cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soslovie and the “Foreign” Clergies of Imperial Russia

Soslovie et les clerges « etrangers » de la Russie imperiale : droits inherents a un ordre ou droits inherents a une fonction ?Par son analyse du statut social des serviteurs religieux des confessions non-orthodoxes de Russie (« les confessions etrangeres »), cet essai aborde une dimension imperiale significative de la question des ordres (sosloviia). Le but est d’etablir dans quelle mesure on peut mettre en evidence l’existence d’un ordre clerical pour les confessions etrangeres, distinguer les criteres selon lesquels les individus etaient reconnus comme relevant de clerges non-orthodoxes et pointer les droits et privileges auxquels ces serviteurs religieux pouvaient pretendre. En reprenant la distinction, avancee par Vasilij Klju?evskij, entre « droits inherents a un ordre (soslovnye prava) » et « droits inherents a une fonction (dolžnostnye prava) », l’auteur demontre que les serviteurs chretiens, a commencer par le clerge orthodoxe, avaient progressivement acquis des droits inherents a leur ordre, tandis que les serviteurs non-chretiens n’avaient generalement pu acquerir que les seuls droits propres a leur fonction. Cet etat de fait resulterait de la combinaison d’interets pratiques et ideologiques, associes a la connaissance limitee de l’Etat sur les serviteurs non-orthodoxes, aux engagements de celui-ci a privilegier la chretiente (orthodoxe) dans l’ordre social de la Russie, et aux modifications de sa politique visant les soslovija.
Savanna dynamics in central Texas: just succession?

Question: What is the best way to model savanna dynamics? Specifically, under what conditions is a traditional succession model, i.e., a model of ordered, uni-directional change in the plant community, better than a state-and-transition model? Location: Central Texas savannas. Methods: We describe three examples of successional processes in central Texas savannas: (a) woody plant encroachment, (b) invasion by a non-native grass, and (c) establishment of different grass species in highly disturbed sites. Results and Conclusions: Savanna dynamics are now commonly conceptualized with state-and-transition models. However, in some situations a traditional succession model may be more appropriate or more useful. Succession models may better fit current ecological reality, as found in central Texas. Succession models emphasize transient dynamics rather than an (often unknown) endpoint, and direct us towards relevant literature from non-savanna ecosystems. Succession models may be particularly useful for land management and restoration, and where woody plant encroachment and/or invasions by non-native species control vegetation dynamics.
Overutilization of regional burn centers for pediatric patients--a healthcare system problem that should be corrected

Abstract Background Minor burns represent .96% to 1.5% of emergency department visits, yet burn center referral is common. Analysis of the Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center examined the feasibility and savings if pediatric burns were managed locally with as-needed consultation. Methods Prospective data on 219 consecutive admissions to Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center between December 2008 and September 2010 were reviewed. National and international cohorts were compared. Results Sixty-six percent of patients were male, the mean age was 6.1 years, and 92% were insured. The most common mechanism of burning was liquid scalding (40%). Seventy percent had burns over Conclusions Pediatric burns require assessment, debridement, and dressing changes. Grafting is rarely necessary. Patients are transferred because of a lack of training, and patients suffer economic burden and treatment delay. Savings could be realized were patients treated locally with select burn center referral.
Crystal Structures of Poly(Ethylene Oxide)3:LiBF4 and (Diglyme)n:LiBF4 (n = 1,2)

The crystal structures of PEO3:LiBF4, (diglyme)2:LiBF4, and (diglyme):LiBF4 have been determined and are compared. The helical conformation of each polymer chain and the stacking of neighboring chains in the structure of the PEO complex is similar to that found in the complexes with Li imide and Li triflate salts of the same PEO:salt ratio. Both PEO3:LiBF4 and (diglyme):LiBF4 have similar coordination around Li+, i.e., 3 ether oxygens and 2 fluorines from two BF4- anions. However, in the former each anion bridges two neighboring Li+ cations located along the PEO chain axis forming a continuous chain −BF4-−Li+−BF4-−Li+− whereas in (diglyme):LiBF4 two BF4- anions bridge between pairs of Li+ forming discrete diglyme−Li+−(BF4-)2−Li+−diglyme units that are linked to their neighbors predominantly by van der Waals bonding. The (diglyme)2:LiBF4 structure is compared with those of PEO6:LiSbF6 (no PEO6:LiBF4 exists) and (diglyme)2:LiSbF6. In both cases the Li+ cations are 6-coordinated by three ether oxygens from t...
Receptor editing is the main mechanism of B cell tolerance toward membrane antigens

Self-reactive B cells specific for ubiquitous membrane-bound autoantigens are eliminated in the bone marrow by two mechanisms of tolerance: receptor editing and clonal deletion. However, the relative contributions of clonal deletion and receptor editing to B cell tolerance in a polyclonal B cell population have not been established. Here we show that tolerance toward a membrane antigen-reactive B cell clone acts by receptor editing with very minimal cell loss. The capacity of receptor editing to rescue almost all autoreactive B cells from deletion relies on the availability of multiple joining light chain gene segments as substrate for secondary immunoglobulin light chain gene rearrangement and is independent of the affinity of the autoantigen and the presence of non-autoreactive B cells. Our data further suggest that clonal deletion is a default pathway that functions only when receptor editing has been exhausted.
Psychosocial risk factors for HIV transmission in female drug abusers.

