cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering techniques for the characterization of biopharmaceuticals

Abstract Solution scattering techniques offer several complementary approaches for characterizing the biophysical properties and higher-order structure of protein biopharmaceuticals. These techniques are capable of spanning a very broad range of concentrations and solution conditions. As such, they can play a substantial role in the development of these drugs. Here, we outline the current state of solution scattering techniques (i.e., static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and small angle X-ray scattering) for the study of biopharmaceutical protein solutions and discuss their requirements, challenges, limitations, and strengths.
Prototype foamy virus integrase is promiscuous for target choice

Abstract Retroviruses have two essential activities: reverse transcription and integration. The viral protein integrase (IN) covalently joins the viral cDNA genome to the host DNA. Prototype foamy virus (PFV) IN has become a model of retroviral intasome structure. However, this retroviral IN has not been well-characterized biochemically. Here we compare PFV IN to previously reported HIV-1 IN activities and discover significant differences. PFV IN is able to utilize the divalent cation calcium during strand transfer while HIV-1 IN is not. HIV-1 IN was shown to completely commit to a target DNA within 1 min, while PFV IN is not fully committed after 60 min. These results suggest that PFV IN is more promiscuous compared to HIV-1 IN in terms of divalent cation and target commitment.
Gender Inequality in Postcapitalism: Theorizing Institutions for a Democratic Socialism:

In this paper, I explore the implications for gender equality of building democratic institutions in workplaces and democratic planning in the economy. I review proposals for postcapitalism and con...
Looking outside the searchlight

Searchlight analysis (information mapping) with pattern classifiers is a popular method of multivariate fMRI analysis often interpreted as localizing informative voxel clusters. Applicability and utility of this method is limited, however, by its dependency on searchlight radius, the assumption that information is present at all spatial scales, and its susceptibility to overfitting. These problems are demonstrated in a dataset in which, contrary to common expectation, voxels identified as informative do not clearly contain more information than those not so identified.
Effects of prey turnover on poison frog toxins: a landscape ecology approach to assess how biotic interactions affect species phenotypes

Abstract Ecological studies of species pairs demonstrated that biotic interactions promote phenotypic change and eco-evolutionary feedbacks. However, we have a limited understanding of how phenotypes respond to interactions with multiple taxa. We investigate how interactions with a network of prey species contribute to spatially structured variation in the skin toxins of the Neotropical poison frog Oophaga pumilio. Specifically, we assess how beta-diversity of alkaloid-bearing arthropod prey assemblages (68 ant species) and evolutionary divergence among populations (from a neutral genetic marker) contribute to frog poison dissimilarity (toxin profiles composed of 230 different lipophilic alkaloids sampled from 934 frogs at 46 sites). We show that ant assemblage turnover predicts alkaloid turnover and unique toxin combinations across the range of O. pumilio. By contrast, evolutionary relatedness is barely correlated with toxin variation. We discuss how the analytical framework proposed here can be extended to other multi-trophic systems, coevolutionary mosaics, microbial assemblages, and ecosystem services.
A TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING THE SITE OF ACTION OF ANGIOTENSIN AND OTHER HORMONES IN THE BRAIN STEM

Publisher Summary Angiotensin has a centrally mediated vasopressor activity. This chapter studies an experiment in which angiotensin was injected into the vertebral arteries of unanesthetized rabbits and a marked vasopressor response was found even at doses that were ineffective when given intravenously. The central nervous system effect of angiotensin is mediated through the area of the brain stem that is perfused by the vertebral arteries. Larger doses of angiotensin infused into the lateral ventricle of chloralose-anesthetized cats cause an increase in blood pressure. The arterial pressure is raised by infusing angiotensin into the subnucleus medialis at the midbrain level in the cat. Thus, there is a discrepancy in the evidence for the localization of the site of angiotensin activity in the central nervous system. In an experiment described in the chapter, to assess the level at which angiotensin infused into the vertebral arteries acts, a series of experiments were done to alter the distribution of irrigation between the carotid and vertebral circulations in stepwise fashion.
Ro-vibrational spectroscopy of 2,5-norbornadiene between 400 and 850 cm -1

Abstract Rotationally-resolved infrared absorption spectra of the two lowest-energy fundamental bands for each of the three infrared active symmetry species of 2,5-norbornadiene (C2v point group symmetry; asymmetry parameter κ = −0.2203), ν11 (a1), ν12(a1), ν28(b1), ν29(b1), ν38(b2), and ν39(b2), have been measured, assigned and fit to a semi-rigid rotor Hamiltonian to produce a set of spectroscopic constants for each band. The fit band centers are ν11 (a1), c-type transitions, 728.852357(3) cm−1; ν12 (a1), c-type transitions, 417.31604(1) cm−1; ν28 (b1), a-type transitions, 656.719741(3) cm−1; ν29 (b1), a-type transitions, 500.31425(1) cm−1; ν38 (b2), b-type transitions, 800.82243(2) cm−1; and ν39 (b2), b-type transitions, 539.23110(6) cm−1. Using ground state combination differences from the ν11 and ν28 bands and previously published microwave data, an improved set of ground state spectroscopic constants was fit for the parent isotopologue of the molecule.
‘Small but mighty’: a case study of teacher educators disrupting neoliberal reforms of teacher education and reclaiming a voice in policy conversations

