cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Pornography, Character, and Sexual Deviance: A Retrospective Survey

Data from 365 subjects from seven types of social groups (jail inmates, college students of three ethnic backgrounds, members of Catholic and Protestant religious organizations) were examined. While amount of exposure was negatively related to the overall index of character, the relationship held primarily for those subjects first exposed after age 17. Amount of exposure to pornography was positively related to self-acknowledged sexual "deviance" at all ages of first exposure. Exposure was also related to a number of life history variables indicating early significant heterosexual experience and a greater involvement in homosexual and deviant sexual practices. A number of analyses were undertaken to explore the possible causal status which exposure to pornography may have with respect to sexual deviance. The pattern of obtained results leaves open the possibility that early exposure to pornography plays some causal role in the development of sexually deviant life styles or the possibility that exposure is merely part of or a product of adopting a sexually deviant life style. Language: en
Water column productivity attributable to displaced benthic diatoms in well-mixed shallow estuaries

We attempted to determine the extent to which benthic diatoms contribute to water column primary productivity in shallow-water estuaries and to elucidate the primary mechanisms responsible for suspending the diatoms. A perliminary study conducted in Mugu Lagoon, California indicated that productivity of ocean water entering the lagoon during flood tides was often several orders of magnitude less than that of the same water mass about 3 h later. Benthic pennate diatoms displaced from the sediments into the water column accounted for the increase. A more detailed study was conducted in Barataria Estuary, Louisiana where, for one month, daily measurements were made of benthic and water column productivity and several other environmental variables. During the month, the relationship between water column and benthic primary productivity varied from strongly negative to weakly negative to positive. K-systems analysis indicated that factors comprised of wave height, meteorological tides, astronomical tides, and benthic productivity and standing crop accounted for the full range of variation in water column productivity. Benthic pennate diatoms, represented an average of 74% of the diatom taxa in water column samples. We conclude that the primary productivity of well-mixed shallow estuarine waters is often greatly aumented by displaced benthic algae.
Icosahedral symmetry in a metallic phase observed by field-ion microscopy.

Long-range icosahedral orientational order in an Al + 12-at.%-Mn alloy is confirmed by direct observation in field-ion microscopy. In addition, a considerable amount of local disorder and a large number of defects or antiphase boundaries are found.
On L -functions of elliptic curves and cyclotomic towers

In this paper we shall strengthen a recent theorem of Ralph Greenberg [1] concerning L-functions of elliptic curves and anticyclotomic towers. Let K be an imaginary quadratic field and M an abelian extension of K, possibly of infinite degree. We say that the extension M/K is anticyclotomic if M is Galois over Q and if the nontrivial element of Gal(K/Q) acts on Gal(M/K) by inversion. Now fix a finite set P of rational primes and consider the compositum (in an algebraic closure of K) of all anticyclotomic extensions of K which are unramified outside P. We denote this compositum by L and refer to it as the maximal anticyclotomic extension of K unramified outside P. The field L may also be described as the union of all ring class fields of K with conductor divisible only by primes in P. Class field theory shows that Gal(L/K) is isomorphic to the product of a finite group and the group
Preparation and Properties of Ferrospinels Containing Ni3

Nickel-iron spinels with compositions between NiFe2O4 and Ni2FeO4 have been prepared under oxygen pressures up to 2000 psi and at temperatures between 250° and 1000°C. Good agreement was found between the measured lattice parameters of the resulting spinel phases and the values obtained by extrapolating from the previously determined spinel series between Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4. Spinel compositions with lattice parameters as low as 8.3005 A were obtained; this compares with 8.3885 for Fe3O4 and 8.3394 for NiFe2O4. As is the case of the spinel solid-solution series between Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4, the composition of these nickel-rich spinels was found to depend strongly on both the oxygen pressure and the temperature. These relationships have been determined and are briefly discussed. Since it had been shown that there is essentially no measurable deviation from Vegard’s law between Fe3O4 and Ni2FeO4, lattice parameter measurements were a convenient method of determining the compositions of the spinel phase. The fact that single phase nickel-iron spinels can be prepared with nickel concentrations greater than NiFe2O4 indicates that Ni3+ replaces Fe3+ in the spinel lattice. Of the several possible configurations for a composition such as Ni2FeO4, there is strong evidence from magnetic moment measurements that on octahedrally ligated spinel sites the preferred arrangement is the [Ni2+ Ni3+] ion pair. The corresponding decrease in moment as Ni3+ substitutes for Fe3+ between NiFe2O4 and Ni2FeO4 agrees very well with that predicted by the Neel antiparallel array theory. A lowering of the Curie temperature was also observed in this compositional range.
The Methane to Markets Partnership: An international framework to advance the recovery and use of methaneas a clean energy source

