cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reciprocity counseling: A rapid learning-based procedure for marital counseling.

Abstract Existing marital counseling procedures have not been experimentally evaluated or generally have not been based on an experimentally derived theory. The present study formulated a model of marital discord based on reinforcement theory, developed a marital counseling procedure based on that theory and experimentally evaluated its effectiveness. The model viewed marital discord as the resultant of non-reciprocated reinforcement. The counseling procedures attempted to establish general marital reciprocity of reinforcement by teaching reciprocity in several specific areas of marital unhappiness. The reciprocity procedure was conducted for about 3–4 weeks with 12 couples, after first conducting a catharsis-type counseling as a control procedure. The results showed that the reciprocity procedure increased reported marital happiness, whereas the control procedure did not. Once reciprocity was achieved in a specific problem area, the benefits generalized somewhat to other yet-to-be counseled areas. The increase in marital happiness occurred for each of the specific areas of marital interaction, for 96 per cent of the clients, and was maintained and increased during the available follow-up period. These results indicate that the procedure is an effective, rapid and enduring method of producing marital happiness.
Retrograde axonal transport of [125I]nerve growth factor in ileal mesenteric nerves in vitro: effect of streptozotocin diabetes.

The retrograde axonal transport of intravenously administered [125I]nerve growth factor ([125I]NGF) was examined in ileal mesenteric nerves maintained for short periods in vitro. [125I]NGF was injected systemically, and at various times thereafter mesenteric pedicles were ligated and incubated in vitro in Krebs-Henseleit medium under a number of different conditions. Retrogradely transported [125I]NGF began to accumulate distal to the ligature after an initial lag period and increased in a linear fashion for 3–4 h. The amount of retrogradely transported [125I]NGF was proportional to the length of the ileum innervated by each pedicle, which allowed for comparison of ileal segments of different lengths. Retrograde axonal transport of [125I]NGF was inhibited by vinblastine, colchicine and incubation in the cold, and was decreased by agents that interfere with oxidative or glycolytic metabolism. The accumulation of retrogradely transported [125I]NGF in ileal mesenteric nerves of 1–9 day streptozotocin diabetic animals placed in an in vitro bath containing normal (5.5 mM) glucose was decreased 40% compared to control animals. The induction of diabetes in vivo resulted in a greater decrease in the early phases of [125I]NGF export from ileal mesenteric nerve terminals compared to later phases. Ileal mesenteric nerve segments derived from untreated controls were incubated in vitro in media containing increased concentrations of glucose (27.5 and 50 mM) without reproducing the NGF transport defect found in diabetic animals.
Genetic evidence that an activation domain of GAL4 does not require acidity and may form a β sheet

Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes relies on intricate protein-protein interactions. Transcription of the galactose genes in yeast has been a productive model for this type of interaction. The positive activator in this system, GAL4, has a bifunctional C-terminus. It contains both a prototypic acidic activation domain and a region that binds the negative regulator, GAL80. We have taken advantage of this colocalization of functions to subject the region to a constrained mutagenesis analysis: one function was maintained, while the other one was altered. This analysis and the experiments it suggested have led us to two conclusions: first, the acidic amino acids are not, as commonly thought, required for activation; second, this region is not unstructured or alpha helical, but its function may require a beta sheet.
Comparison of Overhead Supply and Underfloor Supply with Rear Heat Exchanger in High Density Data Center Clusters

The power trend for server systems continues to grow thereby making thermal management of data centers a very challenging task. Although various configurations exist, the raised floor plenum with computer room air conditioners (CRACs) providing cold air is a popular operating strategy. In prior work, numerous data center layouts employing raised floor plenum and the impact of design parameters such as plenum depth, ceiling height, cold isle location, tile openings and others on thermal performance of data center was presented. The air cooling of data center however, may not address the situation where more energy is expended in cooling infrastructure than the thermal load of data center. Revised power trend projections by ASHRAE TC 9.9 predict heat load as high as 5000 W per square feet of compute servers' equipment footprint by year 2010. These trend charts also indicate that heat load per product footprint has doubled for storage servers during 2000-2004. For the same period, heat load per product footprint for compute servers has tripled. Amongst the systems that are currently available and being shipped, many racks exceed 20 kW. Such high heat loads have raised concerns over limits of air cooling of data centers similar to air cooling of microprocessors. A hybrid cooling strategy that incorporates liquid cooling along with air cooling can be very efficient in such situations. The objective of this paper is to study and compare the performance of hybrid cooling solution in two widely used air supply configurations namely overhead supply and underfloor supply focusing on rack inlet temperature. The numerical models of a representative data center employing overhead and underfloor supply with hot aisle-cold aisle arrangement are constructed using a commercial CFD code. The effect of these configurations on rack inlet temperature is discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO WIDE GAGE ON TANGENT RAILROAD TRACK

