculations are in accord with recent experimental results obtained by Lester. [J. Chem. Phys. 99 (1963) 6211]. Additional resonance states are predicted which have not been reported experimentally.
Ebp1 Association with Nucleophosmin/B23 Is Essential for Regulating Cell Proliferation and Suppressing Apoptosis

Ebp1 and NPM/B23 are essential for cell proliferation and survival. Ebp1 possesses p42 and p48 isoforms. Whereas p42 exclusively resides in the cytoplasm, p48 localizes in both the cytoplasm and the nucleolus. Here, we show that Ebp1 forms a complex with B23, and this complex plays a critical role in cell proliferation and survival. p42 specifically associates with B23 upon epidermal growth factor stimulation, while p48 constantly binds B23. Moreover, Ser360 phosphorylation in p42, but not p48, is critical for the interaction. p48 constitutively binds B23 in the nucleolus, for which B23 Lys263 sumoylation is indispensable. By contrast, p42 selectively binds unsumoylated B23 mutants. Interestingly, B23 K263R, an unsumoylated mutant, triggers p42 nuclear translocation and interacts with it in the nucleus even in the absence of epidermal growth factor. In contrast, the nucleolar residency of p48 is abolished in B23 K263R cells. During the cell cycle, p42 selectively colocalizes with B23 in the mitotic cells, correlating with its phosphorylation status in mitosis. Knocking down of B23 or Ebp1 substantially decreases ribosome biogenesis and cell survival. Thus, B23 distinctively binds Ebp1 isoforms and regulates cell proliferation and survival through p42 and p48, respectively.
Path-Symmetric States and Parity Detection in Quantum Optical Interferometry

In optical phase estimation, pure states that achieve maximal phase sensitivities with number counting, are symmetric with respect to a certain exchange of paths. We prove the optimality of photon-number parity detection for such path-symmetric states.
[Evaluation of the epilepsy basic training course IBF (Information, Counselling, Teaching) for staff members of services for people with disabilities].

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the one-day epilepsy training course IBF (Information, Counselling, Teaching) for staff members who support people with disabilities. IBF is designed to teach basic knowledge in epilepsy and thereby to promote appropriate support for people with epilepsy and additional disabilities. IBF trainers are recruited from the Bethel Institute in Germany with its special focus on epilepsy. They realize IBF courses on requests of other German facilities for people with disabilities and use teaching material on CD-Rom developed by a working group of the Bethel Institute. Methods Data of 241 IBF participants and data of 197 staff members who took other courses than IBF could be compared twice. Two self-constructed questionnaires on (a) epilepsy knowledge and (b) epilepsy related concerns about caring had to be answered. Trainers administered the instruments at the beginning of the IBF courses (T1). Three months later (T2), the questionnaires were sent again to the IBF participants. The procedure for staff members of the control group was similar. Results Analyses of variance with repeated measurements showed that the IBF group - in contrast to the control group - improved significantly with respect to epilepsy knowledge and with respect to concerns about caring. The effect sizes of the IBF group changes on epilepsy knowledge had to be regarded as high, and improvements could be seen on most items of the scale. Effect sizes of the IBF group changes on concerns about caring had to be regarded as low, and improvements could only be seen on a few items of the scale. Conclusion The essential finding of this study is that IBF proved to be efficient and that its most important goals are reached. Although a low responsiveness of the scale on epilepsy related concerns about caring cannot be excluded, it seems reasonable to discuss whether subjects that go beyond enhancing epilepsy knowledge should not be focussed even more in future IBF courses.
On crystal bases and Enright's completions

Abstract We investigate the interplay of crystal bases and completions in the sense of Enright on certain nonintegrable representations of quantum groups. We define completions of crystal bases, show that this notion of completion is compatible with Enright's completion of modules, prove that every module in our category has a crystal basis which can be completed and that a completion of the crystal lattice is unique. Furthermore, we give two constructions of the completion of a crystal lattice.
Pediatric intestinal failure: Predictors of metabolic bone disease ☆

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in pediatric intestinal failure (IF). Methods A retrospective single-center study of 36 pediatric IF patients who were screened for MBD was performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Simple regression analysis was initially performed to screen predictors, followed by multivariate step-wise linear regression analysis to identify risk factors of MBD. Results Mean lumbar spine BMD Z-score was −1.16±1.32, and 50.0% of patients had a BMD Z-score less than −1.0. Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25-OHD 55pg/ml). Seven patients (19.4%) had bone pain, of which 4 (11.1%) suffered a pathologic fracture. Using multivariate analysis, parenteral nutrition (PN) duration predicted decreased BMD (B=−0.132, p=0.006). Serum 25-OHD nonsignificantly correlated with BMD Z-score (B=0.024, p=0.092). Interestingly, repeat DXA after increasing vitamin D supplementation showed no improvement in BMD Z-score (−1.18±1.49 vs −1.36±1.47, p=0.199). Conclusions Pediatric IF is associated with a significant risk of MBD, which is predicted by the duration of PN-dependence. These findings underscore the importance of BMD monitoring. Better therapies for treating IF-associated MBD are needed.
68 BRAZELTON BEHAVIOR TESTING IN THE HIGH RISK NEWBORN