As attacks on teacher education mount, teacher educators have been urged to take a more active part in policy deliberations. Yet the question of how teacher educators get their voices heard in poli...
Decreased cocaine demand following contingency management treatment.

Abstract A hypothetical cocaine purchasing task (CocPT) was used to assess changes in cocaine demand in the context of contingency management (CM) treatment for cocaine use disorder (CUD). Participants (N = 89) were treatment-seeking individuals with CUD receiving 4 weeks of abstinence-based, high-magnitude CM. Treatment response (vs. non-response) was operationally defined as the submission of 6 consecutive cocaine-negative urine samples across two weeks. The CPT was assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 5. Demand data were well described by the exponentiated demand model, and baseline demand indices (Q0, Pmax, breakpoint, essential value) were significantly associated with self-report measures of cocaine use. The probability of being a zero-responder reporting zero cocaine consumption at all prices significantly increased over the course of treatment, and was greater among treatment responders vs. non-responders. Among non-zero demand data, decreases in Omax, Pmax, breakpoint, and essential value were observed over the course of CM treatment, favoring responders. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess change in cocaine demand in the context of CM treatment targeting cocaine abstinence. Our results support the utility of cocaine demand as a measure for both identifying individuals with greater treatment need and tracking relapse risk over the course of treatment.
Sportsman Leagues

This paper compares duopsony profit-maximization and sportsman leagues and analyzes the effects of revenue sharing in both leagues. This involves formulation of a duopsony model that compares game-theoretic approaches and price-taking models. This duopsony game is played in open and closed talent markets with a supply function that approaches perfect inelasticity in the limit. The analysis explores welfare optimality of competitive balance, fan preference and revenue sharing. Revenue sharing minimizes payrolls and reduces overall talent in profit-max leagues. This leads to the conclusion that a sportsman league with optimal revenue sharing is welfare superior.
Laboratory culture of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus adults, embryos, and larvae.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for collecting, maintaining, and culturing the purple sea urchin— Strongyfocentrotus purpuratus . The chapter presents current techniques used in raising these animals through their entire life cycle, including shedding gametes from gravid animals, culturing embryos, rearing larvae, and rearing juveniles. As the larvae must feed to complete development, the procedures for raising algae as a food source for the larvae are included. The practical procedures for induction of the fragile postmetamorphic stages and raising juveniles to adults are considered. The general protocol for rearing purple sea urchins in most cases applies to other species also. The chapter discusses various methods for management of adult sea urchins. A critical variable in maintaining adult sea urchins in the laboratory is the number of animals per unit volume of seawater and the amount of oxygen required for adequate maintenance. Care must also be exercised when packing and transporting the animals. Plastic ice chests or Styrofoam containers can be used with a layer of newspaper on the bottom to further protect tubefeet and to soak up any excess water. Shipping purple sea urchins and many other species over long distances to inland laboratories can be done successfully using the packing techniques.
Aircraft Repossession in India - Turbulence Ahead, Buckle Up!

Airline operators in India generally fly and operate leased aircraft. Leasing companies and financiers have been facing hurdles in deregistration and repossession of aircraft leased to Kingfisher Airlines, which is on its way to bankruptcy. The aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in the recent past, has refused deregistration and removal of these aircraft from the India’s fleet registry, due to the outstanding amounts payable by Kingfisher Airlines to various governmental and airport authorities. Such denial being violative of India’s obligations under the Cape Town Convention, has prompted the Indian Government to appoint a consultant group from Europe to frame rules that will make it easier for international aircraft leasing companies to repossess planes, and prevent further pandemonium in the aviation industry. This article examines the corporate insolvency regime in India, and analyses how winding-up of the Indian lessee airline operator could have adverse repercussions on, and would add to the existing stumbling blocks in the lessor’s efforts of repossession. It studies the impact of such winding-up proceedings on the existing aircraft leasing arrangements; specifically finance leases, which give vested ownership rights to lessees.
Putrescine Oxidase from Micrococcus rubens: PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE ENZYME

