cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancer-promoter competition between homologous alleles leads to reduced transcription in early Drosophila embryos

Abstract The mechanism by which transcriptional machinery is recruited to enhancers and promoters to regulate gene expression is one of the most challenging and extensively studied questions in modern biology. Here, we ask if inter-allelic interactions between two homologous alleles can affect gene regulation. Using MS2- and PP7-based, allele-specific live imaging assay, we visualized de novo transcription of a reporter gene in hemizygous and homozygous Drosophila embryos. Surprisingly, each homozygous allele produced fewer RNAs than the hemizygous allele, suggesting the possibility of allelic competition in homozygotes. Moreover, the MS2-yellow reporter gene showed reduced transcriptional activity when a partial transcription unit (enhancer or promoter only) was in the homologous position. We propose that the transcriptional machinery that binds to both the enhancer and promoter region, such as RNA Pol II or preinitiation complexes, may be responsible for the allelic competition. To support this idea, we showed that the homologous alleles did not interfere with each other in earlier nuclear cycles when Pol II is in excess, while the degree of interference gradually increased in nuclear cycle 14. Such allelic competition was observed for endogenous snail as well. Our study provides new insights into the role of 3D inter-allelic interactions in gene regulation.
'Crisis' Management: Uncertainty and the Workplace

While the nation is now a few years removed from the financial turmoil that led to the so-called Great Recession, “crisis” is a word still much bandied about. Crisis is, after all, something that cries out for swift and decisive action -- and the industry of employee benefits has had its fair share of crises. Whether it’s the looming retirement crisis some see (or see for some) on the horizon, the crippling impact of college debt on the finances (and future financial security) of younger Americans, or the health care crisis that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) was designed to forestall (or that some say is destined to create), those at nearly every point of the political spectrum are challenged with the urgency of the need to address the “crisis.” With that background in mind, each year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) holds two policy forums that bring together a cross-section of national experts in the benefits field, congressional and executive branch staff, and representatives from academia, interest groups, and labor to examine public policy issues affecting health and retirement benefits. This paper summarizes the presentations and discussions at EBRI’s 74th Policy Forum held in Washington, DC, on May 15, 2014. Titled “’Crisis’ Management: Uncertainty and the Workplace,” the symposium featured expert panelists who, along with about a hundred in attendance, examined the current and projected future state of retirement readiness, employment-based health care, and the role that approaches like financial wellness can play in alleviating the strains of uncertainty. Topics included: Never Let a (Retirement) Crisis Go to Waste: What’s Broken, What’s Not, and What to Do About It (or Not); Be Careful What You Wish For: The Impact of the ACA on Employment-Based Health Benefits; Healthy, Wealthy, and Why -- In the Midst of Uncertainty -- Can Financial Wellness Work?
Valley Girl Interrupted: Meth, Race, and the Ku Klux Klan

The American white supremacist movement is home to an array of many different types of groups inhabited by an equally varied sample of people who are openly racist. Over the past nine years, my field work in four states in the southern region of the country exposed me to people who were affiliated with groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Blood & Honour, and religious sects such as Christian Identity. This article examines the life history of Stacy, a young woman whose association with several deviant subcultures reveals the complexities of a life marked by poor choices, drug addiction, and virulent racism. A series of in-depth interviews conducted while she was living in Arkansas document personal details that include revelations about discovering her true identity as an adolescent, her troubled teenage years, her participation in the violent skinhead subculture in California, and ongoing personal struggles with methamphetamines and other drugs.
Comments on Being Honored Social Worker of the Year

This article presents the author’s comments when honored as Social Worker of the Year by the Nassau County, New York Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, in 1994.
Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys

Abstract Twenty-one cases of endometriosis in the rhesus monkey are reported. In all but 2 cases, prior hysterotomy had been performed during pregnancy. The incidence of endometriosis increases with parity, age, increasing number of hysterotomies, and increased time since last pregnancy. It usually proliferates along serous surfaces but does invade deeper structures on occasion. It has a great tendency to cause adhesions and the subsequent formation of a pelvic pseudocyst which is lined with endometrial cells. Pathologic findings are described in detail. Differences in natural history of the disease in man and the rhesus monkey are discussed. It is concluded that theories of pathogenesis of endometriosis in man cannot be precisely related to the results of investigations carried out using the rhesus monkey.
Are Groups Better Than Individuals at Making Decisions? An Experimental Study on Newsvendor Problem

We investigate the differences between groups and individuals in newsvendor ordering behavior by a laboratory experiment under the tournament competitive environment. We also study the association between newsvendor decision making and the decision-making styles measured by the General Decision-making Style (GDMS) inventory. We observe that group decision making is not always superior to individual decision making. Groups only make better ordering decisions and earn higher profit on average than individuals in the low profit condition. In addition, groups take longer time than individuals. Our results suggest that decision-making style is to some extend associated with newsvendor decision making.
Emotional modulation of response inhibition in stable patients with bipolar I disorder: a comparison with healthy and schizophrenia subjects.

