cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weimar Heteroclassicism: Wilhelm von Humboldt, Caroline von Wolzogen, and the Aesthetics of Gender

This article argues that Wilhelm von Humboldt’s two essays on gender published in early issues of Schiller’s Die Horen lay out a ‘heteroclassical’ aesthetics that provides for exuberant literary and cultural participation by women in the project of Weimar Classicism. In Caroline von Wolzogen’s novel Agnes von Lilien we see Humboldt’s heteroclassical aesthetics at work as the heroine of the novel resolutely withstands pressure to renounce the object of her desire in a manner which instantiates a female mode of aesthetic autonomy.
Calmodulin: a prototypical calcium sensor

Calmodulin is the best studied and prototypical example of the E-F-hand family of Ca2+-sensing proteins. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration regulate calmodulin in three distinct ways. First, at the cellular level, by directing its subcellular distribution. Second, at the molecular level, by promoting different modes of association with many target proteins. Third, by directing a variety of conformational states in calmodulin that result in target-specific activation. The calmodulin-dependent regulation of protein kinases illustrates the potential mechanisms by which Ca2+-sensing proteins can recognize and generate affinity and specificity for effectors in a Ca2+-dependent manner.
Abstract A157: Double‐targeted therapy against melanoma: p53 activation sensitizes melanoma cells to MEK inhibition

BRAF is mutated in approximately 70% of human melanomas. Although depletion of oncogenic BRAF resulted in tumor regression in mouse melanoma model, clinical development of anti‐BRAF signaling therapy has not been successful up to date. One of the possibilities is that human melanoma cells may use redundant signaling events to adapt to harsh environment induced by BRAF shutdown. p53 is a major tumor suppressor and is not mutated in most human melanomas, which makes p53 a valuble target for melanoma therapy development. Here, we show that p53 is inducible in most human melanoma cell lines in response to DNA damage. Nutlin‐3a, an MDM2 inhibitor, increases p53 protein expression as well as its activities in melanoma cells. Addition of nutlin‐3a significantly increases sensitivity of melanoma cells to MEK inhibitor U0126 induced cell death or cell cycle arrest. In addition, knockdown p53 by specific shRNAs effectively rescues apoptosis induced by MEK inhibitor and/or p53 activation. This data suggests that p53 activity is required for cell death induced by MEK inhibiors and/or p53 activators. In conclusion, p53 is a therapeutic target in human melanomas and its reactivation potentiates cell death induced by BRAF/MEK signaling inhibitory agents in p53 wild type melanomas. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A157.
Hormonal Responses to Parental and Nonparental Conditions in Male Cotton-Top Tamarins,Saguinus oedipus,a New World Primate

The socially monogamous cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) monkey is a cooperative breeder with the breeding male providing extensive parental care shortly after birth. We examined the relationship of urinary prolactin and cortisol excretion both to male parental care and as a stress response in the cotton-top tamarin monkey. First-morning urine samples were collected to determine hormonal concentrations. Hormonal and behavioral data were collected on 8 male cotton-top tamarins during the 2 weeks before and the 2 weeks following birth of infants to their mate, 11 nonparental males with exposure to females, and three eldest sons from large family groups. Prolactin levels were significantly higher in experienced fathers during the postpartum period than in the other males, while cortisol levels were significantly lower in experienced fathers and eldest sons. Prolactin levels in experienced fathers were consistently elevated before birth, following birth, and after infants were weaned; prolactin levels during times of infant independence were still significantly higher than those in nonfather males. First-time fathers exhibited prolactin levels that were significantly higher after the births of infants than these same males did when they were paired with nonpregnant females. Elevated prolactin concentrations also occurred prior to the first birth, suggesting that males may be receiving cues from their pregnant females. The elevated prolactin levels in parental males may be associated with the experience of the fathers. Correlation between prolactin levels and number of successful births, number of previous births, and age were high. The care of newborn infants did not appear to be a stressful event since cortisol levels were not elevated postpartum. Both cortisol and prolactin were elevated following capture and injection of saline or a dopaminergic receptor antagonist, indicating that prolactin does respond to acute stress. Cortisol levels did not coincide with prolactin levels except under acute stress conditions, suggesting that different neural pathways are probably involved in prolactin release during parental care versus acute stress. These studies provide evidence that male urinary prolactin levels may be elevated due to cues from pregnant females and the constant exposure of males to the family environment.
Fine-Structure Contamination of Moored Temperature Sensors: A Numerical Experiment

Abstract Using an inverse fast Fourier transform technique, numerical calculations have been made in order to study the contamination of moored temperature measurements of internal waves by passive temperature fine-structure. Vertical displacements and fine-structure spectra typical of the central North Atlantic have been modelled. Results indicate general agreement with the theory of Garrett and Munk for contamination of temperature autospectra with the amount of signal degradation depending upon the square of the Cox number. Studies of coherence loss with vertical sensor separation indicate no significant dependence for separations greater than several meters. Attempts at “decontaminating” autospectral and coherence calculations post facto given sufficient fine-structure statistics appear promising. Thus, it would seem that for central ocean work, fine-structure contamination, when important at all, can be partially removed during the spectral analysis of temperature time series.
Optical birefringence images of edge dislocations