Abstract An improved purification scheme is presented for the putrescine oxidase of Micrococcus rubens. The procedure exploits the heat stability of the reduced form of the enzyme and utilizes conventional fractionation procedures. Disc gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation criteria demonstrate that the 250-fold purified preparation is essentially homogeneous (g95%). The hydrodynamic properties of putrescine oxidase have been determined in the ultracentrifuge at 20°. s020,w = 6.15 s, D20,w = 6.78 x 10-7 cm2 s-1 and the molecular weight = 88,000. A partial specific volume, v, of 0.730 ml per g was determined from the amino acid composition. Spectrophotometric analysis of flavin released from the holoenzyme shows that the oxidase contains one FAD moiety per 82,000 daltons. Additional criteria support the conclusion that putrescine oxidase is unique among flavoprotein oxidases in that it is a one flavin enzyme. The extinction coefficient at the 458 nm maximum is 10,800 m-1 cm-1 and e275/e458 = 10.6. E1%cm,280 = 10.0 for the flavin-free apoenzyme. Putrescine produces a rapid bleaching of the flavin spectrum of putrescine oxidase with no appearance of long wave length (540 to 600 nm) absorbance. Photoreduction in the presence of EDTA slowly transforms the enzyme to the red type semiquinone with an associated EPR spectrum, features characteristic of other flavoprotein oxidases. Unlike other oxidases, however, the enzyme is unaffected by SO3- and, in addition, is active as a weak 2-mercaptoethanol oxidase. Steady state kinetic experiments established that Vmax = 100 moles per s per mole of FAD and Km = 3.8 x 10-5 m for putrescine and 1.24 x 10-4 m for O2 at 20°. The reaction has an activation energy of 8200 cal per mole. Cadaverine acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of putrescine oxidation with Ki = 2.8 x 10-4 m.
A Study of the Use of the e-rater® Scoring Engine for the Analytical Writing Measure of the GRE® revised General Test

In this research, we investigated the feasibility of implementing the e-rater® scoring engine as a check score in place of all-human scoring for the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) revised General Test (rGRE) Analytical Writing measure. This report provides the scientific basis for the use of e-rater as a check score in operational practice. We proceeded with the investigation in four phases. In phase I, for both argument and issue prompts, we investigated the quality of human scoring consistency across individual prompts, as well as two groups of prompts organized into sets. The sets were composed of prompts with separate focused questions (i.e., variants) that must be addressed by the writer in the process of responding to the topic of the prompt. There are also groups of variants of prompts (i.e., grouped for scoring purposes by similar variants). Results showed adequate human scoring quality for model building and evaluation. In phase II, we investigated eight different e-rater model variations each for argument and issue essays including prompt-specific; variant-specific; variant-group–specific; and generic models both with and without content features at the rating level, at the task score level, and at the writing score level. Results showed the generic model was a valued alternative to the prompt-specific, variant-specific, and variant-group–specific models, with and without the content features. In phase III, we evaluated the e-rater models on a recently tested group from the spring of 2012 (between March 18, 2012, to June 18, 2012) following the introduction of scoring benchmarks. Results confirmed the feasibility of using a generic model at the rating and task score level and at the writing score level, demonstrating reliable cross-task correlations, as well as divergent and convergent validity. In phase IV of the study, we purposely introduced a bias to simulate the effects of training the model on a potentially less able group of test takers in the spring of 2012. Results showed that use of the check-score model increased the need for adjudications between 5% and 8%, yet the increase in bias actually increased the agreement of the scores at the analytical writing score level with all-human scoring.
Validity and reliability of Nike + Fuelband for estimating physical activity energy expenditure

The Nike + Fuelband is a commercially available, wrist-worn accelerometer used to track physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) during exercise. However, validation studies assessing the accuracy of this device for estimating PAEE are lacking. Therefore, this study examined the validity and reliability of the Nike + Fuelband for estimating PAEE during physical activity in young adults. Secondarily, we compared PAEE estimation of the Nike + Fuelband with the previously validated SenseWear Armband (SWA). Twenty-four participants (n = 24) completed two, 60-min semi-structured routines consisting of sedentary/light-intensity, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity physical activity. Participants wore a Nike + Fuelband and SWA, while oxygen uptake was measured continuously with an Oxycon Mobile (OM) metabolic measurement system (criterion). The Nike + Fuelband (ICC = 0.77) and SWA (ICC = 0.61) both demonstrated moderate to good validity. PAEE estimates provided by the Nike + Fuelband (246 ± 67 kcal) and SWA (238 ± 57 kcal) were not statistically different than OM (243 ± 67 kcal). Both devices also displayed similar mean absolute percent errors for PAEE estimates (Nike + Fuelband = 16 ± 13 %; SWA = 18 ± 18 %). Test-retest reliability for PAEE indicated good stability for Nike + Fuelband (ICC = 0.96) and SWA (ICC = 0.90). The Nike + Fuelband provided valid and reliable estimates of PAEE, that are similar to the previously validated SWA, during a routine that included approximately equal amounts of sedentary/light-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.
Use of a clinical pathway to improve the acute management of vaso‐occlusive crisis pain in pediatric sickle cell disease

