cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective suppression of endothelial cytokine production by progesterone receptor

Steroid hormones are well-recognized suppressors of the inflammatory response, however, their cell- and tissue-specific effects in the regulation of inflammation are far less understood, particularly for the sex-related steroids. To determine the contribution of progesterone in the endothelium, we have characterized and validated an in vitro culture system in which human umbilical vein endothelial cells constitutively express human progesterone receptor (PR). Using next generation RNA-sequencing, we identified a selective group of cytokines that are suppressed by progesterone both under physiological conditions and during pathological activation by lipopolysaccharide. In particular, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL2/3, and CXCL1 were found to be direct targets of PR, as determined by ChIP-sequencing. Regulation of these cytokines by progesterone was also confirmed by bead-based multiplex cytokine assays and quantitative PCR. These findings provide a novel role for PR in the direct regulation of cytokine levels secreted by the endothelium. They also suggest that progesterone-PR signaling in the endothelium directly impacts leukocyte trafficking in PR-expressing tissues.
Correlation of Tensile Properties of Tough Amorphous Polymers with Internal Friction

Abstract The ultimate stress-strain behavior of five tough amorphous polymers was studied at temperatures from 4.2 to 300°K using an Instron tensile tester which was adapted for cryogenic measurements. The polymers were found to fail by one of three modes depending upon test temperature and sample pretreatment condition. The transition from a general ductile behavior to brittle fracture was accompanied by a maximum in toughness which could be correlated with the γ transition in these polymers. At still lower temperatures there was a change in the brittle failure which correlated with the magnitude of the internal friction intensity of δ = 0.007 – 0.020. This transition in brittle fracture mode was characterized by a maximum in the brittle fracture stress. It is proposed that the brittle fracture at very low temperature occurs at abnormally low stresses due to stress concentrations factors which can not be relieved since molecular mobility becomes greatly restricted under these cryogenic conditions.
Isolation of a cDNA coding for human galactosyltransferase.

Human milk galactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.22) was purified to homogeneity using affinity chromatography. Edman degradation was used to determine the amino acid sequences of eight peptide fragments isolated from the purified enzyme. A 60-mer "optimal" oligonucleotide probe that corresponded to the amino acid sequence of one of the galactosyltransferase peptide fragments was constructed and used to screen a ~gtlO cDNA library. Two hybridizationpositive recombinant phages, each with a 1.7 Kbp insert, were detected among 3 x 106 recombinant ~gtlO phages. Sequencing of one of the cDNA inserts revealed a 783 bp galactosyltransf~rase coding sequence. The remainder of the sequence corresponded to the 3 -region of the mRNA downstream from the termination codon. ® 1986 Academic Press, Inc.
Electronic properties and ideal tensile strength of MoSe nanowires

Ab initio pseudopotential total energy calculations of MoSe nanowires were performed within the local density approximation. The ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}{\mathrm{Se}}_{6}$ crystal is composed of molecular chains, which can be separated from one another to form individual nanowires approximately $3 \mathrm{\AA{}}$ in diameter. In this study we consider three systems: the quasi-one-dimensional bulk crystal ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}{\mathrm{Se}}_{6},$ one isolated MoSe nanowire, and one isolated MoSe nanowire with Li adsorbates. The equilibrium structures and the electronic structures of the three systems were calculated and compared to each other. The calculated density of states of an isolated MoSe wire is compared with experimental tunneling spectroscopy measurements of the local density of states. The binding energy of a Li atom to an isolated wire was calculated and the effects of Li adsorption are discussed. In addition, the calculated value for the ideal tensile strength of a single MoSe nanowire is presented and compared with estimated values for carbon nanotubes.
Pylephlebitis: Response to sulphanilamide

Abstract This is a report of a case of pylephlebitis with liver involvement secondary to appendiceal thrombophlebitis. The case is added to the literature as an additional instance of successful sulphanilamide therapy. There does not appear to have been any reports of failure of this therapy, so that it is possible that in sulphanilamide we have a potent weapon against a hitherto fatal disease.
A Distributional Difference-in-Difference Evaluation of the Response of School Expenditures to Reforms and Tax Limits.

