cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alveolar bone loss in a strain of mice.

Alveolar bone loss with increasing age was compared in strain STR/N and random-bred Swiss-Webster mice. All animals were fed pelleted laboratory chow and tap water and killed at 3 month intervals from 3–18 months of age. Alveolar bone loss was quantitated by measuring loss of alveolar crest height on the lingual aspect of the defleshed right hemimandible, and by planimetric measurement of the quantity of trabecular bone in a single undecalcified mesiodistal section of the same hemimandible. The left hemimandible was fixed in formalin and examined histologically. There was a progressive severe loss of alveolar bone with increasing age in strain STR/N mice, which was not observed in random-bred Swiss-Webster mice. Histologically, the bone loss was associated with progressive gingivitis and periodontal pocket formation. The bone loss was not related to hair or bedding impaction or to obvious dental morphological differences between the two strains. Systemic disturbances such as generalized osteoporosis or diabetes mellitus were not present. The occurrence of bone loss in STR/N mice in the absence of any applied stimulus suggests that this strain is suitable for studying mechanisms of alveolar bone loss and factors capable of modifying bone loss.
A Design for Composing and Extending Vehicle Models

The Systems Development Branch (SDB) at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) creates simulation software products for research. Each product consists of an aircraft model with experiment extensions. SDB treats its aircraft models as reusable components, upon which experiments can be built. SDB has evolved aircraft model design with the following goals: 1. Avoid polluting the aircraft model with experiment code. 2. Discourage the copy and tailor method of reuse. The current evolution of that architecture accomplishes these goals by reducing experiment creation to extend and compose. The architecture mechanizes the operational concerns of the model's subsystems and encapsulates them in an interface inherited by all subsystems. Generic operational code exercises the subsystems through the shared interface. An experiment is thus defined by the collection of subsystems that it creates ("compose"). Teams can modify the aircraft subsystems for the experiment using inheritance and polymorphism to create variants ("extend").
Europe (Un)Divided: How Peace Was Won and the War Never Lost in Wim Wender's Lisbon Story (1995) and Emir Kusturica's Bila Jednom Jedna Zemlja/Underground (1995)

The Berlin Wall not only divided Cold War Europe, but also unified it. Serving as a projection screen, it allowed each side to project the other as a continuation of the Nazi regime and itself as the opposite of that grim reign, the vindication of history incarnate. Given the way a basically cinematic apparatus facilitated these memory politics, film-makers on both sides of the former divide probed the historical depth of the present while seeking to redeem their medium from ideological compromise. Yet, what could be understood as a common project yielded very different results, as a comparison of Wim Wender's Lisbon Story and Emir Kusturica's Underground: Once Upon a Time There Was a Country, two German co-productions released on the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, shows. While Wenders portrayed Europe as having overcome past struggles through its unification, in Kusturica's uncannily integrated Europe genocide continues. Revealing are the different responses both films elicited. While Wende...
Side-tap modal channel monitor for mode division multiplexed (MDM) systems

We demonstrate a sidetap modal channel monitor based on a tilted Bragg grating, where different modes radiate at different angles. We qualitatively correlate the observed modal power partitioning with more accurate interferometer-based measurements.
An Axially-Suspended Vibration Energy Harvesting Beam for Broadband Performance and High Versatility

It has recently been shown that negligible linear stiffness or very small negative stiffness may be the most beneficial stiffness nonlinearities for vibrational energy harvesters due to the broadband, amplified responses which result from such designs. These stiffness characteristics are often achieved by providing axial compression along the length of a harvester beam. Axial compressive forces induced using magnetic or electrostatic effects are often easily tuned; however, electrostatic energy harvesters are practically limited to microscale realizations and magnets are not amenable in a variety of applications, e.g. self-powered biomedical implants or when the harvesters are packaged with particular circuits. On the other hand, mechanically-induced pre-compression methods considered to date are less able to achieve fine control of the applied force which is typically governed by a pre-compression distance that has practical constraints such as resolution and tolerance. This notably limits the harvester’s ability to precisely obtain the desired near-zero or small negative linear stiffness and thus inhibits the favorable dynamical phenomena that lead to high energy conversion performance. Inspired by the wing motor structure of the common diptera (fly), this research explores an alternative energy harvester design and configuration that considerably improves control over pre-compression factors and their influence upon performance-improving dynamics. A pre-compressed harvester beam having an axial suspension on an end is investigated through theoretical and numerical studies and experimental efforts. Suspension and pre-loading adjustments are found to enable comprehensive variation over the resulting dynamics. It is shown that the incorporation of adjustable axial suspension into the design of pre-compressed energy harvester beams is therefore a versatile, all-mechanical means to enhance the performance of such devices and ensure favorable dynamics are retained across a wide range of excitation conditions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
KRb ratios in coexisting K-feldspars and biotites from some New England granites and metasediments

