cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Police officers' perceptions of the Nigeria Police Force: Its effects on the social organization of policing

Abstract Studies dealing with law enforcement and order maintenance in Nigeria primarily have been concerned with either the historical development of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) or the use to which the police force has been put by the federal military government. It is rare to find any systematic and extensive surveys of the opinions of the police officers, themselves, regarding how they perceive the NPF and the possible ways their perceptions can affect the social organization of policing in the country. That is, how their views of the police force affect the methods they use to enforce laws and maintain order on the streets. This study filled this void; it surveyed the opinions of 212 police officers concerning how they view the NPF, their job, and the public. Information received from them revealed that they see the NPF as an agent of the government not as a service group for the public. As a result, they said they are only answerable to the federal military government and its subunits. Based upon these findings, it is concluded that the problems of law enforcement and order maintenance in Nigeria are partly due to the way police officers perceive the NPF. This position is taken because their perceptions influence both how they view the public and the methods they use to enforce laws and maintain order on the streets.
Trophic transfer of TiO2 nanoparticles from daphnia to zebrafish in a simplified freshwater food chain

The rapid development of nanotechnology and the corresponding increase in the use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in commercial products have led to concerns about the health risks and environmental impacts of such nanosized materials. One of the most significant and currently not well-understood risks is their potential transfer and magnification in food webs. To address this concern, a simplified model of a freshwater food chain including a low trophic level organism (daphnia, Daphnia magna) and a high trophic level organism (zebrafish, Danio rerio) was established. Our results provide the first direct evidence that nanoscale TiO(2) particles (nTiO(2)) can transfer from D. magna to D. rerio by dietary exposure. However, no biomagnifications of nTiO(2) was observed in this simplified food chain because the values of the biomagnification factors (BMF) in this study (0.024 and 0.009) were all less than one. Compared to the dietary intake, D. rerio could accumulate nTiO(2) by aqueous exposure with high bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of 25.38 and 181.38 for 0.1 and 1.0mgL(-1) exposure groups, respectively. Nevertheless, higher body burden of nTiO(2) in the dietary exposure groups than that in the aqueous exposure groups demonstrated that dietary intake may constitute a major route of potential nanomaterial exposure for a higher trophic level of aquatic organisms. This study represents the first examination of the potential food chain transfer and biomagnification of nTiO(2) in an aquatic ecosystem.
Predictive modeling of geometric deviations of 3D printed products - A unified modeling approach for cylindrical and polygon shapes

Geometric fidelity of 3D printed products is critical for Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing to be a direct manufacturing technology. Shape deviations of AM built products can be attributed to multiple variation sources such as substrate geometry defect, disturbance in process variables, and material phase change. Three strategies have been reported to improve geometric quality in AM: (1) control process variables x based on the observed disturbance of process variables Δx, (2) control process variables x based on the observed product deviation Δy, and (3) control input product geometry y based on the observed product deviation Δy. This study adopts the third strategy which changes the CAD design by optimally compensating the product deviations. To accomplish the goal an predictive model is desirable to forecast the quality of a wide class of product shapes, particularly considering the vast library of AM built products with complex geometry. Built upon our previous optimal compensation study of cylindrical products, this work aims at an unified modeling approach to predict the quality of both cylinder and polygon shapes. Experimental investigation of polygon shapes indicates the promise of predicting and compensating a wide class of products built through 3D printing technology.
The impact of varying autonomic states on the dynamic beat-to-beat QT-RR and QT-TQ interval relationships

The beat-to-beat dynamicity of the QT-RR interval relationship is difficult to assess with the use of traditional correction factors (QTc) and changes in QTc do not accurately reflect or quantify arrhythmogenic risk. Further, the interpretation of arrhythmogenic risk is influenced by autonomic state. To visualize the QT-RR interval dynamics under varying conditions of autonomic state from impaired repolarization, we have developed a system to sequentially plot the beat-to-beat confluence of ECG data or 'clouds' obtained from conscious dogs and humans. To represent the non-uniformity of the clouds, a bootstrap sampling method that computes the mathematical centre of the uncorrected beat-to-beat QT value (QTbtb) and defines the upper and lower 95% confidence bounds is used. The same method can also be used to examine heterogeneity, hysteresis (both acceleration and deceleration) and restitution (beat-to-beat QT-TQ interval relationship). Impaired repolarization with the combination of E-4031 and L-768,673 (inhibitor of IKs current) increased heterogeneity of restitution at rest 55-91%; increased hysteresis during heart rate acceleration after isoproterenol challenge by approximately 40-60%; and dramatically diminished the minimum TQ boundary by 72% to only 28 ms. Impaired repolarization alters restitution during normal sinus rhythm and increases hysteresis/heterogeneity during heart rate acceleration following sympathetic stimulation. These findings are supported by similar clinical observations in LQT1 and LQT2 syndromes. Therefore, the assessment of the dynamic QT-RR and QT-TQ interval relationships through quantification of heterogeneity, hysteresis and restitution may allow a more accurate non-invasive evaluation of the conditions leading to cardiac arrhythmia.
Manifest needs of prospective counselors: a comparative study