Abstract Prior work uses a parametric approach to study the distributional effects of school finance reform and finds evidence that reform yields greater equality of school expenditures by lowering spending in high-spending districts (leveling down) or increasing spending in low-spending districts (leveling up). We develop a kernel density difference-in-difference approach to isolate how tax limits and/or education finance reform affect the full distribution of education expenditures. Simulations of the difference in distributional differences across school finance regimes over time suggest that parametric approaches offer an incomplete description of the distributional impacts of policy changes. Using data for the population of U.S. school districts in 1972, 1982, and 1992, we find that educational reforms and tax limits yield greater equality of expenditures by reducing the number of districts in the tails of the distribution, particularly when both are adopted during the same decade. Our results also s...
New developments in muscle pathology: Nutritional myopathies including “muscular dystrophy” or “white muscle disease”

Dietary deficiencies of vitamin E and/or selenium may result in muscular degeneration in young calves and older growing animals. The preservation and storage of moist grain with propionic acid reduces its vitamin E content; feeding such grain to older animals may predispose them to the myodegeneration which often occurs following their return to spring grazing and unaccustomed exercise. Cold or wet windy weather may be another predisposing factor. Deficiency of vitamin E or selenium probably results in peroxidative damage to cell membranes which precedes tissue and muscular degeneration.
Composition, Alteration, and Texture of Fault-Related Rocks from Safod Core and Surface Outcrop Analogs: Evidence for Deformation Processes and Fluid-Rock Interactions

We examine the fine-scale variations in mineralogical composition, geochemical alteration, and texture of the fault-related rocks from the Phase 3 whole-rock core sampled between 3,187.4 and 3,301.4 m measured depth within the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) borehole near Parkfield, California. This work provides insight into the physical and chemical properties, structural architecture, and fluid-rock interactions associated with the actively deforming traces of the San Andreas Fault zone at depth. Exhumed outcrops within the SAF system comprised of serpentinite-bearing protolith are examined for comparison at San Simeon, Goat Rock State Park, and Nelson Creek, California. In the Phase 3 SAFOD drillcore samples, the fault-related rocks consist of multiple juxtaposed lenses of sheared, foliated siltstone and shale with block-in-matrix fabric, black cataclasite to ultracataclasite, and sheared serpentinite-bearing, finely foliated fault gouge. Meters-wide zones of sheared rock and fault gouge correlate to the sites of active borehole casing deformation and are characterized by scaly clay fabric with multiple discrete slip surfaces or anastomosing shear zones that surround conglobulated or rounded clasts of compacted clay and/or serpentinite. The fine gouge matrix is composed of Mg-rich clays and serpentine minerals (saponite ± palygorskite, and lizardite ± chrysotile). Whole-rock geochemistry data show increases in Fe-, Mg-, Ni-, and Cr-oxides and hydroxides, Fe-sulfides, and C-rich material, with a total organic content of >1 % locally in the fault-related rocks. The faults sampled in the field are composed of meters-thick zones of cohesive to non-cohesive, serpentinite-bearing foliated clay gouge and black fine-grained fault rock derived from sheared Franciscan Formation or serpentinized Coast Range Ophiolite. X-ray diffraction of outcrop samples shows that the foliated clay gouge is composed primarily of saponite and serpentinite, with localized increases in Ni- and Cr-oxides and C-rich material over several meters. Mesoscopic and microscopic textures and deformation mechanisms interpreted from the outcrop sites are remarkably similar to those observed in the SAFOD core. Micro-scale to meso-scale fabrics observed in the SAFOD core exhibit textural characteristics that are common in deformed serpentinites and are often attributed to aseismic deformation with episodic seismic slip. The mineralogy and whole-rock geochemistry results indicate that the fault zone experienced transient fluid–rock interactions with fluids of varying chemical composition, including evidence for highly reducing, hydrocarbon-bearing fluids.
Generating a Desired State for Master's Degree Programs in Science Education Through Grounded Theory Research.

This is the report of a two-year study using qualitative research methods to assess the training needs of science teachers in southern Florida. The respondents included individuals and groups comprising the educational enterprise and those outside the enterprise with the ability to influence policy in science education and implementation of that policy in Florida. The study resulted in recommendations describing the desired state for graduate training leading to a master's degree in science education and has implications for noncredit inservice activities.
Relapse of lupus transverse myelitis mimicked by vertebral fractures and spinal cord compression

Femme de 47 ans qui avait eu une myelite transversale, qui a rechute apres une amelioration graduelle. Fracture compression de L 1 et L 2 sans relation avec la maladie, simulant une myelite transversale
Visualizing Mental Models: Understanding Cognitive Change to Support Teaching and Learning of Multimedia Design and Development.

The use of advanced instructional design (ID) principles, especially those that include a collaborative authoring environment is becoming ever more critical in the successful workplace. Faculty in instructional technology programs who provide an environment that effectively nourishes these ID skills have a responsibility to continually evaluate and update their instructional methods to ensure that course goals are met. Using students’ drawings of their expressed mental models as an assessment tool is one approach that helps evaluate teaching methods, determine what students have learned, and how they have conceptualized important concepts. In this study, teams of instructional technology graduate students in a two-semester, multimedia design and development course used an authoring program to create multimedia projects for real clients. This study examined the cognitive changes that occurred when these students were immersed in a technology-rich, collaborative environment. Comparison of students’ visual representations of their mental models of multimedia design and development from the beginning and end of the course provided insight into conceptual changes that occurred in regards to the multimedia course, its goals, and the collaborative process. Analysis of students’ drawings of their mental models indicated substantial transformations from linear, individualistic, and skills-based thinking to recursive, collaborative, and team-oriented concepts. This data provides evidence that the visual, graphic nature of mental models provides a coherent, fluid, and detailed representation of students’ thinking, one that captures a level of richness that may be missing from essay methods, product assessment, or class evaluations.
Polarization potential for e‐atom scattering by DCS minimization at intermediate energies

