cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Prospective Mediation Models of Body Surveillance, Trait Anxiety, and Body Dissatisfaction in African American and Caucasian College Women

Within dominant U.S. culture, the feminine body has been positioned as an object to be looked at and sexually gazed upon; thus, females often learn to view themselves from an observer’s perspective and to treat themselves as objects to be looked at (i.e., self-objectification). Self-objectification often results in negative outcomes, such as body dissatisfaction, among Caucasian samples, but the correlates and consequences of self-objectification among African Americans are less clear. Given that this construct may vary considerably across racial/ethnic groups, the current study considers how self-objectification affects both African American and Caucasian college women’s body dissatisfaction. This was assessed via two prospective mediation models that utilized bootstrapping techniques. In the first model, trait anxiety was tested as a mediator of the relation between body surveillance, the behavioral indicator of self-objectification, and body dissatisfaction; in the second model, body surveillance was examined as a mediator of the relation between trait anxiety and body dissatisfaction. Participants at Time 1 were 276 undergraduate women attending a Midwestern university in the U.S.; 97 (35%) described themselves as African American/Black, and 179 as Caucasian non-Hispanic/White; at Time 2, 70 African American females and 156 Caucasian females provided data. At these two time points, separated by about 5 months, participants completed the same set of questionnaires. Results indicated that the first mediation model was not significant for either group, but the second model was significant for the Caucasian women. Results provide some support for the differential effects of self-objectification on women’s body dissatisfaction depending on race/ethnicity.
Role of ethylene in Lactuca sativa cv Grand Rapids seed germination

Promotion of thermoinhibited (30 degrees C) lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv ;Grand Rapids') seed germination by ethylene is similar to the action of the gas in other hormonal systems. Ethylene was more active than propylene and ethane was inactive. An inhibitor of ethylene production, aminoethoxy-vinylglycine, reduced ethylene evolution and germination. Inhibitors of ethylene action such as, 5-methyl-7-chloro-4-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 2,5-norbornadiene, and silver thiosulfate inhibited germination and the effect was reversed by the addition of ethylene to the gas phase. The action of ethylene appears to be due to the promotion of radial cell expansion in the embryonic hypocotyl. The action of N6-benzyladenine and fusiccocin, which also overcome thermoinhibition, appears to be due to a promotion of hypocotyl elongation. None of the germination promoters studied appeared to function by lowering the mechanical resistance of the endosperm to embryonic growth. Data presented here are consistent with the view that ethylene plays a role in lettuce seed germination under thermoinhibited and normal conditions.
Videoconferencing in Math and Science Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Field Placements

This study was designed to examine benefits and challenges of teaching through videoconferencing in the context of students’ field placement experiences, particularly as it relates to an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning math and science. In the context of mathematics and science methods courses, preservice teachers, with the supervision of professors, field placement supervisors and cooperating teachers, taught a series of math and science lessons via video conferencing to 5th grade classes in a major urban public school. Two major results of this study indicate that: (1) teaching through videoconferencing highlights strengths and weaknesses in questioning skill techniques that are at the heart of an inquiry-based approach; (2) teaching through videoconferencing raises the intellectual challenge of teaching and allows preservice teachers to look face to face into their limited understanding of the content matter in math and science.
Comparison of chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter by the androgen and glucocorticoid receptor.

We examined the interaction between the androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) at the transcriptional level using mouse fibroblast cell lines harboring an integrated mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. We found that the AR, after induction with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), caused a progressive increase in MMTV-CAT reporter activity over 72 h which was correlated to an increase in chromatin remodeling of the MMTV promoter in the vicinity of the hormone response element (HRE). In contrast, stimulation of the GR by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) caused a transient increase in MMTV transcriptional activity which returned to basal levels after 72 h. These changes were correlated to a transient increase in chromatin remodeling in the region of the HRE. Neither cotreatment nor pretreatment with Dex affected the DHT response. In fact, there was a more than additive effect of the two hormones on transcription at early time points. This suggests that the inability of GR to remodel chromatin, after 24 h of hormone treatment, is most likely related to changes in the GR itself and not the chromatin remodeling process. Consistent with this, nuclear GR levels dropped by greater than 50% after Dex treatment whereas the AR was induced fourfold after 24 h of DHT treatment. We conclude that a promoter with an ordered chromatin structure can still respond to androgens even after its glucocorticoid responsiveness is lost. This may be one mechanism cells utilize to establish target gene specificity for nuclear receptors that recognize identical DNA sequences.
A cloning and expression analysis of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins expressed in trophoblasts of the white-tail deer placenta.

The pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are placental proteins that have been cloned from swine, sheep, goats, and cattle, but never from animals within the Cervidae family. The goal of this work was to characterize PAGs in white-tailed deer. Placenta and uterine tissues were collected from pregnant does at days 85 and 90 of pregnancy. RNA from cotyledons was used to amplify deer PAGs by RT-PCR. Ten distinct cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. Some normally conserved amino acids comprising the catalytic site were found to be altered in deer PAGs 4, 5, and 8; another PAG, (PAG-9) was a splice variant that lacked exon 7. In each case, these mutations would likely preclude proteolytic activity for these proteins. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the deer PAGs fell within the ancient PAG grouping. The remainder fell within the more modern (BNC-specific) PAG group. Western blotting was performed with anti-PAG antibodies and this analysis revealed that deer PAGs comprise a heterogeneous group based on different antigenicities and electrophoretic mobilities. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed some unique localization patterns of PAGs in the deer placentome compared to those in other ruminants. Most notably, deer PAGs 4 and 5, which according to the phylogeny, are “ancient PAGs,” were expected to be present in all trophoblasts; instead, they were localized to the BNC. Although many of the PAGs identified here are very similar to those in Bovidae, some are clearly distinct in their expression pattern and probably possess functional roles unique to cervid reproduction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1355–1362, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cognitive process modeling of spatial ability: The assembling objects task

Abstract Spatial ability tasks appear on many intelligence and aptitude tests. Although the construct validity of spatial ability tests has often been studied through traditional correlational methods, such as factor analysis, less is known about the cognitive processes involved in solving test items. This study examines the cognitive processes involved in the assembling objects task found on the Revised Minnesota Paper Form Board Test (RMPFBT), a spatial task in which a test taker must mentally assemble two-dimensional objects. A two-part study was conducted to examine the construct validity of these items and to explain how test takers solve assembling objects tasks. The first part of the study used quantitative methods to examine the contribution of item characteristics to the difficulty of the item and the response time necessary to solve the item. The second part of the study utilized an eye-tracking device to qualitatively examine the steps examinees follow to solve these items. As a result of the second part of this study, a new cognitive processing model is proposed.
Are curved focal planes necessary for wide-field survey telescopes?

The last decade has seen significant interest in wide field of view (FOV) telescopes for sky survey and space surveillance applications. Prompted by this interest, a multitude of wide-field designs have emerged. While all designs result from optimization of competing constraints, one of the more controversial design choices is whether such telescopes require flat or curved focal planes. For imaging applications, curved focal planes are not an obvious choice. Thirty years ago with mostly analytic design tools, the solution to wide-field image quality appeared to be curved focal planes. Today however, with computer aided optimization, high image quality can be achieved over flat focal surfaces. For most designs, the small gains in performance offered by curved focal planes are more than offset by the complexities and cost of curved CCDs. Modern design techniques incorporating reflective and refractive correctors appear to make a curved focal surface an unnecessary complication. Examination of seven current, wide FOV projects (SDSS, MMT, DCT, LSST, PanStarrs, HyperSuprime and DARPA SST) suggests there is little to be gained from a curved focal plane. The one exception might be the HyperSuprime instrument where performance goals are severely stressing refractive prime-focus corrector capabilities.
A model for inert strength reduction in carbon-coated optical fibers

The inert strength of carbon-coated optical fibers (hermetic fibers) has been observed to be less than that of standard polymer coated optical fibers. A scaled version of the of the carbon-coated optical fiber was developed in the laboratory and used in an experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of this system. The microstructure and phase similarity between the scaled system and the optical fiber was established using Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical properties, residual stress in the film and the fracture toughness of the scaled system were determined using nano-indentation. A fracture mechanics model was developed to explain the mechanism of this strength reduction. The model, based on the cracking of thin films in residual tension, will be used to predict growth of flaws from the carbon film and penetrating into the substrate. The model can be applied to all brittle coatings where delamination of the coating is not observed. Conditions under which cracks in the carbon film propagate into the substrate were investigated using a recently developed superposition scheme. Possible methods of crack arrest will be discussed.
Dichanthelium subgenus Turfosa (Poaceae)

On the basis of correlated similarities in general morphology, non-Kranz leaf anatomy, δ13C values, and configuration of papillae on the palea apices, 6 endemic Hawaiian species are transferred fromPanicum toDichanthelium. These species,D. isachnoides, D. hillebrandianum, D. cynodon, D. koolauense, D. forbesii, andD. conjungens, comprise the subgenusTurjosa (Pilger) W. V. Brown ofDichanthelium as interpreted by the writers. Included is a key to the species and short descriptions of each with pertinent synonyms and citation of specimens examined.
A Site-Selective Dual Anchoring Strategy for Artificial Metalloprotein Design

