cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racialization and Psychological Distress among U.S. Latinxs.

This study investigated the relationship between race and psychological distress among Latinxs in the United States. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2010-2018, we estimated the relative risk ratios (RRR) of experiencing psychological distress among White, Black and Other Latinxs from Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Results revealed that Black Latinxs experienced higher levels of psychological distress than their White counterparts. Additional analysis among and within groups showed that Puerto Ricans and Dominicans reported higher psychological distress than Mexicans, and that race was associated with the distress of Cubans and Mexicans, but not with the distress of Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. Future work on the effect of racial self-identification on Latinxs’ mental health-related outcomes, such as psychological distress, should include multidimensional measures of racial identity, such as self-reported and ascribed race, racial ideology, as well as measures of skin color and discrimination. Integrating racialization experiences during clinical assessments would help practitioners to gain a more comprehensive picture of how these identities and experiences may shape the stress, distress, and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety) of different racial and ethnic Latinx groups in the U.S.
Structure and Interactions in Perfluorooctanoate Micellar Solutions Revealed by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Studies: Effect of Urea

The self-assembly of surfactants in aqueous solution can be modulated by the presence of additives including urea, which is a well-known protein denaturant and also present in physiological fluids and agricultural runoff. This study addresses the effects of urea on the structure of micelles formed in water by the fluorinated surfactant perfluoro-n-octanoic acid ammonium salt (PFOA). Analysis of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide consensus strong evidence for the direct mechanism of urea action on micellization: urea helps solvate the hydrophobic micelle core by localizing at the surface of the core in the place of some water molecules. Consequently, urea decreases electrostatic interactions at the micelle shell, changes the micelle shape from prolate ellipsoid to sphere, and decreases the number of surfactant molecules associating in a micelle. These findings inform the interactions and behavior of surface active per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released in the aqueous environment and biota.
BDNF rs6265 Genotype Influences Outcomes of Pharmacotherapy and Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease.

Introduction The efficacy of pharmacotherapy and deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in treating Parkinson's disease motor symptoms is highly variable and may be influenced by patient genotype. The relatively common (prevalence about one in three) and protein-altering rs6265 single nucleotide polymorphism (C > T) in the gene BDNF has been associated with different clinical outcomes with levodopa. Objective We sought to replicate this reported association in early-stage Parkinson's disease subjects and to examine whether a difference in clinical outcomes was present with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Materials and methods Fifteen deep brain stimulation and 13 medical therapy subjects were followed for 24 months as part of the Vanderbilt DBS in Early Stage PD clinical trial (NCT00282152, FDA IDE #G050016). Primary outcome measures were the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39. Results Outcomes with drug therapy in subjects carrying the rs6265 T allele were significantly worse following 12 months of treatment compared to C/C subjects (UPDRS: +20 points, p = 0.019; PDQ-39: +16 points, p = 0.018). In contrast, rs6265 genotype had no effect on overall motor response to subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation at any time point; further, rs6265 C/C subjects treated with stimulation were associated with worse UPDRS part II scores at 24 months compared to medical therapy. Conclusions Genotyping for the rs6265 polymorphism may be useful for predicting long-term response to drug therapy and counseling Parkinson's disease patients regarding whether to consider earlier subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Validation in a larger cohort of early-stage Parkinson's disease subjects is warranted.
A study of residual burst strength of composite over wrapped pressure vessel due to low velocity impact

Abstract The aim of this research was to study the residual burst strength, dynamic structural response, and failure mechanism of composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) subjected to low velocity impact by numerically and experimentally. A three-dimensional composite pressure vessel model was developed using Wound composite module (WCM) plugin of Abaqus. The impact response of composite pressure vessels was calculated based on the Hashin progressive damage criteria. The residual burst strength was predicted using maximum strain failure criteria. The COPV was impact tested and the residual burst strength was calculated. The predicted and testing results were compared, and a good correlation was found.
A drift-diffusion model for robotic obstacle avoidance

We develop a stochastic framework for modeling and analysis of robot navigation in the presence of obstacles. We show that, with appropriate assumptions, the probability of a robot avoiding a given obstacle can be reduced to a function of a single dimensionless parameter which captures all relevant quantities of the problem. This parameter is analogous to the Peclet number considered in the literature on mass transport in advection-diffusion fluid flows. Using the framework we also compute statistics of the time required to escape an obstacle in an informative case. The results of the computation show that adding noise to the navigation strategy can improve performance. Finally, we present experimental results that illustrate these performance improvements on a robotic platform.
Eigenfunction Methods in Magnetospheric Radial-Diffusion Theory