Abstract Methane is the primary component of natural gas and a greenhouse gas, meaning that its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth's temperature and climate system. A new US-supported international partnership seeks to advance the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source. The Methane to Markets Partnership is a public-private undertaking that involves sixteen national governments and more than 150 organizations committed to achieving economic, environmental and energy benefits. This paper provides an overview of the benefits of methane reduction and the goals and objectives of the Methane to Markets Partnership. In addition, it includes a discussion of the available opportunities and technologies for methane recovery and use in the coal, oil and gas, and landfill sectors. The paper concludes with some insights into the US government's involvement in the initiative and the methane emission reduction potential of the Partnership.
A new single-center perturbation theory for the treatment of simple hydrides

Abstract The perturbation expansion of Hartree-Fock potential energy surfaces of simple hydrides in a single-center scale 1/ Z -expansion is carried out using diagrammatic methods. Diagrams having the topological structure of third-order diagrams are summed to all orders using an integral equation technique. The resulting one-electron wavefunction is used to generate a resummed perturbation series correct through fourth order.
How to print a crystal structure model in 3D

We present a simple procedure for the conversion of Crystallographic Information Files (CIFs) into Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML2, .wrl) files, which can be used as input files for three-dimensional (3D) printing. This procedure permits facile production of customized full-colour 3D models of X-ray crystal structures of segments of extended structures, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as well as small molecules. The method uses freely available software that runs under Microsoft Windows, MacOSX and Linux operating systems.
Green function approach to the theory of spectral line broadening in a plasma via the time-dependent microfield

Abstract A Green function approach to the theory of spectral line broadening in a plasma is presented. The emitter is viewed as propagating in a fluctuating time-dependent microfield provided by both electrons and ions. The atomic part of the problem is solved exactly in terms of the microfield and the procedure for calculating the Green function is outlined.
Propagule size and predispersal damage by insects affect establishment and early growth of mangrove seedlings

Variation in rates of seedling recruitment, growth, and survival can strongly influence the rate and course of forest regeneration following disturbance. Using a combination of field sampling and shadehouse experiments, we investigated the influence of propagule size and predispersal insect damage on the establishment and early growth of the three common mangrove species on the Caribbean coast of Panama: Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle. In our field samples, all three species exhibited considerable intraspecific variation in mature propagule size, and suffered moderate to high levels of predispersal attack by larval insects. Rates of insect attack were largely independent of propagule size both within and among trees. Our experimental studies using undamaged mature propagules showed that, for all three species, seedlings established at high rates regardless of propagule size. However, propagule size did have a marked effect on early seedling growth: seedlings that developed from larger propagules grew more rapidly. Predispersal insect infestations that had destroyed or removed a substantial amount of tissue, particularly if that tissue was meristematic or conductive, reduced the establishment of propagules of all three species. The effect of sublethal tissue damage or loss on the subsequent growth of established seedlings varied among the three mangrove species. For Avicennia, the growth response was graded: for a propagule of a given size, the more tissue lost, the slower the growth of the seedling. For Laguncularia, the response to insect attack appeared to be all-or-none. If the boring insect penetrated the outer spongy seed coat and reached the developing embryo, it usually caused sufficient damage to prevent a seedling from developing. On the other hand, if the insect damaged but did not penetrate the seed coat, a completely healthy seedling developed and its growth rate was indistinguishable from a seedling developing from an undamaged propagule of the same size. Similar to Avicennia, if an infestation did not completely girdle a Rhizophora seedling, it survived, but grew at a reduced rate. In summary, our experiments demonstrated that natural levels of variation in propagule size and predispersal damage by insects translate into significant differences in seedling performance in terms of establishment and/or early growth. Such differences are sufficiently large that they could influence the intensity and outcome of competitive interactions during forest regeneration.
Drying behaviour of alumina gels

Le sechage des gels d'alumine comprend deux phases. Dans la premiere phase, l'eau est eliminee par vaporisation en surface et transportee a l'interieur du gel par capillarite. Dans la seconde phase, l'eau est transportee par diffusion a travers le gel dans la phase vapeur
Virtually the Entire Xenopus laevis rDNA Multikilobase Intergenic Spacer Serves to Stimulate Polymerase I Transcription

