cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Calculating Cancer Risk and Survival of Ulcerative Colitis Patients with the Life Table Method

During recent months, three papers have been published on the risks of cancer or death among patients with ulcerative colitis. '-3 The papers raise a number of statistical questions concerned with evaluating the magnitude of these risks. In particular, when a patient is exposed to a continuing risk of the occurrence of some complication, one should not speak only about the "percentage" of patients developing this complication. For example, the longer children with ulcerative colitis are followed, the more colon cancers occur. The "percentage" depends on the duration of follow-up. Also, the longer the follow-up, the fewer patients remain to be followed. Some are simply lost to follow-up. Those who underwent proctocolectomy may still be alive but are no longer exposed to the risk of colon cancer. Some were first seen so recently that they have not been followed very long. Thus, relating a simple count of the colon cancers occurring to such a heterogeneous group can be meaningless. More careful and more powerful analytic tools are required. A second critical question is raised: Suppose cancer risk begins only after a period of grace, as in colitis? Studies of short duration would produce low risk figures, and those of long duration, greater risk. Two more important questions raised in these recent papers are as follows: What should be the starting point of a follow-up study? Time of onset is really what matters to the patient (he is sick from time of onset, not time of diagnosis), but it is often easier to select time of diagnosis because of its precision. Finally, how might two or more treatments (or conditions or classes of patients) be compared? The selection of the parameters to be used as indices of superiority becomes then of utmost importance: they should reflect the effects of the treatments and be as inclusive as possible. For instance, if one treatment improves duration of life at the expense of its quality, it may not be superior to a second which maintains an acceptable life but (or a shorter duration.
Discrimination in the Labor Market.

This paper has three goals: to statistically estimate discrimination against blacks in the labor market, to calculate changes in discrimination over time, and to relate the first two objectives to the findings of other studies. Inequitable treatment of blacks-that is, discriminationhas often been found by an analysis of income differentials. Although there is general agreement that income discrimination exists, there is disagreement about changes over time. Gary Becker (1957) finds, for example, that between 1910 and 1950 there was no great change. He states that there have been "neither striking increases nor striking decreases in discrimination against Negroes ... during the last four decades." Elton Rayack (1961), however, finds that the
Mechanisms and Genes Involved in Germination Sensu Stricto

Seed Development Dormancy and Germinationnprovides a comprehensive overview of seed biology from the point of view of the developmental and regulatory processes that are involved in the transition from a developing seed through dormancy and into germination and seedling growth. It examines the complexity of the environmental physiological molecular and genetic interactions that occur through the life cycle of seeds along with the concepts and approaches used to analyze seed dormancy and germination behavior. It also identifies the current challenges and remaining questions for future research. The book is directed at plant developmental biologists geneticists plant breeders seed biologists and graduate students.
The Wealth of Nations Rediscovered: Integration and Expansion in American Financial Markets, 1780-1850

1. Introduction: The Wealth of Nations and national wealth 2. The international and colonial background of America's financial revolution 3. Banks, securities markets, and the reduction of asymmetric information 4. The financial sector and the reduction of lending-related costs and risks 5. Evidence of capital market integration, 1800-50 6. Expansion of the securities services sector, 1790-1850 7. The freest of the free: regulation of the financial sector 8. Finance-directed economic movement 9. Conclusion: the wealth of nations rediscovered.
Accuracy of radionuclide localization of the placenta

Abstract Numerous investigators have presented the use of radioisotopes for placental localization, but much less information exists concerning the definitive accuracy of this technique. In this connection, we determined the site of placental implantation at delivery in 60 patients who had had previous scans and point counts after injection of 5 μc of 131 I-tagged human serum albumin. The anatomic correlation demonstrated a very high degree of accuracy, particularly with scanning. No low implanted placentas were misdiagnosed. The increased count rates possible with ultra-short-lived isotopes renders the test even more appealing.
Manet's Modernism: or, The Face of Painting in the 1860s

"Manet's Modernism", or, "The Face of Painting in the 1860s" is the culminating work in a trilogy of books by Michael Fried exploring the roots and genesis of pictorial modernism. Building on his earlier studies of the central anti-theatrical tradition within Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment French painting, Fried argues that existing accounts of Edouard Manet as the first modernist painter are based on a simplistic reading of the situation Manet inherited and, partly as a result, fail to grasp the specificity, complexity, and ambition of his great canvases of the 1860s. By placing Manet squarely within his generation (along with Henri Fantin-Latour, Alphonse Legros, and James McNeill Whistler), as well as in the context of the critical debates of his time, Fried aims to transform our sense of Manet's artistic project. Instead of emphasizing Manet's orientation to "flatness" and visuality, Fried focuses on aspects such as: his repeated allusions to Old Masters sources, his efforts to annul the absorptive basis of the modern French tradition, and above all his pursuit of facingness and strikingness as a means of reconstructing the relationship between painting and beholder. The book should help the understanding not only of the art of Manet and his generation, but also of the way in which the Impressionist simplification of Manet's achievement has determined subsequent interpretations of his modernism.
A microbial TLR2 agonist imparts macrophage-activating ability to apolipoprotein A-1

