cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tax Cuts and the Recession in the Massachusetts Fiscal Crisis

Massachusetts, like many states across the country, is facing its worst fiscal crisis since World War II. Budget cuts of $1 billion in the last fiscal year have been followed up by cuts of $2 billion in the current one. Rather than raise taxes, the state has slashed key services for the majority of its citizens. The consensus among politicians and pundits is that the problem is the recession, or, alternatively, "extravagant" state spending in the 1990s. But an analysis of state tax revenue data reveals that the major reason for the budget shortfall is legislated cuts in capital gains tax rates and declines in the yield of the corporate income tax. Without these policy decisions to cut taxes, the state would not be facing a budget crisis. The $4.6 billion foregone in tax revenue, saved in a rainy day fund, would have more than compensated for the $4 billion in spending cuts enacted in the last three fiscal years. Unless the state restores tax rates to previous levels, it will continue to experience serious budget shortfalls and more cuts to essential services. In the future, lawmakers should resist the temptation to cut taxes during boom times. After all, a bust is always just around the corner. Instead of lowering taxes, the state should save excess revenue, then draw on reserves to maintain spending during recessions.
Comparing options for "ultimate" scale SOI MOSFETs

The goal of this paper was a comparative study of two double-gate MOSFETs, one is a transistor with raised ("elevated") electrodes and the other is a device with extensions of the source and drain. In the "raised-electrode" transistors the carrier scattering from the drain back into the 2D Si channel is negligible, while in transistors with thin electrode extensions it is stronger. On the other hand, in transistors with elevated electrodes, the control of the electrostatic potential of the channel by the gates is somewhat weaker than in the model with extensions, because in the former case the gates do not fully encompass the channel region.
Children at School

In schools, children develop the human capital that they will need for socioeconomic attainment, participate in ongoing interactions with adults and other children that will shape their future social and emotional development, and are socialized into the prevailing norms and values of their communities, cultures, and the larger society. As such, schools are an important piece of the developmental ecology, one that is also a major focus of policy, practice, and intervention. This chapter, therefore, explores the significance of schools in child development. It begins with a discussion of key themes in developmental research on schooling, including the place of schools in major theories, the developmental effects of schooling, and the links between schooling and inequality. Next, it explains how schools are societal institutions, structurally organized to facilitate tangible cognitive, academic, and vocational skills among children and to grant key academic credentials. This discussion is followed by a description of schools as developmental contexts, interpersonally organized to shape human interaction and socialization and to influence social and emotional development. These two sides of schooling are brought together in the final section of the chapter, which discusses how schools can be viewed more holistically using several specific examples of controversy in educational policy, such as desegregation and high-stakes testing. Throughout the chapter, we discuss future directions of research and the translation between research and practice. Keywords: academic achievement; desegregation; early education; engagement; education; educational disparities; educational policy; high-stakes testing; instruction; peer groups; schools; school culture; school structure; school transitions; secondary education; student health; teachers
Use of the Term 'Illegal Alien'

This essay examines the use of the terms “alien,” “illegal,” and “illegal alien.” It will show that use of the term “illegal alien” is problematic because it is subject to many definitions that are often inaccurate. Moreover, even if there is agreement on the scope of the phrase “illegal alien,” the term cannot be fully understood without studying the individual characteristics of those defined by this term as well as the role of the government in sustaining an outdated immigration structure that creates illegal immigration an inevitability. Finally, this essay will show that the term “illegal alien” is dehumanizing because it modifies not just a single action but also the entire person.
Leverage and the value of a firm under a progressive income tax

Gordon develops a model where he concludes that “the equilibrium value of a firm is a convex function of its leverage rate and … the optimal (value maximizing) policy for all firms is the maximum possible leverage rate’. Using Gordon's model, we show below that Gordon's conclusions are incorrect. We develop a correct version of the Gordon model where the firm's value is invariant to the debt-equity ratio.
Methods for analysis of size-exclusion chromatography-small-angle X-ray scattering and reconstruction of protein scattering

Size-exclusion chromatography in line with small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC–SAXS) has emerged as an important method for investigation of heterogeneous and self-associating systems, but presents specific challenges for data processing including buffer subtraction and analysis of overlapping peaks. This paper presents novel methods based on singular value decomposition (SVD) and Guinier-optimized linear combination (LC) to facilitate analysis of SEC–SAXS data sets and high-quality reconstruction of protein scattering directly from peak regions. It is shown that Guinier-optimized buffer subtraction can reduce common subtraction artifacts and that Guinier-optimized linear combination of significant SVD basis components improves signal-to-noise and allows reconstruction of protein scattering, even in the absence of matching buffer regions. In test cases with conventional SAXS data sets for cytochrome c and SEC–SAXS data sets for the small GTPase Arf6 and the Arf GTPase exchange factors Grp1 and cytohesin-1, SVD–LC consistently provided higher quality reconstruction of protein scattering than either direct or Guinier-optimized buffer subtraction. These methods have been implemented in the context of a Python-extensible Mac OS X application known as Data Evaluation and Likelihood Analysis (DELA), which provides convenient tools for data-set selection, beam intensity normalization, SVD, and other relevant processing and analytical procedures, as well as automated Python scripts for common SAXS analyses and Guinier-optimized reconstruction of protein scattering.
A modified competitive agglomeration for relational data algorithm