Wide gage--a fatigue failure of the track to maintain the nominal lateral distance between rail heads--is one of several modes of track failure on which the AAR-FRA-RPI-TDA Track Train Dynamics Program has focused attention. To investigate the generation of wide gage on tangent track, experiments were conducted to measure track dynamic response and long-term fatigue life of track sections on the Union Pacific Railroad in Idaho. Results of these experiments have defined the important factors in this mode of track fatigue.
New wood-polymer composites containing ethyl α-hydroxymethyl acrylate polymers

Ethyl α-hydroxymethyl acrylate (EHMA) was synthesized and evaluated as a candidate for wood impregnation and in-situ polymerization. Southern Pine softwood was impregnated under a variety of conditions with EHMA alone and with various comonomers plus free radical initiator. Following thermal polymerization, the wood-polymer composites were tested for increased dimensional stability (water soaking swell resistance) and mechanical properties over untreated wood. The greatest increase in dimensional stability was attained using EHMA alone, while the maximum compression modulus was achieved by impregnating with 1:1 EHMA-styrene and styrene alone. The composites were further characterized by 13C CP/MAS solid state NMR and scanning electron microscopy.
Transcriptional activation of cathepsin D gene expression by 17β-estradiol: mechanism of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated inhibition

Abstract 17β-estradiol (E2) induces cathepsin D gene expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and this response is inhibited by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). Analysis of the cathepsin D gene promoter initially identified a pentanucleotide GCGTG core dioxin responsive element (DRE) that blocked E2 action by inhibiting formation of a transcriptionally active estrogen receptor (ER)-Sp1 complex. A second functional downstream inhibitory DRE (iDRE2) (−130 to −126) has now been identified in the cathepsin D gene promoter and inhibition of E2-induced transactivation involves inhibitory AhR crosstalk with the E2-responsive adenovirus major late promoter element (MLPE) at −124 to −104 in the cathepsin D gene promoter. The MLPE site primarily binds USF1/USF2 and ERα, and gel mobility shift and DNA footprinting assays show that the AhR complex decreases binding of these transcription factors to the MLPE.
Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene Using a Reactive Surfactant and Its Polymeric Counterpart: Kinetic Studies

Emulsion polymerizations of styrene using the reactive surfactant sodium dodecyl allyl sulfosuccinate (TREM LF-40) and its polymeric counterpart, poly(TREM), were studied. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc) and the adsorption behaviors on polystyrene latex particles were determined. The polymerization kinetics obtained via reaction calorimetry showed that the emulsion polymerization of styrene using the reactive surfactant behaved similarly to those reported for the conventional surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in that the rate of polymerization (Rp) profiles showed the same three distinct regions: a rapid rise in rate, attributed to micellar nucleation (interval I); a moderate rise in rate to a maximum where droplets disappear, attributed to homogeneous nucleation (stage 2); and the decreasing rate period (interval III). However, with varying TREM LF-40 concentration (constant initiator concentration), Rp was not found to be proportional to the first power of Np as reported for the SLS syst...
Promoting school success among at risk youth

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between grade retention and completing high school in a sample of very low-income children from an urban school district. Results suggest that being retained–whether in first grade or in later grades–increases the risk of dropout. Moreover, youths who are retained in middle school are at greater risk of dropping out early in high school. Regardless of when retention occurs, youths who participate in extracurricular activities remain in school longer, relative to their counterparts. The findings support a social developmental model of academic success in which children's opportunities for pro-social involvement, their social and academic skills, and the rewards in their environments condition educational outcomes.
Correlation of protein electrophoretic pattern with morphology of normal and mutant feathers.

Differences are demonstrated in electrophoretic patterns of SCM proteins extracted from the shaft and vane between the plumulaceous and pennaceous portions of normal feathers. Supportive evidence for these differences is given by scanning electron micrographs. In various mutant feathers, the observed structural and electrophoretic differences were due to the distribution of plumulaceous and pennaceous parts, not to new proteins. Feather mutants appear to be due to regulatory gene changes rather than to structural gene products.
Diversity of participants in clinical trials in an academic medical center: the role of the 'Good Study Patient?'.

