cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The energized membrane and cellular autolysis in Bacillus subtilis

Lysis of exponential cultures of B. subtilis follows the addition of reagents that dissipate either the electrical or pH gradients of cellular membranes. Stationary-phase cells or cultures that have been inhibited in division by macromolecular-synthesis inhibitors also lyse when uncoupling agents or ionophores are added to the growth medium. Autolysis occurs after brief starvation for a carbon source. Protoplasts are unaffected by azide or other lysis-inducing agents. Electron-donating agents, such as phenazine methosulfate and ascorbate, are effective in retarding autolysis. The addition of an oxidizable carbon source to starved and lysing cultures prevents their autolysis. These results suggest that cellular lysis in B. subtilis and energized membrane are tightly coupled. The fluorescence intensity and the wavelength of maximal fluorescence of 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid, when added to bacterial suspensions, appear to be qualitatively related to the rate of cell lysis. Analyses show that ATP limitations are probably not involved in the elicitation of lysis by ionophores, uncoupling agents or starvation. Measurements of protonmotive forces in the lysis-prone cells suggest that a threshold force of more than 85 mV may be required to maintain cellular integrity. Lipoteichoic acids, polyelectrolytes such as dextran sulfate or phospholipids do not modify the rate of cellular lysis when added to suspensions containing azide or other reagents that eliminate transmembrane protonmotive forces. We interpret the results to suggest that the in vivo control of autolysin activity in B. subtilis is related to the energized membrane
Scan Delay Testing of Nanometer SoCs

Delay defects that degrade performance and cause timing related reliability failures are emerging to be a major concern in nanometer technologies. Extensive at-speed functional testing to screen out such defects can be prohibitively expensive. Scan based structural delay tests are being pursued as a possible cost effective solution to this problem. However, recent research indicates that several formidable challenges must be overcome before such an approach can be fully effective. These include poor delay test coverage, and inaccuracies in the observed circuit timing due to false paths, power supply noise, clock stretching etc. This tutorial aims at a comprehensive discussion of these challenges and proposed solutions, aided by data from recently published industrial studies from Intel, IBM. TI, Freescale, LSI Logic, and universities.
Measures of energy cost and value in ecosystems

The physical output of ecological processes have different values even though they may be measured in the same physical units. Using linear input-output theory, we derive a set of weights based on direct and indirect energy requirements for ecosystem commodities which uniquely converts them into commensurable unit costs. Under certain conditions, these costs are equal to values or prices. Using this system, behavioral theories can be better posed for experimental verification.
High coverages of oxygen on Cu(110) investigated with XPS, LEED, and HREELS

Oxygen sites and coverages involved in the oxidation of Cu(110) have been investigated using HREELS, XPS and LEED. High coverages of atomic oxygen were formed using low exposures of O2 by adsorbing at 15–20 K, irradiating with X-rays, and subsequently warming the crystal to 300 K. Coverages were determined from O 1s areas in XPS. HREELS measurements disclose three surface sites and one subsurface site during the initial oxidation process. Long-bridge and tilted 3- or 4-coordinated sites are occupied before oxygen moves below the surface to form Cu2O. Oxide growth proceeds in islands. After the oxide appears, a third surface site is occupied when O atoms are insufficiently mobile to enter bulk sites. Only p(2 × 1) and c(6 × 2) long-range structures are observed with LEED.
Lumbo-sacral chordoma with high-grade malignant cartilaginous and spindle cell components

A recurrent lumbo-sacral chordoma with high-grade cartilaginous and spindle cell components is described. The tumor was excised from a 71-year-old man who previously had a conventional chordoma resected from his sacrum 26 years earlier. The original conventional chordoma was treated postoperatively with external beam radiation therapy, and the patient was free of disease until he presented at the age of 71 with leg weakness. Computerized tomography revealed a lumbo-sacral soft tissue mass. This was excised and found to have three distinct histologic aspects. The largest component was that of a conventional chordoma. The second component consisted of islands of malignant cartilage intimately admixed with the cells of the conventional chordoma. The third component consisted of high-grade malignant, poorly differentiated spindle cells. This case suggests that chondroid chordomas do exist and that they may also occur outside of the spheno-occipital region.
Angiotensin II and tumor necrosis factor-alpha upregulate survivin and Kruppel-like factor 5 in smooth muscle cells: Potential relevance to vein graft hyperplasia

