cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and Fathead Minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, under Laboratory Conditions

Interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, were studied in laboratory exposures to two commercial formulations, Vectobac-G and Mosquito Attack. Mortality among fatheads exposed to 2.0 × 106 to 6.5 × 106 CFU/ml with both formulations was attributed to severe dissolved oxygen depletion due to formulation ingredients rather than to direct toxicity from the parasporal crystal. No adverse effects were observed at 6.4 × 105 CFU/ml and below. Fathead minnows rapidly accumulated high numbers of spores with 1 h of exposure to 2.2 × 105 CFU of Mosquito Attack per ml, producing whole-body counts of 4.0 × 106 CFU per fish. Comparison of counts on gastrointestinal tract samples and whole-body samples and high numbers of spores in feces indicated that ingestion was the major route of exposure. B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis spore counts decreased rapidly after transfer of fish to clean water, with a drop of over 3 orders of magnitude in 1 day. Spores were rarely detected in fish after 8 days but were detectable in feces for over 2 weeks. These findings suggest that fish could influence the dissemination of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, and possibly other microbial agents, in the aquatic environment.
Toward a Critical Theoretic Perspective in Information Systems

The field of library and information science (LIS) has built its practice and research perspective on a logico-analytic philosophy, which has generated useful, tangible technologies. Lately there is interest in nonempirical philosophies, such as hermeneutics and critical theory, to fulfill better LIS' service-oriented mission of providing "information" to user populations. One dimension of critical theory, Jurgen Habermas' theory of communicative action, can expand LIS' conception of information and supplement logico-empirical research methods and research practices. This article examines how LIS, particularly research into librarian-patron interaction and information system design, favors an empiricist view of language and, as a consequence, may be limiting its effectiveness. It proposes how the field might expand to include communicative action in fulfilling its mission and research agenda.
Unconventional Superconductivity with a Sign Reversal in the Order Parameter of LaFeAsO 1-x F x

We argue that the newly discovered superconductivity in a nearly magnetic, Fe-based layered compound is unconventional and mediated by antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations, though different from the usual superexchange and specific to this compound. This resulting state is an example of extended s-wave pairing with a sign reversal of the order parameter between different Fermi surface sheets. The main role of doping in this scenario is to lower the density of states and suppress the pair-breaking ferromagnetic fluctuations.
Hollow Cylinder Specimen Preparation: Cohesive Materials

Techniques for rapid and precise fabrication of hollow cylinder specimens of cohesive materials are presented. A device to accelerate the displacement sensor mounting process is described.
Analytical step-size selection rule for simulation of signal propagation in vector optical fiber channel

An analytical step-size selection rule is proposed for the simulation of polarization multiplexed signal propagation through the single mode optical fiber. The method leads to approximately constant one step simulation error and high computational efficiency.
Medieval Pets. By Kathleen Walker-Meikle. (Woodbridge, England: Boydell Press, 2012. Pp. x, 179. $45.00.)

Not every animal that lives with human beings is a pet: Some animals are kept for eating, others for riding, others for helping with the hunt, while yet others are kept as curiosities in menageries...
Abstract 9923: The Ethics of Unilateral ICD and CRT-D Deactivation: Patient Perspectives

Background: Decisions about deactivation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are complicated. Unilateral Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders (against patient/family wishes) have been ethically justified in cases of medical futility. Unilateral deactivation of ICDs may be seen as a logical extension of a unilateral DNR order. Methods: 60 respondents who had an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD (CRT-D) were interviewed at a quaternary medical center outpatient electrophysiology practice. Survey questions addressed the inclusion of ICD deactivation in advanced directives, whether ICD deactivation constitutes physician-assisted suicide, and whether unilateral ICD deactivation can be ethically justified. The average age was 59 (range 23-89), and 70% were male. Of the respondents, 35% had ICDs, and 65% had CRT-Ds. Respondents had had their devices for an average of 6.74 years (range 0.11-25). 82% of respondents were Caucasian, 15% were African American and 3% were Hispanic. Results: Only 15% of patients had thought about device deactivation if they were to develop a serious illness from which they were not expected to recover, and single respondents were more likely to have considered this point (38%, p=0.03). A small majority (53%) had advance directives, and only one mentioned what to do with the device. Only 3% had discussed device management with clinicians. Most (55%) believed turning off a patient’s pacemaker was no different than not performing CPR or administering external defibrillation. A majority (77%) did not consider device deactivation in accordance with patient wishes to be physician-assisted suicide. A majority (78%) responded that it was not ethical/moral for doctors to deactivate ICDs against patients’ wishes. Conclusion: In an era of cost-consciousness and scrutiny of resources, management of ICDs and CRT-Ds as patients near the end of their lives create ethical dilemmas. Few patients consider device deactivation at end of life, though a large majority believes that unilateral deactivation is not ethical or moral, even in the setting of medical futility. Advance care planning for these patients should address device deactivation.
The burden of unintentional injuries among the under-five population in South Asia.