Optical birefringence images of prismatic dislocation loops in gadolinium gallium garnet (Gd3Ga5O12 or GGG) are used to determine the conditions under which edge dislocations are invisible. The results confirm that edge dislocations with lines perpendicular to the optical axis are invisible when the polarizer or analyzer are parallel to the dislocation line. Optische Doppelbrechung in der Abbildung prismatischer Versetzungsringe in Gadolinium-Galliumgranat (Gd3Ga5O12 oder GGG) wird benutzt, um die Bedingungen, unter denen Stufenversetzungen unsichtbar sind, zu ermitteln. Die Ergebnisse bestatigen, das Stufenversetzungen, die senkrecht zur optischen Achse liegen, unsichtbar werden, wenn entweder der Polarisator oder der Analysator parallel zur Versetzungslinie ausgerichtet sind.
Reinvention As Reform: Assessing the National Performance Review

The conclusion of the Clinton Administration presents an opportune time to investigate the outcomes of the National Performance Review (NPR). Any such evaluation, however, is complicated by the nature of the objectives sought, many of which relate to subtle and elusive elements of organizational life: empowering employees, inducing a less risk-adverse culture, and enhancing the quality of service delivery. The strategy employed here as a means of gaining insight into such phenomena was to couple a broad review of government-wide survey results with an in-depth investigation into the impact of NPR on a single agency, the Social Security Administration. A conclusion is that many of the NPR's “higher-order“ objectives have not been met on a systemic basis. While a variety of proximate explanations for this finding can be identified, a more fundamental explanation relates to a failure by the sponsors to adjust their strategy to account for basic differences between NPR and past reforms.
Phase coherence in a driven double-well system

We analyze the dynamics of a molecular field incoherently pumped by the photoassociation of fermionic atoms and coupled by quantum tunneling in a double-well potential. The relative phase distribution of the molecular modes in each well and their phase coherence are shown to build up owing to quantum-mechanical fluctuations starting from the vacuum state. We identify three qualitatively different steady-state phase distributions, depending on the ratio of the molecule-molecule interaction strength to interwell tunneling, and examine the crossover from a phase-coherent regime to a phase-incoherent regime as this ratio increases.
Musculoskeletal Imaging Update: Current Applications of Advanced Imaging Techniques to Evaluate the Early and Long-Term Complications of Patients with Orthopedic Implants

Technical advances in imaging have increased their applicability to diagnosing conditions of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the postoperative setting, where traditionally metallic artifacts have hindered evaluation. Advances in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine have resulted in improved overall image quality. Specific modifications of imaging parameters, especially in CT and MRI, have improved the radiologist's ability to diagnose potential hardware complications such as loosening and osteolysis. Sonography can evaluate the periprosthetic soft tissues and enables both diagnostic information and therapeutic treatment at the same sitting. Lastly, diagnostic scintigraphic applications such as positron emission tomography (PET) have increased specificity in diagnosing potential infection in the arthroplasty setting. This review discusses some of the current applications of CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine in evaluating the postoperative orthopedic patient, concentrating on the appropriate imaging evaluation for the painful arthroplasty patient.
H-infinity control with an alpha-stability constraint: a descriptor system approach

This paper deals with the problem of designing state or full-order output feedback H-infinity controllers satisfying an α-stability constraint. A descriptor system approach is adopted to derive linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions of α-stability and H-infinity performance for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, under which the multiobjective control laws can be constructed with a mix of H-infinity performance and α-stability. Being expressed in terms of a group of bilinear matrix inequalities, the design algorithm is numerically tractable via an LMI optimization method. A numerical example illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach, and the results are also compared with those obtained by the well-known Lyapunov shaping paradigm (LSP).
NON-RANDOM DISTRIBUTION OF ADSORBATES ON CATALYTIC SURFACES: THE ROLE OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ADSORBATES

It has been repeatedly stressed in the literature that the commonly invoked assumption of a random distribution of adsorbates on the catalyst surface is suspect under certain operating conditions. Nonrandom distribution of the adsorbates can occur as a result of interaction between adsorbates and/or their inadequate mobility. We have studied the effect of adsorbate interactions on the rates and stability of catalytic reactions, and the salient features are outlined with several examples. An analysis of the thermodynamic data concerning the oxidation of SO 2 on platinum is presented within the framework of the proposed model.
Domestic Violence Help-Seeking Behaviors of South Asian Battered Women Residing in the United States

This study was designed to assess domestic violence help-seeking behaviors among battered South Asian women residing in Greater Boston, USA. Prevalence of these behaviors was assessed among South Asian women reporting violence in their current relationship via an anonymous survey (N=44). Forms and qualities of help-seeking behaviors and needs were assessed via in-depth interviews with a separate sample of self-identified battered South Asian women (N=23). Of the surveyed battered women (N=44), 23 (52%) reported no acquisition of support or services assessed; no women reported use of criminal justice services; and only two had contacted a domestic violence program (5%). Qualitative data (N=23) indicate that when help-seeking does occur, it is elicited by increasing severity in violence and/or thoughts of separation from the batterer; it begins with help-seeking within the community, and the community response includes helping link victims with more formal domestic violence services. However, among women at...
A critical review on the dynamics of Jovian atmospheres.

