cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing the Theory of Collective Action: Nato Defense Burdens, 1950-1984

Mancur Olson's theory of collective action is tested using pooled cross-sectional and time-series regression analyses of the defense burdens (military expenditures/gross domestic product) of fifteen NATO countries for the years 1950-1984. The influence of four factors is assessed: relative economic size, the intensity of the Cold War, the pursuit of private benefits by three countries in exceptional circumstances, and increased cooperation among the European allies. The results indicate that the alliance is still best characterized as a uniquely privileged group seeking a relatively pure public good: collective security through deterrence. Disaggregated analyses show that, consistent with this conclusion, the United States and its allies differ in theoretically predictable ways not only in the magnitude of their defense burdens but in the influences that shape their military allocations.
Block Copolypeptides. 2. Viscoelastic Properties

The solid state structure of block copolypeptides of gamma-benzyl L-glutamate (G) and L-leucine (L) case from preferential solvents for G has been investigated by dynamic mechanical and wide angle x-ray diffraction techniques. The WAXD patterns show overlapping reflections characteristic of the individual homopolymers. Further evidence for a phase separated morphology is provided by the viscoelastic behavior. Representation of the dynamic elastic modulus in terms of the equivalent mechanical model suggests that phase separation of GLG-type polymers occurs with G as the matrix phase. In the reverse case, LGL-type polymers, it appears that some phase inversion has taken place.
Effects of p-Cresol on photosynthetic and respiration rates of a filamentous green alga (spirogyra)

The effects of spilled phenols and cresols from coal gasification plants on the green alga SPIROYRA was investigated in experimental streams built by the US EPA near Monticello, Minnesota. P-Cresol at low concentrations inhibited photosynthesis and increased algal respiration rates. (JMT)
Developing improved servos for the multiple mirror telescope

The multiple mirror telescope (MMT), a joint project of the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, is in many ways a pioneering instrument that helped pave the way for the new class of 8 to 10 meter optical telescopes in use today. Part of the telescope facility upgrade to a 6.5m primary mirror is improved servos for pointing and tracking of sufficient quality to support the latest generation of wide-field and adaptive-optics instruments. This discussion presents the current and future work in servo development at the MMT.
Early identification and high-risk strategies for bipolar disorder

Correll CU, Penzner JB, Lencz T, Auther A, Smith CW, Malhotra AK, Kane JM, Cornblatt BA. Early identification and high-risk strategies for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2007: 9: 324-338. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2007 Objectives: To describe and compare the relative merits of different identification strategies for individuals at risk for bipolar disorder (BPD). Methods: Selective review of data that support early identification in BPD, with a particular focus on emerging clinical high-risk strategies. Results: Early detection of individuals at risk for BPD can utilize genetic, endophenotypic and clinical methods. Most published work focuses on genetic familial endophenotypic risk markers for BPD. However, despite encouraging results, problems with specificity and sensitivity limit the application of these data to early prevention programs. In addition, offspring studies of BPD patients systematically exclude the majority of subjects without a first-degree bipolar relative. On the other hand, emerging work in the clinical-high-risk arena has already produced encouraging results. Although still preliminary, the identification of individuals in subsyndromal or attenuated symptom 'prodromal' stages of BPD seems to be an under-researched area that holds considerable promise deserving increased attention. Required next steps include the development of rating tools for attenuated and subsyndromal manic and depressive symptoms and of prodromal criteria that will allow prodromal symptomatology to be systematically studied in patients with recent-onset bipolar, as well as in prospective population-based phenomenology trials and attenuated symptom-based high-risk studies. Conclusions: Given the current limitations of each early identification method, combining clinical, endophenotypic and genetic strategies will increase prediction accuracy. Since reliable biological markers for BPD have not been established and since most patients with BPD lack a first-degree relative with this disorder, clinical high-risk approaches have great potential to inform early identification and intervention programs.
Characteristics of aldosterone binding in human plasma.

[3H]Aldosterone and [14C]cortisol were incubated with either fresh human plasma or purified transcortin [corticosteroid- binding globulin (CBG)] and subjected to gel filtration and gel electrophoresis to investigate the possible presence of a specific aldosterone-binding globulin. Sephadex G-100, G-150, and G-200 columns isolated only one protein fraction that bound [3H]aldosterone, and this fraction also bound [14C]cortisol. CBG incubated with either steroid ran parallel to this fraction. Excess aldosterone, cortisol, progesterone, and spironolactone completely displaced both labeled steroids from plasma protein binding to the unbound fraction, whereas steroids that do not bind to CBG, such as estrone, androsterone, and 17α-isoaldosterone, were without effect. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the peak G-200 fractions and of whole plasma incubated with labeled steroids revealed a common protein fraction that bound both steroids. CBG incubated with both steroids migrated to the identical band. Quantit...
First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus Associated with Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Disease in California