Background: Childhood injuries are a growing global concern, one that falls disproportionately on developing countries where public health systems are least prepared to address this problem. Aim: This study assesses the impact of childhood injuries in the developing region of South Asia in order to set forth an agenda for improving child health in that region. Methods: A systematic review was conducted for literature with quantitative data on unintentional injuries in children 0-4 years of age published between 1980 and 2007. The information was collated to estimate the mean, weighted mean and mortality rate for each type of injury. The rates were then applied to the 2000 UN projected population to estimate the number of childhood deaths due to unintentional injuries. Results: Unintentional injuries are estimated to cause 389 000 annual child deaths in South Asia. This premature mortality results in the annual loss of 74 healthy life years (HeaLYs) per 1000 population. Conclusion: The current burden of childhood injuries in South Asia is unacceptably high and calls for efforts from all sectors involved in research, policy and funding to not only assess the impact of childhood injuries but to strengthen the health systems to stem this preventable loss of healthy life. Language: en
Capability of Radarsat-1 for estimation of ocean surface current on the Scotian Shelf

Doppler shifts in space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data are due to movement of objects in the image area. These frequency shifts are most obvious in fast moving point targets such as ships. However, an area target such as the sea surface can also cause a measurable Doppler shift from which ocean surface currents can be estimated. We compare surface currents derived from three standard mode Radarsat-1 scenes over the Scotian Shelf to in situ currents measured with 21 self-locating datum marker buoys (SLDMBs). The SLDMBs drift with the local surface current, and their locations, obtained every 30 minutes via Argos satellite, are used to calculate the current. Three Radarsat-1 scenes were processed by Atlantis Scientific of Ottawa, Canada, to obtain the component of the surface current vector perpendicular to the path of the satellite. The results show that the noise in the derived Doppler shift was comparable to the Doppler shift expected from the relatively low surface currents prevalent on the Scotian Shelf. While it was concluded that present space-based SAR technology cannot provide accurate surface current data for Scotian Shelf conditions, the methodology and results provide a useful metric by which future SAR systems can be evaluated.
Students' Experience in a General Chemistry Cooperative Problem Based Laboratory

Most educators and scientists would agree that science laboratory instruction has the potential of developing science practices fundamental to achieving scientific literacy. However, there is scant evidence to support that this potential is realized, particularly in tertiary level education. This paper reports qualitative results from a sequential explanatory mixed methods study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a college, cooperative, project-based General Chemistry Laboratory in promoting student learning. Quantitative findings showed that students in this programme increased their ability and metacognitive strategies in solving online ill-structured chemistry problems. For the current study, we used a phenomenological approach to investigate the essence of students' experiences in this learning environment. Eleven participants volunteered to take part in in-depth, open-ended interviews. Phenomenological data reduction, analysis and interpretation produced an outcome space composed of three dimensions (Affective Response, Understanding of the Learning Experience, and Strategic Response). The need to ‘take charge of learning’ emerged as the interconnecting factor bringing cohesiveness to the experience. These findings are consistent with the previous quantitative report. Additionally, they support the notion that immersion in a lab environment appropriately designed to constantly challenge students to think through problems and figure out solutions does indeed promote metacognition and problem solving skills. Situating learning in this context facilitates meaningful self-discovery and internalization of strategies as opposed to externally introducing them. We believe that these findings contribute evidence of the relationship between experiences in the laboratory and student effective learning and can inform and guide curricular development.
Radar Attenuation by Wet Ice Spheres

Abstract Calculations have been made of the radar reflectivity and attenuation produced by exponential distributions of dry and wet ice spheres. Appropriate data are presented in the form of tables and graphs. It is shown that attenuation by wet spheres is substantially larger than that by dry spheres. If the ice spheres axe coated with a layer of water 0.05 cm thick and extend in diameters to ∼2 cm, they would produce two-way attenuations of about 7, 5 and 1 db km−1 at wavelengths of 3.21, 5.5 and 10.0 cm, respectively. Procedures for the radar detection of hail must take into account the attenuation caused by the hail itself.
A case for a free-running circannual rhythm in soldier developmental time of Formosan subterranean termites

