cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis of human erythroid colony‐forming cells is decreased by stem cell factor and insulin‐like growth factor I as well as erythropoietin

To clarify the manner by which erythropoietin (EP), stem cell factor (SCF), or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) regulate erythropoiesis, apoptosis of human erythroid progenitor cells was investigated. Human burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E) partially purified from peripheral blood were cultured for 6 days to generate erythroid colony-forming cells (ECFC), which consist mainly of colony-forming units-erythroid (CFU-E). The cells were labeled with [3H]thymidine, incubated in serum-free liquid media, at 37 degrees C, for 16 h, and the pattern of DNA breakdown was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. When these cells were incubated without EP, 70% of the total cellular DNA was broken down into DNA fragments of less than 5 kilobases and nuclear condensation and fragmentation, characteristic of apoptosis, were evident. While EP greatly reduced the amount of DNA breakdown to 23%, SCF and IGF-I each reduced the amount of DNA breakdown to 38-46% and, when added together, to 24%. Dose-response experiments with SCF and IGF-I showed a dose-dependent reduction in DNA fragmentation at concentrations that stimulate colony formation in serum-free semisolid cultures. Finally, assays of ECFC performed by the plasma clot method, after serum-free liquid culture, at 37 degrees C, for 16 h, demonstrated marked protection of erythroid colony-forming capacity by SCF or IGF-I in the absence of EP, as well as by EP itself. These data indicate that human erythroid progenitor cells undergo apoptosis which is reduced by SCF and IGF-I as well as EP and suggest that the control of apoptosis by each of these factors has a prominent role in the regulation of erythropoiesis.
Bone morphogenetic proteins induce gremlin, a protein that limits their activity in osteoblasts.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) induce the differentiation of cells of the osteoblastic lineage and enhance the function of the osteoblast. Growth factor activity is regulated by binding proteins, and we previously showed that BMPs induce noggin, a glycoprotein that binds and blocks BMP action. Recently, additional BMP antagonists, such as gremlin, have been described, but there is no information about their expression or function in osteoblasts. We tested for the expression of gremlin and studied its induction by BMPs in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). BMP-2 caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in gremlin messenger RNA and polypeptide levels, as determined by Northern and Western blot analyses. The effects of BMP-2 on gremlin transcripts were independent of new protein synthesis. BMP-2 increased the rate of gremlin transcription as determined by nuclear run-on assays. Fibroblast growth factor-2 and platelet-derived growth factor BB also induce...
The moral high ground in Albany: rhetorics and practices of an ‘Olmstedian’ park, 1855–1875

Abstract The mid-nineteenth century park movement represented a reaction to the tensions of growing, industrializing urban spaces. Parks provided a concrete way of aligning moral agendas with the built urban form, and a vehicle for varied and sometimes contradictory elite and middle class concepts of the purposes of public space. This paper describes conflicting strands in the rhetorics and practices of the ‘Olmstedian’ Washington Park in Albany, NY, placing them in the broader context of park ideologies. Contradictory strands in its discourses and moral agendas were never resolved, but they accomplished their fundamental purpose of creating a rhetorical space for civic leadership, and exclusive residential and public spaces for the middle class. Park regulations clearly expressed the culture of ‘refinement’ which accompanied the emergence of middle class sensibilities in the era before the electric streetcar. The park realigned elite residential development and guided Albany's subsequent social geography.
The effect of cyclic AMP on the production of single-strand breaks in DNA of x-irradiated E. coli B-r.

SummaryCyclic AMP, present during irradiation or added subsequently, increases the number of single-strand breaks produced by x-irradiation in the DNA of E. coli B/r CSH. This effect of cyclic AMP is not observed when the cell membrane is modified by treatment with 0·2 mM EDTA, when dinitrophenol is present in the medium, or when stationary-phase rather than log-phase cells are irradiated. It is postulated that cyclic AMP activates a membrane-bound nuclease which degrades irradiated DNA.
The overlapping problems of prosecution sample bias and systematic exclusion of familial child sex abuse victims from the criminal justice system.

(2003). The Overlapping Problems of Prosecution Sample Bias and Systematic Exclusion of Familial Child Sex Abuse Victims from the Criminal Justice System. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 129-132.
Measurement of Barriers for Alkene Dissociation and for Inversion at Zirconium in a d0 Zirconium−Alkyl−Alkene Complex

