cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of film residual stress on a of 4-point bend test for thin film adhesion

The four-point bend (4PB) test has emerged as a method of choice in semiconductor industry for obtaining bimaterial interface adhesion data. When measuring the interface adhesion using 4PB test, it is essential to obtain a crack through the interface of interest. The deposited films, however, posses intrinsic and extrinsic stresses which affect the ratio between energy release rates for interface cracking and crack penetration. Crack penetration and deflection at a bimaterial interface and the role of residual stress has been broadly studied before. However, the results are based on asymptotic analysis regarding interface between two semi-infinite half spaces, where the results do not directly account for boundary conditions and finite size effects of an actual test specimen. In this paper, we look at the role these residual stresses play on the competition between deflection and penetration energy release rates of a bimaterial interface and the extent of which the previous assumption of two semi-infinite media can be accepted.
Use of a Torque Motor as a Tachometer

Circuitry is described whereby an Aeroflex linear torque motor, used to deliver precise torque waveforms in the study of primate motor control, can be used as its own tachometer. This circuitry allows manipulanda using this type of motor to be made smaller, and with less moment of inertia, than would be possible with the installation of a separate tachometer unit.
Physical and thermal characterization of polylactic acid meltblown nonwovens

A series of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwovens were prepared by the melt blowing process using micro and nano dies. The nonwovens were characterized for structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. These properties varied with the type of die, airflow, and die to collector distance (DCD). The mean pore size for PLA microfiber ranged between 1.82 and 10.48 micrometers, and nanofiber nonwovens ranged between 452 and 818 nanometers. The tensile modulus and strength of PLA nonwovens increased with airflow at a given DCD, but decreased with increased DCD for a given airflow. Thermograms from calorimetry showed microfiber mats had a larger composition of beta-form crystals than the nanofiber mats. The results showed that a wide range of nonwovens can easily be generated with properties tailored to the specific application. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40593.
Antibiotics for vascular diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract Background: Trials of antibiotic treatment of vascular diseases, in attempts to eradicate possible microbial initiators, have had mixed results. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics in treating patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases, using a meta-analysis. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and also used cross-references. Randomized controlled trials of antibiotic treatment of vascular diseases were included. Two independent raters assessed the trials for quality. We performed summary estimates, subgroup analyses and tests for homogeneity. Results: Twelve trials, with a total of 12,236 patients, were included. Antibiotic treatment resulted in a non-significant reduction in the risk of new vascular events or death (odds ratio (OR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67–1.05). There was significant heterogeneity between the sub-groups in type of vascular disease (coronary heart disease, CHD versus non-CHD ( p =0.01)). Among the 72 non-CHD patients, a trend appears for treatment benefit in reducing recurrent events or death (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07–0.66). Conclusions: Overall, antibiotic treatment did not significantly reduce occurrence of new vascular events or death. However, further trials are needed to confirm the benefit demonstrated in non-CHD patients.
From Crisis Management to Academic Achievement: A University Cluster-mentoring Model for Black Undergraduates

In spite of the widening racial achievement gap among U.S. college students (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011), some universities are achieving success in supporting the graduation and postcollege goals of Black undergraduates (Apprey, Bassett, Preston-Grimes, Lewis, & Wood 2014/this issue; Baker, 2006; Hrabowski, 2003; Hrabowski & Maton, 2009). Although research has documented efforts to improve students’ college academic success in mathematics, science, and engineering (Maton & Hrabowski, 2004), little research has examined the role of undergraduate support programs across the academic disciplines to bridge success for students from high school graduation through graduate school matriculation. This is a key link in the pipeline to career and lifelong achievement for Black students. The following case study describes an inclusive cluster-mentoring model for Black undergraduates at a Research I university that includes four elements—(a) student peer-advising, (b) faculty–student academic mentoring and advising, (...
A phase I and pharmacologic study of idarubicin, cytarabine, etoposide, and the multidrug resistance protein (MDR1/Pgp) inhibitor PSC-833 in patients with refractory leukemia.

Abstract This study was conducted to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose limiting toxicity (DLT), and pharmacokinetics of idarubicin when administered with and without the P-glycoprotein inhibitor PSC-833 in combination with cytarabine, and etoposide. Fifteen patients with relapsed and refractory acute leukemia were enrolled and received cytarabine as a 7-day continuous infusion, with etoposide and idarubicin administered for any three consecutive days during the cytarabine infusion. Two hours prior to the second dose of idarubicin, PSC-833 administration was initiated. The pharmacokinetics of idarubicin alone and with PSC-833 was assessed at three idarubicin dose levels (6, 8 and 10 mg/m2). The MTD of idarubicin in this combination was 8 mg/(m2 day) with a DLT of oral mucositis. The complete remission rate (on an intent-to-treat basis) for this regimen was 33%, with a median duration of 6 months. The clearance of idarubicin was 140 ± 200 and 181 ± 94.3 l/h for idarubicin alone and with PSC-833, respectively. The volume of distribution of the central compartment was 423 ± 443 and 337 ± 394 l for idarubicin alone and in combination with PSC-833, respectively. This combination including PSC-833 was well tolerated. Although a pharmacokinetic interaction might have been expected, PSC-833 did not significantly alter the disposition of idarubicin.
Vapor pressure and thermodynamics of octahedral arsenic trioxide (arsenolite)

