cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ficheras and free-lancers: prostitution in a Mexican border city.

Research on prostitution generally underlines the precarious nature of this occupation. Prostitutes are vulnerable to police harrassment and are often victimized by their clients. The present study, focusing on a large Mexican city bordering on the United States, reveals the remarkable stability of prostitution, perhaps the most lucrative industry in the municipality studied. Utilizing interviews with public health officials, police, taxi drivers, and prostitutes themselves, the researchers developed a typology of prostitution bars in Border City, according to the kind of arrangement between prostitute and employer. Two sectors of prostitution bars were studied, one sector catering principally to American citizens, the other to Mexican citizens. Finally, data supplied by the Health Department of Border City revealed a limited number of background characteristics of the registered prostitutes. The overall picture shows a confluence of stabilizing factors connected with the bar setting and registration system. Prostitutes are protected from police harrassment, receive regular medical checkups, and meet with clients in a situation minimizing risks of being cheated or robbed. In a wider perspective, northern Mexico's favorable income and employment advantages over other Mexican states tend to attract a steady flow of potential recruits to Border City's prostitution industry. These conditions, together with the continued presence of military personnel as clients in the neighboring American city, suggest the continuance of a flourishing and perhaps unique example of prostitution as a relatively stable occupation.
COMSOL Multiphysics model for continuous flow microwave heating of liquids

Abstract A numerical model was developed to simulate temperature profiles in Newtonian as well as non-Newtonian fluids during continuous flow microwave heating by iterative coupling of electromagnetism, fluid flow and heat transport in COMSOL Multiphysics. The model was validated by using extensive experimental data for carboxymethyl cellulose solution and tap water flowing at two different flow rates (1 and 2 l/m) through a 915 MHz continuous flow microwave system at 4 kW of power. The electromagnetic power generation (18–20% error) and average numerical temperature were in fairly good agreement with the average experimental temperatures for carboxymethyl cellulose (R2 = 0.89 at 1 l/m and R2 = 0.91 at 2 l/m) and tap water (R2 = 0.90 at 1 l/m and R2 = 0.81 at 2 l/m).
Microresurfacing Using the Variable‐Pulse Erbium:YAG Laser: A Comparison of the 0.5‐ and 4‐ms Pulse Durations

Background. Laser resurfacing has become less popular because of its long recovery time, significant discomfort, and potential risks. Microsurfacing employs the use of single-pass erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) “mini peels,” which may be performed serially. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and patient acceptance of microresurfacing Er:YAG peels in treating facial photodamage. The variable-pulse Er:YAG system was used and was allowed a comparison of the 0.5- and 4-ms pulse widths. Methods. Six female patients underwent eight microresurfacing peels in a split-face fashion using the 0.5- and 4.0-ms pulse durations of a variable-pulse Er:YAG laser. Patients returned at postoperative Days 3 to 4 and 7 for clinical evaluation and Mexameter measurements. Results. There were no significant differences in healing or postoperative erythema between the 0.5- and 4-ms pulse durations on postoperative Day 7. The average time to reepithelialization was 3.6 days. In a 1-year postoperative interview, four of six patients said that they would undergo the peel again periodically, and five of six stated they had maintained some level of improvement. Conclusion. Microresurfacing is an effective and well-tolerated procedure. Benefits include its tolerability under topical anesthesia, limited down time, and high patient satisfaction.
Expression of folate pathway genes in the cartilage of Hoxd4 and Hoxc8 transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND Hox transcription factors are well known for their role in skeletal patterning in vertebrates. They regulate gene expression during the development of cartilage, the precursor to mature bone. We previously reported that overexpression of the homeobox genes Hoxc8 and Hoxd4 results in severe cartilage defects, reduced proteoglycan content, accumulation of immature chondrocytes, and decreased maturation to hypertrophy. We have also shown that Hoxd4 transgenic mice whose diets were supplemented with folate had their skeletal development restored. Since folate is required for growth and differentiation of chondrocytes, we hypothesized that the beneficial effect of folate in Hoxd4 transgenic mice might indicate a local deficiency in folate utilization, possibly caused by deregulation of genes encoding folate transport proteins or folate metabolic enzymes. METHODS We assayed the prevalence of transcripts for 22 folate transport proteins and metabolizing enzymes, here collectively referred to as folate pathway genes. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on cDNA samples derived from RNA isolated from primary chondrocytes of individual rib cartilages from Hoxd4 and Hoxc8 transgenic mice, respectively. RESULTS This study shows that the Hox transgenes produce overexpression of Hoxd4 and Hoxc8 in primary chondrocytes from perinatal transgenic mice. However, no differences were found in expression levels of the folate pathway genes in transgenic cells compared to littermate controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that folate pathway genes are only indirect targets of Hox transgene overexpression in our transgenic animals. These expression studies provide a baseline for future studies into the role of folate metabolism in chondrocyte differentiation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Up‐regulation of Ca2+ influx mediated by store‐operated channels in HL60 cells induced to differentiate by 1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3