The β-allyl zirconacyclobutane complex Cp*2Zr[CH2CH(CH2CHCH2)CH2] (7) reacted rapidly with B(C6F5)3 in CD2Cl2 at −78 °C to form the zwitterionic d0 zirconium(IV) chelate complex Cp*2Zr[η1,η2-CH2CH[CH2B(C6F5)3]CH2CHCH2] (2a and 2b). Low-temperature 1H, 13C, TOCSY1D, and NOESY1D NMR spectroscopy of 2 established the bonding of the tethered alkene to the d0 metal center. A dynamic NMR study of the interconversion of 2a and 2b allowed measurement of the alkene dissociation energy (ΔG⧧ = 10.5 (2a to 2b) and 10.3 (2b to 2a) kcal mol-1), but the complex decomposed before the barrier for site epimerization at the zirconium center could be determined. Reaction of 7 with [(C6H5)2(CH3)NH][B(C6F5)4] led to the formation of two isomeric d0 zirconium(IV)−alkyl−alkene chelates Cp*2Zr[η1,η2-CH2CH(CH3)CH2CHCH2][B(C6F5)4] (8a and 8b). This more thermally stable zirconium−alkyl−alkene complex allowed the measurement of barriers associated with decomplexation of the alkene (ΔG⧧ =10.7 and 11.1 kcal mol-1) and site epimerizati...
Intracellular labeling of mouse embryonic stem cell–derived neural progenitor aggregates with micron-sized particles of iron oxide

Abstract Background aims Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) represent an unlimited source for the treatment of various neurological disorders. NPCs are usually derived from PSCs through the formation of embryoid body (EB), an aggregate structure mimicking embryonic development. This study investigated the effect of labeling multicellular EB-NPC aggregates with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) for cell tracking using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Intact and dissociated EB-NPC aggregates were labeled with various concentrations of MPIOs (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 μg Fe/mL). The labeled cells were analyzed by fluorescent imaging, flow cytometry and in vitro MRI for labeling efficiency and detectability. Moreover, the biological effects of intracellular MPIO on cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation and neural differentiation were evaluated. Results Intact EB-NPC aggregates showed higher cell proliferation and viability compared with the dissociated cells. Despite diffusion limitation at low MPIO concentration, higher concentration of MPIO (i.e., 10 μg Fe/mL) was able to label EB-NPC aggregates at similar efficiency to the single cells. In vitro MRI showed concentration-dependent MPIO detection in EB-NPCs over 2.0–2.6 population doublings. More important, MPIO incorporation did not affect the proliferation and neural differentiation of EB-NPCs. Conclusions Multicellular EB-NPC aggregates can be efficiently labeled and tracked with MPIO while maintaining cell proliferation, phenotype and neural differentiation potential. This study demonstrated the feasibility of labeling EB-NPC aggregates with MPIO for cellular monitoring of in vitro cultures and in vivo transplantation.
Continuity and Distinction in Land Cover Across a Rural Stretch of the U.S.-Mexico Border

Differences in land use and land cover often coincide with social and political borders. Using vegetation indices and a visual inspection of Landsat imagery, we consider a rural section of the central Arizona-Sonora border dominated by government-owned land on the U.S. side and seek to understand where and why cross-border land cover continuity exists in some places while distinction exists in others. Land cover distinctions are attributed largely to differential population and economic pressures in the two countries, but are also exacerbated by social and political distinctions. By contrast, historical relations, common use of the land, and relative remoteness provide cross-border homogeneity in land use and land cover in rural areas, especially on the Tohono O’odham reservation.
Comparison of two assay methods for activities of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and coproporphyrinogen oxidase

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) and coproporphyrinogen oxidase (copro'gen oxidase) are two of the least well understood enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway. In the fifth step of the pathway, UROD converts uroporphyrinogen III to coproporphyrinogen III by the decarboxylation of the four acetic acid side chains. Copro'gen oxidase then converts coproporphyrinogen III to protoporphyrinogen IX via two sequential oxidative decarboxylations. Studies of these two enzymes are important to increase our understanding of their mechanisms. Assay comparisons of UROD and copro'gen oxidase from chicken blood hemolysates (CBH), using a newly developed micro-assay, showed that the specific activity of both enzymes is increased in the micro-assay relative to the large-scale assay. The micro-assay has distinct advantages in terms of cost, labor intensity, amount of enzyme required, and sensitivity.
The World Wide Web and Active Learning in the International Relations Classroom.

often more complete than traditional information sources. It also quickly reflects the changing nature of international events. Many national and international newspapers are currently online.4 These can be valuable resources for IR classes preparing to discuss current events or, to give a specific example, allow a Model United Nations team representing India to have access to The Hindu, the leading Indian online newspaper (www.the-hindu.com). The web's international reach also permits users to locate opinions and perspectives from individuals across the US and
The levels of two distinct species of phytochrome are regulated differently during germination in Avena sativa L.