Objectives Bipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with impairment in affective processing during depressive and manic states; however, there are limited data as to whether this population exhibits such difficulty during stable periods. We examined the pattern of affective processing in stable BD patients and compared their profile to that of healthy controls (HC) and patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SZ).
Behavioral Neuroanatomy of Cholinergic Innervation in the Primate Cerebral Cortex

Central cholinergic pathways have been implicated in the regulation of extrapyramidal motor function, arousal, sleep, mood and especially memory (Karczmar, 1975). In keeping with the diversity of these behavioral affiliations, cholinergic pathways reach all levels of the neuraxis but also display a strict topographical arrangement. Modern methods for axonal tracing and immunohistochemistry have led to the accumulation of considerable information on the anatomical organization of these pathways.
Biosynthesis of bacterial glycogen. Determination of the amino acid changes that alter the regulatory properties of a mutant Escherichia coli ADP-glucose synthetase.

Abstract The ADP-glucose synthetase of Escherichia coli K12 mutant 618 has a higher apparent affinity for the activator, fructose 1,6-P2 and a lower apparent affinity for the inhibitor, 5'-AMP, than the normal enzyme. The structural gene, glgC, of the mutant enzyme has been cloned and sequenced (Lee, Y. M., Kumar, A., and Preiss, J. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15, 10603). Substitutions in the mutant enzyme were amino acid residues 296 (Lys to Glu) and 336 (Gly to Asp). Single mutant enzymes, Glu296 and Asp336, were constructed using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The Glu296 enzyme had the same allosteric kinetic constants as the wild type enzyme. The Asp336 enzyme was catalytically defective. Thus, the mutations at 296 and at 336 separately could not account for the allosteric alterations of the mutant enzyme. A hybrid glgC gene was prepared from genes of wild type and mutant 618 glgC using DNA recombinant techniques. The C-terminal portion of mutant 618 containing Glu296 and Asp336, combined with the N-terminal portion of wild type enzyme, showed allosteric and substrate kinetics similar to mutant 618 enzyme. Thus, alteration of the normal allosteric properties in mutant 618 are due to changes of both Lys296 to Glu and Gly336 to Asp.
School-based crisis intervention services for adolescents : position paper of the committees on adolescence and school health, Connecticut chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The Connecticut State Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, through its Committees on Adolescence and School Health, acknowledges that the need to respond effectively to crises involving adolescents within a school setting is confronting pediatricians and school systems with increasing frequency; although this paper will focus on the needs of adolescents, crises affect younger children as well. Concerted efforts between pediatricians and school personnel may serve as a first step in addressing this problem; this position paper is intended to stimulate both interest and action in this regard. Schools provide a constant environment that can contribute positively to adolescents9 psychological development.
Improvements in distance-based indexing

This work offers some improvements in the current distance-based indexing techniques. An optimal similarity search algorithm that is adopted from vector-based indexing is shown to be also optimal for distance-based indices. Farther similarity between the two types of indexing is revealed, leading to a general description of search structures. A probabilistic analysis of distance-based tree indices is also shown to be possible, allowing direct comparisons of structures without the need for extensive experimentation. This analysis will lend itself to future improved index construction algorithms.
Thermochemical properties for isooctane and carbon radicals: computational study.

Thermochemical properties for isooctane, its internal rotation conformers, and radicals with corresponding bond energies are determined by use of computational chemistry. Enthalpies of formation are determined using isodesmic reactions with B3LYP density function theory and composite CBS-QB3 methods. Application of group additivity with comparison to calculated values is illustrated. Entropy and heat capacities are determined using geometric parameters, internal rotor potentials, and frequencies from B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculations for the lowest energy conformer. Internal rotor potentials are determined for the isooctane parent and for the primary, secondary, and tertiary radicals in order to identify isomer energies. Intramolecular interactions are shown to have a significant effect on the enthalpy of formation of the isooctane parent and its radicals. The computed standard enthalpy of formation for the lowest energy conformers of isooctane from this study is −54.40 ± 1.60 kcal mol–1, which is 0.8 kcal mo...
Likelihood ratio tests of the number of components in a normal mixture with unequal variances

Determining the number of components in a mixture distribution is of interest to researchers in many areas. In this paper, we investigate the statistical properties of a likelihood ratio test proposed by Lo et al. (Biometrika 88 (2001) 767) for determining the number of components in a normal mixture with unequal variances. We discuss the dependence of the rate of convergence of the likelihood ratio statistic to its limiting distribution on the choice of restrictions imposed on the component variances to deal with the problem of unboundedness of the likelihood. We compare the test procedure to the parametric bootstrap method and posterior predictive checks, a Bayesian model checking procedure.
A study of the reaction π+p → Σ+K+ at 1.7 GeV/c☆