Some basic theoretical issues of the Jovian atmospheric dynamics are discussed. Those include the depth of the motions, thermal convection both with deep and shallow configurations, the two‐dimensional turbulence theory and its relevance. The refractive index analysis is suggested to interpret the coherent structures like Jupiter’s Great Red Spot in terms of Charney–Drazin constraint based on the observations. A possibility of Jovian data assimilation is proposed as a future direction.
Protein synthesis is required for the initiation of dendritic growth in embryonic rat sympathetic neurons in vitro.

Abstract We have utilized an experimental paradigm which allows the manipulation of dendritic growth in sympathetic neurons in culture to examine the effects of inhibitors of protein synthesis and RNA synthesis on the development of dendrites. Embryonic rat sympathetic neurons extend only axons when they are grown in serum-free medium on a polylysine substrate. The addition of an extract of basement membrane proteins (BME) to this culture system elicits dendritic growth within 48 h. Both cycloheximide and actinomycin-D inhibited BME-induced dendritic growth in >80% of the neuronal population and reduced the number of dendrites extended by ⩾97%. In contrast, cycloheximide was found to have minimal effects on axonal growth in short-term (⩽18h) cultures as measured with respect to the percentage of the population with axons and the number of axons per neuron. However, this inhibitor did significantly reduce (84%) the length of the axonal plexus extended. These results indicate that dendritic and axonal growth in sympathetic neurons are differentially dependent on protein synthesis such that the formation of dendrites requires protein synthesis whereas the initiation, but not the elongation, of axons is relatively independent of protein synthesis.
Team-Designed Improvement of Writing and Critical Thinking in Large Undergraduate Courses

Helping students achieve advanced critical thinking and writing skills in large undergraduate classes is a challenge faced by many university faculty members. We addressed this challenge in a three-year project using team course design, built around a cognitive apprenticeship model, to enhance undergraduates’ writing, critical thinking, and research skills in courses ranging in size from 70 to over 400 students. Faculty members partnered with specialists from the university library, writing center, and teaching center, and with graduate student fellows who received supplemental training in those units. Together they designed progressive learning activities and written assignments based on meaningful, situated critical thinking scenarios. Instruction teams also developed rubrics for tracking students’ progress on each step, and they used this information to inform the next wave of course enhancements and generate continual and iterative improvement. Assessments developed by the instruction teams showed that students in the team-designed courses improved in their critical thinking and writing skills from the beginning to the end of the semester. Furthermore, an evaluation of student work from the team-designed courses using the AA C&U Value rubrics showed that these students displayed more advanced critical thinking and writing skills than students in roughly comparable but conventionally designed courses. Our results demonstrate that team design involving specialists and graduate students can be a feasible and worthwhile strategy for engaging faculty members in developing advanced instructional and assessment designs that enhance high-end learning in a large university setting.
Authors, Artists, and Social Constructionism: A Case Study of Narrative Supervision

Many family therapists have incorporated social constructionist and narrative ideas into their work with clients. These ideas emphasize postmodern tenets of collaboration, non-directiveness, and multiple perspectives. Although these approaches have become common in therapy, they are also useful in supervision. This article discusses how social constructionism can be applied in supervision, both as content to be taught and as a philosophy to be applied. A case study is presented that offers examples of using social constructionist philosophy and techniques in family therapy supervision. Suggestions for supervisors and therapists are offered.
Energy-independent separable potentials for the pion-nucleon P 33 channel

We have constructed three rank-one energy-independent separable potentials for the pion-nucleon P/sub 33/ channel which reproduce the scattering volume and phase shift up to 350 MeV. The amplitudes were calculated from these potentials using the Blankenbecler-Sugar equation approach and are appropriate for relativistic three-body calculations of the ..pi..NN system. An interesting feature of resulting potentials is the appearance of two very different ranges in each. The low-momentum parts of the different potentials are essentially the same but there are significant differences in their high-momentum behavior. Information from NN pion-production supports the two-range feature of these potentials and favors one of the potentials over the others.
Pure-injective modules over path algebras