Background The most common, debilitating morbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD) is vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) pain. Although guidelines exist for its management, they are generally not well-followed, and research in other pediatric diseases has shown that clinical pathways improve care. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a clinical pathway improves the acute management of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) pain in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Procedure Pain management practices were prospectively investigated before and after the initiation of a clinical pathway in the PED of an urban, tertiary care center with 50,000 ED visits per year and approximately 200 active sickle cell patients. The pathway included instructions for triage, monitoring, medication administration, and timing of assessments and interventions. Data were eligible from 35 pre-pathway and 33 post-pathway visits. Primary outcome was time interval to administration of first analgesic medication. Statistical analysis was by Student's t-test, using natural-log-transformed data for outcomes with skewed distribution curves. Results Time interval to first analgesic improved from 74 to 42 minutes (P = 0.012) and to first opioid from 94 to 46 minutes (P = 0.013). The percentage of patients who received ketorolac increased from 57% to 82% (P = 0.03). Decrease in time interval to subsequent pain score assessment was not statistically significant (110 to 72 minutes (P = 0.07)), and change in pain score was not different (P = 0.25). Conclusions The use of a clinical pathway for sickle cell VOC in the PED can improve important aspects of pain management and merits further investigation and implementation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:693–696. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Text search with an acoustic charge transport device

A prototype of a text search processor is presented that uses a programmable analog signal processing device based on acoustic charge transport technology. Several text search operations can be performed, including operations with "don't care" terms, at throughput rates approaching 90 million characters per second.
CARDIAC DYNAMICS OF INTACT, SPLENECTOMIZED AND HEPATIC ARTERY LIGATED DOGS DURING ACUTE OLIGEMIC SHOCK.

SummaryForty-one mongrel dogs, 11 intact animals, 14 subjected to hepatic artery ligation, and 16 splenectomized, anesthetized with pentobarbital, were each bled to a mean arterial blood pressure of 40 mm Hg and maintained at this level for one hour. The splenectomized animals required significantly less time to reach this pressure level and significantly less blood loss when compared to the intact group. The blood loss in the hepatic artery ligated animals was less than that for the intact dogs, but greater than the blood loss recorded for the splenectomized group. During the period of hypotension hematocrit values were markedly reduced in the splenectomized animals, but not in the other groups. The patterns of hemodynamic and metabolic (coronary flow, cardiac output, myocardial O2 uptake, etc) alterations observed consequent to the oligemic state in each group were qualitatively and quantitatively similar. It was concluded that the spleen does not modify cardiac performance by a mechanism other than in ...
Tensile properties of the mandibular condylar cartilage

Mandibular condylar cartilage plays a crucial role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, which includes facilitating articulation with the temporomandibular joint disc and reducing loads on the underlying bone. The cartilage experiences considerable tensile forces due to direct compression and shear. However, only scarce information is available about its tensile properties. The present study aims to quantify the biomechanical characteristics of the mandibular condylar cartilage to aid future three-dimensional finite element modeling and tissue engineering studies. Porcine condylar cartilage was tested under uniaxial tension in two directions, anteroposterior and mediolateral, with three regions per direction. Stress relaxation behavior was modeled using the Kelvin model and a second-order generalized Kelvin model, and collagen fiber orientation was determined by polarized light microscopy. The stress relaxation behavior of the tissue was biexponential in nature. The tissue exhibited greater stiffness in the anteroposterior direction than in the mediolateral direction as reflected by higher Young's (2.4 times), instantaneous (1.9 times), and relaxed (1.9 times) moduli. No significant differences were observed among the regional properties in either direction. The predominantly anteroposterior macroscopic fiber orientation in the fibrous zone of condylar cartilage correlated well with the biomechanical findings. The condylar cartilage appears to be less stiff and less anisotropic under tension than the anatomically and functionally related TMJ disc. The anisotropy of the condylar cartilage, as evidenced by tensile behavior and collagen fiber orientation, suggests that the shear environment of the TMJ exposes the condylar cartilage to predominantly but not exclusively anteroposterior loading.
Evil is as Evil Does

‘Don't be evil’ was once the shortest, weightiest commandment in the Bible according to Google. When it was introduced as the search engine company's unofficial corporate motto, many internet users...
HIV-1 positive feedback and lytic fate

The HIV viral lifecycle includes infection of a host cell, followed by a critical decision between latency and lysis. A new study suggests that positive feedback in the HIV-1 promoter, involving Tat protein and gene expression, has a role in this critical choice of fate.
Human Rights Law for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific: The Need for a Disability Rights Tribunal.