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease caused by the whitefly-transmitted begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most damaging diseases of tomato. TYLCV was introduced into the New World in the early 1990s and by the late 1990s, it was found in Florida (2). In 2005 and 2006, the virus was reported from northern Mexico (states of Sinaloa and Tamaulipas) (1) and subsequently from Texas and Arizona. In March 2007, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants growing in a greenhouse in Brawley, CA showed TYLCV-like symptoms including stunted upright growth, shortened internodes, and small upcurled leaves with crumpling and strong interveinal and marginal chlorosis. These plants also sustained high populations of whiteflies. Symptomatic tomato leaves and associated whiteflies were collected from inside the greenhouse. Leaf samples also were collected from symptomless weeds (cheeseweed [Malva parviflora] and dandelion [Taraxacum officinale]) outside of the ...
Interregional Financial Intergration and the Banknote Market: The Old Northwest, 1815–1845

I study the changing role of the banknote market in interregional financial arrangements of the antebellum American economy, using the Old Northwest as a case study. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the cyclical behavior of the banknote market, I conclude that the role of the banknote market in interregional balance of payments adjustments declined as the Old Northwest became more closely integrated into the external financial system.
Conversational dramatism and everyday life performance

(1993). Conversational dramatism and everyday life performance. Text and Performance Quarterly: Vol. 13, Performance and Conversation, pp. 181-183.
Seed encoding with LFSRs and cellular automata

Reseeding is used to improve fault coverage of pseudo-random testing. The seed corresponds to the initial state of the PRPG before filling the scan chain. In this paper, we present a technique for encoding a given seed by the number of clock cycles that the PRPG needs to run to reach it. This encoding requires many fewer bits than the bits of the seed itself. The cost is the time to reach the intended seed. We reduce this cost using the degrees of freedom (due to don't cares in test patterns) in solving the equations for the seeds. We show results for implementing our technique completely in on-chip hardware and for applying it from a tester. Simulations show that with low hardware overhead, the technique provides 100% single-stuck fault coverage. Also, when compared with conventional reseeding from an external tester or on-chip ROM, the technique reduces seed storage by up to 85%. We show how to apply the technique for both LFSRs and CA.
Does Stress Damage the Brain

Studies in animals showed that stress results in damage to the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory, with associated memory deficits. The mechanism involves glucocorticoids and possibly serotonin acting through excitatory amino acids to mediate hippocampal atrophy. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from Vietnam combat and childhood abuse had deficits on neuropsychological measures that have been validated as probes of hippocampal function. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed reduction in volume of the hippocampus in both combat veterans and victims of childhood abuse. In combat veterans, hippocampal volume reduction was correlated with deficits in verbal memory on neuropsychological testing. These studies introduce the possibility that experiences in the form of traumatic stressors can have long-term effects on the structure and function of the brain.
Hydrological Variation and Fish Assemblage Structure in the Middle Wabash River

Two years of fish assemblage data from 28 sites in the Wabash River Indiana, were examined for relationships with environmental variables using a multivariate approach, correspondence analysis. Upstream sites had lower mean daily discharge and lower coefficient of variation of daily discharge when compared to downstream sites. Although the fish assemblage changed along this 230-km river distance gradient, patterns were in contrast to the patterns in streams with unaltered flow regimes. We compared functional variables of fish species (species traits that describe habitat, trophic, morphological, and tolerance characteristics) by examining the proportion of their occurrences along the hydrological variability gradient (upstream– downstream). The general pattern showed assemblages from hydrologically stable (upstream) sites had higher proportions of generalist species that tend to occur in small to medium streams, prefer fast current velocities, generally occur over rocky, gravel, and sand substrates, and have low silt tolerance. In addition, there was a pattern relating the hydrological/longitudinal regime and the overall morphology of species: species with higher caudal peduncle/caudal fin ratios and more fusiform body shapes occurred in higher proportion in upstream sites.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENTOMOLOGY OF THE SELKIRK MOUNTAINS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.—I. INTRODUCTORY

In company with a party of botanists and others, the wirter spent the summer of 1905 in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, much of the time in scientifically unexplored parts of that beautiful range. The Selkirks occupy the major part of teh Kootenay district of south-eastern British Columbia. It will be seen by reference to a map that they are bounded on practically all sides by the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers and the long and narrow Kootenay Lake.
Genetic Design and Statistical Power of Nested Association Mapping in Maize

We investigated the genetic and statistical properties of the nested association mapping (NAM) design currently being implemented in maize (26 diverse founders and 5000 distinct immortal genotypes) to dissect the genetic basis of complex quantitative traits. The NAM design simultaneously exploits the advantages of both linkage analysis and association mapping. We demonstrated the power of NAM for high-power cost-effective genome scans through computer simulations based on empirical marker data and simulated traits with different complexities. With common-parent-specific (CPS) markers genotyped for the founders and the progenies, the inheritance of chromosome segments nested within two adjacent CPS markers was inferred through linkage. Genotyping the founders with additional high-density markers enabled the projection of genetic information, capturing linkage disequilibrium information, from founders to progenies. With 5000 genotypes, 30-79% of the simulated quantitative trait loci (QTL) were precisely identified. By integrating genetic design, natural diversity, and genomics technologies, this new complex trait dissection strategy should greatly facilitate endeavors to link molecular variation with phenotypic variation for various complex traits.
Educating Chinese Engineers: The Case of Shanghai Jiao Tong University During 1896–1949