The physiologically active form of vitamin D, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), induces promyelocytic HL60 cells to differentiate towards monocyte-like cells. During this differentiation increased cytosolic calcium (Cai2+) and expression of surface receptors for chemotactic factors "prime" the cell for the activation of monocyte functions and the triggering of the respiratory burst pathway. We examined whether the Ca2+ influx mediated by store-operated channels (SOC) contributed to the increased Cai2+ following exposure of HL60 cells to 10(-7) M 1,25D3. Cells treated with 1,25D3 for 72 hr demonstrated a rapid transient rise in Cai2+ followed by a second, phasic, increase in Cai2+ in response to the purinergic agonist ATP. This second Cai2+ transient was blocked by Ni2+, SKF 96365, or withdrawal of extracellular Ca2+. In cells suspended in Ca(2+)-free medium, peak changes (delta) in [Ca2+]i elicited by ATP-induced Ca2+ mobilization occurred with similar EC50 values in differentiated and vehicle (EtOH)-treated cells; however, peak [Ca2+]i was reduced by 55% in 1,25D3-treated cells. Decreased Ca2+ mobilization was associated with a 25-35% reduction in intracellular Ca2+ stores (determined with ionomycin). 1,25D3-treated cells exposed to ATP or thapsigargin (Tg) in Ca(2+)-free medium for 3 min with subsequent addition of 1 mM Ca2+ exhibited a respective 80% or 120% stimulation in peak [Ca2+]i compared to EtOH-treated cells. Enhanced Ca2+ influx mediated by SOC was also seen in these cells as an increase in the rate of Mn2+ entry after exposure to ATP or Tg. At 96 hr after addition of 1,25D3, when differentiated phenotype was established, basal Ca2+i and Ca2+ entry mediated by SOC returned to control values, but Ca2+ store size remained reduced. Up-regulation of Ca2+ influx via the SOC pathway during 1,25D3-induced differentiation may contribute to the functional properties of the maturing monocyte, or to the resetting of molecular programs responsible for the changing phenotype.
Electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry of intact intrinsic membrane proteins

Membrane proteins drive and mediate many essential cellular processes making them a vital section of the proteome. However, the amphipathic nature of these molecules ensures their detailed structural analysis remains challenging. A versatile procedure for effective electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) of intact intrinsic membrane proteins purified using reverse-phase chromatography in aqueous formic acid/isopropanol is presented. The spectra of four examples, bacteriorhodopsin and its apoprotein from Halobacterium and the D1 and D2 reaction-center subunits from spinach thylakoids, achieve mass measurements that are within 0.01% of calculated theoretical values. All of the spectra reveal lesser quantities of other molecular species that can usually be equated with covalently modified subpopulations of these proteins. Our analysis of bovine rhodopsin, the first ESI-MS study of a G-protein coupled receptor, yielded a complex spectrum indicative of extensive molecular heterogeneity. The range of masses measured for the native molecule agrees well with the range calculated based upon variable glycosylation and reveals further heterogeneity arising from other covalent modifications. The technique described represents the most precise way to catalogue membrane proteins and their post-translational modifications. Resolution of the components of protein complexes provides insights into native protein/protein interactions. The apparent retention of structure by bacteriorhodopsin during the analysis raises the potential of obtaining tertiary structure information using more developed ESI-MS experiments.
Electrical characterization of Zn+ and P+ co-implanted InP:Fe

Abstract We investigated the effects of P + co-implantation, implantation temperature and type of post-implantation anneal on the hole concentration distributions in semi-insulating (100) InP:Fe wafers implanted with 5×10 13 and 5×10 14 cm −2 Zn + ions. At low doses the P + co-implant combined with a capless rapid thermal anneal (RTA) at 900°C for 10 s greatly suppresses Zn dopant indiffusion and results in peak hole concentrations of 3.0×10 18 to 3.5×10 18 cm −3 . At high doses the peak hole concentration and general distribution are influenced by the residual implant damage and the stoichiometric imbalance that remains after the post-implantation anneal. Although all high-dose implants exhibited severe carrier redistribution for the parameters studied, significant improvements in the peak hole concentration up to 8.0×10 18 cm −3 were obtained by a combination of P + co-implantation and RTA.
The Will to Lead: Running a Business Network of Leaders

The article reviews the book “The Will to Lead: Running a Business Network of Leaders,” by Marvin Bower.
Culture and Institutional Climate: Influences on Diversity in Higher Education