BACKGROUND: Only 2.5% of adults and even fewer minorities participate in cancer therapeutic trials. Researchers have concluded that many barriers to participation stem from how recruitment is performed by clinician investigators. The objective of the current research was to document specifically how these barriers impede recruitment in the clinical setting. METHODS: The authors conducted a case study of recruitment in an academic medical center using ethnographic research methods (direct observation of provider-patient interactions and in-depth interviews with providers) to collect data. Qualitative data analysis was used to identify themes related to the provider's role in the recruitment processes. RESULTS: In the clinics that were studied, the authors observed that providers subjectively assessed which patients seemed to be ‘good study patients’ to target for recruitment. ‘Good study patients’ were identified as those who were able to adhere to complex trial protocols, thus helping clinician researchers to complete studies in a timely and efficient manner. These patients were perceived as meticulous, proactive, and compliant; they were considered good communicators; and they were embedded in the kinds of strong social support networks that facilitated their trials participation. CONCLUSIONS: The providers that were studied sought ‘good study patients’ for therapeutic trials because they wanted to perform studies in a timely and efficient manner. Future research should examine whether providers in other settings also target their recruitment efforts for this or other reasons. Further research also should consider whether differentially recruiting ‘good patients’ can impact the ethnic/racial diversity or other characteristics of trial participants in ways that may bias the outcomes or conclusions of therapeutic trials. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Surface reactions in very low temperature (<150°C) hydrogenated amorphous silicon deposition, and applications to thin film transistors

Abstract This article discusses surface processes to control bonded hydrogen content in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Experiments with helium diluted silane under typical plasma deposition conditions show that ion bombardment can be used to control Si–H bond concentrations at very low temperature through ion-enhanced silicon–hydrogen disproportionation reactions. Hydrogen dilution can also be used to control Si–H concentrations, where important reactions include H abstraction by H and by SiH 3 radicals, and H insertion into strained Si–Si bonds leading to silicon etching. Experimental results are supported by calculations of reaction energetics, including overall reaction enthalpies and kinetic barrier heights. Amorphous silicon thin film transistors fabricated at a maximum processing temperature of 110°C have performance (on/off ratio, mobility, and stability under applied stress) approaching that of typical higher temperature devices.
Simplified analysis of fixed-frequency parallel resonant dc/dc converters with pulse-width modulation control

The steady-state analysis of constant (fixed) frequency, parallel resonant dc/dc converters operating under pulse-width modulation control is set forth based on the concepts of harmonic balance analysis and describing function. Performance characteristics in the continuous-conduction mode are fully analyzed for the LC, LLC, LCC and LLCC converters.
Relations Among Perceived Control Over Anxiety-Related Events, Worry, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a Sample of Adolescents

This study examined the associations among perceived control over anxiety-related events, worry, and both symptoms and diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The sample was comprised of 140 adolescents (60 girls) between the ages of 10 and 17 years (M age = 14.6 years; SD = 2.25) recruited from the general community. Findings were consistent with hypotheses. Self-reported perceived control over anxiety-related events related negatively to worry as well as symptoms and diagnoses of GAD even after accounting for variance associated with age, gender, and negative affectivity. Results are discussed in terms of the theoretical implications that perceived control over anxiety-related events may have for understanding GAD symptomatology among youth.
Toward the Experimental Structure Determination of Larger Molecular Clusters: Application and Limitations of the Weak Interaction Modelto the (C(C_6H_6)_13B_{2{\rm u}}\leftarrow A_{1{\rm g}}0^0_0 Spectrum

The experimental B2u ← A1g00 0 spectrum of (C6H6)13 was analyzed within the weak-interaction model using minimum energy structures calculated from six different potential energy surfaces. The coexistence of two isomers—both of C3 symmetry and with nearly equal populations—is supported. Structures predicted by two of the six potential energy surfaces are strongly favored. The transition dipole of benzene moieties within the cluster has a magnitude of ∼0.23 Debye. Weak transition dipole–dipole interactions fall between −1.95 and +2.24 cm−1 and site shifts of ligand molecules range from −160.3 to −153.8 cm−1. Although the weak-interaction transition dipole–dipole model falls short of unambiguously determining isomeric structures of benzene-13, it establishes a solid foundation on which modeling can be based for determining structures of larger, high-symmetry, molecular clusters.
Hysterical and obsessional features in patients with briquet's syndrome (somatization disorder)

Patients meeting criteria for Briquet's syndrome (N = 20) and patients diagnosed as having hysterical personality disorder (N = 20) were assessed clinically and with personality inventories to test the hypothesis that, while in many respects patients with Briquet's syndrome would resemble those with hysterical personality disorder, they would also be more obsessional. The comparison showed that both groups had highly disordered family, personal, medical and psychiatric histories, and that the Briquet's patients, though manifesting similar hysterical traits, had more obsessional features than did the patients with hysterical personality disorder. The possible role of the combination of obsessional and hysterical traits of personality as a vulnerability factor in the behaviour of complaining is discussed.
Determining the shape and cellular distribution of mitochondria: the integration of multiple activities

Both mitochondrial and cellular function are influenced by the overall structure and position of mitochondria within cells. Proper mitochondrial structure and position are achieved through the concerted actions of multiple activities. These include mitochondrial dynamics, motility and tethering. Mitochondrial dynamics and motility facilitate transport of the organelle, while tethering pathways serve to stably position mitochondria at specific cellular sites. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the activities that shape and position the mitochondrial network and have identified the ER as an active participant in many of these activities.
Inhibin A enhances bone formation during distraction osteogenesis