This chapter summarizes the early institutional history of one of China’s most important and well-regarded engineering schools, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). It shows how the university and its engineering programs evolved in tandem with national development and defense priorities from the school’s founding in 1896 through the formation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. More specifically, we look at key changes in the school’s admission policies, pedagogy, curricula, and organizational structure, as well as typical career pathways for its graduates. To further contextualize this account, this chapter begins with a general history of engineering education in China from the late Qing Dynasty through the Nationalist period. This chapter should be of interest to those wanting to know more about the historical foundations of the engineering profession in China, including the role of leading educational institutions in China’s national development.
Dietary Fat–Influenced Development of Colon Neoplasia in ApcMin Mice Exposed to Benzo(a)pyrene

Colorectal cancer, responsible for 50,000 deaths per year, is a contributing factor for considerable mortalities in the United States. Consumption of well-done red meat and saturated fats rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be one of the causative factors for sporadic colon cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the formation of colon tumors in adult Apc(Min) mice was influenced by the ingestion of different types of fat containing benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound. Treatment consisted of 50 and 100 microg B(a)P/kg body weight dissolved in peanut or coconut oil (representatives of unsaturated and saturated fats, respectively) administered daily to six-week-old male Apc(Min) mice via oral gavage for sixty days. At the end of exposure, mice were sacrificed; jejunum and colons were retrieved and preserved in 10% formalin for observation for gross pathological changes. An increased prevalence of adenomas in colons of mice that ingested B(a)P through saturated dietary fat compared to unsaturated fat and controls (p < .05) was noticed. Interestingly, we also observed adenomas with high-grade dysplasia in the B(a)P + saturated fat group, and these incidences were frequent at the 100 microg/kg B(a)P dose. On the other hand, the B(a)P-alone and unsaturated-fat groups did not show significant differences in the numbers of adenomas and invasive tumors in the both jejunum and the colon. Our studies established that dietary fat, especially saturated fat, potentiates the development of colon tumors caused by B(a)P in the Apc(Min) mouse.
Cytochemical identification of cerebral glycogen and glucose‐6‐phosphatase activity under normal and experimental conditions: I. Neurons and glia

Reliable ultrastructural techniques are applied for cytochemical identification of glycogen and localization of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity within neurons and glia of the adult mammalian CNS. Modulations in the cerebral localizations of glycogen and G6Pase activity are identified during various experimental conditions (i.e., salt-stress, fasting, and trauma). The cytochemical reaction for demonstration of G6Pase activity implies that the enzyme acts as a phosphohydrolase to convert glucose-6-phosphate to glucose. The degradation of glycogen in vivo is one source of glucose-6-phosphate as a substrate for G6Pase. Glycogen is preserved by perfusion-fixation of the brain with 2% glutaraldehyde-2% formaldehyde. Chopper sections of this material are postfixed in buffered 1% osmium tetroxide-1.5% potassium ferrocyanide, which serves as a contrast stain for glycogen, or in buffered 1% osmium tetroxide. Plastic-embedded ultrathin sections of CNS tissue postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide are stained for glycogen with periodic acid–thiocarbohydrazide-silver protein. Intracellular glycogen appears as electron-dense isodiametric particles and, under normal and experimental conditions, is most abundant within astrocytes. Neuronal glycogen is sparse to negligible normally but appears increased within specific neuronal populations during stressful states. Optimal preservation of G6Pase activity in the brain is obtained by brief perfusion-fixation with 2% glutaraldehyde. Tissue sections are incubated in a modified Leskes medium containing glucose-6-phosphate or mannose-6-phosphate as substrate and lead nitrate. Utilizing the Gomori lead capture technique, G6Pase reaction product is localized within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and related organelles (i.e., nuclear envelope, Golgi complex) of perikarya, dendrites, and glia. The ER in axons and axon terminals fails to express G6Pase activity under normal conditions but does so in some neurons exhibiting a degenerating appearance. A transient, cytochemical decrease in G6Pase activity may occur within some perikarya during stressed conditions. The results indicate that within neurons and glia of the adult CNS cytochemical stains are well suited for ultrastructural identification of glycogen and localization of G6Pase activity. Modulations in glycogen particle concentration and in localization of G6Pase activity in the neuron can occur in response to conditions that influence the energy metabolism of the cell. These modulations may reflect differences in the regional utilization of glucose as an energy-producing substrate and as a derivative of glycogenolysis within the CNS.
Assistência circulatória com aparelho Heart Mate® na Cleveland Clinic Foundation: experiência inicial e futuras aplicações