The differential scattering cross section (DCS) for electrons scattered elastically by neon, argon, and krypton atoms is studied using a model potential. In the present study the long-range polarization potential is represented by an energy-dependent function in the form: Vp(E,r)=αd/[r+ξ(a,b,E)]4, and the short-range part is constructed from the nonrelativistic Hartree–Fock wave function of the target atom in the form . Accurate phase shifts have been computed for angular momentum in the range 0<l<13 from the Schrodinger equation and the Born approximation for higher values of l<1000. The computed differential cross section obtained using the approximate effective interaction potential for electrons scattered by the target atoms in their ground state is compared with available published results. In the present study the parameters contained in the energy-dependent polarization potential are determined by the minimization of the DCS with respect to angle θ and the incident energy of E. The critical values of angle and energy (θc, Ec) are found to be (98.1°, 66.5 eV) for neon, (117.3°, 120.5 eV) for argon, and (80.5°, 188.0 eV) for krypton. The resulting DCS in the angular range 2°<θ<178° is found to be an improvement over earlier results and in better agreement with the available experimental data in the intermediate energy range. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 80: 989–998, 2000
Infection and other clinical correlates of abnormal heart rate characteristics in preterm infants.

Objective To identify clinical conditions associated with a large increase (spike) in the heart rate characteristics index in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Study design Retrospective medical record review within a day of all large heart rate characteristics index spikes (increase of ≥3 from the previous 5-day average) in VLBW infants at a single center enrolled from 2007 to 2010 in a multicenter trial of heart rate characteristics monitoring. In the trial, infants were randomized to having their heart rate characteristics index displayed to clinicians or not displayed. Results Of 274 eligible infants, 224 large heart rate characteristics spikes occurred in 105 infants. Thirty-three spikes were associated with surgery or procedures requiring anesthetic or anticholinergic medications, and infection-related conditions were the most common clinical association with the other spikes. Of the first spikes in 47 infants randomized to conventional monitoring (heart rate characteristics index not displayed to clinicians), 53% were associated with suspected or proven infection. Respiratory deterioration without suspected infection occurred with 34%, and no association was identified in 13%. Infants randomized to having their heart rate characteristics index displayed were more likely to have antibiotics initiated around the time of a large heart rate characteristics index spike. Conclusions Sepsis, other infectious or systemic inflammatory conditions, respiratory deterioration, and surgical procedures are the most common clinical associations with a large increase in the heart rate characteristics index in VLBW infants. This information may improve use of heart rate characteristics monitors in patients in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Heat transfer-limited flash pyrolysis of woody biomass: overall reaction rate and time analysis using an integral model with experimental support.

Abstract High temperature flash pyrolysis takes place on the second to sub-second time-scale depending on particle size. This particle size dependency conveys an overall heat transfer-limited reaction process as shown by characteristic time analysis. For processes that employ rapid pyrolysis, such as gasification, global or semi-global reaction models are used and are confounded with competing physical phenomena. A heat transfer-limited integral model was used to resolve characteristic pyrolysis times and rates fitted to experimental results from a drop-tube reactor and woody biomass at temperatures in the range 1773–2273 K. Two model derivations were compared and little difference was observed. Particle size, biomass density, reactor wall temperature, and heat of reaction were the most significant parameters from a sensitivity analysis. Experimentally, it was found that increasing initial particle temperature above the boiling point of water changed the thermophysical properties of the reacting particle such that the reaction time was accelerated up to 30%, affecting the calculated heat of reaction and thermal diffusivity. Halving the particle size resulted in up to 75% decreased pyrolysis reaction time, and increasing reactor wall temperature from 1773 K to 2273 K resulted in up to 50% faster reaction times.
Counterion condensation theory revisited: Limits on its applicability