Abstract Coexisting K-feldspars and biotites of thirteen New Hampshire and three other New England rocks were analyzed quantitatively by X-ray fluorescence for potassium and rubidium. K Rb fractionation between the sixteen biotites and the sixteen K-feldspars is constant and not temperature dependent for the range of datum points observed. Other data in the literature suggest that there is very little K Rb fractionation between coexisting tecto- and phyllosilicates over the entire spectrum of geologic temperatures.
Endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase in rat heart increases during development

Background Although nitric oxide seems important to cardiovascular function, the ontogenesis of this chemical messenger in the heart is unknown. To investigate this issue, we determined the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the rat heart at different stages during development. Methods Immunohistochemistry and the NADPH-diaphorase reaction were used to localize NOS activity-specifically, the endothelial isoform (eNOS) and neuronal isoform (bNOS)-in fetal (14- and 18-day gestation), neonatal (0-, 3-, and 6-day gestation), 12-day-old, 1-month-old, and mature adult Fischer 344 rat hearts. Results There was sparse eNOS immunoreactivity in the endocardium of the youngest fetal hearts; antibody to eNOS did not localize any vessels within the noncompact myocardium at this stage. By the eighteenth day of embryonic development (e18), eNOS was present not only in endocardium but also in the intima of numerous small vessels within the compact myocardium. In the neonatal rat heart, vascular eNOS predominated, with extensive reaction product in arteries, veins, and numerous capillary size vessels within the myocardium; the endocardium also contained eNOS immunoreactivity. A similar distribution was maintained throughout the remainder of development. Only rare bNOS-immunoreactive neurons were detected in hearts at the three oldest ages. Conclusions (1) At e14, eNOS is confined to the endocardium of the developing rat heart; (2) as the myocardium becomes compact, vascular eNOS predominates over endocardial eNOS; (3) at birth, there is extensive eNOS in a distribution similar to the mature pattern; and (4) there is very little bNOS-immunoreactive neural tissue in the rat heart at any stage.
Engineered chemistry of Cu–W composites sintered by field-assisted sintering technology for heat sink applications

High performance microelectronics require superior thermal management systems. Heat sink plates that dissipate the heat generated by the microelectronic components are of critical importance for this purpose. The two primary concerns with heat sink materials are the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which should be low to match that of silicon (4 × 10−6/°C), and the thermal conductivity, which should be as high as possible to move the heat efficiently. This study created copper–tungsten composite materials using the field assisted sintering technology (FAST) process. The amount of tungsten used in the composites was varied from 0 to 70 wt% to study the effects of tungsten as well as to show the ability of the composite’s properties to be tailored based on the percentage of tungsten in the composite. It is shown that increasing pressure has a positive effect on final density while heating rate has no effect. High densities of >97.5% were achieved in all of the composites. As predicted, the CTE decreases as the percentage of tungsten increases. Thermal conductivities are also reported for each sample.
Multiplexed and Switchable Release of Distinct Fluids from Microneedle Platforms via Conducting Polymer Nanoactuators for Potential Drug Delivery.

Abstract We report on the development of a microneedle-based multiplexed drug delivery actuator that enables the controlled delivery of multiple therapeutic agents. Two individually addressable channels on a single microneedle array, each paired with its own reservoir and conducting polymer nanoactuator, are used to deliver various permutations of two unique chemical species. Upon application of suitable redox potentials to the selected actuator, the conducting polymer is able to undergo reversible volume changes, thereby serving to release a model chemical agent in a controlled fashion through the corresponding microneedle channels. Time-lapse videos offer direct visualization and characterization of the membrane switching capability and, along with calibration investigations, confirm the ability of the device to alternate the delivery of multiple reagents from individual microneedles of the array with higher precision and temporal resolution than conventional drug delivery actuators. Analytical modeling offers prediction of the volumetric flow rate through a single microneedle and accordingly can be used to assist in the design of subsequent microneedle arrays. The robust solid-state design and lack of mechanical components circumvent reliability issues that challenge fragile conventional microelectromechanical drug delivery devices. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of the drug delivery actuator system to aid in the rapid administration of multiple therapeutic agents and indicates the potential to counteract diverse biomedical conditions.
Class size, class composition, and the distribution of student achievement