Introducing nonnative metal ions or metal-containing prosthetic groups into a protein can dramatically expand the repertoire of its functionalities and thus its range of applications. Particularly challenging is the control of substrate-binding and thus reaction selectivity such as enantioselectivity. To meet this challenge, both non-covalent and single-point attachments of metal complexes have been demonstrated previously. Since the protein template did not evolve to bind artificial metal complexes tightly in a single conformation, efforts to restrict conformational freedom by modifying the metal complexes and/or the protein are required to achieve high enantioselectivity using the above two strategies. Here we report a novel site-selective dual anchoring (two-point covalent attachment) strategy to introduce an achiral manganese salen complex (Mn(salen)), into apo sperm whale myoglobin (Mb) with bioconjugation yield close to 100%. The enantioselective excess increases from 0.3% for non-covalent, to 12.3% for single point, and to 51.3% for dual anchoring attachments. The dual anchoring method has the advantage of restricting the conformational freedom of the metal complex in the protein and can be generally applied to protein incorporation of other metal complexes with minimal structural modification to either the metal complex or the protein.
An examination of the relationship between technology problems and teaching evaluation of online instruction

To address faculty members' concern that teaching evaluation in the online environment might be lowered because of technology problems students experience in online courses, a sample of 202 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory statistics course in a college of business administration was surveyed. Students' evaluation of their instructors and the course and their experiences with technology problems when taking the course were measured. As expected, a negative correlation between teaching evaluation and experience of technology problems was observed. Based on the finding, it is suggested that, to encourage faculty members to teach online, universities need to examine the relationship between teaching evaluation and technology problems experienced by students in the online environment and adjust the evaluation skewed by problems that are out of instructors' control. Measurement instruments used in the study and a suggested formula for adjusting teaching evaluation are provided.
Current HER2 Testing Recommendations and Clinical Relevance as a Predictor of Response to Targeted Therapy

Clinical decision-making in the treatment of breast cancer depends on an accurate determination and understanding of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. The guidelines for HER2 testing were recently updated in late 2013, but limitations continue to exist in the interpretation and clinical application of results when the tumor specimens do not fall neatly into positive or negative categories with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization testing. The issues, including discordance between pathologists or laboratories, polysomy, and genetic heterogeneity, present challenging situations that are difficult to translate into clinical significance. The present review discussed the changes in the updated American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines, the clinical relevance of complex issues in HER2 testing, and the implications of the results on the response to HER2-targeted therapies. Great advances have been made in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer; however, the challenge remains to determine the best testing analysis that will identify patients who will benefit the most from these therapies.
Leaving Room for Complexity in Attempts to Understand Associations between Romantic Relationships and Health: Commentary on Wanic and Kulik

Wanic and Kulik (2011) discuss research addressing links between romantic relationships and health, with a focus on gender differences in response to relationship conflict among couples residing in the U.S. Their subordination-reactivity hypothesis proposes that women’s subordinate role in relationships renders them more vulnerable to relationship conflict and less likely to reap the health benefits of relationships than men. They contrast their hypothesis with the interpersonal orientation hypothesis and provide convincing evidence for further examination of the importance of status in relationships. We add to their commentary by noting the potential importance of considering research examining men’s vulnerability when faced with relationship dissolution, personality traits (e.g., dominance) in addition to social roles within relationships, and by describing preliminary research addressing gay and lesbian partnerships. We conclude by imploring researchers to remain tolerant of ambiguity in this area of research as new findings continue to reveal the significant but complex associations between romantic relationship experiences and health for both men and women.
A Method of Monitoring Spectroscopic Sources

A means of controlling spark excitations has been devised for the purpose of improving the accuracy of spectrochemical analysis. The system applies to currently popular air-interrupted sources regardless of the type of analysis being performed. The control procedure consists of resolving and counting individual spark discharges to determine an exact discharge rate. Previous control methods have depended on an ammeter and oscilloscope which neither indicate discharge rate accurately, nor resolve random irregularities in rate. Reproducibility of the discharge rate can provide an improved means of repeating spectral line intensities as required for quantitative analysis. The control system consists of a phototube pickup triggering an electronic scaling circuit. Illumination from the spark discharge produces the phototube signal. Individual discharges are counted to provide an indication of the exact spark discharge rate per unit time.
Preventing Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diabetes: A Common Agenda for the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association*†