Human rights are arguably the most significant political force shaping the life experience of people with disability. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sets the standard at an international level, creating both positive and negative rights, and calls upon member states of the United Nations (UN) to develop policies and enact programs to safeguard and progress these rights for people with disabilities. However, without some means of enforcement, UN conventions and national policies can amount to little more than political rhetoric. The paper reviews legal mechanisms and processes established in various regions of the world to enforce the human rights of people with disability. The author examines the role of litigation in upholding the rights of individuals and of groups and critiques the proposed facilitators and barriers to the establishment and effective operation of regional human rights tribunals. Evidence from case law demonstrates that national courts can be powerful forces in mandating the practical implementation of international law. However, litigation in these jurisdictions appear most evident and effective where there has been a body of law established by regional commissions; such as The European Court on Human Rights, The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and The African Commission on Human Rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is, potentially, the single most transformative legal initiative affecting persons with disabilities. However, it is unlikely that it will have any significant impact in Asia and the Pacific because of the absence of a regional court or commission in that area of the world. The creation of a Disability Rights Tribunal for Asia and the Pacific offers a solution to this dilemma.
A TYPOLOGY OF IMPLEMENTATION BEHAVIORS OF STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRATS

The role of the individual implementer in the process of policy implementation deserves more attention. This paper focuses on the behaviors of individual implementers at the street-level. A typology of fourteen compliant and non-compliant behaviors is introduced and i t s application in studies of micro-implementation is discussed.
Two hierarchy (home and local) smart grid optimization by using demand response scheduling

A smart grid is an improved electrical grid that is intended to optimize the use of the energy in an existing grid. Among smart grid technologies, the demand response is the key technology which differs from today's grid system. In this paper, we propose a home and neighborhood smart grid optimization scheme that uses an advanced demand response scheduling. We propose the optimization of the demand response scheduling scheme based on the priority factor for each load as well as the localized energy storage levels in each multi-agent system. We propose a mathematical formation of home-energy optimizing scheduling via a goal function. Also, we suggest to share energy between the multiple-agents in order to provide bi-directional power flow between multiple agents using the battery state of charge. The proposed optimization method will advance the multi-agent system optimization of smart grid demand response scheduling.
A SIMPLE MEMBRANE MANOMETER

The abdominal aorta of small mammals is easy of access, and this vessel is well suited for the taking of blood pressure tracings having a good amplitude of pulsation. The construction of a very simply made and satisfactory membrane manometer is described with which tracings of very large pulse amplitude are easily obtained.
Efficient Synthesis of a New Series of Piperidine Ring-Modified Analogs of (±)-threo-Methyl Phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate

Abstract A series of novel piperidine ring modified analogs of (±)-threo-methyl phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate was synthesized by direct alkylation and reductive amination procedure, using sodium borohydride over molecular sieves. The chemical structures of these compounds were established based on mass spectra, 1H NMR spectra, and CHN elemental analysis data. Several significant modifications in the literature methodologies were made to make the reaction more efficient, and good yields were generally obtained.
Refractive Index Measurement Capabilities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology

The refractometry program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was abandoned ten years ago because of a lack of support. A serious attempt is being made to reestablish this program and to upgrade the existing refractometers and the measurement capabilities to meet the present needs of the optical community. The purpose of this paper is to present the current status of the refractive-index-measurement capabilities at NIST the immediate plans for the future and the results of some recent measurements. Refractive index data will be given from 0. 5461 to 1. 083 pm for three samples of zinc selenide from different manufacturers. 1 .
Primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum: analysis of survival.

A survival analysis of 24 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum managed at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. was made with reference to their pathological findings. Pancreaticoduodenectomy as a curative procedure was performed in 15 patients with 2 deaths postoperatively. Palliative surgery with either segmental duodenal resection (4 patients) or gastrojejunostomy (5 patients) had no complications. Metastatic disease to the paraduodenal nodes in close proximity of the duodenum, and distant regional nodes around the celiac axis, paraaortic region, and mesentery occurred frequently (63.6%). The extent of nodal disease significantly affected the survival of these patients (p=0.016). When the disease was confined to the paraduodenal nodes, the median survival was 16.47 months, which was less than that for those patients without nodal secondaries (median survival, 42 months) but much better than that for those who had metastasized to distant regional nodes (median survival, 5.97 months). The depth of transmural neoplastic penetration was also probably of prognostic importance since it correlated significantly with the extent of metastatic lymph nodes (p=0.04). Regardless of the paraduodenal nodal status, pancreaticoduodenectomy should be attempted for all patients with primary duodenal adenocarcinoma when careful examination has excluded regional nodal involvement and systemic dissemination.
Lawfare and Impunity in Burma since the 2000 Ban on Forced Labour