Clustering algorithms are invaluable methods for organizing data into useful information. The CARD algorithm (Nasroui et al., 2000) is one such algorithm that is designed to organize user sessions into profiles, where each profile would highlight a particular type of user. The CARD algorithm is a viable candidate for Web clustering. However it does have limitations such as long execution time. In addition, the data preparation for the algorithm's requirements employs concepts that are incomplete. These limitations of the algorithm are explored and modified to yield a more practical and efficient algorithm.
Symposium: new data for noise standards. I. New data for noise standards.

Continuous and impulse noises, considered “safe” by existing damage risk criteria were combined to model more realistic noise environments. Monaural chinchilla were exposed to one of the following conditions: a. 50 impulses with a 40 m, sec A-duration at 158 db SPL peak pressure, 1/ minute; b. 95 db SPL continuous noise at 2–4 kHz for one hour; and c. superimposed combination of the continuous and impulse noise. Quiet thresholds were measured before and after exposure using the auditory evoked response, and histology was obtained, using the surface preparation technique. The audiometric and histological findings agree in showing that the superimposed combination of two “safe” noises produces traumatic effects that more than exceed the additive effects of either component. The existing damage risk criteria do not provide guidelines for such noise combinations.
All in the Family: Red States, Blue States, and Postmodern Family Patterns, 2000 and 2004

In this article, we propose a new way of understanding presidential election outcomes in red and blue states in 2000 and 2004, one that takes into account state-level variation in postmodern family patterns. Using data from the Statistical Abstract, Census, the American Community Survey, and National Vital Statistics Reports, we construct two measures of state patterns of postmodern family formation (a father-absent family scale, and a small/delayed family scale). We find that these patterns of postmodern family formation are powerful predictors of states' percentage of votes cast for the Democratic candidate in 2000 and 2004, even after controlling for differences in the composition of states' populations and for differences in states' economic characteristics (rates of economic growth, unemployment, and poverty). We suggest ways that this approach could contribute to the literature on how individual-level factors, such as demographic characteristics and moral values, shape voting behavior and electoral outcomes.
Understanding Delinquency with Friendship Group Religious Context

Objective While much research has examined the link between personal religious beliefs and practices and delinquency, little research attention has been given to the influence of friends’ religious beliefs for explaining teen delinquency. This study fills this gap in the literature by examining the role of individual and friends’ religious beliefs and born-again identity for shaping delinquency. Methods Two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and measures taken from individuals and their friends are used to examine the influence of individual and friends’ religiosity and born-again identity for violent and property offending. Results Friends’ private religiosity appears to strengthen the inverse relationship between individual private religiosity and stealing. Neither individual nor friends’ religiosity nor born-again identity has any effect on violent offending. Conclusions Whereas friends’ delinquency has a consistently positive association with respondent delinquency, friends’ religiosity plays a supporting role, heightening the deterring influence of personal religiosity for stealing and shoplifting.
Modified multi-focal paraboloid design for high aperture efficiency multibeam reflector antenna

To meet the growing demand for broadband access and diversification of communication services, for example, satellite communications, a high-gain multibeam antenna that can communicate with two or more stations is desired. There are two basic types of high-gain multibeam antennas using a single reflector. One is the torus reflector antenna, and the other is the multifocal parabola reflector antenna. We propose a modified multi-focal paraboloid design method to develop a highly efficient multibeam antenna for wide angle beam scanning with a simple configuration. This design enables control of the feed points, and we demonstrate the performance of the planar array fed multibeam reflector antenna as an example of this design method. This antenna simplifies the feed configuration of a single reflector multibeam antenna. The results of numerical analysis using a case employing a 16-element array feed shows that the antenna offers homogeneous patterns in a wide scanning range and an aperture efficiency of over 64% (13 beam widths).
Sensitivity of ruminal microorganisms to pentachlorophenol