Mean performances of 81 prospective counselors on each of the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS; Edwards, 1959) needs were analyzed and statistically compared with performances of elementary school counselors, other school counselors, urban college students, professional women, Roman Catholic sisters, and the 1959 EPPS norm samples. Performances of the men and women in the prospective counselor group were similar. Men had a significantly higher need for achievement and dominance, but the significance did not reach .01. Two EPPS needs, intraception and nurturance, consistently differentiated the prospective counselor group. Comparisons across samples indicated that prospective counselors were most similar to the two counseling samples and, for the female subgroup of prospective counselors, to the sample of professional women. Largest across-sample differences were found between the female prospective counselors and the Roman Catholic sisters, between the female prospective counselors and norm samples of female college students and female adults, and between the male prospective counselors and the male adult norm sample.
Predicting Ligand Binding Residues and Functional Sites Using Multipositional Correlations with Graph Theoretic Clustering and Kernel CCA

We present a new computational method for predicting ligand binding residues and functional sites in protein sequences. These residues and sites tend to be not only conserved, but also exhibit strong correlation due to the selection pressure during evolution in order to maintain the required structure and/or function. To explore the effect of correlations among multiple positions in the sequences, the method uses graph theoretic clustering and kernel-based canonical correlation analysis (kCCA) to identify binding and functional sites in protein sequences as the residues that exhibit strong correlation between the residues' evolutionary characterization at the sites and the structure-based functional classification of the proteins in the context of a functional family. The results of testing the method on two well-curated data sets show that the prediction accuracy as measured by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) scores improves significantly when multipositional correlations are accounted for.
Abstract 207: Dual targeting of DLL4 and VEGF signaling by a novel bispecific antibody inhibits tumor growth and reduces cancer stem cell frequency

Both Notch/Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways play a critical role in angiogenesis and tumor growth. Due to differential regulatory effects of VEGF and DLL4 on the vasculature, inhibition of DLL4 or VEGF inhibits tumor growth by distinct mechanisms: anti-DLL4 treatment induces an abnormal increase of poorly perfused blood vessels, which results in a nonproductive angiogenesis unable to support tumor growth, whereas the anti-VEGF therapy significantly decreases vasculature reducing the blood supply to tumors. We have recently developed a high binding affinity bispecific monoclonal antibody that targets both human DLL4 and human VEGF. In vitro, this antibody exhibited nanomolar affinity to hVEGF and hDLL4, and reduced HUVEC proliferation induced by VEGF. The bispecific antibody demonstrated significant in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in various solid tumors, delayed tumor recurrence following termination of chemotherapy, and decreased the frequency of tumor initiating cells. Analysis of tumor vasculature after treatment with anti-DLL4/VEGF revealed inhibition of vascular gene expression and endothelial cell proliferation, indicating that the anti-VEGF effect on the vasculature is dominant over the anti-DLL4 effect. Notably, at doses where both anti-DLL4 and anti-VEGF alone produced suboptimal anti-tumor effect, dual targeting resulted in additive tumor growth inhibition. These results indicate that our bispecific anti-DLL4/VEGF is broadly efficacious and may be useful for treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Citation Format: Wan-Ching Yen, Fumiko Axelrod, Chris Bond, Jennifer Cain, Cecile Chartier, Marcus Fischer, Shirley Ma, Rene Meisner, Janak Raval, Jalpa Shah, Austin Gurney, John Lewicki, Timothy Hoey. Dual targeting of DLL4 and VEGF signaling by a novel bispecific antibody inhibits tumor growth and reduces cancer stem cell frequency. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 207. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-207
The role of earth radiation budget studies in climate and general circulation research

The use of earth radiation budget (ERB) data for climate and general circulation research is studied. ERB measurements obtained in the 1960's and 1970's have provided data on planetary brightness, planetary global energy balances, the greenhouse effect, solar insolation, meridional heat transport by oceans and atmospheres, regional forcing, climate feedback processes, and the computation of albedo values in low latitudes. The role of clouds in governing climate, in influencing the general circulation, and in determining the sensitivity of climate to external perturbations needs to be researched; a procedure for analyzing the ERB data, which will address these problems, is described. The approach involves estimating the clear-sky fluxes from the high spatial resolution scanner measurement and defining a cloud radiative forcing; the global average of the sum of the solar and long-wave cloud forcing yields the net radiative effect of clouds on the climate.
Glial Cell Aquaporin-4 Overexpression in Transgenic Mice Accelerates Cytotoxic Brain Swelling