Using richly detailed data on fourth‐ and fifth‐grade students in the North Carolina public school system, I find evidence that students are assigned to classrooms in a non‐random manner based on observable characteristics for a substantial portion of classrooms. Moreover, I find that this non‐random assignment is statistically related to class size for a number of student characteristics and that failure to control for classroom composition can severely bias traditionally estimated class size effects. Teacher‐fixed effects and classroom composition controls appear to be effective at addressing selection related to classroom composition. I find heterogeneity in class size effects by student characteristics – students who struggle in school appear to benefit more from class size reductions than students in the top of the achievement distribution. I find that smaller classes have smaller achievement gaps on average and that class size reductions may be relatively more effective at closing achievement gaps t...
The energy balance of planetary atmospheres

Abstract We discuss the problem, of the energy balance of a planetary atmosphere: whether the atmospheric structure is under radiative control or whether it is significantly influenced by large scale fluid motions. The time constant for relaxation of the temperature by radiative transfer is shown to be largely independent of the atmospheric composition. The magnitude of the dynamical effects is obtained for a non‐rotating planet and it is shown that the lower atmosphere of Venus, where solar radiation is absorbed, is strongly dynamically controlled. It is probable, however, that a stratospheric region, under radiative control, exists above the visible cloud tops. The problem of rotating planets is more complex because free dynamical modes are known to be important. We conclude that Earth, Mars and Jupiter are all under dynamical control in their lower atmospheres: this conclusion is at least certain for Mars. Stratospheric radiative regimes may occur: close to the surface for Mars; two or three scale heig...
Atrazine effects on estuarine macrophytes Spartina alterniflora and Juncus roemerianus

Two dominant estuarine marsh plants, Juncus roemerianus and Spartina alterniflora, were exposed for 35 d to three dose levels of atrazine with measured concentrations of approximately 0.03, 0.25, and 3 mg/L to assess peroxidase (POD) activity, lipid peroxidation, chlorophyll changes, and growth rates. The objective of the study was to evaluate toxicity of atrazine and to measure multiple endpoints to assess their value as biomarkers of atrazine stress or resistance. In S. alterniflora, exposure to 3.1 mg/L of atrazine did not significantly inhibit growth, generated no lipid peroxidation products, and did not affect chlorophyll production, but did significantly enhance POD activity. In contrast, in J. roemerianus, atrazine exposure significantly inhibited growth at 3.8 mg/L, produced lipid peroxidation products and inhibited chlorophyll production in a dose-response fashion, and did not elicit a POD response. In combination, POD activity and lipid peroxidation are useful indicators of atrazine stress to these plants. Results of the study indicate that J. roemerianus would decline or die off if exposed to chronically high environmental concentrations of atrazine, whereas minimal damage would occur to S. alterniflora.
Are food and beverage purchases in households with preschoolers changing?: A longitudinal analysis from 2000 to 2011

Background U.S. dietary studies from 2003 to 2010 show decreases in children's caloric intake. We examined purchases of consumer packaged foods/beverages in the U.S. between 2000 and 2011 among households with children aged 2–5 years. Purpose To describe changes in consumer packaged goods (CPG) purchases between 2000 and 2011 after adjusting for economic indicators, and explore differences by race, education, and household income level. Methods CPG purchase data were obtained for 42,753 U.S. households with one or more child aged 2–5 years using the Nielsen Homescan Panel. Top sources of purchased calories were grouped, and random effects regression was used to model the relationship between calories purchased from each group and race, female head of household education, and household income. Models adjusted for household composition, market-level unemployment rate, prices, and quarter, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons ( α =0.05). Results Between 2000 and 2011, adjusted total calories purchased from foods (–182 kcal/day) and beverages (–100 kcal/day) declined significantly. Decreases in purchases of milk (–40 kcal); soft drinks (–27 kcal/day); juice and juice drinks (–24 kcal/day); grain-based desserts (–24 kcal/day); savory snacks (–17 kcal/day); and sweet snacks and candy (–13 kcal/day) were among the major changes. Changes in CPG purchases differed significantly by race, female head of household education, and household income. Conclusions Trends in CPG purchases suggest that solid fats and added sugars are decreasing in the food supply of U.S. preschoolers. Pronounced differences by race, education, and household income persist.
Microemulsion and solution approaches to nanoparticle iron production for degradation of trichloroethylene

Abstract In this study, nanoscale iron particles were synthesized using the microemulsion method and the properties were compared with the particles produced by the solution method. The nanoparticles were characterized by using the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) . The water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion system was made up of n-octane, cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB), butanol and water, and was characterized by measuring the conductivity of the solution and interfacial tension between the surfactant solution and the n-octane. The conductivity of the microemulsion system increased from about 10 μs cm −1 to over thousands of μs cm −1 with the addition of water. Interfacial tension between the n-octane and the CTAB aqueous solution was reduced to less than 6 dyn cm −1 with the addition of butanol, a co-surfactant used in this study. The average diameter of synthesized iron nanoparticles using the microemulsion method was less than 10 nm, which was much smaller than the particles produced by the solution method. The performance of the nanoiron produced in the laboratory was studied by dechlorinating trichloroethylene (TCE), a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) and listed as a priority pollutant by the US EPA. The degradation rate of TCE by the nano iron particles produced in the laboratory was quantified and compared with a commercially available nano iron product.
Electron Collision Rates for Ultraviolet and X-Ray Lines of S X