The abundance and molecular mass of phytochrome in germinating embryos of A. sativa (oat) grown in light or darkness have been monitored using immunoblot and spectrophotometric assays. Immunoblot analysis shows that imbibed but quiescent embryos have two immunochemically distinct species of phytochrome with monomeric molecular masses of 124 and 118 kDa (kdalton). The 118-kDa species has the properties of the 118-kDa phytochrome extracted from fully green oat tissue (J.G. Tokuhisa, S.M. Daniels, P.H. Quail, 1985, Planta 164, 321–332), whereas the 124-kDa polypeptide appears similar to the well-characterized photoreceptor of etiolated tissue. The capacity of antibodies directed against etiolated-oat phytochrome to immunoprecipitate the 124-kDa species but not the 118-kDa species has been exploited to quantitate the levels of each separately over a 72-h time course of germination and seedling development. The abundance of the 124-kDa molecule increases at least 200-fold in etiolated seedlings over 72 h whereas in light-grown seedlings the level of this molecule is relatively constant. In contrast, the amount of the 118-kDa species increases only twofold in both dark- and light-grown seedlings over the same period of time. These data indicate that whereas the abundance of 124-kDa phytochrome is regulated at the protein level by the well-documented, differential stability of the red- and far-red-absorbing forms in vivo, the 118-kDa molecule is present at a low constitutive level, presumably reflecting no such difference in the stability of the two spectral forms.
The diffusion of xenon in silver

Abstract Diffusion coefficients for xenon in silver have been determined at temperatures of 500°, 600°, 700°, 735° and 800°C. The activation energy for diffusion is 37.5 kcal/g. atom. The diffusion coefficients can be represented by the equation: D Xe = 0.036 exp (−37,500/ RT ) cm 2 / sec . The diffusion of xenon in silver is attributed to the mobility of positive xenon ions from substitutional sites in the lattice to vacant adjacent sites.
Future of geodynamo theory

Abstract This is an attempt to predict the next fifteen years of geodynamo theory, and to assess the success potential of current directions of research. A new phenomenon, the subcriticality of a model-Z geodynamo, is described.
Processing of tachistoscopic displays with controlled order of characters and spaces

The task used was designed to force Ss consistently to process the letters of a tachistoscopic display in the same spatial order, if Ss are able to process the letters in a brief display serially and if Ss have enough voluntary control over the selection of a processing order to use the order chosen by the E. In the main series of experiments the set of slides shown in each session included slides having a blank space in some position in the linear array of letters. For control, no-blank slides, a sharp, monotonic decrease in the percentage of correct detections of a signal letter with distance of the signal letter from the focusing dot was obtained. An unexpected result from the slides having a blank space was that detection of the signal letter was considerably more accurate on the slides having a blank space immediately following the signal letter than on the control slides having no blank space or the slides having a blank space immediately before the signal letter in the processing order. In one experiment blank spaces were replaced by black rectangles with no substantial change in the pattern of results. The results from the slides having a blank space or a black rectangle were interpreted as indicating that the onset of processing the image of a letter was determined by the distance in the display from the focusing dot to the letter and that the duration of processing an image of a letter was determined by the distance in the display from the letter to the next letter in the processing order.
Security Through Behavioral Biometrics and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to validate a method of collecting and analyzing behavioral biometric data in order to authenticate a user's identity. The method uses the time to transition from one finger to another while typing, a form of Key Interval Time biometrics (KIT). The analysis is performed using feed-forward neural nets. The User Rights and Integrity Enforcement Logic platform, URIEL, was developed to implement this methodology. The URIEL system analyzes KIT data in near-real-time. Its purpose is to demonstrate an effective means of authenticating and distinguishing amongst a group of privileged users. This concept is being assessed through live human trials. The first trial to be completed was an anonymous trial whose volunteer participants were student members of the Physics Computer Science and Engineering Department of Christopher Newport University. The high level of uniformity in this population increased the difficulty in distinguishing between individuals thereby simulating the URIEL platform's intended purpose: the regulation and identification of a small group of privileged users. The results of the first trial were encouraging and are presented here along with a discussion of the impact of variations of the methodology on the results.
Characterization, scaling, and partial representation of diffuse and discrete input junctions to CA3 hippocampus

This paper applies a general mathematical system for characterizing and scaling functional connectivity and information flow across the diffuse (EC) and discrete (DG) input junctions to the CA3 hippocampus. Both gross connectivity and coordinated multiunit informational firing patterns are quantitatively characterized in terms of 32 defining parameters interrelated by 17 equations, and then scaled down according to rules for uniformly proportional scaling and for partial representation. The diffuse EC-CA3 junction is shown to be uniformly scalable with realistic representation of both essential spatiotemporal cooperativity and coordinated firing patterns down to populations of a few hundred neurons. Scaling of the discrete DG-CA3 junction can be effected with a two-step process, which necessarily deviates from uniform proportionality but nonetheless produces a valuable and readily interpretable reduced model, also utilizing a few hundred neurons in the receiving population. Partial representation produces a reduced model of only a portion of the full network where each model neuron corresponds directly to a biological neuron. The mathematical analysis illustrated here shows that although omissions and distortions are inescapable in such an application, satisfactorily complete and accurate models the size of pattern modules are possible. Finally, the mathematical characterization of these junctions generates a theory which sees the DG as a definer of the fine structure of embedded traces in the hippocampus and entire coordinated patterns of sequences of 14-cell links in CA3 as triggered by the firing of sequences of individual neurons in DG.
A Correction for Loading Bias in a Principal Components Analysis.