Given the aging population and the increased incidence of fracture in the elderly population, the need exists for agents that can enhance bone healing, particularly in situations of delayed fracture healing and/or non-union. Our previous studies demonstrated that overexpression of the gonadal peptide, human inhibin A (hInhA), in transgenic mice enhances bone formation and strength via increased osteoblast activity. We tested the hypothesis that hInhA can also exert anabolic effects in a murine model of distraction osteogenesis (DO), using both transgenic hInhA overexpression and administration of normal physiological levels of hInhA in adult male Swiss-Webster mice. Tibial osteotomies and external ring fixation were performed, followed by a 3-day latency period, 14-day distraction, and sacrifice on day 18. Supraphysiological levels of hInhA in transgenic mice, but not normal physiological levels of hInhA, significantly increased endosteal bone formation and mineralized bone area in the distraction gap, as determined by radiographic and µCT analysis. Significantly, increased PCNA and osteocalcin expression in the primary matrix front suggested that hInhA increased osteoblast proliferation. This mechanism is consistent with the effects of other agents and pathologies that modulate bone formation during DO, and demonstrates the potential of hInhA to enhance bone repair and regeneration.
Minisatellite Alterations in ZRT1 Mutants Occur via RAD52-dependent and RAD52-independent Mechanisms in Quiescent Stationary Phase Yeast Cells

Alterations in minisatellite DNA repeat tracts are associated with a variety of human diseases including Type 1 diabetes, progressive myoclonus epilepsy, and some types of cancer. However, in spite of their role in human health, the factors required for minisatellite alterations are not well understood. We previously identified a stationary phase specific increase in minisatellite instability caused by mutations in the high affinity zinc transporter ZRT1, using a minisatellite inserted into the ADE2 locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we examined ZRT1-mediated minisatellite instability in yeast strains lacking key recombination genes to determine the mechanisms by which these alterations occur. Our analysis revealed that minisatellite alterations in a Δzrt1 mutant occur by a combination of RAD52-dependent and RAD52-independent mechanisms. In this study, plasmid-based experiments demonstrate that ZRT1-mediated minisatellite alterations occur independently of chromosomal context or adenine auxotrophy, and confirmed the stationary phase timing of the events. To further examine the stationary phase specificity of ZRT1-mediated minisatellite alterations, we deleted ETR1 and POR1, genes that were previously shown to differentially affect the viability of quiescent or nonquiescent cells in stationary phase populations. These experiments revealed that minisatellite alterations in Δzrt1 mutants occur exclusively in quiescent stationary phase cells. Finally, we show that loss of ZRT1 stimulates alterations in a derivative of the human HRAS1 minisatellite. We propose that the mechanism of ZRT1-mediated minisatellite instability during quiescence is relevant to human cells, and thus, human disease.
Superheating and the low-pressure self-extinction in the high-temperature oxidation of single-strand aluminum

Abstract Below ~ 1 atm oxygen pressure, superheating in the oxygen combustion of thin aluminum strands is very pronounced. Ignition difficulties of thin Al strands at low oxygen pressures result from extreme superheating which is followed by explosive self-extinguishment of the molten-metal ball formed on the end of the strand.
Studies on the mechanism of inhibition of thyroid function by lithium.

The effect of dietary lithium on the rate of thyroglobulin degradation was investigated using both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The in vivo experiments utilized a modification of the double isotopic method of estimation of protein turnover (Arias, I.M., Doyle, D and Schminke, R.T. (1969) J. Biol. Chem. 244, 3303–3315) injecting isotopes of iodine, 131I and 125I, to label thyroglobulin 27 h and 3 h respectively before killing. Faster rates of thyroglobulin hydrolysis were associated with lower activity of 131I as compared to 125I and thus resulted in higher 125I/131I isotopic ratios in thyroglobulin. The isotopic ratio in the 1000 × g supernatant fraction of thyroid gland homogenate closely approximated the isotopic ratio in the isolated thyroglobulin and was used as an estimate of the rate of thyroglobulin degradation. Treatment with lithium had no direct effect on the rate of thyroglobulin degradation. The only exception was observed in states of extreme iodine deficiency, presumably through suppression of thyrotropin release by the pituitary. Experiments in vitro were carried out by labeling of the thyroglobulin pool in vivo with an injection of 131I and subsequent culture of the isolated glands for 6 h in vitro under conditions where deiodination of iodotyrosines was prevented (Bagchi, N., Brown, T.R., Shivers, B. and Mack, R.E. (1977) Endocrinology 100, 1002–1008). The rate of thyroglobulin degradation, as measured by the percent 131I released as iodotyrosines and iodothyronines, was not altered by lithium administration. However, lithium-treated animals demonstrated a marked decrease in the rate of release of 131I-iodothyronines. The effect of lithium on thyroglobulin iodination was investigated in parallel in vivo experiments. Lithium administration resulted in a decreased content of iodothyronines and a lower moniodotyrosine/diiodotyrosine ratio. These studies suggest that lithium acts primarily by inhibition of the coupling of iodotyrosines and has no direct effect on thyroglobulin degradation. Hydrolysis of such iodothyronine-poor thyroglobulin would account for the observed decreases of hormonal release from the gland.
Growth of l1210 leukaemia cells.