Abstract The path algebra, R , over a field K , of a directed graph is the algebra with basis the paths and vertices of the graph, with multiplication given by path composition. In this paper the graphs are either Coxeter-Dynkin diagrams or extended Coxeter-Dynkin diagrams. All modules are unital right R -modules. The pure-injective R -modules. i.e., direct summands of direct products of finite-dimensional R -modules, are investigated in this paper. We show that—like the pure-projective modules—they are characterized by systems of cardinal invariants. Using these invariants we identify the pure-injective modules whose direct summands are direct products of finite-dimensional modules. It is also shown that an R -module is pure-projective and pure- injective if it has only finitely many isomorphism classes of finite-dimensional indecomposable submodules. This is a well-known result when R is the path algebra of a Coxeter-Dynkin diagram. The key lemma in the paper is a straightforward result on finite-dimensional modules. We also use it to show that an R -module always has a pure submodule of countable rank. Several properties of R -modules with no proper nonzero pure submodules are obtained.
Isolation and properties of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme X from swiss mice

Abstract Lactate dehydrogenase X, a sixth LDH isozyme in testes and mature sperm, has been purified to homogeneity from adult mouse testes. The isozyme has a molecular weight of 139,000 ± 6000. Dissociation of the molecule with 6 m guanidine produced a homogeneous material with mol wt 37,700 ± 800. Pyruvate at 37 ° was reduced optimally at about pH 7.25 and a concentration of 0.25 m m . Alpha-ketobutyrate has an optimum pH of 7.75 and concentration of 0.5 m m for reduction with a rate about 50% greater than that of pyruvate. Alpha-ketoglutarate has an optimum pH of about 5.5 and is reduced at only about one-fourth the rate of pyruvate. Pyruvate reduction is considerably inhibited by 2.5 m m lactate. Alpha-hydroxybutyrate and α-hydroxyvalerate are oxidized at about the same rate and under similar optimum conditions as lactate. Alpha-hydroxyglutarate is oxidized at only about one-twentieth the rate of lactate.
The Delta Modulation Technique in Static PWM Inverters

Pulsewidth modulation (PWM) techniques are employed in voltage-source inverters to produce a variable output voltage containing the least possible harmonic distortion over a wide frequency range. To achieve these objectives, compromises are made in terms of control circuit complexity, smoothness of inverter operation, and overall system reliability. The delta modulation (DM) technique fulfills the aforementioned performance requirements with a minimum of circuit complexity, smooth inverter operation and with improved system reliability.
Experimental determination of H2 solubilities in liquid fluorocarbons

An apparatus and experimental technique are described for measuring gas solubilities in liquids at elevated temperatures and pressures. The apparatus has been designed to operate at pressures up to 100 bar and temperatures up to 70 o C. The technique has been used to measure H 2 solubilities in perfluoropropane (C 3 F 8 ) and perfluoropropylene (C 3 F 8 ) at pressures up to 20 bar and temperatures from 0 to 50 °C
How important are oceanic algal nanoflagellates in bacterivory?1

Open ocean chloroplast-containing chrysomonads have been observed to prey on bacteria. Predominant among these forms are new species of Ochromonas and Chrysamoeba. These algae coexist with nearly identical apochlorotic forms, are abundant in oceanic nanoplankton (averaging 100 cells ml−1), will not grow axenically, can be maintained for extended periods with endogenous bacteria enriched by rice grain culture in the light, and contain bacteria within their food vacuoles. The results demonstrate that protists with and without chloroplasts can occupy overlapping trophic roles and should therefore be studied together. They also challenge recent estimates of nanoflagellate predation on bacteria, as these estimates have assumed that only apochlorotic forms are predatory. If other groups of pelagic nanoflagellates with chloroplasts also prey on bacteria, the transfer of material from bacteria to protists in the open ocean could approach twice previous estimates.
Expression of the RNA component of telomerase in wilms tumor and nephrogenic rest recapitulates renal embryogenesis

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme associated with cellular immortality and has been detected in the vast majority of adult tumors. Wilms tumor is a histologically diverse embryonal malignancy of childhood, and the histological features of Wilms tumor and its precursor lesion, the nephrogenic rest, recapitulate the components of normal renal embryogenesis. Both the epithelial and the stromal components of Wilms tumor arise by differentiation of primitive mesodermal blastema. We compared expression of the RNA component of human telomerase (hTR) in normal developing kidneys, Wilms tumors, and nephrogenic rests and correlated expression of hTR with cell proliferation. Using a radioactive in situ hybridization method, we examined archival material from 17 Wilms tumors (including nine with nephrogenic rests), four therapeutically aborted embryos (37 to 56 days), three fetuses on whom autopsies had been performed, and one neonate for expression of hTR. Proliferative index was measured by immunohistochemical staining for MIB1. In the embryonic kidney, Wilms tumors, and nephrogenic rests, the patterns of hTR expression were similar: expression was usually maximal within the immature epithelial elements followed by the poorly differentiated blastema, but was weak or absent in the immature stroma. Mature tubules, glomeruli, and stroma were negative for hTR expression, as were differentiated heterologous elements present in post-therapy Wilms tumors. There was only a partial relationship between proliferative index and hTR expression. In the embryonic kidney, Wilms tumors, and nephrogenic rests, blastema had the highest proliferative index, whereas the indices were significantly lower in the immature epithelium and stroma. The proliferative index in mature and heterologous elements was low or zero. Thus, the pattern of hTR expression in Wilms tumor and its precursor lesion recapitulates embryogenesis precisely and may represent that aspect of the persistent fetal phenotype which predisposes to the development of malignancy.
A Note on Comparison of (Non) Linear Estimators Using Pitman's Measure of Closeness