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is used extensively as a biocidal agent, and there is considerable concern about the adverse effects of this compound in biological ecosystems. The effects of PCP on the growth and fermentative activity of cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms and the sensitivity of 14 ruminal bacterial species to PCP in pure culture were examined in this study. Increasing concentrations of PCP (9.4 to 375.4 microM) depressed growth and propionate concentrations in cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. Wide differences in the sensitivities of ruminal bacterial strains to various concentrations of PCP were observed. Cellulolytic strains were highly sensitive to PCP, while amylolytic, sugar-utilizing, and intermediate acid-utilizing strains were more resistant. Growth of major succinate-producing strains was depressed by PCP. Strains which depend on substrate level phosphorylation appeared to be more resistant. The data suggest that the adverse effects of PCP on ruminal microorganisms may be the result of its role as both an uncoupler of electron transport and a protonophore.
Three Lessons From Trends in CO2 Emissions and Energy Use in the United States

I derive three lessons about the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the United States by analyzing data on CO2 emissions and energy use from 1960 to 2003. First, improvements in the energy efficiency of the economy and reductions in the CO2 intensity of the energy supply did not lead to a decline in CO2 emissions but rather were associated with rising CO2 emissions. Second, the decline in the CO2 intensity of the energy supply was primarily due to the expansion of nuclear power, which is not environmentally benign. There is no free lunch with regard to non- and low-carbon energy sources, since all energy sources generate some environmental impacts. Furthermore, expanding the use of non-fossil-fuel energy sources does not necessarily suppress the use of fossil-fuel energy sources. Third, population growth has been a key factor driving the expansion of national CO2 emissions and energy use, particularly since per capita levels stabilized after the 1970s.
An investigation of LDV velocity bias correction techniques for high-speed separated flows

An experimental study of the effects of velocity bias in single realization laser Doppler velocimetry measurements in a high-speed, separated flow environment is reported. The objective of the study is to determine a post-facto correction method which reduces velocity bias after individual realization data have been obtained. Data are presented for five velocity bias correction schemes: inverse velocity magnitude weighting, interarrival time weighting, sample and hold weighting, residence time weighting, and the velocity-data rate correlation method. These data were compared to a reference measurement (saturable detector sampling scheme); the results show that the interarrival time weighting method compares favorably with the reference measurement under the present conditions.
Altered surface character of stretched condom latex.

Abstract A new type of imperfection in condom latex, present during moderate stretching, was observed by low magnification scanning electron micropscopy. The normally smooth surface of relaxed natural latex was transformed into an accordion-like arrangement of ripples in addition to tears. A corollary experiment with Alcian blue dye placed into both stretched and unstretched condoms leaked no dye. These surface features are consistent with latex acting as a molecular barrier. The tears may represent areas of lowered mechanical resistance and raise questions concerning quality control.
Efficiency and equity consequences of decentralized government: An application to Spain

Spain's federal system of government has evolved over the last fifteen years in the wake of Franco's centralized system of government. The Autonomias, or state-level governments, were formed from the provinces during the late 1970s and early 1980s and provide the basis for a new federal structure of government. While great strides have been made in decentralizing government, certain features retain a decidedly centralized structure. In particular, the central government determines the size of the budget of the Autonomias, leaving little room for the decentralized governments to satisfy the possibly diverse preferences of their respective citizenries. This paper investigates the equity and efficiency consequences of the current system relative to a system with decentralized revenue sources.
Switching of Extra-High-Voltage Circuits III-Design of Air Blast Circuit Breakers

A line of outdoor air blast circuit breakers is described for ratings through 700 kv. These breakers are of a modular or building-block design and are an extension of an existing 115-345-ky line. They include resistors for preinsertion during circuit closing to minimize switching surges and are designed to handle the high charging current values of line dropping and the high recovery rates expected during power faults on transmission lines of extra-high-voltage (EHV) high capacity systems. The technical problems of EHV transmission impose numerous design criteria on power circuit breakers for these systems and do not permit the simple extrapolation of requirements from breaker designs of lower transmission voltages. Breaker development has paralleled the development of a new compound circuit test facility capable of proving its EHV high capacity abi1ity.
Liquid crystal solutions at infinitesimal dilution: Correlation of enthalpy of solution in different phases

Abstract Careful gas–liquid chromatographic (GLC) studies provide thermodynamic data for insights into solution processes in non-volatile solvents. In a previous study, thermodynamic properties of solutes at infinitesimal dilution of several liquid crystals measured by GLC were examined. It was noted that enthalpy of solutions in mesophases was positive and higher than those of isotropic stationary phases. The variation of enthalpy of solutions among different solutes was also shown to be higher than what can be explained by the solubility parameter model. The temperature dependency of the disorder parameter in Flory’s theory of liquid crystals was used to explain high values of the enthalpy and entropy of solution. In this study the interaction parameter expression derived with orientation dependent interaction was used to explain the solute dependency on the enthalpy of solutions. The theory showed that the enthalpy of solution depends on the polarizability anisotropy and the solubility parameter of solutes. The theory also predicted a linear plot of the enthalpy of solutions between the mesophases of the same liquid crystal, or between mesophases of different liquid crystals, for the same set of solutes.
On the existence of approximate identities in ideals of group algebras