Metropolis Monte Carlo and Poisson–Boltzmann calculations were done to quantitatively assess the conditions under which counterion condensation (CC) theory could be considered valid. The fundamental prediction of condensation theory, that the number of counterions bound to a polyelectrolyte molecule can be predicted by a single parameter describing the linear charge density of the charged system, was shown to be quantitatively correct for a range of conditions. To define the number of counterions bound, it was necessary to use an energy-based criterion by which ions that interact with the polyion with an energy less than –kT were considered bound. Using this criterion, Monte Carlo calculations on systems consisting of charged cylinders and a neutralizing number of counterions in a dielectric continuum showed that the number of bound counterions was quantitatively predictable by the CC relation (1–1/ξ) for systems with a linear charge density and dimensions approaching those of duplex or triplex DNA. Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) calculations on cylinders with different linear charge densities and radii have been done to assess the limits of the CC prediction that the number of counterions bound is a constant even as the bulk concentration of electrolyte in the surrounding is increased. As in the case of the MC calculations, the validity of the CC prediction is seen to increase with increasing linear charge density of the charged cylinder. The agreement between PB and CC is seen to be very good for highly charged cylinders. The results described here provide justification for the use of CC theory for interpreting experimental data on polyelectrolytes of the approximate dimensions and linear charge density of duplex or triplex DNA. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The α3 subunit gene of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a candidate gene for ethanol stimulation

Alcohol and nicotine are coabused, and preclinical and clinical data suggest that common genes may influence responses to both drugs. A gene in a region of mouse chromosome 9 that includes a cluster of three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes influences the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol. The current studies first used congenic mice to confirm the influential gene on chromosome 9. Congenic F2 mice were then used to more finely map the location. Gene expression of the three subunit genes was quantified in strains of mice that differ in response to ethanol. Finally, the locomotor response to ethanol was examined in mice heterozygous for a null mutation of the α3 nAChR subunit gene (Chrna3). Congenic data indicate that a gene on chromosome 9, within a 46 cM region that contains the cluster of nAChR subunit genes, accounts for 41% of the genetic variation in the stimulant response to ethanol. Greater expression of Chrna3 was found in whole brain and dissected brain regions relevant to locomotor behavior in mice that were less sensitive to ethanol-induced stimulation compared to mice that were robustly stimulated; the other two nAChR subunit genes in the gene cluster (α5 and β4) were not differentially expressed. Locomotor stimulation was not expressed on the genetic background of Chrna3 heterozygous (+/−) and wild-type (+/+) mice; +/− mice were more sensitive than +/+ mice to the locomotor depressant effects of ethanol. Chrna3 is a candidate gene for the acute locomotor stimulant response to ethanol that deserves further examination.
Three-dimensional computer simulation of liquid drop evaporation

Abstract We use molecular dynamics simulation to describe a method that can be used to model liquid drop evaporation. For application, the liquid is taken to be water. Using the properties of the liquid and a Lennard-Jones potential, we derive dynamical equations, which are used to describe the gross dynamical behavior of the liquid-vapor molecular system. The resulting dynamical equations are solved numerically by a time stepping, numerical method. The evaporation of the liquid to the vapor phase is described.
The Retrieval of Atmospheric Profiles from VAS Geostationary Radiance Observations

Abstract A technique is developed for the retrieval of atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles from the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) on the geostationary GOES satellites. This method is currently used in daily, quasi-operational processing of the VAS data for experimental usage by the National Weather Service. The algorithm is performed in two steps. First, a fist gum profile is modified by an established iterative solution of the radiative transfer equation. Second, the result of step one provides a profile from which atmospheric structure perturbations are calculated by direct analytical solution. Characteristics of the results achieved from actual VAS radiances are presented.
Vaporization of Rare-Earth Oxides

A study of the vaperization of La2O3, Nd2O3, and Y2O3 at high temperatures was carried out by the Knudsen effusion technique. The methods employed, the results of the measurements, and the low- temperature heat capacities of these materials, which were determined for the purpose of calculating thermal functions of the oxides, are discussed. All these oxides react with tantalum, forming gaseous tantalum monoxide as a principal product. Cubic tantalates of lanthanum and neodymium are also formed in these reactions. Dissociation energies of the monoxides of the rare-eanth metals are given. Some generalizations about the vaporization behavior of the rare-earth oxides are discussed.
Computer Slide Shows: A Trap for Bad Teaching.

Slide shows presented with software such as PowerPoint or WordPerfect Presentations can trap instructors into bad teaching practices. Research on memory suggests that slide-show instruction can actually be less effective than traditional lecturing when the teacher uses a blackboard or overhead projector. The author proposes a model of classroom teaching that capitalizes on the advantages of slide shows without the pedagogical disadvantages.
Behavioral and Life‐Historical Responses of Larval American Toads to an Odonate Predator