Wynetta Y. Lee is an Associate Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Adult and Community College Education at North Carolina State University (NCSU). She has also worked as a research analyst specializing in education policy with the Tennessee State Legislature and worked collaboratively with colleagues at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to develop a program to reward institutions with incentive funding for progress toward institutional diversity. Lee also has extensive experience in program development/ implementation in both higher education and nonprofit organizations. Her research focuses on the educational equity and academic success of minorities, women, the academically underprepared, and community college transfers. She also studies diversity initiatives and curriculum reform. Address queries to her at North Carolina State University, Box 7801NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7801; telephone: (919) 515-6290; fax: (919) 515-6305; e-mail: wynetta_lee@ncsu.edu. REVIEW ESSAY
Promoter variation in the liver glucokinase is a risk factor for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract We have previously reported a common variation in the liver promoter of the human glucokinase, which is regulated by insulin, in the patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The variation occurred within a 10-bp region completely conserved between human and rat. Its basic motif was almost identical to the insulin regulatory element of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene.In vitrotransfection experiment showed that the G-to-A variation causes a 58% reduction in the promoter activity. After oral glucose challenge, the homozygous A/A subjects had the highest stimulated insulin levels at 60 and 90 minutes and the highest insulin area under the curve as compared to the subjects with other genotypes, which suggested the homozygous A/A subjects were more insulin resistant. As insulin resistance is a risk factor of NIDDM, we concluded that this promoter variation is a risk factor for NIDDM.
Selective Molecular Potassium Channel Blockade Prevents Atrial Fibrillation

Background— Safety and efficacy limit currently available atrial fibrillation (AF) therapies. We hypothesized that atrial gene transfer would allow focal manipulation of atrial electrophysiology and, by eliminating reentry, would prevent AF. Methods and Results— In a porcine AF model, we compared control animals to animals receiving adenovirus that encoded KCNH2-G628S, a dominant negative mutant of the IKr potassium channel α-subunit (G628S animals). After epicardial atrial gene transfer and pacemaker implantation for burst atrial pacing, animals were evaluated daily for cardiac rhythm. Electrophysiological and molecular studies were performed at baseline and when animals were euthanized on either postoperative day 7 or 21. By day 10, none of the control animals and all of the G628S animals were in sinus rhythm. After day 10, the percentage of G628S animals in sinus rhythm gradually declined until all animals were in AF by day 21. The relative risk of AF throughout the study was 0.44 (95% confidence inter...
Time-lapse Shear-wave Splitting: Monitoring Hydraulic Fracturing of a Tight Gas Reservoir

The Reservoir Characterization Project at the Colorado School of Mines has collected time-lapse multi-component seismic data over a tight gas reservoir in Rulison field, Piceance basin, CO. These data are processed using a new method to localize changes of shear wave splitting in the reservoir interval. The process of shear-wave splitting is posed as an inverse problem involving instantaneous time shift calculation between shear wave modes. The timelapse time shifts of the fast and slow shear wave modes are calculated first and then differenced. Finally, the derivative of the relative time shifts is taken to localize changes within the reservoir. The results clearly show increased shear wave splitting attributed to the presence of a massive hydraulic fracture, which was stimulated in the time-lapse interval. The azimuth of this fracture anomaly agrees with the maximum horizontal stress direction obtained through 1D well bore geomechanics.
Structural and energetic parameters of Ca2+ binding to peptides and proteins.

The characteristics of Ca2+-binding sites and of the structural reorganization induced by Ca2+-binding in storage proteins and ion carriers are being studied as models for molecular mechanisms in Ca2+ channels and in Ca2+-dependent modulatory proteins. A first step in the study was the development of energy parameters for Ca2+ compatible with those in the CHARMM package of computer simulation software. Such parameters were obtained from an analytical fit to the potential surface for [(Ca)(OCH2)4]2+ calculated with an ab initio molecular orbital method. The resulting parametrization was tested for the hexapeptide cyclo-(Pro-Gly)3, and a 75 residue long calcium binding protein from bovine intestine (ICaBP). The geometrical parameters calculated for the hexapeptide and its 2:1 complex with Ca2+ were in good agreement with experimental data from crystallography and nmr. Similarly, the structure of ICaBP optimized with CHARMM using the new Ca2+ parameters showed good agreement with the x-ray structure both in the local structures of the calcium-binding sites and in the overall shape of the protein.
Jewish-Palestinian Relations in Israel: From Hegemony to Equality?

This article focuses on the relationships between the Jewish majority and the Palestinian minority in Israel. Opening with a historical perspective that emphasizes the marginality of the minority, the article proceeds to describe empirically that minority's inferior and subservient condition. The third section proposes an elaborate conceptual framework for analyzing politics in deeply divided societies and then applies it to the Israeli case. The final part addresses the possibility of transforming Israel's political system from one that is ethnically hegemonic and democratically flawed into a polity that is open, inclusive, and genuinely democratic. The article identifies ways for effecting such a systemic transformation through individual-based approaches (especially liberal democracy) and group-based designs (consociationalism, multinationalism, federalism, cantonization, and autonomy).
Plasma diagnostics using spectral lines from transitions in oxygen-like argon