THERE is evidence that the number or size of the cell inoculum, the site of inoculation, the host of origin or the conditioning of the host1 can alter the strain specificity of neoplasms and that some neoplasms can be transplanted from strain of origin and grow progressively in homologous strains with the animals dying of the neoplastic disease. Greene2 reported the successful transplantation of heterologous neoplasms into the brains of rats and mice and suggested that the brain might be exempt from any immunological response.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also called the human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus [HTLV-III/LAV], has affected over 23,000 people; more than half of those with the disease have died. The actual case fatality rate approaches 100%. AIDS affects all groups and classes of people, although some are at special risk. Distribution of the disease is worldwide. The illness' effects on the body are widespread; of special interest are the ophthalmologic manifestations. The eye may be infected by various viruses (cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus or HIV itself), toxoplasma gondii, candida sp, cryptococcus neoformans, M. tuberculosis, or M. avium-intracellulare. Kaposi's sarcoma may affect the eye as well. Retinal vascular abnormalities (e.g., cotton-wool spots, vasculitis) are not uncommon in AIDS. The syndrome may present with neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations. No effective treatment for the illness is currently available, although several hold promise and there is hope for an AIDS vaccine. Prevention of infection through reduction of risks appears to be the only defense against AIDS at this time.
Effects on rat offspring of maternal phenylalanine diet during pregnancy

Abstract 1. (a)|Phenylalanine administered to mother rats during pregnancy is associated with behavioral effects on offspring; these appear to relate to the domain of temperament rather than of intelligence. Such a finding is in line with those of other investigators as cited above; 2. (b)|At the dosage levels used, no specific chemical effects on phenylpyruvic acid excretion are noticeable in offspring. This is not to say, of course, that no effects of any kind exist; 3. (c)|The initial behavioral effects appear to diminish with age.
Visual parameters in patients with pituitary adenoma before and after transsphenoidal surgery

Eighty-two patients with pituitary adenoma who underwent transsphenoidal surgery were examined before and after surgery. Nineteen patients had a normal preoperative neuro-ophthalmological examination. All of these patients maintained normal visual parameters postoperatively. The remaining 63 patients had tumour-related loss of visual acuity, visual field, or both. These patients ranged in age from 18 to 78 years. Duration of symptoms ranged from one day to ten years, with a median of six months. Preoperative visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 72% of eyes, with 90% of patients having 6/12 or better in their better eye. Only 7% of eyes had a normal preoperative visual field. Both visual acuity and visual field improved postoperatively in the majority of eyes. In eyes that were examined within one week after surgery and subsequently, substantial improvement occurred within the first postoperative week, but further improvement continued over weeks to months postoperatively, with visual field taking longer to stabilise than visual acuity. Visual acuity at last examination was 6/12 or better in 87% of eyes, and visual field at last examination was normal in 50% of eyes. A total of 92% of patients had visual acuity of 6/12 or better in their better eye, and 62% of patients had a normal visual field in their better eye. Visual acuity at last examination was correlated with both age and preoperative visual acuity. Last visual field also was correlated with both age and preoperative visual field. Patients with preoperative optic atrophy had a poorer visual prognosis than did patients with normal fundi.
Virtual team awareness and groupware support

This paper overviews a Web-based collaborative system called TeamSCOPE that has been designed to support awareness needs of globally distributed teams. Four types of awareness needs of virtual teams are defined and the awareness support features of TeamSCOPE are described. The usage patterns of eight globally distributed engineering design teams are outlined, and evaluation results are provided. Findings illustrate how group process interacts with technology to create design challenges in the support of virtual team awareness needs.
The behavior of elastic heat conductors with second-order response functions

Second-order forms for the material response functions of an elastic heat conductor are derived by approximating the response functions by polynomials in the appropriate invariants. Solutions based upon these forms of the response functions are exact for special materials and approximate for general materials. The second-order dependence on temperature of isothermal elasticity solutions is found, and the results are shown to agree well with experimental data taken on rubber. Within the second-order theory for incompressible and isotropic bodies, the problems of biaxial stretching of a plate with transverse heat flow and the simultaneous extension and shear of a cylindrical annulus with radial heat flow are solved.
The Political Ideas of the New Age Movement

