cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS: RETAIL AND CONSUMER RESPONSE TO PUBLICIZING FOOD PRICE INFORMATION

Abstract A popular program among consumer action groups involves publicizing comparative food price information (CFPI) gathered from retail stores. Its significance is based on the assumption that publishing CFPI maximizes retail competition (i.e., moderates price levels or price increases) and occasions more frugal store selections among consumers. We tested these assumptions during a 2-year analysis. Specifically, we monitored the prices of two distinct market baskets in the supermarkets of two midwestern cities (target and contrast cities). Following a lengthy baseline, we published the prices of only one of the market baskets at stores in the target city in the local newspaper on five different occasions. The results suggested that reductions in price inflation occurred for both market baskets at the independently operated target stores. The corporate chain stores were not similarly affected. In addition, surveys indicated that many consumers used the CFPI as a basis for store selection. Finally, the analysis included a discussion of the politics, economics, and future of CFPI programs.
The hierarchy of the arts in Buf‐e Kur

In recent years we have begun to see more of Sadeq Hedayat (1903-1951) as a political writer. An anonymously printed pamphlet of four previously unpublished works, including an excerpt from his political satire, Tup-e Morvari [The Pearl Cannon] (1947), appeared in Berkeley in 1973, giving us a glimpse of the other Hedayat, even at the height of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's power. In 1978 it became possible after many years to buy Haji Aqa (1945); and briefly in 1979 an edition of The Pearl Cannon was available. As we see more of Hedayat as an engaged political presence, and the Hedayat who spent two months in Uzbekistan in 1945 as a guest of the Soviet Government becomes less of an anomaly for us, Buf-e Kur [The Blind Owl] (1937, 1941) becomes more of a problem. It is patently his greatest work; and yet it is the work in which his referentiality is most in question. It is possible to treat The Blind Owl as an esthetic puzzle, as Joyce criticism treated Ulysses until very recently, a puzzle which becomes an occupation so total it replaces criticism altogether. It is harder to break through the hermetic self-enclosure and see The Blind Owl as a satire with a specific target. Jalal Ale Ahmad (1923-1969) implies that the book's very withdrawal, the narrator's isolation and distaste for the rabble, is politically determined by observing: "When a person is afraid to talk to his friends, his wife, his colleagues, or anyone else, then unavoidably the only person he can
Real-time implementation of a chest-worn accelerometer based heart monitoring system

This paper presents the real-time implementation of an approach for monitoring the heart using a single accelerometer. The implementation described is based on an algorithmic approach that has been shown to successfully remove motion artifacts from accelerometer based heart signal measurements. A driving factor in this project is the need for low-cost heart rate monitoring as part of a personal monitoring system for use world-wide. The digital signal processor (DSP) chosen for the implementation was Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320C5505 DSP in order to reduce the power requirement of the specific implementation thereby conserving battery life. The TMS320C5505 CPU can operate on 1.05V and the chip architecture has been highly optimized for energy efficiency.
The BEBO calculation of resonance energies of fullerene cages

Abstract A bond energy–bond order (BEBO) relationship for fullerene molecules was obtained by combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the Morse potential. The BEBO relationship provides a simple method to calculate the individual binding energies of all the C–C bonds of fullerenes. Consequently, one can easily calculate the resonance energies of the fullerenes using hypothetical compounds with non-resonant double bonds as reference states. This approach was applied to C 60 and C 70 , both of which have about 3.9 kcal/mol of resonance energy per carbon.
Monoclonal antibodies to circumsporozoite proteins identify the species of malaria parasite in infected mosquitoes

An understanding of the epidemiology of malaria depends on the accurate identification of the portion of the mosquito vector population carrying infectious sporozoites. This is usually determined by laborious dissection and examination of individual mosquitoes, often in areas where less than 1 per 1,000 mosquitoes contain sporozoites1. Moreover, it is impossible to identify the species of malaria parasite in the invertebrate host by morphological criteria. Here we describe two sensitive immunoradiometric assays which use monoclonal antibodies to detect circumsporozoite (CS) protein antigens. These tests can detect, identify and quantify sporozoites in individual or pools of mosquitoes; minimal effort is required and testing can be performed long after mosquito collection at sites removed from endemic areas.
Mantle structure beneath Africa and Arabia from adaptively parameterized P-wave tomography: Implications for the origin of Cenozoic Afro-Arabian tectonism