The authors studied the influences of domains of psychosocial risk factors on needle-sharing with familiar people and with strangers in a cohort of female injecting drug users (IDUs). Subjects were 119 female IDUs, 46% of whom were HIV+. Subjects were given individually administered questionnaire interviews. Using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple hierarchical regression analyses, the authors found that personality, family, and peer attributes related to needle-sharing in women were similar to those found in men, with certain exceptions. The role of the family, particularly the Significant Other, was more important and proximal in its effect on needle-sharing behavior in women than in men. There was a main effect as well as a mediating effect of family in women, buffering risk factors leading to needle-sharing.
Public Opinion and Dynamic Representation in the American States: The Case of Environmental Attitudes*

Objective. We investigate causal processes linking environmental conditions, attitudes, and policies in the American states: Is public opinion about ecology shaped by environmental conditions? Are state policymakers responsive to environmental opinions? Does public opinion respond to policy adoption? Methods. Using public opinion data from the DDB Worldwide Life Style Survey to measure aggregate state attitudes about the environment, as well as measures of water quality and policy intervention, we capture the dynamics of representation in the American states on the environment during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Results. Our findings support a thermostatic model of representation—state environmental opinions are influenced by environmental conditions and are responsive to policy outputs alongside improved environmental conditions. Conclusions. This model of the opinion-policy linkage refines our understanding of representation and focuses us not just on the passage of public policy to address public desires, but the effectiveness of that policy as well.
Challenges and approaches for distributed workflow-driven analysis of large-scale biological data: vision paper

Next-generation DNA sequencing machines are generating a very large amount of sequence data with applications in many scientific challenges and placing unprecedented demands on traditional single-processor bioinformatics algorithms. Middleware and technologies for scientific workflows and data-intensive computing promise new capabilities to enable rapid analysis of next-generation sequence data. Based on this motivation and our previous experiences in bioinformatics and distributed scientific workflows, we are creating a Kepler Scientific Workflow System module, called "bioKepler", that facilitates the development of Kepler workflows for integrated execution of bioinformatics applications in distributed environments. This vision paper discusses the challenges related to next-generation sequencing data, explains the approaches taken in bioKepler to help with analysis of such data, and presents preliminary results demonstrating these approaches.
The Crystallization of Sodium Hypochlorite on Gutta-percha Cones After the Rapid-Sterilization Technique: An SEM Study

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence, crystallization, and subsequent removal of sodium hypochlorite crystals on gutta-percha cones after rapid sterilization. Seventy-two, fresh, standardized, gutta-percha cones were randomly selected. Each cone was observed under the scanning electron microscope and the elemental analysis machine before and after rapid sterilization using 5.25% and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Gutta-percha cones were rinsed after sterilization with 96% ethyl alcohol, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and distilled water independently to determine which of these agents removed the sodium-chloride crystals. There were no crystals present on the gutta-percha cones directly from the box. All gutta-percha cones had sodium-chloride crystals present after the rapid-sterilization technique using 5.25% and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. However, the sodium-chloride crystals were removed by 96% ethyl alcohol, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and distilled water.
Single residue modifications of the delta opioid receptor selective peptide, [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE). Correlation of pharmacological effects with structural and conformational features.

Six analogs of the highly delta opioid receptor selective, conformationally restricted, cyclic peptide [DPen’,~-Pen’]enkephalin, Tyr-D-Pen-Gly-Phe-D-PenOH (DPDPE), were synthesized and evaluated for opioid activity in rat brain receptor binding and mouse vas deferens (MVD) smooth muscle assays. All analogs were single amino acid modifications of DPDPE and employed amino acid substitutions of known effects in linear enkephalin analogs. The effect on binding affinity and MVD potency of each modification within the DPDPE structural framework was consistent with the previous reports on similarly substituted linear analogs. Conformational features of four of the modified DPDPE analogs were examined by ‘H NMR spectroscopy and compared with DPDPE. From these studies it was concluded that the observed pharmacological differences with DPDPE displayed by diallyltyrosine’ -DPDPE ([DAT’IDPDPE) and phenylglycine4-DPDPE ([Pg14]DPDPE) are due to structural and/or conformational differences localized near the substituted amino acid. The observed enhanced p receptor binding affinity of the carboxamide terminal DPDPE-NH2 appears to be founded solely upon electronic differences, the NMR data suggesting indistinguishable conformations. The observation that the r-aminoisobutyric acid substituted analog [Aib’IDPDPE displays similar in vitro opioid behavior as DPDPE while apparently assuming a significantly different solution conformation suggests that further detailed conformational analysis of this analog will aid the elucidation of the key structural and conformational features required for action at the 6 opioid receptor.
Thermomechanical properties of aluminum alkoxide (alucone) films created using molecular layer deposition