Background Survivin (SVV) is a unique inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) that regulates both apoptosis and mitosis. Recent work suggests that SVV plays a critical role in the vascular injury response, but the molecular pathways remain unclear. Methods We examined the expression of SVV and the transcription factor, KLF5, in human venous smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis after treatment with angiotensin II (Ang II) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). An adenoviral construct expressing SVV or GFP was also employed to assess effects on KLF5 expression. A rabbit carotid interposition vein graft model was used to assess the relevance of KLF5 to bypass graft healing. Results Stimulation of VSMC with Ang II and TNF-α led to a rapid upregulation of KLF5 expression, and a later increase in SVV, which was cell-cycle independent. Overexpression of SVV in VSMC led to an early and persistent induction of KLF5. KLF5 was upregulated in rabbit vein grafts early (1 day) after grafting. Conclusions We speculate that SVV is a central point of convergence of multiple signaling pathways in vascular injury, and that it regulates the local amplification of these pathways in the vessel wall.
The role of different submovement types during pointing to a target

The present study extends our previous findings in challenging the traditional interpretation of irregularities in the velocity profile of pointing movements as corrective submovements performed to improve accuracy of target achievement. The study is driven by a hypothesis that pointing includes at least two subtasks, accurate target achievement and motion termination, each of which can cause submovements (Dounskaia et al. Exp Brain Res 164:505–516, 2005). To investigate submovements associated with these subtasks, two tasks were performed in the experiment. Task 1 was used to examine the contribution of the two subtasks on submovement production by comparing submovements in discrete movements that include motion termination and in cyclic movements during which motion termination is not performed. Target size manipulations emphasized submovements related to the accuracy subtask. The results confirmed that both subtasks included in pointing cause submovements. Gross types of submovements (types 1 and 2) were associated with motion termination and fine submovements (type 3) with accuracy regulation. Task 2 further investigated sources of the accuracy-associated type 3 submovements by including only cyclic movements performed at two levels of frequency. Most (97.6%) of the submovements in task 2 were of type 3. Submovement incidence was strongly (inversely) associated with cyclic frequency, and it was independent of target size. This result questions the accuracy subtask as a primary source for type 3 submovements, and it raises the possibility that these submovements are an inherent property of low-speed movements. Together, results of the two tasks support our previous finding that gross submovements are not necessarily related to accuracy regulation. They also provide evidence that challenges the interpretation of fine submovements as corrections performed voluntarily to improve pointing accuracy. Alternative interpretations of accuracy regulation mechanisms, such as regulation of muscle stiffness and of the muscle co-contraction level are discussed in light of the present results.
Transverse momentum broadening of vector boson production in high energy nuclear collisions

We calculate in perturbative QCD the transverse momentum broadening of vector boson production in high energy nuclear collisions. We evaluate the effect of initial-state parton multiple scattering for the production of the Drell-Yan virtual photon and W/Z bosons. We calculate both the initial- and final-state multiple scattering effect for the production of heavy quarkonia and their transverse momentum broadening in both nonrelativistic QCD and the color evaporation model of quarkonium formation. We find that J/{psi} and {upsilon} broadening in hadron-nucleus collision is close to 2C{sub A}/C{sub F} times the corresponding Drell-Yan broadening, which gives a good description of existing Fermilab data. Our calculations are also consistent with Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider data on J/{psi} broadening in relativistic heavy ion collisions. We predict the transverse momentum broadening of vector boson (J/{psi}, {upsilon}, and W/Z) production in relativistic heavy ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider and discuss the role of the vector boson broadening in diagnosing medium properties.
Serum lipoproteins and major apoproteins in Cystic Fibrosis(CF) - effect of short term Cimetidine (C) application

Serum lipoproteins and major apoproteins in Cystic Fibrosis(CF) - effect of short term Cimetidine (C) application
MS7001F Prototype Test Results

The MS7001F heavy–duty gas turbine has been designed utilizing advanced analytical methods and a substantial array of component tests. The integrity of the system required that the prototype unit, with its accessories, be rigorously tested under load. The factory load test was completed on May 18, 1988 after 387 hours and 134 start/stop cycles.The MS7001F prototype gas turbine was instrumented with more than 3000 pieces of instrumentation in order to record all critical temperatures, pressures, flows, strains, displacements, and other pertinent data. The load device was a modified MS7001E compressor, which also supplied the means by which the MS7001F prototype compressor’s pressure ratio was increased to provide for surge margin determination. Inlet throttling of the MS7001F compressor allowed for full firing temperature operation, at reduced load.The results of this factory prototype load test are reported in the paper as are observations made during post test teardown.Copyright © 1989 by ASME
A positive radiative-dynamic feedback mechanism for the maintenance and growth of Martian dust storms