Abstract While the Cenozoic Afro-Arabian Rift System (AARS) has been the focus of numerous studies, it has long been questioned if low-velocity anomalies in the upper mantle beneath eastern Africa and western Arabia are connected, forming one large anomaly, and if any parts of the anomalous upper mantle structure extend into the lower mantle. To address these questions, we have developed a new image of P-wave velocity variations in the Afro-Arabian mantle using an adaptively parameterized tomography approach and an expanded dataset containing travel-times from earthquakes recorded on many new temporary and permanent seismic networks. Our model shows a laterally continuous, low-velocity region in the upper mantle beneath all of eastern Africa and western Arabia, extending to depths of ~ 500–700 km, as well as a lower mantle anomaly beneath southern Africa that rises from the core-mantle boundary to at least ~ 1100 km depth and possibly connects to the upper mantle anomaly across the transition zone. Geodynamic models which invoke one or more discrete plumes to explain the origin of the AARS are difficult to reconcile with the lateral and depth extent of the upper mantle low-velocity region, as are non-plume models invoking small-scale convection passively induced by lithospheric extension or by edge-flow around thick cratonic lithosphere. Instead, the low-velocity anomaly beneath the AARS can be explained by the African superplume model, where the anomalous upper mantle structure is a continuation of a large, thermo-chemical upwelling in the lower mantle beneath southern Africa. These findings provide further support for a geodynamic connection between processes in Earth's lower mantle and continental break-up within the AARS.
Effect of microwave heating on the synthesis of rhodium nanoparticles in ionic liquids

Abstract A comparative study of the synthesis of Rh nanoparticles (RhNPs) in ionic liquid media (1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) by conventional and microwave heating is presented. Controlled injection of hydrated RhCl3 precursor into mixtures of the ionic liquid and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) under convective electrical heating yielded near-monodisperse (6.9 ± 1.1 nm) RhNPs with a mixture of morphologies. In contrast, identical reactions performed under microwave-assisted heating showed greater morphological selectivity, resulting in largely homogeneous samples of cubic and truncated cubic RhNPs (5.7 ± 0.9 nm). Interestingly, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of the microwave-synthesized RhNPs revealed a greater surface population of BMIM-NTf2 when compared to the conventionally prepared RhNPs. This is indicative of a larger degree of incorporation of ionic liquid monomers coordinated to the RhNP surfaces and may be responsible for the enhanced shape selectivity. The catalytic ability of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was probed through vapor-phase cyclohexene hydrogenation reactions, yielding average TOF values of 9.2 for supported RhNPs.
Christian youth work: teaching faith, filling churches or response to social need?

This essay explores the purposes of Christian youth work. It responds to Collins-Mayo et al.’s contention that youth work is an ineffective medium for faith transmission and building faith communities and to their affirmation of the church’s role in this. The analysis is based on research with young people aged between early teens and early 20s, who are engaging with Christian activities in Birmingham. The discussion highlights young people’s experiences of rejection by their churches, demonstrating that community membership is not always on offer. A model is presented that illustrates how youth work can be, but is not exclusively, a connecting influence between young people and church.
Genetic variation in niche construction and its implications: response to Shuker.

In our recent opinion paper in TREE [1], we advanced the idea that genetic variation in niche construction may have understudied consequences for the development and genetics of phenotypically plastic traits, and that these consequences are potentially of evolutionary importance. Our main idea was that alleles underlying genetic variation in niche construction specify the environment in which all traits (and their associated genetic mechanisms) are expressed. Thus, alleles underlying genetic variation in niche constructing traits can have indirect effects on phenotypically plastic traits by influencing the environments that individuals experience.
Territorial disputes and the politics of individual well-being:

Multiple studies argue that the division of territory between states is a root cause of war in the international system. This is often understood as a function of the unique importance of territory...
Administration of ascorbic acid to an alkaptonuric patient.

SummaryThe administration of from 1 to 4 g of ascorbic acid per day has been found to be without effect on the excretion of homogentisic acid by an alkaptonuric individual excreting an average of 7 g of the metabolite daily. The ineffectiveness of this excessive amount of vitamin is a rinding which is in agreement with results with smaller doses obtained by other investigators.The authors are indebted to Professor Vincent du Vigneaud for placing at their disposal laboratory facilities in the Department of Biochemistry of the Cornell University Medical College for the chemical work in connection with this experiment, and to Dr. Elaine P. Ralli of the Department of Medicine of New York University for the determination of the blood ascorbic acid.
Destroying the ring: Freeing DNA from Ku with ubiquitin

The Ku heterodimer, consisting of the proteins Ku70 and Ku80, is the central component of the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of double strand break (DSB) repair. Ku is able to recognize and bind a DSB by virtue of its ring-like structure. Both pre-repair and topologically trapped post-repair Ku heterodimers are thought to be inhibitory to multiple cellular processes. Thus, a regulated mechanism for the removal of Ku from chromatin was predicted to exist. Recent evidence shows that Ku80 is removed from DNA through a ubiquitin-mediated process. Similar processes have been shown to be involved in the regulated dissociation of a host of other proteins from chromatin, and this appears to be a general and conserved mechanism for the regulation of chromatin-associated factors. A potential mechanism for this pathway is discussed.
Spatial contrast sensitivity of goldfish: mean luminance, temporal frequency and a new psychophysical technique.