Abstract Data on the reaction π + p → Σ + K + at 1.7 GeV/ c are presented. Our cross section for this channel is 0.47 ± 0.04 mb. The results have been compared with various theoretical models. In addition, we find a possible violation of charge independence in the backward direction.
Narratives of place, belonging and language: An intercultural perspective

Narratives of place, belonging and language, is a study of the experiences of individuals who have commend ably overcome the language barriers between two or more languages. The individuals are famous contemporary writers peculiar for finding themselves in a position of vagueness between two cultures at different points in their lives. This unabridged sense of isolation which can best defined as neither the identification with the host culture nor the native culture is precisely what the author refers to as being “in-between” cultures. This notion of language and cultural in-betweenness is what the author constantly recaptures throughout the volume, exposing several cases in which in-betweenness has served as a source of encouragement in order to generate ingenious forms of expression.
Approximating fixed points of weakly contracting mappings

Abstract We consider the problem of approximating fixed points of contractive functions whose contraction factor is close to 1. In a previous paper (1993, K. Sikorski et al. , J. Complexity 9 , 181–200), we proved that for the absolute error criterion, the upper bound on the number of function evaluations to compute e -approximations is O( n 3 (ln(1/ e )+ln(1/(1− q ))+ln n )) in the worst case, where 0 q n is the dimension of the problem. This upper bound is achieved by the circumscribed ellipsoid (CE) algorithm combined with a dimensional deflation process. In this paper we present an inscribed ellipsoid (IE) algorithm that enjoys O( n (ln(1/ e )+ln(1/(1− q )))) bound. For q close to 1, the IE algorithm thus runs in many fewer iterations than the simple iteration method, that requires ⌈ln(1/ e )/ln(1/ q )⌉ function evaluations. Our analysis also implies that: (1) The dimensional deflation procedure in the CE algorithm is not necessary and that the resulting “plain” CE algorithm enjoys O( n 2 (log(1/ e )+log(1/(1− q )))) upper bound on the number of function evaluations. (2) The IE algorithm solves the problem in the residual sense, i.e., computes x such that ‖ f ( x )− x ‖⩽ δ , with O( n ln(1/ δ )) function evaluations for every q ⩽1.
Embedding Tn-like continua in Euclidean space

Abstract Many authors have been concerned with embedding ∏-like continua in Rn where ∏ is some collection of polyhedra or manifolds. A similar concern has been embedding ∏-like continua in Rn up to shape. In this paper we prove two main theorems. Theorem: If n ⩾ 2 and X is Tn-like, then X embeds in R2n. This result was conjectured by McCord for the case H1(X) finitely generated and proved by McCord for the case that H1(X) = 0 using a theorem of Isbell. The second theorem is a shape embedding theorem. Theorem: If X is Tn-like, then X embeds in Rn+2 up to shape. This theorem is proved by showing that an n-dimensional compact connected abelian topological group embeds in Rn+2. Any Tn-like continuum is shape equivalent to a k-dimensional compact connected abelian topological group for some 0 ⩽ k ⩽ n.
Induction of mitotic synchrony by intermittent hyperthermia in Ehrlich carcinoma in vivo.

THE radiosensitivity of cultured neoplastic cells is generally highest during the mi to tic stage of the life cycle1,2; their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents is dependent on cell age in the division cycle3–7. If a method were devised for tumour systems in vivo to prolong the time when cells remain in mitosis or to synchronize mitotic activity in a predictable manner, the cell killing efficacy of ionizing radiation might be improved. If the same method could produce increased synchronization in any other phase in which cells are most sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents, an increased efficacy of these drugs might also result2. Techniques used in vitro to obtain synchronous populations involve selective harvesting8, the use of chemicals8,9 and the use of temperature10–12. Most in vivo synchronization attempts involve the administration of drugs which disturb cell progression. The pharmacodynamics of such treatments tend to limit severely the degree of synchrony attained. Recently, 33–38% synchrony has been reported for intestinal crypt cells in vivo, following mitotic combination drug treatment with arabinosylcytosine and colcemid13. Martin and Schloerb14 increased significantly the mitotic activity of Walker 256 carcinoma cells in rats by intermittently raising the body temperature. If this technique proved to be reliable and the response predictable, the clinical implications are obvious. Radiotherapy during the mitotic interval of a synchronized population could result in increased cell killing with a possible decrease in the total dose, dose per fraction or concomitant number of fractions in a standard radiotherapy regime. These advantages could lead to more effective local tumour control with an increased therapeutic ratio.
Calcium-Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclases Are Critical Modulators of Neuronal Ethanol Sensitivity