The success of all insect societies relies on their ability to maintain optimal levels of different castes. Here we report on an apparent free-running circannual rhythm that optimizes the developmental time of the soldier caste of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Over a 3 year period, bioassays were conducted each month (except June) with groups of 100 termite workers in a 28°C incubator in total darkness. The number of days needed for C. formosanus soldiers to develop varied depending on the time of the year (month). In March, just prior to the major swarming exodus for alates (April to June), 9 days were required before a worker molted to a presoldier. Longer times were required for such a molt in all other months, with an increasing trend from April to December (from 13 to 30 days) and a decreasing trend from January to February (from 25 to 12 days). Colony origin or the length of time that termites were kept in the laboratory under constant conditions (26 – 28°C, 70 – 80% RH) before testing (7 days – 1 year) did not affect this rhythm. This is the first demonstrated evidence of a free-running circannual rhythm in a social insect.
Influence of foliar applied cytokinins on growth and essential oil content of several members of the lamiaceae

Abstract Foliar application of the cytokinins kinetin, dipbenylurea, benzylaminopurine and zeatin at the 1–10 ppm level has a general growth promoting effect on Mentha piperita, M. spicata and Salvia officinalis, but not on M. suaveolens and Lavandula vera, grown under controlled environmental conditions. The essential oil yield of cytokinintreated plants is also increased up to two-fold on a fr. wt basis relative to untreated controls, with only a minor influence on oil composition in most cases. The increase in oil yield cannot be attributed to alteration in growth or development of the treated plants, or to changes in oil gland populations. In vitro assay of the enzymes catalysing the rate limiting steps of camphor biosynthesis in S. officinalis and of menthone biosynthesis in M. piperita indicated that the increase in oil yield under the influence of cytokinin is a result of increased monoterpene biosynthesis.
Proteotoxic crisis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and cancer therapy

Genomic alterations may make cancer cells more dependent than normal cells on mechanisms of proteostasis, including protein folding and degradation. This proposition is the basis for the clinical use of proteasome inhibitors to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. However, proteasome inhibitors have not proved effective in treating other cancers, and this has called into question the general applicability of this approach. Here, I consider possible explanations for this apparently limited applicability, and discuss whether inhibiting other broadly acting components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system - including ubiquitin-activating enzyme and the AAA-ATPase p97/VCP - might be more generally effective in cancer therapy.
The Adoption of African American Children by Whites: A Renewed Conflict

During the turbulent 1960s and the civil-rights movement, African Americans called for the reexamination of major institutional policies. One of the policy changes demanded by African American social workers was the cessation of Whites adopting African American children. The view of the fledgling Association of Black Social Workers was that such practices would result in cultural genocide. This view influenced policy as family-court judges and child advocates pursued same-race adoption with respect to African American children. Some child advocates called the policy of excluding Whites from adopting African American children imprudent and discriminatory, and in the 1980s, judges began to rule in favor of White parents who wanted to adopt Black children. Legislation was introduced and signed into law that makes it illegal for states or agencies receiving federal funding to consider race in the adoption of children. This shift in policy has enraged many African American social workers and resulted in major ...
Predictors of success with postoperative voiding trials after a mid urethral sling procedure.

Purpose: We identified predictors of passing a voiding trial after incontinence surgery with a mid urethral sling and examined if successful performance on a voiding trial was maintained.Materials and Methods: A total of 89 women scheduled for incontinence surgery were enrolled from July 2005 until April 2006. Voiding trials were performed the day of discharge from the hospital, with a two-thirds volume void after a 300 ml fill considered passing. Those who passed underwent a second voiding trial 3 hours later.Results: Of the participants 60 (67.4%) underwent tension-free vaginal tape surgery, 29 underwent transobturator tape (32.6%) and 64 (71.9%) underwent concurrent vaginal repairs. A total of 59 (67.0%) participants passed the first voiding trial. Univariate analysis identified 12 potential predicting variables for passing the first voiding trial. From these 12, model building via backward stepwise logistic regression found maximum flow on preoperative uroflowmetry to be the only significant predictiv...
Bounds for the round-off errors in the richardson second order method

The application of the Richardson second order iterative method to positive definite, symmetric linear equations is investigated. Absolute and statistical bounds for the round-off error are derived. The statistical theory agrees well with numerical experiments, until the accumulated round-off error becomes of the order of magnitude of the error in the computed solution. After this point the statistical dependence between the local round-off errors makes the observed variances larger than the theoretical variances.
Unification of Oligopolistic Markets for a Homogeneous Good in the Presence of an Antitrust Commission

A basic framework is provided to explain the integration process experienced by oligopolistic markets serving a homogeneous good in different countries. Over the past few decades, such processes have been observed, for instance, in some European markets – in particular, in the energy sector. The idiosyncratic element here is the introduction of an exogenously given antitrust commission that supervises competition in the market and has the authority to fine firms for anticompetitive behavior. We model the unification decision as a simple cooperative non-transferable utility game. We find that the creation of an antitrust commission plays a major role in providing the necessary incentives for market unification. In particular, the commission is able to induce unification of all markets via appropriate choice of antitrust policy. This stands in stark contrast to the benchmark scenario in which the antitrust commission is absent – here, market unification never occurs. We propose the Iberian Electricity Market (MIBEL) as a case study.
Combustion of bulk titanium in oxygen