Collectively, cardiovascular disease (including stroke), cancer, and diabetes account for approximately two-thirds of all deaths in the United States and about 700 billion US dollars in direct and indirect economic costs each year. Current approaches to health promotion and prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes do not approach the potential of the existing state of knowledge. A concerted effort to increase application of public health and clinical interventions of known efficacy to reduce prevalence of tobacco use, poor diet, and insufficient physical activity-the major risk factors for these diseases-and to increase utilization of screening tests for their early detection could substantially reduce the human and economic cost of these diseases. In this article, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association review strategies for the prevention and early detection of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as the beginning of a new collaboration among the three organizations. The goal of this joint venture is to stimulate substantial improvements in primary prevention and early detection through collaboration between key organizations, greater public awareness about healthy lifestyles, legislative action that results in more funding for and access to primary prevention programs and research, and reconsideration of the concept of the periodic medical checkup as an effective platform for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Strain analysis of the Ninemile fault zone, western Montana: insights into multiply deformed regions

Abstract By means of detailed field mapping and a systematic strain analysis we investigated the development of the Ninemile fault in western Montana. The fault has been considered to be either a Mesozoic or mid-Tertiary strike-slip fault, or a Late Eocene-Early Oligocene normal fault. The rock of the study area experienced a Mesozoic to early Tertiary NE-SW shortening expressed by thrusts, folds, and pervasive cleavage. We estimated total strain by measuring preferred orientation of chlorite grains in samples from within and near the Ninemile fault zone and by calculating the strain according to the March theory. Our goal was to explain how strain accumulated by successive superposition of strains during the two deformation events onto an early compaction strain. In all samples the minimum-elongation direction (= maximum shortening) is nearly vertical. The maximum-elongation directions of all the samples outside the Ninemile shear zone are subperpendicular to the strike of the shear zone, whereas in the shear zone they are either parallel to the strike of the shear zone or form an angle of about 45°. The systematic variation in the principal strain directions is the result of two deformational events expressed by local structures created by early NE-SW shortening and later NE-SW extension. The observed strain requires that the Ninemile fault, a normal fault during the Tertiary, had earlier been either a thrust or a zone of contractional shear deformation, along which there was fault-perpendicular shortening and fault-parallel extension. Although the average value of maximum elongation is greater within the Ninemile shear zone than outside, it varies significantly inside the fault zone, suggesting a highly inhomogeneous strain distribution created by a complex deformation history.
Precursor nuclearity effects in supported vanadium oxides prepared by organometallic grafting.

Despite widespread importance in catalysis, the active and selective sites of supported vanadium oxide (VOx) catalysts are not well understood. Such catalysts are of great current interest because of their industrial significance and potential for selective oxidation processes.(1-4) However, the fact that the nature of the active and selective sites is ambiguous hinders molecular level understanding of catalytic reactions and the development of new catalysts. Furthermore, complete structural elucidation requires isolation and characterization of specific vanadium oxide surface species, the preparation of which presents a significant synthetic challenge. In this study, we utilize the structural uniformity inherent in organometallic precursors for the preparation of supported vanadium oxide catalysts. The resulting catalysts are characterized by UV−visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV−vis DRS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), UV-Raman spectroscopy, and H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TP...
Caveolar systems and sarcoplasmic reticulum in coronary smooth muscle cells of the mouse.

Vascular smooth muscle cells in mouse heart contain prominent membrane systems (“sarcotubules”). One of these systems consists of vesicular structures whose unit membranes are continuous with the sarcolemma and which occur either as single caveolae, more complex tubules, or branched chains of fused caveolae. Such caveolar systems are both analogous to, and homologous with, the T or T-axial tubular systems of striated muscle cells. A second system of membranes, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), comprises tubules and saccules that often come into close association with the sarcolemma but apparently are not open to the extracellular space. In addition to forming “couplings” with the sarcolemma, the SR often comes into close contact with mitochondria and caveolae. The ultrastructural complexity of these membrane systems in coronary vascular smooth muscle equals or surpasses that of smooth muscle cells in the large blood vessels that have been extensively studied by other investigators.
Development of Water Lubricated Bearing for Steam Turbine Application

Compliantly mounted rigid pad bearings were designed and tested for steam turbine application. This turbine utilizes exhaust gas waste heat from main propulsion marine gas turbine. Designing these bearings involves combining the fluid film characteristics with the compliancy of the elastic mounts.
[131I]FIAU labeling of genetically transduced, tumor-reactive lymphocytes: cell-level dosimetry and dose-dependent toxicity