Objetivo: Estudar a experiencia inicial em assistencia circulatoria ventricular esquerda com o aparelho pneumatico implantavel Heart Mate® 1000 IP, analisando suas caracteristicas e aplicacoes clinicas. Material e Metodos: Entre dez/91 e set/94 (45 meses) 33 pacientes em choque cardiogenico por miocardiopatia isquemica ou dilatada foram assistidos, com esse aparelho, por um tempo de 0 a 153 dias (media de 76 dias, nos pacientes que chegaram a ser transplantados). O diagnostico, o tempo de assintencia circulatoria, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos (indice cardiaco, gradiente transpulmonar, fracao de ejecao do ventriculo direito, resistencia vascular pulmonar e variacao da area do ventriculo direito), assim como as complicacoes clinicas sao apresentados e discutidos. Valores pre e pos implante sao apresentados como media +/- desvio padrao e comparados por teste T pareado. Resultados: A melhora hemodinâmica foi estatisticamente significante (p<0,05). Houve 9 (27,3%) obitos, pelas seguintes complicacoes: sepse, falencia de VD e insuficiencia respiratoria. Vinte e quatro pacientes foram transplantados. Nao houve nenhum caso de tromboembolismo. Conclusoes: Houve melhora clinica em pacientes com elevado risco para transplante cardiaco de urgencia, com relativamente baixa taxa de morbi-mortalidade durante a assistencia e alta taxa de transplantes (69,7%). Os resultados encorajam o uso desse aparelho para tratamento da fase final da insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva grave.
Stability of Two Piagetian Scales with Severely and Profoundly Retarded Children.

Corman and Escalona's scales for Object Permanence and Spatial Relationships were administered to 98 severely and profoundly retarded children on three occasions, with intervals of six months between successive administrations. Correlations between the scores on the three administrations ranged from .76 to .87, and the mean change was less than one point on each of the scales. These findings demonstrate the high stability of the scales when environmental conditions are themselves highly stable.
On the efficacy of quality, frame rate, and buffer management for video streaming across best-effort networks

In this paper, we propose a mechanism that supports the high quality streaming and adaptation of stored, constant-quality video across best-effort networks. The difficulty in the delivery of such traffic over best-effort networks is the fact that both the bandwidth required from the stream and the bandwidth available across the network vary considerably over time. Our proposed approach has a number of useful features. First, it uses the a priori information from the video stream to drive that adaptation policy. Second, it does not rely on any special handling or support from the network itself, although any additional support from the network will indirectly help increase the video quality. Third, it can be built on top of TCP, which effectively separates the adaptation and streaming from the transport protocol. This makes the question of TCP-friendliness much easier to answer. Using actual MPEG encoded video data at multiple qualities, we show through experimentation that this approach provides a viable alternative for streaming media across best-effort networks.
Ecology of Vibrio vulnificus in estuarine waters of eastern North Carolina.

While several studies on the ecology of Vibrio vulnificus in Gulf Coast environments have been reported, there is little information on the distribution of this pathogen in East Coast waters. Thus, we conducted a multiyear study on the ecology of V. vulnificus in estuarine waters of the eastern United States, employing extensive multiple regression analyses to reveal the major environmental factors controlling the presence of this pathogen, and of Vibrio spp., in these environments. Monthly field samplings were conducted between July 2000 and April 2002 at six different estuarine sites along the eastern coast of North Carolina. At each site, water samples were taken and nine physicochemical parameters were measured. V. vulnificus isolates, along with estuarine bacteria, Vibrio spp., Escherichia coli organisms, and total coliforms, were enumerated in samples from each site by using selective media. During the last 6 months of the study, sediment samples were also analyzed for the presence of vibrios, including V. vulnificus. Isolates were confirmed as V. vulnificus by using hemolysin gene PCR or colony hybridization. V. vulnificus was isolated only when water temperatures were between 15 and 27°C, and its presence correlated with water temperature and dissolved oxygen and vibrio levels. Levels of V. vulnificus in sediments were low, and no evidence for an overwintering in this environment was found. Multiple regression analysis indicated that vibrio levels were controlled primarily by temperature, turbidity, and levels of dissolved oxygen, estuarine bacteria, and coliforms. Water temperature accounted for most of the variability in the concentrations of both V. vulnificus (47%) and Vibrio spp. (48%).
Adverse effects of prolonged hyperventilation in patients with severe head injury: a randomized clinical trial