Abstract Behavioral contrast sensitivity in goldfish was examined at various mean luminances and stimulus drift rates. Goldfish were classically conditioned to suppress respiration upon presentation of a drifting sinusoidal grating. Contrast threshold at each spatial frequency was determined by means of a new two-alternative forced-choice procedure in which the observer's decision about the presence of the stimulus was based on the animal's respiration pattern. The results show that: (1) as mean luminance decreases, contrast sensitivity to high spatial frequencies decreases and peak sensitivity shifts to lower spatial frequencies; (2) as drift rate increases, contrast sensitivity to low spatial frequencies increases, but sensitivity to high spatial frequencies is relatively unaffected by stimulus drift rate. Both the mean luminance and temporal frequency of the stimulus clearly influence the behavioral contrast sensitivity of the goldfish in ways that would be predicted from behavioral results from other species. We conclude that the mechanisms that mediate contrast sensitivity in goldfish are similar to those that mediate contrast sensitivity in other vertebrates.
Synthesis and properties of V2O3–Fe2O3 magnetic ceramic nanostructures

Abstract x V 2 O 3 ·(1− x )Fe 2 O 3 ( x =0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) solid solutions were successfully synthesized by mechanochemical activation of V 2 O 3 and α-Fe 2 O 3 mixtures. The study aims at exploring the formation of solid solutions at the nanoscale, which is of crucial importance for catalysis and sensing applications. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Mossbauer spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (DSC–TGA), and optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were combined for detailed studies of phase evolution of x V 2 O 3 ·(1− x )Fe 2 O 3 solid solution under the mechanochemical activation process. The Mossbauer studies indicated that the spectrum of the mechanochemically activated composites evolved from a sextet for hematite to sextets and a doublet upon duration of the milling process with vanadium oxide. Simultaneous DSC–TGA studies indicated that the thermal stability of V 2 O 3 -α-Fe 2 O 3 composites varies with the ball-milling time due to the effect of V 3+ –Fe 3+ ion substitution and the continuous formation of a solid solution. SEM images of the formed solid solution confirmed the wide range distribution of particles sizes composed of nano-grains. Optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy studies showed that the synthesized V 2 O 3 -α-Fe 2 O 3 solid solution had semiconductor properties.
Ultrastructural abnormalities in the germinal epithelium of adult quail testes following insecticide chlordecone exposure

Abstract Sexually mature male Japanese quail were treated with either 40.0 μg estradiol-17b injected intraperitoneally or 10 ppm, 40 ppm, 80 ppm, 160 ppm, or 200 ppm chlordecone (Kepone) administered in feed for 60 days. Animals were sacrificed on days 10, 30, and 60 and the germinal epithelium was measured morphometrically and examined with transmission electron microscopy. Estradiol had a minimal effect on testicular morphology whereas there was a dose- and time-dependent reduction in germinal epithelium height in all birds following 60 days of chlordecone exposure. Exposure of quail to higher chlordecone doses (80, 160 and 200 ppm) for 30 or 60 days did not alter the ultrastructure of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells in the basal compartments; however, numerous maturing spermatid clumps located in the adluminal compartments of the germinal epithelium exhibited increased vacuolation, cytoplasmic degeneration and desquamation. Since some of the abnormal spermatids were closely associated with Sertoli cells, the possible role of Sertoli cells during pesticide exposure is discussed.
Alumina Monolith Formation by Flocculation of Boehmite Sols

Flocculating a boehmite sol with ammonia results in drying and shrinkage uniformity which contributes to the formation of a dry monolithic gel. It is demonstrated that flocculation immobilizes the randomly dispersed platelet-shaped boehmite particles, inducing uniform shrinkage and density in the gel structure. Flocculation also increases the rate of gelation and an increased gel integrity is attributed to the cumulative effects of both van der Waals attractive forces and increased hydrogen bond formation (gelation). Flocculation does not adversely effect either phase transformation or sintering of the seeded boehmite gels.
First principles methods for structural trends in oxides: applications to crystalline silica

Abstract One goal of crystal chemistry is to construct approaches to compute from “first principles” the structural properties of ordered compounds. Such an approach is particularly valuable for families of structures with a given stoichiometry. An example of this case is crystalline silica. SiO 2 may exist in a variety of structures which are nearly identical in terms of binding energies. We will illustrate how first principles methods may be employed to predict the relative stability of silica polymorphs, and how these forms may transform under pressure to other ordered, or disordered, phases. Our methods are based on ab initio pseudopotentials constructed within the local density approximation. These pseudopotentials have been optimized for use with a plane wave basis and should be widely applicable for determining the crystal stability of silicates and related materials.
Observation and analysis of current carrying plasmas in a railgun

Observation of current-carrying plasma arcs driving solid projectiles in round-bore and square-bore railguns have been made with magnetic induction coils. Both free-running precursor arcs as well as projectile armature arcs are observed. Qualitative behavior of the plasmas is inferred from data and compared to basic physical models. The non-uniform nature of the force on the armature is investigated. Experimental details as well as difficulties in calibration and in quantitative analysis of magnetic probe signals are discussed. Evidence suggesting evolution in the structure of free-running arcs is presented.
COLCHIPLOIDY AND HISTOLOGICAL IMBALANCE IN TRIPLOID APPLE AND PEAR