The Bashaw and Anderson (1967) correction for replicated errors in correlation coefficients was applied to the principal components analysis. Notable changes were found in the components in terms of the loadings and subsequently in the percentage of variance accounted for.
COLOCALIZATION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN THE DEEP CEREBELLAR NUCLEI

An abundance of glycine and glycine receptor immunoreactivities was found in all three parts of the deep cerebellar nuclei. Glycine immunoreactivity was restricted to small neurons throughout most of the deep cerebellar nuclei except for a few large positive neurons in the ventral part of the fastigial nuclei. In addition, glycine immunoreactivity was found in boutons outlining somata of large glycine negative neurons. Complementary to the glycine positive boutons was an intense glycine receptor immunoreactivity on large deep cerebellar nuclei neurons. Comparisons of immunoreactivities for glycine, GABA and aspartate in consecutive one micron sections revealed that many small neurons colocalized glycine and GABA, while some large neurons in the fastigal region colocalized glycine and aspartate. Ultrastructural investigations revealed glycine receptors on postsynaptic sites of dendrites and somata. Most boutons, which were presynaptic to glycine receptor sites, were filled with small flattened vesicles; however, a small percentage of boutons had round clear or dense core vesicles. Frequently, each bouton apposed multiple active zones on the dendrite or soma. One of these active zones was positive for glycine receptor and another was negative. This study supports: (1) glycine as a neurotransmitter in deep cerebellar nuclei, and (2) glycine and GABA colocalization in the same cell and bouton, but releasing to different receptor sites on the target neuron. Furthermore, the coexistence of glycine with GABA in the same deep cerebellar neuron may play an important role in controlling the conset and duration of signal transmission.
The Processes of Creative Thinking

Abstract : We ask first whether we need a theory of creative thinking distinct from a theory of problem solving. Subject to minor qualifications, we conclude there is no such need - that we call problem solving creative when the problems solved are relatively new and difficult. Next, we summarize what has been learned about problem solving by simulating certain human prblem solving pro cesses with digital computers. Finally, we indicate some of the differences in degree that might be observed in comparing relatively creative with relatively routine problem solving. (Author)
Extensions and generalizations of a theorem of Widder and of the theory of symmetric local semigroups

The theory of symmetric local semigroups due to A. Klein and L. Landau (J. Funct. Anal.44 (1981), 121–136) is generalized to semigroups indexed by subsets of Rn for n > 1. The result implies a similar result of A. E. Nussbaum (J. Funct. Anal.48 (1982), 213–223). It is further generalized to semigroups that are symmetric local in some directions and unitary in others. The results are used to give a simple proof of A. Devinatz's (Duke Math. J.22 (1955), 185–192) and N. I. Akhiezer's (“the Classical Moment Problem and Some Related Questions,” Hafner, New York, 1965) generalization of a theorem of Widder concerning the representation of functions as Laplace integrals. This result is extended to the representation as a Laplace integral of a function taking values in B(R), the set of bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space R. Also, a theorem is proved encompassing both the result of Devinatz and Akhiezer, and Bochner's theorem on the representation of positive definite functions as Fourier integrals.
Spatial antialias filtering in the slowness-frequency domain

A rigorous, explicit spatial antialias filter is designed and applied to spatially coarsely sampled seismic data by removing all energy above the first Nyquist wavenumber, and aliased energy that is folded back across the Nyquist, in the horizontal slowness-frequency domain. The spatial filtering in the slowness-frequency domain is explicit, free from any event linearity assumption, and does not require any interpolation. The spatially aliased energy is dispersive, and present at small and large slownesses. Comparison of the output data after antialias spatial filtering, with output data after conventional antialias frequency filtering, shows that the filter removes the spatially aliased frequencies selectively at each slowness; antialias low-pass frequency filtering under- or overcorrects for spatial aliasing at all slownesses. A seismic gather can be spatially dealiased only at the expense of wavelet spectral changes; dealiasing and preservation of amplitude variations with offset are not simultaneously possible.
Immunochemical comparison of histidine-rich protein in keratohyalin granules and cornified cells

(1) Combination of techniques for extraction and purification of histidine rich protein established by several investigators were employed for comparison of histidine-rich protein in granular cells and cornified cells of newborn rats. (2) Histidine-rich protein extracted from the same cell fraction by two different techniques either in 1 M potassium phosphate buffer (Ugel) or in 4 M urea (Dale) showed identical elution profiles on CM 52 cellulose ion exchange chromatography and the same SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns. (3) Histidine-rich protein from granular cells contained polypeptides of larger molecular sizes than those in histidine-rich protein from cornfield cells, although amino acid composition of the two histidine-rich protein was non-distinguishable (histidine residue was more than 7%). (4) Antibodies raised in rabbits by injection of histidine rich protein from granular cells and that from cornfield cells immunologically cross-reacted. Furthermore, the antisera were found to be reactive over both keratohyalin granules and cornified cells, but not epidermal cells of the lower strata.
Atomic interface sequence, misfit strain relaxation and intrinsic flux-pinning defects in different YBa2Cu3O7−δ heterogeneous systems