Th e New Age movement became visible in the early 1970s.1 Dur ing the 1980s, New Age ideas penetrated American culture. While more visible at the popular level, New Age ideas also influenced Amer ican institutions on the more professional levels, namely those related to business, politics, economics, religion, education, psychology, and medicine.2 The objective of this essay is to describe New Age ideas as they relate to politics. The period described is from the 1970s to the early 1990s. The New Age movement can be seen as a cultural shift with social and religious dimensions. Gordon Melton regards it as "a social, reli gious, political and cultural convergence between the new Eastern and mystical religions and the religious disenchantment of many Wes terners."3 The New Age is a meeting of three cultural forces: the Judeo and Christian traditions, Western occult-mysticism, and Eastern religions. The New Age is also a transformational or millennial movement. New Age spokesperson Marilyn Ferguson argues that society is in the "midst of the most rapid cultural realignment in history," a global "par
The ideal strength of iron in tension and shear

The ideal strength of a material is the stress at which the lattice itself becomes unstable and, hence, sets a firm upper bound on the mechanical strength the material can have. The present paper includes an ab-initio calculation of the ideal shear strength of Fe. It is, to our knowledge, the first such computation for any ferromagnetic material. The paper also elaborates on our earlier calculation of the ideal tensile strength of Fe by studying the effects of strains which break the tetragonal symmetry. The strengths were calculated using the Projector Augmented Wave Method within the framework of density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximation. In tension the ideal strength is determined by an elastic instability of the ferromagnetic phase along the ''Bain'' strain path from bcc to fcc. An tensile strain also leads to instability with respect to transformation into a face centered orthorhombic structure, and to various magnetic instabilities. However, these are encountered at larger strains and, thus, do not affect the ideal strength. We also investigated the ideal shear strength of bcc iron in two prominent shear systems, {l_brace}112{r_brace} and {l_brace}110{r_brace}. In both shear systems the ideal strength is determined by the body centered tetragonal structure that defines a nearby saddle point on the energy surface. The ideal shear strengths are thus very similar, though they are not identical since the two shears follow slightly different strain paths from bcc to bct. We investigated the magnetic instabilities encountered during {l_brace}112{r_brace} shear. These instabilities do not appear until the strain is significantly greater than the instability strain of the ferromagnetic crystal. Hence while Fe exhibits some novel effects due to magnetism, they do not affect the ideal strength, which is determined by the same elastic instabilities that determine the strengths of most other bcc metals.
EGFR transactivation in the regulation of SMC function.

: Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the principal cellular component of the normal artery and intimal lesions that develop in response to arterial injury. Several growth factors and their receptors participate in SMC activation, including the tyrosine kinase receptors for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor as well as the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for thrombin and angiotensin II. During the last couple of years, it has become evident that GPCRs transactivate receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The EGFR is not well characterized in terms of its role in vascular biology, but recent findings indicate that GPCRs induce EGFR transactivation in cultured vascular SMCs, perhaps by intracellular and extracellular pathways. Studies from our laboratory as well as two other groups have demonstrated that EGFR transactivation by different GPCR agonists and in different cell types, including SMCs, is mediated by heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). HB-EGF-dependent EGFR activation is blocked by heparin, a growth inhibitor of SMCs in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that the EGFR may be important in the regulation of SMC function. The complexity of the GPCR-EGFR crosstalk, involving several different cell surface molecules and an inside-out signaling step, may provide novel targets for the control of SMC growth and intimal hyperplasia in the arterial injury response.
Making mind and machine meet: a study of combining cognitive and algorithmic relevance feedback

Using Saracevic's relevance types, we explore approaches to combining algorithm and cognitive relevance in a term relevance feedback scenario. Data collected from 21 users who provided relevance feedback about terms suggested by a system for 50 TREC HARD topics are used. The former type of feedback is considered as cognitive relevance and the latter type is considered as algorithm relevance. We construct retrieval runs using these two types of relevance feedback and experiment with ways of combining them with simple Boolean operators. Results show minimal differences in performance with respect to the different techniques.
A reappraisal of nitrate therapy.