A B S T R A C T Colchicine treatment of the triploid apple varieties 'Paragon' and 'Stayman' resulted in 6-3-3 and 3-6-6 chimeras, and 6-3-3 chimera in 'Baldwin.' Treatment of a triploid pear selection 'U.S. 44-3-1' resulted in totally 6x as well as 6-3-3 and 3-6-6 chimeras. As triploid plants are not suitable for breeding, sexually hexaploid forms (totally 6x or chimeral 3-6-6) of high-quality triploid apples and pears may become very useful as breeding material. The primary purpose of treating the 'Stayman' apple was to obtain a 6-3-3 chimera to find out if large cells in the epidermis would reduce or eliminate the severe cracking of fruit of this variety which occurs in some seasons. Chimeral forms in the other plants were to serve as material for comparison with the 'Stayman' variety. Observations on the fruit-cracking problem will have to wait until the chimeral plants fruit. Hexaploid tissue in chimeral shoots of all affected plants has grown more slowly than triploid tissue, causing various degrees of malformation of the leaves. Similar reduction in growth due to restricted ploidization in 4-2-2 or 2-4-4 chimeras has not resulted in many other plants, including apples and pears, but was reported in an 8-4-4 chimera in cranberry. Slower growth of 6x tissue in the apple and pear may be attributed to the presence of multiple homologous genes in the duplicated chromosome forms of these particular triploid plants. THE 'STAYMAN' apple is a triploid and is conlsidered by pomologists as a high quality and important commercial variety. Unfortunately, during some seasons the ripening fruits develop sutures in the skin which cause cracking of the fruit and the whole crop may become a total commercial loss. In greenhouse experiments with grapes (Dermen and Scott, 1962), berries of the diploid variety 'Ribier' cracked badly. The same degree of cracking occurred in berries with 2-4-4 (epidermis 2x, internal tissues 4x) chimera, whereas the berries of the totally tetraploid vine showed very little cracking. A vine of a 4-2-2 chimera was not available, and no study could be made of the fruit cracking in this chimeral type. This limited observation on cracking in grapes suggested colchiploidy experiments with 'Stayman' apple to determine if change in the cytology of its epidermis could eliminate or reduce fruit cracking. The experiment was initiated primarily to increase size of cells of the epidermal tissue by doubling of chromosome number in the epidermal cells only, thus creating in the fruit a mantle of large-celled tissue over an inner tissue with normal cells. It was also hopcd that through this experiment hexaploidy could be induced in the internal tissues of some plants of 'Stayman,' making them cytologically balanced in gamete development and useful for breeding. Triploid apple varieties 'Bald
Measure of Compactness for Filters in the Approach Setting

New explicit descriptions of the reflections of a convergence-approach space on pseudo-approach, pre-approach and approach spaces are given. A measure of compactness for filters is introduced in the context of convergence-approach spaces. It is shown that this measure generalizes all the known measures of variants of compactness and can also be used to describe the reflections mentioned above.
Even a single seizure negatively impacts pediatric health-related quality of life.

Summary Purpose: Both a single seizure and chronic recurrent seizures (epilepsy) occur commonly in childhood. Although several studies have documented the impact of pediatric epilepsy on psychosocial functioning, such as health-related quality of life (HRQOL), no studies have examined the impact of a single seizure on HRQOL. The primary objectives of this study were: (1) to compare parent–proxy HRQOL in children with a single seizure and newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy to normative data and (2) to examine differences in parent–proxy HRQOL between children with single seizure and newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review was conducted on a consecutive cohort of children being evaluated for seizures at a New-Onset Seizure Disorder Clinic. Information from the medical chart review included demographic data, seizure information, and the parent–proxy Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a well-validated measure of HRQOL in pediatric chronic illnesses. Results: Participants included 109 children (n = 53 single seizure; n = 56 newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy). Results indicated that both children with a single seizure and children with newly diagnosed untreated epilepsy had significant impairments in HRQOL compared to normative data. However, no significant HRQOL differences were found between the single seizure and the untreated epilepsy groups. Discussion: Children diagnosed with a single seizure or epilepsy have similar clinically significant impairments in HRQOL. Evaluation of HRQOL, even after a first seizure, is important and will identify children at risk at the earliest opportunity, allowing for timely psychosocial intervention.
Ground state of electron-hole droplets

The free-particle state corresponding to the ground state of a plasma in a band structure composed of (a) $\ensuremath{\nu}$ valleys, (b) two valleys of different masses, (c) one "anisotropic" valley is studied. The Hartree-Fock approximation leads, for (a) and (b), to only one filled valley. Only intervalley correlations restore the unperturbed ground state (a), or a state close to (b), and make the droplets stable. For (c), the state is slightly more spherical than the free-particle ground state, but, in the three cases, the energy is not significantly changed.
Approaches To Linguistic Prehistory