Abstract We have calculated spectral line intensities for transitions among the n = 2 and 3 states of oxygen-like argon ions. Detailed atomic structure data, including transition energies and rates for electric dipole, electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole transitions, were calculated using configuration interaction wavefunctions. A distorted wave approximation was used to determine electron collision excitation rates for transitions from levels in the 2 p 4 ground state configuration to levels in the n = 2 and 3 excited state configurations. We have identified density-sensitive line-intensity ratios for some of the transitions from the 3 s , 3 p , and 3 d levels.
Improved Hydrodynamic Theory of Surface Plasmons

We show that there exists a "hydrodynamic" solution of the Boltzmann equation for surface plasmons outside the selvage region of the form ${n}_{1}={e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda}z}$. We determine $\ensuremath{\lambda}$, find the dispersion relation for the step-density model, discuss the relationship between the hydrodynamic and general solutions of the Boltzmann equation, and suggest a slight modification of the usual hydrodynamic equation to make it compatible with the hydrodynamic solution of the Boltzmann equation.
DNA hybridization detection at heated electrodes.

The detection of DNA hybridization is of central importance to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. Due to cost limitations, small and easy-to-handle testing devices are required. Electrochemical detection is a promising alternative to evaluation of chip data with optical readout. Independent of the actual readout principle, the hybridization process still takes a lot of time, hampering daily use of these techniques, especially in hospitals or doctor's surgery. Here we describe how direct local electrical heating of a DNA-probe-modified gold electrode affects the surface hybridization process dramatically. We obtained a 140-fold increase of alternating current voltammetric signals for 20-base ferrocene-labeled target strands when elevating the electrode temperature during hybridization from 3 to 48 °C while leaving the bulk electrolyte at 3 °C. At optimum conditions, a target concentration of 500 pmol/L could be detected. Electrothermal regeneration of the immobilized DNA-probe strands allowed...
The reception of the just war tradition by the magisterial reformers

(1988). The reception of the just war tradition by the magisterial reformers. History of European Ideas: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1-23.
Galactic distribution of X-ray burst sources

Data on X-ray bursts recorded by the OSO-8 and SAS-3 satellites and criteria (rise time, duration, recurrence) for X-ray bursts are examined in a study of possible correlation between the galactic longitude distribution of X-ray burst sources and globular clusters. Correlations are weak, with only two X-ray bursts sources (NGC6624 and the rapid burster) coinciding with globular clusters, another seven possibly coinciding, most not correlated. Ad hoc explanations (globular clusters obscured by dust clouds, bursts associated with remnants of disrupted globular clusters evolved into supermassive black holes) are considered briefly.
Assessment of the State of School Effectiveness Research in the United States of America

∗ The research presented in this paper was supported by grants from the U.S. Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education (No. OERI‐R‐117‐R90002) and the MacArthur Foundation. However, the opinions expressed are those of the authors.
Measuring endogenous supply chain volatility: Beyond the bullwhip effect

Most recent research on supply chain volatility has focused on one particular dimension of that volatility, namely the amplification of upstream order variability. While not ignoring this aspect of supply chain volatility, we focus on a different but equally critical aspect of volatility: the cyclical oscillation of on-hand and on-order inventories about their target values. We prove that such cyclicality does not require oscillatory or random retailer demand as a prerequisite; the resulting volatility is therefore endogenous rather than simply an amplification of exogenous demand inputs. We also measure the amount of amplification resulting from a step increase in demand. The order amplification is the product of two factors, each of which is clearly linked to either on-hand or on-order inventory. Our results attest that supply chain volatility can arise in the absence of exogenous oscillatory or random demand and suggest strategies for avoiding or minimizing such volatility.
Synthesis of carbon-encapsulated nanowires using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon precursors

Abstract A method using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursors for synthesizing carbon nanotubes filled with pure copper or germanium is reported. A model is proposed where the interaction of small copper or germanium clusters with PAH molecules is shown to form carbon-encapsulated nanowires. The validity of this model is demonstrated by showing that filled nanotubes are formed in a hydrogen arc which produces PAH molecules when graphite electrodes are used. Alternatively, we have also used pyrene (C 16 H 10 ), a PAH molecule, to grow encapsulated nanowires directly. No filled nanotubes are found in a helium arc which does not generate PAHs.
Effect of aspirin administration on retinoic acid toxicity in mice

THIS study was designed to provide an indirect assessment of the possible role of prostaglandins in retinoid intoxication. If the symptoms of retinoid toxicity are mediated by prostaglandins, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis should ameliorate the symptoms of sublethal intoxication and perhaps even increase the lifespan of mice treated with lethal doses of retinoids. The observations reported here indicate that aspirin can antagonise the toxic effects of retinoic acid.
Body image differences in guatemalan-american and white college women

Although eating disturbances in Hispanic populations have been reported in the literature, body image attitudes have not yet been examined in this minority group. Utilizing several self-report meas...
Winter habitat and distribution of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia)

The golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) is an endangered Neotropical migrant that breeds in oak (Quercus)/juniper (Juniperus) habitat of the Edwards Plateau in central Texas. Recently work has been done on the factors affecting breeding populations of this species, but little is known about winter habitat use or distribution. We used extensive field surveys in Honduras and Guatemala to obtain locational information, which was used with topographical and remote sensing data, to identify and calculate the amount of suitable habitat available, and to map the species' distribution in the region. Most individuals were found in pine–oak from 1100–2400 m ( = 1651 (± 246) m) in elevation, a habitat type that occupied 29.8% of the total land area above 914 m in the region investigated. Based on this information and existing locational data from the literature, we present a map of the winter range for the golden-cheeked warbler. Threats to the species during this period of the life cycle include logging, burning and clearing for pasture and agriculture.
Molar pregnancy in a 60‐year‐old woman

Molar pregnancy has not been reported in women past the age of 57 in the English literature. This report reviews a 60-year-old woman who presented with irregular bleeding and was diagnosed as having a complete hydatidiform mole. The patient underwent hysterectomy and had spontaneous return of her human chorionic gonadotropin levels to normal. Diagnosis in this age group depends on a high level of suspicion, and hysterectomy should be considered due to the high risk of postmolar gestational trophoblastic tumor after suction uterine evacuation.
Lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: common prognostic markers lack predictive value.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether routine biologic tumor markers can predict lymph node status. The authors attempted to discover whether predictors of axillary lymph node metastasis based on biologic characteristic of primary breast cancers exist. Methods: Eight hundred and fifty-one patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment, including axillary lymph node dissection, at a tertiary referral center were studied. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed on prospectively gathered data from a breast cancer registry, including pathology, site of primary lesion in the breast, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, DNA index, S-phase fraction, nuclear grade, and extensive intraductal component. Outcome was determined by (1) the presence of any lymph node metastasis and (2) the presence of 10 or more lymph node metastases. Results: The only independent predictors of lymph node metastasis were primary tumor size and pathology. For predicting 10 or more metastases, only size and ER-negative status were independent predictors. These factors accounted for less than 20% of the regression, implying that more than 80% of lymph node metastases are not explained by the regression model. Lymph node metastases were seen in 8.3% of T1a, 15.3% of T1b, and 30.7% of T1c lesions. Conclusions: Biologic tumor markers are not reliable predictors of lymph node metastasis, except possibly for T1a lesions, therefore direct pathologic evaluation of lymph node status cannot be abandoned. Efforts to determine lymph node status through other methods such as sentinel lymph node biopsy are warranted.
Approximation of the product error made in calculating atmospheric band transmittances

Abstract The error was modeled for the assumption that the band transmittance at the n+1st level in a layered atmosphere is the nth level band transmittance times the band transmittance through the nth layer. A good approximation of this error was found to be a power of the band transmittance at the nth level, with the exponent being a function of the temperature, pressure, gas densities, and the layer band transmittance of the nth layer. The model was tested using six standard atmospheric profiles at five frequencies. The r.m.s. error for the entire transmittance profiles for all tests was 0.00167.
Polymeric biomaterials for load-bearing medical devices

This paper aims to give a broad overview of the challenges that are faced in load-bearing medical devices and focuses specifically on the challenges faced in utilizing polymeric materials in such applications. Three specific cases are given in the field of polymeric biomaterials. These cases build in complexity and initiate with examination of the evolution of intravascular catheter design in which the materials, properties, and processing have been optimized to develop a system that can be used in an angioplasty procedure with little concern of clinical failure.
Surface Densities of Adsorbed Layers of Aqueous Sodium Myristate Inferred from Surface Tension and Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy

Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) has been used for probing the surface densities and compositions of adsorbed layers of aqueous sodium tetradecanoate, or myristate, at 25 °C. Aqueous sodium myristate normally becomes protonated (myristic acid) to an extent of about 0.5−1%, yielding a natural pH from 8 to 9, depending on concentration. The myristic acid, and possibly an acid−soap complex, are quite surface active compared to myristate, making impractical the application of the Gibbs adsorption isotherm for determining surface densities from tension data. At pH = 12 (in 10 mM NaOH), only myristate is expected in the bulk, and the tension is higher; for 2 mM total surfactant concentration, the tension is ∼ 43 mN/m vs 23 mN/m. IRRAS spectra confirm that only myristate is present in the monolayer at pH = 12. At natural pH (8−9), in addition to the band due to the myristate group, a significant band due to myristic acid is observed. Solutions in D2O were used for observing the carbonyl and ca...
Invariant subspaces of two Hermitian structures on a Euclidean space