Nitroglycerin and the long-acting nitrates are beneficial in stable and unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction and as adjunctive therapy in congestive heart failure. Nitroglycerin compounds relax vascular smooth muscle, producing venous, arterial, and arteriolar dilatation. These actions are modulated by stimulation of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Nitrate efficacy in ischemic heart disease is due to peripheral venous and arterial vasodilatation that results in decreased myocardial oxygen consumption. Nitrates also dilate coronary arteries and collaterals, reverse coronary vasoconstriction, and enlarge some coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Nitrates improve exercise performance in stable angina pectoris. Intravenous nitroglycerin should be used in the initial treatment of unstable angina. Nitrates may be beneficial in myocardial infarction for control of ischemic pain, acute hypertension, and left ventricular failure. In subjects with congestive heart failure, nitrates reduce symptoms and improve exercise tolerance. Nitrate tolerance is a problem with continuous nitrate therapy. Tolerance is most likely to occur with frequent dosing or the use of long-acting nitrates, particularly transdermal nitroglycerin disks, and can be prevented or reversed with intermittent-dosing regimens. (JAMA1988;259:396-401)
Acute Decompensation and Absence of Brain and Kidney Dysfunction Predict Long-Term Efficacy of Plasma Exchange in Hyper-Bilirubinemic Cirrhotic Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation

Various artificial liver support systems are currently used in patients with decompensated chronic liver disease or acute liver failure as a bridge to recovery or to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Between June 2004 and September 2006, 9 subjects were treated with plasma exchange (PE) for acute decompensation on chronic liver disease or chronic decompensation in end-stage liver disease. All of them were awaiting OLT or were listed at the moment of decompensation. Grade II to III hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was present in 4 patients, significant renal dysfunction in 3 patients, and ascites in 6 patients. Baseline serum total bilirubin was 35.1 ± 11.2 mg/dL (mean value ± SD). The patients underwent a mean of 12.1 2-hour exchanges over 1 to 8 weeks. The 3 who recovered were alive after a mean follow-up of 22.7 ± 10.3 months. There were 3 patients who underwent transplantation and 3 who died due to liver failure during treatment. Only subjects with acute decompensation and without HE or significant renal dysfunction survived without OLT. PE did not significantly modify the grade of HE or the renal function. PE seemed to be a safe, long-term, effective therapeutic option for acute decompensation among subjects with chronic liver disease without brain or renal dysfunction.
Disordered eating among a multi-racial/ethnic sample of female high-school athletes.

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) attitudes and behaviors in a multi-racial/ethnic sample of female high-school athletes. Methods The Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was administered to 453 suburban female high-school athletes (277 Caucasian, 103 Latina, and 73 African American; aged 15.7 ± 1.2 years) during their competitive season. Results The prevalence of DE in the total sample was 19.6%; among the three ethnic groups, prevalence estimates were 19.2%, 18.4%, and 23.3% for African Americans, Caucasians, and Latinas, respectively. The prevalence estimates of binge eating (12.6%) and vomiting (7.8%) were significantly higher in Latinas as compared to African Americans (5.5%, 1.4%) and Caucasians (5.4%, 2.2%; χ 2 p p > .05). After adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and sport, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc pair-wise comparisons indicated that Caucasian and Latina athletes scored higher than African Americans on all EDE-Q subscales except eating restraint, which was higher only in Caucasians compared to African Americans ( p = .001–.046). Conclusions Caucasian and Latina female high-school athletes may be at greater risk for eating disorders than their African American peers. Furthermore, Latina athletes may be particularly at risk for binge-eating disorder. Culturally-sensitive behavioral interventions targeted specifically for high-school athletes are needed to reduce the risk of eating disorders and associated long-term health consequences in this population.
Role reversal in the cyclocondensation of cyclopentadiene with heterodienophiles derived from aryl amines and aldehydes: synthesis of novel tetrahydroquinolines

Abstract Immonium ions derived from aryl amines and aldehydes function not as heterodienophiles but rather as heterodienes in the presence of cyclopentadiene giving rise to novel tetrahydroquinolines.
On the leading infrared behavior of the exclusive quark form factor

Abstract We give a simple derivation of a differential equation that, in the leading logarithms approximation and to all loop orders, determines the infrared behavior of the exclusive quark form factor. As a consequence of this equation, all non-Abelian infrared divergences are governed by charge renormalization effects.
On predicting free radical polymerizability of allyl monomers. MINDO/3 and 13C NMR results

Two new methods of predicting free radical polymerizability of allyl monomers have been developed. MINDO/3 calculations of eigenvalues for the C—H bond a to the atlyl substituent allow comparison of relative bond strengths. Monomers known to undergo degradative chain transfer display more positive eigenvalues correlating with weaker α-C—H bonds. Polymerizable monomers have more negative eigenvalues and stronger α-C—H bonds. The latter possess strongly polarized or protonated substituents not capable of resonance stabilization of a chain-terminating allyl radical. The inductive effect of such substituents on the 13C NMR peaks of the vinyl carbons is the basis for the empirical spectroscopic method. Allyl compounds display β-carbon peaks farther downfield than the γ-carbon peaks. Polymerizable monomers generally have β peaks shifted upfield and γ peaks shifted downfield from those of poor monomers. This effect brings the two peaks closer together in the spectrum. Thus, the smaller the Δδ value (δβ − δγ), the more likely the monomer is to polymerize well. Monomers with intermediate eigenvalues or Δδ values may polymerize with difficulty or only under special conditions. Combined use of the theoretical and empirical techniques can allow prediction of inherent polymerizability and can facilitate evaluation of reaction media most favorable to polymer formation.
Linear analysis of random process variability