Abstract Knudsen effusion experiments using a recording vacuum microbalance have been performed on powdered arsenic trioxide (arsenolite) over the temperature range 367 to 429 K. The vapor pressure of arsenolite over this range is (R cal th K −1 mol −1 ) ln( p atm) = − (27759±574) k t + (45.32±1.46). Third-law thermodynamic functions have been approximated for solid arsenolite above 298.15 K. Third-law thermodynamic functions for As4O6(g) have been computed using selected vibrational frequencies based upon available spectroscopic measurements on As4O6(g), and on arsenolite powder and single crystals. A third-law enthalpy of sublimation, ΔHo(298.15 K) = (28.13 ± 0.20) kcalth mol−1, is obtained. The second-law result is ΔHo(298.15 K) = (28.31 ± 0.56) kcalth mol−1. These results are consistent with data of other authors. The agreement between second-law and third-law enthalpies supports the vibrational assignment used to compute the third-law functions and entropy of As4O6(g), So(298.15 K) = (97.81 ± 2.5) calth K−1 mol−1.
The Computation of loop amplitudes in gauge theories

Abstract We present a detailed derivation of a new and efficient technique based on the technology of four-dimensional heterotic strings, for computing one-loop amplitudes in gauge theories, along with expressions for the one-loop dimensionally regularized helicity amplitudes for the process with four external gluons. We also give a set of computational rules pre-supposing ignorance of string theory.
Forward-looking radar GMTI benefits using a linear frequency diverse array

The ability to suppress range ambiguous clutter is difficult for forward-looking arrays in GHTI processing. Use of linear frequency diverse array (FDA) is proposed, whereby each array channel operates at a different frequency and produces a range dependent pattern. The FDA significantly increases output signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) at the range ambiguous clutter Doppler, suggesting detection improvement. Output SINR is shown to increase by as much as 40 dB when compared to a constant frequency array.
Manuscript Quality before and after Peer Review and Editing at Annals of Internal Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the effects of peer review and editing on manuscript quality. Setting: Editorial offices of Annals of Internal Medicine. Design: Masked before–after study. Manuscripts: 111 c...
Individual Work Orientation and Teacher Outcomes.

AbstractIn this study I analyzed the relationship among teacher work orientation, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction of public-school teachers. Personal and organizational attributes such as age, tenure, school size, and gender were analyzed to assess their contribution in explaining teachers’ organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Using survey research methodology, I randomly surveyed 150 public-school teachers from districts in a midwestern state. Multivariate analysis procedures were used to analyze the data. Results of the study indicated that work orientation was related to the degree of job satisfaction among teachers. Apparently, organizational commitment was not related to the type of work orientation that teachers held. These findings have substantive and theoretical implications. For school administrators, these findings may provide information on how different value orientations affect teachers’ productivity.
Modeling terrain awareness and warning systems for airspace and procedure design

Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) are on-board systems that alert crews to imminent Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). Originally required by the FAA in 1974 for all Part 121 aircraft, this technology has advanced to include GPS data, terrain and obstacle databases, and sophisticated flight deck displays to provide increasingly accurate and timely alerts. TAWS equipment is capable of generating a set of audible and visual alerts based on the most likely situations which lead to a high risk of CFIT. These include excessive descent rates, excessive vertical deviation from an Instrument Landing System (ILS) glideslope, proximity to terrain with landing gears up, and descent immediately following a takeoff. Although the incident rate of CFIT has been greatly reduced over the past few decades, areas of risk still exist, typically near small airports surrounded by mountainous terrain. Risk also remains due to economic factors. The high cost of hardware and software upgrades delays the universal adoption of the most advanced TAWS equipment. Older equipment is much more likely to generate nuisance alerts — warnings to the crew during periods of low CFIT risk. These nuisance alerts desensitize crews to TAWS, leading to situations where crews may ignore or not fully respond to alerts that indicate real danger. Separately, FAA NextGen efforts are driving major redesigns of airspaces and procedures across the country. The primary factors in redesign focus on minimizing the costs associated with delay and fuel burn; however, these redesigns must also ensure that changes do not introduce new CFIT risks. Current practices depend on incomplete evidence to determine that risk has not increased. The continued elimination of remaining CFIT risk, along with the possibility of introducing new risk during redesign, necessitate a comprehensive TAWS model to understand current and potential hazards. Without a TAWS model to provide rapid feedback during simulated design changes, several months may pass before observing that a design change has increased CFIT risk. In this paper, we describe the construction and validation of a standards-based TAWS model to capture the behavior of a variety of equipment. This paper also describes a process for measuring the effect of procedure redesign on TAWS alert rates. Finally, we include a case study of analyzing approaches into the airport at Eagle, CO — the airport with the highest TAWS alert rates in the country. In this case study, we find that equipment upgrades would eliminate nuisance alerts for aircraft using currently published approach procedures.
Reintroduction of the quadrupolar interaction under magic-angle spinning NMR