The importance of the cAMP signaling pathway in the modulation of ethanol sensitivity has been suggested by studies in organisms from Drosophila melanogaster to man. However, the involvement of specific isoforms of adenylyl cyclase (AC), the molecule that converts ATP to cAMP, has not been systemically determined in vivo. Because AC1 and AC8 are the only AC isoforms stimulated by calcium, and ethanol modulates calcium flux by the NMDA receptor, we hypothesized that these ACs would be important in the neural response to ethanol. AC1 knock-out (KO) mice and double knock-out (DKO) mice with genetic deletion of both AC1 and AC8 display substantially increased sensitivity to ethanol-induced sedation compared with wild-type (WT) mice, whereas AC8 KO mice are only minimally more sensitive. In contrast, AC8 KO and DKO mice, but not AC1 KO mice, demonstrate decreased voluntary ethanol consumption compared with WT mice. DKO mice do not display increased sleep time compared with WT mice after administration of ketamine or pentobarbital, indicating that the mechanism of enhanced ethanol sensitivity in these mice is likely distinct from the antagonism of ethanol of the NMDA receptor and potentiation of the GABA(A) receptor. Ethanol does not enhance calcium-stimulated AC activity, but the ethanol-induced phosphorylation of a discrete subset of protein kinase A (PKA) substrates is compromised in the brains of DKO mice. These results indicate that the unique activation of PKA signaling mediated by the calcium-stimulated ACs is an important component of the neuronal response to ethanol.
Bundling retail products: Models and analysis ☆

We consider the impact of bundling products on retail merchandising. We consider two broad classes of retail products: basic and fashion. For these product classes, we develop models to calculate the optimal bundle prices, order quantities, and profits under bundling. We use this analysis to establish conditions and insights under which bundling is profitable. Our analysis confirms that bundling profitability depends on individual product demands, bundling costs, and the nature of the relationship between the demands of the products to be bundled. We also provide detailed numerical examples.
An existence criterion for models of resource allocation over an infinite horizon

Abstract This paper presents an existence criterion established in Magill (1980) for models of resource allocation over an infinite horizon. The criterion involves inequalities on parameters characterising asymptotic properties of the underlying technology and preferences. The analysis is an extension of earlier results of Koopmans (1965) and is closely related to the work of Bewley (1972).
Long-term effects of methylmercury (II) on the viability of HeLa S3 cells.

The communication reports on experiments in which asynchronous HeLa S3 suspension-culture cells were exposed to methylmercury for periods lasting up to 432 hr or almost 21 generations. The cell response is expressed in terms of cell viability as given by the trypan blue dye exclusion test. Also presented are some preliminary data on the extent and rate of toxicant uptake by the cells using /sup 203/Hg-labeled methylmercury as a marker.
Structure of planar defects in (Sr0.9Ca0.3)1.1CuO2 infinite-layer superconductors by quantitative high-resolution electron microscopy

Abstract Planar defects in the infinite-layer (Sr 1− x Ca x ) y CuO 2 structure are believed to be responsible for superconductivity with T c up to 110 K. In this work we present χ 2 minimization results to best fit a set of through-focal HREM images of such defects. Optimized atomic positions of the defect with an error bar of about 0.1Aare determined. The experimental parameters for simulated defect images such as sample thickness and objective lens defocus are determined by χ 2 fitting of the corresponding experimental HREM images of the matrix.
Induction of leukemia in weanling c3h/bi mice by means of skin transplantation from preleukemic donors.

SummaryC3H/Bi weanling mice were grafted with skin taken from 4-week-old preleukemia, syngeneic mice (GPA virus system) which had been inoculated at birth with Gross passage A virus. Careful analysis of the tissues of the grafted weanlings (carried out after natural death of the animals) revealed a high incidence of thymus enlargement and a 100% incidence of disseminated lymphoma. This indicates that leukemogenesis was induced by means of skin transplantation in 100% of the weanling animals by the skin grafting of preleukemia skin.
Short sales and class-action lawsuits

Abstract Gande and Lewis (2009) show class-action lawsuit filings are anticipated by investors. In this paper, we examine short-selling activity surrounding lawsuit filings and find that short activity surges in the days before the filing. However, short-selling activity remains significantly high until a few days after the filing. We also find some evidence that both pre- and post-filing short activity can be used to predict the outcome of the filing. In particular, we find that, after controlling for a variety of firm-specific factors, short activity during the filing period increases the likelihood that the lawsuit eventually generates money for the plaintiff.
Effect of excess dietary glucose on growth and immune response of Manduca sexta

The injection of bacteria into the haemocoel of M. sexta larvae is followed by a rapid drop in haemolymph glucose levels. The fall in glucose levels appears to be primarily due to a temporary cessation of feeding by larvae rather than an alteration in metabolism. In an attempt to compromise the activity of the glucose-lectin, scolexin (earlier termed M13), the haemolymph glucose levels were increased by culture on a diet containing an excess of either glucose or the glucose-containing disaccharide, sucrose. Although an increase in glucose in the diet did not appear to influence survival of the fifth-instar larvae, without or following injection, their development was slowed. Further, either excess sucrose or glucose diets but not the excess fructose diet led to the synthesis of a larger, modified form of scolexin. The possible nature of the alteration in scolexin, as well as its possible effect on the activity of this protein are discussed.
Surgical Results in Nystagmus Blockage Syndrome