Tracing the movements of languages through space and time is a most difficult task. The current interpretation of archaeological data alone are insufficient to determine linguistic prehistory with ...
Unusual CNS presentation of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a common tumor of childhood, usually occurring in children under 4 years of age [1]. We report a case of a 10-year old child who initially presented with a large calvarial mass representing a solitary site of metastasis from an occult adrenal neuroblastoma. The “sunburst” pattern of the calvarial metastasis noted in this case is rarely seen with neuroblastoma. The age of our patient, solitary focus of metastasis at presentation, and imaging appearance of the tumor are very uncommon findings of neuroblastoma.
Antibody responses to bacterial toxoids in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Infection with human immunodeficiency retrovirus (also known as HTLV III, LAV,. and ARV) can produce a spectrum of immunologic perturbations ranging from no obvious deficit to severe combined acquired immune deficiency. Adults with acquired immune deficiency syndrome are likely to have lymphopenia and severe cell-mediated immunodeficiency, with a dramatic deficiency of helper T cells. Adults also have hypergammaglobulinemia and diminished capacity to produce antibody after primary or booster immunizations? Even asymptomatic HIV-infected adults have defective B-lymphocyte function as measured by a variety of in vitro assays. 2 In chiidren, HIV infection produces a similar spectrum of immunologic perturbations. A recent study of sick children with AIDS has demonstrated blunted antibody responses to bacteriophage phi X174 after prinmry and secondary immunizations. In addition, class switching (IgM to IgG) was generally absent and antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccine and tetanus toxoid were also diminished? We examined 17 children with HIV infection, who had received at least three immunizations with diphtheriatetanus-pertussis vaccine, for the presence of humoral and ceil-mediated immune responses to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. These children had neither, a history of opportunistic infection nor biopsy-proved lymphocytic interstitial proliferation at the time of study. METHODS
Tailoring Health Programming to Clergy: Findings From a Study of United Methodist Clergy in North Carolina

Research indicating high rates of chronic disease among some clergy groups highlights the need for health programming for clergy. Like any group united by similar beliefs and norms, clergy may find culturally tailored health programming more accessible and effective. There is an absence of research on what aspects clergy find important for clergy health programs. We conducted 11 focus groups with United Methodist Church pastors and district superintendents. Participants answered open-ended questions about clergy health program desires and ranked program priorities from a list of 13 possible programs. Pastors prioritized health club memberships, retreats, personal trainers, mental health counseling, and spiritual direction. District superintendents prioritized for pastors: physical exams, peer support groups, health coaching, retreats, health club memberships, and mental health counseling. District superintendents prioritized for themselves: physical exams, personal trainers, health coaching, retreats, and...
WE-E-141-01: Accurate Calibration and Measurement of Unflattened Photon Beams

Purpose: To accurately quantify and account for systematic errors in the measurement of dose for unflattened photon beams due to characteristics specific to these beams. Methods: Dose measurements were taken on five photon beams (6X, 6X FFF, 10X, 10X FFF, and 15X) on a Varian TrueBeam STx using one diode and five ion chambers (PTW Farmer, CC13, CC04, and PTW 3D Pinpoint) which were selected to span a range of dimensions. Errors in the percent depth dose (PDD) due to depth dependent P_ion effects were measured. High‐resolution diode scans for profiles at 6X FFF and 10X FFF were used to create an analytical fit model. This model was used to calculate the reduction in dose (caused by volume averaging) in unflattened beams due to chamber size. Each chamber was cross‐calibrated (using the flattened beams) against the farmer chamber to determine N_D,w(Co‐60). These N_D,w(Co‐60) values were then used to determine the absolute dose in the FFF beams. Results: Changes in P_ion were most pronounced in the 10X FFF beam. This effect resulted in a 1% and 1.5% increase in the measured PDD at depths of 10cm and 20cm, respectively, for 10X FFF with the CC13 chamber. The farmer chamber had the most significant volume averaging effect with a calculated (and measured) dose reduction of 0.35% and 0.72% for 6X FFF and 10X FFF, respectively. An analytical correction factor, P_Flat, was developed to account for this effect. Conclusion: Corrections are necessary to reduce the errors produced when measuring dose in unflattened beams. Two types of errors were quantified that will each lower the measured dose to dmax. When following a TG‐51 calibration, uncorrected absolute dose measurements may Result in a worst‐case error on the order of 2%. We developed an analytical correction factor that substantially reduces this error for common farmer chambers.
Effect of spin-orbit interaction and in-plane magnetic field on the conductance of a quasi-one-dimensional system

We study the effect of spin-orbit interaction and in-plane effective magnetic field on the conductance of a quasi-one-dimensional ballistic electron system. The effective magnetic field includes the externally applied field, as well as the field due to polarized nuclear spins. The interplay of the spin-orbit interaction with effective magnetic field significantly modifies the band structure, producing additional subband extrema and energy gaps, introducing the dependence of the subband energies on the field direction. We generalize the Landauer formula at finite temperatures to incorporate these special features of the dispersion relation. The obtained formula describes the conductance of a ballistic conductor with an arbitrary dispersion relation.
Hexamita meleagridis (Spironucleus meleagridis) Infection in Chukar Partridges Associated with High Mortality and Intracellular Trophozoites