A short proof is given of the theorem by Wik, who, in 1965, showed that the nowhere-dense strong Ditkin subsets ofT, the circle group, are finite.
Health Care Delivery Restructuring and Productivity Change: Assessing the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) Using the Malmquist Approach

This study evaluates the productivity changes for the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) created, comparing performance in 1994 with that in 2004. This represents periods before and after the VHA in 1995 reconfigured provider units into 21 regionalized delivery systems and engaged in other important system innovations. Productivity is measured using the Malmquist Index approach (a longitudinal version of the data envelopment analysis [DEA]). Results indicate that the VISN restructuring generally produced improvements in overall productivity (Malmquist scores) and in VISN adaptations to structural/technological change. They also show that the VISNs overall did not produce "changes in efficiency," reflecting challenges they may have faced in making "technical change" through management adaptations. The findings are consistent with what would be expected, given the major changes that did occur within the VHA in recent years as well as the before and after design used in this study.
Treatment Efficiency of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in Comparison With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Purpose Treatment with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is increasingly standard for prostate cancer. Volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to deliver IMRT potentially enables shorter treatment time. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by measuring the average patient in-room time with VMAT versus dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) IMRT. Methods Custom institutional software (RTMetrix) was used to mine the treatment times from the record-and-verify database. The in-room time (the time between patient entry and exit) was computed for each patient using RTMetrix. Average room time was compared between VMAT patients (n = 44) and IMRT patients (n = 99). Subgroup comparisons (1-arc or 2-arc VMAT, 5-field or 7-field IMRT, and electromagnetic transponder [Calypso] or gold-marker tracking) were performed. For all comparisons, 2-tailed, 2-sample, equal variance Student's t -tests were used. Results Average room time was significantly shorter for all VMAT versus DMLC IMRT ( P = .0014) procedures, along with VMAT versus 7-field DMLC IMRT ( P P = .81). Room time was longer for Calypso versus gold seed patients ( P P = .01). This resulted in Calypso VMAT patients' having similar treatment times to non-Calypso DMLC IMRT patients ( P = .220). Conclusions These data show that VMAT can shorten room times and improve patient throughput over 7-field DMLC IMRT. Additionally, the data demonstrate that treatment with VMAT permits the use of advanced prostate tracking (Calypso), resulting in similar room times as with standard 7-field DMLC IMRT with conventional tracking.
The diagnosis of the adrenogenital syndrome and its treatment with cortisone.

Summary Female pseudohermaphroditism due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia must be distinguished from certain types of genetic intersexuality. Postnatal virilization of females due to adrenal tumor or hyperplasia must be differentiated from “premature pubarche,” constitutional types of hirsutism, and arrhenoblastoma. Macrogenitosomia praecox due to adrenal hyperplasia or tumor in males must be differentiated from sexual precocity of constitutional type or due to an intracranial lesion. The diagnosis of the adrenogenital syndrome depends upon the demonstration of a high output of urinary 17-ketosteroids and clinical manifestations of excessive secretion of adrenal androgen. Adrenal hyperplasia can be distinguished from adrenal tumor by the fact that the administration of cortisone causes marked decrease in the output of 17-ketosteroids in cases of hyperplasia but not in those due to tumor. Treatment with relatively smalldoses of cortisone is effective in suppressing the excessive secretion of adrenal androgen without causing abnormal metabolic or toxic effects. The minimum maintenance dose of intramuscular or oral cortisone must be determined in each case, following the urinary 17-ketosteroids and the rates of somatic growth and development as guides. In individuals of either sex who have reached a level of somatic development comparable to that of puberty (i.e., a bone age of 11 years or greater) suppression of the adrenal hyperactivity with cortisone results promptly in normal adolescent sexual development corresponding to the sex of the patient. In more immature individuals progressive virilization is checked and precocious sexual development may not occur. With proper doses of cortisone somatic growth and development proceed normally. Excessive doses may inhibit them. The hypertension which occurs in some cases of adrenal hyperplasia is controlled by cortisone. In infants with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who have defective electrolyte metabolism, suppression of the abnormal adrenal hyperactivity with cortisone has a tendency to prevent Na loss so that smaller amounts of DCA and NaCl are required to regulate the electrolytes. After treatment with cortisone for one or two years, its omission for two or three months permits a partial return of the adrenal hyperactivity, but the 17-ketosteroids do not increase to as high a level as before treatment.
Effects of traumatic brain injury on cerebral high-energy phosphates and pH: a 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Traumatic injuries to the CNS produce tissue damage both through mechanical disruption and through more delayed autodestructive processes. Delayed events include various biochemical changes whose nature and time course remain to be fully elucidated. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques permit repeated, noninvasive measurement of biochemical changes in the same animal. Using phosphorus MRS, we have examined certain biochemical responses of rats over an 8-h period following lateralized brain injury (1.5–2.5 atmospheres) using a standardized fluid-percussion model recently developed in our laboratory. Following injury, the ratio of phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate (PCr/Pi) showed a biphasic decline: The first decline reached its nadir (4.8 ± 0.4 to 2.8 ± 0.7) by 40 min post-trauma with recovery by 100 min, followed by a second decline by 2 h that persisted for the remaining 6-h observation period (mean 2.5 ± 0.5). The first, but not the second, decrease in PCr/Pi was associated with tissue ...
Spectral density of ion acoustic plasma turbulence