Abstract The article examines the efforts of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) over the past decade to convince government officials to take meaningful steps towards the eradication of forced labour in Burma. Despite the government's intransigence on this issue, ILO-led interventions have produced some tangible results: a ban on the practice in 2000 and the creation of a complaint mechanism in 2007 that enables its Liaison Officer to determine whether the claims of alleged victims warrant further investigation by the relevant authorities. Critics of the ILO argue that these achievements, although welcome, fail to address the magnitude of the problem. This article details how events at the macro- and micro-levels have affected each other and thus the possibility for further progress on these issues. Special attention is devoted to the coercive use of legal instruments (i.e. lawfare) by both parties and the impact real and threatened actions have had upon their respective goals. The dynamics provi...
Integrating user feedback with heuristic security and privacy management systems

Tools aimed at helping users safely navigate the web and safeguard themselves against potential online predators have become reasonably common. Currently there are two families of tools; heuristics analysis tools that test websites directly using automated scripts and programs, and community based tools where users rate websites and write reviews for the benefit of others. In this paper we examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each technique, whether these techniques are compatible, and how community feedback can be combined with heuristic-based evaluations. In order to do this we conduct a large-scale comparison of the ratings of heuristic and community based tools, and explore novel methods for abstracting key information from user comments, which could be used to add context and nuance to heuristic based ratings. We find that heuristic and community based ratings are highly complementary, and can be combined to potentially guide users to make more informed decisions.
Some microbiological aspects of radiation sterilization.

Abstract Pure suspensions of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, B. thermoacidurans, and several putrefactive anaerobes denoted as PA #76H and PA #3679 (species related to Clostridium sporogenes), were irradiated both by cathode rays and by gamma rays from cobalt-60. These studies emphasize that broad generalizations are not possible on the effects of different environments on the radiosensitivity of a bacterial population. When a free-radical acceptor such as sodium ascorbate was added to saline suspensions of B. subtilis, the radioresistance of the organism was increased, but when sodium ascorbate was added to saline suspensions of PA #76H, PA #3679, and B. thermoacidurans, the radioresistances of these organisms were no different from those when they were irradiated in saline solution alone. All these organisms (B. subtilis, B. thermoacidurans, PA #76H, and PA #3679) were more radioresistant when irradiated in the presence of sodium ascorbate in more complex media such as pea puree and tomato juice. Comparisons of the radioresistances of these organisms in saline solution and in a more complex medium also show differences. B. subtilis was less radioresistant, whereas B. thermoacidurans, PA #76H, and PA #3679 were more radioresistant in a more complex medium than in a saline solution. The effects of pH, the atmosphere during irradiation, the type of radiation, and the state of the medium on the radiosensitivities of these organisms are discussed. Recent data on the putrefactive anaerobes are presented to illustrate the handling of data and the statistical method utilized. Considerations are given for examining heterogeneous populations of bacteria encountered in various foods to be irradiated.
Mixing, chemical reaction, and flowfield development in ducted rockets

Calculations have been made of the three-dimensional mixing, chemical reaction, and flowfield development in a typical ducted rocket configuration. The governing partial differential equations are numerically solved by an iterative finite-difference solution procedure. The physical models include the A; ~ e turbulence model, onestep reaction, and mixing controlled chemical reaction rate. Radiation is neglected. The mean flow structure, fuel dispersal patterns, and temperature field are presented in detail for a base configuration with a 0.058 m dome height, 45-deg side-arm inclination, and with gaseous ethylene injected from the dome plate at an eccentric location. In addition, the influences of the geometrical parameters, such as dome height, inclination of the side arms, and location of the fuel injector, are studied.
Fetal hyperglycemia and a high-fat diet contribute to aberrant glucose tolerance and hematopoiesis in adult rats

Children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy are at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Our goal was to identify metabolic and hematopoietic alterations after intrauterine exposure to maternal hyperglycemia that may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic morbidities. Streptozotocin treatment induced maternal hyperglycemia during the last third of gestation in rat dams. Offspring of control mothers (OCM) and diabetic mothers (ODM) were evaluated for weight, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and hematopoiesis defects. The effects of aging were examined in normal and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed young (8-wk-old) and aged (11-mo-old) OCM and ODM rats. Young adult ODM males on a normal diet, but not females, displayed improved glucose tolerance due to increased insulin levels. Aged ODM males and females gained more weight than OCM on a HFD and had worse glucose tolerance. Aged ODM males fed a HFD were also neutrophilic. Increases in bone marrow cellularity and myeloid progenitors preceded neutrophilia in ODM males fed a HFD. When combined with other risk factors like HFD and aging, changes in glucose metabolism and hematopoiesis may contribute to the increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension observed in children of GDM mothers.
Polarization-insensitive nonlinear-optical devices