There is increasing epidemiologic evidence implying a role for chronic infection in atherosclerosis and that microbial TLR agonists may contribute to this disease. Mycoplasma arthritidis is an agent of acute and chronic inflammatory disease in rodents, and has been used extensively as a model for defining the mechanisms involved in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. We have purified a 28-kDa, apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1)-like TLR2-dependent macrophage-activating moiety from a culture of a virulent strain of M. arthritidis. ApoA-1 similarly isolated from uninoculated mycoplasma medium was without bioactivity. The activity of the mycoplasma-derived molecule was resistant to heat and to digestion with proteinase K, but was susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis and H(2)O(2) oxidation. Infrared profiles of normal apoA-1 and that derived from mycoplasma were distinct. Unlike the activity of other mycoplasmal TLR2 agonists such as macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2, activity of the M. arthritidis-derived 28-kDa component was dependent upon CD14, a coreceptor for LPS. Finally, we showed that bioactive lipopeptides prepared from M. arthritidis grown in serum-free medium and also from a 41-kDa known bioactive lipoprotein of M. arthritidis, avidly bound to purified apoA-1 that separated out by SDS-PAGE, induced TNF-alpha and IL-12p40 both in vitro and in vivo. ApoA-1 is a key functional component of the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol complex by scavenging and removing unwanted lipids. Our finding that this molecule can acquire macrophage-activating properties from microbial TLR2-dependent agonists suggests a novel mechanism whereby some microbial agents might reverse the protective role of apoA-1, thus contributing to the genesis of atherosclerosis.
Behavioural pharmacology. Breaking the chain of addiction.

Cocaine addicts often find themselves in a cycle of withdrawal and relapse, but a newly developed drug might break this cycle. The drug - known as BP 897 - is a partial agonist for the dopamine D3receptor subtype. In the absence of the neurotransmitter dopamine, BP 897 stimulates the D3receptor. But when cocaine has been taken and levels of dopamine are increased, BP 897 antagonizes the D3receptor.
The effects of hippocampal and cortical lesions on single-alternation go, no-go acquisition in rats

Rats with hippocampal ablations, those with cortical control lesions, and normals were trained on a go/no-go single-alternation task in an operant situation. Hippocampectomized animals were facilitated, compared to normals, in acquisition in terms of latency measure (latency to first press on go trials/latency to first press on no-go trials). Cortically ablated animals were deficient compared to normals, in terms of a response measure (total responses on no-go trials/total responses on go trials). An SD was added to go trials after the animals attained a low-level criterion and was eliminated after 10 sessions. As measured by performance tests given after elimination of the SD, no group differences were found in utilization of the SD.
Structural organization of a nuclear gene for the α-subunit of the bovine mitochondrial ATP synthase complex

The structural organization of an expressed bovine gene (ATPA1) that encodes an isoform of the alpha-subunit of the mitochondrial F0F1 ATP synthase was determined. The gene extends over 10 kilobase-pairs and is divided into 12 exons. The first exon encodes the 5' untranslated region and approximately one-half of the presequence that targets this protein to the mitochondrion. The remainder of the presequence, together with three amino acids of the mature protein, are encoded by exon 2. Primer extension and nuclease protection analyses revealed multiple sites of transcription initiation. The 5' flanking region of the ATPA1 gene can drive the transcription of a reporter gene in an orientation-dependent manner. This promoter region contains several sequence elements which might play an important role in regulating the expression of this gene, including possible TATA and CCAAT boxes, putative Sp1-binding sites, and sequences resembling AP-1, AP-2, AP-4 and cAMP-responsive elements. The ATPA1 gene also contains sequences homologous to several motifs that are shared among some nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. These include Mt1, Mt3, Mt4, a respiratory enhancer, and NRF-2 sites. Tissue-specific differences in the ATPA1 mRNA levels were observed with high levels found in skeletal muscle and heart, and lower levels in other tissues.
Improving the Power Efficiency in End-Pumped Gain-Guided Index-Antiguided Fiber Amplifiers

In this paper, we highlight the key reasons behind the poor power efficiency observed in multiple experiments in gain-guided index-antiguided (GG-IAG) fiber amplifiers and lasers. We show that by properly designing the fiber geometrical characteristics, it is possible to considerably improve the power efficiency of GG-IAG fiber amplifiers in end-pumping schemes.
Sowing Discord, Planting Doubts: Rhetoric and Reality in an Environment and Development Project in Honduras