Abstract Plasma wave spectral density has been measured as a function of wavenumber and frequency by a two-step technique: an analog analyzer measures the cross-power spectral density, and then a digital computer performs the spatial Fourier transform.
Characterization of the high-temperature phase fields near stoichiometric γ-TiAl

The phase fields above ∼1250°C in the Ti−Al system containing 46 to 55 at. pct Al were characterized using consolidated rapid solidification-processed materials. The characterization techniques used included metallography after heat treatments and dilatometry. Ingot solidification microstructures were also evaluated. The results indicate the existence of a hexogonal phase with transus temperatures ranging from ∼1325°C at 46 at. pct Al to ∼1440°C at the solubility limit of ∼51 at. pct Al. These results agree well with the Margolin Ti−Al phase diagram. Other results relating to the melting and solidification of the hexagonal phase are also consistent. The present measurements, however, show a much wider γ+hexagonal phase field, since the determined γ-TiAl phase boundary runs from the peritectic composition of ∼52.5 at. pct Al at ∼ 1440°C to ∼51 at. pct Al at 1250°C. It is possible that the large two-phase field is partially due to the 600 to 900 ppm oxygen present in the studied materials.
The role of 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone as a precursor in human adrenal tissue in vitro.

ABSTRACT The metabolism of 1,2-3-H-18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) by adrenal slices from a patient with primary aldosteronism and 2 patients with breast cancer were studied. Incubation of tumor tissue and normal cortex was carried out separately in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate glucose solution. Tumor tissue converted large amounts of 18-OH-DOC to both 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18-OH-B) and aldosterone. Normal cortex converted significant amounts of 18-OH-DOC to 18-OH-B. A small but measurable conversion of 18-OH-DOC to aldosterone was noted in normal cortex incubations. 18-OH-DOC represents a possible alternate pathway in the biosynthesis of aldosterone by the human adrenal gland.
Synthesis of PNV Homo- and Copolymers by a ROMP Precursor Route

Abstract A new efficient synthesis of alkylated benzobarrelene monomers was developed. Polynaphthalenevinylene (PNV) homopolymers and copolymers were synthesized from these monomers using a molybdenum ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) initiator. Addition of hexafluoro-t-butanol (HFB) and THF was found to yield a better controlled polymerization which produced well defined homopolymers and block copolymers. Polymers synthesized in the presence of HFB and THF had PDIs of 1.1–1.4. Aromatization of these precursor polymers by DDQ yielded PNVs. Electron withdrawing groups shifted the emission toward the red, and block copolymers showed luminescence of the block with the smaller bandgap.
PARTICULATE PROPERTIES AND RHEOLOGY OF PREGELLED YAM (Dioscorea rotundata) PRODUCTS

Yam was processed and roller dried. Processing variables included tissue cooking and comminution conditions. Water related characteristics of these pregelled flours were obtained. Increasing the degree of starch damage changed flour specific surface, crystallinity, monolayer adsorp tion, heat of adsorption, wetting temperature, water-holding capacity and swelling power of the flour. Rheological properties of doughs were determined by simple compressive and cyclic tests with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Modulus of elasticity, ultimate deformation, recoverable elasticity and energy loss ratio of the various samples were related to the degree of starch damage.
Capability concentration, power transition, and war

Theories of international politics and war are generally formulated at the state, dyad, or system level of analysis. Systemic theories focus on structural attributes of the international system such as the distribution of capabilities. Alternatively, state‐level theories tend to emphasize national attributes, whereas dyadic theories concentrate on relational qualities between paired sets of states. This study presents an analysis of war at these analytic levels and explores the possibilities of synergistic empirical linkage. The results of a simple statistical experiment demonstrate that the two higher levels of aggregation are not separate and independent: The interaction of system and dyad‐level power dynamics is associated with patterns of international conflict, and the integration of shifting capability distributions at these levels produces a more adequate explanation of the sources of major power war.
The Use of Immunofluorescent Array Tomography to Study the Three-Dimensional Microstructure of Murine Blood Vessels