Donor T cells have been shown to be reactive against and effective in adoptive immunotherapy of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lymphomas which develop in some leukemia patients post marrow transplantation. These T cells may be genetically modified by incorporation of a replication-incompetent viral vector (NIT) encoding both an inactive mutant nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR), as an immunoselectable surface marker, and a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK), rendering the cells sensitive to ganciclovir. The current studies are based on the selective HSV-TK-catalyzed trapping (phosphorylation) of the thymidine analog [131I]-2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-1-β-D-arabinofuransyl-5-iodo-uracil (FIAU) as a means of stably labeling such T cells for in vivo trafficking (including tumor targeting) studies. Because of the radiosensitivity of lymphocytes and the potentially high absorbed dose to the nucleus from intracellular 131I (even at tracer levels), the nucleus absorbed dose (D n ) and dose-dependent immune functionality were evaluated for NIT+ T cells labeled ex vivo in [131I]FIAU-containing medium. Based on in vitro kinetic studies of [131I]FIAU uptake by NIT+ T cells, D n was calculated using an adaptation of the MIRD formalism and the recently published MIRD cellular S factors. Immune cytotoxicity of [131I]FIAU-labeled cells was assayed against 51Cr-labeled target cells [B-lymphoblastoid cells (BLCLs)] in a standard 4-h release assay. At median nuclear absorbed doses up to 830 cGy, a 51Cr-release assay against BLCLs showed no loss of immune cytotoxicity, thus demonstrating the functional integrity of genetically transduced, tumor-reactive T cells labeled at this dose level for in vivo cell trafficking and tumor targeting studies.
Meningiomas with conspicuous plasma cell‐lymphocytic components. A report of five cases

Five meningeal neoplasms grossly resembling meningiomas but histologically containing meningothelial cells together with abundant plasma cells and lymphocytes are reported. These masses are regarded as meningiomas with extensive plasma cell--lymphocytic infiltrates.
Demand for parimutuel horse race wagering with special reference to telephone betting

Parimutuel horse race wagering (handle), measured in real terms, has been steadily declining for the past several decades. In an attempt to reverse this trend, a number of racetracks in the United States have instituted telephone betting systems which allow wagering from an ‘off-track’ location. The present study investigates the demand for parimutuel horse race wagering when a telephone betting system is implemented. Two demand equations are estimated for a racetrack, one for on-track (live race) handle and another for total (on-track plus telephone betting) handle. As expected, it is found that the telephone betting system has led to a decline in on-track wagering but surprisingly, it has also led to decline in total wagering, although not to the same extent as in on-track wagering. Thus, off-track wagering generated through the telephone betting system has not been sufficient to offset the loss in on-track handle. In addition to the effect of the telephone betting system, it is found that the takeout r...
Restatement of first-order shear-deformation theory for laminated plates

Abstract A restatement of the first-order shear-deformation theory of plates is offered and verified numerically by exact 3-D elasticity results. Based on a more appropriate physical assumption, the restated theory innovatively interprets its variables and applies elasticity equations in a more pertinent manner. It assumes physically that only in some average sense does a straight line originally normal to the midplane remain straight and rotate relative to the normal of the midplane after deformation. Hence the in-plane displacement is still approximated, in an average sense, as linear and the transverse deflection as constant through the plate thickness. The associated nominal-uniform transverse shear strain directly derived from these displacement field assumptions is identified as the weighted-average transverse shear strain through the plate thickness, with the corresponding transverse shear stress as the weighting function, while the actual transverse shear strain is permitted to vary through the thickness and satisfies the constitutive law with its stress counterpart. Likewise, the average rotation of the line is identified as its weighted-average value, instead of the one evaluated from a linear regression of the inplane displacement with the least-square method. Examination of bending energy and transverse shear energy supports this interpretation. In addition, an effective transverse shear stiffness parameter is identified and proven appropriate. This restated first-order, shear-deformation theory yields accurate local as well as global response predictions without employing a shear-correction factor.
Transformation of a northern hardwood forest by aboriginal (Iroquois) fire: charcoal evidence from Crawford Lake, Ontario, Canada

Ecologists have long debated whether Indian burning had important impacts on presettlement forests. We obtained stratigraphic evidence for fire using charcoal analysis of southern Ontario lake sediments. The record spans a period of Iroquois occupation when cultivation coincides with pollen evidence for transition from northern hardwoods to white pine/oak forests. Charcoal data reveal that this transition was attended by increased charcoal accumulation, sufficiently high to suggest vegetation fires. Results support the notion that Indian burning is capable of producing dramatic changes in forest composition spanning centuries.
Two Views of Women in Imperial Russia—One Scholarly, One Popular

Julia P. Gelardi. From Splendor to Revolution: The Romanov Women, 1847–1928. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2012. 528 pp., $19.99, ISBN 978-1250001610. Rochelle Goldberg Ruthschild. Equality and R...
Leptin Signaling in the Medial Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Reduces Food Seeking and Willingness to Work for Food