This paper describes an alternate method to Monte Carlo for calculating circuit node voltage and branch current variances due to random process variability. Recent results show that the complex models traditionally used to describe random process variations of a transistor can be replaced by a single independent current noise source with a variance dependent on the transistorpsilas size and operating points. As a result, each transistor affected by random process variability can be modeled as a deterministic device in parallel with a current noise source. By replacing all the transistors in a circuit with this model, the spatial voltage variances of circuit nodes can be calculated through linear small-signal analysis. The idea is presented in this paper and a tool implemented for Berkeley SPICE is described. The results of the variability SPICE tool match the results from Monte Carlo run in SPECTRE, with an accuracy determined by the accuracy of the random process variability model. For example, the standard deviations computed by the tool are within a 5.0% accuracy of those calculated through measured silicon data which has a fitting error of 5.4%. The Monte Carlo method computes node variances in a time proportional to the number of circuit nodes and the number of iterations, whereas the computation time required by the variability tool is only a function of the number of circuit nodes. For large analog designs this results in a significant speed-up in the amount of time required to calculate circuit node variances.
Herpesvirus saimiri Oncoproteins Tip and StpC Synergistically Stimulate NF-κB Activity and Interleukin-2 Gene Expression☆

Abstract Saimiriine herpesvirus 2 (Herpesvirus saimiri) is capable of inducing lethal T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases in primates and of immortalizing human T lymphocytes in vitro. Two viral oncoproteins, Tip and StpC, are essential for T-cell transformation by Herpesvirus saimiri strains of the subgroup C, which exhibits a higher transformation potential than other subgroups of this virus. Despite the importance of these proteins, the molecular basis of their effects on T cells is poorly understood. It remains unclear how Tip and StpC affect gene expression and what is the molecular basis of their cooperation. To address these issues, we expressed Tip and StpC in T lymphoblastoid cells and assessed both their effects on and transcription factors involved in IL-2 gene expression. Our study shows that Tip and StpC cooperate to upregulate IL-2 gene expression, that their effect is mediated primarily by NF-κB and NF-AT, which is partially dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation.
Acetyl CoA:arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in rat hepatocytes cultured on different extracellular matrices.

Abstract N -Acetyltransferase (NAT) activity towards p -aminobenzoic acid and sulfamethazine was examined in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes cultured on three extracellular matrices (ECM)—type I collagen, thermally denatured type I collagen, and Matrigel ® . Whereas protein and DNA content declined markedly during the first 24 hr of culture, p -acetylamidobenzoate (AcPABA) and N -acetylsulfamethazine (AcSMZ) formation were readily detectable on all three ECM for the 6-day culture period. Protein and DNA content, as well as NAT activities, were higher on Matrigel than on either of the other two ECM. Additional studies were conducted to confirm the expression of both enzymes during the culture period. The ratio of AcPABA to AcSMZ formation remained relatively stable throughout the 6-day culture period, suggesting that both enzymes continued to be expressed throughout the study period. Further studies in cells cultured on Matrigel revealed that AcPABA formation exhibited a time-dependent decline when cytosol from cultured cells was incubated at 50 °C, whereas AcSMZ formation proved to be thermostable. Moreover, methotrexate substantially inhibited AcPABA formation, but had only modest effects on AcSMZ. These studies support the conclusion that AcPABA and AcSMZ are predominantly formed by way of different enzymes throughout the culture period. These findings are supported by the observation that NAT1 and NAT2 mRNA were detectable on all days examined. These data indicate that primary cultures of rat hepatocytes should prove useful in probing the regulation of NAT and its role in toxicity.
Development of a pentaplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, L. helveticus, L. fermentum in whey starter for Grana Padano cheese

A pentaplex PCR assay for the rapid, selective and simultaneous detection of Lactobacillus helveticus, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and L. fermentum, was developed. The target sequences were a group of genes coding for beta-galactosidase production (S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), for cell-enveloped associated proteinase synthesis (L. helveticus), for dipeptide transport system production (L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis) and for arginine-ornithine antiporter protein production (L. fermentum). The analytical specificity of the assay was evaluated with 5 reference strains and 140 lactic acid bacterial strains derived from raw milk cheeses and belonging to the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Enterococcus genera. The identification limit for each target strain was 10(3)CFU/ml. This new molecular assay was used to investigate the LAB population by direct extraction of DNA from the 12 whey cultures for Grana Padano. The pentaplex PCR assay revealed a good correspondence with microbiological analyses and allowed to identify even minor LAB community members which, can be out-competed in vitro by numerically more abundant microbial species.