The purpose of this study was to develop the methods needed to enable the application of Immunofluorescent Array Tomography (IAT), a novel three-dimensional (3D) microscopy technique, to murine blood vessels. The anterior and posterior regions of the infrarenal aorta of 8–10 week old C57BL6 mice were evaluated. Staining and image analysis methods were developed. Antibody selection, primary antibody concentration, co-staining with multiple primary antibodies, and the multi-cycle staining design were optimized to produce positive and specific staining of elastin (1:50 dilution), smooth muscle cell actin (SMCA, 20 μg mL−1), and collagen type I (10 μg mL−1). Non-specific interactions were limited by optimizing secondary antibody staining conditions (1:200 dilution, 30 min). SMCA and collagen type I were stained in the first cycle, elastin was stained in the second cycle, and nuclei were stained in both cycles. Algorithms were developed to quantify volume fractions of medial elastin, SMCA, and nuclei, as well as adventitial collagen type I. Elastin thickness, spacing between elastin lamellae, elastin fragmentation, media wall thickness, nuclei aspect ratio, and nuclei amount were also quantified. We have qualitatively and quantitatively characterized the 3D microstructure and cellular morphology of the anterior and posterior infrarenal murine aorta using IAT.
Superovulating cows with follicle stimulating hormone and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin

A total of 511 embryos was recovered non-surgically from nearly 100 superovulated or untreated donors. Superovulation with FSH-LH resulted in more corpora lutea, recovered ova, and pregnancies (P<.01) than superovulation with PMSG. No differences were observed in numbers of ovulations, embryos recovered, or pregnancies per donor when prostaglandin F2α was given to donors 2 versus 3 days following gonadotrophin treatment. Pregnancy rates of 12, 31, 58, and 63% were obtained from groups of embryos classified morphologically as poor, fair, good, and excellent (P .05) between pregnancy rates when retarded embryos from untreated donors (12%) were compared to retarded embryos from superovulated donors (22%). However, a higher proportion of morphologically normal embryos from untreated donors developed into fetuses (71%) than did morphologically normal embryos from superovulated donors (59%, P<.05).
Evaluation of body composition of large-for-gestational-age infants of women with gestational diabetes mellitus compared with women with normal glucose tolerance levels

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in body composition and the factors that are associated with fat mass in the large-for-gestational-age infants of women with gestational diabetes mellitus compared with the large-for-gestational-age infants of women with normal glucose tolerance levels. Study design Large for gestational age was defined as weight >90th percentile for gestational age, race, and sex on the basis of our population's normative data. Anthropometric measurements and/or total body electrical conductivity estimated body composition that included fat mass, percent body fat, and lean body mass were obtained. Multiple stepwise regression was used to determine factors correlating with fat mass. Results Fifty cases of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and 52 cases of women with normal glucose tolerance levels were evaluated. Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus had increased fat mass (662 vs 563 g; P =.02) and percent body fat (16.2% vs 13.5%; P =.002) but decreased lean body mass (3400 vs 3557 g; P =.0009), as compared with infants of mothers with normal glucose tolerance levels, despite similar birth weights. Stepwise regression on all 102 women showed gestational age and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus correlated with fat mass ( r 2 =0.11; P =.001). For gestational diabetes mellitus alone, both gestational age and fasting value of the oral glucose tolerance test correlated with fat mass and percent body fat ( r 2 =0.33 [ P =.0009] and r 2 =0.26 [ P =.005], respectively). Conclusion Large-for-gestational-age infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus have increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass compared with infants of mothers with normal glucose tolerance levels. In gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational age and fasting value of the oral glucose tolerance test correlated best with fat mass.
Minocycline and autoimmunity

Minocycline is the most widely prescribed systemic antibiotic for the management of acne. In the past several years, increasing attention has been paid to the drug, both for its potential use as a disease-modifying antirheumatic agent and for its propensity to engender untoward autoimmune reactions, including serum sickness-like disease, drug-induced lupus, and autoimmune hepatitis. This paper reviews the evidence for minocycline as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent, its utility in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the spectrum of adverse reactions that have been ascribed to the drug in the past 5 years.
Concept for Production of Chemicals and Power Using Geothermal Energy

Abstract This paper presents a concept for conducting commercial chemical reactions and production of power using geothermal heat. The high pressures (Ps) and temperatures (Ts) that fluids attain in deep reservoirs can be used to manufacture chemicals or decontaminate wastes. High P reactions which can be expensive and/or unsafe to conduct above ground can be conducted in geothermal reservoirs using closed designs. We present examples of reactions that could benefit from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) including production of ammonia (NH3), supercritical oxidation of wastewater contaminants, production of hydrogen (H2) by steam reforming of methanol (CH3OH) and partial oxidation of methane (CH4) to produce CH3OH.
Child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration: a prospective investigation.