Abstract Sixty-four patients with nystagmus blockage syndrome (NBS) underwent surgery consisting of unilateral recession-resection, bimedial recession with and without posterior fixation suture, and bimedial recession with resection of one or both lateral recti. The results of the unilateral recession-resection and bimedial recession with or without posterior fixation were comparable. Overand undercorrections occurred more frequently and the number of reoperations was higher than in a control group of essential infantile esotropia without nystagmus. These unpredictable surgical results in NBS present yet another feature that distinguish this condition from essential infantile esotropia without nystagmus. While restoration of normal binocular vision was not achieved in a single case, a functionally desirable result of subnormal binocular vision or microtropia occurred in 26%. An unusual complication consisting of postoperative asymmetric gaze nystagmus with an anomalous head posture was observed in five patients and required a Kestenbaum-Anderson operation in four to eliminate the head turn.
RECOIL PROPERTIES OF FRAGMENTS IN 150-Mev PROTON FISSION OF URANIUM-238. II. MOMENTUM TRANSFER AND EXCITATION ENERGY

Abstract Kinetic-energy data for twenty product nuclides in 150 MeV proton fission of 238 U are analyzed in terms of a two-step model of an initial fast cascade interaction, followed by neutron evaporation and/or fission. Momentum transfer is deduced by application of Sugarman's equations in which it is assumed that the momentum component perpendicular to the beam direction is negligible. Momentum transfer is converted to excitation energy by considering the initial interaction to be equivalent to a two-body collision between an incident and stationary nucleon. Excitation energies so obtained represent the value for the average event leading to a specific product measured. The analysis is done in terms of the neutron-proton ratio of the product. It is found that essentially all of the data are consistent with fission occurring according to the unchanged-charge-distribution hypothesis. In some cases post-fission neutron evaporation must be postulated. The excitation energy averaged over observed nuclides was 68 MeV, which differs perhaps significantly from the 87 MeV estimated by Monte Carlo calculations. The discrepancy may result from errors in the method of converting momentum transfer to excitation energy. In general those nuclides formed from events involving high excitation energy also show rising excitation functions with bombarding energy.
Tau promotes neurodegeneration through global chromatin relaxation

The microtubule-associated protein tau is involved in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have linked oxidative stress and subsequent DNA damage to neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Given that DNA damage can substantially alter chromatin structure, we examined epigenetic changes in tau-induced neurodegeneration. We found widespread loss of heterochromatin in tau transgenic Drosophila and mice and in human Alzheimer's disease. Notably, genetic rescue of tau-induced heterochromatin loss substantially reduced neurodegeneration in Drosophila. We identified oxidative stress and subsequent DNA damage as a mechanistic link between transgenic tau expression and heterochromatin relaxation, and found that heterochromatin loss permitted aberrant gene expression in tauopathies. Furthermore, large-scale analyses from the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease revealed a widespread transcriptional increase in genes that were heterochromatically silenced in controls. Our results establish heterochromatin loss as a toxic effector of tau-induced neurodegeneration and identify chromatin structure as a potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.
Synthesis and structure of a Cu4O4 cubane core complex from a carboxylate ligand containing a strong π⋯π stacking supramolecular synthon

Abstract The reaction of the bifunctional ligand (1,8-naphthalimido)butanoate ( L C3 − ) with Cu 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 (H 2 O) 2 in the presence of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (BPE) leads to the formation of a novel tetranuclear complex, [Cu 4 (OMe) 4 (MeOH)( L C3 ) 4 (BPE)], containing a Cu 4 O 4 cubane type core. The copper(II) centers are triply bridged by four methoxide (CH 3 O − ) anions and the carboxylato oxygen atoms of two L C3 − ligands. The BPE ligands covalently link the tetranuclear units forming a coordination polymer. The strong π⋯π stacking 1,8-naphthalimide groups organize these polymeric chains into a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The flexibility imparted by the L C3 − ligand allows the formation of a unique architecture, where each polymeric chain is connected to three other chains by the π⋯π stacking interactions of the naphthalimide rings. The structure is a novel example of a supramolecular metal–organic framework (SMOF) solid and demonstrates the viability of the π-association of the naphthalimide rings as an organizing synthon for crystal engineering.
Force interactions between substrates and SPM cantilevers immersed in fluids

Abstract With the availability of equipment used in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), researchers have been able to probe the local fluid–substrate force interactions with resolutions of pN using a variety of SPM cantilevers. When using such methods, it is essential to differentiate between contributions to the net force on the cantilever. Specifically, the interaction between the cantilever, substrate and fluid, quantified while generating force curves, are discussed and compared with theoretical models for squeeze-film effects and drag on the SPM cantilevers. In addition we have demonstrated a simple method for utilizing the system as a micro-viscometer, independently measuring the viscosity of the lubricant for each test.
Programmable Transdermal Clonidine Delivery Through Voltage-Gated Carbon Nanotube Membranes