Abstract Nanometer-scale-thick, polymer-like coatings deposited using the molecular layer deposition (MLD) technique constitute a new class of materials. The modulus and hardness of aluminum alkoxide (“alucone”) films grown using either homobifunctional or heterobifunctional reactants were measured using nanoindentation. Because the coatings are brittle and possess a significant tensile film stress immediately after deposition, the influence of film stress on the indentation measurements was quantified using a numerical analysis protocol. The film stress and coefficient of thermal expansion for alucone were determined using the wafer curvature method. Film stress was found to stabilize within the first thermal cycle, demonstrating a repeatable hysteresis thereafter. Curvature/time measurements on coated microcantilever beams indicated that the most significant evolution in film stress for alucone occurred during the initial 2 weeks of storage in the ambient environment. The temporal behavior is attributed to the change in thickness and/or modulus of alucone, and is consistent with the film stress becoming more compressive over time. An encapsulating alumina film, coated using the atomic layer deposition technique, was found to suppress the evolution of stress within alucone. The studies here suggest that the alucones have a greater elastic modulus than traditional polymers, are at present quite brittle and are prone to environmental influence. The MLD technique, however, possesses a rich wealth of options that enable the modulus, adhesion and chemical stability of the coatings to be tailored.
Cochlear implantation: Minimal hair removal technique

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and patient acceptance of minimal hair removal during cochlear implantation. Forty-six consecutive patients (17 adults, 29 children; age range 13 months to 84 years) received cochlear implantation with a minimal hair removal technique. A questionnaire was used to evaluate acceptance and value of this technique among the first 15 patients and parents. Postoperative examinations were completed 1 and 4 weeks after implantation. Patients were monitored for complications, which included 3 cases of transient seroma, 2 cases of transient dysequilibrium, 2 individual electrode failures, and 1 facial nerve stimulation. Importantly, no wound infections were documented. Use of a small shave technique did not increase surgical risk. This technique has proved to be cosmetically and psychologically more desirable for the patients and their families than complete hair removal in the operative field.
Investigation of a liquid-fed water resistojet plume

Measurements of mass flux and flow angle were taken throughout the forward flow region of the exhaust of a liquid-fed water resistojet using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The resistojet operated at a mass flow rate of 0.1 g/s with a power input of 330 Watts. Measured values were compared to theoretical predictions obtained by employing a source flow approximation. Excellent agreement between predicted and measured mass flux values was attained; however, this agreement was highly dependent on knowledge of nozzle flow conditions. Measurements of the temperature at which the exhaust condensed on the QCM were obtained as a function of incident mass flux.
Does the presence of a measurable blood alcohol level in a potential organ donor affect the outcome of liver transplantation

The widespread application of hepatic transplantation has created a tremendous demand for donor organs. An assessment of donor parameters is thought to be important in selecting good donors; however, the criteria utilized have not been standardized. This study was performed to determine the effect of a measurable donor blood alcohol level on graft survival. Fifty-two patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh were included in the study. Twenty-five patients received liver grafts from donors having a blood alcohol level between 0.04 and 0.4 g/l with a mean of 0.17 g/l. Twenty-seven patients received a liver graft from a donor who had no measurable blood alcohol. There were no differences between these two groups of donors regarding the time of initial hospitalization until the time of donation. Graft failure within the first 30 days was 24% for those receiving an organ from an alcohol-positive donor as compared with 22.2% in those receiving an organ from an alcohol negative donor. The recipient mortality rate was 16% and 11%, respectively. No relationships between the donor blood alcohol level and organ performance, frequency of primary graft nonfunction, or number of episodes of acute cellular rejection were evident. Based upon these data, the presence of a measurable blood alcohol level in a donor should not mitigate against organ donation.
Measurement of temperature profiles of chemical waves by thermocolor imaging

Abstract A new method is presented for the measurement of the temperature profile of chemical waves propagating through a solution. Using solutions of thermocolor materials, the temperature distribution caused by the heat released in the propagating chemical reaction front is visualized and recorded using digital image processing methods. After a calibration, the temperature gradient can be calculated from the gray scale value in a digitized image. The method was applied to the fronts in the chlorate oxidation of sulfite. Temperature measurements in the 25–44°C range were made with 2.5°C resolution and in the 44–90°C range with 0.5°C resolution.
Composition and phase development of epitaxial superconducting Tl0.78Bi0.22Sr1.6Ba0.4Ca2Cu3O9−δ thin films by laser ablation and post annealing