[1] Atmospheric dust disturbances ranging in size from dust devils to planet-encircling dust storms are ubiquitous on Mars. After dust devils, the most common disturbances are local- or regional-scale disturbances. The origin of some of these mesoscale systems has been previously investigated and found to be linked to lifting along frontal systems or cap edge circulations. Very little attention has been given to whether the lifted dust in these systems result in radiative forcing that might modulate the local system dynamics with an amplitude large enough to affect local dust-lifting processes. Idealized numerical modeling results presented herein show that a positive feedback process between local dynamics and radiative forcing of lifted dust can occur under some conditions. The feedback process is distinctly different than an enhancement of the general circulation by increasing atmospheric dust loading because the dynamical effects of this feedback process occur locally, within the disturbance itself. Optimal conditions for growth of initial atmospheric dust perturbations include (1) subtropical latitudes associated with relatively large solar insolation and moderate coriolis force; (2) modest dust-lifting thresholds and dust-lifting efficiencies; (3) relatively large initial dust perturbations; (4) steep background lapse rates; and (5) a barotropic environment. The positive feedback process is explained by a combination of geostrophic adjustment theory and a Carnot engine-like mechanism related to the Wind-Induced Sensible Heat Exchange hypothesis for tropical cyclones on Earth.
Efficient Implementation Techniques for Topological Predicates on Complex Spatial Objects

Topological relationships like overlap, inside, meet, and disjoint uniquely characterize the relative position between objects in space. For a long time, they have been a focus of interdisciplinary research as in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, linguistics, robotics, and spatial reasoning. Especially as predicates, they support the design of suitable query languages for spatial data retrieval and analysis in spatial database systems and geographical information systems. While, to a large extent, conceptual aspects of topological predicates (like their definition and reasoning with them) as well as strategies for avoiding unnecessary or repetitive predicate executions (like predicate migration and spatial index structures) have been emphasized, the development of robust and efficient implementation techniques for them has been largely neglected. Especially the recent design of topological predicates for all combinations of complex spatial data types has resulted in a large increase of their numbers and stressed the importance of their efficient implementation. The goal of this article is to develop correct and efficient implementation techniques of topological predicates for all combinations of complex spatial data types including two-dimensional point, line, and region objects, as they have been specified by different authors and in different commercial and public domain software packages. Our solution consists of two phases. In the exploration phase, for a given scene of two spatial objects, all topological events like intersection and meeting situations are summarized in two precisely defined topological feature vectors (one for each argument object of a topological predicate) whose specifications are characteristic and unique for each combination of spatial data types. These vectors serve as input for the evaluation phase which analyzes the topological events and determines the Boolean result of a topological predicate (predicate verification) or the kind of topological predicate (predicate determination) by a formally defined method called nine-intersection matrix characterization. Besides this general evaluation method, the article presents an optimized method for predicate verification, called matrix thinning, and an optimized method for predicate determination, called minimum cost decision tree. The methods presented in this article are applicable to all known complete collections of mutually exclusive topological predicates that are formally based on the well known nine-intersection model.
Fluoride Uptake and Acid Solubility of Enamel Exposed to Carboxylate Cement Containing MFP

Sound enamel had a significantly higher fluoride content when it was in contact for 7 or 30 days with a carboxylate cement to which 2% or 10% concentrations of sodium monofluorophosphate were added. The solubility of the intact enamel also was reduced by contact with the cement that contained MFP. No significant reduction in enamel solubility was observed when the non-fluoride-containing carboxylate cement was used.
The effects of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on developing chicken embryos.

Analytical grade 2,4,5-T and TCDD were dissolved in acetone and injected into the airspace of fertile chicken eggs. Toxicity studies suggest that the LD50 for 2,4,5-T is 133.1 mg of 2,4,5-T per kg of egg weight. The LD50 for TCDD was estimated to be 2.4 × 10−4 mg of TCDD per kg of egg weight. A partitioned chi-square analysis of the embryo viability data and the nonparallel dose response lines obtained from 2,4,5-T and TCDD suggest an independent mode of action for the two chemicals. As a result of the injection of these two chemicals, increased liver weight to egg weight percentages occurred. Liver weight enlargement as a result of elevated nucleic acid content was ruled out based on the following observations: (1) both RNA and DNA levels per gram of liver tissue were depressed and (2) treatment group RNA to DNA ratios remained the same as controls.
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction and fetal monitoring changes in pregnant women treated for syphilis