This paper reports results of a quasi-formal monitoring of a major "environment and development" project in the El Cajon region of central Honduras. This region is a largely rural, agricultural area that has been greatly affected by the construction of the El Cajon hydroelectric dam, the largest dam in Central America. The dam flooded extensive areas of prime agricultural land and, due to mismanaged resettlement efforts, the vast majority of local residents remained in the region. After years of neglect by the state, the area around the reservoir has recently been the site of a major project designed to improve both the management of natural resources and the quality of life of rural residents. This paper reviews the problems associated with the newly implemented development project. It explores the social causes of project failure and suggests what role social scientists might play in improving project performance.
Retrospective cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of temporary anchorage devices

Introduction Miniscrew impants as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are becoming more popular in orthodontic tretment. Their ease of use allows orthodontists to place them in locations in the mouth that are convenient for orthodontic treatment mechanics. The aims of this study were to evaluate the location of TADs placed during orthodontic treatment and to relate the placement to the surrounding dentoalveolar structures. Methods Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after placement of the TADs over a 6-month period as part of routine clinical protocol. The following parameters were recorded: placement site, length of the TAD in the alveolar bone, amount of contact with the periodontal ligament, and interroot distance between TADs. Results Thirty-five TADs (19 in the maxilla, 16 in the mandible) were evaluated. The mean lengths of the TADs in alveolar bone were 5.29 ± 1.39 mm in the maxilla and 4.60 ± 0.86 mm in the mandible. The amounts of contact with the periodontal ligaments were 2.54 ± 0.81 mm (n = 13) in the maxilla and 2.72 ± 0.49 mm (n = 10) in the mandible. The interroot distance measurements were 2.78 ± 0.76 mm (n = 15) and 5.19 ± 4.42 mm (n = 16) in the maxilla and the mandible, respectively. Paired t tests indicated a significant difference in the interroot distance for mandibular teeth. Conclusions Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography technology allows better visualization of TAD placement. Clinicians can expect 71.2% of the length of the screw section of the TAD to be embedded in the alveolar bone; the percentage is often higher in the maxilla than in the mandible. Of the 35 TADs, 65.2% were in contact with the periodontal ligament. There appears to be more space for TAD placement in the mandible than in the maxilla.
Blastomycosis: New Insights into Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

The basic science and clinical understanding of infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis has been a field of constant evolution and continued revision of hypotheses. This article highlights some areas in which recent progress has the potential for significant impact on the clinical care of patients. Specifically, this article examines the application of modern technology to epidemiologic studies, the development of novel vaccine candidates, emerging populations at risk for the disease, rapid diagnostic tools, and the application of novel antifungal agents in the treatment of blastomycosis.
Hypnosis Enhances Recall Memory: A Test of Forced and Non-Forced Conditions

Visual memory recall in hypnosis was investigated. To address criterion shift problems in previous studies, both forced and non-forced recall procedures were used. Previous methodological weaknesses with regard to hypnotizability and hypnotic depth were also addressed. Over 300 volunteers were screened for hypnotizability using the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility: Form A (Shor & Orne, 1962). Final high and low hypnotizability groups were selected using the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962). Participants in each hypnotizability group were randomly assigned to either forced or non-forced recall conditions and to hypnosis or waking conditions. Participants were shown 60 slides of line drawings and then tested immediately in 3 recall periods. Analysis of variance results showed that those exposed to hypnosis and to a forced recall procedure were significantly more confident of their responses to correct items than those exposed to a non-forced recall procedure or a waking condition. Participants exposed to hypnosis and forced recall procedures recalled more correct items than those exposed to a waking condition. The findings support the hypermnesic effects of hypnosis when participants are required to provide a fixed number of responses.
WAY100635 and female rat lordosis behavior

Sexually receptive proestrous rats with bilateral cannulae in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) were infused with 200 ng of (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) or with 8-OH-DPAT plus varying concentrations (200 to 2000 ng) of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, N-[2[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY100635). 8-OH-DPAT inhibited lordosis behavior within 15 min of the infusion and every dose of WAY100635 prevented the inhibition. When non-sexually receptive, ovariectomized rats, hormonally primed with 0.5 microg estradiol benzoate and 500 microg progesterone, were infused with WAY100635 (400 to 2000 ng), the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist did not facilitate lordosis responding. These findings support earlier findings that activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the mediobasal hypothalamus inhibits lordosis behavior. However, they further demonstrate that tonic activation of 5-HT1A receptors is not responsible for the absence of sexual receptivity in suboptimally hormonally primed ovariectomized rats.
Nominal vs Local Shot-Peening Effects on Fatigue Lifetime in Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo at Elevated Temperature