Complete sets of orthonormal basis functions constructed according to a generalization of the quantum-mechanical WKB approximation can be used to generate a nearly-diagonal matrix representation of the radial-transport operator for ring-current ions in the presence of radial diffusion and charge exchange. The resulting eigenfunctions (constructed by weighting the basis functions in proportion to the respective components of the eigenvectors of the matrix representation) and eigenvalues provide a spatial and temporal description of the evolving phase-space density during and following a magnetospheric disturbance (e.g., a magnetic storm). A linear superposition of the basis functions can also be used to eliminate any discrepancy between the steady-state solution of the transport equation and the appropriate WKB approximation of this steady-state solution.
Shared Control - Supporting Control Parallelism Using a SIMD-like Architecture

SIMD machines are considered special purpose architectures chiefly because of their inability to support control parallelism. This restriction exists because there is a single control unit that is shared at the thread level; concurrent control threads must time-share the control unit. We present an alternative model for building centralized control architectures that better supports control parallelism. This model, called shared control, shares the control unit(s) at the instruction level — in each cycle the control signals for the supported instructions are broadcast to the PEs. In turn, a PE receive its control by synchronizing with the control unit responsible for its current instruction. There are a number of architectural issues that must be resolved. This paper identifies some of these issues and suggests solutions to them. An integrated shared-control/SIMD architecture design (SharC) is presented and used to demonstrate the performance relative to a SIMD architecture.
Chapter 5.4 Five Membered Ring Systems: With More than One N Atom

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews improved synthetic routes for all of the relevant heterocycles, solid phase syntheses of imidazoles, pyrazoles and tetrazoles, and the intramolecular reactions of nitrilimines, en route to pyrazoles, triazoles, and tetrazoles. Ab initio MO calculations are performed for proton transfer in tetrazoles, with or without the assistance of bases, including imidazole for the ring closure reactions of diazomethane derivatives leading to pyrazoles or triazoles and to assess the degree of delocalization in all of the five-membered nitrogen heteroaromatic compounds. The affinity of imidazole and pyrazole containing cavitands for alkali metal, ammonium, and alkylammonium picrates is examined in the chapter. New N-hydroxytriazoles and-tetrazoles are evaluated in the chapter as catalysts for peptide synthesis. N-Arylated imidazoles and pyrazoles result from treatment of the parent heterocycles with arylboronic acids, while chiral imidazolyl and pyrazolyl alcohols can be prepared by microwave-assisted ring opening of (R)-styrene epoxide with imidazole or pyrazole.
Reuse and body-formatted representations in simulation theory

I review the shifting definitions of simulation as found in recent versions of the simulation theory (ST) of social cognition. I focus on two concepts that have become central to recent ST in the work of a number of simulation theorists: the notion of reuse and the notion of B-formatted representations. I point out specific limitations or problems involved in these concepts. Although the reuse hypothesis provides an interesting evolutionary account of how neural mechanisms may adapt to new tasks, it doesn't offer an explanation of how these mechanisms work. In contrast to the genuinely embodied account that simulation theorists seek, an explanation of social cognition in terms of B-formatted representations not only remains disembodied, but also ignores social interaction and remains solipsistic. I conclude by briefly outlining a non-simulationist enactivist account that can incorporate the reuse hypothesis.
Maternal deaths from ectopic pregnancy in the South Atlantic region, 1960 through 1976

Abstract The authors have calculated the maternal mortality rates from ectopic pregnancy in the Southeastern United States. Between 1960 and 1975 81 per cent of 207 ectopic deaths occurred in nonwhite women. A more detailed study of 24 deaths from ectopic pregnancy in North Carolina shows that from 1961 to 1976 4.2 per cent of all direct obstetric deaths and 15.9 per cent of deaths from hemorrhage were due to ruptured ectopic gestation. The most striking observation was the dramatic reduction in deaths from ectopic pregnancy among nonwhite women. Maternal mortality rates for ectopic pregnancy should properly be based on the conception rate, consisting of live births plus abortions rather than live births alone. Missed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy as a factor in maternal mortality rate requires more intensive educational efforts directed toward primary-care physicians.
Ultrastructural localization of molecular subtypes of immunoreactive neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the adult rodent striatum

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that is thought to mediate adhesion between neuronal elements and play an important role in neural development. Although NCAM has been found in the adult brain, as well as the developing brain, little is known about its function or ultrastructural distribution. A monoclonal antibody which was directed against embryonic (E15-E17) mouse brain and identified 180 and 140 kDa molecular weight forms of NCAM was used to examine the immunohistochemical localization of NCAM in the rodent striatum. Light microscopic results in the adult mouse and rat showed that most NCAM180,140 immunoreactivity was localized to the relatively small population of medium and large-sized aspiny interneurons of the caudate nucleus and to the majority of neurons in the globus pallidus. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that reaction product in aspiny somata was present in discrete, closely spaced patches of cytoplasm along the inner face of the plasma membrane and was also prominent in somatic protrusions which were frequently apposed to synapsing axons. Distal aspiny and pallidal dendrites containing NCAM180,140 received numerous synaptic inputs. Within caudate neuropil NCAM180,140 was also present in spines with thin necks and small spine heads which were postsynaptic to unlabeled axon terminals and in preterminal (unmyelinated) axons and terminal boutons that issued from myelinated bundles and formed asymmetric synapses with unlabeled dendritic spines. This study provides the first evidence in adult brain that NCAM180,140 varies in extent and location within neurons. The heterogeneous distribution of NCAM180,140 in neurons of the basal ganglia may be related to a number of functions such as maintaining or modulating the density and distribution of synaptic inputs and the formation of new contacts on dendritic spines.
On the mechanism of enzyme action. XLVI. The effect of certain ions on crystalline trypsin and reinvestigation of its isoelectric point