✓ There is still controversy over whether or not patients should be hyperventilated after traumatic brain injury, and a randomized trial has never been conducted. The theoretical advantages of hyperventilation are cerebral vasoconstriction for intracranial pressure (ICP) control and reversal of brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis. Possible disadvantages include cerebral vasoconstriction to such an extent that cerebral ischemia ensues, and only a short-lived effect on CSF pH with a loss of HCO3− buffer from CSF. The latter disadvantage might be overcome by the addition of the buffer tromethamine (THAM), which has shown some promise in experimental and clinical use. Accordingly, a trial was performed with patients randomly assigned to receive normal ventilation (PaCO2 35 ± 2 mm Hg (mean ± standard deviation): control group), hyperventilation (PaCO2 25 ± 2 mm Hg: HV group), or hyperventilation plus THAM (PaCO2 25 ± 2 mm Hg: HV + THAM group). Stratification into subgroups of patients with motor score...
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)

Sex hormones, androgens and estrogens, are critical not only for the physiology and development of secondary sexual organs, but also for neuronal development, cognition, bone and muscle development and maintenance, adipose tissue physiology, lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis. The phenotypes of transgenic animals in which the synthesis of androgens and estrogens or their ubiquitously expressed receptors (androgen receptor (AR, NR3C4) and estrogen receptor (ER, NRC3A1/2) has been abolished provide unequivocal evidence of their essential roles. Likewise, imbalances due to hypo- or hyperactivity of the AR and ER are associated with a variety of human diseases, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia and breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, to name a few, making steroidogenic enzymes and steroid receptors attractive therapeutic targets. Despite their endogenous roles, testosterone and estradiol are often not the first choice of treatment due to their steroidal pharmacophore and lack of tissue selectivity. Advances in the understanding of AR and ER biology and synthetic chemistry efforts to identify small molecule modulators of ER and AR that elicit favorable effects on target tissues without effects on off-target tissues led to the advent of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). This chapter discusses the pharmaceutical development, pharmacological characteristics, therapeutic functions, and molecular mechanisms for tissue selectivity of SERMs and SARMs.
Abstract P146: Diabetes, Prediabetes and Risk of Hospitalization: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Diabetes represents a significant proportion of healthcare costs. The magnitude of risk and types of hospitalizations that occur in persons with prediabetes and diabetes are not well characterized. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that persons with prediabetes and diabetes would have higher rates of hospitalization, especially from cardiovascular causes, than those without diabetes, and that, in addition to hyper-/hypoglycemia, infection would represent a substantial burden of hospitalizations in persons with diabetes. Methods: Prospective analysis of 13,522 participants in the ARIC Study followed for a median of 20 years (1990-2011) for hospitalizations (primary ICD-9 code defined cause). Self-reported history and clinical cut-points of HbA1c were used to define diabetes status at baseline. Negative binomial models were used to calculate demographic-adjusted rates of hospitalization with tests for interaction by age, sex, and race. Results: Mean age was 57 years, 56% were female, 24% were black. Persons with diabetes and HbA1c ≥7% had the highest rates of hospitalization (3.1 times higher than those without diabetes; 1.5 times higher than those with diabetes and HbA1c Conclusions: Persons with diabetes and prediabetes are at a high risk of hospitalization, but a significant proportion of hospitalizations were for hyper-/hypoglycemia and infection, which may be preventable with improved glycemic control.
An S4-symmetric mixed-valent decacopper cage comprised of [CuII(L-S2N2)] complexes bridged by CuI(MeCN)n (n = 1 or 2) cations

Oxidative addition of 1,2,11,12-tetrathia-5,8,15,19-tetra(N-methylamino)cycloicosane, the bis(disulfide) form of N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)ethylenediamine (L-N2S2) to [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] (2.5 eq.) in MeCN produces good yields of the decacopper cage compound [(CuII(L-N2S2))4(μ2-CuI(MeCN)2)2(μ3-CuI(MeCN))4][BF4]6·2.25MeCN, [1][BF4]6·2.25MeCN. This mixed-valent hexacation shows idealized S4 point group symmetry and is composed of four [CuII(L-N2S2] centers held in distorted four-coordinate environments and joined by μ2-CuI(MeCN)2/μ3-CuI(MeCN) ions that bridge their thiolate sulfur atoms. Each four-coordinate [CuII(L-N2S2)] center is related to the other three by successive executions of the S4 operation. A dark violet color is observed for [1]6+ and attributed to a combination of metal-to-ligand (S), ligand (S)-to-metal, and, at lower energy, intermetal charge transfer transitions, as found for Cu5 cage compounds with a compositional relationship to [1]6+.
Disulfide Bond Formation of a Hydrophobic Peptide by Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Although air oxidation in aqueous medium is the most common method for the formation of disulfide bonds, the formation of disulfide bonds of hydrophobic peptides is limited by poor solubility. Addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been successful for promoting oxidation of free thiols to disulfides in several cases [1–3]. Because DMSO is miscible with water, up to 20% DMSO in water solution has been used to complete the formation of the disulfide bond over an extended pH range (pH 3–8). In our synthesis of the following peptide, the disulfide bond was readily formed by extension of the DMSO mediated oxidation method.
Nanomolar ouabain augments caffeine-evoked contractions in rat arteries