Objective: To estimate the incidence of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in pregnant women undergoing treatment of syphilis and the incidence of changes in uterine activity or fetal heart rate (FHR). Methods: Pregnant women of at least 24 weeks’ gestation diagnosed as needing treatment of syphilis were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were admitted for their first dose of benzathine penicillin, and the FHR was recorded continuously before and for 24 hours after injection. The occurrence of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction was noted, and all available FHR records for this admission were reviewed. Evaluations for changes in the FHR pattern and uterine activity were made. Statistical comparisons used Student t, Fischer exact, and χ2 tests, when applicable (significance P < .05). Results: We reviewed 50 charts and 31 available FHR records. The average gestational age was 30.8 weeks. We found 20 cases of probable Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (40%). Thirteen of 31 patients (41.9%) developed regular uterine contractions, median onset, 10 hours. All resolved within 24 hours of treatment. Patients with uterine contractions had a greater mean increase in temperature (1.15F versus 0.68F, P < .008). Twelve of 31 women (38.7%) developed recurrent variable decelerations, median onset, 8 hours. All patients but one had their contractions resolve within 24 hours of treatment. Lower gestational age was associated with the occurrence of recurrent variable decelerations (29.6 weeks versus 32.3 weeks, P < .05). No patients required delivery at the time of treatment. Conclusion: The incidence of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in treated syphilitic pregnancies is about 40%; similar proportions of patients develop regular uterine contractions and recurrent variable decelerations.
Solving the Surface-Wave Eigenproblem with Chebyshev Spectral Collocation

Stable and accurate surface‐wave calculations present a long‐standing numerical and analytical challenge to seismologists. In a layered medium, we can describe the surface‐wave behavior with harmonic time dependence in terms of an eigenproblem where the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions define the surface‐wave modes. Numerous studies have explored diverse numerical approaches to solve this eigenproblem, but they tend to suffer from numerical difficulties that limit the complexity of the medium, frequency range of applicability, or accuracy of the solution. We propose an equivalent formulation that replaces the conventional stress‐displacement vector with an alternative one, in order to cast the eigenproblem in a standard form that is linear in the eigenvalues. We discretize the system and boundary conditions using a Chebyshev spectral collocation method, leading to a finite‐dimensional generalized matrix eigenvalue problem that can be solved directly. No iterations are required to satisfy the boundary conditions or to isolate the eigenmodes. Collocation methods allow for the solution of the eigenproblem for general depth‐dependent elastic properties, including continuous depth variations of the properties as well as material interfaces. We illustrate the use of our technique to calculate dispersion curves, theoretical waveform time series, and to estimate the change from retrograde to prograde particle motion at the surface for a complex 1D structure under Los Angeles.
Steap proteins: implications for iron and copper metabolism.

Erythroid cells of the bone marrow, the most avid consumers of iron in the body, acquire ferric (Fe3+) iron exclusively via the transferrin cycling pathway. A long-standing fundamental molecular question of how ferric iron is handled in this pathway has been recently resolved by the identification of Steap3 (six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 3) as an endosomal ferrireductase needed for efficient utilization of transferrin-delivered iron. Further characterization of Steap3 and other Steap proteins reveals a possible greater role of Steap proteins in iron and copper metabolism.
Guidance on Preparing an Investigational New Drug Application for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Studies

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile infections that are refractory to antibiotic therapy. Because of the important roles of the microbiota in the function of the gastrointestinal tract and other aspects of human physiology, there is a growing interest in studying FMT for other clinical indications. The US Food and Drug Administration regulates clinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FMT. Studies of FMT for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection or other indications could require submission of an investigational new drug application. Most academic physicians and investigators do not have the regulatory experience necessary to undertake this process. We provide guidance to researchers on the preparation and submission of investigational new drug applications to study FMT.
Evodevo and the Promise of Understanding Morphological Transitions in Evolution1

Abstract The field of Evolutionary Developmental biology arose with the promise of new approaches to answering longstanding questions of comparative biology. Here we review the fruits of that promise some decades later. We chose three areas of arthropod EvoDevo—evolution of body plans, segment number, and appendage morphology—to provide an overview for the nonspecialist of how these issues have been clarified by the comparative analysis of regulatory gene networks. In all cases, we identify substantial progress and novel insights provided by the tools and perspective of EvoDevo. We also recognize that some core questions remain unanswered, and we reflect on how discoveries in EvoDevo fit in the landscape of other progress in phylogenetics, population biology, and genomics, facilitated by a new and ever-expanding set of molecular tools for comparative studies in evolution.
A Recording Photoelectric Spectroradiometer

A recording spectroradiometer has been constructed for use in absorption spectra measurements in the visible and near infra-red regions. A Hilger quartz monochromator and an emission type photoelectric cell are used. The photoelectric cell current is amplified by a d.c. amplifier and the output of the amplifier actuates a Leeds and Northrup Speedomax recorder which produces an inked record.
Piezoresistive Cantilever Performance—Part II: Optimization