Zincblende semiconductors, such as GaAs, GaP and others, show great potential for quasi-phase-matched nonlinear optical frequency conversion. In addition to broad infrared transparency and high nonlinear coefficient of zincblende materials, the symmetry of their nonlinear optical tensor allows operating nonlinear-optical devices with the following unusual features: second harmonic generators which are not sensitive to the direction of linear polarization, optical parametric oscillators which can be pumped by circular and even random polarization, and optical parametric amplifiers of randomly-polarized radiation.
Opposition to Affordable Housing in the USA: Debate Framing and the Responses of Local Actors

Abstract This article investigates the framing of affordable housing by opponents and responses to this framing by local housing actors in the USA. We use a social construction approach to explore how conceptualizations of race/ethnicity, class and immigration shape opponents views and cast affordable housing tenants as deviant and undeserving, making them undesirable neighbours. Our study finds that affordable housing opposition and the process of framing results in: changes to development designs and siting decisions based on least resistance, rather than sound planning and decision-making, thereby directing affordable housing projects to particular jurisdictions, new development areas or concentrated poor neighbourhoods.
Superparamagnetic nanocomposites based on poly(styrene- b-ethylene/butylene- b-styrene)/cobalt ferrite compositions

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles were created in or around the sulfonated (s) polystyrene domains in a phase separated poly[styrene- b -(ethylene- co -butylene)- b -styrene)] block copolymer (BCP) using an in situ inorganic precipitation procedure. The sBCP was neutralized with a mixed iron/cobalt chloride electrolyte and the doped samples were converted to their oxides by reaction with sodium hydroxide and further washing with water. Transmission electron microscopy indicated the presence of nanoparticles in the 5–25 nm size range. The metal oxide particle structures were studied using select area electron diffraction, which revealed that they are of the cobalt iron oxide composition (CoFe 2 O 4 ). These nanocomposites were shown, using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer, to be superparamagnetic at 300 K and ferrimagnetic at 5 K. Nanocomposites consisting of smaller particles have a blocking temperature of 70 K, whereas it was 140 K for larger particles.
Ambulatory surgery:The growth of an industry

Over a short 30 years, ambulatory surgery has grown from a few freestandingfacilities to a continuously growing industry. This article gives a historical overview of that growth, while specifically documenting the impact that competition, regulation, capitation, technology, and the consumer have on nursing and a single industry.
Effect of protease inhibitors on matrix proteins and the association of replicating DNA.

Abstract Isolation of rat liver nuclear matrices in the presence of the protease inhibitors phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (1 mM) or sodium tetrathionate (0.1 mM) results in a 2–4-fold increase in the total amount of matrix proteins, and a 50% increase in the relative proportion of high molecular weight (>100 000 D) matrix polypeptides. Approximately one-third of the total nuclear protein is associated with this less degraded nuclear matrix. Concomitant with the increased preservation of matrix proteins is a 2–5-fold increase in the association of 1 min pulse-labeled, newly replicating DNA.
Chondrogenic phenotype of perichondrium-derived chondroprogenitor cells is influenced by transforming growth factor-beta 1

Our laboratory has developed a method for the repair of osteochondral defects by implanting cultured perichondrial cells attached to a biodegradable polylactic acid scaffold. The success of this approach depends in part on the proliferative characteristics and the phenotype of the implanted cells. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 has been reported to influence these parameters in several mesenchymal-derived tissues in vitro and in vivo. The chondrocytic phenotype is marked by an enhanced expression of the collagen type-II gene. In this study, cultures grown from explants of rabbit rib perichondrium were exposed to exogenously added transforming growth factor-beta 1 at concentrations of 0.1–10 ng/ml of media. Cell proliferation and collagen gene expression were measured. The expression of types I and II collagen genes was analyzed by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The exogenous addition of transforming growth factor-beta 1 at a concentration of 0.1–10 ng/ml resulted in tritiated thymidine uptake by perichondrial cells, with optimum proliferative effects at 0.1 ng/ml. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 added at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 ng/ml significantly upregulated the expression of type-II collagen mRNAs. The results suggest that, when the chondrocytic phenotype is defined by markedly enhanced type-II collagen gene expression, the chondrocytic phenotype of explant cultures of perichondrium-derived cells is enhanced by the Kogenous; addition of transforming growth factor-beta 1.
Effect of instructions and internal-external control of reinforcement on a conditioned finger-withdrawal response.