Oral dosage forms and traditional transdermal patches are inadequate for complex clonidine therapy dosing schemes, because of the variable dose/flux requirement for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro transdermal flux changes of clonidine in response to alterations in carbon nanotube (CNT) delivery rates by applying various electrical bias. Additional skin diffusion studies were carried out to demonstrate the therapeutic feasibility of the system. This study demonstrated that application of a small electrical bias (-600 mV) to the CNT membrane on the skin resulted in a 4.7-fold increase in clonidine flux as compared with no bias (0 mV) application. The high and low clonidine flux values were very close to the desired variable flux of clonidine for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Therapeutic feasibility studies demonstrated that CNT membrane served as the rate-limiting step to clonidine diffusion and lag and transition times were suitable for the clonidine therapy. Skin elimination studies revealed that clonidine depletion from the skin would not negatively affect clonidine therapy. Overall, this study showed that clonidine administration difficulties associated with the treatment of opiate withdrawal symptoms can be reduced with the programmable CNT membrane transdermal system.
Revisiting the Role of Ca2+ in Shaker K+ Channel Gating

Shaker K+ channels were expressed in outside-out macropatches excised from Xenopus oocytes, and the effects on gating of removal of extracellular Ca2+ were examined in the complete absence of intracellular divalent cations. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ by perfusion with EDTA-containing solution caused a small negative shift in the channel's voltage-activation curve and led to an increased nonselective leak, but did not otherwise alter or disrupt the channels. The results contradict the proposal that Ca2+ is an essential component required for maintenance of ion selectivity and proper gating of Kv-type K+ channels. The large nonselective leak in Ca2+-free conditions was found to be a patch-seal phenomenon related to F- ion in the recording pipette.
Improved metal-insulator-metal point-contact diodes for harmonic generation and mixing

The parameters influencing the operation of a metal-insulator-metal pointcontact diode are discussed. Analyticl results show that the responsivity of the diode increases with increasing oxide film thickness. Oxide films of about 12 A thickness can be obtained on nickel by anodic, oxidation.
Numerical simulations of all-optical switching using nonlinear semiconductor etalons

Recent results in the modeling and optimization of semiconductor etalon-based devices for optical switching and signal-processing applications are reviewed. Critical device performance criteria including contrast, cascadability, switching speed and energy are evaluated for both one- and two-wavelength device concepts.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is geography destiny for patients in new york with myocardial infarction

Abstract Purpose The use of coronary revascularization among patients with myocardial infarction varies by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to determine whether local availability of facilities might influence apparent racial disparities in revascularization and health outcomes. Methods Using Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System data (1988–1999) from the New York State Department of Health, we determined revascularization rates among patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction in two socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in New York City (the South Bronx, which has no hospitals that have revascularization facilities, and Harlem, which has three revascularization facilities), as well as in its most advantaged community (mid-Manhattan, which has six such facilities). The rest of New York City served as reference. We measured demographic and clinical characteristics and revascularization rates in each community. Results Among patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction, the age-adjusted revascularization rates were 29.2% for whites, 12.5% for blacks, and 19.9% for Hispanics ( P P Conclusion Race and socioeconomic factors influence the likelihood of revascularization after myocardial infarction among residents of New York City. In addition, lack of availability of revascularization further reduces its use by residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Fighting Cosmic Warriors: Lessons from the First Seven Years of the Global War on Terror

This article argues that a successful strategy for fighting the Global War on Terror (GWOT) requires actions aimed not only at defeating the Al Qaeda network and denying its operatives sanctuary, but also efforts to delegitimize Al Qaeda's ideology; the United States has focused on the former at the expense of the latter. The GWOT requires a new strategy, one that continues to target Al Qaeda operatives and their assets, while undermining Al Qaeda's message. This requires a better understanding of Al Qaeda's ideology, how U.S. foreign policy may fuel that ideology, and a strategy for undermining militant Islam's worldview.
AN INVESTIGATION OF CYCLONE DEVELOPMENT-STORM OF DECEMBER 13–15, 1951

Abstract The development of a storm which occurred in the United States during the period December 13–15, 1951 is investigated. An attempt is made to ascertain to what extent this development could be accounted for by the terms in the vorticity equation which derive from the vorticity advection and the thermal advection. It is found that the computed patterns agree well with those observed, although the numerical values are considerably exaggerated. Computed values of vertical velocity and divergence are compared with the observed patterns of clear sky and precipitation, and, on the whole, good agreement is found. The findings have gained further support from other storm studies and from experience in the use of vorticity charts and thermal advection charts in routine forecasting.
NLO-active zinc(II) and cadmium(II) coordination networks with 8-fold diamondoid structures

Bis{4-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzoato}-zinc(II ) and -cadmium(II) with 8-fold diamondoid network structures have been synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions and exhibit powder second harmonic generation efficiencies comparable to that of technologically important lithium niobate.
The Globalization of Environmental Justice: Lessons from the U.S.-Mexico Border