An outbreak of infectious catarrhal enteritis, associated with the flagellated protozoan Spironucleus meleagridis (syn. Hexamita meleagridis), is reported from a commercial flock of chukar partridges in California. The disease affected birds between the ages of 4 and 6 wk and resulted in diarrhea, listlessness, depression, and high mortality. Concurrent infection with other intestinal pathogens, including Cryptosporidia, group E Salmonella, long-segmented filamentous microorganisms (LSFMOs), and Rotavirus-like virus particles, was found in some but not all affected birds. Dermatitis of the face, shanks, and feet, suggestive of B-complex vitamin deficiency, was present in most affected birds as well. Flagellated protozoan parasites could be found in the lumen of the duodenum and jejunum and in the intestinal crypts. In some cases the flagellates were wedged between epithelial cells or were located intracellularly within cells of the mucosal epithelium and the intestinal lamina propria.
Rate of Change in Myocardial Glycogen and Lactic Acid Following Arrest of Coronary Circulation

Comparative studies of glycogen content, rate of glycolysis, and lactic acid accumulation were carried out over a 2 hour period in potassium-arrested hearts excised from dogs with and without preliminary infusion of glucose and insulin. Glycogen consumption occurred at 60 to 100 per cent of the expected rate for 60 min., but was subsequently much less in both groups of animals. Lactic acid accumulation apparently was a critical factor with respect to continued metabolism after 60 min. Reperfusion of the coronary circulation after 90 min. of circulatory arrest revealed damage to the coronary microcirculation.
Imperfections in U.S. Foreign Policy Toward Oromia and Ethiopia: Will The Obama Administration Introduce Change?

This paper argues that because of its perceived strategic national interest and the wrong advice it received from experts and racist assumptions about the Oromo, the U.S. government has allied with the Tigrayan minority elites to form a colonial government and to suppress the Oromo national movement. Thus, the major question becomes will the Obama administration respect the rights of African peoples in general and that of the Oromo in particular?
Economics of Crime: Panel Data Analysis of Bank Robbery in the United States

This paper examines the determinants of bank robbery in the United States using a rational choice model. Panel data estimation techniques were used to analyze the data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 1990 through 2000. A random-effects model emerged as the most appropriate estimating model for costs and benefits of bank robbery. Among the significant determinants of the rate of bank robbery were the unemployment rate and amount of loot. The findings suggest that the rational choice model is a suitable framework for examining bank robbery. However, if we are to draw useful policy conclusions, better data are needed to accurately measure the opportunity costs of bank robbery. (JEL C23, K42)
TRENDS IN POLITICAL TOLERANCE

Some researchers find a substantial increase in political tolerance since the 1950s, while others find the increase to be "illusory" -the public is more tolerant now of leftists, but has simply found other targets on which to vent its intolerance. Reanalysis and the addition of more extensive trend data from 1940 to 1985 suggest that the shift does seem primarily to reflect increased tolerance of leftists, but that the public has not found other groups to be intolerant of. Measured tolerance has fluctuated greatly over the period, reflecting mainly changes in perceptions of threat from putatively subversive groups, especially domestic Communists. Also, the public's grasp of, and selfinterested concern about, civil liberties seems so minimal that one might argue not that the public is substantially tolerant or intolerant, but that it has no really tangibly measurable "attitude" on the subject one way or the other. Several recent studies have dealt with the American public's tolerance for dissent and nonconformity. Part of the discussion has revolved around the issue of changes in the level of tolerance-specifically, whether there has been an increase it; this quality since the 1950s. The benchmark for these studies has been Samuel A. Stouffer's classic study of civil liberties, published in 1955. Stouffer's survey posed an array of questions about Communists, Socialists, and atheists and sought to assess the public's willingness to allow such people to speak and to hold various kinds of jobs. Twenty years later, comparative data became available. In 1973, Stouffer's 1954 survey was substantially replicated, and, beginning in 1972, several of his central questions have been included on the General Social Survey of the National OpinJOHN MUELLER iS Professor of Political Science at the University of Rochester. The author would like to thank J. Allen Williams, Tom Smith, and Howard Schuman for supplying some of the data used in this paper, Karl Mueller for research assistance, and George E. Marcus and John Zaller for comments on an earlier draft. Public Opinion Quarterly Volume 52:1-25 ? 1988 by the American Association for Public Opinion Research Published by The University of Chicago Press / 0033-362X/88/0052-01/$2.50 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.27 on Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:15:06 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Reducing the uncertainty in managing breakthrough technological innovations