Piezoresistive silicon cantilevers fabricated by ion implantation are frequently used for force, displacement, and chemical sensors due to their low cost and electronic readout. However, the design of piezoresistive cantilevers is not a straightforward problem due to coupling between the design parameters, constraints, process conditions, and performance. We systematically analyzed the effect of design and process parameters on force resolution and then developed an optimization approach to improve force resolution while satisfying various design constraints using simulation results. The combined simulation and optimization approach is extensible to other doping methods beyond ion implantation in principle. The optimization results were validated by fabricating cantilevers with the optimized conditions and characterizing their performance. The measurement results demonstrate that the analytical model accurately predicts force and displacement resolution, and sensitivity and noise tradeoff in optimal cantilever performance. We also performed a comparison between our optimization technique and existing models and demonstrated eight times improvement in force resolution over simplified models.
Acute Treatment of Penetrating Popliteal Artery Trauma: The Importance of Soft Tissue Injury

During a 20-year period from 1973 to 1992, 109 patients underwent early operation for acute popliteal artery trauma. Clinical variables were analyzed for their association with amputation. Gunshot wounds accounted for the majority of injuries (73%), followed by shotgun wounds (18%), stab wounds (6%), iatrogenic injuries (2%), and lacerations (1%). Fasciotomies were performed selectively in 41% of patients. Seven patients (6%) lost the injured extremity despite arterial repair. The mean time from injury to arterial repair was not significantly different for patients with or without subsequent amputation (8.6±3.6 and 9.7±7.4 hours, respectively;p=0.69). Delay in diagnosis longer than 6 or 12 hours after the injury did not increase the risk of amputation. Other factors not associated with limb loss were preoperative ischemic neurologic deficit or compartmental hypertension, concomitant fracture, and popliteal vein injury. Severe soft tissue injury (p<0.0001) or postoperative wound sepsis (p<0.0001) substantially increased the risk of amputation. Delayed fasciotomies were uncommon (4%) but were associated with a significantly increased risk of amputation (p<0.0001). Vein grafting for arterial repair (p=0.0017) and shotgun injuries (p<0.0001) were associated with amputation to the extent that they were related to severe soft tissue injury. The degree of soft tissue trauma and subsequent infection of devitalized tissue limits the success of popliteal arterial repair. Changes in the mechanism of trauma, liberal use of four-compartment fasciotomies, and aggressive management of soft tissue injury resulted in a significant decline in the amputation rate from 21% (4/19) in the first 5 years to 0% (0/39) in the last 5 years of the study.
Massive acute colonic pseudo-obstruction successfully managed with conservative therapy in a patient with cerebral palsy

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also known as Ogilvie syndrome, is a massive dilation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Treatment measures may include anticholinergic agents such as neostigmine, colonoscopy, or fluoroscopic decompression, surgical decompression, and partial or complete colectomy. We reviewed the case of a 26-year-old male with cerebral palsy who had a history of chronic intermittent constipation who presented to the emergency department (ED) with signs of impaction despite recurrent fleet enemas and oral polyethylene glycol 3350. The patient was found to have a massive colonic distention of 26 cm likely because of bowel dysmotility, consistent with ACPO. This article includes a discussion of the literature and images that represent clinical examination, x-ray, and computed tomography (CT) findings of this patient, who successfully underwent conservative management only. Emergency department detection of this condition is important, and early intervention may prevent surgical intervention and associated complications.
THE LOGICAL LIMITS OF BEST PRACTICE ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

SUMMARY Developing countries are pressured to adopt administrative solutions that the international community considers best practice. Some claim that these practices do not fit such contexts. How could one assess the fit or relevance of a best practice? This article suggests a basic answer: Look at the degree of difference between the proposed adoption context and the context in which such practice emerged as ‘best’. This answer emerges from a discussion on the basis of the new institutional ideas about change and diffusion. An empirical analysis of public financial management reform in African countries suggests support for this answer: Good practices are most evident in countries least different to the developed nations where practices originated and least evident in countries most different to these developed nations. The article contributes to a literature on best practice and yields fundamental messages for development, including the point that best practices are limited as administrative solutions in many developing countries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System Diagramming Techniques: An Analysis of Methods Used in Accounting Education and Practice

System diagrams (SD) are an integral component of system documentation and have become increasingly important in response to heightened awareness surrounding process improvement and documentation as well as compliance concerns with legislation such as the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act. SD is also an important concept in accounting information systems and auditing education. This study examines SD commonly included in accounting curricula and compares the methods with those used by accounting practitioners. The SDs included in the study are system flowcharts, entityrelationship diagrams, data flow diagrams, resource‐event agent models, process maps, and Unified Modeling Language. The results include analyses of frequency of use, purpose of use, and strengths and weaknesses based on several dimensions. Using a survey of accounting practitioners, we find that SD use in practice is not entirely consistent with what is included in accounting curricula. This study can be useful to accounting educators by providing insight...
Mathematical and Biological Scientists Assess the State-of-the-Art in RNA Science at an IMA Workshop RNA in Biology, Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Highlights of the IMA workshop RNA in Biology, Bioengineering, and Biotechnology are summarized, including recent developments in RNA secondary structure prediction and RNA design, innovative mathematical constructs for RNA structure, bioinformatics advances in RNA structure analysis and prediction, and experimental progress in RNA folding and imaging. In small things considered is the world revealed. Robert Lee Hotz, Feb. 2008.
Stability of executive function and predictions to adaptive behavior from middle childhood to pre-adolescence