The hypotheses that demand characteristics and personality affect the acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response were investigated. Ss were put into a buzzer-shock-finger withdrawal situation and then given Rotter's I-E scale. All Ss were told that they would receive a shock. Half of them were also instructed to avoid it. Significantly fewer of the uninstructed group learned the avoidance response. Of the instructed group, those Ss who acquired the response had higher I-E scores. External Ss made proportionately fewer CRs during acquisition and required more trials to extinction than the Internal Ss. The study suggests that human avoidance conditioning depends upon S's personality and the demand characteristics of the situation.
Toward a New Sexual Selection Paradigm: Polyandry, Conflict and Incompatibility (Invited Article)

Darwin's recognition that male-male competition and female choice could favor the evolution of exaggerated male traits detrimental to survival set the stage for more than a century of theoretical and empirical work on sexual selection. While this Darwinian paradigm represents one of the most profound insights in biology, its preoccupation with sexual selection as a directional evolutionary force acting on males has diverted attention away from the selective processes acting on females. Our understanding of female reproduction has been further confounded by discreet female mating tactics that have perpetuated the illusion of the monogamous female and masked the potential for conflict between the sexes. With advances in molecular techniques leading to the discovery that polyandry is a pervasive mating strategy, recognition of these shortcomings has brought the study of sexual selection to its current state of flux. In this paper, we suggest that progress in two key areas is critical to formulation of a more inclusive, sexual selection paradigm that adequately incorporates selection from the female perspective. First, we need to develop a better understanding of male x female and maternal x paternal genome interactions and the role that polyandry plays in providing females with non-additive genetic benefits such as incompatibility avoidance. Consideration of these interaction effects influencing natural selection on females is important because they can complicate and even undermine directional sexual selection on males. Secondly, because antagonistic coevolution maintains a balance between opposing sides that obscures the conflict itself, many more experimental evolution studies and interventionist investigations (e.g. gene knockouts) are needed to tease apart male manipulative adaptations and female counter-adaptations. It seems evident that the divisiveness and controversy that has plagued sexual selection theory since Darwin first proposed the idea has often stalled progress in this important field of evolutionary biology. What is now needed is a more pluralistic and integrative approach that considers natural as well as sexual selection acting on females, incorporates multiple sexual selection mechanisms, and exploits advances in physiology and molecular biology to understand the mechanisms through which males and females achieve reproductive success.
Photoinduced and thermally induced cationic polymerizations using dialkylphenacylsulfonium salts

A study of the photoinitiated and thermally initiated cationic polymerizations of several monomer systems using dialkylphenacylsulfonium salt (DPS) photoinitiators bearing different alkyl chains and anions has been conducted. DPS compounds are capable of photoinitiating the cationic polymerization of a wide variety of epoxy and vinyl ether monomers directly on irradiation with UV light or by using visible light irradiation in the presence of photosensitizers. Kinetic studies show that DPS photoinitiators compare favorably with respect to their reactivity to diaryliodonium and triarylsulfonium salt photoinitiators in the polymerization of epoxides. The photopolymerizations of vinyl and 1-propenyl ethers display a marked induction period consistent with termination of the growing chains by reaction with the photogenerated ylides. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that DPS can also be employed as thermal initiators for the cationic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides at moderate temperatures.
Novel synthesis and release of GABA in cerebellar granule cell cultures after infection with defective herpes simplex virus vectors expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase

Abstract The inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is synthesized from glutamate in a single step by the enzyme glutamatic acid decarboxylase (GAD). We sought to determine whether viral vectors containing GAD cDNA could be used to enhance synthesis and stimulation-evoked release of GABA in cultures of CNS neurons. For this purpose, we generated double-cassette defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors that expressed one of the two GAD isoforms (GAD65 or GAD67), and Escherichia coli LacZ . Infection of cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures with vectors containing GAD cDNA resulted in a significant increase in isoform-specific expression of GAD, synthesis of GABA, and stimulation-evoked GABA release. GAD65 and GAD67 vector-infected neurons exhibited a comparable profile of GABA levels, synthesis and release, as well as GAD protein distribution. In CGCs cultured for 6 days in vitro (DIV), GABA synthesized after vector-derived GAD expression was released by treatment with glutamate or veratridine, but only in a Ca 2+ -independent fashion. In more mature (10 DIV) cultures, both Ca 2+ -dependent, K + depolarization-induced, as well as Ca 2+ -independent, veratridine-induced, GABA release was significantly enhanced by GAD vector infection. Treatment of CGCs with kainic acid, which destroys most of the GABAergic neurons (
Multivesicular liposomes containing bleomycin for subcutaneous administration.

Optimal cancer treatment with cell-cycle-specific agents requires maintenance of a cytotoxic drug level for a prolonged period. We explored the use of multivesicular liposomes as a slow-release depot of bleomycin for systemic administration via the s. c. route. The average volume-adjusted liposome size was 19.1 μm, the half-life of leakage in human plasma was 32.1 h, and the half-life of s. c. liposomal bleomycin was 31.8 h. When tested against the s. c. B-16 melanoma model in BDF1 mice, the therapeutic index of single-dose bleomycin given s.c. was significantly improved when the drug was encapsulated in multivesicular liposomes. The efficacy was improved as assessed by both inhibition of tumor growth and increased life span, and the toxicity appeared to be decreased.