The adipose-derived hormone leptin signals in the medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) to suppress food intake, in part, by amplifying within-meal gastrointestinal (GI) satiation signals. Here we show that mNTS leptin receptor (LepRb) signaling also reduces appetitive and motivational aspects of feeding, and that these effects can depend on energy status. Using the lowest dose that significantly suppressed 3-h cumulative food intake, unilateral leptin (0.3 μg) administration to the mNTS (3 h before testing) reduced operant lever pressing for sucrose under increasing work demands (progressive ratio reinforcement schedule) regardless of whether animals were energy deplete (food restricted) or replete (ad libitum fed). However, in a separate test of food-motivated responding in which there was no opportunity to consume food (conditioned place preference (CPP) for an environment previously associated with a palatable food reward), mNTS leptin administration suppressed food-seeking behavior only in chronically food-restricted rats. On the other hand, mNTS LepRb signaling did not reduce CPP expression for morphine reinforcement regardless of energy status, suggesting that mNTS leptin signaling differentially influences motivated responding for food vs opioid reward. Overall results show that mNTS LepRb signaling reduces food intake and appetitive food-motivated responding independent of energy status in situations involving orosensory and postingestive contact with food, whereas food-seeking behavior independent of food consumption is only reduced by mNTS LepRb activation in a state of energy deficit. These findings reveal a novel appetitive role for LepRb signaling in the mNTS, a brain region traditionally linked with processing of meal-related GI satiation signals.
Do Customs Trade Facilitation Programs Help Reduce Customs-Related Corruption?

Customs-related corruption costs World Customs Organization (WCO) members at least $2 billion in customs revenue each year. Using recent data only about bribe payers' actual experiences in paying bribes, we show that trade facilitation would only help reduce corruption and improve efficiency — in a large number of customs agencies —— if the customs agency's director undertakes a big-bang approach to reform. We also find support for the corruption clubs theory — that customs agencies in the process of reform are either moving toward Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) levels of integrity and efficiency; or they are sliding toward a “red zone” group of countries. Such a sliding results from the incentives corrupt customs officers have to stymie reform. As such, countries undertaking customs programs — such as those endorsed by the World Customs Organization — should not adopt reform measures piecemeal. They need to engage in anti-corruption and efficiency-enhancement programs deeply...
Cumulants and moments

We introduce a ∗-algebra of terminating sequences. The set of normalized linear functionals on this algebra is then equipped with a quasi-multiplication and thus with a multiplication. A state corresponds to a sequence of moments. With it we associate its sequence of cumulants. The quasi-multiplication relates cumulants and moments in a very easy way. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a sequence to be a sequence of moments and necessary and sufficient conditions for a sequence to be a sequence of cumulants.
Thermoluminescence in spinach chloroplasts and in Chlorella.

Abstract Preilluminated spinach chloroplasts and Chlorella pyrenoidosa , when subjected to a quick temperature jump of about 15°, emit light. This thermoluminescence is observed both in normal and 3(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea-treated samples, but is absent when hydroxylamine is added to either of these samples. These results are explained in terms of a back reaction of System II of photosynthesis.
Characterization of aggressive behavior and phenytoin response

Recent work has suggested that the success of pharmacological treatment for chronic aggressive behavior may depend, in part, on the subtype of aggressive behavior displayed (e.g. reactive, impulsive aggression vs. predatory, premeditated aggression). The present study examined the usefulness of characterizing aggressive behavior during a 16-week double-blind crossover study of phenytoin (PHT) treatment in 41 aggressive adult males. The Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Scales (IPAS) were used to characterize aggressive behavior as predominantly impulsive or predominantly premeditated in nature. Analyses indicated that participants who did not respond to PHT treatment endorsed significantly more premeditated characteristics on the IPAS than those who responded to PHT treatment. Non-responders also exhibited fewer aggressive outbursts during placebo treatment, suggesting a greater level of behavior control. Participants who did not complete the study were younger, endorsed significantly more premeditated aggression characteristics and reported more lifetime antisocial behaviors than those who completed the study. Taken together, these data emphasize several factors that may influence the success of pharmacological treatment in aggressive individuals, namely the importance of characterizing the predominant type of problem aggressive behavior. Aggr. Behav. 00:1–6, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pelletization of biochar from hydrothermally carbonized wood