This paper describes the extent to which abused and neglected children report intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration when followed up into middle adulthood. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, children (ages 0-11) with documented histories of physical and sexual abuse and/or neglect (n=497) were matched with children without such histories (n=395) and assessed in adulthood (Mage=39.5). Prevalence, number, and variety of four types of IPV (psychological abuse, physical violence, sexual violence, and injury) were measured. Over 80% of both groups - childhood abuse and neglect (CAN) and controls - reported some form of IPV victimization during the past year (most commonly psychological abuse) and about 75% of both groups reported perpetration of IPV toward their partner. Controlling for age, sex, and race, overall CAN [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.60, 95% CI [1.03, 2.49]], physical abuse (AOR=2.52, 95% CI [1.17, 5.40]), and neglect (AOR=1.64, 95% CI [1.04, 2.59]) predicted increased risk for being victimized by a partner via physical injury. CAN and neglect also predicted being victimized by a greater number and variety of IPV acts. CAN and control groups did not differ in reports of perpetration of IPV, although neglect predicted greater likelihood of perpetrating physical injury to a partner, compared to controls. Abused/neglected females were more likely to report being injured by their partner, whereas maltreated males did not. This study found that child maltreatment increases risk for the most serious form of IPV involving physical injury. Increased attention should be paid to IPV (victimization and perpetration) in individuals with histories of neglect. Language: en
Toxoplasmosis in a Bobcat (Felis rufus)

A bobcat (Felis rufus) estimated to be 6-mo old exhibited head pressing, stupor, intermittent seizures, and vocalization. Based on gross and histopathologic features, it was diagnosed to have severe focally extensive protozoal meningoencephalitis. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed as the etiologic agent by an avidinbiotin immunohistochemical test. This is the first report of clinical toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging bobcat.
Sex, grade, and course differences in attitudes that are related to cognitive performance in secondary science

The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze data on sexual differences in secondary school students' attitudes towards science. Attitudinal differences were also analyzed for the independent variables of science programs and grade levels. Data were collected from 988 students using a modified version of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales to represent attitudes toward science. Reliabilities of the modified science subscales were all high ( > 0.83). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data for the main and interaction effects of the independent variables of sex (male, female), grade level (10th, 11th, 12th), and science program (advanced placement, academic, general, terminal). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were indicated for all main effects (sex, grade, science program). Interaction effects were not found. Mean separations for the various levels of sex, grade, and science program were performed for all attitudinal subscales. Females evidenced a significantly more positive attitude (p ⩽ 0.01) than males on three subscales: Attitude Toward Success in Science Scale, Science as a Male Domain Scale, and Teacher Scale. Although not significant, males evidenced more positive attitudes on all the remaining five subscales. Eleventh graders evidenced significantly more positive attitudes than tenth graders on all but the Effectance Motivation Scale. Students in 11th grade had more positive attitudes than 12th-grade students on all scales but Science as a Male Domain Scale; however, these differences were not significant. Tenth graders differed significantly from 12th graders on three subscales; Science Usefulness Scale, Confidence in Learning Science Scale, and Teacher Scale. Positive attitudes decreased from advanced placement to terminal programs. Academic students did not differ significantly from general students except on the Father Scale; however, they were significantly different (more positive) from the terminal students for all subscales. General students were also significantly different from terminal students except on the three subscales of Attitudes Toward Success in Science, Science as a Male Domain, and Effectance Motivation.
STRUCTURE OF INTERFACIAL LIQUIDS: X-RAY SCATTERING STUDIES

We have used synchrotron x rays to study three different liquids near solid-liquid interfaces. For either ultrathin $(45--90\AA{})$ or thick $(\ensuremath{\sim}5000\AA{})$ liquid films on silicon substrates, we find (on the basis of diffraction peaks or specular reflectivity data) that the molecules form 3--6 layers at the interface, with plane spacings close to the molecular dimensions. Rough surfaces and/or impurities reduce the density oscillation amplitudes. Making the liquid film very thin does not observably enhance the effect, which implies that layering is present even at an isolated interface (i.e., in a semi-infinite liquid). On the other hand, predeposited impurities diffuse away from the interface more easily if the liquid films are thick. The liquids studied are nonconducting, nonpolar, and nonreactive; the molecules are roughly spherical; and our substrate surface has no lateral structure. Thus our observations should apply to any liquid near a hard wall.
Small longshore slopes induced by tidal interactions

Abstract The variation of tidal amplitude along a meridional coast is considered as a possible source of a longshore pressure gradient. Along the Pacific coast of the United States, this effect could lead to a slope of about 5 × 10 −10 , which is three orders of magnitude smaller than the (as yet unreconciled) slope reported by geodetic leveling on land.
Studies on the mechanism of action of phosphoglyceromutases