This article is part of an emerging effort to explore environmental justice as it appears in Latin America, both as a symbol of popular mobilization and as a set of principles for scholarly analysis and interpretation. The study begins on the U.S.-Mexico border, with one community's struggle against industrial hazardous waste. It then considers larger regional efforts to develop cross-border environmental justice collaboration, and a national campaign to create more authentic right-to-know laws in Mexico. Northern Mexico also provides a point of departure for a broader analysis of the promise and limits of environmental justice in Latin America. While the constraints are serious and the successes mixed, the article finds hopeful potential, arguing that environmental justice takes on myriad, local forms that fuse environmental goals into existing popular movements for social justice.
The emergent field of medical mineralogy and geochemistry

Medical Mineralogy and Geochemistry is an emergent, highly interdisciplinary fi eld of study. The disciplines of mineralogy and geochemistry are integral components of cross-disciplinary investigations that aim to understand the interactions between geomaterials and humans as well as the normal and pathological formation of inorganic solid precipitates
New paradigms for conserved, multifactorial, cis -acting regulation of meiotic recombination

How do cells position the Spo11 (Rec12)-dependent initiation of meiotic recombination at hotspots? The mechanisms are poorly understood and a prevailing view is that they differ substantially between phylogenetic groups. However, recent work discovered that individual species have multiple different DNA sequence-specific, protein-DNA complexes that regulate (and are essential for the activation of) recombination hotspots. The cis-acting elements function combinatorially with documented examples of synergism, antagonism and redundancy. Furthermore, we provide evidence that all currently well-defined modules of this multifactorial, cis-acting regulation are conserved functionally between taxa whose latest common ancestor occurred more than 1 billion years ago. Functionally conserved components include the ATF/CREB-family heterodimer Atf1-Pcr1 and its CRE-like DNA site M26, the CCAAT-box-binding complex Php2-Php3-Php5 and the CCAAT-box, and the zinc-finger protein Rst2 and its Oligo-C motif. The newfound multiplicity, functional redundancy and conservation of cis-acting controls constitute a paradigm shift with broad implications. They provide compelling evidence that most meiotic recombination is, like transcription, regulated by sequence-specific protein-DNA complexes. And the new findings provide important mechanistic insight, such as a solution to the conundrum that Prdm9 is a 'master regulator' of--yet is dispensable for--hotspot activity in mammals.
Small-x physics beyond the Kovchegov equation☆

We note the differences between the Kovchegov equation and the Balitsky–JIMWLK equations as methods of evaluating high energy hard scattering near the unitarity limit. We attempt to simulate some of the correlations absent in the Kovchegov equation by introducing two boundaries rather than the single boundary which effectively approximates the unitarity limit guaranteed in the Kovchegov equation. We solve the problem of BFKL evolution in the presence of two boundaries and note that the resulting T-matrix now is the same in different frames, which was not the case in the single boundary case. The scaling behavior of the solution to the Kovchegov equation is apparently now lost.
Response of Lens Epithelial Cells to Hydrogen Peroxide Stress and the Protective Effect of Caloric Restriction

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been reported to be present at significant levels in the lens and aqueous humor in some cataract patients and suggested as a possible source of chronically inflicted damage to lens epithelial (LE) cells. We measured H2O2effects on bovine and mouse LE cells and determined whether LE cells from old calorically restricted mice were more resistant to H2O2-induced cellular damage than those of same age ad libitum fed (AL) mice. Bovine lens epithelial cells were exposed to H2O2at 40 or 400 μM for 2 h and then allowed to recover from the stress. The cells were assayed for DNA damage, DNA synthesis, cell viability, cell morphology, response to growth stimuli, and proliferation potential. Hydrogen peroxide-treated cells showed an increased DNA unwinding 50% greater than that for untreated controls. These DNA strand breaks appeared to be almost completely rejoined by 30 min following removal of the cells from a 2-h exposure. The 40 μM exposure did not produce a significantly lower DNA synthesis rate than the control, it responded to growth factor stimuli, and it replicated as did the control cells after removal of H2O2. The 400 μM H2O2severely affected DNA synthesis and replication, as shown by increased cell size and by markedly reduced clonal cell growth. The cells did not respond to growth stimulation by serum or growth factors and lost irreversibly the capacity to proliferate. The responses of LE cells from old adlib diet (AL) and calorically restricted (CR) mice to H2O2were significantly different. Exposure of LE cells to 20, 40, or 100 μM H2O2for 1 h induces a significant loss of cellular proliferation in cells from old AL mice. LE cells from long-term CR mice of the same strain and age were more resistant to oxidative damage at all three concentrations of H2O2than those of both old and young AL mice and showed a significantly higher proliferation potential following treatment. It is concluded that CR results in superior resistance to reactive oxygen radicals in the lens epithelium.
Novel Short-Pulse Photoionization Electron Source: Li ( 1 s 2 s 2 p ) P ° 4 Deexcitation Measurements in a Plasma