To explore the interface effects on enhancing critical current density in YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thin films, four heterogeneous systems, of which two have small opposite lattice misfits (i.e., the YBCO/STO (~1.6%) and the YBCO/LAO (~−1.6%)), and the other two have relatively large opposite mismatch (i.e., the YBCO/MgO (~8.9%) and the YBCO/YSZ (~−5.9%)), were selected and synthesized by pulsed-laser deposition. A detailed microstructure analysis including XRD, TEM and the state-of-the-art Cs-corrected STEM imaging, and a thorough superconducting property characterization including critical transition temperature (Tc) and critical current density ( and (H || c) at various temperatures), were conducted for all four heterogeneous systems. The results reveal that the YBCO intrinsic defects, driven by the interface mismatch of different strain states, present a diverse nature in their distribution and density, and thus different flux-pinning performances under various measurement conditions. This study provides an in-depth insight into the microstructure–property correlation in a strongly correlated electronic system, the YBCO heterogeneous structures.
Determinants of Early Mortality and Late Survival in Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Background Infective mitral valve endocarditis continues to be a significant surgical challenge. The objective of this study was to examine our experience with mitral valve endocarditis surgery and identify determinants of early mortality and late survival. Methods and Results Over a 24-year period, mitral valve surgery was performed in 96 patients for infective mitral valve endocarditis. Patient age ranged from 20 to 78 years (median age, 52 years). There were 44 women (46%), and 48 of the 96 patients (50%) were in New York Heart Association functional class IV before surgery. Native valve endocarditis (NVE) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) were present in 72 patients (75%) and 24 patients (25%), respectively. Surgery during the active phase of endocarditis (AE) was required in 60 patients (62%) and during the healed phase (HE) in 36 (38%). The main indications for surgery in the AE group were congestive heart failure (60%), active sepsis (67%), peripheral emboli (47%), and acute renal failure (20...
Visual-word recognition thresholds for screen-fragmented names of the Snodgrass and Vanderwart pictures

The set of names corresponding to the pictures from Snodgrass and Vanderwart (1980) were screen fragmented by means of a series of procedures implemented in Microsoft QuickBasic on a Macintosh microcomputer. Words were screen fragmented by deleting blocks of pixels from their images rather than by deleting individual letters. The screen-fragmentation procedure is particularly useful for the present set of words, in which a large proportion of the names of the pictures are short (fewer than five letters). The screen-fragmentation procedure can produce any number of fragmentation levels. In the present implementation, eight levels of fragmented images were produced, to correspond to the eight levels available for the Snodgrass and Vanderwart pictures.
The Impact of the Human Genome Project on Complex Disease

In the decade that has passed since the initial release of the Human Genome, numerous advancements in science and technology within and beyond genetics and genomics have been encouraged and enhanced by the availability of this vast and remarkable data resource. Progress in understanding three common, complex diseases: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), are three exemplars of the incredible impact on the elucidation of the genetic architecture of disease. The approaches used in these diseases have been successfully applied to numerous other complex diseases. For example, the heritability of AMD was confirmed upon the release of the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) along with confirmatory reports that supported the findings of that state-of-the art method, thus setting the foundation for future GWAS in other heritable diseases. Following this seminal discovery and applying it to other diseases including AD and MS, the genetic knowledge of AD expanded far beyond the well-known APOE locus and now includes more than 20 loci. MS genetics saw a similar increase beyond the HLA loci and now has more than 100 known risk loci. Ongoing and future efforts will seek to define the remaining heritability of these diseases; the next decade could very well hold the key to attaining this goal.
Imaging of the magnetic field structure in megagauss plasmas by combining pulsed polarimetry with an optical Kerr effect shutter technique.

Pulsed polarimetry in combination with a high speed photographic technique based on the optical Kerr effect is described. The backscatter in a pulsed polarimeter is directed through a scattering cell and photographed using an ∼1 ps shutter, essentially freezing the intensity pattern. The image provides both the local electron density and magnetic field distributions along and transverse to the laser sightline. Submillimeter spatial resolution is possible for probing wavelengths in the visible due to the high densities and strong optical activity. Pulsed polarimetry is thereby extended to centimeter-sized plasmas with ne>1019−1020 cm−3 and B>20–100 T (MG) produced by multiterawatt, multimega-ampere electrical drivers, wire Z pinches, and liner imploded magnetized plasmas.
Selecting asparagus plants as sources of haploids