Chronic parenteral administration of ouabain to normal rats raises plasma ouabain concentrations to low nanomolar levels and induces hypertension [C. M. Yuan, P. Manunta, J. M. Hamlyn, S. W. Chen, E. Bohen, J. Yeun, F. J. Haddy, and M. B. Pamnani. Hypertension 22: 178-187, 1993 and see also M. P. Blaustein. Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Cell Physiol. 33): C1367-C1387, 1993]. To determine whether rat arteries are sensitive to these low ouabain levels, we tested the effects of various ouabain concentrations on caffeine-evoked contractions (CEC) in rat aortic and small mesenteric artery rings. CEC amplitude was used as a measure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content. Ouabain increased CEC in aortic as well as mesenteric artery rings, but the effects in the aorta were difficult to quantitate because the CEC were often oscillatory. Mesenteric artery, under control conditions and after sensitization with 10-30 nM phenylephrine (PE), exhibited biphasic ouabain dose-CEC response curves. Low concentrations of ouabain (0.1-10 nM) caused small significant increases in CEC, but a further effect was observed only with > or = 10 microM ouabain. PE shifted the ouabain dose-response curve toward lower ouabain concentrations; conversely, ouabain shifted the PE dose-response curve toward lower PE concentrations. It appears that nanomolar concentrations of ouabain can influence vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictors. We conclude that rat vascular smooth muscle contains both high- and low-affinity ouabain receptors, possibly corresponding to Na+ pumps with alpha 3- and alpha 1-subunit isoforms, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: Controlling Effects of American Beech, Striped Maple, and Hobblebush

When American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum L.), and hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium Marsh.) become dense in the understory they interfere with regen- eration of other species. This review identifies threshold levels that cause problems in regenerating desirable hardwoods in northeastern North America, and summarizes methods for controlling the interfer- ence in conjunction with a reproduction method cutting. It also forwards some ideas about management based on information in published sources. North. J. Appl. For. 23(2):122-132.
Intestinal Brush Border Alkaline Phosphatase in the Rat after Proximal Small Bowel Resection

SummaryIn rats 50 cm of proximal intestine were resected with preservation of duodenum and ileum. Mucosal brush border alkaline phosphatase was measured 6-7 weeks later in segments of duodenum, ileum, and a midgut segment located prere-section at mid small intestine. Sham-operated animals served as controls. After resection there was significant mucosal growth in duodenum and midgut. In duodenum brush border alkaline phosphatase specific activity (activity per gram of wet mucosa) decreased, but increased mucosal mass compensated so total enzyme activity (activity per centimeter of intestinal length) did not change. In midgut both enzyme specific activity and total activity increased maximally while in ileum neither enzyme specific activity nor total activity changed. These studies show that brush border alkaline phosphatase undergoes postresection changes but alterations vary with the location of the intestinal segment studied. Comparisons with an earlier study of calcium transport suggest that duodenal b...
An X-ray crystallographic examination of calcium phosphate formation in Ca(OH)2/H3PO4 mixtures.

Precipitates formed over a 10 day period by adding variable amounts of Ca(OH)2 to H3PO4 were examined chemically and by X-ray diffraction in order to determine and to relate the crystallographic changes observed during calcium phosphate formation in this system to those seen previously in dental plaque. In the lower Ca(OH)2/H3PO4 ratio mixtures the initial precipitates were amorphous or poorly crystalline. The latter deposits showed an apatite-like diffraction pattern which changed to brushite and decreased in Ca/P ratio from approximately 1.2–1.0. Since the amorphous precipitates showed a similar decrease in the Ca/P ratio and a transient appearance of apatite, it was suggested that these initial precipitates, like the poorly crystalline deposits, may contain brushite amorphous to X-rays. Precipitates from the higher Ca(OH)2/H3PO4 ratio mixtures changed from a poorly crystalline to a more crystalline apatite and the Ca/P ratio remained fairly constant. The relation between the pH, Ca and P on the one hand and the brushite and apatite contents and the pattern of crystallization of the precipitates on the other was strikingly similar to the same relationship observed earlier in dental plaque in situ, suggesting that the system used in this study could be used to study certain aspects of plaque mineralization in vitro.
Clear salt water above sediment-laden fresh water: Interfacial instabilities

Direct numerical simulations of the evolution of an interface separating less dense, clear salt water above from more dense, sediment-laden fresh water below, reveal that the destabilizing effects of double-diffusion and particle settling amplify each other above the diffusive interface, and tend to cancel each other below it.
Abstinence Funding Was Not Associated With Reductions In HIV Risk Behavior In Sub-Saharan Africa