The shift from childhood to adolescence is characterized by rapid remodeling of the brain and increased risk-taking behaviors. Current theories hypothesize that developmental enhancements in sensitivity to affective environmental cues in adolescence may undermine executive function (EF) and increase the likelihood of problematic behaviors. In the current study, we examined the extent to which EF in childhood predicts EF in early adolescence. We also tested whether individual differences in neural responses to affective cues (rewards/punishments) in childhood serve as a biological marker for EF, sensation-seeking, academic performance, and social skills in early adolescence. At age 8, 84 children completed a gambling task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. We examined the extent to which selections resulting in rewards or losses in this task elicited (i) the P300, a post-stimulus waveform reflecting the allocation of attentional resources toward a stimulus, and (ii) the SPN, a pre-stimulus anticipatory waveform reflecting a neural representation of a “hunch” about an outcome that originates in insula and ventromedial PFC. Children also completed a Dimensional Change Card-Sort (DCCS) and Flanker task to measure EF. At age 12, 78 children repeated the DCCS and Flanker and completed a battery of questionnaires. Flanker and DCCS accuracy at age 8 predicted Flanker and DCCS performance at age 12, respectively. Individual differences in the magnitude of P300 (to losses vs. rewards) and SPN (preceding outcomes with a high probability of punishment) at age 8 predicted self-reported sensation seeking (lower) and teacher-rated academic performance (higher) at age 12. We suggest there is stability in EF from age 8 to 12, and that childhood neural sensitivity to reward and punishment predicts individual differences in sensation seeking and adaptive behaviors in children entering adolescence.
Cytokines as villains and potential therapeutic targets in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: from bench to bedside

The pathophysiology underlying Graves' disease and its ocular manifestation, thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is incompletely understood. Characterization of the mononuclear cells driving the disease and the cytokines they produce has led to significant advances in our understanding of TAO. This in turn has resulted in the identification of potentially attractive drug targets. For instance, development of inhibitors of specific cytokine pathways for use in other autoimmune diseases now presents an opportunity for their application in TAO. In this paper, we review the rationale for considering anti-cytokine therapy in TAO, evidence linking specific cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-17 pathways to TAO, and explore the potential for targeting of these pathways as therapy.
A short timescale for changing oxygen fugacity in the solar nebula revealed by high-resolution 26 Al- 26 Mg dating of CAI rims

Most rocky objects in the solar system, including the primitive chondrites and the terrestrial planets themselves, formed at oxygen fugacities (fO2) near that of the Iron-Wustite (IW) fO2 buffer. Conversely, the most ancient rocky objects of the solar system, the calcium aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), formed at fO2 values 5 orders of magnitude lower than the IW buffer in an environment more closely resembling a solar gas. High-resolution Mg isotope data and estimates for fO2 for rims on CAIs show that this shift from ~solar to protoplanetary (chondritic) fO2 occurred in 100,000 to 300,000 yr for these objects. Magnesium isotopes show further that the rise in fO2 was accompanied by a rise in the partial pressure of Mg. These results establish that CAIs entered a region resembling where planet progenitors formed within 3 � 10 5 yr of their formation in the solar
Efficient Service Substitutions with Behavior-Based Similarity Metrics

We define a formal model for information services that incorporates the concept of service similarity. The model places services in metric spaces, and allows for services that have arbitrarily complex inputs and output domains. We then address the challenge of service substitution: finding the services most similar to a given service among a group, possibly large, of candidate services. To solve this nearest neighbor problem efficiently we embed the space of services into a vector space and search for the nearest neighbors in the target space. We report on an extensive experiment that validates both our formalization of similarity and the methods used for finding service substitutions.
Self-Enforcing Democracy