Abstract The promoter-distal half of the spacer separating the tandem Xenopus laevis rRNA genes consists of “0” and “1” repetitive elements that have been considered unimportant in polymerase I transcriptional activation. Utilizing oocyte microinjection, we now demonstrate that the 0/1 region, as well as its component 0 and 1 repeats, substantially stimulate transcription from a ribosomal promoter in cis and inhibit transcription when located in trans. Both the cis and trans responses increase linearly with increasing numbers of 0 or 1 repeats until saturation is approached. The 0/1 block and its component elements stimulate transcription in both orientations, over distances, and when placed downstream of the initiation site, properties for which the 60/81-base pair (bp) repeats have been defined as polymerase I enhancers. In their natural promoter-distal rDNA location, the 0/1 repeats can stimulate transcription from the rRNA gene promoter, above the level afforded by the intervening 60/81-bp repeats and spacer promoter. In addition, as with the 60/81-bp repeats, the 0/1 repeats bind a factor in common with the rDNA promoter. Thus, the entire X. laevis rDNA intergenic spacer (the 0 repeats, 1 repeats, spacer promoter repeats, and 60/81-bp repeats) acts together to enhance ribosomal transcription.
Generational Transition in China

Different generations have different formative experiences, different expectations about the world, and different types of training. Will the transition to China's so‐called fourth generation be smooth, and how much of a difference will their ascendance really make?
Larval juvenile hormone treatment affects pre-adult development, but not adult age at onset of foraging in worker honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Previous research has shown that juvenile hormone (JH) titers increase as adult worker honey bees age and treatments with JH, JH analogs and JH mimics induce precocious foraging. Larvae from genotypes exhibiting faster adult behavioral development had significantly higher levels of juvenile hormone during the 2nd and 3rd larval instar. It is known that highly increased JH during this period causes the totipotent female larvae to differentiate into a queen. We treated third instar larvae with JH to test the hypothesis that this time period may be a developmental critical period for organizational effects of JH on brain and behavior also in the worker caste, such that JH treatment at a lower level than required to produce queens will speed adult behavioral development in workers. Larval JH treatment did not influence adult worker behavioral development. However, it made pre-adult development more queen-like in two ways: treated larvae were capped sooner by adult bees, and emerged from pupation earlier. These results suggest that some aspects of honey bee behavioral development may be relatively insensitive to pre-adult perturbation. These results also suggest JH titer may be connected to cues perceived by the adult bees indicating larval readiness for pupation resulting in adult bee cell capping behavior.
Search for Anomalous Lifetime Values in Sea-Level Cosmic Radiation

By use of a scintillation counter telescope, sea-level cosmic radiation was investigated for the existence of particles of mass greater than $60{m}_{e}$, decaying with lifetimes in the millisecond region. If such particles exist, their intensity, relative to $\ensuremath{\mu}$ mesons, for various lifetime ranges, must be as follows: for ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ sec, \ensuremath{\leqslant} 0.03%; for ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ sec, \ensuremath{\leqslant} 0.1%; for ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ sec, \ensuremath{\leqslant} 0.14%; for ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ sec (for decay into a light meson), \ensuremath{\leqslant} 0.03%; for ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to 1.0 sec, \ensuremath{\leqslant} 1.4%.
A comparison of cold storage solutions for hepatic preservation using the isolated perfused rabbit liver

Rabbit livers were stored cold for periods of 6 or 24 hr and tested using the isolated perfused liver model. Five solutions were tested: Eurocollins (EC), Ross and Marshall's hypertonic citrate (HC), modified plasma protein fraction (Cambridge PPF), Ringer lactate, and the recently developed "University of Wisconsin" (UW) solution. After storage livers were perfused with an erythrocyte-free oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 4% bovine serum albumin at 38 degrees C for 2 hr. Bile production proved to be the most sensitive index of liver function for discriminating between the various storage solutions and the different preservation times. After 6 hr of cold storage, bile production was similar to control liver bile production (9.8 +/- 2.4 ml/2 hr/100 g) in livers stored in HC (8.8 +/- 2 ml), PPF (9.9 +/- 2.2 ml), and UW (10.3 +/- 1.9 ml); it was slightly depressed in EC (6.7 +/- 2.5 ml, P = 0.06), and markedly depressed in Ringer lactate (4.3 +/- 0.8 ml, P less than 0.05). After 24 hr of cold storage bile production in UW-stored livers was near normal (9.3 +/- 0.7 ml) but significantly depressed (3.5-6.2 ml) in all other solutions tested. Release of enzymes into the normothermic perfusate was also measured (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase). In this small series the differences between cold storage solutions did not always reach statistical significance although the trend was for less enzyme release in livers stored in UW solution. This technique permits rapid assessment and refinement of new storage methods and new solutions for liver preservation prior to testing in a large animal transplant model. The results suggest that UW solution is superior to other preservation solutions and would permit successful 24-hr storage of livers.
Anti-fouling surface modified stainless steel for food processing