Electron collisional excitation strengths and rates for ultraviolet and X-ray lines arising from transitions between the fine-structure levels of the 2s22p3 4So, 2Do, and 2Po terms and from these levels to the levels of the 2s2p4, 2p5, 2s22p23s, 2s22p23p, and 2s22p23d configurations have been calculated using Breit-Pauli R-matrix method. Configuration-interaction wave functions have been used for an accurate representation of target levels. These wave functions give excitation energies and oscillator strengths which are in close agreement with experiment and other accurate calculations. The Rydberg series of resonances converging to the n = 2 and n = 3 excited levels are explicitly included in the scattering calculation. Resonance structures make significant contribution to collision strengths. The effective collision strengths are obtained by integrating total collision strengths over a Maxwellian distribution of electron energies, and these are presented over a wide temperature range suitable for modeling of astrophysical plasmas. Significant differences with earlier results of effective collision strengths are noted.
Note on Internal Consistency of Canadian Self-Esteem Inventory for Adults

56 female nurses participated in a study to investigate the internal consistency of the Canadian Self-esteem Inventory for Adults. In this item structures and reliabilities of several subscales did not match those found in the test manual. Further analysis suggested that poor response variance contributed to these findings.
Thermal stress analysis and diffraction simulation of a standard and inclined gallium-cooled high-heat-load X-ray monochromator

Abstract This paper describes the methods used to calculate the thermally induced deformations in symmetrically cut, standardly configured and inclined monochromator crystals using finite element analysis. The results of these analyses are compared to recent undulator experiments conducted at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) using a high-performance, liquid-gallium-cooled silicon crystal. The modeling was carried out for a range of machine currents, and the calculated rocking curve widths were within 10% of the experimental values. The asymmetric shape of the rocking curves at high currents was also predicted. These results lend credibility to our assertion that computer simulations can be used to reliably and accurately predict the performance of high-heat-load X-ray optics for future synchrotron sources.
Imaging vasculature independent of direction of flow using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

A variation to the analysis of phase data achieved with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) is presented. By using the variance of the phase changes observed in the OCT images, scatterer motion has been imaged which is not readily observable with conventional Doppler OCT techniques. Dynamic motion contrast has been demonstrated for imaging Brownian motion of a sample system as well as imaging vasculature of in vivo 3dpf zebrafish.
John White : renaissance England's first important ethnographic illustrator

John White was England's first important ethnographic illustrator. Collaborating with one of the Renaissance's most innovative scientists, Thomas Hariot, while working as an expedition artist on Sir Walter Raleigh's 1585 attempt to colonize Virginia, White produced influential illustrations of American Indians that were published as etchings and widely distributed in Theodor de Bry's America (1590), Apprenticed as an artist in Elizabethan England, White redirected this traditional training as a limnist and a costume painter to scientific, ethnographic purposes
Are publicly held firms less efficient? Evidence from the US property-liability insurance industry

Abstract This paper studies the performance of publicly held firms in the US property-liability insurance industry by analyzing companies that issued initial public offerings (IPOs) from 1994 to 2005, using private firms as the benchmark. I investigate ex ante determinants and ex post effects of IPOs on firm efficiency, operating performance, and other financials. I also analyze stock returns and follow-on SEO and acquisition activities to provide further information on IPO motivation. The paper finds that the likelihood of an IPO significantly increases with firm size and premium growth. IPO firms experience no post-issue underperformance in efficiency, operations, or stock returns; register improvement in allocative and cost efficiency; and reduce financial leverage and reinsurance usage. Moreover, IPO firms are active in follow-on SEO issues and acquisition activities. The findings are mostly consistent with the theory that firms go public for easier access to capital and to ease capital constraints.
Linewidths of quantum well eigenstates with finite barriers