Abstract The anisotropy in the dipole–dipole and quadrupole couplings are averaged out in magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments. Under conditions of axial symmetry (η=0), we exploit the homologous forms of the respective coupling Hamiltonians to show that the quadrupole coupling can also be resurrected by a simple adaptation of a rotor-synchronized pulse sequence previously proposed for the recovery of dipole–dipole couplings. We develop the theory for the recovery of the quadrupole couplings, and then use numerical simulations of the quadrupolar (double-quantum) dephasing observed in the 2 H MAS NMR spectra of lipid systems to extract the quadrupolar splitting.
The Origin and Fate of Annulate Lamellae in Maturing Sand Dollar Eggs

Electron micrograph evidence is presented that the nuclear envelope of the mature ovum of Dendraster excentricus is implicated in a proliferation of what appear as nuclear envelope replicas in the cytoplasm. The proliferation is associated with intranuclear vesicles which apparently coalesce to form comparatively simple replicas of the nuclear envelope closely applied to the inside of the nuclear envelope. The envelope itself may become disorganized at the time when fully formed annulate lamellae appear on the cytoplasmic side and parallel with it. The concept of interconvertibility of general cytoplasmic vesicles with most of the membrane systems of the cytoplasm is presented. The structure of the annuli in the annulate lamellae is shown to include small spheres or vesicles of variable size embedded in a dense matrix. Dense particles which are about 150 A in diameter are often found closely associated with annulate lamellae in the cytoplasm. Similar structures in other echinoderm eggs are basophilic. In this species, unlike other published examples, the association apparently takes place in the cytoplasm only after the lamellae have separated from the nucleus. If 150 A particles are synthesized by annulate lamellae, as their close physical relationship suggests, then in this species at least the necessary synthetic mechanisms and specificity must reside in the structure of annulate lamellae.
Toward Equality of Educational Opportunity Sharing Commercial and Industrial Tax Revenue

New Castle County, Delaware, as an example of tax reallocation to support both "equal educational opportunity" and other public policies.
Interactions among vanadium, iron, and cystine in rats growth, blood parameters, and organ Wt/body Wt ratios

In three fully crossed, three-way, two-by-two-by-four experiments, male weanling Long-Evans rats were fed a basal diet supplemented with vanadium (ammonium metavanadate)-at 0 and 1 μg/g, cystine at 3.0 and 8.5 mg/g, and iron (ferric sulfate) at 0 (Expts. 1 and 2) or 5 (Expt. 3), 15, 100, and 500 μg/g. After 6 wk, a relationship between vanadium and iron that was influenced by dietary cystine was found. The interaction among vanadium, iron, and cystine was demonstrated best by the hematocrit and hemoglobin findings, which were similar. In all Expts., hematocrits were depressed in rats fed the two lower levels of iron. In Expts. 2 and 3, vanadium deprivation exacerbated the depression of hematocrits in rats fed 15 μg iron and 3.0 mg cystine/g diet. In Expt. 1, the effect was similar, but less marked. On the other hand, in Expts. 1 and 3 when supplemental cystine was 8.5 mg/g, vanadium deprivation did not exacerbate, but tended to alleviate the depression of hematocrits in rats fed 15 μg iron/g diet. When dietary iron was 15 μg/g in Expt. 2, the exacerbation of the depression of hematocrits by vanadium deprivation was much less in rats fed 8.5 rather than 3.0 mg cystine/g diet. Dietary vanadium had little effect on depressed hematopoiesis in severely iron-deficient rats. The findings indicated that vanadium neither substitutes for iron at some metabolic site, nor stimulates iron absorption; but has a positive influence on the utilization of iron after absorption.
Those who can do: wealth status and reproductive success on Ifaluk.

Abstract People everywhere require and therefore value resources. On Ifaluk, an atoll in the Western Carolines, salaried men, men of high status, and adults with living parents have more resources than other members of the population. The issue addressed here is whether differential success at acquiring resources leads to differential reproductive success. Analysis of Ifalukese age-specific fertility rates indicates the following: 1. 1. Men who receive or once received salaries have greater reproductive success than any other category of men. Reasons include that they begin reproducing at especially young ages, have shorter than average birth intervals, and only rarely fail to reproduce altogether. 2. 2. As a group, men with high status (chiefs, and their advisors and probable successors) have greater reproductive success than all never-salaried others. Reasons include shorter than average birth intervals and a somewhat lower than average chance of failing to reproduce altogether. 3. 3. Individuals with longer-living parents achieve higher than average lifetime reproductive success.
Structurally preserved larch and spruce cones from the Pliocene of Alaska