The combustion of bulk titanium in one atmosphere oxygen is studied using laser ignition and several analytical techniques. These were high-speed color cinematography, time and space resolved spectra in the visible region, metallography (including SEM) of specimens quenched in argon gas, X-ray and chemical product analyses, and a new optical technique, the Hilbert transform method. The cinematographic application of this technique for visualizing phase objects in the combustion zone is described. The results indicate an initial vapor phase reaction immediately adjacent to the molten surface but as the oxygen uptake progresses the evaporation approaches the point of congruency and a much reduced evaporation rate. This and the accumulation of the various soluble oxides soon drive the reaction zone below the surface where gas formation causes boiling and ejection of particles. The buildup of rutile cuts off the oxygen supply and the reaction ceases.
UV visualization of inorganic anions by reversed-phase ion-interaction chromatography: factors that control sensitivity and detection.

Abstract This paper describes a chromatographic technique and detection scheme for inorganic anion analysis. Factors that affect sensitivity and detection are discussed, including the concentration and molar absorptivity of the ion-interaction reagent (IIR) as well as the retention of the eluite ion relative to the retention of the system peak. An ideal system will employ a low IIR concentration, so that a detection wavelength corresponding to a high IIR molar absorptivity can be used to monitor the eluites. In addition, eluites that are eluted before the system peak have much lower response factors than those eluted after the system peak. Furthermore, eluites that are not well separated from the system peak have response factors that are many times larger than eluites that are eluted either before or after the system peak. Computer simulations were performed that predict these response factors.
I Want To Go Home

After hearing the risks and benefits of treatment options, Mrs. V. decided she did not want to be treated. She told us that she wanted to focus on getting home. Two problems arose: Home was in the ...
6-Azauridine triacetate induced hyper .BETA.-alaninemia and its decrease by administration of pyridoxine.

The effect of pyridoxine on 6-azauridine triacetate (6-AzUrd-TA) induced hyper β-alaninemia was studied in New Zealand albino rabbits in three experiments. In each of the three experiments the animals were administered by gavage: Group 1 (Control), drinking water; Group 2, 6-AzUrd-TA; and Group 3, 6-AzUrd-TA with pyridoxine. While no β-alanine was found in the control group or in pretreatment samples of the 6-AzUrd-TA and 6-AzUrd-TA+pyridoxine treated animals, high concentrations of this amino acid (191.0±91.6, 220.2±116.3, 103.2±64.4 nmol/ml) were found on the fourth and seventh days of 6AzUrd-TA treatment with daily doses of 1.0g/kg and 0.5g/kg B.W. respectively. The drug induced hyper β-alaninemia was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced in all three experiments by simultaneous pyridoxine administration in daily doses of 50mg/kg B.W. These results indicate, that daily repeated oral administration of 6-AzUrd-TA causes elevation of serum β-alanine, which can be partially prevented by oral administration of pyridoxine. They also indirectly support the hypothesis, that 6-AzUrdTA induced hyper β-alaninemia is at least partially caused by the inhibition of β-alanine degrading enzymes, that use pyridoxal phosphate as a coenzyme. Direct measurement of the enzyme activity is planned in our future studies.
Platelets as Mediators of Inflammation

An expanding body of evidence continues to build on the central role of inflammation in the progression and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Platelets, long thought to play only a reactionary role at the time of endothelial disruption, are now recognized as important mediators of the inflammatory process. Platelet activation, which is modulated by both inflammatory and hemostatic factors, can lead to the release of hundreds of proteins—many with known proinflammatory functions. Although compelling evidence is lacking that antiplatelet therapies directly lower markers of inflammation, there are intriguing, although preliminary, data suggesting that markers of inflammation predict the clinical benefit of antiplatelet therapies.
Donor and recipient factors predicting time to graft failure following orthotopic liver transplantation: a transplant risk index.