A study is presented of elevated temperature (260 °C) fatigue lifetime variability in the shot-peened condition of the α + β titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo. It is shown that failures separate into two distributions: (1) governed by the nominal residual stress (RS) profile, promoting subsurface crack initiation and longer lifetimes; and (2) life-limiting behavior that is controlled by localized material-shot-peening interaction. In the residual-stress-free condition, failures occurred predominantly by surface crack initiation at the microstructural scale, on the order of 10 μm, by crystallographic facet formation in one or a few α particles or colonies. This mechanism was mitigated under the nominal shot-peening (SP) RS profile, producing failures initiating from the subsurface region by crystallographic faceting spread over a significantly larger area (equivalent diameter of about 100 to 200 μm) than in the absence of RS. Although the microstructure-scale surface-crack initiation was suppressed, the life-limiting failures under SP continued to occur by surface initiation, but through an apparently larger crack initiation size by formation of a flat, noncrystallographic fracture area (equivalent diameter of about 60 to 200 μm) at the crack origin.
Constellation X-ray mission: implementation concept and science overview

The Constellation-X mission is a large collecting area x-ray facility, emphasizing observations at high spectral resolution while covering a broad energy band. By increasing the telescope aperture and utilizing efficient spectrometers the mission will achieve a factor of 100 increased sensitivity over current high resolution x-ray spectroscopy missions. The use of focusing optics across the 10-40 keV band will provide a similar factor of 100 increased sensitivity in this band. Key technologies under development for the mission include lightweight high throughput x-ray optics, multilayer coatings to enhance the hard x-ray performance of x-ray optics, micro-calorimeter spectrometer arrays with 2 eV resolution, low power and low weight CCD arrays, lightweight gratings and hard x-ray detectors. When observations commence towards the end of the next decade, Constellation-X will address many pressing questions concerning the extremes of gravity and the evolution of the Universe.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Long-term outcomes (>5-year follow-up) with porcine acellular dermal matrix (Permacol™) in incisional hernias at risk for infection

Purpose We reviewed retrospectively all patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction using porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) from 2004 to 2008 with follow-up assessment in 2012. Technique, short-term (infection, seroma, wound dehiscence), and long-term (mesh infection, recurrence) complications, and hernia recurrences were evaluated by physician examination ≥5 years postoperatively.
Ionic basis of ischemia-induced bradycardia in the rabbit sinoatrial node

To investigate the basis of ischemia-induced bradycardia (<60 beats/min), we isolated pacemaker cells from the rabbit sinoatrial node and exposed them to ischemic-like conditions, including omission of glucose, pH 6.6, and either 5.4 or 10 mM KCl to evaluate the role of increased serum [K]. A perforated-patch technique was employed to test the hypothesis that the arrhythmia is caused by attenuation of inward currents that contribute to the diastolic depolarization. After exposure to "ischemic" Tyrode containing 5.4 mM KCl, the pacemaker cells exhibited 13% slower beat rates and action potentials with 6-mV greater overshoots and 44% longer durations. In contrast, after exposure to "ischemic" Tyrode containing 10 mM KCl, the pacemaker cells exhibited a 7-mV depolarization of the maximum diastolic potential but no significant change in the overshoot. Beat rates were slowed by 43%, and the action potentials were prolonged by 46%. "Ischemic" Tyrode containing 5.4 mM KCl increased L-type Ca current, decreased T-type Ca current and reduced Ni-sensitive inward current tails (presumably Na-Ca exchange current), even after treatment with 40 muM ryanodine to block Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. "Ischemic" Tyrode containing 10 mM KCl increased hyperpolarization-activated inward current at diastolic potentials and reduced the slowly activating component, but not the rapidly activating component, of delayed rectifier K current. Our results suggest that reductions of inward Na-Ca exchange current and T-type Ca current contribute to "ischemia"-induced "bradycardia" in sinoatrial node pacemaker cells.
OSTEOPOROSIS AND OBESITY IN MEN RECEIVING HORMONE THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: A presentation on osteoporosis, obesity and obesity related disease at the Conference on Innovations and Challenges in Prostate Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Treatment is summa...
Comparison of Several Heat Transfer Enhancement Technologies for Gas Heat Exchangers

A comparative study about the performance of several enhanced heat transfer technologies for gas heat exchangers is presented. A Reynolds number range from 100 to 50,000 is considered for plate heat exchangers and the tube side of shell-and-tube heat exchangers. A volumetric performance measure has been adopted to evaluate the comparative performance of widely different technologies. The performance parameter, based on the heat transfer rate per unit pumping power, is suitable for different geometries, Reynolds numbers, and fluid properties. Modern technologies can achieve significant heat transfer enhancement, but comparison reveals that recent advances offer only marginal improvements that are often associated with more complex technology. Care must be exercised in choosing a technology because the best performing one is not necessarily the preferred choice since construction, retrofit, and maintenance costs may significantly alter the economic viability. However, there is an intrinsic interest in the comparative performance of very different technologies. Our performance evaluation indicates an upper limit may exist for single-mode convective heat transfer enhancement and compound enhancement may exceed this limit.
The Future: Globalization and New Roles for HRD:

The problem and the solution. Globalization, an inevitable and irreversible force, has significantly affected the workplace and the community, in ways both good and bad. Human resource development'...
Importance of predation by infaunal polychaetes in controlling the structure of a soft-bottom community in Maine, USA

Field manipulations in a Maine, USA intertidal mud flat showed that Nereis virens adults were an important factor in regulating the abundance of Corophium volutator, an amphipod which comprised 63% of the total number of individuals in the benthic community. Removal of N. virens adults resulted in an increase in C. volutator abundance, while addition of N. virens adults led to a decrease. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of N. virens adults and that of C. volutator. C. volutator was also negatively correlated with the density of all the other infaunal species combined. These results suggest that there is at least a 3-level interactive system (N. virens —C. volutator — other infaunal species) within the infauna in Maine; N. virens is a factor in controlling the abundance of C. volutator, and C. volutator may play a role in regulating the densities of other infaunal species. Models of generalized “cropping” in soft-bottom systems may be too simple if they ignore complex trophic relationships within the infauna.
Solubilization and reconstitution of the glucose transport system from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The glucose transport system from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was solubilized from isolated plasma membranes by the nonionic detergent, octylglucoside. The transport system was reconstituted into proteoliposomes with removal of detergent from the extract by dialysis, followed by the addition of asolectin liposomes to the dialyzed proteins with a freeze-thaw and brief bath-sonication step. The reconstituted proteoliposomes exhibit specific carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion of d -glucose, including stimulated equilibrium exchange and influx counterflow. Furthermore, the reconstituted facilitated diffusion system shows substrate specificities similar to those of the intact cell d -glucose transport system.
Integrating Information Literacy into Teacher Education: A Successful Grant Project

Information literacy has gained importance over the last few decades, not only among librarians, but also with higher education faculty. Information literacy instruction is important for all college-level students. However, it is essential for teacher education students who must not only be information literate themselves, but also be able to teach information literacy in their K-12 classrooms. This article describes the implementation and evolution of an information literacy instruction program for teacher education students at a large public Midwestern university.
Biomechanical Cyclical Loading on Cadaveric Cervical Spines in a Corpectomy Model

Approved posterior cervical spinal fixation systems have been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with results from standardized test protocols from the ASTM. The bench top mechanical studies are designed to minimize biologic and laboratory variability. However, for implant tests such as ASTM F1717 to be more clinically relevant, anatomical and physiologic considerations must be understood. The specific aim of this study was to determine if a human cadaveric cervical spine with a corpectomy and posterior fixation was effective in maintaining stability prior to and following cyclical loading. Six fresh frozen cadaveric human cervical specimens were harvested and prepared. A C5 corpectomy was performed. Posterior cervical instrumentation was implanted from C3 and C7 spanning across the C4–C6 defect. Each specimen followed an established pure moment test protocol to characterize the instrumented spine in flexion extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion at ±2.5 N m and axial compressive loading to 150 N. Subsequently, each specimen was subjected to 10 000 flexion extension cycles. Following the cyclical loading, each specimen was characterized a second time via the same test protocol. Statistical analyses were then performed on the third cycle data between the two pure moment tests. The mean FE bending range of motion (ROM) was 18.0° ± 10.7° prior to the 10 000 cyclical bending protocol. Following cyclical loading, the mean ROM measured 22.0° ± 19.9°. In axial compression, the mean ROM was 4.1 mm ± 1.9 mm prior to cycling and 4.2 mm ± 1.4 mm post-cycling. A statistically significant difference was detected only in the axial torsion mode of loading (p = 0.030). Although the ASTM standard provides consistent test methodologies, biomechanical cadaveric testing remains an important step in the validation of all spinal instrumentation. The pure moment biomechanical cadaveric test protocol for the same construct was capable of detecting significant changes pre- and post-flexion extension fatigue cycling only in the axial torsion mode of loading.
Positive solutions for some semilinear elliptic equations with critical sobolev exponents

Soit Ω un domaine borne de R n . On cherche une fonction u satisfaisant le probleme elliptique non lineaire: Lu+K(x)•u (n+2)/(n−2) +f(x,u)=0 sur Ω, u>0 sur Ω, u=0 sur ∂Ω, ou L est un operateur elliptique lineaire d'ordre 2, K(x) est une fonction lisse sur Ω, f(x,0)=0 et f(x,u) est une perturbation d'ordre faible de u (n+2)/(n−2)
End invariants of group extensions

THIS PAPER deals mainly with computing the invariant el(G), the fundamental group of an end for a finitely presented group with one end. The number of ends of G, eo(G), and the fundamental group of the end, el(G), are computed by taking any finite complex K with fundamental group G and computing eo(/() and, if/( is semistable at infinity, el(/~). The groups studied in this paper are non-trivial group extensions. The main results of this paper appeared in the author's Ph.D. thesis for which I am indebted to my thesis advisor James Schafer and several other professors at the University of Maryland for their help. I'm also grateful to the referee for his assistance on several points in this paper. It has also been brought to my attention that some of the major results of this paper are also contained in a paper of C. H. Houghton which appeared at about the same time as my thesis. His results are proved in a different way using wreath products (see, J. London Math. Soc. 15(2), (1977),
Contexts of international politics