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been the largest funder of abstinence and faithfulness programming in sub-Saharan Africa, with a cumulative investment of over US $1.4 billion in the period 2004–13. We examined whether PEPFAR funding for abstinence and faithfulness programs, which aimed to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, was associated with a relative change in five outcomes indicative of high-risk sexual behavior: number of sexual partners in the past twelve months for men and for women, age at first sexual intercourse for men and for women, and teenage pregnancies. Using nationally representative surveys from twenty-two sub-Saharan African countries, we compared trends between people living in countries that received PEPFAR abstinence and faithfulness funding and those living in countries that did not in the period 1998–2013. We found no evidence to suggest that PEPFAR funding was associated with population-level reductions in any of the five outcomes. These results sugge...
Effect of Matrine Combined with Cisplatin on H_(22) Liver Cancer

Objective To study the inhibitory action of matrine(MW) combined with cisplatin(DDP) on H22 liver cancer in mice.Methods H22 liver cancer cells were inoculated into the mammary fatty pad of mice to establish H22 liver cancer model,40 mice bearing highly metastatic H22 liver cancer cells were randomly divided into four groups: control group,DDP group,MW group and MW+ DDP group.Different treatments were served from day 7 after transplantation and all mice were sacrificed after 19 days.During the treatments,the toxic side reaction of chemotherapy and the life quality were observed.Subcutaneous tumors were processed for tumor weight,and tumor growth inhibition rate and tumor necrosis rate of each group were calculated.Results The tumor weight of MW group was(0.89±0.27)g,compared with the control group(1.23±0.36)g,there was a significant difference(P0.01).The tumor weight of MW+ DDP group was(0.17±0.11)g,compared with MW group and DDP group,it was significantly lower(P0.01)and(P0.01).The tumor inhibition rate of MW+ DDP group was 86.2%,which was significantly hrgher MW group and DDP group,there were significant differences(P0.01).Compared with DDP group,the toxic side reaction of chemotherapy in combination group was significantly lower,but life quality was higher.Conclusion combined application MW and DDP has stronger inhibition on tumor growth than single use,and they have a synergic anticancer effect to H22 liver cancer in mice,decrease toxic side reaction of chemotherapy and improve life quality.
Design of Group Decision Support System for Weapon System of Systems

As demonstration of evolution of weapon system of systems is a complex problem,value-focused thinking(VFT) is an effective methodology to solve such problem.It is significant to design a group decision support system(GDSS) with this approach for multi-discipline experts' collaboration of qualitative and quantitative analysis.The paper describes specific functional requirement for the GDSS,puts forward system architecture,operational process,integrated group decision-making methods and tools,and finally presents concept data model of key database.
Identification and Evaluation of Novel MicroRNA Biomarkers in Plasma and Feces Associated with Drug-induced Intestinal Toxicity

Gastrointestinal toxicity is dose limiting with many therapeutic and anticancer agents. Real-time, noninvasive detection of markers of toxicity in biofluids is advantageous. Ongoing research has revealed microRNAs as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for the detection of select organ toxicities. To study the potential utility of microRNA biomarkers of intestinal injury in a preclinical toxicology species, we evaluated 3 rodent models of drug-induced intestinal toxicity, each with a distinct mechanism of toxicity. MiR-215 and miR-194 were identified as putative intestinal toxicity biomarkers. Both were evaluated in plasma and feces and compared to plasma citrulline, an established intestinal injury biomarker. Following intestinal toxicant dosing, microRNA changes in feces and plasma were detected noninvasively and correlated with histologic evidence of intestinal injury. Fecal miR-215 and miR-194 levels increased, and plasma miR-215 decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dose-dependent decreases in plasma miR-215 levels also preceded and correlated positively with plasma citrulline modulation, suggesting miR-215 is a more sensitive biomarker. Moreover, during the drug-free recovery phase, plasma miR-215 returned to predose levels, supporting a corresponding recovery of histologic lesions. Despite limitations, this study provides preliminary evidence that select microRNAs have the potential to act as noninvasive, sensitive, and quantitative biomarkers of intestinal injury.
Free-Surface Seepage Problem

The flow problem of seepage through a homogeneous dam on an impervious foundation with a toe drain has been solved numerically using the Baiocchi method. The numerical scheme reduces to an algorithm that is computationally efficient, accurate, and fast, and requires only a fraction of the prepocessing effort time that the other numerical algorithms do. The results compare well with other numerical and analytical results. The problem is also reduced to a variational inequality that is shown to have at most one solution from which it follows that the original problem has at most one solution.
In vivo imaging of cancer cell size and cellularity using temporal diffusion spectroscopy.