Abstract The linewidth of quasi-bound eigenstates in quantum wells is an important parameter in understanding interband absorption in quantum confined Stark effect modulators, intersubband absorption in quantum well infrared detectors, tunneling phenomena in resonant tunneling diodes, and transport in quantum well transistors. We investigate the linewidths for the quasi-bound energy levels of a quantum well with finite barrier height and width as the barrier width is varied. For a GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs quantum well with a barrier height of 240 meV, well width of 80 A, and barrier widths varying from 30 to 80 A, we find a linewidth for the ground state that increases from 0.06 meV at barrier width of 60 A to 2.03 meV at 30 A; for the excited state, the linewidth is significantly larger, increasing from 0.49 meV for a barrier width of 80 A to 21.71 meV at 30 A. The ground eigenstate has a narrow linewidth, less than 0.2 meV, for barrier widths greater than 50 A indicating the applicability of the quasi-bound approximation, whereas the excited state is broad at all barrier widths less than 80 A signifying large errors in the use of the quasi-bound approximation. The linewidths of both the ground and excited states are shown to be directly proportional to the transmission coefficient as determined by the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation, justifying its use in linewidth analysis in the literature.
Interaction of a radiolabeled cytokinin photoaffinity probe with a receptor protein.

A photoreactive analog of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine was prepared by the method of Theiler et. al. (1) modified so as to include a radioactive atom in the final product, [methylene-14C] 2-azido-6-benzylaminopurine. The affinity of this doubly labeled cytokinin probe for a previously described cytokinin receptor protein (2,3) is very nearly the same as for the parent cytokinin. The cytokinin probe was covalently incorporated into the receptor protein by irradiation with ultraviolet light, and its presence there was quantitatively established by assaying for non-dialyzable 14C. The labeled protein was subjected to SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the subunits assayed for radioactivity by fluorography. Each of the four subunits of the receptor protein was labeled with 14C to some extent. The data suggest that all four subunits of the protein either actively participate in the formation of the cytokinin binding site or exist in close proximity to it.
The Implications of Transitions in the Voluntary Sector for Civic Engagement: A Case Study of Association Mobilization around the 2000 Presidential Campaign

This article reviews the prominent historical changes in American associational life (increasingly diffuse organizational attachments, professionalization of the voluntary sector, and the proliferation of "mailing-list" citizen groups), and turns to cross-sectional data on contemporary voluntary associations and their activities during the key campaign events of the 2000 presidential election to evaluate the impact of these changes on associations' ability to live up to the normative visions of civic engagement. Data on 29 diverse voluntary associations were gathered through unobtrusive observations at association events on location during the two national nominating conventions and the three televised presidential debates, 61 subsequent in-depth interviews with association representatives, literature distributed at association events, and a variety of supplemental sources. This article argues that although this new terrain is marked by significant limitations (as critics have suggested), especially in terms of associations' ability to provide opportunities for members to develop civic skills, these changes in associational life also offer important opportunities, particularly in terms of contributing to a vital democratic process by promoting public political discourse. Implications for social solidarity are also addressed.
Protecting tomorrow's health care professionals against hepatitis B virus today.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major infectious occupational hazard for health-care workers. Despite strong recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Ga, and demonstration of safe and effective vaccines, reportedly only 34% to 40% of health-care workers at risk have been vaccinated with an HBV vaccine. 1 It is estimated that 18 000 infections with HBV occur in health-care workers each year and that of these, 12 000 infections occur in employees with occupational exposure. 2 Given that approximately 1% of hospitalized patients are HBV carriers, most of whom are asymptomatic, neither the patients nor their health-care providers may be aware of their HBV status. 3 The risk of HBV infection has been estimated to increase from 5% in the general population to 15% to 20% in health care workers. 4 Growing concerns about the risk of HBV and other serious infectious diseases occurring in health-care workers have
Parents and Mentors May Be Gone but They Are Never Forgotten

C. Lindsay DeVaneMedical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South CarolinaKey Words: clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical scientists, mentors, profes-sional development(Pharmacotherapy 2015;35(1):1–3) doi: 10.1002/phar.1541Buffalo, New York, in the fall of 1977 was awonderful place to be a pharmacy resident orpostdoctoral trainee. I felt I had arrived thereduring a golden age for advancement of clinicalpharmacy practice, and I was part of a revolu-tion. All around me were superstars who werecelebrities of the biomedical literature. I wasparticipating in a drama that was progressing ata rapid pace. Allow me to set the stage with ahistorical backdrop before introducing a few ofthe players.The nation’s first Pharm.D.-granting programwas established at the University of SouthernCalifornia in 1950, but it was not until 1968 thatthe first clinical pharmacy program was initiatedthere, with clinical clerkships becoming availablein 1970.
Scl and stem cell quiescence.