As a result of photoionization of rare-gas atoms by x rays emitted from a laser-produced plasma, high densities (g ${10}^{16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) of hot (\ensuremath{\sim} 45-eV) electrons are produced in a pulse of \ensuremath{\sim}600 ps duration. Following excitation by means of this electron source, the deexcitation rate constant from the $\mathrm{Li}(1s2s2p)^{4}P\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ level is measured to be 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at an electron density of \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$.
The Neumann series/Born approximation applied to parametrically excited stochastic systems

Abstract Intensive efforts have been expended to understand and apply the theory of the Neumann series and the Born approximation. We are able to discuss, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the method in a more complete manner, presenting not only the theory, but also its analytical and simulation aspects, and its application to a simple structure.
Identifying potentially ineffective care in the sickest critically ill patients on the third ICU day.

Objective: To determine if an increase in the third-ICU-day acute physiology score (APS) of the APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) III prognostic system can identify potentially ineffective care. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patients: Adult patients with first-ICU-day predicted mortality rate ≥ 80%. Measurements: Demographics, ICU admission source, admission type, ICU admission diagnosis, first- and third-ICU-day APSs, APACHE III score, APACHE III-predicted hospital mortality, hospital discharge status, 100-day survival, and ICU and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 302 patients (age [mean ≤ SD], 64.7 ≤ 15.8 years; 54.3% male gender) were included in the study. Respiratory failure was the most common reason for ICU admission. Nonoperative admissions accounted for 94.7%. The first- and third-ICU-day APSs were 106.8 ≤ 19.8 and 70.5 ≤ 29.9, respectively. The first- and third-ICU-day predicted hospital mortality rates were 87.8 ≤ 5.3% and 86.5 ≤ 14.8%, respectively. The hospital mortality rate was 61.3%, and the 100-day survival rate 28.5%. The third-ICU-day APS was higher than the first-ICU-day APS in 34 patients (11.3%). Only 2 of these 34 patients (6%) survived to hospital discharge, compared to 115 of 268 patients (43%) without an increase in APS (p Conclusions: A higher APS on the third ICU day, compared to the first ICU day, identifies potentially ineffective care in patients with the first-day predicted hospital mortality rate ≥ 80%.
Development of a practical visual indicator tape for adhesive and coating analysis

A ninhydrin-coated, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape has been developed for the purpose of detecting specific chemical substances in various materials. Ninhydrin undergoes a visible color change in the presence of amines, isocyanates, and other chemical compounds. The tape was prepared by dissolving ninhydrin and applying it to an adhesive tape with an airbrush. The tape was allowed to dry and then applied to the surface of various cured and uncured materials to test for reactivity. It was then used successfully to detect unreacted components present in uncured or partially cured epoxy adhesives and coatings.
Comparison of Strategies for Enhancing Energy Capture and Reducing Loads Using LIDAR and Feedforward Control

In this paper, we investigate strategies to enhance turbine energy capture and mitigate fatigue loads using pulsed light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system-enabled torque control strategies. To enhance energy capture when a turbine is operating below rated wind speed, three advanced LIDAR-enabled torque controllers are proposed: the disturbance tracking control (DTC) augmented with LIDAR, the optimally tracking rotor (OTR) control augmented with LIDAR, and LIDAR-based preview control. The DTC with LIDAR and LIDAR-based preview control is combined with a linear quadratic regulator in the feedback path, while OTR is a strategy adapted from a quadratic kΩ2 torque feedback control. These control strategies are simulated in turbulent wind files and their performance is compared against the baseline kΩ2 control scheme. We also consider the effects of different LIDAR update rates and range gates. It is shown that LIDAR-enabled controllers have only a small effect on energy capture at the cost of increased control action and low-speed shaft torque load. However, when considering a combination of fatigue load mitigation, power capture enhancement, and control authority requirements, the LIDAR-enabled preview controller outperforms the baseline kΩ2 controller.
Uncertainty analysis of absorbed dose calculations from thermoluminescence dosimeters.

Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) are widely used to verify absorbed doses delivered from radiation therapy beams. Specifically, they are used by the Radiological Physics Center for mailed dosimetry for verification of therapy machine output. The effects of the random experimental uncertainties of various factors on dose calculations from TLD signals are examined, including: fading, dose response nonlinearity, and energy response corrections; reproducibility of TL signal measurements and TLD reader calibration. Individual uncertainties are combined to estimate the total uncertainty due to random fluctuations. The Radiological Physics Center's (RPC) mail out TLD system, utilizing throwaway LiF powder to monitor high-energy photon and electron beam outputs, is analyzed in detail. The technique may also be applicable to other TLD systems. It is shown that statements of +/- 2% dose uncertainty and +/- 5% action criterion for TLD dosimetry are reasonable when related to uncertainties in the dose calculations, provided the standard deviation (s.d.) of TL readings is 1.5% or better.