From an information processing (IP) perspective, breakthrough innovation has substantially greater information processing requirements (IPR) at the beginning phases of the innovation process than does incremental innovation, requiring management processes with substantially greater information processing capabilities (IPC). A four year, longitudinal study suggests what these management differences consist of. Five themes emerged that either helped reduce IPR or increase IPC: (1) informal networks of people, (2) accessibility to and support of top management, (3) the importance of champions, (4) personalities of champions/visionaries, and (5) the impact of organizational culture.
Cotargeting the PI3K and RAS Pathways for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Background: The precise involvement of the PI3K/mTOR and RAS/MEK pathways in carcinoid tumors is not well defined. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the role these pathways play in carcinoid cell proliferation, apoptosis, and secretion and to determine the effects of combined treatment on carcinoid tumor inhibition. Methods: The human neuroendocrine cell lines BON (pancreatic carcinoid), NCI-H727 (lung carcinoid), and QGP-1 (somatostatinoma) were treated with either the pan-PI3K inhibitor, BKM120, or the dual PI3K–mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, alone or in combination with the MEK inhibitor, PD0325901; proliferation, apoptosis, and protein expression were assessed. Peptide secretion was evaluated in BON and QGP-1 cells. The antiproliferative effect of BEZ235, alone or combined with PD0325901, was then tested in vivo . Results: Both BKM120 and BEZ235 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis; combination with PD0325901 significantly enhanced the antineoplastic effects of either treatment alone. In contrast, neurotensin peptide secretion was markedly stimulated with BKM120 treatment, but not BEZ235. The combination of BEZ235 + PD0325901 significantly inhibited the growth of BON xenografts without systemic toxicity. Conclusions: Both BKM120 and BEZ235 effectively inhibited neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell proliferation and stimulated apoptosis. However, inhibition of the PI3K pathway alone with BKM120 significantly stimulated neurotensin peptide secretion; this did not occur with the dual inhibition of both PI3K and mTOR using BEZ235 suggesting that this would be a more effective treatment regimen for NETs. Moreover, the combination of BEZ235 and the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 was a safe and more effective therapy in vivo compared with single agents alone. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1212–22. ©2014 AACR .
Mutations in XPA That Prevent Association with ERCC1 Are Defective in Nucleotide Excision Repair

The human repair proteins XPA and ERCC1 have been shown to be absolutely required for the incision step of nucleotide excision repair, and recently we identified an interaction between these two proteins both in vivo and in vitro (L. Li, S. J. Elledge, C. A. Peterson, E. S. Bales, and R. J. Legerski, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:5012-5016, 1994). In this report, we demonstrate the functional relevance of this interaction. The ERCC1-binding domain on XPA was previously mapped to a region containing two highly conserved XPA sequences, Gly-72 to Phe-75 and Glu-78 to Glu-84, which are termed the G and E motifs, respectively. Site-specific mutagenesis was used to independently delete these motifs and create two XPA mutants referred to as delta G and delta E. In vitro, the binding of ERCC1 to delta E was reduced by approximately 70%, and binding to delta G was undetectable; furthermore, both mutants failed to complement XPA cell extracts in an in vitro DNA repair synthesis assay. In vivo, the delta E mutant exhibited an intermediate level of complementation of XPA cells and the delta G mutant exhibited little or no complementation. In addition, the delta G mutant inhibited repair synthesis in wild-type cell extracts, indicating that it is a dominant negative mutant. The delta E and delta G mutations, however, did not affect preferential binding of XPA to damaged DNA. These results suggest that the association between XPA and ERCC1 is a required step in the nucleotide excision repair pathway and that the probable role of the interaction is to recruit the ERCC1 incision complex to the damage site. Finally, the affinity of the XPA-ERCC1 complex was found to increase as a function of salt concentration, indicating a hydrophobic interaction; the half-life of the complex was determined to be approximately 90 min.
CONSTRAINTS ON PRIMARY PRODUCER N:P STOICHIOMETRY ALONG N:P SUPPLY RATIO GRADIENTS

A current principle of ecological stoichiometry states that the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P) of primary producers should closely match that from environmental nutrient supplies. This hypothesis was tested using data from ponds in Michigan, USA, a freshwater mesocosm experiment, a synthesis of studies from diverse systems (cultures, lakes, streams, and marine and terrestrial environments), and simple dynamic models of producer growth and nutrient content. Unlike prior laboratory studies, the N:P stoichiometry of phytoplankton in Michigan ponds clustered around and below the Redfield ratio (7.2:1 by mass), despite wide variation in N:P supply ratios (2:1-63:1 by mass) and the presence of grazers. In a mesocosm experiment, the N:P stoichiometry of phytoplankton cells again deviated from a nearly 1:1 relationship with N:P supply. Phytoplankton seston exhibited lower N:P content than expected at high N:P supply ratios, and often higher N:P content than anticipated at low N:P supply ratios, regardless of herbivore presence. Similar devi- ations consistently occur in the N:P stoichiometry of algae and plants in the other diverse systems. The models predicted that both high loss rates (sinking, grazing) and physiological limits to nutrient storage capacity could attenuate producer stoichiometry. In the future, research should evaluate how limits to elemental plasticity of producers can influence the role of stoichiometry in structuring communities and ecosystem processes.
A Conjugation-Based System for Genetic Analysis of Group II Intron Splicing in Lactococcus lactis