In this issue of Blood , Lacombe and colleagues describe the new discovery that Scl/Tal1 plays a role in the quiescence of HSCs.[1][1] This discovery represents an important advance in our understanding of HSC biology. The mechanisms underlying maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remain
Reconsidering the Urban in Urban Education: Interdisciplinary Conversations

The field of education has become comfortable in its use of the construct urban to describe particular schools in particular metropolitan places. This article argues that the construct has come to signify not just place but also to denote particular meanings of ‘urban’ populations. It analyzes how literary and social-scientific practices converged to anchor this construct paradigmatically in the registers of educational practitioners and researchers. Drawing from cultural geography, the article then demonstrates why the framework of the urban, and its other implicit pole the suburban, is no longer satisfactory for conceptualizing empirical questions about metropolitan schools. Lastly, the author identifies and discusses exemplars within the field of educational research that help us to remap our theoretical and empirical work.
Demythelogizing Personal Loyalty to Superiors

This article examines the practice of personal loyalty to superiors, in general, and in criminal justice agencies, in particular. While practitioners are taught that their primarily loyalty is to the United States Constitution, State laws, departmental rules and regulations, they are organizationally taught that personal loyalty to superiors is paramount if they wanted their career to continue and prosper. As a result many practitioners are rightfully confused (even exhibiting paranoia) over who or what to be primarily loyal to, and at what price or risk. This unwarranted fear has been behind numerous acts of malfeasance and misfeasance; it can lower the workers’ morale, confuses the practitioners, and destabilizes the agency’s equilibrium. This article examines three types of workplace loyalties, and suggests, as an attempt toward reform, the use of a more sensible duty-based paradigm. Such a paradigm can be based on four practical propositions: (1) seriously examining why personal loyalty to superiors is deemed essential, if at all, especially since it is never mentioned in the agency’s rules and regulations; (2) taking the fear out of the language of “loyalty-disloyalty” by perhaps replacing the term with more benign and rather measurable terms such as “performance and collaboration;” (3) strengthening dutiful supervision; and (4) maximizing professional accountability.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells: Role of reactive oxygen species and AP endonuclease-1/redox factor (Ref)-1

TNF-α contributes to oxidative stress via induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The molecular basis of this is not well understood but it is partly mediated through the inducible expression of IL-8. As redox factor-1 (Ref-1), is an important mediator of redox-regulated gene expression we investigated whether ROS and Ref-1 modulate TNF-α-induced IL-8 expression in human gastric epithelial cells. We found that TNF-α treatment of AGS cells enhanced nuclear expression of Ref-1 and potently induced IL-8 expression. Overexpression of Ref-1 enhanced IL-8 gene transcription at baseline and after TNF-α treatment whereas Ref-1 suppression and antioxidant treatment inhibited TNF-α-stimulated IL-8 expression. TNF-α-mediated enhancement of other pro-inflammatory chemokines like MIP-3α and Gro-α was also regulated by Ref-1. Although TNF-α increased DNA binding activity of Ref-1-regulated transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-κB, to the IL-8 promoter, promoter activity was mainly mediated by NF-κB binding. Silencing of Ref-1 in AGS cells inhibited basal and TNF-α-induced AP-1 and NF-κB DNA binding activity, but not their nuclear accumulation. Collectively, we provide the first mechanistic evidence of Ref-1 involvement in TNF-α-mediated, redox-sensitive induction of IL-8 and other chemokines in human gastric mucosa. This has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders.
Pretest/Posttest Use of the Life Styles Inventory for Outcomes Assessment of a Professional Master’s in Managerial Leadership Program:

This study focuses on findings from one instrument used in an extensive, value-added outcomes assessment of a professional master’s in managerial leadership (the MS-ML) program. The longitudinal re...
The effects of user involvement: some personality determinants

Abstract A number of studies have been conducted with the purpose of confirming or disconfirming the general argument that user involvement in information system development is beneficial. Few studies have been undertaken, however, to support the view that the benefits of user involvement are affected by conditions surrounding systems development. This paper presents the results of a field study investigating the moderating influence of four user personality characteristics on the effects of user involvement on user information satisfaction. The relationship between user involvement and user information satisfaction was the most positive for users who were tolerant of ambiguity, and for users with a high need for achievement. An unexpected finding was that the relationship between user involvement and user information satisfaction was more positive for users with external-control beliefs than for users with internal-control beliefs. Degree of users' dogmatism had no impact on the outcome of user involvement.
Kinetic studies of lycopene isomerization in a tributyrin model system at gastric pH.