Abstract Fouling on food contact surfaces (e.g. heat exchangers, work tables, conveyors) during food processing has a significant impact on operating efficiency and can promote biofilm development. Processing raw milk on plate heat exchangers results in significant fouling of proteins as well as minerals, and is exacerbated by the wall heating effect. The surface of 316L stainless steel heat exchanger plates was modified to resist fouling during food processing. An electroless nickel plating process was used to co-deposit fluorinated nanoparticles onto 316L stainless steel. The ability to resist fouling was demonstrated on a pilot plant scale plate heat exchanger. The fluorinated nanoparticle modified steel reduced surface energy from 41.4 to 24.7 mN/m, and reduced foulant accumulation by 97%. The anti-fouling coating was demonstrated to improve heat transfer efficiency. Repeatability studies were performed and confirmed that the EN-PTFE surface coating maintained its anti-fouling properties through 10 independent processing runs. Co-deposition of fluorinated particles during electroless nickel plating represents an effective and commercially scalable method to prepare anti-fouling coatings on stainless steel.
An infiltration and clearing technic to reveal the vascular pattern of ethylenediamine-treated cortical bone.

The vascular canals of cortical bone are revealed by: (1) removing all organic tissue with ethylenediamine (ed), (2) infiltrating the Haversian and Volkmann canals with a pigment and (3) finally clearing the specimens in styrene. Buccal and lingual cortical plates of mandibles were freed of spongy bone and placed in a Soxhlet extractor. Extraction was carried out with a solution consisting of 4 volumes of ed and 1 volume of distilled water which was maintained at a temperature of 118°C for 24 hr. After extraction, the organic-free specimens were washed in water for 1 hr and dried. The dried bone was immersed in a 25% India ink suspension and placed in a vacuum chamber until bubbling ceased. The bones were then dried and the surface carbon was removed with a CO2-driven stream of dolomite powder from an Airdent unit. Compressed air was used to remove the residual dolomite powder from the specimens. They were then immersed in styrene until clear. The specimens could be studied directly from the styrene, sinc...
Finite Universe and Mach's Principle

IN our previous communication to Nature we gave an exact solution of Einstein's field equations contradicting a certain well-defined version of Mach's principle (BFH principle). Dehnen and Honl now state “that a finite and closed world model is in accordance with Mach's principle (BFH principle)”.
A comparison of the microstructure and creep behavior of cold rolled HAYNES® 230 alloy™ and HAYNES® 282 alloy™

Abstract HAYNES 282 and HAYNES 230 nickel-based superalloys were subjected to cold rolling deformation and heat treatments in order to investigate processing–microstructure–property relationships to understand the effects of thermomechanical processing on their microstructure and tensile-creep behavior. The sheet materials underwent four cycles of 20% reduction in thickness followed by a solution treatment. The resultant microstructures were characterized using electron backscattered diffraction and electron microscopy, and the high-temperature (973–1088 K (700–815 °C)) creep and fatigue behavior was evaluated and compared to the commercially available sheet alloys. The thermomechanical processing treatments did not significantly affect the grain boundary character distribution and almost half of all the boundaries in the microstructures were twin boundaries. The creep resistance was shown to degrade with the additional thermomechanical treatments, which resulted in finer equiaxed grain sizes. The HAYNES 282 alloy was shown to be significantly more creep resistant than the HAYNES 230 alloy. The fatigue behavior indicated that creep ratcheting occurred more prominently in the HAYNES 230 alloy than in the HAYNES 282 alloy and this was explained to be a result of the superior creep resistance exhibited by the HAYNES 282 alloy. Overall, this study suggests that additional energy-intensive processing treatments, beyond those involved in the commercially available sheet products, may not be beneficial for additional creep resistance.
UNESCO's World Education Report: its evolution, strengths and possible futures

Abstract We assess UNESCO's biennial World Education Report. We begin with some basic background information and a discussion of the purpose of this report, its function and intended readership. We describe part of the process by which the report developed into its present form and some details about how the report is put together. We then address issues of scope and content: themes selected, the rationales for their selection, and how they are treated. We place particular emphasis on how the policy-messages are ultimately conveyed (in terms of initiatives to be undertaken, priorities to be set, goals and the recommended means for their accomplishment). The discussion is illustrated by comparing the UNESCO report with those put out by three other major international agencies, namely UNICEF, The World Bank and the UNDP. A final section provides a short summary and concluding remarks.
The aberrant, a morphological mutant of Hydra attenuata, has altered inhibition properties.