Abstract Calcium and manganese ions are effective protectors of crystalline trypsin in alkaline solutions. Other ions seem to have no significant influence. The effect of calcium is due to a decrease in the rate of autodigestion of trypsin but does not affect the rate of tryptic digestion of other proteins. The isoelectric point of trypsin is in the neighborhood of pH 11, as determined by electrophoresis analyses. This high isoelectric point is correlated with the amino acid composition of trypsin and its amide nitrogen content.
Reporter Object: An Analysis Module Which Aids in Verifying, Validating and Graphically Displaying Results of Simulation Models

In order to verify, validate and graphically display results for simulation models, an analysis module (separate from the simulation itself) called Reporter Object (RO) was developed. RO receives log files (in a particular format) from any simulation model and produces (a) Gantt-type charts, showing all waiting, processing, and blocking times (including reasons for the blocking) for all desired objects (or entities) at all processing facility locations at all times of interest, and (b) pie charts depicting the percen tages represen ted by subcategories associated with a main category (e.g., the percentages of direct material, direct labor and indirect fixed costs associated with total cost). RO was designed to be either integrated with an object-oriented simulation engine or executed as a separate program for use with any simulation model. In order to illustrate its capabilities, Reporter Object is used in conjunction with STARSIM (an acronym for Space Transportation Activities and Resources SIMulation), ...
The characterization of type I and type III collagens from human peripheral nerve

The normal chemical features of peripheral nerve collagens were determined on postmortem, histologically normal adult human femoral nerve. 1. Genetically distinct type I, [alpha1(I)2]alpha2, and type III, [alpha1(III)]3, were isolated by differential salt precipitation and the component subunit chains, alphal(I), alpha2 and alphal(III) were obtained by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. 2. The molecular weight of alphal(I) and alpha2 of type I collagen was 95 000 and that for type III was 280 000. Reduction of type III with dithiothreitol yielded expected alpha1(III) chains of 95 000 molecular weight. 3. The amino acid composition of the three collagen chains, alpha1(I), alpha2, and alpha1(III), was the same as previously reported values for the corresponding chains from human skin except for slightly elevated hydroxylysine content. 4. Peripheral nerve collagen was found to contain 81% type I collagen and 19% type III. These results indicate that peripheral nerve collagen characteristics closely simulate that of human skin and differ from that of human aorta and other parenchymal organs. These data will permit a chemical analysis for possible abnormalities of peripheral nerve collagen in various neurogenic disorders.
Application of wavelets to singular integral scattering equations

The use of orthonormal wavelet basis functions for solving singular integral scattering equations is investigated. It is shown that these basis functions lead to sparse matrix equations which can be solved by iterative techniques. The scaling properties of wavelets are used to derive an efficient method for evaluating the singular integrals. The accuracy and efficiency of the wavelet transforms are demonstrated by solving the two-body T-matrix equation without partial wave projection. The resulting matrix equation which is characteristic of multiparticle integral scattering equations is found to provide an efficient method for obtaining accurate approximate solutions to the integral equation. These results indicate that wavelet transforms may provide a useful tool for studying few-body systems.
The fundamentality of translates of a continuous function on spheres

In this paper we discuss the fundamentality of translates of a continuous function on the unit spheres of Euclidean spaces. Our result partially answers a question of Cheney and Xu [1].
Misfortunes And Shipwrecks In The Seas Of The Indies, Islands, And Mainland Of The Ocean Sea. By Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo. Translated and edited by Glen F. Dille

(2011). Misfortunes And Shipwrecks In The Seas Of The Indies, Islands, And Mainland Of The Ocean Sea. By Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo. Translated and edited by Glen F. Dille. Geographical Review: Vol. 101, No. 4, pp. 603-606.
Polyelectrolytes as new matrices for secondary ion mass spectrometry