We present some sufficient and necessary conditions under which some linear (or nonlinear) estimators (see Sections 2 and 3) dominate (are better than) others in the sense of PMC. Its applications in linear regressions are also discussed. Furthermore, we obtain results about the eigenvalues of two matrices, which seem to be hard to be prove through pure matrix theory.
Pathogenesis of Graves Ophthalmopathy: Implications for Prediction, Prevention, and Treatment

Purpose To review current concepts regarding the pathogenesis of Graves ophthalmopathy (GO). We have presented this information in the context of potential target sites for novel disease therapies. Design Review of recent literature. Methods Synthesis of recent literature. Results Enlargement of the extraocular muscle bodies and expansion of the orbital fatty connective tissues is apparent in patients with GO. These changes result from abnormal hyaluronic acid accumulation and edema within these tissues and expanded volume of the orbital adipose tissues. Recent studies have suggested that the increase in orbital fat volume is caused by stimulation of adipogenesis within these tissues. The orbital fibroblast appears to be the major target cell of the autoimmune process in GO. A subset of these cells is capable of producing hyaluronic acid and differentiating into mature adipocytes, given appropriate stimulation. In addition, orbital fibroblasts from patients with GO have been shown to display immunoregulatory molecules and to express both thyrotropin receptors (TSHRs) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors (IGF-1Rs). Increased TSHR expression in the GO orbit appears to be the result of stimulated adipocyte differentiation. The activation of IGF-1R on orbital fibroblasts by immunoglobulins from GO patients results in increased production of both hyaluronic acid and molecules that stimulate the infiltration of activated T cells into areas of inflammation. Conclusions Potential targets for novel therapeutic agents to be used in GO include blocking T-cell costimulation, depleting B cells, inhibiting cytokine action, targeting the IGF-1R or the TSHR, and preventing connective tissue remodeling.
Export market influence on the development of the Pacific shrimp fishery of Sonora, Mexico

The Pacific shrimp fishery is the most economically important and ecologically impactful fishery in Mexico. Strong export markets have had a tremendous influence on the technological development and structure of this fishery. This article describes the historical development, current status, ecological impacts and management of the open ocean trawling component of the shrimp fishery in the Sonoran waters of the Gulf of California. We trace the economic factors influencing the development of the Mexican Pacific trawler-based shrimp fishery, with a focus on the port of Guaymas, Sonora, and summarize the events leading to the current overcapitalized and inefficient state of that fishery. The Sonoran shrimp fishery is characterized by high rates of by-catch and a decline in catch per boat trends. A review of economic factors indicates that the decision-making process in this fishery is driven by export markets and does not adequately consider the local ecosystems and fishing communities impacted by shrimp trawling. Management priorities for the fishery include fleet size reduction, habitat protection and alternative technology development. Successful management depends on the participation of powerful export–import companies, along side producers, government resource management agencies, NGOs and scientists. This paper describes recent efforts in collaborative management and calls for the expansion of these efforts.
Changing a dangerous rural cultural tradition: a randomized control study of youth as extra riders on tractors.

PURPOSE: This study used a randomized control design to evaluate the effectiveness of AgTeen, an in-home, family-based farm safety intervention, in decreasing extra riding on tractors by youth. Having children as extra riders on tractors has deep roots in farm culture, but it can result in serious injury or death. METHODS: The study randomized 151 families into 3 groups: parent-led intervention (fathers taught their families about farm safety), staff-led intervention (staff members who were peer farmers taught families), and a no-treatment control. Mothers, fathers, and all children aged 10-19 participated in the lessons. FINDINGS: At study entry, 93% of youth reported that they had been an extra rider on a tractor in the past year. Although they were aware of the injury risk, fathers frequently gave tractor rides to their children. After the intervention, fathers in both AgTeen groups were less likely than control fathers to give youth tractor rides. Intervention youth were less likely than control youth to be extra riders. The intervention positively affected the extra-riding attitudes and injury risk perceptions of mothers and fathers. The parent-led and staff-led groups did not significantly differ across study outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm the effectiveness of a family-based intervention in decreasing extra riding on tractors by youth. Language: en
Effect of Indomethacin on the Interestrous Interval of Intact and Hysterectomized Pseudopregnant Mice