Abstract Introduction Much of the success of a transplant depends on appropriate matching of donor to recipient. Methods We validated the Donor Risk Index formula (DRI) using Mount Sinai Medical Center's 10-year cohort of over 1000 transplants. Results The DRI was significantly associated to graft failure with a relative risk (RR) of 1.32. Our cohort had an average DRI of 2.6 with survival of 83% at 3 months, 79% at 1 year, and 70% at 3 years. The low rate of graft failure at a high DRI implies that there are other factors important in transplant pairing that are not considered in the DRI model. To determine these variables and quantify their importance, we constructed a Transplant Risk Index by identifying recipient and donor variables not captured in United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) that significantly correlated to graft failure. The most significant independent predictors of time to graft failure were donor age, weight, and peak serum sodium; ischemia time; and recipient creatinine, international normalized ratio, and hepatitis C infection. The coefficients for each of these factors were compiled into a Transplant Risk Index formula. A cutoff of 5 resulted in a graft survival rate of 86% at 3 months, 76% at 1 year, and 62% at 3 years using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The predictive ability of the Transplant Risk Index was greater than the DRI or DMELD (the product of donor age and preoperative MELD) as assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve and the positive and negative predictive values. Conclusion The Transplant Risk Index captures recipient factors and donor factors not captured in UNOS. Including these factors may improve the ability to predict good donor–recipient pairing.
Terminal access technology of the 1990's

Terminal technology in the next two decades will be based largely on current and near-future research and development (RD 2) paper as an office medium; and 3) intensive and accessible work environments.
Computed tomography of the normal larynx

A computed tomographic analysis of normal laryngeal anatomy was undertaken using cadaver larynxes. This was part of a larger project in which patients with laryngeal carcinoma were routinely evaluated in the computed tomographic (CT) body scanner. The appearance of normal laryngeal anatomy had to be delineated before disease processes of the larynx were evaluated, and this was accomplished using a computed tomographic technique with 5-mm slice thicknesses and a 3-mm overlap. The scan slices were then compared with anatomic sections taken at the same levels. The comparisons demonstrate an ideal level of accuracy that can be approached in the in-vivo larynx only with use of the latest-generation scanners. However, CT scanning is of immediate usefulness in the diagnosis of laryngeal pathology.
Synthesis and application of thermally reversible heterogels for drug delivery

Abstract A new heterogeneous, thermally reversible hydrogel has been synthesized by γ-irradiation of solutions of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and bis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (VTPDMS). The heterogeneous hydrogel exhibits the same lower critical solution temperature (LCST) as the homopolymer of NIPAAm. The gel prepared with a 50% NIPAAm and 50% VTPDMS solution shows a surprisingly fast rate of shrinking when heated through the LCST. The result of differential scanning calorimetry confirms the existence of a microdomain structure in the gel. The effect of irradiation dose and crosslink concentration on the resultant, calculated crosslink density has been studied. The gel swells to a great extent in either water or ethanol, permitting a high loading of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs. Zero-order release of progesterone from the gel has been observed.
Infections in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Context:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a safe, common, and effective method of restoring stability to the knee after injury, but evolving techniques of reconstruction carry inhe...
From Exotics to Brainwashers: Portraying New Religions in Mass Media

This essay examines how American magazines have portrayed new religions since the World War II. Media depictions have changed dramatically from the 1950s to the present. Specifically, journalists in the 1950s and early 1960s used the dual Cold War themes of exoticism and subversion to depict new religions. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, subjects and themes began to change. Newsmagazines ambivalently reported on the gurus, Asian new religions, and occult spirituality attracting some in the burgeoning youth counterculture with a mixture of exoticism and wariness. By the mid-1970s, media images became more ominous. News, general interest, and entertainment media represented new religions as a growing “cult menace” and highlighted the dangers that brainwashing groups posed to unsuspecting followers. The 1978 Jonestown mass suicide seemed to confirm such negative cult stereotypes, leading to homogenous portrayals of new religions that continued through the 1990s. In explaining such changes over time, the essay ends by proposing five complimentary theses for understanding late-twentieth-century mass media representations of new religions.
Gender differences in orthographic, verbal, and compositional fluency: Implications for assessing writing disabilities in primary grade children

Abstract Measures of oral verbal fluency (word finding), written orthographic fluency (alphabet task), and written composition (narrative and oral expository) were administered to 300 children (50 girls and 50 boys each in the first, second, and third grades). Both oral verbal fluency and written orthographic fluency correlated significantly with the number of words (fluency) and the number of clauses (microorganization) in the compositions, but boys performed significantly better than girls on oral verbal fluency and girls performed significantly better than boys on written orthographic fluency. Girls consistently outperformed boys on the number of words and the number of clauses produced in narrative and expository composition. Thus, in beginning writing, orthographic fluency may be relatively more important than verbal fluency and boys may be at greater risk for writing disabilities. However, more boys were identified as having a disability in composition when absolute criteria (lowest 5% of normal distribution) were used, but about the same number of boys and girls were identified as having a disability in composition when relative criteria (significant discrepancy between Verbal IQ and compositional skill, based on the Mahalanobis statistic) were used. School psychologists are encouraged to use standardized measures of othographic, verbal, and compositional fluency to identify primary grade children needing early intervention to prevent more severe writing disabilities.
Ocular delivery of progesterone using a bioadhesive polymer