Significant enhancements in ion yields in time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) are observed when water-soluble analytes are mixed with a polyelectrolyte, e.g., poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) or poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), and then deposited in the layer-by-layer method on a surface. This previously unobserved effect is demonstrated for 5-chloro-8-methoxyquinoline appended diaza-18-crown-6, 5-(2-aminoethoxy)methyl-5-chloro-8-methoxyquinoline appended diaza-18-crown-6, acridine, 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid, and ferrocenecarboxylic acid. By optical ellipsometry film thicknesses range from ca. 5–20 A. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows significantly less analyte in the polyelectrolyte-analyte films than in the neat analytes. However, TOF-SIMS generally shows significant enhancements in ion yields from the polyelectrolyte films compared with either the neat compounds or the compounds solubilized with acid or base and then dried on a surface. These significant enhancements in ion yields also appear to extend to analyte fragments and cationized molecular species. Some enhancement is also observed for dried droplets of analytes mixed with a polyelectrolyte on surfaces.
Structural requirements for cannabinoid-induced antinociceptive activity in mice

The antinociceptive activity of delta 9-THC was found to be 45 times greater after i.v. (ED50 = 1.0 mg/kg) than after s.c. administration while its ability to depress spontaneous activity was increased only 8 fold. Route of administration had less of an impact on the antinociceptive potency of hydroxylated metabolites and analogs of delta 9-THC. The structural requirements for antinociception and depression of spontaneous activity were found to be similar. Both routes of administration and structural alterations dramatically changed the antinociceptive potency of delta 9-THC.
Becoming Multicultural: Raising Awareness and Supporting Change in Teacher Education

(2007). Becoming Multicultural: Raising Awareness and Supporting Change in Teacher Education. Childhood Education: Vol. 83, No. 5, pp. 288-293.
Spin-current interaction with a monodomain magnetic body: A model study

I examined the consequence of a spin-current-induced angular momentum deposition in a monodomain Stoner-Wohlfarth magnetic body. The magnetic dynamics of the particle are modeled using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation with a phenomenological damping coefficient $\ensuremath{\alpha}.$ Two magnetic potential landscapes are studied in detail: One uniaxial, the other uniaxial in combination with an easy-plane potential term that could be used to model a thin-film geometry with demagnetization. Quantitative predictions are obtained for comparison with experiments.
A probit analysis of the Senate vote on Gramm-Rudman

The Leviathan theory of government was seemingly contradicted when the U.S. Congress passed the Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction law. This study analyzes the Senate vote on Gramm-Rudman to try to determine whether legislators acted in their own self interest. A prisoner's dilemma argument explains how Senators made themselves better off by limiting their own spending abilities. A probit analysis shows how voting for deficit reduction was consistent with the personal incentives faced by individual legislators. The eventual failure of Gramm-Rudman to eliminate the deficit reveals a need to consider institutional as well as constitutional means of controlling government.
Nonviolence as New Science

On a peaceful march to the Birmingham courthouse to protest discriminatory voting practices one day in 1964, the mostly black marchers found their way blocked by police and firemen. They kneeled down and began to pray, but then without a prearranged signal from anyone they found themselves getting up and advancing toward the barricade. “We’re not turning back,” one of them remembers saying to the startled firemen, “We haven’t done anything wrong. All we want is our freedom. How do you feel about doing these things?” The Sheriff, a notorious segregationist, shouted, “Turn on the water!” -- but the firemen didn’t. They let the marchers through As they did so, the protestors noticed, some of them were crying (Footnote I).
Reinforcing properties of odors for the albino rat

Food deprived and satiated rats were tested in a free operant situation to evaluate the behavior directing properties of odors that were either familiar and significant (food) or novel (amyl acetate). Both odors directed behavior but the rate and durability of the reinforcing properties of the stimulus were a function of the animal’s motivational state and previous experience with the stimulus.
COPPER(II) AND COBALT(II) COMPLEXES OF PYRIDINE-2-CARBOXAMIDE AND PYRIDINE-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID

Abstract The formation constants of the following have been measured with a polarographic method: binary copper(II) complexes of pyridine-2-carboxamide (picolinamide) and pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (picolinic acid), a ternary copper(II) complex of picolinic acid and imidazole, and a binary copper(I)-imidazole complex. The larger formation constant for picolinic acid over picolinamide is ascribed to the greater chelating ability of a carboxylate group over an amide carbonyl oxygen. The crystal and molecular structure of diaquobis(picolinato)cobalt(II) dihydrate, [Co(H2O)2(pc)2].2H2O, has been determined from three-dimensional MoKα X-ray collected by the multiple-film Weissenberg method. The unit cell dimensions are: a=9.89 ± 0.02 A, b=5.17 ± 0.01 A, c=17.50 ± 0.06 A, β=123.8 ± 0.4°. The space group is P21/c, and the calculated density is 1.67 g cm−3 with two formula weights per cell. The measured density is 1.67 g cm−3. The structure was solved by the Patterson method and refined by a least-squares method....
The role of RIM1α in BDNF-enhanced glutamate release