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a pretreatment process for making a homogenized, carbon rich, and energy dense solid fuel, called biochar, from underutilized lignocellulosic biomass. Compared to raw biomass, HTC biochar is both more hydrophobic for better storage and more friable for better processing. In this pretreatment method, the biomass is treated with hot compressed water in the temperature range of 200–260°C. Hemicelluloses and water extractives react very quickly compared to cellulose. Lignin is relatively inert, resulting in a biochar with increased lignin content. Lignin acts as a binder for pelletization of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. A hydraulic press with a controllable heated die was used for pelletization studies. The materials used to make pellets were raw loblolly pine and pine pretreated at different temperatures. The presence of solid bridges was observed in both raw pine pellets and HTC biochar pellets. Pellets made from HTC biochar exhibit favorable properties, including increased hydrophobicity, abrasion resistance, energy density, and mass density compared to pellets produced from raw pine or from dry torrefied pine. Pellets produced from biomass pretreated at 260°C have a volumetric fuel value 70% greater than pellets produced from untreated pine (38.8 MJ/m3 vs. 22.8 GJ/m3), a mass density of 1468 kg/m3, and a higher heating value of 26.4 MJ/kg. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Effects of the legacy of axial cooling on partitioning of hydrothermal heat extraction from oceanic lithosphere

the predicted and observed heat flux across the seafloor. These methods have assumed a dynamic steady state thermal system. We show that this assumption is not warranted and leads to an incorrect partitioning of hydrothermal circulation between ridge axes and flanks. To more accurately estimate hydrothermal heat loss on ridge axes and flanks, we consider the spatial and temporal extent and vigor of axial hydrothermal circulation in calculating hydrothermal heat extraction. Axial fluid circulation perturbs the thermal state of oceanic lithosphere for ∼5 Ma after that circulation ceases, reducing the hydrothermal heat extraction on ridge flanks. We find ∼30% of hydrothermal heat extracted on axis, ∼10% extractednearaxis(fromendofaxialhydrothermalcirculationto1Ma),and ∼60%extracted from lithosphere >1 Ma.
On the use of UV photo-oxidation for the determination of total nitrogen in rainwater and water-extracted atmospheric aerosol

Abstract Three methods are currently in use for the determination of total N within rainwater and water-extracted aerosols—UV photo-oxidation, persulfate digestion, and high-temperature combustion. Among these methods, UV photo-oxidation has received scrutiny for its reported inability to digest “refractory” organic N compounds. In this manuscript we utilized inorganic and organic nitrogen standards to carefully assess the ability of a specific UV digestor, the Metrohm 705 UV digestor, to correctly digest organic N within dilute solutions (such as rainwater and atmospheric aerosol). We also discuss the negative aspects of the three methods listed above, comment on the photochemical reactions and chemical products produced by exposure to UV light, and make suggestions concerning the proper use of UV digestion technique when determining total N. Our tests indicate that at a digestion time of 2 h and a temperature of 85°C the system is satisfactory for determining the total amount of organic N within dilute solutions. The upper concentration limit using this UV system was found to be 50 μM N of organic N. Diluted samples were found to carry a larger burden of analytical error due to the combined effects of UV blanks (that can range from 0.1–0.6 μM N) and the uncertainty associated with the chromatographic ion analysis (for nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium). This error can often lead to negative values when reporting organic N. We suggest that negative values for organic N be included within the mean and standard deviation of organic N measurements rather than excluding them by rounding negative values to zero. Only by including all analytical error within measurements will true concentrations of organic N within rainwater and atmospheric aerosols and its relevance to total N budgets be known.
A comprehensive review of Paget-Schroetter syndrome

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome progressing to the point of axilosubclavian vein thrombosis, variously referred to as Paget-Schroetter syndrome or effort thrombosis, is a classic example of an entity which if treated correctly has minimal long-term sequelae but if ignored is associated with significant long-term morbidity. The subclavian vein is highly vulnerable to injury as it passes by the junction of the first rib and clavicle in the anterior-most part of the thoracic outlet. In addition to extrinsic compression, repetitive forces in this area frequently lead to fixed intrinsic damage and extrinsic scar tissue formation. Once primary thrombosis is recognized, catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy is usually successful if initiated within ten to 14 days of clot formation, but often unmasks an underlying lesion. The vast majority of investigators believe that decompression of the venous thoracic outlet, usually by means of first rib excision, partial anterior scalenectomy, resection of the costoclavicular ligament, and thorough external venolysis, is necessary, although opinion is less uniform as to the need for and method of treatment of the venous lesion itself. Using this algorithm, long-term success rates of 95 to 100% have been reported by many investigators. This review, in addition to discussing the overall treatment algorithm in more detail, attempts to point out controversies that still exist and research directions, both clinical and basic, that need to be pursued. Prospective randomized trials addressing this entity are surprisingly lacking, and although there is consensus based on experience, it may be necessary to step back and rigorously explore several aspects of this entity.
Generating exact ray-traced animation frames by reprojection