Abstract Let (〈,〉,J 1 ) and (〈,〉,J 2 ) denote two Hermitian structures on a 2n -dimensional Euclidean space (V,〈,〉) . If n is even and J 1 ,J 2 have opposite orientations, then there exist non-zero vectors v , w ∈V such that J 1 ( v )=J 2 ( v ) and J 1 ( w )=−J 2 ( w ) . If n is odd and J 1 ,J 2 have the same orientation (resp. opposite orientation), then there exists a non-zero vector v ∈V such that J 1 ( v )=J 2 ( v ) (resp. J 1 ( v )=−J 2 ( v ) ).
Effects of peroxidase substrates on the Amplex red/peroxidase assay: Antioxidant properties of anthracyclines

Oxidation of Amplex red (AR) by H(2)O(2) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) gives rise to an intensely colored product, resorufin. This reaction has been frequently employed for measurements of low concentrations of H(2)O(2) in biological samples. In the current study, we show that alternative peroxidase substrates, such as p-hydroquinone, acetaminophen, anticancer mitoxantrone, and ametantrone, inhibit AR oxidation by consuming H(2)O(2) in a competitive process. In contrast, the anthracycline agents doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and 5-iminodaunorubicin are markedly less efficient as competitors in these reactions, as is salicylic acid. When [H(2)O(2)]>[AR], the generated resorufin was oxidized by HRP and H(2)O(2). In the presence of anthracyclines, this process was inhibited and occurred with a lag time, the duration of which depended on the concentration of anthracycline. We propose that the mechanism of this inhibition is due to the antioxidant activity of anthracyclines involving the reduction of the resorufin-derived phenoxyl radical by the drugs' hydroquinone moiety back to resorufin. In addition to HRP, lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase, and HL-60 cells, naturally rich in myeloperoxidase, also supported these reactions. Results of this study suggest that extra caution is needed when using AR to measure cellular H(2)O(2) in the presence of alternative peroxidase substrates. They also demonstrate that the anticancer anthracyclines may function as antioxidants.
Maternal inheritance and mitochondrial DNA variants in familial Parkinson's disease

Mitochondrial function is impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD) and may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD, but the causes of mitochondrial impairment in PD are unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction is recapitulated in cell lines expressing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from PD patients, implicating mtDNA variants or mutations, though the role of mtDNA variants or mutations in PD risk remains unclear. We investigated the potential contribution of mtDNA variants or mutations to the risk of PD. We examined the possibility of a maternal inheritance bias as well as the association between mitochondrial haplogroups and maternal inheritance and disease risk in a case-control study of 168 multiplex PD families in which the proband and one parent were diagnosed with PD. 2-tailed Fisher Exact Tests and McNemar's tests were used to compare allele frequencies, and a t-test to compare ages of onset. The frequency of affected mothers of the proband with PD (83/167, 49.4%) was not significantly different from the frequency of affected females of the proband generation (115/259, 44.4%) (Odds Ratio 1.22; 95%CI 0.83 - 1.81). After correcting for multiple tests, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of mitochondrial haplogroups or of the 10398G complex I gene polymorphism in PD patients compared to controls, and no significant associations with age of onset of PD. Mitochondrial haplogroup and 10398G polymorphism frequencies were similar in probands having an affected father as compared to probands having an affected mother. These data fail to demonstrate a bias towards maternal inheritance in familial PD. Consistent with this, we find no association of common haplogroup-defining mtDNA variants or for the 10398G variant with the risk of PD. However, these data do not exclude a role for mtDNA variants in other populations, and it remains possible that other inherited mitochondrial DNA variants, or somatic mDNA mutations, contribute to the risk of familial PD.
Removal of diborane from silane by infrared laser induced dielectric breakdown and external heating

Abstract Experiments involving the use of a CO 2 TEA laser and external heating to selectively remove diborane (B 2 H 6 ) impurity from gaseous silane (SiH 4 ) are reported. The laser method involves dielectric breakdown under the influence of the very high electric fields produced at the focal point of converging, pulsed CO 2 laser radiation and relies on the difference in thermodynamic stability of the two components. Diborane is thermally unstable relative to silane and decomposes more rapidly under the severe breakdown conditions forming an unidentified solid and thus effecting a separation. A smaller quantity of silane is also destroyed. Similar results are observed by externally heating mixtures of diborane and silane verifying the thermodynamic selectivity of the laser method.
CATALOGING CORRECTLY FOR KIDS: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLS. 5th edition. Sheila S. Intner, Joanna F. Fountain, and Jean Weihs, Eds. Chicago, IL: ALA, 2010, 240 pp., ISBN 13:978-0-8389-3589-7, softcover, $55.00 (ALA members: $49.50).