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to activate proline-directed Ser/Thr protein kinases and to enhance glutamatergic transmission via a Rab3a-dependent molecular pathway. The identity of molecular targets in BDNF's action on Rab3a pathway, a synaptic vesicle protein involved in vesicle trafficking and synaptic plasticity, is not fully known. Here we demonstrate that BDNF enhances depolarization-evoked efflux of [3H]-glutamate from nerve terminals isolated from the CA1 region of the hippocampus. BDNF also potentiated hyperosmotic shock-evoked [3H]-glutamate efflux, indicating an effect on the size of the readily releasable pool. This effect of BDNF was completely abolished in nerve terminals derived from Rim1αKO (Rab3 interacting molecule 1α null mutant) mice. Using in vitro phosphorylation assays we identified two novel phosphorylation sites, Ser447 and Ser745 that were substrates for ERK2, a proline-directed kinase known to be activated by BDNF. The pSer447 site was phosphorylated under resting conditions in hippocampal CA1 nerve terminals and its phosphorylation was enhanced by BDNF treatment, as indicated by the use of a pSer447-RIM1α antibody we have developed. Together these findings identify RIM1α, a component of the Rab3a molecular pathway in mediating presynaptic plasticity, as a necessary factor in BDNF's enhancement of [3H]-glutamate efflux from hippocampal CA1 nerve terminals and indicate a possible role for RIM1α phosphorylation in BDNF-dependent presynaptic plasticity.
The response to methylene blue in patients with severe hypotension during liver transplantation

Methylene blue is a useful therapy for catecholamine-resistant vasoplegic shock. Three cases of methylene blue administration for the treatment of catecholamine-resistant hypotension during orthotopic liver transplantation are presented.
Gender, student perceptions, institutional commitments and academic dishonesty: who reports in academic dishonesty cases?

The academic dishonesty literature generally focuses on the causes of academic dishonesty, and outlines deterrence strategies, as well as the punishment methods used in formal sanction. Student self-monitoring techniques are becoming a more visible alternative that places greater emphasis on proactive prevention methods as opposed to reactive punishment policies. Increasing the formal level of student responsibility in deterring academic dishonesty assumes that students will actively monitor the behavior of their classmates. Our findings indicate that student perceptions of campus climate and gender differences are important factors when explaining student reporting of suspected academic dishonesty and may illustrate important prerequisite conditions that must exist prior to the establish of a successful student self-monitoring programme.
The Dual Influence of Self-Interest and Societal Interest in Public Opinion:

Evidence that political attitudes are influenced by a concern for socetal interest has been viewed with skepticism since expressions of societal interest could reflect a disguised self-interest. More convincing evidence of societal interest motivations requires citizens to sacrifice self-interest in public policy opinions. The present study examines the influence of both self and societal interest in order to test whether self-sacrifice underlies public policy opinions. A value commitment to societal interest is expected to explain support for government-sponsored solutions to socetal needs and, further, to moderate reliance on self-interest. Using data from the NES 1990-92 panel survey, OLS regression is used to evaluate opinion in three different policy areas. Results showed that a societal inteest value has consequences for policy attitudes that are independent of self-interest. Further, a societal interest value commitment tended to moerate the connection between policy preference and self-interest. T...
Embracing diversity among students and patients

Abstract Our country is becoming increasingly culturally diverse. On the basis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statistics, it is predicted that, by the Year 2010, minority cultures will represent 32% of the U.S. population and 50% by the Year 2050. These figures identify a need for nurses to become educated and sensitive to the different cultural behaviors and traditions of the patients for whom they will provide care. Not only are patients diverse, but students studying to become nurses display the same cultural diversity as well. To understand and acknowledge diversity can help us to grow and learn about different cultures. By sharing pieces of our culture, we can experience increased cultural awareness. This will enhance our nursing practice and improve our role as health care practitioners.
The ocean waveheight nondirectional spectrum from inversion of the HF sea-echo Doppler spectrum

Abstract The measured HF sea-echo Doppler spectrum consists of prominent first-order peaks, around which exist second-order sidebands of a continuous nature. Theoretical models developed elsewhere are interpreted here and shown to satisfactorily account for these first and second-order measured spectral features. Employing these theoretical models, this paper derives a simple inversion technique for obtaining the waveheight nondirectional spectrum. The result is a closed-form expression, independent of the wave directionality factor, the radar look direction, or the stage of development of the waveheight spectrum. Approximations required in the derivation are stated along the way, and are shown to become increasingly valid in the limit of high seas and/or radar frequencies. The technique is tested by attempting to recover several input waveheight nondirectional spectra for various radar look directions. Comparisons show that the technique produces acceptable results for k o h > 0.2 , where k o is the radar wavenumber and h is the rms waveheight. Application of the inversion technique to measured data is straightforward. One employs one of the stronger second-order Doppler sidebands (vs. Doppler frequency with respect to the first-order Doppler-peak frequency) and divides it by a parameterless, dimensionless weighting function derived in this paper. He then divides this result by the adjacent first-order spectral energy. The latter normalization (i) serves to remove any unknown radar path loss or system gain factors, and (ii) also eliminates the need for any a priori knowledge of the wave or radar directionality and/or the assumption of a model for these latter quantities.
Circulating adiponectin levels and risk of endometrial cancer: the prospective Nurses' Health Study.