In this book Gary Goertz examines how states interact with their environment and contexts, which are important in understanding international politics. He presents a philosophical, methodological and empirical discussion of three important contexts which affect decision makers: history, system structure, and international norms. The effects of these contexts are explored by viewing context in turn as cause, as changing meaning, and as a barrier. The book engages with the literature on structural realism and international regimes, and uses rational actor and diffusion models as theoretical references. A number of concrete studies are provided using these contextual tools, including oil nationalisation, USSR-East European relations, enduring rivalries, and decolonisation. These empirical examples illustrate the fruitfulness of the contextual approach to international politics.
Dendritic analysis of lobster stretch receptor neurons: electrotonic properties with single and distributed inputs.

Using steady-state cable analysis as derived by Rall, electrotonic properties of the dendritic trees of the tonic stretch receptor neuron of the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus,have been examined. By directly measuring the somatic input resistance and by visualizing the dendritic trees of this neuron by backfilling the axon with cobalt, the electrotonic properties of the dendritic trees have been derived. The calculated membrane resistivity is 800-3600 Ω-cm2. Voltage and current transfer functions were calculated for (a) single dendritic tips the size observed in the cobalt preparations and (b) for processes 2 µm or smaller, as observed in electron microscopy. Current transfer to the soma was high in both cases (greater than 80%). Voltage transfer was 22% for large and 4% for small dendrites. When a more natural simultaneous conductance change at the tips of all major dendrites was modeled, voltage transfer was 84% and current transfer 56%. But the dynamic range of the cell (rheobase to saturation) is well-predicted by varying the simultaneous inputs, not by scaling up a single input, thus illustrating that convenient indices of electrotonic properties may not prove useful in appreciating the integrative properties of a neuron.
Analysis and runtime management of 3D systems with stacked DRAM for boosting energy efficiency

3D stacked systems with on-chip DRAM provide high speed and wide bandwidth for accessing main memory, overcoming the limitations of slow off-chip buses. Power densities and temperatures on the chip, however, increase following the performance improvement. The complex interplay between performance, energy, and temperature on 3D systems with on-chip DRAM can only be addressed using a comprehensive evaluation framework. This paper first presents such a framework for 3D multicore systems capable of running architecture-level performance simulations along with energy and thermal evaluations, including a detailed analysis of the DRAM layers. Experimental results on 16-core 3D systems running parallel applications demonstrate up to 88.5% improvement in energy delay product compared to equivalent 2D systems. We also present a memory management policy that targets applications with spatial variations in DRAM accesses and performs temperature-aware mapping of memory accesses to DRAM banks.
Calibrating the wings of the Chandra PSF

We discuss the calibration of the wings of the Chandra point spread function. In order to achieve high resolution imaging, the X-ray mirror surfaces must be extremely smooth in order to suppress the effects of scattering from microroughness. In the Chandra program, surfaces with only 1.3-3 a roughness were achieved over more than 90% of the mirror length. We describe the current state of the calibration of the Chandra PSF wings, incorporating the results of a deep observation of the X-ray source Her X-1. The galactic Hydrogen column density ( N H ) to Her X-1 is small, reducing the amplitude of any astrophysical dust scattering halo which would contaminate the mirror scattering wings. The X-ray data clearly show the shadows of the mirror support struts, confirming that the observed halo is predominantly due to mirror scattering. The extreme brightness of the source allows the energy dependence of the PSF wings to be probed with good statistics. The deep observation (heavily piled up in the core) is combined with a zero order gratings observation (unpiled in the core) to construct an energy-dependent profile.
Trichostatin A improves histone acetylation in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer early embryos.

Epigenetic aberrancies likely preclude correct and complete nuclear reprogramming following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and may underlie the observed reduced viability of cloned embryos. ...
The case against a common fiscal boost in Europe

Policymakers in the EU member states are currently shaping rescue packages to prevent the financial crisis hitting their economies with unmitigated force. Each government is responding to the emerging problems with a country-specific set of measures. Given the global nature of the crisis, would coordinated action at the European level not be a better approach? Was the German government — much-criticised for its initial reluctance to adopt massive fiscal stimulation measures — right after all to exploit the option value of waiting in a situation of high uncertainty?
Assessing the role of option grants to CEOs: How important is heterogeneity?