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water transport protein expressed in glial cell plasma membranes, including glial cell foot processes lining the blood-brain barrier. AQP4 deletion in mice reduces cytotoxic brain edema produced by different pathologies. To determine whether AQP4 is rate-limiting for brain water accumulation and whether altered AQP4 expression, as occurs in various pathologies, could have functional importance, we generated mice that overexpressed AQP4 in brain glial cells by a transgenic approach using the glial fibrillary acid protein promoter. Overexpression of AQP4 protein in brain by ∼2.3-fold did not affect mouse survival, appearance, or behavior, nor did it affect brain anatomy or intracranial pressure (ICP). However, following acute water intoxication produced by intraperitoneal water injection, AQP4-overexpressing mice had an accelerated progression of cytotoxic brain swelling, with ICP elevation of 20 ± 2 mmHg at 10 min, often producing brain herniation and death. In contrast, ICP elevation was 14 ± 2 mmHg at 10 min in control mice and 9.8 ± 2 mmHg in AQP4 knock-out mice. The deduced increase in brain water content correlated linearly with brain AQP4 protein expression. We conclude that AQP4 expression is rate-limiting for brain water accumulation, and thus, that altered AQP4 expression can be functionally significant.
Turnkey or Tailored? Relational Pluralism, Institutional Complexity, and the Organizational Adoption of More or Less Customized Practices

We examine how the organizational adoption of new practices is influenced by relational pluralism, i.e., an organization's multiple ties to actors inside and outside its industry. We theorize that ...
Interpretation of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for cardiovascular disease risk is complicated by race, pulmonary disease, body mass index, gender, and osteoarthritis

Summary Objective High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in serum is used as a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however CRP is a non-specific acute phase reactant. We evaluated the association between hsCRP concentrations and the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), and assessed the applicability of hsCRP for CVD risk prediction. Methods Participants ( n =662) were selected from the population-based Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, using stratified simple random sampling to achieve balance according to radiographic knee OA status, ethnic group, gender, and age group. The presence and severity of knee and hip OA were determined radiographically. CVD risk was estimated by hsCRP concentration and independently with the Framingham risk algorithm. Results Serum natural log-transformed hsCRP (ln hsCRP) was higher in African-Americans ( P P P =0.01), hypertension ( P P =0.004), and correlated with body mass index (BMI) ( r =0.40, P r =0.33, P P P P Conclusions The pathogenic significance of hsCRP elevations in this subgroup is unclear. Serum hsCRP for predicting risk of CVD is confounded by obesity, ethnicity, gender and comorbidities.
Impacts of regional climate change on biogenic emissions and air quality

[1] Regional air quality simulations are conducted at a horizontal grid resolution of 36 km for four summers (2001, 2002, 2051, and 2052) to examine the sensitivity of air quality to potential regional climate change in the United States. In response to the predicted warmer climate in 2051/2052, the emissions of isoprene and terpene increase by 20–92% and 20–56%, respectively, over most of the domain. Surface O3 increases by up to 19–20%. Such increases are largely driven by changes in temperature, solar radiation, and cloud fraction over most of the domain. PM2.5, its compositions, and visibility exhibit an overall negative sensitivity (decrease by up to 40%), resulting from the competition of the negative temperature effect and positive emission/temperature effects. While the response of dry deposition is governed by the negative sensitivity of surface resistances, that of wet deposition is either positive or negative, depending on the relative dominancy of changes in PM2.5 and precipitation. Overall the net climatic effect due to changes in climatic variables alone dominates changes in O3, PM2.5, and wet and total deposition, and the net biogenic emission effect due to changes in biogenic emissions alone as a result of climate change is important for isoprene, organic matter, visibility, and dry deposition over several regions. Models that do not include secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene may underestimate by at least 20% of the responses of organic aerosols to future climate changes over many areas of the modeling domain. Both regional climate and air quality exhibit interannual variability, particularly in temperature, isoprene emissions, and PM2.5 concentrations, indicating a need for long-term simulations to predict future air quality. Compared with results from global models, stronger regional climate change signals may cause projected local impacts of climate change that are stronger or even different in sign.
The Origin, Impact and Demise of the 1989–1990 Colombian Student Movement: Insights from Social Movement Theory

The 1989-1990 Colombian student movement played a key role in bringing about a constituent assembly to draft a new national constitution. This article utilises contemporary social movement theory, secondary sources and interviews with student activists to examine the trajectory of this movement. Key explanatory variables of social movement theory political opportunity structure, organisational form, the framing process and the repertoire of collective action provide useful insights into the origins, impact and ultimate demise of the Colombian student movement. Judicious use of such variables could benefit research on other social movements in Latin America.
Evaluation of parallel and fan-beam data acquisition geometries and strategies for myocardial SPECT imaging