Abstract Transplantation experiments have led to the idea that developmental gradients are involved in the patterning processes of hydra. Head activation and head inhibition gradients appear to be involved in head formation. More could be learned about pattern formation if these gradients could be altered in the animal. One approach to this end is to study mutants suspected of having altered gradients. Such mutants may be identified by their altered morphology. In this investigation the aberrant, a morphological mutant of Hydra attenuata , was examined for alterations in its gradients. The aberrant was found to have changes in its inhibition and polarity properties. The inhibition gradient was steeper than normal and the level of inhibition was higher than normal near the head. In addition, the amount of inhibition transmitted from the head was greater than normal, while the amount of inhibition transmitted through the gastric region was less than normal. The polarity of the aberrant gastric region was more difficult than normal to reverse, and the aberrant extremities caused faster polarity reversal than normal extremities. The significance of these changes is discussed in relation to pattern formation.
Small RNAs Deliver a Blow to Ovarian Cancer

Summary: Targeted therapeutic approaches have seen tremendous advances in the last decade, for good reason. Specifically intervening with a disease-causing gene can revert the deleterious phenotype while eliminating the toxicity often associated with broad-spectrum agents. Unfortunately, because these selective agents hit one target in a single location, acquired resistance is often high. An arguably better treatment approach includes coupling multiple targeted agents or using an agent that hits an individual target in several independent locations and/or alters multiple relevant targets in the disease-causing pathway(s), precisely the approach taken by Nishimura and colleagues in their recent report aimed at identifying a better treatment option for ovarian cancer. Cancer Discov; 3(11); 1220–1. ©2013 AACR . See related article by Nishimura et al., [p. 1302][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/3/1302?iss=11
Xinu/WU: an improved PC-Xinu clone?

In teaching an undergraduate course in Operating Systems, it is instructive if the students have an actual operating system they can study and modify. Care should be taken, however, in selecting a system that the students can realistically be expected to understand. Xinu/WU retains the advantages of its parent PC-Xinu [Fossum 1987]; a small yet relatively complete operating system for the IBM PC, supplied with full source code and able to run within its development environment. Xinu/WU incorporates three particular enhancements: an improved implementation, integration into Borland International's Turbo C™ run-time environment, and more effective use of the windowing system. The conclusion is that Xinu/WU increases the possibility of using such a system in an undergraduate Operating Systems course. Two ways in which it can be utilized are presented.
Therapeutic Implications of the Hyperglutamatergic Effects of NMDA Antagonists

Antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor produce transient effects in healthy human subjects that resemble symptoms observed in some schizophrenic patients. NMDA antagonists also impair aspects of human corticolimbic information processing in a fashion that resembles deficits associated with schizophrenia, as measured by electrophysiologic and functional neuroimaging paradigms. Although all current antipsychotics block dopamine-2 (D2) receptors, recent studies question the centrality of D2-receptor stimulation to the NMDA-antagonist psychosis. For example, pretreatment with haloperidol fails to attenuate the psychotic effects of ketamine in healthy human subjects. Also, pretreatment with amphetamine fails to increase these effects of ketamine. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that subanesthetic doses of NMDA antagonists activate glutamate neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Recent preclinical and clinical studies also suggest that drugs that attenuate glutamate release, including group II/III metabotropic glutamate-receptor agonists, drugs that block voltage-dependent ion channels, and serotonin-2A (5-HT2A)-receptor antagonists may attenuate NMDA antagonist effects. To the extent that NMDA antagonist effects provide insight into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, these novel pharmacologic strategies and others may provide a rationale for the exploration of new treatments that do not involve D2-receptor blockade. If schizophrenia, like NMDA-antagonist effects, involves hyperglutamatergic states, then these novel pharmacotherapeutic strategies also may have neuroprotective or neurotrophic consequences that influence the course of schizophrenia.
Multispectral thermal imager land surface temperature retrieval framework

This paper presents a framework for earth surface temperature retrievals from Multispectral thermal images acquired buy the US Dept. of Energy Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI) satellite. The satellite has 15 spectral band including 5 bands in the thermal IR. Also there are three near IR bands for daytime retrieval of atmospheric water vapor to use for atmospheric compensation of the thermal IR measurements. Multispectral thermal IR techniques for retrieval of water surface temperature from MTI data have been implemented and made operational. The approach to temperature retrieval presented is amenable to land surface as well as water surface temperature retrievals. The approach uses the best available atmospheric profiles of temperature and humidity as inputs to MODTRAN4 to compute look up tables of the necessary atmospheric radiative transfer components. These profiles can come from any source but we make extensive use of grided data assimilation products for numerical weather prediction. For daytime images, the humidity profiles are scaled by the column water vapor retrieved from near IR bands on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Ground leaving radiance images can then be produced and apparent temperatures are computed given some source of emissivity information. To date, we have implemented the Normalized Emissivity Method (NEM) and the ASTER temperature emissivity separation approach adapted to MTI, and the ASTER and MODIS spectral libraries are available. A final retrieved temperature is determined from the temperatures retrieved for each band according to a specified rule. Validation of the techniques is presented for one water site and two land sites where the spectral emissivity is known and simultaneous ground measurements of skin temperatures were made. The daytime retrieval results are consistently within 1.1C of the ground measurements. Finally, we investigate the impact or using different global weather data products as the meteorological data source.
Mogadishu: An Economy Without a State