Six experiments were conducted to examine the effects of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on the interestrous interval (lEl) of intact and hysterectomized mice. In experiment 1 intact pseudopregnant mice treated with indomethacin (150 pg/day) on Days 5-15 or 7-17 had longer (P <0.01) lEls than vehicle-treated controls or animals treated with indomethacin on Days 9-19. In hysterectomized mice injections of indomethacin (experiment 2) or meclofenamic acid (experiment 3) prolonged (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively) the IEI when compared with vehicle-treated hysterectomized mice. l-lysterectomized mice treated with indomethacin (150 izg/day) had higher (P<0.01) plasma progesterone levels than vehicle-treated controls (experiment 4). The ability of indomethacm injections to prolong the IEI in hysterectomized mice was prevented (P<0.01) by a single injection of PGF2Q (experiment 5) but not by PGE2 (experiment 6). The results of these experiments are consistent with the existence of a prostaglandin-mediated uterine as well as an extrauterine luteolytic mechanism in mice.
Single-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation: ‘two quick breaths’—an oxymoron

The Guidelines 2000 for CPR and ECC recommend for single lay-rescuers performing basic life support, "two quick breaths followed by 15 chest compressions", repeated until professional help arrives. It is uncertain that this can actually be accomplished by the majority of lay rescuers. We evaluated 53 first-year medical students after completing BLS CPR training to determine if they could deliver the goal of 80 compressions per minute when following this AHA BLS recommendation. Alternatively, a simplified technique of uninterrupted chest compression (UCC) BLS CPR was also taught and compared with standard BLS CPR (STD). The mean number of chest compressions/minute delivered with AHA BLS CPR was only 43 +/- 1 immediately after initial training and 49 +/- 2 when tested 6 months later. Uninterrupted chest compression BLS resulted in 113 +/- 2 compressions/min delivered immediately after training and 91 +/- 4 six months later (STD versus UCC; P < 0.0001). The mean length of time needed to provide the two breaths during STD-CPR was 14 +/- 1 and 12 +/- 1s (immediately after first training and six months after training). For STD-CPR, the mean minute ventilation was poor immediately after initial training (3.3 +/- 0.3 l/min) and further declined (1.9 +/- 0.4 l/min) at 6 months (P = 0.003). For single rescuer basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, motivated BLS CPR-trained medical students take nearly as long as previously reported for middle-aged lay individuals to deliver these "two quick breaths". The "Guidelines 2000" recommendation for "two quick breaths" is an oxymoron, as it averages more than 13s. New recommendations for single-rescuer CPR should be considered that emphasize uninterrupted chest compressions.
HIV infection and fertility preferences in rural Malawi.

Although HIV-prevalence and fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, little is known about how HIV infection affects the fertility preferences of men and women in the region. A quasi-experimental design and in-depth interviews conducted in rural Malawi are employed to examine how and through what pathways learning that one is HIV positive alters a person’s childbearing desires. Among rural Malawians, particularly men, the desire to have more children decreases after receiving a positive HIV-test result. The motivations underlying this effect are greatly influenced by gender: women fear the physical health consequences of HIV-positive pregnancies and childbearing, whereas men see childbearing as futile because they anticipate their own early death and the deaths of their future children. Considerable ambivalence remains, nevertheless, particularly among women who strategize to live normal lives in spite of their infection, but whose definitions of “normal” vary.
Characterization of event related potentials using information theoretic distance measures

Analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs) using signal processing tools has become extremely widespread in recent years. Nonstationary signal processing tools such as wavelets and time-frequency distributions have proven to be especially effective in characterizing the transient phenomena encountered in event-related potentials. In this paper, we focus on the analysis of event-related potentials collected during a psychological experiment where two groups of subjects, spider phobics and snake phobics, are shown the same set of stimulus: A blank stimulus, a neutral stimulus and a spider stimulus. We introduce a new approach, based on time-frequency distributions, for analyzing the ERPs. The difference in brain activity before and after a stimulus is presented is quantified using distance measures as adapted to the time-frequency plane. Three different distance measures, including a new information theoretic distance measure, are applied on the time-frequency plane to discriminate between the responses of the two groups of subjects. The results illustrate the effectiveness of using distance measures combined with time-frequency distributions in differentiating between the two classes of subjects and the different regions of the brain.
Electro-optically cavity-dumped ultrashort-pulse Ti:sapphire oscillator

Summary form only given. Acousto-optical cavity-dumping (AO) has been demonstrated with short-pulse Ti:sapphire lasers producing single-pulse energies of 62 nJ. However, AO cavity-dumping is inherently limited because the AO wave must traverse the beam waist in the round-trip time of the cavity limiting the beam waist to roughly 30 /spl mu/m. This limits the pulse energy as the intensity must be kept below the threshold for nonlinear processes in the AO crystal. Furthermore, the contrast in the pulse energy on either side of the main cavity-dumped pulse is rather low (30:1 or 20:1). Electro-optical (EO) cavity dumping has no such limitation and can be scaled to higher energies with high contrast. However, there are several difficulties associated with EO cavity dumping all of which have now been solved.
Searching for a Strategy to Teach Strategy