Purpose A temporal diffusion MRI spectroscopy based approach has been developed to quantify cancer cell size and density in vivo. Methods A novel imaging microstructural parameters using limited spectrally edited diffusion (IMPULSED) method selects a specific limited diffusion spectral window for an accurate quantification of cell sizes ranging from 10 to 20 μm in common solid tumors. In practice, it is achieved by a combination of a single long diffusion time pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) and three low-frequency oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) acquisitions. To validate our approach, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining of cell membranes, in concert with whole slide imaging, were used to visualize nuclei and cell boundaries, and hence, enabled accurate estimates of cell size and cellularity. Results Based on a two compartment model (incorporating intra- and extracellular spaces), accurate estimates of cell sizes were obtained in vivo for three types of human colon cancers. The IMPULSED-derived apparent cellularities showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.81; P < 0.0001) with histology-derived cellularities than conventional ADCs (r = −0.69; P < 0.03). Conclusion The IMPULSED approach samples a specific region of temporal diffusion spectra with enhanced sensitivity to length scales of 10–20 μm, and enables measurements of cell sizes and cellularities in solid tumors in vivo. Magn Reson Med 78:156–164, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Institutional Change under Gorbachev: Coal Miners’ and Railroad Workers’ Unions

Systemic change, begun by Gorbachev, changed the constraints under which trade union leaders made decisions on the goals and organization of their institution. During the Soviet period, there were many constraints on the behavior of trade union leaders, including a guaranteed monopoly of representative institutions. As glasnosf and perestroika took hold and as their unintended consequences became obvious, trade union leaders had more options and more decision- making power, including, eventually, the option to choose to leave the official trade union.
A Comparison of Some State of the Art Image Denoising Methods

We briefly describe and compare some recent advances in image denoising. In particular, we discuss three leading denoising algorithms, and describe their similarities and differences in terms of both structure and performance. Following a summary of each of these methods, several examples with various images corrupted with simulated and real noise of different strengths are presented. With the help of these experiments, we are able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these state of the art methods, as well as seek the way ahead towards a definitive solution to the long-standing problem of image denoising.
Hexaaminobenzene as a building block for a Family of 2D Coordination Polymers.

A family of 2D coordination polymers were successfully synthesized through “bottom-up” techniques using Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+, and hexaaminobenzene. Liquid–liquid and air–liquid interfacial reactions were used to realize thick (∼1–2 μm) and thin (<10 nm) stacked layers of nanosheet, respectively. Atomic-force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy both revealed the smooth and flat nature of the nanosheets. Selected area diffraction was used to elucidate the hexagonal crystal structure of the framework. Electronic devices were fabricated on thin samples of the Ni analogue and they were found to be mildly conducting and also showed back gate dependent conductance.
Ultrasonically powered hydrogel-based wireless implantable glucose sensor

This paper reports on the development of a wireless ultrasound (acoustic) powering technique for an implantable glucose sensor. The acoustic power transmission system consists of a pair of PZT transducers, and is capable of providing the power and voltage required by the glucose sensor. A piezoelectric receiver with a diameter of 12.7 mm, and a PZT transmitter operating at 800 kHz are employed. The hydrogel-based glucose sensor requires a DC voltage of200 mV. The output AC voltage of the receiver should be rectified before going to the sensor. A wireless inductive sensing technique is employed for the low power hydrogel-based implantable glucose sensor. The glucose test results show that the proposed system is capable of sensing the glucose changes within the physiological range.
Policing through social networking: Testing the linkage between digital and physical police practices

Researchers are starting to explore predictive models for departmental usage of opportunities to self-represent online. This is the first study to independently address police social networking in the US across a variety of social media platforms. Using the sampling frame of the 558 ‘self-representing’ municipal police department respondents in the 2007 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) data, I collected information concerning whether departments maintained active accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in 2014. The LEMAS data provides key independent variables concerning each department’s community-oriented policing commitment and technological sophistication. Ultimately, these organisational features are not predictive of departmental use of any of the three social networking sites.
The MLg(F) Magnitude Scale: A Proposal for its use for Northeastern North America

The m Lg (f) magnitude scale of Herrmann and Kijko (1983b), computed with appropriate Lg spatial attenuation functions and calibrated to m b , is proposed for routine use in northeastern North America. The Herrmann and Kijko (1983b) formula yields consistent magnitudes for different forms of Lg attenuation, and it shows little or no distance or period dependence for a data set of ten earthquakes from the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. The standard deviation of the m Lg (f) magnitude estimates relative to m b is about .32 magnitude units. Also, since on average m bLg =m b for the ten earthquakes in the data set, the m Lg (f) formula proposed here is also calibrated to m bLg in the study region.
Commercialization of Technology News: Quantity and quality dimensions

While technology news has become a major news genre, the coverage of high-tech products has raised concerns regarding the commercialization of journalism. Drawing on salience transfer and exemplification theory, this study explores how The New York Times and USA Today covered Apple products along quantity and quality dimensions. A content analysis documented a landslide in the amount of coverage on Apple products in both newspapers. Both iPhones and iPads were disproportionately over-covered in relation to their market share. Over one-third of the headlines about the iPhone covered the product favorably. The New York Times published more stories about these gadgets than USA Today did, while USA Today was twice as likely to portray iPhones in a positive light. These findings have raised questions about the commercialization of technology news and its impact on journalism.