Abstract When analysing links between conflict, trade and foreign aid in Somalia, it is important to examine the role of the Mogadishu-based business class. Mainly urban-based elites benefit from the profitable business activities, such as the charcoal trade. Nevertheless, potential links between conflict, trade and foreign aid are ambiguous. Whereas trade can trigger conflict in producing areas and along transport routes, it can build trust among the business elite in the urban centres. Today there is a thriving economy largely based on trade and arbitrage, rather than on production, without a functioning state in Somalia. This article argues that, in countries where effective government institutions are absent, security and social services, such as education and health care, are often privatised. However, some individuals have an interest in the continuation of violence to engage in lucrative sectors of the economy which would be regulated or banned under a functioning government.
Superfluid and insulating phases of fermion mixtures in optical lattices.

The ground state phase diagram of fermion mixtures in optical lattices is analyzed as a function of interaction strength, fermion filling factor, and tunneling parameters. In addition to standard superfluid, phase-separated or coexisting superfluid-excess-fermion phases found in homogeneous or harmonically trapped systems, fermions in optical lattices have several insulating phases, including a molecular Bose-Mott insulator (BMI), a Fermi-Pauli (band) insulator (FPI), a phase-separated BMI-FPI mixture or a Bose-Fermi checkerboard (BFC). The molecular BMI phase is the fermion mixture counterpart of the atomic BMI found in atomic Bose systems, the BFC or BMI-FPI phases exist in Bose-Fermi mixtures, and lastly the FPI phase is particular to the Fermi nature of the constituent atoms of the mixture.
Purification and characterization of estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase activity from rabbit hypothalami: peroxidase-mediated catechol estrogen formation.

Estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase (E-2/4-H) activity of rabbit hypothalamic tissue was previously found to be localized in the soluble subcellular fraction. In the present study, the enzymatic activity responsible for catechol estrogen formation in this subcellular fraction of the rabbit hypothalamus was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography, and chromatofocusing. E-2/4-H activity was found to be associated with a group of hemoproteins with peroxidase activity. The characteristics of this hypothalamic E-2/4-H activity were reestablished in light of a peroxidatic mechanism for catechol estrogen formation. Organic hydroperoxides stimulated E-2/4-H activity, presumably by serving as oxidizing cosubstrate required for peroxidase-mediated reactions. E-2/4-H activity in a 17,500 × g supernatant of hypothalamic tissue was linear with time for at least 10 min and with protein concentration to at least 100 Mg/150 μl. It displayed a pH optimum of 6 and an apparent Michaelis-Menteh constant ...
Forging Networked Security in a Nobody-in-Charge World

There is much discussion of a ‘multipolar’ world in which great power consortia will manage global affairs. Reality will be different. The evolving international order is less likely to be shaped by great power condominium than driven by in-between peoples and spaces in a nobody-in-charge world. In an era of more fluid alignments, secondary states and non-state actors are setting their own agendas, even as the nature of many regional and global challenges has changed. State-centric approaches must give room to network-based solutions providing more effective interactions among a broader range of actors, including governments, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.
Antibodies to bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and the occurrence of a BGG-like substance in systemic lupus erythematosus sera☆☆☆

Abstract The possibility that ingested antigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been previously studied. Because this might be of considerable importance, a study was undertaken to examine the occurrence of antibodies to bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in SLE sera. In addition, an assay for the detection o f trace amounts o f BGG in human serum was developed. Antibodies to BGG were found in over 60 per cent of SLE sera and in 40 per cent of normal sera. Fifty per cent of normal sera and 40 per cent of SLE sera bound significant amounts of BSA. However, there was a prevalence of higher levels of antibody to both antigens in SLE. Although this may simply represent another example of hyperreactivity in SLE, both BGG and BSA are commonly ingested proteins. If antigenically intact molecules enter the circulation of certain patients, potentially pathogenic immune complexes might be formed. This possibility is supported by the finding of a BGG-like material in at least two sera, and in one case the coexistence of this material and antibodies to BGG was demonstrated. Since exposure to ingested antigens is a continual occurrence, the potential role of a wide variety of food antigens in the immune complex diseases should be carefully evaluated.
Rapid dark-blood carotid vessel-wall imaging with random bipolar gradients in a radial SSFP acquisition.