If democracy is to have any of the good effects said to justify it, it must be self-enforcing. Those who control the government must want to hold regular, competitive elections for the highest offices, and all parties must be willing to comply with the results. I consider a model in which citizens can always protest or rebel against the current ruler, but can unseat the ruler only if enough people rebel. When individuals privately observe a signal of the government's performance (e.g. their own welfare), they face a difficult problem of how to coordinate to pose a credible threat of rebellion necessary to keep the ruler from stealing. Further, if the signals are noisy, inefficient rebellions must occur in equilibrium to keep the ruler honest. Allowing for the possibility of elections makes for equilibria that eliminate both problems. The convention of holding elections at particular times provides a public signal for coordinating rebellion in the event that elections are suspended of blatantly rigged. The electoral results themselves aggregate private information about the ruler's performance, providing the ruler an incentive to stick to the terms. Int he case of noisy signals of government performance, the electoral results act as a cheap talk signal that allows the public to commit to rebel if a losing ruler does not step down, avoiding the need for costly rebellions. These arguments pose an explanation for self-enforcing democracy, whereas the several models in the literature do not because they do not explain why anyone would want to use elections to allocate power.
Childhood emotional functioning and the developmental origins of cardiovascular disease risk

Background Dysregulated emotional functioning has been linked with higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults. Early life experiences may influence the development of adulthood CVD, but few studies have examined whether potential damaging effects of dysregulated emotional function begin earlier in life. Therefore, we examined associations of child emotional functioning and the 10-year risk of developing CVD in midlife. Methods We studied 377 adult offspring (mean age=42.2) of Collaborative Perinatal Project participants, a US cohort of pregnant women enrolled in 1959–1966. Three measures of child emotional functioning derived from psychologist ratings of behaviour at 7 years of age were examined: distress proneness, attention and inappropriate self-regulation. Adulthood 10-year CVD risk was calculated with the validated Framingham general CVD risk algorithm. Gender-specific multiple regression models assessed associations of childhood emotion and adulthood CVD risk independent of covariates measured across the life course. Potential mediators of the associations were also examined. Results Women had 31% higher CVD risk per SD increase in childhood distress proneness (p=0.03) and 8% reduced risk per SD increase in attention (p=0.09). For men, each SD increase in childhood distress proneness was associated with 17% higher CVD risk (p=0.02). Associations were partly explained by adulthood body mass index and depressive symptoms in women but not in men. Inappropriate self-regulation was not associated with CVD risk. Conclusions Several aspects of childhood emotional functioning was associated with adulthood CVD risk, particularly for women. As such, primary prevention of CVD may be associated with addressing early life emotional functioning.
On the Organizational Theory of Evaluation Economic and Political Constraints and the Choice of an Evaluation Agent

This article uses Wamsley and Zald's discussion of the political economy of public organizations to develop categories of constraints on evaluation in bureaucratic settings. It argues that the relevant literature focuses largely on political factors, in part because this literature concentrates on the utilization of evaluation results. Interviews with federal administrators concerning the establishment of an evaluation unit are used to explore a mix of economic and political factors. The article concludes that program managers choosing an evaluation agent have some latitude to determine the timing and context of different struggles over evaluation.
Environmental Applications of Thermal Extraction Cone Penetrometry and Ultrafast Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

This article describes the collection and anal- ysis of organic contaminants at depth without bring- ing soil to the surface. A thermal extraction cone pene- trometer (TECP) probe was used to extract soil-bound semivolatile organics,transferring them to the sur- face for analysis by ultrafast gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Findings showed that polychlo- rinated biphenyls,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides,and explosives could be col- lected and analyzed in 5 min when the soil-water content was 20% and in 15 min when it was between 20 and 35%. When the TECP was directly connected to the GC/MS,trinitrotoluene (TNT) and four of its synthetic precursors were speciated in 20 sec. Moreover,51 VOCs were detected by membrane-inlet mass spec- trometry in 10 sec. Organics were "sniffed" from a vial and identified using the Ion Fingerprint Detection TM soft- ware. The algorithms provide the means to untangle complex mass spectra making real-time,electronic nose detection and identification by MS possible. 2001 John Wiley & Sons,Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 5: 60-68, 2001 thermal extraction cone penetrometry; gas
Plant foliar disease suppression mediated by composted forms of paper mill residuals exhibits molecular features of induced resistance

Arabidopsis thaliana grown in soil from field plots amended with composted forms of paper mill residuals (PMR) exhibited reduced symptoms of bacterial speck caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) compared with plants grown in soil from field plots amended with a non-composted PMR or non-amended soils. Similar results were obtained with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). No relationship between foliar disease suppression and plant nutrition or stature was observed. In Arabidopsis, the reduction of foliar disease symptoms ranged between 34 and 65%, depending on the type of composted PMR amendment, and was associated with reduced Pst titers in planta .A nArabidopsis npr1 defense mutant and a NahG transgenic line, both of which exhibit disrupted systemic acquired resistance, were also disrupted in their suppression of Pst disease symptoms in composted PMR treatments. Arabidopsis grown in soil amended with composted PMR also displayed an increased expression of pathogenesis-related defense genes prior to pathogen inoculation. We conclude that plants grown in soils with composted PMR-amendments were more resistant to disease caused by Pst due to the induction of plant defenses, similar to systemic acquired resistance. The identity of the PMR elicitor(s) is as yet unknown, but was shown to be heat labile. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
On the Impact of Variation on Self-Organizing Systems