Abstract This paper revisits the question of whether CEO compensation practices are in keeping with those justified by agency theory. We develop and analyze a new panel Tobit model, estimated by modern Bayesian methods, in which the heterogeneity of covariate effects across firms is modeled in a hierarchical way. We find that our specification of heterogeneity provides a significantly improved fit to the data. Our results show support for the hypothesis that companies increase option awards to their CEOs when agency problems become more pronounced. We also find that liquidity constraints matter in defining the cash–option mix of CEO compensation.
In vitro formation of filaments from calf brain microtubule protein.

Abstract Electron micrographs of filaments formed by purified calf brain tubulin show structures with a uniform cross-section diameter of 29 ± 3 nm, similar to that of native microtubules. Exposure to low temperature led to the disappearance of the filaments.
Effects of nano-pattern size on the property of InAs site-controlled quantum dots

Abstract Soft photocurable nanoimprint lithography has been used to pattern (1 0 0) GaAs substrate into periodic nucleation sites for the growth of InAs site-controlled quantum dots (SCQDs). The pattern is a two-dimension square array of nanopores with size ranging from 60 to 110 nm, which is tunable by adjusting imprint process parameters. Under the same growth conditions, we demonstrated single-dot occupancy on samples with smaller nanopore size while multiple dots are observed within each nanopore on samples with larger nanopore size. Moreover, room temperature photoluminescence from SCQDs grown on patterned substrates with smaller nanopores reveals a 20% reduction in linewidth and doubled peak intensity relative to those grown on patterned substrates with larger nanopores. These superior characteristics indicate a more uniform SCQD formation and a favourable SCQD growth in patterned samples with smaller nanopores sizes (∼60 nm).
The logistic analysis of epidemiologic prospective studies: Investigation by simulation

We performed a Monte Carlo computer simulation of the Walker-Duncan logistic regression technique in a typical epidemiologic prospective setting and analysed the results with respect to the accuracy and reliability of the regression estimates and the associated statistical significance tests (Z-tests). The results strongly suggest that the estimates were neither accurate nor reliable. The magnitude of the difference between the average estimated regression coefficient and its true population value did not necessarily decrease as the sample size increased. The average estimated standard deviation of the estimate of the regression coefficient either overestimated or underestimated the actual standard deviation, the former occurring most, but not all, of the time. The significance tests (a two-tailed Z-test with a significance level of 0.05) had actual type I errors ranging from 0.00 to 0.24 for different samples. This approach is therefore inadequate as an epidemiologic tool for analysis of a Framingham-type prospective study. Further simulation studies are indicated.
Obturator internus pyomyositis in a child: a case report.

Obturator internus pyomyositis is a rare disease that is more commonly found in tropical countries. Due to its infrequent occurrence, it is a differential of hip pain that has not been sufficiently considered, which often results in delayed diagnosis. We present a case report of a 4 year old boy with pyomyositis of obturator internus as well as externus. He was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics. A comparison is made with other case reviews to identify symptoms and signs that could help in diagnosing the condition early and accurately so as to initiate intravenous antibiotics, the mainstay treatment in a timely fashion, eventually avoiding surgical drainage of the sequelae when it becomes an abscess. Key Words Obturator internus pyomyositis, septic arthritis
Short communication Effects of tantalum addition on transformation behaviour of (Ni51 Ti49 )1-x Tax and Ni50 Ti50-y Tay shape memory alloys

AbstractThe effect of Ta content on the transformation characteristics of Ni–Ti–Ta ternary alloys has been studied. In (Ni51 Ti49 )1-x Tax type alloys, the phase transformation temperatures increase with Ta content, especially when the Ta content is less than 4 at.-%. In Ni50 Ti50-x Tax type alloys, the phase transformation temperatures decrease as Ta content increases. The martensite start temperature is less sensitive to changes in Ni content in ternary Ni–Ti–Ta alloys than that in Ni–Ti binary alloys. The phase transformation temperatures of Ni–Ti–Ta ternary alloys are mainly controlled by the Ni/Ti ratio in the Ni–Ti matrix.
Systemic ventricular size and performance before and after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis

In patients eventually requiring Fontan operation, preoperative ventricular dilation is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcome. Bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BCPA) has been advocated to reduce ventricular volume load and decrease ventricular dilation; however, this effect has not been documented. To determine the effectiveness of this operation at reducing ventricular size while maintaining ventricular function, we reviewed preoperative and early postoperative echocardiograms in 20 patients undergoing BCPA. Ten of these patients also had later follow-up studies. Ventricular size was assessed by measurement of end-diastolic and end-systolic area, and heart rate was recorded at each study time. Ventricular function was assessed by area shortening. Indexed end-diastolic area was significantly smaller after BCPA than before (26.2 ± 10.5 vs 21.4 ± 6.5 cm 2 /m 2 ). Area shortening and heart rate did not change significantly. Patients who had prior systemic-to-pulmonary shunts had a significant decrease in end-diastolic area after BCPA (30.2 ± 12.2 vs 22.4 ± 7.3 cm 2 /m 2 ); those with prior pulmonary artery banding did not have a significant decrease (22.5 ± 7.2 vs 19.9 ± 6.5 cm 2 /m 2 ). Patients with ventricles having left ventricular morphologic features had a significant decrease in end-diastolic area after BCPA (29.2 ± 10.8 vs 22.8 ± 6.5 cm 2 /m 2 ); those with right ventricular morphologic features did not have a significant decrease (19.2 ± 5.9 vs 18.0 ± 5.9 cm 2 /m 2 ). We conclude that BCPA results in a significantly reduced systemic ventricular preload and size while normal ventricular performance is maintained. Other factors such as prior palliation and ventricular morphologic features may affect the magnitude of the decrease in ventricular size seen after BCPA.
Marker enzymes, phospholipids and acyl group composition of a somal plasma membrane fraction isolated from rat cerebral cortex: a comparison with microsomes and synaptic plasma membranes