Abstract For the formation of epitaxial superconducting Tl 0.78 Bi 0.22 Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9−δ ((Tl,Bi)-l223) thin films, the dependence of phase development on the chemical state of the source materials, deposition distance from source to substrate, and O 2 pressure during deposition by laser ablation and post annealing was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It was found necessary to have thallium in the precursor film and that a reacted source target is better than the unreacted source for obtaining (Tl,Bi)-1223 phase-pure films. Better (Tl,Bi)-1223 films were obtained at a deposition distance of 44 mm from source to substrate than at a distance of 61 mm over a range of O2 pressure from 5.7 to 31.3 mTorr The best films prepared under the optimal conditions exhibited transport J c close to 3 × 10 6 A/cm 2 at 77 K and zero field.
A note on heat transfer to turbulent liquid falling films at high prandtl number

For heating of turbulent falling films at large Pr, the resistance to heat transfer exists almost entirely in the viscous sublayer near the wall, with the outer fully turbulent region being virtually isothermal. In this note, an approximate relation for the heat transfer coefficient is derived for heating or cooling of a fully turbulent falling film at high Prandtl number. The analysis used to determine the heat transfer correlation incorporates the high Prandtl number assumption in a manner similar to that of Sandall et al. (1984). However, the present analysis differs in that it accounts for the known variation of turbulent Prandtl number with distance from the wall. Sandall et al. (1984) assumed that the turbulent Prandtl number is constant across the film. The heat transfer coefficients predicted by the correlation obtained here are found to agree well with experimental data for heating of liquid films at moderate and high values of Prandtl number.
Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of gastric varices in 18 patients with relative contraindications for TIPS or failed TIPS in single US medical center

Purpose Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), a well-established treatment for portal hypertension related gastric varices. However, it may not be suitable for some patients with portal vein thrombosis, hepatic encephalopathy and severe thrombocytopenia, etc. We retrospectively review the balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of gastric varices in 18 patients with relative contraindication for TIPS or technically or clinically failed TIPS in single US medical center. Materials and Methods From Sep 2009 to Jan 2012, eighteen patients (six men and twelve women; mean age, 60.1 yrs; range, 26-85 yrs) were treated with BRTO of gastric varices in single US medical center. Indication of BRTO of gastric varices included portal vein thrombosis (n=3), large HCC (n=3), failed TIPS placement (n=2), failed bleeding control after TIPS placement (n=3), severe thrombocytopenia (n=1), old age (> 75 years) (n=3), refusal of TIPS due to hepatic encephalopathy (n=1), and status post liver transplantation (n=1), hyperbilirubinemia (n=1). Acute gastric bleeding was eight patients, prior bleeding was six patients, and impeding bleeding was four patients. Entanolamine oleate was used as sclerosant agent in four patients and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (sotradecol) was used in fourteen patients. We retrospectively analyzed technical success, complication, and clinical successes (control of acute gastric bleeding, recurrence of gastric or esophageal bleeding). Results BRTO of gastric varices was successfully performed in all patients. Complication was one vein rupture causing small retroperitoneal hematoma. Acute gastric bleeding was controlled in all eight patients. Three patients were lost to follow up. During follow up (22-618 days), two patients underwent prophylactic banding of the esophageal varices. There was no recurrent bleeding from the gastric varices and there was one esophageal bleeding. Follow up CT or MRI images (65 to 618 days) and follow up upper endoscopies (34 to 682 days) showed obliteration of gastric varices. Conclusion BRTO of gastric varices can be a useful treatment for patients with relative contraindications for TIPS or technically or clinically failed TIPS.
Alteration of transcriptomic networks in adoptive-transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Adoptive transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (AT-EAE) is an inflammatory demyelination that recapitulates in mouse spinal cord (SC) the human multiple sclerosis disease. We now analyze previously reported cDNA array data from age-matched young female adult control and passively myelin antigen-sensitized EAE mice with regard to organizational principles of the SC transcriptome in autoimmune demyelination. Although AT-EAE had a large impact on immune response genes, broader functional and chromosomal gene cohorts were neither significantly regulated nor showed significant changes in expression coordination. However, overall transcriptional control was increased in AT-EAE and the proportions of transcript abundances were perturbed within each cohort. Striking likenesses and oppositions were identified in the coordination profiles of genes related to myelination, calcium signaling, and inflammatory response in controls that were substantially altered in AT-EAE. We propose that up- or down-regulation of genes linked to those targeted by the disease could potentially compensate for the pathological transcriptomic changes.
Deciding Advantageously Before Knowing the Advantageous Strategy

Deciding advantageously in a complex situation is thought to require overt reasoning on declarative knowledge, namely, on facts pertaining to premises, options for action, and outcomes of actions that embody the pertinent previous experience. An alternative possibility was investigated: that overt reasoning is preceded by a nonconscious biasing step that uses neural systems other than those that support declarative knowledge. Normal participants and patients with prefrontal damage and decision-making defects performed a gambling task in which behavioral, psychophysiological, and self-account measures were obtained in parallel. Normals began to choose advantageously before they realized which strategy worked best, whereas prefrontal patients continued to choose disadvantageously even after they knew the correct strategy. Moreover, normals began to generate anticipatory skin conductance responses (SCRs) whenever they pondered a choice that turned out to be risky, before they knew explicitly that it was a risky choice, whereas patients never developed anticipatory SCRs, although some eventually realized which choices were risky. The results suggest that, in normal individuals, nonconscious biases guide behavior before conscious knowledge does. Without the help of such biases, overt knowledge may be insufficient to ensure advantageous behavior.
L-arginine availability determines the duration of acetylcholine-induced systemic vasodilatation in vivo