Purpose To investigate and evaluate a new rapid dark-blood vessel-wall imaging method using random bipolar gradients with a radial steady-state free precession (SSFP) acquisition in carotid applications. Materials and Methods The carotid artery bifurcations of four asymptomatic volunteers (28–37 years old, mean age = 31 years) were included in this study. Dark-blood contrast was achieved through the use of random bipolar gradients applied prior to the signal acquisition of each radial projection in a balanced SSFP acquisition. The resulting phase variation for moving spins established significant destructive interference in the low-frequency region of k-space. This phase variation resulted in a net nulling of the signal from flowing spins, while the bipolar gradients had a minimal effect on the static spins. The net effect was that the regular SSFP signal amplitude (SA) in stationary tissues was preserved while dark-blood contrast was achieved for moving spins. In this implementation, application of the random bipolar gradient pulses along all three spatial directions nulled the signal from both in-plane and through-plane flow in phantom and in vivo studies. Results In vivo imaging trials confirmed that dark-blood contrast can be achieved with the radial random bipolar SSFP method, thereby substantially reversing the vessel-to-lumen contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of a conventional rectilinear SSFP “bright-blood” acquisition from bright blood to dark blood with only a modest increase in TR (∼4 msec) to accommodate the additional bipolar gradients. Conclusion Overall, this sequence offers a simple and effective dark-blood contrast mechanism for high-SNR SSFP acquisitions in vessel wall imaging within a short acquisition time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:1299–1304. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changes of Lattice Geometries Upon Charge Transfer

General perturbation theoretical arguments are given for the opposite effect of small positive and negative charge transfer on the geometry of solids. Applications to π-conductors, such as intercal...
Snake bites and bee stings: the mast cell strikes back

Mast cells are thought to contribute to anaphylaxis and damage after snake bites and bee stings. But it now seems that these cells instead mount a defense against venom and inactivate toxins.
Dynamic mechanical analysis and esterase degradation of dentin adhesives containing a branched methacrylate.

A study of the dynamic mechanical properties and the enzymatic degradation of new dentin adhesives containing a multifunctional methacrylate are described. Adhesives contained 2hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (BisGMA), and a new multifunctional methacrylate with a branched side chaintrimethylolpropane mono allyl ether dimethacrylate (TMPEDMA). Adhesives were photopolymerized in the presence of 0, 8 and 16 wt% water to simulate wet bonding conditions in the mouth and compared to control adhesives. The degree of conversion as a function of irradiation time was comparable for experimental and control adhesives. In dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), broad tan δ peaks were obtained for all samples, indicating that the polymerized networks are heterogeneous; comparison of the full-width-at-half-maximum values obtained from the tan δ curves indicated increased heterogeneity for samples cured in the presence of water and/ or containing TMPEDMA. The experimental adhesive showed higher Tg and higher rubbery modulus indicating increased crosslink density as compared to the control. The improvement in esterase resistance afforded by adhesives containing the TMPEDMA is greater when this material is photopolymerized in the presence of water, suggesting better performance in the moist environment of the mouth. The improved esterase resistance of the new adhesive could be explained in terms of the densely crosslinked network structure and/or the steric hindrance of branched alkyl side chains.
Condensation of the isoprenoid and amino precursors in the biosynthesis of domoic acid

Understanding how environmental signals regulate production of domoic acid in blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. at a molecular level requires description of the biochemical pathway to this kainoid neurotoxin. Precursor feeding studies have suggested domoic acid arises from the condensation of the C10 isoprenoid geranyl diphosphate with glutamate, but the specific reactions leading to domoic acid from these precursors remain undescribed. Here, we develop a method to derivatize domoic acid with propyl chloroformate that enables gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis to measure incorporation of stable isotopes into domoic acid generated in cultures incubated with isotopically-labeled substrates. We apply this method to demonstrate that both 2H from [1-2H2]geraniol are incorporated into domoic acid, suggesting that the condensation of geranyl diphosphate with an amino group occurs by nucleophilic substitution of the diphosphate rather than by oxidation of geraniol to the aldehyde before reaction with an amino group to form an imine. Ultimately, these and similar studies will facilitate the identification of DA biosynthetic enzymes and genes which will enable the study of how environmental factors regulate DA biosynthesis at the molecular level.
The portrayal of men and women in U.S. television commercials: A recent content analysis and trends over 15 years