We contend that the content of the required MBA strategy course in top-tier business schools has moved away from interdisciplinary thinking and practice toward an almost exclusive emphasis on theory and analysis. The once accepted Harvard model of capstone integration and learning-by-doing through case discussion is now much less in vogue. Consequently, strategy students today tend to experience a rather abstract approach to learning about strategy presented through the limited prism of a theoretical discipline. Even classroom discussions of cases are often guided by instructors to confirm the utility of a particular theoretical framework, instead of serving as an open-ended discussion of problems and solutions. After presenting our evidence and arguments against the current trend, we present some examples of MBA programs that give more emphasis to practice, including USC's Executive MBA program, where priority is placed on integration and implementation without sacrificing, we believe, essential theories and analytical skills. Finally, we explore the implications from our analysis for additional solutions in other strategy teaching contexts.
Nebulized Bronchodilators for Outpatient Management of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The bronchodilator efficacy, safety, and persistence of effect of the anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide and the β-adrenergic agonist albuterol, both given by nebulization, were compared in 223 patients with stable, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study was a randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial conducted over 85 days. Patients took the study drugs (either 500 μg of ipratropium bromide or 2.5 mg of albuterol) three times daily on an outpatient basis throughout the study. The acute bronchodilator responses to nebulized ipratropium bromide and albuterol were studied on days 1, 43, and 85. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) response was similar for both drugs on day 1 (33% peak increase after ipratropium bromide and 36% peak increase after albuterol). However, albuterol's effect on FEV 1 decreased over time. Clinical improvement was noted in both study groups, but the ipratropium bromide group had a greater symptomatic benefit. Patients receiving ipratropium bromide scored higher on a quality-of-life questionnaire evaluating dyspnea, fatigue, emotional function, and mastery. Side effects were relatively infrequent and generally mild for both study drugs. These results show that ipratropium bromide, given by nebulization, is safe and effective in the outpatient treatment of COPD.
Ready to Bargain: The Effect of Fiscal Stress on Supermajority Requirements to Raise Taxes

This paper analyzes the interaction effect between fiscal stress and supermajority requirements to raise taxes. I hypothesize that fiscal stress nullifies the effects of supermajority requirements, making states with and without supermajority requirements equally likely to raise taxes during these periods. This conclusion was drawn from a theory on how fiscal stress affects the legislative bargaining environment. The hypothesis was tested using data from 49 states from 1980 to 2010, and the results confirmed expectations. This research contributes to a growing literature that suggests that the effect of institutions cannot be analyzed without considering the context of the political environment.
Designing complex optical filters using photonic crystal microcavitites

By adding a point defect to a photonic crystal structure, a microcavity can be made to trap electromagnetic energy with wavelength inside the photonic bandgap (PBG). This property together with other unique properties of photonic crystals enables us to control the propagation and spectrum of transmitted wave inside the photonic crystal waveguiding structures and to design and implement microscale optical filters. In this paper we focus on the design of notch filters in photonic crystal waveguides based on the coupling of waveguide and cavity. We discuss about the properties of a single cavity and its necessary modifications to achieve efficient coupling between cavity and waveguide and eventually obtain desired notch filters at the frequency range of interest. We also discuss the coupling of multi-cavities to a waveguide and the possibility of attaining filters with better performances is presented, and the spectrum and lineshapes of the resulting filters are characterized.
A systematic approach to parameter design for a coupled oscillator controller

This paper presents a systematic approach to designing a coupled oscillator controller, a control mechanism used successfully in nature. With this approach, a less conservative behavior-based robot controller with guaranteed performance can be automatically developed. This makes it possible to design a controller with good performance automatically, without the tuning of parameters. More importantly, it provides for a flexible and safe way of learning. Experimental and simulation results illustrate the validity of the method.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agent Use among Patients with Lupus Nephritis Approaching End-stage Renal Disease

Objectives: Little is known about erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) utilization among LN patients with incipient ESRD. We aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with ESA use among incident LN ESRD patients.Methods: Among all individuals age ≥18 with incident ESRD from 1995-2008 in the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS), we identified those with systemic lupus erythematosus (ICD-9 code 710.0) as the cause of ESRD. ESA use at ESRD onset was ascertained from the Medical Evidence Report. Year of onset, age, sex, race/ethnicity, medical insurance, employment status, residential region, clinical factors and comorbidities were considered potentially associated with ESA use in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses.Results: We identified 12,533 individuals with incident LN ESRD (1% of entire population). Of those, 4,288 (34%) received an ESA preceding ESRD. In multivariable-adjusted models, ESA users had higher serum albumin and hemoglobin concentrations, were more likely to be women, and to live in the Northeast. Conversely, Medicaid beneficiaries, the uninsured, unemployed, African Americans, Hispanics, and those with IV drug use, congestive heart failure and obesity had lower ESA use.Conclusion: Among all U.S. patients and those with LN who developed ESRD, approximately one third received ESAs. Patient sex, race, age, medical insurance, residential region and clinical factors were significantly associated with ESA therapy. While there are no guidelines for ESA use in LN patients approaching ESRD, there has been wide sociodemographic variation, raising questions about ESA prescription practices.
Group Intervention Studies in the Cognitive Rehabilitation of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury: Challenges Faced by Researchers