This study evaluates myocardial SPECT images obtained from parallel-hole (PH) and fan-beam (FB) collimator geometries using both circular-orbit (CO) and noncircular-orbit (NCO) acquisitions. A newly developed 4-D NURBS-based cardiac-torso (NCAT) phantom was used to simulate the /sup 99m/Tc-sestamibi uptakes in human torso with myocardial defects in the left ventricular (LV) wall. Two phantoms were generated to simulate patients with thick and thin body builds. Projection data including the effects of attenuation, collimator-detector response and scatter were generated using SIMSET Monte Carlo simulations. A large number of photon histories were generated such that the projection data were close to noise free. Poisson noise fluctuations were then added to simulate the count densities found in clinical data. Noise-free and noisy projection data were reconstructed using the iterative OS-EM reconstruction algorithm with attenuation compensation. The reconstructed images from noisy projection data show that the noise levels are lower for the FB as compared to the PH collimator due to increase in detected counts. The NCO acquisition method provides slightly better resolution and small improvement in defect contrast as compared to the CO acquisition method in noise-free reconstructed images. Despite lower projection counts the NCO shows the same noise level as the CO in the attenuation corrected reconstruction images. The results from the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) study show that FB collimator is superior to PH collimator in myocardial defect detection, but the NCO shows no statistical significant difference from the CO for either PH or FB collimator. In conclusion, our results indicate that data acquisition using NCO makes a very small improvement in the resolution over CO for myocardial SPECT imaging. This small improvement does not make a significant difference on myocardial defect detection. However, an FB collimator provides better defect detection than a PH collimator with similar spatial resolution for myocardial SPECT imaging.
Late effects and healthcare needs of survivors of allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative study

Purpose This qualitative study of survivors of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for haematological malignancy explored attitudes about late effects of therapy, healthcare issues and information needs. Methods We conducted 12 indepth cognitive interviews and three focus groups of patients who had previously had SCT and were without recurrence of their primary disease. We used grounded theory methods, where themes emerged from consensus between cocoders. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the short-form 36 (SF-36). Results The study included 22 patients (50% female; 95% white; mean age 47 years). The mean time from SCT was 5.2 years (±1.4 years). Most had low SF-36 scores. Participants discussed late effects of therapy, most commonly graft-versus-host disease, and how they impacted their quality of life. They reported frequent healthcare use and cancer screening after SCT and discussed problems affording care and interacting with insurance companies. Participants shared sources of health information (eg, preferring providers as their primary sources of information, but also learnt from websites, medical journals and peer experiences) and identified information barriers (eg, feeling ‘on their own’ insofar as they did not have targeted care for their needs), and expressed importance of anticipatory guidance regarding infertility. Overall, participants9 personal issues and social influences impacted survivors9 needs and attitudes. Conclusions SCT survivors face continuing and lasting health effects. The factors impacting survivorship needs are complex and may be interrelated. Future research should study the affect of incorporating personal and social issues into existing clinical SCT programmes on survivors9 quality of life.
High Q two dimensional defect resonators-measured and simulated

The concept of electromagnetic bandgaps (EBG) was utilized to develop a high Q resonator that can be integrated monolithically with other components due to a reduced height, planar design. The resonator was created by removing a single element in a periodic lattice. Both dielectric and metallo-dielectric lattices have been analyzed, with resulting unloaded Q's of 700 and up to 983, respectively. Finally, a 1% filter at approximately 11.75 GHz was simulated to demonstrate a potential application of this technology.
Provenance Propagation in Complex Queries

Peter Buneman has exerted a major influence on my career. Among many other things, we worked together in early 1990s on the design of query languages for post-relational data models: nested relations, complex values, etc. Later on, his pioneering work on data provenance was the major influence on my own work on provenance. It therefore feels very appropriate to me to write for this Festschrift a piece in which languages for complex values and structures for provenance tracking come together.
Near-Laurentian paleogeography of the Lawrence Head volcanics of central Newfoundland, northern Appalachians

Abstract Paleomagnetic analyses were completed on two volcanic units of the Exploits Group in Newfoundland's Central Mobile Belt, which are part of an Ordovician arc-back-arc system. The Tea Arm Volcanics display scattered and unstable characteristic directions that cannot be interpreted. However, stable end-points in six sites supported by great-circle analysis of seven sites in the mid-Arenigian to Llanvirnian Lawrence Head Volcanics yield a tilt- and strike-corrected characteristic direction of D = 56°, I = 23°, (α95 = 19°), k = 14, N = 6). The magnetization is carried by magnetite and passes a tilt test. The corresponding paleolatitude of 12° ± 10° is interpreted as southerly, and is similar to the paleolatitude of 11° ± 4° for arc volcanics of the nearby Moreton's Harbour Group. However, this near-Laurentian paleolatitude is distinctly different from the paleolatitude of 31° ± 8° reported for the Robert's Arm-(Cottrell's Cove)-Chanceport-Summerford volcanic terrane. The low paleolatitude of the Lawrence Head Volcanics supports the location of a major Ordovician subduction system near the Laurentian margin of Iapetus, whereas the present-day juxtaposition of latitudinally distinct elements in the area represents a complex accretionary history involving Early Silurian or older thrusting and younger strike-slip faulting of several Iapetan island-arc terranes to Laurentia.
PARASITES OF NATIVE AND NONNATIVE FISHES OF THE LITTLE COLORADO RIVER, GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