The Brazelton Scale was administered to 204 high risk infants; 366 tests were given. 88% were <2500g and 90% were <36 weeks gestation. 42% had assisted ventilation, and 19% were small for gestational age. Gestational age at test time was 35-43 weeks in 92%. Deviant reflexes (scored as 0, 1 or 3 except for passive movements) were: crawling (20%), standing (39%), placing (23%) Moro (27%), walking (79%), and passive movements of arms (77%) & legs (82%). Mean scores on decrement and orientation items were Significant correlations were: 1) Infants with ventilatory support were less able to self quiet or to be consoled; 2) The longer the ventilatory support the poorer the self quieting, consolability and response to animate stimuli, but the better the use of postural changes to self quiet; 3) Gestational age at birth and/or test time influenced dominant states, alertness, consolability, pull to sit, activity, and response to inanimate auditory stimulus. Conclusion: gestational age and perinatal events influence high risk infant responses to the Brazelton test so that their behavior is not accurately described by term newborn standards.
A comparison between electron mobilities in Hg1−xMnxTe and Hg1−xCdxTe

Abstract Electron mobility in the n-type diluted magnetic semiconductor Hg1−xMnxTe has been calculated in the absence of a magnetic field. The results were compared to those of Hg1−xCdxTe for the same range of energy gap. The calculations are based on solving the Boltzmann equation using a variational principle technique. The scattering processes that are included in the calculations are the scattering of the electrons with ionized impurities, holes, alloy disorder, acoustic phonons and longitudinal optical phonons. At room temperatures the mobilities are nearly the same, while at temperatures of the order of liquid nitrogen they are about 30% less for MMT as compared with the same concentration of defects.
Orthogonality of matrices

Abstract Let A and B be rectangular matrices. Then A is orthogonal to B if ∥A+μB∥⩾∥A∥ for every scalar μ. Some approximation theory and convexity results on matrices are used to study orthogonality of matrices and answer an open problem of Bhatia and Semrl.
Parathyroid hormone reserve in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Objective: We hypothesized that most patients with 22q11.2 deletion and a history of hypocalcemia have inadequate parathyroid function, manifested by intact parathyroid hormone levels below normal. We aimed to evaluate intact parathyroid hormone levels both during normocalcemia and at hypocalcemia, in this population. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of 103 patients with 22q11.2 deletion born since 1997 and cared for at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Calcium and intact parathyroid hormone drawn simultaneously were recorded, along with clinical presentation at hypocalcemia. Results: Forty-seven simultaneous Ca/intact parathyroid hormone values were available. Seventy-nine percent of calcium levels and 81% of parathyroid hormone levels were within normal range. There were 19 patients with a history of symptomatic hypocalcemia, for whom any available simultaneous Ca/parathyroid hormone levels, before, during, or after hypocalcemia were analyzed. In this subgroup, 59% of calcium and 76% of parathyroid hormone levels were normal. None had an intact parathyroid hormone of >39.2 pg/mL at hypocalcemia. Seventy-three percent of hypocalcemic events had a precipitating stressor. Conclusions: Hypoparathyroidism in 22q11.2 deletion is mild, manifesting as a phenomenon of decreased parathyroid hormone reserve. Subjects are normocalcemic most of the time, but are unable to mount elevated intact parathyroid hormone levels, and therefore unable to correct hypocalcemia, in response to stressors.
Implications of ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability during murine electrophysiology studies

Programmed ventricular stimulation is being performed for the provocation of ventricular arrhythmias in genetically engineered mice. Despite the high level of interest in this area of translational...
Measurements of hydroxyl concentrations and lifetimes in laminar flames using picosecond time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence.

Picosecond time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (PITLIF) can potentially be used to obtain measurements of minor species concentrations in rapidly fluctuating flames. Previous studies demonstrated this potential for atomic sodium by monitoring the temporal fluorescence signal with both an equivalent-time and a real-time sampling method. In this developmental study, PITLIF is used to determine hydroxyl concentrations in laminar CH4–O2–N2 flames by the measurement of both the integrated fluorescence signal and the fluorescence lifetime. The quenching environment can be monitored with real-time sampling, and thus the necessary quenching rate coefficient is obtained in 348 μs, which is fast enough for use in many turbulent flows. Fluorescence lifetimes of OH are also measured at different equivalence ratios in laminar flames by the use of the equivalent-time sampling technique. These results compare favorably with predicted lifetimes based on relevant quenching cross sections and calculated species concentrations.