Abstract Polymers of acrylic acid crosslinked (0.3% w/w) with divinyl glycol and 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene were synthesized and examined as to their utility in ocular drug delivery. Both showed excellent bioadhesion to the conjunctival mucin/epithelial layer as determined by visual inspection and a sensitive in vitro method. The densities and extent of hydration of the polymers were also determined. Progesterone was used as a model drug which was entrapped in the polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene. A suspension without polymer was prepared at the same progesterone concentration and used as a control for ocular bioavailability comparison. From the 1 h determination through the end of the study, the aqueous humor drug levels showed a statistically significant difference between the test and control formulations. The bioadhesive dosage form showed an area under the curve 4.2 times greater than the results obtained for the suspension preparation, over the time course of the study.
Structure and Example in Modular Political Phenomena: The Diffusion of Bulldozer/Rose/Orange/Tulip Revolutions

Thearticledevelopsanapproachtothestudyofmodularpoliticalphenomena(actionbasedinsignificantpartonemulationofthe prior successful example of others), focusing on the trade-offs between the influence of example, structural facilitation, and institutionalconstraints.Theapproachisillustratedthroughtheexampleofthespreadofdemocraticrevolutioninthepost-communist region during the 2000‐2006 period, with significant comparisons to the diffusion of separatist nationalism in the Soviet Union during the glasnost’era.Two models by which modular processes unfold are specified: an elite defection model and an elite learning model. In both models the power of example is shown to exert an independent effect on outcomes, although the effect is considerably deeper in the former than in the latter case.The elite defection model corresponds to the institutional responses to separatist nationalism under glasnost’, while the elite learning model describes well the processes involved in the spread modular democratic revolution among later risers in the post-communist region, limiting the likelihood of further revolutionary successes.The article concludeswithsomethoughtsabouttheimplicationsofthepowerofexampleforthestudyofmodularphenomenasuchasdemocratization, nationalism, and revolution.
Abstract 398: Tumor microenvironment imposes major alterations and profoundly shapes functional status of macrophages: peritoneal and tumor-associated macrophages from tumor hosts are two very different subpopulations

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Macrophages are key players in the inflammatory response and exhibit significant roles in the different stages of tumor progression. We have previously reported deficient functions of peritoneal macrophages of D1-DMBA3 mammary tumors bearers (T-PEMs). We showed that T-PEMs are impaired in inflammatory activity due to diminished expression of transcription factors NFκB and C/EBP. We have also demonstrated that T-PEMs display neither M1 nor M2 phenotypes, exhibit deficiencies in the production of several inflammatory cytokines, are less differentiated and show increased apoptosis. Importantly, we showed for the first time that their apoptosis in periphery contributes to increased myelopoiesis. We examined the blood monocytes from these tumor mice and demonstrated that these cells are neither inflammatory nor suppressive and are less differentiated, similar to the T-PEMs they later become. In the present study we investigate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from the same tumor model and compare them with T-PEMs and with peritoneal macrophages from normal mice (N-PEMs). Our results show that TAMs downregulate IL-12p70, but upregulate IL-12p40, IL-23, IL-6 and IL-10 and chemokines and their receptors are very differently expressed in these two macrophages subpopulations. NFκB and C/EBP family members are decreased in TAMs as compared with T-PEMs, however NFκBp50 homodimers, STAT1/pSTAT1 and STAT3/pSTAT3 are all overexpressed. Moreover TAMs block T-cell proliferation and are more prone to apoptosis than T-PEMs due to a higher expression of activated caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-X. Our results show that T-PEMs and TAMs have equally impaired phagocytic capacity compared with fully-phagocytic N-PEMs. Moreover, TAMs constitutively express iNOS, produce nitric oxide but no arginase and are Gr-1high and CD11blow, thus are not classic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Collectively, our results show that the exposure to different locations and tumor factor gradients determine macrophage phenotypes and functions. The tumor microenvironment, as the setting in most intimate contact with tumor cells is the one that most alters macrophage activity. Targeting tumor factors and other cells in the tumor microenvironment may allow reversion of macrophage dysfunction. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 398. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-398
The Evolving Approach to the Young Child Who Has Fever and No Obvious Source

Fever is a common complaint of young children who seek care in the emergency department. Recent advances, such as universal vaccination with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, require the review of traditional approaches to these patients. This article discusses newer strategies in the evaluation and management of the young child with fever, incorporating changes based on the shifting epidemiology of bacterial infection.
Information theory approach to the isothermal–isobaric ensemble. 1. Monte Carlo simulations with the hard-sphere and square potentials