A 2-yr, seasonal, parasitological study of 1,435 fish, belonging to 4 species of native fishes and 7 species of nonnative fishes from the lower Little Colorado River (LCR) and tributary creeks, Grand Canyon, Arizona, yielded 17 species of parasites. These comprised 1 myxozoan (Henneguya exilis), 2 copepods (Ergasilus arthrosis and Lernaea cyprinacea), 1 acarine (Oribatida gen. sp.), 1 piscicolid leech (Myzobdella lugubris), 4 monogeneans (Gyrodactylus hoffmani, Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus extensus, and Ligictaluridus floridanus), 4 nematodes (Contracaecum sp., Eustrongylides sp., Rhabdochona sp., and Truttaedacnitis truttae), 3 cestodes (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Corallobothrium fimbriatum, and Megathylacoides giganteum), and 2 trematodes (Ornithodiplostomum sp. and Posthodiplostomum sp.). Rhabdochona sp. was the only adult parasite native to the LCR. Infection intensities of Ornithodiplostomum sp. and B. acheilognathi were positively correlated with length of the humpback chub Gila cypha. Adult h...
The Czechoslovak intelligence service and western reactions to the communist Coup d'Etat of February 1948

(1993). The Czechoslovak intelligence service and western reactions to the communist Coup d'Etat of February 1948. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 73-85.
Feminismo, nacionalismo, e a luta pelo significado do adé no Candomblé: ou, como Edison Carneiro e Ruth landes inverteram o curso da historia

Throughout the 1930's and 40's, Edison Carneiro, Arthur Ramos and Ruth Landes have met in candomble, and their dialogues- sometimes antagonistic, sometimes lovingly - changed this religion. Carneiro used Candomble as a symbol of the northeast; Ramos used it as symbol of Brazil; and Landes, as a symbol of international feminism. The debate on the meaning of Candomble was not merely academic, and it established a new gender pattern in Bahian temples leadership. Opposing to conventional history, Candomble - a religion that gave equal space for male and female priests in the 1930's - became for the first time in the decades following the meeting between Ramos, Carneiro and Landes a matriarchate. In terms of theoretical and transcultural matters, this case shows that imagining communities - including nation-state - is a transnational process. National identity results not only from the interaction between groups of nations, but also from the dispute between overlapping communities on the authority of defining certain shared symbols - as the ade priest, the homosexual. This interaction can change human lives as well as the course of history.
Comparing Digital Divides: Internet Access and Social Inequality in Canada and the United States

What is the best way to measure and track the digital divide, in a comparative manner, over time? What impact have differing policy interventions had on the digital divide in Canada and the United States? We offer a way of benchmarking equality in Internet access using Gini coefficients and demonstrate that overall the digital divide has been clos - ing in both countries. We find that in terms of income, the digital divide in Canada has closed most dramatically, and that in terms of education, the digital divide remains most pro - nounced in the United States. We suggest that Canada has been more successful in reducing the concentration of Internet access among wealthy educated populations, in part due to the active role of the state in supporting the production of culturally relevant digital content.
Information Gap Tasks: Their Multiple Roles and Contributions to Interaction Research Methodology

This article describes how information gap tasks can be designed as instruments for data collection and analysis and as treatments in interaction research. The development of such tasks is illustrated and data are presented on their role in drawing learners' attention to second language (L2) forms that are difficult to notice through classroom discussion alone. Because the tasks presented here are closed-ended and precision oriented and require the exchange of uniquely held information, they promote modified interaction among participants and orient their attention to form, function, and meaning. These processes can be observed by the researcher during task implementation. Thus, the tasks reduce researcher dependence on externally applied treatments and analytical instruments not integral to the interaction itself. To illustrate this methodology in use, we report on a study in which six pairs of intermediate-level English L2 learners carried out three types of information gap tasks in their classrooms. They first read passages on familiar topics, whose sentences contained L2 forms that were low in salience and difficult to master but developmentally appropriate. To complete the tasks, the learners were required to identify, recall, and compare the forms, their functions, and their meanings. Data revealed close relationships among learners' attentional processes, their recall of form, function, and meaning, and the interactional processes that supported their efforts.In carrying out the design and implementation of the tasks in this article, we have worked most closely with Kristine Billmyer and MaryAnn Julian, and also Jin Ahn, Marni Baker-Stein, Mara Blake-Ward, Lyn Buchheit, Junko Hondo, Sharon Nicolary, and Jack Sullivan. Among the many graduate students who have provided assistance are Vivian Chen, Yao Chen, Yi-Chen Chen, Cathy Fillman, Leslie Harsch, Hanae Katayana, Ji Hwan Kim, Atsuko Matsui, Lisa Mullen, Amy Nichols, Matthew Salvatore, Margaret Skaarup, Lauren Smith, Cheng-Chen Tseng, Debbie Tsui, Melissa Yi, Wei-Chieh Yu, and Mira Yun.
Origins of biological magnetic resonance.