Abstract Twenty-three specimens of seed cones from early Pliocene terrace gravels outcropping between Birch Creek and the town of Circle in east-central Alaska were studied. The cones are preserved as semifusain and internal tissue structure is present, permitting close comparison of anatomical details of the fossil with those of modern counterparts. Six specimens represent Larix circlensis , a new species of larch that is most similar to cones of the modern L. decidua , which occurs today through the Alps and Carpathians of southern Europe. Seventeen cones belong to Picea and are indistinguishable from those of P. glauca (white spruce), which grows in interior Alaska today. White spruce and many species of modern larch grow under cool to cold temperate climates. Both conifers are capable of becoming established on immature and exposed soils and are often dominant taxa in modern boreal forests. These general conditions of climate and ecology are inferred for the early Pliocene of interior Alaska.
Regge representation of the second virial coefficient

Abstract The Beth-Uhlenbeck formula is rederived using the notion of symmetrized and anti-symmetrized partition function introduced by Lee and Yang. By applying the method of complex angular momentum the summation of the phase shifts appearing in the formula is converted into an integral form. Consequently, the Regge pole is introduced to obtain the exact representations of the second virial coefficients. From these representations it can be seen that the location of the resonance is subject to the statistics of the system, even when the same intermolecular potential is taken. An approximation is made to derive a simplified formula which enables us to see the resonance effects for a dilute gas of low temperature.
Social processes and proofs of theorems and programs

It is argued that formal verifications of programs, no matter how obtained, will not play the same key role in the development of computer science and software engineering as proofs do in mathematics. Furthermore the absence of continuity, the inevitability of change, and the complexity of specification of significantly many real programs make the formal verification process difficult to justify and manage. It is felt that ease of formal verification should not dominate program language design.
QUASI-TWO-DIMENSIONAL QUANTUM STATES OF H2 IN STAGE-2 RB-INTERCALATED GRAPHITE

Inelastic-incoherent-neutron scattering can be a valuable nanostructural probe of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$-doped porous materials, provided the spectral peaks can be interpreted in terms of crystal-field-split hydrogen-molecule energy levels, which represent a signature of the local symmetry. Inelastic-neutron-scattering measurements as well as extensive theoretical analyses have been performed on stage-2 Rb-intercalated graphite (Rb-GIC), with physisorbed ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, HD, and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ [composition ${\mathrm{C}}_{24}$M(${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${)}_{\mathit{x}}$, with x= 0.8 or 1.0], a layered porous system with abundant spectral peaks, to assess whether the crystal-field-state picture enables a quantitative understanding of the observed structure. The experiments were made at 15 K on the QENS spectrometer at the intense pulsed neutron source. Potential-energy surfaces for molecular rotational and translational motion (parallel and perpendicular to the intercalant plane), as well as the intermolecular interactions of hydrogen molecules in Rb-GIC, were calculated within local-density-functional theory (LDFT). A \ensuremath{\surd}7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\ensuremath{\surd}7 periodic unit cell (with composition ${\mathrm{C}}_{28}$Rb) was treated in the calculations. Model potentials, parametrized using results of the LDFT calculations, were employed in schematic calculations of rotational and translational excited state spectra of a single physisorbed ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecule in Rb-GIC. Results of our analysis are basically consistent with the assignment by Stead et al. of the lowest-lying peak at 1.4 meV to a rotational-tunneling transition of an isotropic hindered-rotor oriented normal to the planes, but indicate a small azimuthal anisotropy and a lower barrier than for the isotropic case. A peak of low intensity at 4.0 meV is most likely a host feature. Based on the experimental isotope shifts and the theoretically predicted states, we conclude that spectral peaks at 11 and 22 meV are most likely related to center of mass excitations. We attribute the relatively weak peak at 32 meV to a librational excitation, and that at 44 meV to an out-of-plane vibration. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The Effect of Institutional Distance on FDI Strategies: Co-integration and Decomposition Effects

Research on institution suggests that different institutions influence a firm’s foreign investment decision. However, FDI decisions are not homogeneous across all investment decision making stages,...
Microstructural self-organization triggered by twin boundaries during dry sliding wear

A novel microstructural self-organization reaction is observed near the surface of a Cu–Ni–Sn bronze subjected to dry sliding wear. Scanning electron microscopy using electron-backscattered diffraction reveals the formation of near periodic patterns comprising domains with alternating orientation separated by narrow boundaries. Remarkably, orientation patterning takes place only near twin boundaries intercepting the sliding surface, and only on a specific side of the boundaries. The domain period, which ranges from a few to tens of micrometers, increases with the applied load. This orientation patterning is suppressed by promoting steady sliding using solid lubricants such as Ag and self-generated oxide-bearing tribolayers. Transmission electron microscopy reveals planar dislocation glide in the orientation domains, with multiple active slip systems. A rationalization of these results is offered based on an instability triggered by the interaction of elastic stick–slip waves with pre-existing twin boundaries.
Elements of Statistical Computing: NUMERICAL COMPUTATION