Abstract Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed on the isothermal–isobaric partition functions for both argon and methane gas. A newly implemented form was applied to the calculation of the volume for a variety of pressures, from which many potential applications can be derived.
Purification, Biochemical Characterization and Protein-DNA Interactions of the I-CreI Endonuclease Produced in Escherichia Coli

I- CreI is a member of the LAGLI-DADG family of homing nucleases; however, unlike most members of this family it contains only a single copy of this signature motif. I- CreI was over-expressed in Escherichia coli, and a simple purification protocol developed that gave reasonably pure protein in high yield. Size-exclusion chromatography and chemical cross-linking indicated that the protein is a dimer in solution. DNA cleavage by I- CreI was absolutely dependent on Mg2+(or Mn2+), and was inhibited by monovalent cations. I- CreI displayed a surprisingly high temperature optimum (>50 degrees C), with full activity occurring even at 70 degrees C. Interestingly, SDS was needed for efficient release of the cleavage products from the protein, indicating formation of very stable DNA-protein complexes. In contrast to these robust characteristics, purified I- CreI was unstable; however, it could be stabilized by the addition of either target or non-target DNA. Mobility shift assays revealed that I- CreI binds to DNA in the absence of Mg2+. Hydroxyl radical footprinting showed that I- CreI strongly protected the backbone of a continuous stretch of at least 12 nt on each strand that were shifted, relative to each other, by 2 bp in the 3'direction. Methylation protection and interference analyses were also performed, and together with the hydroxyl radical footprinting, indicate that I- CreI binds in both the major and minor grooves of its target DNA.
Medical student entry into general surgery increases with early exposure to surgery and to surgeons.

ationally, student interest in pursuit of a general surgery resdency steadily dropped from the early 1980s through the first art of this decade. General surgery was the first-choice resiency for 10.7% of U.S. senior medical students in 1984, but nly 4.7% in 2002. This diminishing interest finally maniested itself in the National Resident Matching Program in 001, when 68 (6.5%) general surgery residency positions went nfilled. In 2002, U.S. graduates comprised less than 80% of all atched applicants for the first time and 58 (5.5%) positions ere unfilled. Analysis of these data led to projections of further eclines in the number and quality of U.S. students matching o general surgery residencies, with serious implications for the ation. Published data suggest that, given an aging population, he United States will face an absolute shortage of general sureons as soon as 2010, with difficulty in attracting and retaining urgeons in some regions of the country already apparent. The past decade has seen many publications about medical tudent career preferences and the decline of interest in general urgery. Data demonstrate that perceived resident and attendng surgeon lifestyle are the major deterrents to medical stuents considering surgery as a career option. Students specifcally associate general surgery with irregular schedules, limited amily and leisure time, and high levels of stress. They cite anageable work hours as more important than income, and hey identify “controllable lifestyle” as their highest priority. his evolving attitude, combined with perceptions of surgery as particularly demanding field, underlie the decline of interest n general surgery residency programs.
Molecular Biology: Reverse Transcriptase, the DNA Polymerase of Oncogenic RNA Viruses

The excitement aroused by the idea that transformation of cells by RNA tumour viruses might depend on the activity of a reverse transcriptase enzyme(s) specific to the virus has stimulated much research since the enzyme was discovered in 1970. But the questions of the physical identity and catalytic activities of the enzyme(s), its function in transformation and whether it is unique to RNA tumour viruses remain unanswered.
Behavioural influences on male mating success in the Oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel

Abstract Variation in male mating success in a laboratory population of Dacus dorsalis was studied by dividing mating success into the components of mate attraction and subsequent copulation. Female responses to male signals at both the attraction and pre-copulatory phases were measured in a set of reciprocal experiments: males were scored for attractiveness followed by copulatory success, or in the reverse order. In the first tests, only 38% of the males attracted females, and of these, 74% were successful in mating. When attraction was measured after the copulation tests, 94% of successfully mated males elicited female approaches. Thus, females consistently preferred the same males, whether detecting them via long-distance signals or interacting at close range. Male-male aggressive interactions were studied in a separate experiment; males with high rates of copulatory success were also successful in inter-male competition. Dominant males were the most active at producing long-range attraction signals. Thus, female mating preferences and inter-male competition appear to have a similar influence on mating success of D. dorsalis males.
Modification of landing conditions at contact via flight