resonance (NMR) spectroscopy” were cited in the award of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry to Richard Ernst. In his Nobel lecture,Ernstconcluded,“Iam notaware ofany other field of science outside of magnetic resonance that offers so much freedom and opportunities for a creative mind to invent and explore new experimental schemes that can be fruitfully applied in a variety of disciplines” (3). Ernst’s lecture also summarizes how this technique of the latter half of the 20th century grew out of developments in physics in the first half of the century. Revolutions in magnetic resonance have continued during the 50 years since the first publications, and these revolutions have maintained a steady influx of new practitioners. I was an undergraduate at Stanford in the late 1950s, and it would have been difficult to avoid getting caught up in the excitement of the new discoveries on the campus and atnearbyVarian.At thattime,FelixBloch turned out each fall to participate in the Physics Department picnic to welcome new physics students. The colorful chemistry professor, Richard A. Ogg, introduced me to NMR, and I remember his declaration: “Do you students realize what this is going to mean to the field of chemistry?” He had just delivered a lecture describing the first observation of resolved chemical shifts in ethanol (4) and his own measurements of proton transfer rates in liquid ammonia solutions (5). Scrupulously dry liquid ammonia gives a proton NMR signal of three lines because, although the three protons of ammonia are equivalent, they reside on nitrogens with one of three different nuclear moments. However, traces of water, in liquid ammonia, lead to reaction [1]; by which
Cutting Edge: Diabetes-Associated Quantitative Trait Locus, Idd4 , Is Responsible for the IL-12p40 Overexpression Defect in Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) Mice

APCs of the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse have a genetically programmed capacity to overexpress IL-12p40, a cytokine critical for development of pathogenic autoreactive Th1 cells. To determine whether a diabetes-associated NOD chromosomal locus (i.e., Idd) was responsible for this defect, LPS-stimulated macrophages from several recombinant congenic inbred mice with Idd loci on a C57BL/6 background or with different combinations of NOD and CBA genomic segments were screened for IL-12p40 production. Only macrophages from the congenic strains containing the Idd4 locus showed IL-12p40 overproduction/expression. Moreover, analysis of IL-12p40 sequence polymorphisms demonstrated that the Idd4 intervals in these strains contained the IL-12p40 allele of the NOD, although further analysis is required to determine whether the IL-12p40 allele itself is responsible for its overexpression. Thus, the non-MHC-associated Idd4 locus appears responsible for IL-12p40 overexpression, which may be a predisposing factor for type 1 diabetes in NOD mice.
Cerebrovascular Disease and Depression Symptoms in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background and Purpose—Evidence is mounting linking cerebrovascular disease with depressive symptoms in the elderly. Lesions in both white and gray matter have been associated with depressive symptoms and major depression. We sought to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and white and gray matter lesions in subjects participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Methods—In a sample of 3660 men and women who underwent a standardized interview, physical examination, and MRI scan, we examined the association between number of white and gray matter lesions and white matter grade (a measure of severity) and reported depressive symptoms using a modified version of the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. We controlled for a variety of demographic and medical variables as well as functional status and Modified Mini-Mental State Examination score. Results—The number of small (<3 mm) basal ganglia lesions was significantly associated with reported depressive symptoms,...
Comparison Between Carbon Nanotube and Carbon Nanofiber Reinforcements in Amorphous Silicon Nitride Coatings

Amorphous silicon nitride coatings were reinforced with carbon nanotubes and dense carbon nanofibers. These reinforcements were all fabricated with graphene layers oriented parallel to the fiber axis, and some of the nanofibers were also heat-treated at high temperature to improve graphitic ordering. The effectiveness of these reinforcements as toughening agents was then compared qualitatively by examining the fiber pull out lengths from fracture surfaces. With the dense nanofibers there was almost no evidence of pull-out, whereas the materials reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes exhibited significant pull-out. Based on these results, the multiwalled carbon nanotubes appear to provide significantly more toughening than the dense nanofibers.
Teacher Perceptions of the Regular Education Initiative

A survey of 381 special and regular educators assessed perceptions and opinions surrounding the regular education initiative. Confirmatory factor analysis supported an a priori hypothesized structure of teachers' responses. Items factored into 14 categories. These factors describe issues related to preferred placement of students with mild disabilities, teachers' responsibility and ownership, teacher preparedness for meeting the needs of these students, achievement outcomes for all children, and the changes that would result from adopting the proposed consultant model rather than a pullout program. Results favored current special education practices (pullout programs) in elementary schools.
Agricultural Practices and Residual Corn During Spring Crane and Waterfowl Migration in Nebraska