Statistics and computing share many close relationships. Computing now permeates every aspect of statistics, from pure description to the development of statistical theory. At the same time, the computational methods used in statistical work span much of computer science. Elements of Statistical Computing covers the broad usage of computing in statistics. It provides a comprehensive account of the most important computational statistics. Included are discussions of numerical analysis, numerical integration, and smoothing. The author give special attention to floating point standards and numerical analysis; iterative methods for both linear and nonlinear equation, such as Gauss-Seidel method and successive over-relaxation; and computational methods for missing data, such as the EM algorithm. Also covered are new areas of interest, such as the Kalman filter, projection-pursuit methods, density estimation, and other computer-intensive techniques.
Modeling of Diffusion in a Micro-Cracked Composite Laminate Using Approximate Solutions

A set of approximate solutions for predicting through-thickness diffusivity and solvent uptake behavior of micro-cracked composite laminates is presented. In order to maintain solution tractability, Fickian diffusion is adapted as the basic framework of the model. Starting with the assumption of a uniform micro-crack array on the exposed faces of the laminate, an RVE (representative volume element) approach is employed to estimate the laminate through-thickness diffusivity as a function of crack depth and crack density. It is also established that, for the Graphite/Epoxy material system under consideration, the rate of moisture ingress into micro-cracks due to capillary imbibition does not have an appreciable long-term influence on the laminate diffusivity and uptake. The approximate solutions are verified by comparison with available test data from moisture uptake experiments and with finite element predictions.
Nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 mediates p21-activated kinase 1 activation in the modulation of chemokine-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell F-actin stress fiber formation, migration and proliferation and injury-induced vascular wall remodeling

Recent literature suggests that cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) mediate cell migration. However, the mechanisms were not known. Therefore, the objective of this study is to test whether cyclin/CDKs activate Pak1, an effector of Rac1, whose involvement in the modulation of cell migration and proliferation is well established. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1) induced Pak1 phosphorylation/activation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in a delayed time-dependent manner. MCP1 also stimulated F-actin stress fiber formation in a delayed manner in HASMCs, as well as the migration and proliferation of these cells. Inhibition of Pak1 suppressed MCP1-induced HASMC F-actin stress fiber formation, migration, and proliferation. MCP1 induced cyclin D1 expression as well as CDK6 and CDK4 activities, and these effects were dependent on activation of NFATc1. Depletion of NFATc1, cyclin D1, CDK6, or CDK4 levels attenuated MCP1-induced Pak1 phosphorylation/activation and resulted in decreased HASMC F-actin stress fiber formation, migration, and proliferation. CDK4, which appeared to be activated downstream of CDK6, formed a complex with Pak1 in response to MCP1. MCP1 also activated Rac1 in a time-dependent manner, and depletion/inhibition of its levels/activation abrogated MCP1-induced NFATc1-cyclin D1-CDK6-CDK4-Pak1 signaling and, thereby, decreased HASMC F-actin stress fiber formation, migration, and proliferation. In addition, smooth muscle-specific deletion of NFATc1 led to decreased cyclin D1 expression and CDK6, CDK4, and Pak1 activities, resulting in reduced neointima formation in response to injury. Thus, these observations reveal that Pak1 is a downstream effector of CDK4 and Rac1-dependent, NFATc1-mediated cyclin D1 expression and CDK6 activity mediate this effect. In addition, smooth muscle-specific deletion of NFATc1 prevented the capacity of vascular smooth muscle cells for MCP-1-induced activation of the cyclin D1-CDK6-CDK4-Pak1 signaling axis, affecting their migration and proliferation in vitro and injury-induced neointima formation in vivo.
On the Origin of Elements

The abundances of elements and of isotopes indicate that heavy and light elements have been produced by difference processes. The origin of heavy elements is discussed in detail. It is assumed that the heavy elements were formed by a fission process from a neutron-rich nuclear fluid. Simple assumptions are made about this fission process and isotopic abundances are calculated for $62\ensuremath{\leqq}Z\ensuremath{\leqq}78$. The properties of the neutron-rich liquid and possible details of the fission process are discussed.
Chronic pulmonary disease associated with an unusual genetic type of α1-antitrypsin deficiency in childhood

Chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) occurs in most individuals with the common α1-antitrypsin (α1AT) deficiency phenotype, PiZZ, and less frequently in heterozygotes (PiMZ; normal = PiMM). A few other variants are associated with lesser degress of deficiency, but their roles in pathogenesis of disease are unclear. For example, the incidence of CPD in PiSS and PiSZ individuals is not known, although Fagerhol has reported that these phenotypes may predispose to CPD. His two patients had asthma and chronic bronchitis rather than emphysema per se. An 8-yr-old boy with severe asthmatic attacks and chronic in flammatory lung disease was found to have a serum α1AT level of 85 mg/100 ml (31% of nl. mean) and trypsin inhibitory capacity of 0.55 mg/ml. Genetic typing by immunofixation and by antigen-antibody crossed electrophoresis indicated that he was PiSZ. Sweat chlorides and serum IgG are normal; IgA and IgM are borderline. The patient's father is PiMZ; his mother and sister are PiMS. Both parents have mild obstructive changes in their pulmonary dynamics, but are clinically well. The sister is apparently normal. The clinical progression and prognosis with α1AT variants other than PiMM, MZ, and ZZ are unknown. The relative frequencies of these phenotypes make genetic typing and long-term followup important in order to clarify these question and to ascertain the need for genetic and medical counselling.
Increased 125I-Insulin Receptor Binding to Erythrocytes of Hypoglycemic Infants and Children

Summary: The measurement of 125I-insulin specific binding to erythrocytes obtained from seven infants and children with various hypoglycemic syndromes showed a significant increase in six patients with recurrent, documented, symptomatic hypoglycemia (percent specific 125I-insulin binding 9 to 14 versus 6.1 ± 1.4%; mean ± 2 S.D. for 13 controls). The increase was due to an increased number of receptors sites per cell rather than to increased affinity for insulin. The patients incuded three children with nesidioblastosis, all after 90% pancreatectomy, two with leucine sensitivity, and two with glycogen storage disease type I. One of the patients with leucine sensitivity, who for 2 years before the study had no hypoglycemia, had normal insulin binding (4.8%). All seven patients had normal fasting basal plasma insulin values (<10 μU/ml). Thus, symptomatic hypoglycemia correlated better with increased 125I-insulin binding than with plasma insulin values. Furthermore, Diazoxide therapy in two patients caused a mild but consistent decrease in the number of insulin receptor sites, and the institution of continuous nocturnal nasogastric feedings in a patient with glycogen storage disease type I was followed by amelioration of the hypoglycemia and a marked increase in 125I-insulin specific binding from 5.2 to 9.5%. Speculation: 125I-Insulin binding to receptors of various cells or tissues may be altered in a variety of clinical situations. Thus, erythrocyte insulin binding sites are significantly decreased in adult-onset, nonobese diabetics that are non-insulin dependent. This patient population has chronic hyperglycemia, the opposite state from our patients with chronic hypoglycemia. Inasmuch as our patients had increased insulin binding sites and normal basal plasma insulin values, we may speculate that prolonged hypoglycemia and therefore tissue glucose depletion may be associated with an increase in insulin receptors and therefore an increase in the insulin bioeffect. This may explain why these patients become hypoglycemic in the presence of normal plasma insulin values. Increased erythrocyte 125I-insulin binding may prove to be another index of long-term hypoglycemia and may perhaps prove more reliable than isolated plasma insulin or glucose values.
Importance of spatially structured environmental heterogeneity in controlling microbial community composition at small spatial scales in an agricultural field

Abstract Spatial heterogeneity is an inherent feature of soils that has significant functional implications, particularly when the activities of soil microbial communities are considered. The main goal of this study was to determine the physical–chemical properties best correlated with changes in microbial community composition in an agricultural ecosystem, as part of an effort to better understand what environmental factors control the distribution and organization of soil microbes. In addition, we sought to determine: (i) whether these factors vary depending on the spatial extent considered, and (ii) whether different subsets of the microbial community were linked with different environmental variables. This analysis was conducted in a spatially explicit manner via a series of Mantel and partial Mantel tests to examine the relationship between the microbial community and the soil microenvironment while controlling for any shared spatial structure. Two-hundred soil samples were collected with separation distances ranging from 2.5 cm to 11 m, and the multi-scale spatial distributions of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), organic matter (OM), texture, and bacterial abundance were compared with previously published analyses of microbial community structure. The results of the spatial analysis of soil properties were similar to those obtained for the microbial communities, and considerable spatial structure was detected, even at very small scales (i.e., ≤40 cm). A strong link between the microbial community and the soil physical–chemical properties was established, and different subsets of the microbial community responded differently to the various environmental properties. C and N affected the widest portion of the microbial community, while patterns in OM distribution and soil texture were selectively correlated with specific groups of microbes. Collectively, these results demonstrate the value of considering multiple spatial scales when studying community–environment interactions, and that one's interpretation of these relationships is critically dependent on the scale of the investigation and the aspect of the community considered. Understanding how microbial communities develop and organize will help scientists interpret the interplay of dispersal, disturbance, and local dynamics in spatial mosaics, and may have important implications for land management following natural disturbances or human alterations.
Analysis of Isomeric Mixtures Using Blackbody Infrared Radiative Dissociation: Determining Isomeric Purity and Obtaining Individual Tandem Mass Spectra Simultaneously