This study examines the responses of larval American toads (Bufo ameri- canus) to the non-lethal presence of an odonate predator (Anax junius). We performed a laboratory experiment where toad larvae were raised at four food rations crossed with the non-lethal presence (i.e., constrained Anax) and absence of the predator. Tadpoles facul- tatively responded by metamorphosing at smaller sizes in the presence of the predator and at lower food rations. Tadpoles also responded behaviorally to the presence of predators by reducing activity and altering spatial distribution. These latter reactions appeared to contribute to reduced growth rates in the presence of the predator at a given food level. We attempted to separate the effect of the predator on size at metamorphosis into com- ponents due to the effect on growth and to more direct effects of the predator, by comparing size at metamorphosis for individuals growing at the same rate in the presence and absence of the predator (i.e., at different food levels). Our data suggest that the metamorphic response may be mediated primarily through the behavioral effects on growth, which then affect size at metamorphosis. These results are consistent with theories of amphibian metamor- phosis that predict that size at metamorphosis should depend on the relation between growth opportunities and risk of mortality in the larval and adult habitats. We discuss the importance of non-lethal effects of predators on prey performance, species interactions, and the evolution of prey defenses.
Modulation of dorsal root ganglion development by ErbB signaling and the scaffold protein Sorbs3

The multipotent cells of the vertebrate neural crest (NC) arise at the dorsal aspect of the neural tube, then migrate throughout the developing embryo and differentiate into diverse cell types, including the sensory neurons and glia of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). As multiple cell types are derived from this lineage, it is ideal for examining mechanisms of fate restriction during development. We have isolated a mutant, ouchless, that specifically fails to develop DRG neurons, although other NC derivatives develop normally. This mutation affects the expression of Sorbs3, a scaffold protein known to interact with proteins involved in focal adhesions and several signaling pathways. ouchless mutants share some phenotypic similarities with mutants in ErbB receptors, EGFR homologs that are implicated in diverse developmental processes and associated with several cancers; and ouchless interacts genetically with an allele of erbb3 in DRG neurogenesis. However, the defect in ouchless DRG neurogenesis is distinct from ErbB loss of function in that it is not associated with a loss of glia. Both ouchless and neurogenin1 heterozygous fish are sensitized to the effects of ErbB chemical inhibitors, which block the development of DRG in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibitors of MEK show similar effects on DRG neurogenesis. We propose a model in which Sorbs3 helps to integrate ErbB signals to promote DRG neurogenesis through the activation of MAPK and upregulation of neurogenin1.
Ultra-High Quality Factor Silicon Nitride Planar Microdisk Resonators for Integrated Photonics in the Visible Range

Ultra-high-quality (>5x106) microdisk resonators are demonstrated in a Si3N4platform at 655nm with integrated in-plane coupling waveguides on a Si substrate. Critical coupling to first-order radial mode is demonstrated using pedestal layer to control coupling.
On circuit design of on-chip non-blocking interconnection networks

Single-hop non-blocking networks have the advantage of providing uniform latency and throughput, which is important for cache-coherent many-core systems. This paper focuses on high performance circuit designs of multi-stage non-blocking networks as alternatives to crossbars. Existing work shows that Benes networks have much lower transistor count and smaller circuit area but longer delay than crossbars. To reduce the timing delay, we propose to design the Clos network built with larger size switches. Using less than half number of stages than the Benes network, the Clos network with 4×4 switches can significantly reduce the timing delay. The circuit designs of both Benes and Clos networks in different sizes are conducted considering two types of implementation of the configurable switch: with NMOS transistors only and full transmission gates (TGs). The layout and simulation results under 45nm technology show that the TG-based implementation demonstrates much better signal integrity than its counterpart. Clos networks achieve average 65% lower timing delay than Benes networks with even smaller area and power consumption.
Chlorine-36 as a Tracer of Perchlorate Origin

Perchlorate (ClO4−) is ubiquitous in the environment. It is produced naturally by atmospheric photochemical reactions, and also is synthesized in large quantities for military, aerospace, and industrial applications. Nitrate-enriched salt deposits of the Atacama Desert (Chile) contain high concentrations of natural ClO4−, and have been exported worldwide since the mid-1800s for use in agriculture. The widespread introduction of synthetic and agricultural ClO4− into the environment has contaminated numerous municipal water supplies. Stable isotope ratio measurements of Cl and O have been applied for discrimination of different ClO4− sources in the environment. This study explores the potential of 36Cl measurements for further improving the discrimination of ClO4− sources. Groundwater and desert soil samples from the southwestern United States (U.S.) contain ClO4− having high 36Cl abundances (36Cl/Cl = 3100 × 10−15 to 28,800 × 10−15), compared with those from the Atacama Desert (36Cl/Cl = 0.9 × 10−15 to 590...
Heegaard diagrams and handlebody groups

Abstract Heegaard diagrams on the boundary of a handlebody are studied from the dynamics systems point of view. A relationship between the strongly irreducible condition of Casson–Gordan and the Masur's domain of discontinuity for the action of the handlebody group is established.
Exploring Consumer Motivations for Creating User-Generated Content