The frequency with which haploid asparagus plants are found amongst multiple seedlings is shown to depend very largely upon which female plant is used as a source of seed. The implications of this observation particularly in relation to the accumulation of haploids and their utilisation in breeding F1 hybrid asparagus are briefly discussed.
The Ashkenazic Jewish Bloom Syndrome Mutation blmAsh Is Present in Non-Jewish Americans of Spanish Ancestry

Bloom syndrome (BS) is more frequent in the Ashkenazic Jewish population than in any other. There the predominant mutation, referred to as "blmAsh," is a 6-bp deletion and 7-bp insertion at nucleotide position 2281 in the BLM cDNA. Using a convenient PCR assay, we have identified blmAsh on 58 of 60 chromosomes transmitted by Ashkenazic parents to persons with BS. In contrast, in 91 unrelated non-Ashkenazic persons with BS whom we examined, blmAsh was identified only in 5, these coming from Spanish-speaking Christian families from the southwestern United States, Mexico, or El Salvador. These data, along with haplotype analyses, show that blmAsh was independently established through a founder effect in Ashkenazic Jews and in immigrants to formerly Spanish colonies. This striking observation underscores the complexity of Jewish history and demonstrates the importance of migration and genetic drift in the formation of human populations.
Enhancing displacement of lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) thin-film membrane microactuators via a dual electrode design

Abstract A common design of piezoelectric microactuators adopts a membrane structure that consists of a base silicon diaphragm, a layer of bottom electrode, a layer of piezoelectric thin film, and a layer of top electrode. In particular, the piezoelectric thin film is often made of lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) for its high piezoelectric constants. When driven electrically, the PZT thin film extends or contracts flexing the membrane and generating an out-of-plane displacement. Many manufacturing defects, however, could significantly reduce the designed actuator displacement. Examples include residual stresses, warping, non-uniform etching of the silicon diaphragm, and misalignment between the top electrode and the silicon diaphragm. The purpose of this paper is to develop a dual top-electrode design to enhance the actuator displacement. In this design, the top electrode consists of two disconnected (thus independent) electrode areas, while a continuous bottom electrode serves as the ground. The two top electrodes are located in two regions with opposite curvature when the diaphragm deflects. When the two top electrodes are driven in an out-of-phase manner, the actuator displacement is enhanced. Finite element analyses and experimental measurements both confirm the feasibility of this design. When manufacturing defects are present, experimental results indicate that the actuator displacement can be optimized by adjusting the phase difference between the dual top electrodes.
Reporting Financial Results with the Video Medium: An Experimental Analysis

This research uses an experimental approach to study the user effects of a video financial report compared to a paper financial report. We hired professional actors and created newscast‐type videos of a fictitious company's management discussion and analysis section of the annual report. The experimental task involved either viewing a video financial report or reading a paper financial report. After viewing/reading the financial report, subjects judged their personal opportunity with the firm (i.e., career and investment) and firm quality. Additionally, they rated perceptions gathered from the report, and they were tested on recall from the report. Overall, our results indicate that video report users rate personal opportunity with the firm in the report higher than do paper report users, but paper report users recall more about the firm and rate the quality of the firm higher than do video report users. We also find that personal opportunity judgments are more influenced by emotive perceptions of the fin...
Eigenvalue properties of structural mean-axis systems

The authors review some of the properties of the pseudoinverse and oblique pseudoinverse of a linear transformation T from one finite-dimensional inner-product space into another, and then use these properties and a theorem of Milne (1968), which states that the oblique pseudoinverse can be expressed in terms of a weak generalized inverse and two projection operators, in order to compute a mean-axis influence coefficient matrix for the dynamic analysis of an elastic body. Some eigenvalue invariance properties of the mean-axis structural dynamics equations are demonstrated, and on the simple example of a uniform beam, it is shown that the finite frequencies and mode shapes of the mean axis structural system are identical to the nonzero frequencies and mode shapes of the free structure.
Spontaneous epileptiform discharges in isolated human cortical slices from epileptic patients

Human epileptic in vitro brain slices were obtained at ablative neurosurgical procedures and examined for spontaneous extracellular field potentials. Electrical events resembling interictal spikes and seizure discharges were observed in tissue from the electrocorticographic epileptic foci, but not in control tissue. It appears that important differences between the epileptic focus and normal tissue are maintained in vitro.
Thermoelectric properties of superlattice nanowires

We report here on a theoretical model for the electronic structure and transport properties of superlattice nanowires, considering their cylindrical wire boundary and multiple anisotropic carrier pockets. The thermoelectric properties of superlattice nanowires made of various lead salts (PbS, PbSe, and PbTe) are investigated as a function of the segment length, wire diameter, crystal orientation along the wire axis, and the length ratio of the constituent nanodots of the superlattice, based on the Kronig-Penney potential for each one-dimensional (1D) subband and on the 1D Boltzmann transport equations. A potential barrier--well inversion induced by quantum confinement, which is a unique phenomenon in superlattice nanowires, is predicted as the wire diameter decreases. $\mathrm{ZT}$ values higher than 4 and 6 are predicted for 5-nm-diameter PbSe/PbS and PbTe/PbSe superlattice nanowires at 77 K, respectively. These ZT values are significantly larger than those of their corresponding alloy nanowires, indicating that superlattice nanowires are promising systems for thermoelectric applications.
Reciprocity relations and completeness of far-field pattern vectors for obstacle scattering of acoustic wave in a stratified medium