A new method that makes possible, for the first time, simultaneous acquisition of individual dissociation mass spectra of isomeric ions in mixtures is presented. This method exploits the exquisite sensitivity of blackbody infrared radiative dissociation kinetics to minor differences in ion structure. Instead of separating precursor ions based on mass (isomers have identical mass), fragment ions are related to their original precursor ions on the basis of rate constants for dissociation. Mixtures of the peptide isomers des-R1 and des-R9 bradykinin are dissociated simultaneously at several temperatures. By fitting the kinetic data to double-exponential functions, the dissociation rate constant and abundance of each isomer in the mixture are obtained. To overcome the difficulty of fitting double-exponential functions, a novel global analysis method is used in which several dissociation data sets collected at different temperatures are simultaneously fit. The kinetic data measured at multiple temperatures are...
A COMBINED TEST FOR COSMOLOGICAL ANTIMATTER USING THE NEW GENERATION OF γ-RAY TELESCOPES

In line with the new generation of γ-ray telescopes, further studies of γ-ray cosmology are entering an exciting stage. Interesting models have been proposed to explain the spectrum of the extragalactic γ-ray background (EGB), while intrinsic anisotropies in the EGB can be used to pinpoint some of the theories. In this report, we investigate the observational link of the EGB spectrum and large-scale anisotropies. Emphasizing that spatial anisotropies should be looked for at different observational energies, we propose a combined set of the EGB observations which may turn out to be very powerful in determining the role of antimatter in the early Universe.
Characterization of the mouse DAX-1 gene reveals evolutionary conservation of a unique amino-terminal motif and widespread expression in mouse tissue

The human genetic disorder adrenal hypoplasia congenita with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism results from mutations in the recently isolated DAX-1 gene, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. To study the role of DAX-1 in adrenal development and activation of the hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis, animal model systems will be essential. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the mouse DAX-1 gene and its tissue-specific pattern of expression. The mouse DAX-1 gene codes for a 472-amino acid protein, with 75% overall nucleotide sequence homology to its human homolog. The 3.5 amino-terminal repeats of a unique motif with probable DNA-binding activity have been conserved between mouse and human, although highest conservation in the DAX-1 peptide exists in the carboxy-terminal ligand-binding domain. The DAX-1 gene remains X-linked in the mouse, consistent with its potential role in sex determination. We have developed a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR assay that detects DAX-1 m...
An application system for automation of constant-time radio frequency electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

Abstract A Windows based application system for data collection, Fourier reconstruction and analysis of pure phase encoded constant-time radio frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) images, is described. The graphical user interface (GUI) of the system was written in matlab version 5.0, using its built-in GUI utilities. Design considerations of the application system included speed, flexibility and user-friendly data display and analysis. To maximize the speed of image data collection, matlab 's built-in C interface system, MEX was not used for data collection. Instead, matlab programs call the C programs from the dos prompt directly, based on the data collection parameters entered through the GUI. Computational procedures included various digital signal-processing steps such as filtering, interpolation etc. for the Fourier reconstruction of 2D, and 3D EPR images from the pure phase encoded data. Examples of 2D images illustrating the performance of the system are presented. Although the application system has been developed for the specific purpose of EPR imaging, it can easily be adapted to other areas such as magnetic resonance microscopy as well.
Patient–physician communication about work-related asthma: what we do and do not know

Background Effective patient–physician communication is the key component of the patient–physician relationship.
Biologic similarities based on age at onset in oligoarticular and polyarticular subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective To explore biologic correlates to age at onset in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression analysis. Methods PBMCs were isolated from 56 healthy controls and 104 patients with recent-onset JIA (39 with persistent oligoarticular JIA, 45 with rheumatoid factor–negative polyarticular JIA, and 20 with systemic JIA). RNA was amplified and labeled using NuGEN Ovation, and gene expression was assessed with Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChips. Results A total of 832 probe sets revealed gene expression differences (false discovery rate 5%) in PBMCs from children with oligoarticular JIA whose disease began before age 6 years (early-onset disease) compared with those whose disease began at or after age 6 years (late-onset disease). In patients with early-onset disease, there was greater expression of genes related to B cells and less expression of genes related to cells of the myeloid lineage. Support vector machine analyses identified samples from patients with early- or late-onset oligoarticular JIA (with 97% accuracy) or from patients with early- or late-onset polyarticular JIA (with 89% accuracy), but not from patients with systemic JIA or healthy controls. Principal components analysis showed that age at onset was the major classifier of samples from patients with oligoarticular JIA and patients with polyarticular JIA. Conclusion PBMC gene expression analysis reveals biologic differences between patients with early-and late-onset JIA, independent of classification based on the number of joints involved. These data suggest that age at onset may be an important parameter to consider in JIA classification. Furthermore, pathologic mechanisms may vary with age at onset, and understanding these processes may lead to improved treatment of JIA.
The forgiving personality: Describing a life well lived?