Abstract A procedure for the preparation of highly active phosphoglycerate mutase from wheat germ is presented. A comparative study of phosphoglycerate mutases from yeast and muscle (2,3-phosphoglycerate dependent enzymes) and from rice and wheat germ (2,3-phosphoglycerate non-dependent enzymes) is presented. Clear evidence for intermediate formation of phospho-enzymes during phosphoglycerate action has been obtained only with the 2,3-phosphoglycerate-dependent enzyme from muscle.
Roles of subunit phosphorylation in regulating glutamate receptor function

Protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for regulating ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). Early studies have established that major iGluR subtypes, including α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, are subject to phosphorylation. Multiple serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues predominantly within the C-terminal regions of AMPA receptor and NMDA receptor subunits have been identified as sensitive phosphorylation sites. These distinct sites undergo either constitutive phosphorylation or activity-dependent phosphorylation induced by changing cellular and synaptic inputs. An increasing number of synapse-enriched protein kinases have been found to phosphorylate iGluRs The common kinases include protein kinase A, protein kinase C, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, Src/Fyn non-receptor tyrosine kinases, and cyclin dependent kinase-5. Regulated phosphorylation plays a well-documented role in modulating the biochemical, biophysical, and functional properties of the receptor. In the future, identifying the precise mechanisms how phosphorylation regulates iGluR activities and finding the link between iGluR phosphorylation and the pathogenesis of various brain diseases, including psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and substance addiction, will be hot topics and could contribute to the development of novel pharmacotherapies, by targeting the defined phosphorylation process, for suppressing iGluR-related disorders.
Microwave assay for detecting protein conformation in solution

We announce a new technique for the detection of changes in the conformation of small globular proteins in solution. We employ a coaxial-fed slot antenna with resonant frequencies in the 2-5 GHz range. This antenna detects changes in the dielectric properties of water. All proteins are surrounded by one or more shells of bound water. The dielectric properties of this 'bound' water are distinguishable from those of bulk water. As a protein changes it conformation, complementary changes occur in the three-dimensional arrangement of the 'bound' water. Thus, water can be used as a reporter for changes in protein conformation. Our technique has two advantages over conventional methods for microwave spectroscopy. First, unlike time-domain dielectric spectroscopy, data is measured in the frequency domain, so that time-to-frequency conversions are not necessary. Second, slot antennas may be affixed to the exterior of conventional fused-quartz cuvettes, so that simultane-ous measurements can be obtained using the antenna and conventional optical methods such as UV/VIS spectroscopy. When the unfolding of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) is monitored at microwave frequencies, peak shifts in the antenna's resonant frequencies reflect changes in the protein's conformation. These peak shifts are sigmoidal with respect to temperature, and fit well to a two-state reversible unfolding model. Such sigmoidal peak shifts are not present when non-protein solutions are heated.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Condensation of 2-Mercaptothiazoline,Aliphatic Aldehydes, and Secondary Amines

Abstract A series of 2-mercaptothiazoline derivatives has been synthesized for their chemotherapeutic potential. Attempts to use aldehydes higher than formaldehyde were unsuccessful, as were attempts to use acyclic secondary amines. Infrared spectra have shown these compounds to be thiazoIine-2-thiones rather than thiazolinyl sulfides.
Effects of an Educational Intervention on Prehospital Pain Management

Introduction. Pain is a common symptom evaluated by emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Hospital pain management programs began in the early 1990s based on a multidisciplinary approach andprinciples of total quality improvement. To date, these programs have had limited exposure in the prehospital setting. Objectives. To evaluate the effects of a pain management educational intervention (EI) for paramedic caregivers. Methods. All ambulance providers from ten urban andsuburban fire departments andtwo private ambulance companies participated in a three-hour EI during a quality improvement project. A survey was performed prior to the EI andrepeated one month after the EI. A two-month collection of EMS runs for pain complaints was performed prior to the EI andrepeated one month after the EI. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics andchi-square tests. Results. The authors reviewed 397 surveys and439 EMS runs for pain. Overall, after the EI, paramedics' knowledge of basic pain managemen...
Effects of glyphosate on uptake, translocation, and intracellular localization of metal cations in soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

Abstract Root-fed or foliar-applied glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] reduced uptake and translocation of Ca2+ and Mg2+, but not K+, by soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. “Hill”] seedlings as measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Histochemical techniques revealed that cells of secondary roots that were formed after glyphosate treatment were deficient in Ca2+. The relative distribution of Ca2+ in control root and leaf cells was mitochondria > plastids > cytoplasm. Glyphosate severely reduced Ca2+ content and eliminated intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in the mitochondria of both root and leaf cells. Glyphosate had no effects on K+ distribution at the ultrastructural level. These results support the view that glyphosate effects on distribution of divalent metal cations may be related directly or indirectly to the phytotoxicity of the herbicide.