I was excited to see that this book was “indeed out” and ready to be reviewed. One of my assignments from ALCTS/CCS Policy and Planning was to review the Cataloging of Children's Materials Committe...
Causal History Matters, but Not for Individuation

In ‘Alternate Possibilities and Moral Responsibility,’ Harry Frankfurt introduces a scenario aimed at showing that the having of alternative possibilities is not required for moral responsibility. According to the Principle of Alternative Possibilities (PAP), an agent is morally responsible for her action only if she could have done otherwise; Frankfurt thinks his scenario shows that PAP is, in fact, false. Frankfurt also thinks that the denial of PAP gives credence to compatibilism, the thesis that an agent could both be causally determined in all her actions and yet be morally responsible. Since its introduction, Frankfurt's original example has generated a voluminous literature, including a plethora of other, more complicated, Frankfurt-style examples (FSEs).
Women's Representation in 60 Occupations from 1972 to 2010: More Women in High-Status Jobs, Few Women in Things-Oriented Jobs

To explore factors associated with occupational sex segregation in the United States over the past four decades, we analyzed U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the percent of women employed in 60 varied occupations from 1972 to 2010. Occupations were assessed on status, people-things orientation, and data-ideas orientation. Multilevel linear modeling (MLM) analyses showed that women increasingly entered high-status occupations from 1972 to 2010, but women's participation in things-oriented occupations (e.g., STEM fields and mechanical and construction trades) remained low and relatively stable. Occupations' data-ideas orientation was not consistently related to sex segregation. Because of women's increased participation in high-status occupations, occupational status became an increasingly weak predictor of women's participation rates in occupations, whereas occupations' people-things orientation became an increasingly strong predictor over time. These findings are discussed in relation to theories of occupational sex segregation and social policies to reduce occupational sex segregation.
Frequency of gastroduodenal lesions in asymptomatic patients on chronic aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy

Endoscopy in 49 patients without upper gastrointestinal symptoms and who were receiving chronic aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy showed the frequency of gastric and duodenal mucosal lesions to be 76 and 27%, respectively. Fifteen (31%) had gastric ulcers, 31 (63%) had gastric erosions, and 10 (20%) had gastric mucosal hemorrhages. Gastric mucosal lesions were noted in 9 (90%) patients taking plain aspirin, in 25 (74%) receiving nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, and in 3 (60%) patients taking enteric-coated aspirin. Duodenal lesions were noted in 30 and 26% of patients taking plain aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, respectively. Patients taking enteric-coated aspirin had less severe duodenal injury than patients receiving ibuprofen or indomethacin, but the difference was not statistically significant. Endoscopy in 20 normal subjects not taking aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs showed no gastroduodenal ulcers, erosions, or hemorrhage. Patients chronically taking antiarthritic drugs, including enteric-coated aspirin, have a high frequency of asymptomatic gastroduodenal lesions.
Effect of Microcracking on Durability of High-Strength Concrete

The relationship between cracking and chloride and water permeability of high-strength concrete (HSC) was studied. Two different mix designs were used: HSC_1 (w/b = 0.31) and HSC_2 (w/b = 0.25). The effects of crack width and sample thickness on permeability were examined. Cracks of designed widths were induced in the concrete specimens using the feedback-controlled splitting tensile test. Chloride permeability of the cracked samples was evaluated by using a rapid chloride permeability test. The water permeability of cracked concrete was then evaluated by a low-pressure water permeability test. Among the materials tested, only high-strength concrete with a very low water-to-cement ratio conductivity is sensitive with respect to cracking. The water permeability of cracked HSC significantly increases with increasing crack width. Among the parameters considered, crack parameters significantly affect water permeability, and there is little thickness effect. The results indicate that the water permeability is ...
Human reaction time and period of the EEG in relation to development.

Simple auditory reaction time (RT) and an auditory RT task requiring a disjunctive reaction were investigated in a group of 110 boys aged 46—207 months. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded during actual performance of these tasks to determine the extent to which differences in RT associated with development could be accounted for by developmental changes in the EEG. Measures of average EEG period were derived from peaks and troughs of all waves recorded in the time interval between stimulus and response of each trial. Results confirmed previous findings of a significant relationship between RT, σRT, and development. RT and σRT followed a reciprocal power-law function with age, and hence both measures decreased more rapidly in the earlier years. Choice RT showed a more rapid decline with increasing age than simple RT. Correlations were high, with log simple RT vs log Age =−.874, and log choice RT vs log Age =−.861. Developmental changes in EEG period could account for only a small fraction of these high correlations. The possible role of EEG half waves as time quanta in information processing was discussed in relation to development.
Influence of body weight on response to subcutaneous vitamin K administration in over-anticoagulated patients.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the influence of body weight on the international normalized ratio (INR) response to a fixed dose of vitamin K in overanticoagulated patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of records of patients who received 1 mg of vitamin K subcutaneously to correct excessive INR. Dose of vitamin K in milligrams per kilograms plotted against change in INR in 24 hours. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified who met all inclusion criteria. Linear regression analysis plotted INR response at 24 hours versus dose of vitamin K adjusted for body weight. Pearson's product moment correlation ( R = 0.85) indicated a significant relationship between INR response at 24 hours to an adjusted body weight dose of subcutaneous vitamin K ( P = 0.0000523). A strong correlation ( r = 0.69) also existed between INR response at 24 hours and the actual body weight dose of subcutaneous vitamin K ( P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In overanticoagulated patients, variability in response to vitamin K may be explained by variability in body weight. Dosing vitamin K according to body weight may result in a more predictable INR response.
Equivariant vector fields and self-maps of spheres