There are many factors to consider in designing and interpreting group studies. These include both analytic considerations, such as the selection of valid and reliable outcome measures, and subjective considerations, such as the selection of outcomes that are perceived to be important to participants and researchers. In this paper, we review key issues to consider in the design of group studies in neurorehabilitation, using problem-solving studies in traumatic brain injury as an example.
Understanding AIDS: A Comparison of Children in the United States and Thailand*

Replicating a prior US study data were gathered from preschool and school-age children in Thailand (n = 80). Taking a developmental perspective Thai childrens knowledge and understanding of AIDS was assessed and results were compared with those of the US sample. The findings show that Thai children in each of four designated age groups have higher levels of accurate knowledge of AIDS compared with their US counterparts. The findings of these early studies are discussed in terms of current AIDS infection rates and educational prevention efforts in both cultures. (authors)
NBCe1A dimer assemble visualized by bimolecular fluorescence complementation

Mutations in the electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter (NBCe1) that cause proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA), glaucoma, and cataracts in patients are recessive. Parents and siblings of these affected individuals seem asymptomatic although their tissues should make some mutant NBCe1 protein. Biochemical studies with AE1 and NBCe1 indicate that both, and probably all, Slc4 members form dimers. However, the physiologic implications of dimerization have not yet been fully explored. Here, human NBCe1A dimerization is demonstrated by biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). An enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) fragment (1–158, EYFPN) or (159–238, EYFPC) was fused to the NH2 or COOH terminus of NBCe1A and mix-and-matched expressed in Xenopus oocyte. The EYFP fluorescent signal was observed only when both EYFP fragments are fused to the NH2 terminus of NBCe1A (EYFPN-N-NBCe1A w/ EYFPC-N-NBCe1A), and the electrophysiology data demonstrated this EYFP-NBCe1A coexpressed pair have wild-type transport function. These data suggest NBCe1A forms dimers and that NH2 termini from the two monomers are in close proximity, likely pair up, to form a functional unit. To explore the physiologic significance of NBCe1 dimerization, we chose two severe NBCe1 mutations (6.6 and 20% wild-type function individually): S427L (naturally occurring) and E91R (for NH2-terminal structure studies). When we coexpressed S427L and E91R, we measured 50% wild-type function, which can only occur if the S427L-E91R heterodimer is the functional unit. We hypothesize that the dominant negative effect of heterozygous NBCe1 carrier should be obvious if the mutated residues are structurally crucial to the dimer formation. The S427L-E91R heterodimer complex allows the monomers to structurally complement each other resulting in a dimer with wild-type like function.
Critical dimensions in coherently strained coaxial nanowire heterostructures

We present a methodology to determine critical dimensions for coherently strained coaxial nanowire heterostructures based on a well-known formalism used to determine the critical thickness in planar epitaxial growth. The unique geometry of the nanowire structure along with the volumetric similarity of the core and shell regions give rise to a number of possible stable core-shell configurations for a given choice of materials. We show that a unique critical core radius and critical shell thickness, dependent on core radius, can quantify these configurations. Illustrative calculations are presented for various nitride semiconductor-based core-shell structures. It is anticipated that this model will serve as a guide to determine the feasibility of specific coherently strained nanowire heterostructure designs.
Does Peace Nature Democracy

Liberal international relations theory proposes that peace fosters democracy. This research note tests this and a related hypothesis, that defeat in war makes an authoritarian state's transition to democracy more likely. It uses Weibull event history models to analyze both the transition to and survival of democracy for states from 1960 to 1992, using the MID, COW, and Pearson/Baumann intervention data sets to measure international conflict. Important control variables such as economic prosperity are also included. It finds that lower levels of participation in international conflict do not facilitate democratic transition or survival, with the limited exception that participation in an international war blocks democratic transition. Also, in most models examined defeat in war does not make democratic transition more likely. The implications for liberalism are mixed: peace in general does not cause democracy, but spreading democracy is likely to spread peace.
Vigo County Public Branch Libraries

Background. Where do the majority of American families spend most of their time eating, playing, socializing, and learning? The answer is, at their local shopping center. A 1985 survey revealed that 78 percent or 185 million Americans went to an enclosed mall at least once a month, and 93 percent had been to a mall within a six-month period. Other statistics show that American teenagers and Americans in general spend more time at the mall than anywhere else except home, school, and work (Kowinski 37).