Subjecting brain homogenates to differential speed and sucrose density gradient centrifugation resulted in the isolation of a membrane fraction from the post-mitochondrial supernatant with properties and marker enzyme profiles typical of plasma membranes. This membrane fraction is compared with the microsomes and the synaptic plasma membranes isolated from synaptosomes. Like the synaptic plasma membranes, membranes obtained from the post-mitochondrial supernatant were enriched five-fold in 5?-nucleotidase activity. However, the latter membranes were lower in (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity and higher in NADPH-cytochrome C reductase activity as compared to the synaptic plasma membranes. The post-mitochondrial plasma membranes were also different from the microsomes in their respective marker enzyme activities. Electron microscopic examination indicated largely membranous vesicles for both plasma membrane fractions with little contamination by myelin, mitochondra and intact synaptosomes. The phospholipid and acyl group profiles of the two plasma membrane fractions were surprisingly similar, but they were different from the characteristic profiles of myelin and mitochondria. It is concluded that plasma membranes isolated from the post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction are derived largely from neuronal and glial soma and are thus designated the somal plasma membrane fraction.
Membrane vibrations of conical shells

Exact solutions for membrane vibrations of conical shells due to forces acting in the meridional direction are obtained. Frequency equations for the free vibration of conical shells with various end conditions but free from the in-plane shearing force are presented along with the asymptotic expressions, numerical results of frequency spectra, and some typical normal modes. The formal solutions for the transient and forced vibrations of such cones are also presented.
Changes in Asphalt Pavement Friction Components and Adjustment of Skid Number for Temperature

The results of a study aimed at investigating the effects of temperature and surface texture on the friction force developed at the tire–pavement interface during skidding are presented. Ten field sites representing a variety of asphalt pavements in the State of Ohio were selected for the study. Five laboratory briquettes made from the same materials used in the construction of the pavements were prepared for each of the sites. Skid resistance measurements were performed on the briquettes using a portable British pendulum tester. The friction force was considered to consist of two parts, namely, the wet adhesion and the hysteresis components. The adhesion and hysteresis components were measured separately using water and liquid hand soap as lubricants. To simulate the changes due to wear and aging of pavements, several cycles of mechanical polishing were conducted and the available contact area after polishing was determined using a digital image processing technique. Tests were conducted at five differen...
Primary Cementing Improvement by Casing Vibration During Cement Curing Time

Vibration of casing to improve primary cementing was investigated in the laboratory and in a 200-ft (60-m) deep test well. The effect of vibration is to decrease or to eliminate gel strength of the cement slurry as it is curing. The slurry then flows downward to compensate for shrinkage and re-establishes the hydrostatic head of the cement. This method can prevent pore-fluid entry into the annulus before the cement cures and can increase the radial stress at the interface between the formation and the cured cement.
Differential Translocation of Nuclear Factor-KappaB in a Cardiac Muscle Cell Line Under Gravitational Changes

Microgravity (micro-g) environments have been shown to elicit dysregulation of specific genes in a wide assay of cell types. It is known that the activation of transcription factors and molecular signaling pathways influence various physiological outcomes associated with stress and adaptive responses. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is one of the most prevailing oxidation-sensitive transcription factors. It is hypothesized that simulated microgravity would activate NF-kappaB and its downstream transcriptional networks, thus suggesting a role for NF-kappaB in microgravity induced muscle atrophy. To investigate the activation of NF-kappaB in a rat cardiac cell line (H9c2) under micro-g, rotating wall vessel bioreactors were used to simulate micro-g conditions. Western blotting revealed that mean nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit was 69% for micro-g and 46% for unit-g dynamic control as compared with a 30 min TNF-alpha positive control (p<0.05, n=3). The results from western blots were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which showed 66% for micro-g and 45% for dynamic control as compared with positive control (p<0.05, n=3). These results show significant differential translocation of NF-kappaB p65 under simulated micro-g. These results may be expanded upon to explain physiological changes such as muscle atrophy and further identify the regulatory pathways and effector molecules activated under exposure to micro-g.