A semi-preparative HPLC method was developed in order to isolate and purify the 13-cis-lycopene isomer in tomato-based materials. The result was compared with the naturally predominant all-trans-lycopene isomer, in terms of stability to gastric pH at physiological temperature in a tributyrin model system. Kinetic experiments confirmed that lycopene isomerization is a reversible reaction, and under these conditions the all-trans isomer is more stable than the 13-cis isomer. In addition, it was found that at gastric pH 13-cis-lycopene would predominantly isomerize to the all-trans form rather than undergo oxidation/breakdown. A simulation based on the rate constants calculated in the kinetic study indicated that at gastric pH the lycopene isomeric distribution aimed toward an equilibrium characterized by approx 16% 13-cis-, 16% 9-cis-, and 68% all-trans-lycopene. This study suggests that pH-driven isomerization in the stomach is at least partially responsible for the relatively high cis-lycopene proportion ...
Synaptic Output of Individual Layer 4 Neurons in Guinea Pig Visual Cortex

More than 90% of geniculocortical axons from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus innervate layer 4 (L4) of V1 (primary visual cortex). Excitatory neurons, which comprise >80% of the neuronal population in L4, synapse mainly onto adjacent L4 neurons and layer 2/3 (L2/3) neurons. It has been suggested that intralaminar L4-L4 connections contribute to amplifying and refining thalamocortical signals before routing to L2/3. To unambiguously probe the properties of the synaptic outputs from these L4 excitatory neurons, we used multiple simultaneous whole-cell patch-clamp recording and stimulation from two to four neighboring L4 neurons. We recorded uEPSCs (evoked unitary synaptic currents) in response to pairs of action potentials elicited in single presynaptic L4 neurons for 102 L4 cell pairs and found that their properties are more diverse than previously described. Averaged unitary synaptic response peak amplitudes spanned almost three orders of magnitude, from 0.42 to 192.92 pA. Although connections were, on average, reliable (average failure rate, 25%), we recorded a previously unknown subset of unreliable (failure rates from 30 to 100%) and weak (averaged response amplitudes, <5 pA) connections. Reliable connections with high probability of neurotransmitter release responded to paired presynaptic pulses with depression, whereas unreliable connections underwent paired-pulse facilitation. Recordings from interconnected sets of L4 triplets revealed that synaptic response amplitudes and reliability were equally variable between independent cell pairs and those that shared a common presynaptic or postsynaptic cell, suggesting local perisynaptic influences on the development and/or state of synaptic function.
Exchange degeneracy, duality and regge cuts☆

Abstract Duality leads to exchange degeneracy for Regge trajectories, and empirical evidence is presented that such a degenerate scheme is not satisfied. A substantial improvement results from the inclusion of Regge cut corrections. These corrections are discussed, separating for clarity the P and non-P contributions to the cut. Application is made to pairs of line reversed reactions such as KN and KN charge exchange, and π+p → K+Σ+ and K−p → π−Σ+.
Using upper-bound slope through origin to estimate genetic harvest index.

(...) We propose that the slope of an upper-bound in the grain yield vs. dry matter plot passing through the origin approximates the genetic harvest index (HI) because the highest grain yields against given dry matter represent the least-stressed and/or stress-adapted plants and passage of the line through the origin is necessary to satisfy the definition of HI. This HI also provides a useful reference for interpreting agronomic data with respect to stress effects associated with management practices (...)
The Effect of Pitch and Rhythm Difficulty on Vocal Sight-Reading Performance

Singing music at sight is a complex skill, requiring the singer to perform pitch and rhythm simultaneously. Previous research has identified difficulty levels for pitch and rhythm skills individual...
Housing Costs and the Elderly

Estimates are made of changes in average housing costs and average family incomes for non-moving elderly homeowners and renters over the period 1972–80. Findings suggest that: rental costs are higher in each time period than are homeownership costs; evidence of serious deterioration in affordability of housing is weak, when looking at aggregate price/income ratios; and it is clear that elderly renters are more seriously disadvantaged in housing affordability than are elderly homeowners at every time period.
A Note on “Familiar Size and the Perception of Depth”

(1953). A Note on “Familiar Size and the Perception of Depth”. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 235-240.
Pre-fetching for improved core interfacing

Reuse of cores can reduce design time for systems-on-a-chip. Such reuse is dependent on being able to easily interface a core to any bus. To enable such interfacing, many propose separating a core's interface from its internals. However, this separation can lead to a performance penalty when reading a core's internal registers. We introduce pre-fetching, which is analogous to caching, as a technique to reduce or eliminate this performance penalty, involving a tradeoff with power and size. We describe the pre-fetching technique, classify different types of registers, describe our initial pre-fetching architectures and heuristics for certain classes of registers, and highlight experiments demonstrating the performance improvements and size/power tradeoffs.
Classes of conduct disorder symptoms and their life course correlates in a US national sample