Summary In vitro studies have shown that acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation is mediated by endothelium-derived relaxing factor/nitric oxide (EDRF/NO).EDRF/NO is synthesized from L-arginine by an enzymatic pathway that is inhibited by L-N G -methylarginine. To assess whether EDRF/NO also mediates the vasodilating action of acetylcholine in vivo , we have investigated the effect of L-arginine and L-N G -methylarginine on the hypotensive response to acetylcholine in the anesthetized guinea pig. L-arginine prolonged the duration of the depressor response to acetylcholine and L-N G -methylarginine decreased it. However, neither L-arginine nor L-N G -methylarginine modified the magnitude of actylcholine's hypotensive effect unless the blood pressure was previously elevated by infusion with norepinephrine. Thus, de novo synthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine contributes importantly, but not exclusively, to acetylcholine's hypotensive effect in the guinea pig. Furthermore, the concentration of circulating L-arginine may influence the duration and magnitude of acetylcholine-induced depressor responses under normotensive and hypertensive conditions.
Orientation dependence of homoepitaxy: An in situ X-ray scattering study of Ag

Abstract We have investigated the homoepitaxial growth of Ag(111) and Ag(100) using X-ray specular reflectivity measured near the Bragg positions. At a growth temperature of 200 K, we observe that the root-mean-square roughness, σ, evolves as a power law in the deposited thickness for both crystal orientations. However, the growth kinetics of these surfaces are vastly different, leading to exponents of β = 0.5 ± 0.05 for Ag(111) and β = 0.28 ± 0.03 for Ag(100). The differences in growth are attributed to the diffusion barrier at step ledges.
Catalytically Distinct Antibodies Prepared by the Reactive Immunization versus Transition State Analogue Hapten Manifolds

This report describes the first direct comparison between the reactive immunization and transition state analogue hapten manifolds for catalytic antibody production. In an initial communication (Janda et al J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 10251) we described the use of a phosphonate diester hapten 5, in a reactive immunization approach, that elicited a panel of proficient biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of S-(+)-naproxen p-methylsulfonylphenyl ester (3b) [kcat(3b)/kuncat(3b) = 0.05−6.60 × 105]. However, only moderate enantioselectivity was obtained when the panel of antibody catalysts was studied in a kinetic resolution of rac-3a, the best result leading to S-(+)-4a in 90% ee for 35% conversion of rac-3a. This report details a transition state analogue hapten approach to elicit antibody catalysts for this same process by employment of phosphonate monoester 6. This strategy has yielded a library of catalysts with excellent turnover numbers [kcat(3b)/kuncat(3b) = 0.14−19.0 × 105] and enantioselectivities. Thre...
On particle adhesion and removal mechanisms in turbulent flows

Particle removal mechanisms in a turbulent flow are examined and two models which are based on the structure of turbulence near wall flow are described. The theory of critical moment, along with the sliding detachment models, is used, and the effects of the near-wall coherent vortices, as well as turbulence burst/inrush phenomena, are included. The down sweep flow patterns are modeled as viscous stagnation point flows. The hydrodynamic force and torque acting on a spherical particle attached to a wall are used in the model developments. For different adhesion models, the minimum critical shear velocities for removing particles of different sizes are evaluated. The model predictions are compared with the available data and discussed.
Saharan dust storm detection using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer thermal infrared bands

This paper investigates the approaches of Saharan dust storm detection with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) thermal infrared bands and presents an index, thermal-infrared dust index, through quantitative analysis of MODIS data for major dust events over the Atlantic Ocean during year 2004-2006. It is found that aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 550nm has close relationships with the brightness temperature of MODIS bands 20, 30, 31, and 32. The proposed thermal-infrared dust index matches MODIS AOT very well with a squared correlation coefficient of 0.7646. Case study and statistical analysis suggest the potential to use 1km thermal-infrared dust index data for detecting dust storms and evaluating the potential impacts of regional weather, such as Atlantic hurricanes, and climate in the near future.
Doodling our way to better authentication

Password security often fails in practice because users select predictable passwords. We conducted a study to explore the use of hand-drawn doodle password ("passdoodle"). Our findings show that users could recall all visual elements of the doodle as well as they could recall alphanumeric passwords, but most could not perfectly redraw their selected doodles. Users perceive passdoodles as easier to remember than alphanumeric passwords; however, they prefer whichever authentication method they perceive to be more secure.
Higher Alcohol Synthesis over Double Bed Cs−Cu/ZnO/Cr2O3 Catalysts: Optimizing the Yields of 2-Methyl-1-propanol (Isobutanol)