Under a generalized Sommerfeld radiation condition, we proved the uniqueness and existence of the direct obstacle scattering problem of time-harmonic acoustic waves in a stratified medium [8]. In this paper, we study the asymptotic behaviour of the scattered waves and prove three reciprocity relations among the free-wave far-field patterns and the guided-wave far-field pattern vectors corresponding to incident distorted plane waves and normal mode waves. Then we prove conditions under which a set of far-field patterns is complete in a Hilbert space based on the reciprocity relation. These properties are important in investigating the inverse obstacle scattering problems.
Dangerous tales: Dominant narratives on the Congo and their unintended consequences

Explanations for the persistence of violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo blame the incendiary actions of domestic and regional leaders, as well as the inefficacy of international peacebuilding efforts. Based on several years of ethnographic research, this article adds another piece to the puzzle, emphasizing the perverse consequences of well-meaning international efforts. I argue that three narratives dominate the public discourse on Congo and eclipse the numerous alternative framings of the situation. These narratives focus on a primary cause of violence, illegal exploitation of mineral resources; a main consequence, sexual abuse of women and girls; and a central solution, extending state authority. I elucidate why simple narratives are necessary for policy makers, journalists, advocacy groups, and practitioners on the ground, especially those involved in the Congo. I then consider each narrative in turn and explain how they achieved prominence: they provided straightforward explanations for the violence, suggested feasible solutions to it, and resonated with foreign audiences. I demonstrate that the focus on these narratives and on the solutions they recommended has led to results that clash with their intended purposes, notably an increase in human rights violations.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN THE DINOFLAGELLATE NOCTILUCA MILIARIS SURIRAY1,2

SUMMARY The existence of sexuality in dinoflagellates has long been controversial. Events described as the differentiation and release of isogametes and sexual fusion in cultures of Noctiluca miliaris were studied with the light microscope. In cultures fed. twice weekly with Dunaliella sp., kept under a 12-hr day, 12-hr night light regime at 25–30 ft-c and held at 18 C, certain vegetative cells, termed gametocyte mother cells, were observed to undergo what is interpreted as meiosis. This was followed by several synchronous mitotic divisions occurring at 45-min to 1-hr intervals and. resulting in the production of up to 1024 mature uniflagellated isogametes attached on the surface of the gametocyte mother cell body. After several hours gametes now seen swimming freely in the media were observed to fuse and form zygotes. One zygote subsequently became vacuolated and eventually differentiated into a small but reasonably typical vegetative cell. The life cycle of N. miliaris appears thus to be of the diplontic type. The taxonomic relationships between Noctiluca and other mesocaryotic dinoflagellates are discussed.
Open mitral valvulotomy.

Abstract A five-year experience with routine open visualization of the mitral valve in 95 patients with mitral stenosis resulted in salvage of 53 valves and replacement of 42. The subvalvular structures were often thickened and fused, and meticulous dissection was necessary to produce adequate mobilization of the valve leaflets. An operative mortality of 1 death among the 53 patients undergoing commissurotomy attests to the safety of the procedure, but immediate functional results were not significantly better than with the closed method. Sufficient mobilization to produce a wide-open orifice in the relaxed state may be an important factor in the functional result.
Echocardiographic evaluation of the fetus with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

Objective The development of nonimmune hydrops is a known complication of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) in the fetus. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of CCAM on hemodynamics in the fetus and to determine whether cardiac dysfunction contributes to the development of hydrops in this patient population. Methods The echocardiographic data from 41 consecutive fetuses diagnosed prenatally with CCAM were reviewed. The presence or absence of hydrops was noted in each patient. Two-dimensional ultrasonographic and Doppler data were compared between the two groups (with or without hydrops). Results The mean gestational age for the study group at the time of imaging was 23.2 ± 3.0 weeks. Hydrops was noted in 15 of 41 fetuses (36.5%). The fetuses that developed hydrops had a lower cardiac/thoracic ratio than those which did not develop hydrops (0.18 vs. 0.23, P = 0.001). The fetuses with hydrops also demonstrated an increase in early ventricular filling. The ratio of early ventricular filling to atrial contraction (E/A ratio) at both the tricuspid and mitral valves was significantly higher in the fetuses with hydrops (P = 0.005 and P = 0.03, respectively). Doppler interrogation of the inferior vena cava demonstrated a greater degree of reversal with atrial contraction in the hydrops group (29.7% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.003). The development of significant atrioventricular valve insufficiency was rare in the fetuses with hydrops (one of 15 cases). Conclusions Cystic adenomatoid malformation can result in significant cardiac compression in the fetus. This alters hemodynamics and may result in hydrops on the basis of elevated central venous pressure. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A different look at texts