Abstract We identify, for actions of a compact Lie group, the generalization of the Euler characteristic that is the sole obstruction to the existence of a nowhere-zero smooth equivariant tangent vector field. We use this characteristic to calculate the monoid of self-maps of the unit sphere of a representation.
Periods in the Adult Development of Men: Ages 18 to 45

This is a preliminary statement of a theory of psychosocial periods in the development of men from the end of adolescence to the middle 40s. The theory has emerged from a study of 40 men currently in the mid-life decade (age 35-45). The method was biographical: through a series of interviews we constructed the adult life course of each man and looked for a sequential order underlying the highly diverse, unique individual biographies. (a) The first period, Leaving the Family, is a bridge between adolescent life and full entry into the adult world. (b) Getting Into the Adult World extends from the early 20s until 27-29, its major developmental tasks are to build an initial life structure, to form an occupation, and to work on the ego stage of Intimacy vs. Aloneness. (c) This is followed by the Age Thirty Transition which lasts for some four to six years and provides an opportunity to modify or drastically change the provisional first structure. (d) Settling Down extends from the early 30s until age 39-41 It...
TOWARD A THEORY OF STRATEGIC CHANGE: A MULTI-LENS PERSPECTIVE AND INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK

We provide a comprehensive review of the strategic change literature from the perspective of three theoretical lenses: the rational, learning, and cognitive lenses. We identify empirical patterns and discuss the theoretical and methodological contributions and limitations of each lens. We address the key methodological issues that hamper integration of these lenses and develop an integrative framework that builds on their theoretical synergies. We note this framework's contributions and present two research questions that provide an agenda for future research.
Where do periodic variations in the discharge of a well become negligible

A rule of thumb is presented to determine where variations in the discharge of a pumping well have a significant influence on the flow in an aquifer. The rule of thumb relates the period of the variation of the discharge to the distance from the well beyond which the transient effect on the flow in the aquifer is insignificant. For example, when an irrigation well pumps intermittently during the growing season, the rule may be applied to determine the distance from the well beyond which flow in the aquifer can be simulated with an average discharge during the growing season; the distance from the well beyond which flow can be simulated with a steady, yearly averaged discharge can also be computed.
A Poorly Fermented Gel from Psyllium Seed Husk Increases Excreta Moisture and Bile Acid Excretion in Rats

Psyllium seed husk (PSH) increases stool output and lowers blood cholesterol levels in humans. PSH and three fractions isolated from it were meal-fed to colectomized rats and fermented in vitro to test the hypothesis that viscous, gel-forming fraction B was responsible for these physiological actions. Control rats were fed 50 g/kg cellulose. The concentration of each PSH fraction in the test meals was equivalent to its concentration in PSH. Yields of the fractions were: A, 171; B, 575; and C, 129 g/kg of PSH. The wet weight and moisture content of ileal excreta (IE) from rats fed test meals containing PSH or fraction B were greater than those measured in excreta from rats fed meals containing cellulose or the other two PSH fractions. Total bile acids in IE did not differ between rats fed PSH or fraction B and were greater in these groups than in the other groups. Fraction A was not fermented during 3 d of incubation; fraction B was poorly fermented, with approximately 30% of the constituent sugars disappearing; and fraction C was rapidly and nearly completely fermented. These results indicate that the gel-forming fraction we isolated from PSH is the physiologically active component of the husks.
A dsc study of the crystallization behaviour of polylactic acid and its nanocomposites

The isothermal crystallization behaviour of polylactic acid (PLA) and a clay nanocomposite of have been examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The data obtained clearly indicates that the presence of the nanocomposite particles in the composite material influences the crystallization kinetics of the PLA when crystallized both from the solid amorphous state as well as from the melt. When crystallized from the melt the presence of the clay nano-particles appears to be influencing the nucleation and crystal growth rate of the PLA such that the crystallization rate is enhanced by a factor of about 15 to 20. This result is of tremendous significance in identifying the processing window for the production of foamed nanocomposites from PLA. In addition the effect of thermal exposure at 200°C on the crystallization behaviour of these materials has been investigated, with the results suggesting that holding these materials at 200°C for periods of time up to 60 min in an inert atmosphere only has a marginal effect.
Introduction to an international symposium on genetic toxicology--an agricultural perspective.

Man and his agriculture have moved through 12,000 years of history together. Today most people, with their new found freedom from the soil, have forgotten the basic relationship which binds us — a relationship that allows freedom but not independence. Food is the only indispensable product that man produces, and it makes us totally dependent on the land and our farmers.