ABSTRACT Nebraska's Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) is a major spring-staging area for migratory birds. Over 6 million ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) stage there en route to tundra, boreal forest, and prairie breeding habitats, storing nutrients for migration and reproduction by consuming primarily corn remaining in fields after harvest (hereafter residual corn). In springs 2005–2007, we measured residual corn density in randomly selected harvested cornfields during early (n = 188) and late migration (n = 143) periods. We estimated the mean density of residual corn for the CPRV and examined the influence of agricultural practices (post-harvest field management) and migration period on residual corn density. During the early migration period, residual corn density was greater in idle harvested fields than any other treatments of fields (42%, 48%, 53%, and 92% more than grazed, grazed and mulched, mulched, and tilled fields, respectively). Depletion of residual corn from early to lat...
SPIDER: an autonomic computing approach to database security management

The system management complexity is exponentially increasing for the computing systems by even threatening their viability. Researchers and practitioners are scrambling to significantly simplify the all aspects of system management complexity. One of the most notable efforts towards this direction is the autonomic computing initiative, which is inspired by how the human body works to manage itself. In this paper, we focus on the database security management. We approach the security management issues from the autonomic computing perspective. We consider situations where the database is damaged by successful malicious attacks. Our goal is to design the system in such a way that the database system should be able to isolate the damaged parts of the system and to keep the other parts of the system functioning as the damage is being repaired.
The Hippocampus and Disambiguation of Overlapping Sequences

Recent models of hippocampal function emphasize its potential role in disambiguating sequences of events that compose distinct episodic memories. In this study, rats were trained to distinguish two overlapping sequences of odor choices. The capacity to disambiguate the sequences was measured by the critical odor choice after the overlapping elements of the sequences. When the sequences were presented in rapid alternation, damage to the hippocampus, produced either by infusions of the neurotoxin ibotenic acid or by radiofrequency current, produced a severe deficit, although animals with radiofrequency lesions relearned the task. When the sequences were presented spaced apart and in random order, animals with radiofrequency hippocampal lesions could perform the task. However, they failed when a memory delay was imposed before the critical choice. These findings support the hypothesis that the hippocampus is involved in representing sequences of nonspatial events, particularly when interference between the sequences is high or when animals must remember across a substantial delay preceding items in a current sequence.
A Human Yeast Artificial Chromosome Containing the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B Ret Mutation Does Not Induce Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma but Does Support the Growth of Kidneys and Partially Rescues Enteric Nervous System Development in Ret-Deficient Mice

We generated a line of transgenic mice using a yeast artificial chromosome containing the Ret mutation responsible for the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome (MEN 2B). The resulting animals did not develop any of the expected neoplasms associated with MEN 2B. Transgenic animals were then bred with animals lacking murine Ret (Ret(M)) to further evaluate the function of human mutated Ret (Ret(H)(2B)) in the murine context. Whereas mice lacking Ret(M) exhibit intestinal aganglionosis and the absence of kidneys with other genitourinary anomalies, expression of the Ret(H)(2B) transgene in Ret(M)-deficient mice allowed significant renal development with a partial rescue of the enteric nervous system. These Ret(H)(2B)-positive/Ret(M)-deficient mice exhibit normal Ret expression and survive longer than Ret(M)-deficient mice, but still die at 3 to 5 days of age with evidence of enterocolitis. We conclude that the normal expression of a human Ret proto-oncogene with the MEN 2B mutation does not cause any features of MEN 2B in mice. Although the gene is normally expressed in the appropriate target tissues, there is incomplete phenotypic rescue in mice lacking murine Ret. These results suggest important interspecies differences between humans and mice in the function of the Ret oncogene.
A quantitative analysis of digestive enzymes for the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

The specific activities of 10 different digestive enzymes, taken from the hepatopancreas of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), were determined. The prawns were 70–110 mm in length and were fed Purina Marine Ration #25 daily. The extracts of M. rosenbergii hepatopancreas exhibited significant activity for the following enzymes: amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, carboxypeptidase A and B, and leucine aminopeptidase. In addition, the lipolytic enzymes exhibited high esterase activity and only a trace of lipase activity. From this enzyme profile M. rosenbergii is appropriately classified an omnivore. The levels of specific activity reveal the prawn's ability to effectively hydrolyze Purina Marine Ration #25 and further implies that increased protein and starch levels would still be hydrolyzed efficiently. Although individual differences in activities were demonstrated, no direct relationship to sex or size could be detected. In summary, studies concerning the digestive physiology of M. rosenbergii may provide a more logical and efficient approach to its dietary requirements for mariculture.
Evaluation of modern gate oxide technologies to process charging