ABSTRACTThe advent of Web 2.0 technologies has enabled the efficient creation and distribution of user-generated content (UGC), resulting in vast changes in the online media landscape. For instance, the proliferation of UGC has made a strong impact on consumers, media suppliers, and marketing professionals while necessitating research in order to understand both the short and long-term implications of this media content. This exploratory study (n = 325) seeks to investigate consumer consumption and creation of UGC and the attitudinal factors that contribute to these actions. The data confirm the established relationship between attitude and behavior and indicate attitude serves as a mediating factor between the use and creation of UGC. With regard to the creation of UGC, the ego-defensive and social functions of attitude were found to have the most explanatory power.
Continuing the conversation in nursing on race and racism

Nursing values include diversity and a commitment to the elimination of health disparities. However, nursing comprises predominantly white, female nurses. The authors explore structural and interpersonal sources of disparities experienced by black persons, including white privilege. Here, the authors advocate for a continuation of the racism conversation, specifically among white nurses. Racial disadvantages stem from structural inequalities from daily slights, and usually unintended subtle racism toward black people on the part of white people, including white nurses. By raising consciousness on how we propagate subtle racism, nursing can progress faster in eliminating health disparities. Topics include postracialism, colorblindness, institutional racism, white privilege, health disparities, clinical encounters, subtle racism, and racial microaggressions. Suggestions for open dialogue, historical awareness, education, research, and practice are highlighted. Difficulties involved in confronting racism and white privilege are explored.
The effect of d-tubocurarine priming on an ED95 dose of vecuronium bromide

Abstract Study Objective: To examine how priming with ED 10 d-tubocurarine prior to the administration of ED 95 vecuronium bromide affects onset and duration of neuromuscular blockade. Design: Prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study. Setting: Operating room at a university cancer center. Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing ambulatory surgical procedures. Interventions: Patients were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 patients received d-tubocurarine 50 μg/kg intravenously (IV), followed by vecuronium 60 μg/kg IV. Group 2 patients received vecuronium 60 μg/kg IV without priming. All patients received a total IV anesthetic consisting of alfentanil and propofol for induction of anesthesia and propofol alone for maintenance of anesthesia. Measurements and Main Results: Onset of muscle relaxation was determined with an electromyograph (Datex Relaxograph), documenting time to 80% depression of the first twitch in a train-of-four (T 1 80%), percent depression of T 1 at 60 and 90 seconds (T 1 60 and T 1 90, respectively), T 4 :T 1 ratio at 90 seconds, and time to achieve maximal blockade (B max ). Recovery was evaluated by measuring the time required for return of T 1 to 25% of the baseline value. Intubating conditions were assessed at 90 seconds after vecuronium administration and graded on a 1 (jaw tight, impossible to intubate) to 4 (jaw relaxed, vocal cords immobile) scale. All criteria measuring onset of neuromuscular blockade ( i.e. , T 1 80%, T 1 60, T 1 90, T 4 :T 1 , and B max ) were significantly shorter ( p p Conclusions: These results indicate that crossover dosing of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants may have synergistic effects. Priming with ED 10 d-tubocurarine prior to an ED 95 dose of vecuronium shortens the time to 80% T 1 depression and produces satisfactory intubating conditions at 90 seconds, without prolonging the duration of the block. Therefore, d-tubocurarine is an attractive drug for priming vecuronium in short operative procedures that require muscle relaxation.
Impacts of Paternal Care and Seasonal Change on Offspring Survival: A Multiseason Experimental Study of a Caribbean Frog

Parental care is widespread among animals and many studies have investigated how environmental conditions influence parental care strategies. However, few studies have coupled observations of the frequency and form of parental care with manipulative studies on the function of care across multiple seasons. To address this gap, we made field observations and conducted male removal experiments in a glass frog with paternal egg attendance from the island of Tobago, West Indies. To test the hypothesis that seasonality impacts the frequency, form, and function of parental care, field observations and male removal experiments were undertaken three times, twice during the rainy season, and once in the dry season. We found seasonal differences in the frequency of egg attendance with males increasing the frequency of this behavior in the dry season, likely in response to a greater risk of clutch desiccation. We also found that clutches in which the male was removed had strongly reduced survivorship compared with controls and this pattern did not change seasonally. However, sources of mortality were strongly influenced by season. Arthropod predation was the primary source of mortality during the wet season, but in the dry season, desiccation was more important. Together, these results suggest that seasonal variation is both impacting care function as well as shaping the form that parental care takes.
The uranium contents of iron meteorites

Abstract Seven iron meteorites and the iron phase of one pallasite have been examined for uranium content by neutron activation. The results are at the limit of detection by this method under the conditions used, but indicate a variable uranium content in the range 10 −12 to 10 −10 g/g. This agrees with the limits set by Reed and Turkevich (1955) in preliminary results of the application of neutron activation to this problem, and is more than a factor of 10 lower than previous determinations by other methods.
Unraveling the relationship between literacy, language proficiency, and patient–physician communication