The goal of this work is to gain a better understanding of the role that inter-agent variation plays in self-organizing systems. We develop both continuous and discrete models of a multi-agent coordination procedure based on response thresholds and use these models to analyze the average behavior of a system as well as examine the dynamics of single instances of the problem. Results indicate that variation in the behaviors of agents can lead to increased stability and more effective self-organization in cooperative multi-agent systems.
Transparent Transistors Based on Semiconducting Oxides

The synthesis and properties of oxide-based thin film transistors (TFTs) is reported using pulsed laser deposition. The field effect transistors use ZnO as the channel material. Low leakage current density is achieved with amorphous (CeTb)MgAl 11 O 19 (CTMA) serving as the gate oxide, whose dielectric strength is measured to be > 5MV/cm for structures fabricated on Indium Tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Capacitance-voltage properties show that n-type active layers are realized with undoped ZnO. Charge densities in undoped ZnO are measured to be 10 18 to 10 19 / cm 3 using Hall measurement and CV plots. Current-voltage measurements for TFT operation are reported. Channel materials on patterned substrates show high conductance and modulation of channel conductance. C-V measurements with MOS structure using doped ZnO and Zn x Mg 1-x O will also be described. The properties of depletion mode TFTs fabricated with doped and undoped oxide channel will be discussed in detail.
Stereotyping by Omission: Eliminate the Negative, Accentuate the Positive

Communicators, motivated by strategic self-presentation, selectively underreport negative content in describing their impressions of individuals and stereotypes of groups, particularly for targets whom they view ambivalently with respect to warmth and competence. Communicators avoid overtly inaccurate descriptions, preferring to omit negative information and emphasize positive information about mixed individual targets (Study 1). With more public audiences, communicators increasingly prefer negativity omission to complete accuracy (Study 2), a process driven by self-presentation concerns (Study 3) and moderated by bidimensional ambivalence. Similarly, in an extension of the Princeton Trilogy studies, reported stereotypes of ethnic and national outgroups systematically omitted negative dimensions over 75 years—as anti-prejudice norms intensified—while neutral and positive stereotype dimensions remained constant (Study 4). Multiple assessment methods confirm this stereotyping-by-omission phenomenon (Study 5). Implications of negativity omission for innuendo and stereotype stagnation are discussed.
Mediation and Peace Processes

Today more than ever before, armed conflicts are likely to end in mediated settlements. As mediation activity has surged since the end of the Cold War, its dynamics have undergone significant change as well. New conflict drivers, such as climate change and organized crime, demand broader substantive agendas and the coordinated engagement of a wider range of mediators with specialized skills. To be successful, mediation processes need to be informed by an understanding of the broader regional context, given the frequent use of proxy forces in contemporary conflict. And to prevent a relapse into violence, mediation processes have to extend well beyond the cessation of open hostilities. At present, the mandates and resources for multilateral mediation and related political analysis are often inadequate to meet these challenges. Recognizing that every mediation process has its own peculiarities and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach, improvements can be made at the United Nations and beyond to strengthen the toolbox at the disposal of international mediators. As such, this Blue Paper lays out recommendations on the need to: 1) strengthen the UN’s peacemaking partnerships; 2) coordinate the multiple players involved in mediation; 3) enhance multilateral peacemaking capacity and training; 4) pursue a more energetic regional approach; and 5) seek early entry points for preventive diplomacy.
Political Character and Political Analysis

(1953). Political Character and Political Analysis. Psychiatry: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 387-398.
Emerging Technologies in Breast Imaging

Mammographic screening has been validated as an effective way to decrease breast cancer deaths, responsible for a 30–40 % mortality reduction in participating populations. However, despite its success, it remains an imperfect tool, especially in certain subsegments of patients. Some cohorts for which mammographic evaluation proves less sensitive include women with dense breasts, women with genetic predisposition to breast cancers, and women with prior history of breast cancer. As a result, there is impetus to develop and refine new screening and diagnostic technologies that address the limitations of mammography. These include advanced mammographic applications such as digital tomosynthesis, stereoscopic mammography, and contrast-enhanced digital mammography; dedicated breast CT; advanced applications of breast ultrasound and MRI; dedicated breast molecular imaging; and optical imaging. We describe these evolving technologies and outline their strengths and weaknesses.
CRT-300.20 Predictors of Endovascular Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia

Endovascular treatment is being increasingly performed for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). We sought to determine the predictors of endovascular (Endo) versus surgical (Bypass) revascularization in patients with CLI. This is a retrospective analysis of 174 CLI patients who were