The conjugative element pRS01 from Lactococcus lactis encodes the putative relaxase protein LtrB. The ltrB gene is interrupted by the functional group II intron Ll.ltrB. Accurate splicing of the two ltrB exons is required for synthesis of the mRNA encoding the LtrB conjugative relaxase and subsequent plasmid transfer. A conjugation-based genetic assay was developed to identify Ll.ltrB mutations that affect splicing. In this assay a nonsplicing, transfer-defective pRS01 derivative (pM1014) and a shuttle vector carrying the ltrB region, including the Ll.ltrB intron (pCOM9), are used. pCOM9 provides splicing-dependent complementation of the transfer defect of pM1014. Site-directed mutations within Ll.ltrB, either in the catalytic RNA or in the intron-encoded protein gene ltrA, were generated in the context of pCOM9. When these mutants were tested in the conjugation-based assay, significantly reduced mating was observed. Quantitative molecular analysis of in vivo splicing activity confirmed that the observed mating defects resulted from reduced splicing. Once the system was validated for the engineered mutants, random mutagenesis of the intron followed by genetic and molecular screening for splicing defects resulted in identification of point mutations that affect splicing.
Response Characteristics of Boiling Water Reactor Generating Units

The IEEE Working Group on Power Plant Response to Load Changes has encouraged papers on various aspects of plant response. This paper is intended to contribute to the understanding of the response characteristics of a major class of power generation equipment, namely Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) plants as furnished by General Electric Company.
Differential Regulation of the Interleukin-12 Receptor during the Innate Immune Response to Leishmania major

Previous studies have shown the central role of interleukin 12 (IL-12) in the development of resistance to Leishmania major infection in C3H mice. We now show that during the innate immune response the lymph node cells of L. major-infected C3H mice upregulate the IL-12 receptor on CD4+, CD8+, and B220+ cells. An increase in the ability of the lymph node cells to bind IL-12 correlates with 9.3- and 4.6-fold increases in the mRNA expression levels of the IL-12Rβ1 and -β2 subunits, respectively. In contrast, BALB/c mice, which are susceptible to L. major infection, have no increase in the ability of the lymph node cells to bind IL-12 and correspondingly smaller increases in the mRNA expression levels of the IL-12Rβ1 and -β2 subunits of 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively. Neutralizing IL-4 and the administration of exogenous IL-12 upregulate IL-12R expression in BALB/c mice, while the neutralization of IL-12 in C3H mice blocks increased IL-12 receptor expression. These experiments reveal an important role for the regulation of the IL-12 receptor during the innate immune response after infection of mice with a pathogen.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: who dies, and why?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating form of stroke. Causes and mechanisms of in-hospital death after SAH in the modern era of neurocritical care remain incompletely understood. We studied 1200 consecutive SAH patients prospectively enrolled in the Columbia University SAH Outcomes Project between July 1996 and January 2009. Analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. In-hospital mortality was 18 % (216/1200): 3 % for Hunt-Hess grade 1 or 2, 9 % for grade 3, 24 % for grade 4, and 71 % for grade 5. The most common adjudicated primary causes of death or neurological devastation leading to withdrawal of support were direct effects of the primary hemorrhage (55 %), aneurysm rebleeding (17 %), and medical complications (15 %). Among those who died, brain death was declared in 42 %, 50 % were do-not-resuscitate at the time of cardiac death (86 % of whom had life support actively withdrawn), and 8 % died despite full support. Admission predictors of mortality were age, loss of consciousness at ictus, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, large aneurysm size, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) physiologic subscore, and Modified Fisher Scale score. Hospital complications that further increased the risk of dying in multivariable analysis included rebleeding, global cerebral edema, hypernatremia, clinical signs of brain stem herniation, hypotension of less than 90 mm Hg treated with pressors, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, and hepatic failure. Delayed cerebral ischemia, defined as deterioration or infarction from vasospasm, did not predict mortality. Strategies directed toward minimizing early brain injury and aneurysm rebleeding, along with prevention and treatment of medical complication, hold the best promise for further reducing mortality after SAH.
OVINE PLACENTAL LACTOGEN INDUCES SOMATOMEDIN: A POSSIBLE ROLE IN FETAL GROWTH

Ovine placental lactogen (oPL) and bovine growth hormone (bGH) increase the circulating concentration of somatomedin in hypophysectomized rats. This finding indicates that some of the somatotropic properties of oPL may be due to the induction of somatomedin and raises the possibility that oPL has a role in the control of fetal growth.
Molecular Characterization of Loss-of-Function Mutations in PCSK9 and Identification of a Compound Heterozygote

Elevated levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis. Mutations in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) that are associated with lower plasma levels of LDL-C confer protection from coronary heart disease. Here, we show that four severe loss-of-function mutations prevent the secretion of PCSK9 by disrupting synthesis or trafficking of the protein. In contrast to recombinant wild-type PCSK9, which was secreted from cells into the medium within 2 hours, the severe loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 largely abolished PCSK9 secretion. This finding predicted that circulating levels of PCSK9 would be lower in individuals with the loss-of-function mutations. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of plasma for PCSK9 provided direct evidence that the serine protease is present in the circulation and identified the first known individual who has no immunodetectable circulating PCSK9. This healthy, fertile college graduate, who was a compound heterozygote for two inactivating mutations in PCSK9, had a strikingly low plasma level of LDL-C (14 mg/dL). The very low plasma level of LDL-C and apparent good health of this individual demonstrate that PCSK9 plays a major role in determining plasma levels of LDL-C and provides an attractive target for LDL-lowering therapy.