Higher alcohol synthesis from H2/CO has been carried out over two tandem beds of a cesium-promoted Cu/ZnO/Cr2O3 catalyst with a temperature difference between the beds. Lower alcohols produced in the low temperature top bed are supplied as oxygenated precursors to the higher temperature bottom bed to react further in the chain growth process leading to the formation of higher alcohols. In this configuration, a high space time yield of 202 g/kg of catalyst/h of 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutanol) was obtained. This presently observed yield of isobutanol in a double bed configuration with the copper-based catalyst in both beds represents a very significant enhancement over the earlier reported isobutanol yields in a double bed confiuration with a copper-free catalyst in the second bed (Beretta et al., 1996). A kinetic reaction network (Smith et al., 1991) was modified to model this double bed catalyst configuration. This model was then used to obtain kinetic parameters and predict product yields for the reacti...
HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir-induced TNF-α and IL-6 expression is coupled to the unfolded protein response and ERK signaling pathways in macrophages

Abstract HIV protease inhibitor (PI)-associated cardiovascular risk, especially atherosclerosis, has become a major concern in the clinic. Macrophages are key players in the inflammatory response and atherosclerosis formation. We have previously shown that HIV PIs induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), and increase the synthesis of the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, by regulating the intracellular translocation of RNA binding protein HuR in macrophages. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms remain unclear. We show here that the HIV PI lopinavir significantly activated the extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK), but not c-Jun N -terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. Lopinavir-induced cytosolic translocation of HuR and TNF-α and IL-6 synthesis was attenuated by specific chemical inhibitor of MEK (PD98058) or over-expression of dominant negative mutant of MEK1. In addition, we demonstrated that lopinavir-induced ERK activation and TNF-α and IL-6 expression were completely inhibited in macrophages from CHOP null mice. Taken together, these results indicate activation of the UPR plays an essential role in HIV PI-induced inflammatory cytokine synthesis and release by activating ERK, which increases the cytosolic translocation of HuR and subsequent binding to the 3′UTR of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNAs in macrophages.
The Geography of Global Supply Chains: Evidence from Third-Party Logistics

Global supply chains have a distinct geography that involves the dimensions of production, distribution and consumption. This geography, at the heart of many sourcing strategies, is often neglected by supply chain managers, or at least scholars investigating supply chain management. However, this essay underlines that this geography reveals patterns that depict well the organization and structure of outsourcing with distribution systems supporting the dichotomy between the geography of production and consumption. Significant segments of supply chain management exist solely to support this spatial divergence. Global processes are also reflected in regional structures and the case of third party logistics providers is investigated. Depending on the gateway and the type of supply chain being serviced, North American 3PLs display a clustering that is particularly prevalent around airport terminals and crossborder ports of entry. Such firms are highly flexible and changes in the locational behavior are likely to reflect changes in outsourcing and supply chain management.
Molecular weights of plant virus coat proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract The molecular weights of the coat proteins of 15 plant viruses were estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Most well-characterized viral coat proteins gave values within about 10% of that estimated by other means. Five viral proteins (cucumber mosaic virus, potato virus X, sowbane mosaic virus, tobacco etch virus, and white clover mosaic virus) gave values significantly different from those based on chemical and physical data. Two components were obtained with the coat proteins of tomato bushy stunt virus and white clover mosaic virus.
The process of offender reintegration: Perceptions of what helps prisoners reenter society:

Qualitative data from16 offenders were analyzed to understand the process of reintegration from their perspective. The offenders identified six factors that they felt influenced their ability to reintegrate and desist from crime: (1) substance abuse; (2) employment; (3) family support; (4) types of friends; (5) personal motivation to change; and (6) age. A large majority indicated that drug abuse was a major contributor to their criminal activities. Most said supports from family, friends, and treatment services were important for successful reintegration. Those who were successful tended to have both a personal desire to change and a support system that helped them reintegrate and desist from drug use and crime. Support had more impact among those who desired to change and those who received support were more likely to perceive that change is possible.
γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase of spermatozoa may decrease oocyte glutathione content at fertilization in pigs