The course in business ethics is required by an increasing number of business programs. Accordingly, it seems appropriate to evaluate the text materials used from the perspective of the business student. Relative to early criticisms, recent texts represent consid- erable improvements in their use of case materials and in the manner by which they involve the student in decision- making situations. However, there are two distortions present in all of the texts examined. First, they concentrate too heavily on cases of a policy, or general management, nature. The result is an inadequate coverage of the func- tional areas of the firm in which graduates begin their employment. Second, they concentrate too heavily on manufacturing firms, and thus do not introduce students to the ethical problems found where they are most likely to work, in service firms. It is to be hoped that these imbalances can be easily corrected, thus providing students with a more realistic picture of where in the firm, and in which types of firms, ethical issues are likely to arise.
Does affective education work? A review of seven programs

Abstract Affective education programs are proliferating. This paper summarizes seven affective education programs and eleven evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs. The specific objectives of curricula cluster into three major areas—internal-emotional, cognitive, and overt-behavioral. The results indicate that programs produce measurable outcomes in all three areas, although the evidence of program effects is less impressive in the internal-emotional area than in others. Methodological difficulties inherent in evaluations of affective education are discussed.
Analysis and Optimization of Convective Trapezoidal Profile Longitudinal Fins

The paper presents an analysis of convective trapezoidal-profile longitudinal fins, which describes their thermal performance. In addition, an improved solution of the optimal problem is derived using the Razelos (1979, 1983) method. 8 refs.
The effects of social comparisons on managerial career satisfaction and turnover intentions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply social comparison theory to the study of managerial careers. It is proposed that how managers evaluate their career progression in comparison with the accomplishments of others will affect how they feel about their careers and organizations.Design/methodology/approach – Male and female managers who were similar in age (±5 years) and from the same organization, functional area, management level, and region were asked to participate in the study. Data from 392 managers from lower and middle levels were used to test the study hypotheses. Respondents completed measures of upward comparisons, downward comparisons, enacted aspirations, competitiveness of work group, career satisfaction and turnover intentions.Findings – Study results showed that social comparisons influence managers' turnover intentions and career satisfaction. Upward comparisons were found to be positively related to turnover intentions and career satisfaction. Downward comparisons were found to ...
Planetary science: clays in the history of Mars.

The stream of revelations from Mars continues. The latest news — the discovery of clays in ancient terrains — helps to fill in the picture of the past existence of liquid water on the planet's surface.
A MULTIFACTOR ANALYSIS OF COUNTRY FUND RETURNS

Previous closed-end country fund research concludes that returns behave more like the U.S. market than like their target markets. We argue this finding may be biased by model misspecification and inappropriate estimation techniques. We propose a single-equation model containing five hypothesized factors of fund returns. We estimate this model for nineteen pooled seasoned funds using a time-series cross-section regression that corrects for two types of autocorrelation. We show that returns are strongly related to target markets. Returns are also related to changes in discounts, exchange rates, and other countries' markets, but are only weakly related to the U.S. market. JEL classification: G10, G12
Laser excitation dynamics of atomic and molecular clusters in free jets

The study of atomic and molecular clusters constitutes a rapidly growing cross-disciplinary field of research, whose current advances depend critically on the utilization of new laser and molecular beam techniques. This article surveys current advances in the production, state preparation, and size-separation of clusters using pulsed-laser and molecular beam techniques. Laser photoexcitation experiments are used to probe the unique dynamics of clusters using both high resolution spectroscopy and photo-fragmentation measurements. Examples given are the discovery of the adiabatic pseudorotation in excited Na3, and the search for ion-pair formation in the excitation of microscopic liquid drops. A general spectroscopic approach to the low-energy elementary excitations of metal clusters is presented.
STUDIES IN ASTHMA VII. THE PULMONARY CIRCULATION IN THE GUINEA PIG DURING ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK.

1. Sheep serum in doses below 0.3 cc. intravenously produces no pulmonary vasoconstriction in the guinea pig. Guinea pigs have consequently been sensitized with this substance and anaphylactic shock produced by doses of O.1 and 0.2 cc. 2. Pressure in the pulmonary artery has been measured by the method of Drinker and Went (2) and recorded photographically in a new and convenient manner. 3. At a very early stage in anaphylactic shock the pulmonary arterial pressure falls markedly and this fall seems to precede the appearance of bronchiolar obstruction. 4. The fall in pulmonary blood pressure in anaphylactic shock is in marked contrast to the rise in pressure resulting from intravenous injection of toxic foreign protein, such as horse serum.