Objective Adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipose cells, is inversely associated with endometrial cancer. Our objective was to assess prediagnostic adiponectin levels in relation to risk of endometrial cancer. Study Design This was a prospective nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study with 146 cases and 377 controls. Adiponectin was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for known endometrial cancer risk factors. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 64.6 years. Mean interval between blood draw and diagnosis was 7.4 years (range, 2–13). There was no difference in median adiponectin (cases 12.9 vs controls 12.9 μg/mL; P = .97). Adiponectin >15 μg/mL was not associated with endometrial cancer risk (relative risk=0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–1.39; P = .48), even among postmenopausal women (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–1.5). Results did not vary by time from blood draw to diagnosis ( P for heterogeneity=.18). Conclusion Prediagnostic adiponectin was not predictive of endometrial cancer risk. Further study will better define the relationship between adiponectin and endometrial cancer.
Flow and stability of a second grade fluid between two parallel plates rotating about noncoincident axes

Abstract An exact solution is given for the flow of a second grade fluid between two infinite parallel plates rotating about noncoincident axes normal to the plates. A comparison of the torque and force exerted by the fluid on the plates with the corresponding experimental values would enable one to determine the normal stress moduli. Using energy method, the stability of the above flow is investigated for disturbances of finite amplitude. It is found that the region of sure stability decreases with increase in the viscoelastic parameter.
A Single-Dose of Cobalt-Protoporphyrin Protects Islet Beta Cells From Glucocorticoid Suppression

This study examined whether treating donor mice with a single-dose of cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) could induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and thus protect islet cells from suppression by high-dose glucocorticoid. Islets were isolated from mice receiving either a single dose of CoPP (20 mg/kg body weight) (CoPP-islets) or isotonic sodium chloride solution (control islets) at 24 hours before isolation. Following incubation in the absence or presence of methylprednisolone (100 and 1000 ng/mL) for 24 hours, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content of cultured islets were determined. Data were expressed as the mean ± standard error. HO-1 protein level of CoPP-islets was significantly higher than that of normal islets at 12 hours (P <.005) and 30 hours (P <.05) but not at 56 hours after CoPP administration (P = NS). The expression of CPP-32, an apoptosis inducer, was significantly inhibited in CoPP-islets at 24 hours after CoPP administration. Compared to the control islets, CoPP-islets secreted significantly more insulin in response to glucose stimulation following 24-hour incubation with 100 and 1000 ng/mL of methylprednisolone (P <.05 and P <.05). The insulin content of both control and CoPP-islets did not differ significantly after 24-hour incubation with methylprednisolone. In conclusion, a single-dose treatment with cobalt-protoporphyrin for the induction of heme oxygenase-1 protects islets against the suppressive effect of methylprednisolone.
Simultaneous assay for L-tryptophan, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, norepinephrine and dopamine in brain

A routine simultaneous assay for the title compounds is described, which uses a cation-exchange resin for separations, and standard fluorometric methods for analyses. Practicability of the ion-exchange chromatography is enhanced by means of a novel apparatus, and the procedure has the flexibility to permit extension to other endogenous compounds using published techniques.
Elections as takeover bids: Some agonistics concerning good government

Agency theory has been widely applied to the governance of business corporations and to good advantage. The formal framework of agency theory pertains as well to polities, wherein citizens are the principals and politicians the agents. Where takeover efforts occur irregularly for corporations, they occur at regular intervals through elections for polities. Timothy Besley’s Principled Agents uses the agency theory to argue that electoral competition will generally select competent and public-spirited politicians. This claim follows from his formal framework, but that framework ignores some questionable and unsettled matters that challenge Besley’s relatively roseate view of the qualitative character of electoral selection.
Do cross‐subsidies hinder telecommunications market entry?

Purpose – This study aims to examine competitive entry in the presence of cross‐subsidization of firms in the telecommunications industry.Design/methodology/approach – How variations in cross‐subsidies, received via the separations mechanism, influence firms to enter the territories of incumbents is assessed for the population of local exchange firms in the USA.Findings – Firms able to obtain greater cross‐subsidies, on average, experience less entry within their territories. Competition has evolved considerably in the telecommunications industry in the last two decades.Research limitations/implications – These results point to the need for evaluating cross‐subsidies, where these may still exist, so as to encourage entry.Originality/value – This article is the first to look at the consequences of an important regulatory phenomenon and its impact on competition. The results at the confluence of regulation and competition policies have potential applications across the world.
Polyphosphazenes functionalized with sulfone or sulfoxide groups: Synthesis, characterization, and possible polymer electrolyte applications

A method for the introduction of sulfone or sulfoxide functional groups into the side groups of polyphosphazenes has been developed. This procedure involves the prior introduction of thioether-containing side groups into phosphazenes followed by oxidation of the sulfur atoms by H2O2 or m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA). This method was first explored at the level of model small molecule cyclic species as a prelude to the polymer oxidation reactions. The attractive forces generated by sulfone or sulfoxide functional groups produce alkyloxy-substituted polyphosphazenes with relatively high glass transition temperatures (up to +19 °C). The potential of these materials as polymer electrolytes, both in the solid state and in systems with added propylene carbonate, was explored by means of impedance analysis conductivity studies. The competition between the polymer and the solvent for lithium ions was also investigated.
Acetyl transport mechanisms in the nervous system. The oxoglutarate shunt and fatty acid synthesis in the developing rat brain.