The presence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in boar spermatozoa and the potential role of the GGT at sperm penetration were examined using in vitro matured porcine oocytes. In the first experiment, GGT of boar spermatozoa was examined using a histochemical stain. GGT was detected in the midpiece and the acrosome regions of boar spermatozoa. In the second experiment, porcine oocytes matured in vitro were injected with approximately 40 pl of 10 mM HEPES solution alone or HEPES containing 0.5 U/ml GGT or 1 mM guanosine-5'-O-(3'-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S; G-protein activator). When GGT was injected into oocytes, the incidence of oocytes activated (23.7 +/- 1.4%) was not different (P > 0.05) from HEPES-injected controls (24.9 +/- 1.3%) at 6 h after injection. Injected GTP-gamma-S, however, activated 76.0 +/- 5.3% of oocytes at 6 h after injection, but extrusion of the second polar body was very low (2.8 +/- 4.8%). Total content of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) did not differ (P > 0.05) between GTP-gamma-S injected oocytes (4.2 +/- 0.7 pmol/oocyte) and noninjected oocytes (4.0 +/- 0.1 pmol/oocyte) at 6 h after injection. However, the total content of GSH and GSSG was lower (P < 0.01) in GGT-injected oocytes (2.1 +/- 0.2 pmol/oocyte) than HEPES-injected oocytes (3.4 +/- 0.2 pmol/oocyte) at 6 h after injection. In the third experiment, in vitro matured porcine oocytes were injected with about 40 pl of 10 mM HEPES solution alone or HEPES containing 0.5 U/ml GGT and then inseminated. At 12 h after insemination, the incidence of male pronuclear formation was significantly lower in oocytes injected with GGT as compared with injected control oocytes. These results demonstrated that (1) GGT was present on the surface of spermatozoa, (2) total oocyte content of GSH and GSSG was decreased by microinjection of GGT but not by that of GTP-gamma-S, and (3) male pronuclear formation was inhibited in GGT-injected oocytes. These results suggest that sperm GGT may be a limiting factor for male pronuclear formation in polyspermic oocytes.
Brain potentials before and during memory scanning

Brain potentials were recorded from 10 normal subjects engaged in a 3-item auditory verbal short-term memory task. A fixed interval (3 s) between the last memory item and the probe was compared to a random interval (1.8-4.2 s with a mean of 3 s). Subjects indicated by button press whether the probe was or was not a member of the memory-set. The same 3-item task was also presented as a counting task and required a button press to the "fourth stimulus' (the probe). The amplitudes of several slow potential shifts preceding and following the probe, and the amplitudes and latencies of the accompanying short duration components (N100, P200) were measured. When the probe appeared at a fixed interval, the amplitude of a slow negative potential in the 300 ms period preceding the probe was slightly larger in the memory than in the counting task. When the probe appeared at a random interval in the memory task, the slow negative shift preceding the probe was absent. Another slow negative shift that peaked at approximately 376 ms after the probe was present in the memory tasks but was absent in the counting task. The amplitude of a late positive shift that peaked at approximately 700 ms after the probe was not different within the memory tasks, or between the memory and counting tasks. N100 amplitude but not P200 amplitude was larger in the memory task when the probe occurred at a fixed than at a random interval. These results suggest that the amplitude of a slow negative shift preceding the probe was related primarily to a temporal expectancy for the appearance of the probe and to a lesser extent to memory processes. In contrast, a slow negative shift that followed the probe occurred only during the memory tasks.
Transmission of Ebola virus (Zaire strain) to uninfected control monkeys in a biocontainment laboratory

Secondary transmission of Ebola virus infection in humans is known to be caused by direct contact with infected patients or body fluids. We report transmission of Ebola virus (Zaire strain) to two of three control rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that did not have direct contact with experimentally inoculated monkeys held in the same room. The two control monkeys died from Ebola virus infections at 10 and 11 days after the last experimentally inoculated monkey had died. The most likely route of infection of the control monkeys was aerosol, oral, or conjunctival exposure to virus-laden droplets secreted or excreted from the experimentally inoculated monkeys. These observations suggest approaches to the study of routes of transmission to and among humans.
Lipid management and control of other coronary risk factors in the postmenopausal woman.

This review identifies coronary heart disease (CHD) as the leading cause of mortality among postmenopausal women and highlights the well-documented problem of underrecognition and undertreatment of women who are at risk for or who already have CHD. This undertreatment encompasses both preventive care (i.e., drug treatment for lipid management) and more invasive treatments (e.g., revascularization procedures). Preventive interventions to reduce dyslipidemia and control other coronary risk factors can lessen CHD mortality and morbidity in the postmenopausal woman.
Incorporation of catalytic dehydrogenation into Fischer–Tropsch synthesis of liquid fuels from coal to minimize carbon dioxide emissions

Abstract Synthesis gas (syngas) produced from coal typically has hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios in the range of approximately 0.7–1.1, depending on the gasification method. In order to produce liquid fuels from this syngas by Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), these ratios must be raised to 2.0 or higher. If this is accomplished by the water–gas shift reaction, the traditional method, large emissions of carbon dioxide are produced. In this paper, it is shown that catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) of the gaseous C1–C4 products of FT synthesis and recycling of the resulting hydrogen to the syngas feed-stream can increase the H 2 /CO ratio to the desired values with little or no production of carbon dioxide. All carbon from the CDH reaction is in the form of a potentially valuable by-product, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The amounts of hydrogen and MWCNT produced, carbon dioxide emissions avoided, and water saved are calculated for a 50,000 bbl/day FTS–CDH plant and it is demonstrated that the energy balance for the process is favorable. Methods of utilizing the large quantity of MWCNT produced are discussed.
Single-place alternative opportunities in an economic model of migration