BACKGROUND: Population data on conduct disorder (CD) symptoms can help determine whether hypothesized subtypes of CD are sufficiently disparate in their familial, psychiatric and life course correlates to distinguish separate diagnostic entities.MethodLatent class analysis (LCA) of CD symptoms occurring before age 15 was conducted in a national sample of adults aged 18-44 years from the National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Associations of latent class membership with parental behavior problems, onset of psychiatric disorders and anti-social behaviors after age 15, adolescent life events (e.g. high school drop-out), and past-year life events (e.g. divorce/separation, bankruptcy) were estimated. RESULTS: LCA identified a no-CD class with low prevalence of all symptoms, three intermediate classes - deceit/theft, rule violations, aggression - and a severe class. The prevalence of CD, according to DSM-IV criteria, was 0% in the no-CD class, between 13.33% and 33.69% in the intermediate classes and 62.20% in the severe class. Latent class membership is associated with all the familial, psychiatric and life course outcomes examined. Among the intermediate classes, risk for subsequent mood/anxiety disorders and anti-social behavior was higher in the deceit/theft and aggressive classes than in the rule violations class. However, risk for adolescent life events is highest in the rule violations class. CONCLUSIONS: CD symptoms tend to occur in a partially ordered set of classes in the general population. Prognostically meaningful distinctions can be drawn between classes, but only at low levels of symptoms. Language: en
Localization, Delocalization, and Compression Fracture in Moderately Thick Transversely Isotropic Bilinear Rings Under External Pressure

A fully nonlinear finite element analysis for prediction of localization/de localization and compression fracture of moderately thick imperfect transversely isotropic rings, under applied hydrostatic pressure, is presented. The combined effects of modal imperfections, transverse shear/normal deformation, geometric nonlinearity, and bilinear elastic (a special case of hypoelastic) material property on the emergence of interlaminar shear crippling type instability modes are investigated in detail. An analogy to a soliton (slightly disturbed integrable Hamiltonian system) helps understanding the localization (onset of deformation softening) and delocalization (onset of deformation hardening) phenomena leading to the compression damage/fracture at the propagation pressure. The primary accomplishment is the (hitherto unavailable) computation of the mode II fracture toughness (stress intensity factor/energy release rate) and shear damage/crack bandwidth, under compression, from a nonlinear finite element analysis, voling Maxwell's construction and Griffith's energy balance approach. Additionally, the shear crippling angle is determined using an analysis, pertaining to the elastic plane strain inextensional deformation of the compressed ring. Finally, the present investigation bridges a gap of three or more orders of magnitude between the macro-mechanics (in the scale ofmms and up) and micro-mechanics (in the scale of microns) by taking into account the effects of material and geometric nonlinearities and combining them with the concepts of phase transition via Maxwell construction and Griffith-Irwin fracture mechanics.
Apoptosis in lymphocytic leukemias and lymphomas.

Most current classifications of lymphoid neoplasms define the tumors based on the cell of origin, phenotype, genetic abnormalities, and clinical features. Here it is proposed that human lymphocytic tumors can be categorized based on the propensity and capacity of the tumor cells to undergo apoptosis. The first category is defined by malignant cells that are resistant to apoptosis due to expression of anti-apoptotic factors such as bcl-2 and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs). These tumors would include CLL and follicular lymphomas, as well as some malignancies in which the tumor cells are infected by viruses that co-opt cell survival pathways, such as human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV)-1. The second category, in which the malignant cells are apoptosis-prone, would include tumors arising in the context of impaired cytotoxic T-cell function. These neoplasms would include some human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lymphomas such as Burkitt's lymphoma, and post-transplantation lymphomas. Th...
Knockout of the mouse glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) gene: embryonic lethal when homozygous, and proposed model for moderate glutathione deficiency when heterozygous.

The biosynthesis of reduced glutathione (GSH) is carried out by the enzymes gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCL) and GSH synthetase. GCL is the rate-limiting step and represents a heterodimeric enzyme comprised of a catalytic subunit (GCLC) and a ("regulatory"), or modifier, subunit (GCLM). The nonhomologous Gclc and Gclm genes are located on mouse chromosomes 9 and 3, respectively. GCLC owns the catalytic activity, whereas GCLM enhances the enzyme activity by lowering the K(m) for glutamate and increasing the K(i) to GSH inhibition. Humans have been identified with one or two defective GCLC alleles and show low GSH levels. As an initial first step toward understanding the role of GSH in cellular redox homeostasis, we have targeted a disruption of the mouse Gclc gene. The Gclc(-/-) homozygous knockout animal dies before gestational day 13, whereas the Gclc(+/-) heterozygote is viable and fertile. The Gclc(+/-) mouse exhibits a gene-dose decrease in the GCLC protein and GCL activity, but only about a 20% diminution in GSH levels and a compensatory increase of approximately 30% in ascorbate-as compared with that in Gclc(+/+) wild-type littermates. These data show a reciprocal action between falling GSH concentrations and rising ascorbate levels. Therefore, the Gclc(+/-) mouse may be a useful genetic model for mild endogenous oxidative stress.