A CV/IV walk-out measurement technique that can be used to systematically determine the causes of various gate oxide yield and reliability problems is presented. By simultaneously measuring the effects trapped charge has on the (1) positive IV, (2) negative IV, and (3) CV as a function of charge injected through the oxide, it is possible to determine whether a particular oxide problem is a point defect or uniformly distributed, is a positive or negative trapping center, and has a centroid near the poly or substrate. This measurement technique can also be used to quantify the sensitivity a given gate oxide technology has to process charging. Three types of gate oxide technologies that are commonly used in VLSI manufacturing are evaluated using this technique. The results are compared with those taken by traditional techniques such as JT distributions and antenna structures. >
Credit Claiming from the U.S. House: Gendered Communication Styles?

Drawing from David Mayhew’s concept of legislative credit claiming, the authors examine the ways in which male and female members of Congress engage in creditclaiming activities. Through content an...
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: results from Norfolk, USA

The results of 92 consecutive couples who underwent 102 cycles of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) augmented with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were analysed. Inclusion criteria were previous total failed fertilization or unsuitable sperm parameters for conventional IVF. The rate of diploid fertilization was 60.9% ; the implantation rate per embryo was 12.1%, and the ongoing pregnancy rate per transfer was 26.8%. None of the sperm parameters of the original or processed semen sample were correlated with ICSI outcome. Conversely, female age and basal serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) had a significant impact on implantation and pregnancy rates. ICSI has become a very successful therapy in overcoming different types of male infertility.
Eosinophilia: a pragmatic approach to diagnosis and treatment

Eosinophilia is associated with a wide variety of allergic, rheumatologic, infectious, neoplastic, and rare idiopathic disorders. Clinical manifestations range from benign asymptomatic presentations to life-threatening complications, including endomyocardial fibrosis and thromboembolism. The prognosis and choice of treatment depend not only on the degree of eosinophilia and severity of organ involvement, but also on the etiology of the eosinophilia. Unfortunately, despite recent advances in molecular and immunologic techniques, the etiology remains unproven in the overwhelming majority of cases. This review presents a practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with unexplained marked eosinophilia. A brief overview of the mechanisms of eosinophilia and eosinophil pathogenesis is also provided.
In Vivo Studies of Receptors and Ion Channels with Unnatural Amino Acids

The combination of nonsense suppression for unnatural amino acid incorporation and heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes provides a powerful means to probe neuroreceptors and ion channels with chemical precision. Here we describe a range of studies that illustrate the broad potential of this approach. A variety of biophysical probes and reactive moieties can be incorporated. In addition, subtle systematic variations allow detailed, physical organic chemistry studies of the complex proteins of neuroscience. D.A. Dougherty Division of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA, e-mail: dadougherty@caltech.edu
Synergism in sequential disinfection of Cryptosporidium parvum

Sequential treatment schemes using ozone or chlorine dioxide as primary disinfectant and free chlorine or monochloramine as secondary disinfectant were investigated for potential synergistic effects in the inactivation of C. parvum oocysts. Viability was determined by a modified in vitro technique based on sporozoite counts that was consistent with animal infectivity data. Primary disinfection with ozone resulted in the disappearance of a predominant shoulder in the secondary inactivation curve for both free and combined chlorine. The rate of secondary inactivation with monochloramine increased by approximately 250 percent compared to the post-shoulder rate with monochloramine alone.The level of synergy from using chlorine dioxide as the primary disinfectant was lower compared to that for ozone.
Second-harmonic generation from C 60 thin films at 1.064 μm

We have performed {ital in} {ital situ} optical second-harmonic-generation measurements using 1.064-{mu}m wavelength laser pulses on C{sub 60} during film growth. We present a complete theoretical description of second-harmonic generation from a thin-film system in terms of surface and bulk contributions as well as local and nonlocal contributions to the optical nonlinearities. The experimental results can be well described in terms of only nonlocal contributions to both surface and bulk nonlinear susceptibilities. We suggest that in our case the second-harmonic-generation process is resonantly enhanced by the {ital h}{sub {ital u}-}{ital t}{sub 1{ital u}} and {ital h}{sub {ital u}-}{ital t}{sub 1{ital g}} transitions in C{sub 60} and that electric-dipole and electric-quadrupole radiations in the output field are comparable in strength.
The Family’s Role in the Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: The Direct Effects of Emotional Support

Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative evaluation, this study measures the effects of perceived levels of emotional and instrumental family support on the likelihood of self-reported criminal activity and new arrests in the 15 months following release from state prison. Logistic regression models using both listwise deletion and multiple imputation are employed. Findings indicate that higher levels of emotional support are associated with a significant reduction in reoffending. Higher levels of instrumental support do not significantly predict reoffending. The findings have implications for policies and practices within the corrections system as well as post-release supervision agencies.