Radioactive acetyl groups and lipids are produced from dl-[5-14C]glutamate. Degradation studies indicate that approximately 90 per cent of the radioactivity is localized in the original carboxyl groups of the two carbon unit. Since these results are shown not to be due to a 14CO2 fixation, it is concluded that the oxoglutarate shunt as an acetyl group transport system is functional in brain. The highest ratio of fatty’acid activity/CO2 activity in this pathway is found in the newborn rat brain and steadily decreases with development. This pattern is observed with incubations of brain slices with labelled glutamate or citrate and is similar to the changes observed in the activity of the citrate cleavage enzyme with brain maturation. In contrast to the previous studies with liver preparations, the conversion of [2-14C]- and [5-14C]glutamate to fatty acids is relatively small. This is particularly true during the period of maximal lipid synthesis.
Urinary Dopamine Metabolites During Cocaine Abstinence

The authors compared catecholamine concentrations measured on 2-hour urine collections of recently hospitalized cocaine abusers (CAs; n.= 17) with those of detoxified alcoholic patients (APs; n = 10) and staff normal-control subjects (NCs; n.= 13)- CAs had been abstinent for 6–8 days; APs had been abstinent for 9–53 days. Compared with NCs, the recently abstinent CAs had a decrease in the dopamine metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and a decrease in Sum dopamine/Sum norepinephrine (the molar sum of dopamine and its metabolites/the molar sum of norepinephrine and its metabolites). The dopamine metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) was increased. The detoxified APs had increases in the norepinephrine metabolites normetanephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroocyphenylglycol in addition to elevated 3-MT. Sum dopamine/Sum norepinephrine was decreased in APs compared with NCs. The authors discuss differences in light of other findings related to recent abstinence after cocaine and alcohol abuse.
Outcomes for Patients with Unbalanced Atrioventricular Septal Defects

Infants with an unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) frequently present with comorbidities that may have an impact on their medical course and outcome. This study aimed to assess outcomes and explore possible prognostic indicators for patients undergoing surgical palliation for an unbalanced AVSD. The medical records of all infants presenting to the authors’ institution with an unbalanced AVSD over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed for assessment of outcomes and comorbidities. The study group consisted of 44 patients with an overall survival rate of 51% for the entire follow-up period. The majority of these patients (88%) underwent single-ventricle palliation, with an 83% rate of survival to initial hospital discharge and an overall long-term survival rate of 50%. The midterm outcome was significantly worse than that for a cohort of hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients undergoing single-ventricle palliation during the same period (P = 0.03). In addition, 30% of the patients required either repair or replacement of their systemic atrioventricular valve at initial palliation or during subsequent follow-up evaluation. Of the patients with an unbalanced AVSD, 75% had associated congenital anomalies. In conclusion, infants with an unbalanced AVSD are a high-risk population with diminished midterm survival compared with palliated patients who have more classic forms of hypoplastic heart syndromes. This may be due to the higher incidence of both severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation and important associated congenital anomalies.
In vivo and in vitro expression of a non-mammalian cyclooxygenase-1.

Abstract Unlike cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), COX-1 has never been identified, purified or cloned in a non-mammalian species. Here we report the RT-PCR cloning of a chicken cDNA that encodes the amphipathic membrane binding region and parts of the dimerization and catalytic domains of COX1-like enzyme. Sequence comparison showed this putative COX-1 to be evolutionarily less conserved than COX-2. Furthermore, whereas COX-1 in mammals is broadly expressed in tissues as a constitutive enzyme, the mRNA detected by our clone in chicken was almost absent in tissues and embryo fibroblasts (CEF). Highest expression was in brain and seminal vesicle. This transcript was not detectable during chick embryogenesis and, as is the case for mammalian COX-1, was not induced above background by mitogen stimulation. The identification of an avian COX-1 shows that COX-1 and COX-2 existed as separate catalysts for prostaglandin synthesis before the divergence of birds and mammals.
On Deciding Whether a Surface is Parabolic or Hyperbolic

(1977). On Deciding Whether a Surface is Parabolic or Hyperbolic. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 84, No. 1, pp. 43-46.
PLACING LEGITIMACY: ORGANISING RELIGIOUS SUPPORT IN A HOSPITAL WORKERS’ CONTRACT CAMPAIGN1