Objective To examine whether the effect of health literacy (HL) on patient–physician communication varies with patient–physician language concordance and communication type.
Novel strategies for the solid phase synthesis of substituted indolines and indoles

Using a polymer-bound selenenyl bromide resin, o-allyl and o-prenyl anilines were cycloaded to afford a series of solid-supported indoline and indole scaffolds. These scaffolds were then functionalized and cleaved via four distinct methods, namely traceless reduction, radical cyclization, radical rearrangement, and oxidative elimination, to afford 2-methyl indolines, polycyclic indolines, 2-methyl indoles, and 2-propenyl indolines, respectively. A number of small combinatorial libraries of compounds reminiscent of certain designed ligands of biological interest were constructed demonstrating the potential utility of the developed methodology to chemical biology studies and the drug discovery process.
NONLINEAR TRAJECTORY TRACKING GUIDANCE WITH APPLICATION TO A LAUNCH VEHICLE

This paper presents a methodology for nonlinear guidance law design for aerospace vehicles to track a prescribed nominal trajectory. The guidance law is based on a continuous-time predictive control concept and is applicable to vehicles with general nonlinear dynamics. The feedback guidance commands can be obtained reliably and efficiently by a convergent fixed-point algorithm. A launch vehicle trajectory-tracking problem is used to demonstrate the application. Asymptotic tracking convergence under the proposed method is studied analytically. The guidance law guarantees the satisfaction of the angle-of-attack constraint and a normal load constraint. Simulations are done to test the guidance law for a variety of trajectory dispersions, disturbances, and modeling uncertainties.
Damage Susceptibility of Grain Boundaries in HT9 Steel Subjected to High-Temperature Creep

HT9 steel is an attractive ferritic/martensitic steel that is used in components of nuclear and fossil power plants because of its high strength and good swelling resistance. Specific phenomena (such as segregation, voiding, cracking, etc.) are prevalent along grain boundaries since these interfaces act as efficient sources for vacancies. The accumulation of vacancies in grain boundaries may result in intergranular fracture. In this study, HT9 steel was subjected to creep tests at elevated temperature (about 0.5 T m) and two different creep conditions (where creep lifetimes were about 100 and about 1000 hours, respectively). The grain boundaries in HT9 steel after creep tests were studied by the use of scanning electron microscopy in order to establish the relationship between the grain boundary structure and creep damage. Images and data obtained using electron backscatter diffraction reveal a high susceptibility of high-angle boundaries to creep cavitation, as expected. In addition, the Σ3 boundaries are also susceptible to damage under these conditions at a similar or even higher rate as compared with random high-angle boundaries.
Dominance-solvable common-value large auctions

Abstract We consider second-price common-value auctions with an increasing number of bidders. We define a strategy of bidder i to be ( ex-post, weakly ) asymptotically dominated if there is another strategy for i that does, in the limit, as well against any sequence of strategies of i ʼs opponents, and with positive probability does strictly better against at least one sequence. Our main result provides a sufficient condition on the information structure for the process of iteratively deleting asymptotically dominated strategies to terminate after just two iterations, with only one strategy left for each player. This strategy is fully characterized. We also show that, under standard assumptions, a similar condition to that of Wilson (1977) implies our sufficient condition and therefore implies asymptotic dominance solvability.
Anarchy, hierarchy and order

How does order emerge from anarchy? While scholars generally agree that international politics is anarchic, there is much dispute about how anarchy orders relationships. This paper challenges prevailing views by attacking the problem of anarchy from behind. We examine how hierarchy creates order and argue that two mechanisms are responsible. The first is the direct actions of a leviathan; the second is an indirect effect, which counterintuitively results from insurmountable handicaps to central authority, that we call the threat of incompetent intervention. We then examine how these two mechanisms affect order as power decentralizes and highlight how bottom–up and top–down processes intersect. Our arguments are tested in difficult cases: highly developed states, where central authority is strongest, and international politics, where central authority is weakest. The arguments have broad implications for all the paradigms, trust in world politics and organizational change.
Gas-phase conformations of deprotonated trinucleotides (dGTT-, dTGT-, and dTTG-): the question of zwitterion formation.