Abstract Relationships among dispositional forgiveness, potential mediating factors and health outcome variables were assessed. In 425 adults, 50–95 years of age, trait forgiveness was higher in women, in individuals older than 60, and in those who frequently attended church services. Trait forgiveness was associated with subjective well-being, depression, and stress. Forgiveness was associated with six dimensions of successful aging and with several potential mediators of health: healthy behaviors, social support, and spiritual well-being. Partial correlations indicated that all mediators played a role in the forgiveness – health relationships; however, forgiveness also made an independent contribution to psychological well-being. While the literature has focused more on the relationship of forgiveness to reduced negative affect, the present study indicates that its association with enhancement of experience, through existential well-being, personal relationships with others and personal growth, is even stronger.
Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin pretreatment on endocrine, cytological and prostaglandin F2α receptor patterns of the bovine corpus luteum

Abstract The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on plasma progesterone (P) levels, size distribution of luteal cells and [3H]prostaglandin F2α ([3H]PGF2α) binding to luteal membranes were determined. In Experiment 1, 8 heifers were randomly assigned at synchronized oestrus to either receive 2500 IU hCG 48 h postoestrus, or remain as controls. Blood samples were taken at 6 h intervals from oestrus until Day 7, when a biopsy of luteal tissue was obtained by laparotomy. In Experiment 2, 16 heifers were assigned randomly at oestrus to one of four groups in a 2 × 2 design with hCG treatment as one factor and day of biopsy (Day 11 or Day 13) as the other. Administration of hCG was the same as in Experiment 1. Blood samples were collected at 12 h intervals from oestrus until luteal biopsy. In Experiment 1, P concentrations were lower (P 25 μm) on Day 7 was lower in the hCG-treated heifers than controls (17.8±4.7% vs 29.0 ± 3.9%; mean ± s.e.m.). The small luteal cells of control heifers on Day 7 had a greater (P
Factors Associated with College Attendance of High-School Seniors.

Abstract Demographic, locational, family background, economic, attitudinal and school-related variables are studied to determine factors which lead high-school seniors to go directly on to college. The data come from the 1979 and 1980 National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth Labor Market Experience, and probit analysis is used. Some factors found to be significant imply possible changes in college enrollment patterns: delayed plans for marriage by females, population growth in the South and increasing education among the youths' fathers could portend higher rates of enrollment. While minority and poor youth were less likely to go directly from high school to college, it appears that factors associated with these variables, such as father's education and lower scores on the proxy ability measure, are causal. Finally, school characteristics appear to have a very limited influence on the probability of going directly from high school to college.
The Task of Liberal Theory after September 11

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, presented liberal societies with grave practical challenges. Yet, they also exposed the single most profound theoretical challenge since liberalism's origins: the challenge of illiberal revealed theology. Today's challenge is, in fact, a variety of liberal theory's original antagonist. The radical renewal of this old challenge, in a form markedly different from that which the early liberal theorists faced, requires fresh consideration from liberal theorists today.J. Judd Owen is the author of Religion and the Demise of Liberal Rationalism and is working on a book entitled Religious Apathy and the Democratic Citizen. He thanks Peter Ahrensdorf, Robert Bartlett, Jennifer Hochschild, John Owen IV, Carrie Rosefsky Wickham, and the anonymous reviewers for their comments and criticisms.
The Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor Directly Binds to the FERM Domain of Ezrin, an Interaction that Supports Apical Receptor Localization and Signaling in LLC-PK1 Cells

PTH 1 receptor (PTH1R) regulates mineral ion homeostasis. Both apical and basolateral PTH1R subpopulations exist within the renal proximal tubule. The purpose of this research was to examine determinants within the PTH1R that direct apical localization. When expressed in LLC-PK1 cells, a proximal tubule cell model, the PTH1R localizes to both apical and basolateral membranes. The C terminus of the PTH1R contains a psd-95, discs large, ZO-1 domain interaction motif that binds the sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF-1), a renal tubule scaffold protein. Receptors lacking the psd-95, discs large, ZO-1 domain interaction motif (PTH1R-CDelta4) partly localize to apical membranes, suggesting that additional factors may be involved. Ezrin, a membrane-cytoskeleton linking protein, directly binds NHERF-1 and thus links assembled complexes to actin. In vitro, subdomain C of the ezrin band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, domain interacts with the C-terminal tail of the PTH1R on a site that is mutually exclusive from the NHERF-1 interaction domain, suggesting the presence of a ternary complex. Mutating the lysine-arginine-lysine motif within the juxtamembrane region of the PTH1R C-terminal tail to alanines markedly disrupts interactions with the band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, domain of ezrin both in vitro and within cells. Inclusion of these mutations in the context of the full-length PTH1R disrupts apical localization with no effect on basolateral expression. Expression of a dominant-negative ezrin selectively disrupts apical expression and signaling of the PTH1R. However, dominant-negative ezrin does not affect expression or signaling of the basolateral PTH1R subpopulation. These findings reveal that direct ezrin interactions promote PTH1R apical localization and signaling in LLC-PK1 cells.