Inspired by Samuel Stouffer's work on alternative opportunities in the gravity model of migration, Levy and Wadycki developed a specification for incorporating this concept in an economic model of migration. Subsequent testing has confirmed the statistical relevance of the alternative opportunity concept across a number of countries and time periods.
Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for treatment of symptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis: Safety and feasibility study

Purpose The current standard of care for deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) is anticoagulation; however, this treatment method does not rapidly relieve clot burden or clinical symptoms. We describe a rapid and effective method of thrombus removal, with simultaneous percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) and thrombolysis. Methods Over 26 months 20 patients (22 men, 2 women; mean age, 52 ± 6 years [range, 38-79 years]) with extensive lower extremity DVT were treated with PMT with the AngioJet thrombectomy device in combination with lytic agent (urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, or reteplase) added to the infusion. Three patients underwent treatment twice, because of recurrent DVT. The primary end point was angiographic evidence of restoration of venous patency at completion of the procedure. Complications, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, and improvement in clinical symptoms were evaluated. Results Complete thrombus removal was obtained in 15 procedures (65%), and partial resolution in the remaining 8 procedures (35%). Inciting occlusive lesions responsible for acute DVT were revealed in 14 patients (61%), and angioplasty with or without stenting was performed when necessary. In the 8 procedures with partial resolution additional catheter-directed thrombolysis was carried out on average for 5.7 hours, with further thrombus reduction. Overall, immediate ( Conclusions Addition of lytic agent to PMT facilitates thrombus extraction, decreases overall interventional treatment time, and improves patient outcomes. In addition, definitive management of underlying anatomic lesions can be performed in the same setting. Further outcome measures are necessary to study the long-term efficacy of this treatment method on preservation of valve function, reduction of chronic venous insufficiency, and improved quality of life.
Farmers perspectives on the role of shade trees in coffee production systems: an assessment from the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica.

Interest in shade-grown coffee is now increasing because of declining coffee prices in the world market and an increasing trend toward “green consumerism.” It is therefore important to understand farmers' perception of the role of shade trees in coffee fields, an area that has not received deserving attention in research agendas. On the basis of detailed interviews involving both “open-ended” and “closed” questions with 83 small-scale coffee farmers in the Peninsula of Nicoya, Costa Rica, we found that characteristics that farmers considered important were mostly comparable to those stated in the literature. But some differences were also noted; examples included tree height (considered important by farmers, but not in literature) and leaf size (mentioned in literature, but not by farmers). Some tree species that were not considered beneficial as coffee shade trees were still retained in the fields because of the additional benefits they provided. Eighty-eight percent of farmers were interested in incorporating more trees, especially fruit trees, into their coffee plantations. The results of the study underscore the need for research on the little-studied area of interaction between coffee plants and fruit trees.
Effect of tunicamycin on the extracellular acid phosphatase of Leishmania donovani promastigotes

Abstract Inhibition of replication of Leishmania donovani promastigotes in axenic culture medium by tunicamycin, an inhibitor of asparagine linked protein glycosylation, depends upon the cell density of the culture at the time of addition of tunicamycin as well as upon the concentration of tunicamycin itself. Parasite multiplication in cultures with initial densities of ⩽ 1 × 10 6 cells ml −1 and a tunicamycin concentration of 1 μg ml −1 was limited to 2–3 replications, but this limitation was not observed in cultures with initial densities ⩾ 2 × 10 6 cells ml −1 . Under conditions in which tunicamycin inhibited parasite growth and protein synthesis by only 15% and 6%, respectively, there was a > 90% reduction in the level of secreted acid phosphatase activity in comparison to control cultures. The extracellular acid phosphatase activity remaining in tunicamycin treated cultures was electrophoretically distinct from that found in control cultures. No significant decrease in the amount of [ 35 S]methionine incorporated into acid insoluble products in the supernatant of tunicamycin treated cultures was observed, and a radiolabeled protein with an electrophoretic M r of 97 000 was immunoprecipitated from this supernatant by an anti extracellular acid phosphatase antiserum. It was concluded that the L. donovani extracellular acid phosphatase, previously shown to be a mannose containing glycoprotein, contains N-linked oligosaccharides which are necessary for maintenance of its catalytic activity, but not its secretion.
Calibration formulas for the pollak condensation nucleus counter

Abstract Pollak condensation nucleus counters serve as secondary standard instruments at GMCCs four background measurement stations. Pollak's calibration table, ranging between 1 and 641, 210 nuclei/cm3, was approximated using a piecewise cubic spline with 28 variable knots. The resulting formulae for calculating concentration of nuclei from Pollak counter meter readings agree with the calibration table better than 0.01 % over the most of the range and within no more than 1 nucleus/cm3 for concentrations less than about 1000 cm3−. These formulae simplify the reduction of Pollak counter data and facilitate the construction of an automatic Pollak counter with direct readout of the concentration of nuclei.