The gas-phase conformations of a series of trinucleotides containing thymine (T) and guanine (G) bases were investigated for the possibility of zwitterion formation. Deprotonated dGTT−, dTGT−, and dTTG− ions were formed by MALDI and their collision cross-sections in helium measured by ion mobility based methods. dTGT− was theoretically modeled assuming a zwitterionic and non-zwitterionic structure while dGTT− and dTTG− were considered “control groups” and modeled only as non-zwitterions. In the zwitterion, G is protonated at the N7 site and the two neighboring phosphates are deprotonated. In the non-zwitterion, G is not protonated and only one phosphate group is deprotonated. Two conformers, whose cross-sections differ by 17 ± 2 A2, are observed for dTGT− in the 80 K experiments. Multiple conformers are also observed for dGTT− and dTTG− at 80 K, though relative cross-section differences between the conformers could not be accurately obtained. At higher temperatures (>200 K), the conformers rapidly interconvert on the experimental time scale and a single “time-averaged” conformer is observed in the ion mobility data. Theory predicts only one low-energy conformation for the zwitterionic form of dTGT− with a cross-section 8% smaller than experimental values. Additionally, the extra H+ on G does not bridge both phosphates. Thus, dTGT− does not appear to be a stable zwitterion in the gas-phase. Theory does, however, predict two low-energy conformers for the non-zwitterionic form of dTGT− that differ in cross-section by 18 ± 3 A2, in good agreement with the experiment. In the smaller cross-section form (folded conformer), G and one of the T bases are stacked while the other T folds towards the stacked pair and hydrogen bonds to G. In the larger cross-section form (open conformer), the unstacked T extends away from the T/G stacked pair. Similar folded and open conformers are predicted for all three trinucleotides, regardless of which phosphate is deprotonated.
The Statistical Community and the Protection of Privacy

The word statistics is used in two different senses. Statistics (plural) are facts and figures (data), while statistics (singular) is a methodology for obtaining and analyzing data as a basis for decision making. In this paper I will include as members of the statistical community two groups: professional statisticians who are concerned primarily with statistics as a methodology, and users of both statistical methodology and data made available by government agencies, industrial and business concerns, university research investigations, etc. The right of individual privacy in a democracy such as ours has been interpreted in a general way as "the right to be let alone." However, with the rapid development of informational technology made possible by the invention of the electronic computer, the basic attribute of an effective right of privacy has come to mean the individual's ability to control the circulation of information relating to him. I will be concerned exclusively with this notion and attribute of privacy. The individual's ability to control information relating to him is of concern in relation to both private data programs (e.g., programs based on a credit bureau's data bank) and official data programs (e.g., programs based on federal statistics obtained from routine government operations, censuses and surveys). In order to be specific, the protection of privacy in its relation to the statistical community will be considered here only with regard to the data programs of the federal government.
Smoking and lung cancer survival: the role of comorbidity and treatment

Study objectives Numerous studies indicate that smoking is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking independently predicts survival in patients with lung cancer or whether an existent effect is mediated through comorbidity and/or treatment. Design and setting Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to study a cohort of 1,155 patients with lung cancer diagnosed at the Henry Ford Health System between 1995 and 1998, inclusive. Results Adjusted for the baseline covariates, age, gender, illicit drug use, adverse symptoms, histology, and stage, the hazard ratio (HR) for smoking (current vs former/never) was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.59; p Conclusions Current smoking at diagnosis is an important independent predictor of shortened lung cancer survival. That this effect was not explained by sociodemographic/exposure factors, adverse symptoms, histology, stage, comorbidity, and treatment suggests that it may be mediated through direct biological effects.
Something That Can Be Learnt but Not Taught: Teaching Theological Reflection through Enquiry-based Learning

In the summer of 2006 a group of predominantly final year ordinands undertook a module in practical theology at a residential summer school in Cardiff. The module had been taught on two previous occasions in a traditional manner, lectures, seminars and some group work. For the 2006 module it was decided to teach the subject utilizing ideas taken from problem-based learning pedagogies. This was inspired by a conversation between tutorial staff and a student on the course who worked in an HE context and employed problem-based learning methodologies. However, by the end of the module we realized it would be more accurate to describe our pedagogy as enquiry-based learning. This paper describes and critically reflects upon the experience of teaching the module. We begin with a brief analysis of what we mean by problem-based and enquiry-based learning. We then look at the way we employed these methodologies in the classroom.
ω-meson exchange potential of the nucleon-nucleon interaction in a chiral bag model

Abstract We use a chiral bag model with an additional isoscalar ω-meson coupling term to investigate the ω-meson exchange potential of the nucleon-nucleon interaction in a Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The ω-field is assumed to vanish inside the bag. We find the exact solutions of the equations of the ω-field outside two bags. By means of these solutions and the Breit-Fermi equation of the two-nucleon system, we deduce the ω-meson exchange potential of the nucleon-nucleon by means of a Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation. In the non-relativistic limit, the main terms — Coulomb term, spin-spin interaction, Thomas spin-orbit interaction, magnetic dipole-dipole tensor force — given by this model are in good agreement with “naive” nuclear theory.
The Rebirth of the U.S.-Mexico Border Latina/o Enforcement Agents and the Changing Politics of Racial Power

Law enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border region has significantly changed since the 1970s. Currently, Latinas/os make up more than half of the agents who patrol the southern border region. The ...
Discovering the phylodynamics of RNA viruses.

1 Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 2 Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America, 3 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America