Religion-labour alliances, like other faith-based and religious organisations, raise questions about the invocation of religion to establish moral authority and political legitimacy in Western democracies. This paper argues that legitimacy should be understood as produced through spatio-temporally contingent practices. The question of legitimacy is explored through a case study of the activities of a religion-labour alliance in an urban hospital workers’ contract campaign. The paper traces the work of religion-labour organising through the multiple space-times of the campaign. As religion-labour organising negotiates various habituses, attempting to legitimate itself as well as the union's struggle, it draws on not only religious discourses, but discourses of human rights, democratic deliberation, and social scientific evidence. The analysis is based on participant observation throughout the campaign, interviews with coalition members and other union staff, and internal documents and public reports from the campaign.
Cytochrome aa 3 from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

A cytochrome aa 3-type oxidase was isolated with and without a c-type cytochrome (cytochrome c-557) from Methylococcus capsulatus Bath by ion-exchange and hydrophobic chromatography in the presence of Triton X-100. Although cytochrome c-557 was not a constitutive component of the terminal oxidase, the cytochrome c ascorbate-TMPD oxidase activity of the enzyme decreased dramatically when the ratio of cytochrome c-557 to heme a dropped below 1:3. On denaturing gels, the purified enzyme dissociated into three subunits with molecular weights of 46,000, 28,000 and 20,000. The enzyme contains two heme groups (a and a 3), absorption maximum at 422 nm in the resting state, at 445 and 601 nm in the dithionite reduced form and at 434 and 598 nm in the dithionite reduced plus CO form. Denaturing gels of the cytochrome aa 3-cytochrome c-557 complex showed the polypeptides associated with cytochrome aa 3 plus a heme c-staining subunit with a molecular weight of 37,000. The complex contains approximately two heme a, one heme c, absorption maximum at 420 nm in the resting state and at 421, 445, 522, 557 and 601 nm in the dithionite reduced form. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was 130 mol O2/min · mol heme a compared to 753 mol O2/min · mol heme a when isolated with cytochrome c-557.
Effects of Project Cost Reduction Methods

The construction industry is experiencing price volatility that equally affects contractors and transportation agencies. While part of this phenomenon can be attributed to instability in cost of fuel and other construction materials, large differences in unit bid items for different projects and among different regions indicate that the problem is more complex. The goal of this paper is to investigate the larger context of this phenomenon from the perspective of transportation agencies. More specifically, the two main objectives are to (a) identify methods that can be used to reduce or contain construction cost and (b) assess potential impacts of the identified methods on project performance measures such as cost, schedule, and quality. The study results indicate that a number of methods have a potential to reduce cost. In general, the methods implemented earlier in project development are perceived to be more cost-effective than the ones implemented in the latter phases of project development. Further, t...
Differential geometry in loop space

Abstract Differential geometry in loop space is constructed by gauging the Virasoro algebra. In this process we introduce a star product A∗B between two string fields that does not distinguish the mid-point of the string and is invariant under all conformal transformations at the “classical” level. It is shown that in any string field theory that is symmetric under local Virasoro transformations, the curvatures and torsions that describe the geometry cannot be arbitrary but must obey certain equations that follow from a nilpotent BRST operator which ensures that the quantum theory is invariant. These equations seem to provide a geometrical description of the string field and its interactions.
Search for the Lepton Flavor Violating B Decays B0→μτ and B0→eτ at CLEO2

Using almost 10 million B B ¯ decays produced at CESR, the CLEO collaboration has set the most stringent limits to date on the lepton flavor violating decays B 0 → μ ( e ) τ .
Yeast PalA/AIP1/Alix Homolog Rim20p Associates with a PEST-Like Region and Is Required for Its Proteolytic Cleavage

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae zinc finger protein Rim101p is activated by cleavage of its C-terminal region, which resembles PEST regions that confer susceptibility to proteolysis. Here we report that Rim20p, a member of the broadly conserved PalA/AIP1/Alix family, is required for Rim101p cleavage. Two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicate that Rim20p binds to Rim101p, and a two-hybrid assay shows that the Rim101p PEST-like region is sufficient for Rim20p binding. Rim101p-Rim20p interaction is conserved in Candida albicans, supporting the idea that interaction is functionally significant. Analysis of Rim20p mutant proteins indicates that some of its broadly conserved regions are required for processing of Rim101p and for stability of Rim20p itself but are not required for interaction with Rim101p. A recent genome-wide two-hybrid study (T. Ito, T. Chiba, R. Ozawa, M. Yoshida, M. Hattori, and Y. Sakaki, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98:4569‐4574, 2000) indicates that Rim20p interacts with Snf7p and that Snf7p interacts with Rim13p, a cysteine protease required for Rim101p proteolysis. We suggest that Rim20p may serve as part of a scaffold that places Rim101p and Rim13p in close proximity.