Weight-bearing tasks performed by humans consist of a series of phases with multiple objectives. Analysis of the relationship between control and dynamics during successive phases of the tasks is essential for improving performance without sustaining injury. Experimental evidence regarding foot landings suggests that the distribution of momentum among segments at contact influences stability during interaction with the landing surface. In this study, we hypothesized that modification of control in one subsystem, in our case shoulder torque, during the flight phase of an aerial task would enable the performer to maintain behavior of other subsystems (e.g.lower extremity kinematics) and initiate contact with momentum conditions consistent with successful task performance. To test this hypothesis, an experimentally validated multilink dynamic model that incorporated modifications in shoulder torque was used to simulate the flight phase dynamics of overrotated landings. The simulation results indicate that modification in shoulder torque during the flight phase enables gymnasts to maintain lower extremity kinematics and initiate contact with trunk angular velocities consistent with those observed during successful landings. These results suggest that modifications in the control logic of one subsystem may be sufficient for achieving both global and local task objectives of landing.
HOUSE-SENATE BUDGET CONFERENCES: Institutional and Strategic Advantages

In 1975, the power of the purse was set within a new congressional budget process. Taxing and spending decisions that previously had been handled in a piecemeal and uncoordinated fashion became subject to comprehensive congressional budget resolutions that set fiscal policy and spending priorities. This represented an important change in executive-legislative relations. It also created, however, another arena for House-Senate conflicts over control of the purse. This article examines the conflicts that subsequently have emerged and how they have been resolved by House-Senate conference committees. It suggests that institutional theories about the House and Senate do not satisfactorily explain budget conference outcomes. Strategic advantages associated with preconference positions must be taken into account, as well.
Structure and packing orientation of transmembrane segments in voltage-dependent channels. Lessons from perturbation analysis.

The past 2 yr have been extraordinary in terms of advances in our understanding of how ion channels work. Nowhere has this dizzying progress been more evident than in the study of the voltage-dependent K+ channel family, Kv. The great catalyst has been, of course, the high-resolution structure of
Three rich clusters of galaxies with bimodal or clumpy X-ray morphologies

X-ray images of the rich clusters of galaxies A1560, A2356, and A2384 show that the individual X-ray features correspond to hot gas of between one and 10 billion solar masses. These results are consistent with the formation of clusters by subcluster coalescence and merging. Clusters can be observed in almost any stage of coalescence, and it is recommended that galaxy motions and distributions be correlated with X-ray brightness distributions.
YouTube: Applying FRBR and Exploring the Multiple Description Coding Compression Model

This article reports on a study exploring Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and a preservation model (Multiple Description Coding Compression [MDC2]) for addressing YouTube's multiple variant and preservation challenges. A sample included 20 YouTube segments: 10 connected with US astronaut Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon, and 10 with the 1966 classic movie, Batman: The Movie. The FRBR analysis used a qualitative content analysis, and the MDC2 exploration used protocol modeling. Results indicate that FRBR is applicable to YouTube, although the FRBR analyses required localization of the Work, Expression, Manifestation, and Item entities. The MDC2 exploration illustrates an approach for exploring FRBR in the context of other models.
Effect of spectral distribution on isomerization of bilirubin in vivo

The purpose of our study was to compare the effects of narrow-spectrum blue light and broad-spectrum white light on the production of bilirubin photoisomers in human infants with jaundice. Twelve preterm infants were studied under both white and blue light. Irradiance at 450 nm was controlled at 12 μW/cm 2 /nm for both light sources. Each light condition (white or blue) was administered for 12 hours. Bilirubin isomers (4Z, 15E-bilirubin and lumirubin) were measured before therapy and after 12 hours of each sequential light condition. The percentage of 4Z,15E-bilirubin was greater under blue light than under white light (P
Music retrieval by singing and humming using information fusion

We present that combinatorial fusion analysis (CFA) can improve results in a music information retrieval (MIR) task, specifically querying a database of recorded music by singing, humming, or whistling. Our experiment considers 10 scoring systems, 55 queries, and a database of 310 original artists' recordings. Through the use of spectral subtraction, we exploit the recording industry's tradition of placing the lead vocal and other prominent melodic features in the center of a stereo mix. We employ the rank/score function previously defined in other studies of CFA to analyze the behavior of scoring systems, and we use the rank/score variation to quantify the diversity of any two scoring systems. We then observe that successful 2-combinations, i.e. cases where the performance of a combination meets or exceeds the performance of its constituent scoring systems, tend to occur when each system performs relatively well and the systems are diverse.
Initial steps toward automation of a propellant processor

This paper presents the results from an experimental study aimed at ultimately automating the mixing of propellants in order to minimize unintended variations usually attributed to human error. The water heater and delivery system of a one-pint Baker-Perkins (APV) vertical mixer are automated with computer control. Various innovations are employed to introduce economy and low thermal inertia. Some of these include twin heaters/reservoirs instead of one large reservoir, a compact water mixer for achieving the desired temperature quickly, and thorough insulation of the entire water system. The completed system is tested during two propellant mixes. The temperature uniformly is proven through careful measurements employing several local thermocouples.