Reprojection techniques can create approximate ray traced animation frames. Extending an existing algorithm yields exact frames and full ray tracing, with up to 92 percent savings in rendering time. We present an algorithm that exploits spatiotemporal coherence between frames to significantly decrease the rendering time of ray traced animations. This method produces inferred ray traced images of any scene that can be ray traced using a point sampled method. The images created by the algorithm are not approximated frames created from weighted averages of other frames, nor are they frames patched together from near frame pixel values. The algorithm guarantees that a color seen in a subpixel would be returned by a ray passing somewhere through that subpixel, but not necessarily though the center. This algorithm efficiently creates frames of any view that can be ray traced. While the savings increase with the complexity of the rendered objects and the preponderance of diffuse objects, significant savings occur with reflective and refractive objects. However, the technique requires the ray tracing method to be point sample oriented. >
Protein structure prediction and understanding using machine learning methods

Summary form only given. The understanding of protein structures is vital to determine the function of a protein and its interaction with DNA, RNA and enzyme. The information about its conformation can provide essential information for drug design and protein engineering. While there are over a million known protein sequences, only a limited number of protein structures are experimentally determined. Hence, prediction of protein structures from protein sequences using computer programs is an important step to unveil proteins' three dimensional conformation and functions. As a result, prediction of protein structures has profound theoretical and practical influence over biological study. In this talk, we would show how to use machine learning methods with various advanced encoding schemes and classifiers improve the accuracy of protein structure prediction. The explanation of how a decision is made is also important for improving protein structure prediction. The reasonable interpretation is not only useful to guide the "wet experiments", but also the extracted rules are helpful to integrate computational intelligence with symbolic AI systems for advanced deduction. Some preliminary results using SVM and decision tree for rule extraction and prediction interpretation would also be presented.
Postlumbar puncture headache in pediatric oncology patients.

26 enfants sont anesthesies pour ponction lombaire en vue d'un diagnostic d'un suivi de traitement ou d'une chimiotherapie
Explaining the Severity of Civil Wars

The burgeoning literature on civil conflicts seldom considers why some civil wars are so much deadlier than others. This article investigates that question using a new data set of the number of combat deaths in internal conflicts from 1946 to 2002. The first section presents descriptive statistics on battle deaths by era, conflict type, and region. The article then tests state strength, regime type, and cultural characteristics as predictors of the number of combat deaths in civil war. The determinants of conflict severity seem to be quite different from those for conflict onset. Democracy, rather than economic development or state military strength, is most strongly correlated with fewer deaths; wars have also been less deadly on average since the end of the cold war. Religious heterogeneity does not explain the military severity of internal violence, and surprisingly, ethnic homogeneity may be related to more deadly conflicts.
A phase II trial of capecitabine in combination with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib in patients with anthracycline-treated and taxane-resistant metastatic breast cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study (E1103)

Capecitabine produces an objective response rate of up to 25 % in anthracycline-treated, taxane-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib inhibits Ras signaling and has clinical activity when used alone in MBC. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of tipifarnib–capecitabine combination in MBC patients who were previously treated with an anthracycline and progressed on taxane therapy. Eligible patients received oral capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily plus oral tipifarnib 300 mg twice daily on days 1–14 every 21 days. The primary endpoint was ORR. The trial was powered to detect an improvement in response rate from 25 to 40 %. Among 63 eligible, partial response occurred in six patients (9.5 %; 90 % CI 4.2–17.9 %), median progression-free survival was 2.6 months (95 % CI 2.1–4.4), and median overall survival was 11.4 months (95 % CI 7.7–14.0). Dose modifications were required for 43 patients (68 %) for either tipifarnib and/or capecitabine. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities were seen in 30 patients (44 %; 90 % CI 44.4–67.0 %) and 11 patients (16 %; 90 % CI 10.8–29.0 %), respectively. The most common grade 3 toxicities included neutropenia, nausea, and vomiting; and the most common grade 4 toxicity was neutropenia (8 out of 11 cases). The tipifarnib–capecitabine combination is not more effective than capecitabine alone in MBC patients who were previously treated with an anthracycline and taxane therapy.
Densification efficiency of carbon-carbon composites

Abstract An analytical scheme is presented for calculating in-process billet porosity and efficiency of matrix uptake for each cycle of densification of a carbon-carbon (C-C) composite. The relationships developed are applied to the results for densification of three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian weave C-C composites to evaluate the relative magnitudes of the factors that affect billet densification efficiency. These factors are initial preform porosity, densification of the fiber due to processing, billet growth, and densification efficiency of the pitch, which, in turn, is a function of liquid pitch impregnation efficiency, pitch expulsion from the billet during pyrolysis, and carbon yield of the pitch. The main factor in billet densification is the efficiency of the pitch in transforming to carbon matrix. Both in situ fiber densification and billet expansion contribute to porosity development during processing. Billet growth is an important factor affecting porosity development in the later stages of densification. Also, densification efficiency increases significantly with increasing billet density (decreasing porosity).