This article summarizes the content analyses of male and female portrayals in U.S. television commercials that have been published since 1971. The paper also includes the results of a content analysis of television commercials conducted on a 1985 sample. Where possible, the data from the present study are compared to the findings of previous research to illustrate trends over time. The results reveal several differences between the portrayal of men and women, but many of the gaps seem to be narrowing. Men and women now appear equally often as central characters in prime-time commercials. Although a prior study indicated a difference between male and female primary characters' use of arguments, the present data revealed no differences in this regard. A lower percentage of female than of male central characters are depicted as employed, but males are being presented in increasing numbers as spouses and parents, with no other apparent occupation. Women are still more likely than men to be seen in domestic settings, advertising products used in the home. Although the difference seems to have become smaller, women are more likely than men to be shown as users of the products they advertise. The most striking gap persists with regard to narrators. Consistent with other content analyses conducted over the past 15 years, approximately 90% of all narrators are male. The findings are discussed in terms of the potential effect of exposure to stereotyped depictions on viewers' sex role attitudes.
Confidence interval estimates of an index of quality performance based on logistic regression models

This paper considers an index of hospital quality performance defined as the ratio of the observed number deaths to the number predicted by a fitted logistic regression model. We study tests and confidence intervals under two different scenarios depending on the availability of an estimate of the covariance matrix of the coefficients from the fitted logistic regression model. We propose parametric as well as bootstrap-based confidence intervals. We apply the methods to an analysis of the performance of 27 intensive care units.
ABCC3 and OCT1 genotypes influence pharmacokinetics of morphine in children

Aim: Large interindividual variability in morphine pharmacokinetics could contribute to variability in morphine analgesia and adverse events. Methods: Influence of weight, genetic polymorphisms, race and sex on morphine clearance and metabolite formation from 220 children undergoing outpatient adenotonsillectomy was studied. A nonlinear mixed effects model was developed in NONMEM to describe morphine and morphine glucuronide pharmacokinetics. Results: Children with ABCC3 -211C>T polymorphism C/C genotype had significantly higher levels of morphine-6-glucuronide and morphine-3-glucuronide formation (∼40%) than C/T+T/T genotypes (p T TT genotype children had lower levels of morphine-3-glucuronide formation though no effect was observed on morphine and morphine...
ENZYMATIC ACYL EXCHANGE TO VARY SATURATION IN DI- AND TRIGLYCERIDES

The reactionrac-glyceryl-1-palmitate-2,3-dioleate(POO) and palmitic acid(P) (excess) → glyceryl-2-oleate-1, 3-dipalmitate(POP) + O catalyzed by porcine pancreatic lipase is a model for the general reactionAAA′’ +A′’ → A′’AA′’ +A.(P,O,A = palmitoyl, oleyl, acyl groups or palmitic, oleic, or fatty acids;AAA′’, etc., are triglycerides). The re-esterification is accom-panied by formation of palmitate-enriched digly-ceride —rac-glyceryl-1-palmitate-2-oleate(PO- OH@#@) exceedsrac-glyceryl-1,2-dioleate (OO-OH) — and glyceryl-2-monoleate (HO-O-OH). Buffer pH optimum for maximumPOO conversion and palmitate enrich-ment in 15 min is between 6.0 and 6.5 at 38 C. Hexane is used to dissolveP in the oil phase. In-creasing the amount of dissolvedP by increasing the amount of hexane added increases palmitate enrich-ment and decreases reaction rate. At 36 C and 6.0 buffer pH (26 volume %POO and 15 volume %P in oil phase), yields after 3 hr werePOP, 22%;PO- OH, 27%; HO-O-OH, 11%;POO, 27%; glyceryl-1,2,3-tri-oleate(OOO), 3%; andOO-OH, 10%.
Spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases following palliative nephrectomy. Case report.

A case of spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases following palliative nephrectomy has been presented. The unusual clinical course of this case has been noted. The occasional strange behavior manifested by metastatic renal carcinoma is discussed and a rational approach to this problem is suggested.
Postoperative morbidity in the morbidly obese parturient woman: Supraumbilical and low transverse abdominal approaches

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine the differences in postoperative morbidity in obese women who had a supraumbilical or a Pfannenstiel incision at cesarean delivery. Study Design: A case-control retrospective review was conducted of all patients who were at >150% ideal body weight when undergoing cesarean delivery between 1989 and 1995 by means of either a supraumbilical or a Pfannenstiel incision. Patients were excluded if medical records were unavailable. A total of 15 women who had a supraumbilical incision and 54 who had a low transverse incision were included in the analysis. Antenatal complications were examined, as were age, weight, and training level of the surgeon. Postoperative complications were then compared. Results: The groups were similar in age and antepartum complications. However, mean weight and percentage of ideal body weight in the supraumbilical group were both higher ( P P Conclusion: Postoperative morbidity in morbidly obese women undergoing cesarean delivery does not differ between a supraumbilical approach and the low transverse abdominal incision. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1033-5.)
Surface Potentials Near the UV Light/Dark Boundary

Summary form only given. Study of surface potentials near the lunar terminator is important for understanding dust dynamics in this region. The Lunar Ejecta and Meteorite Experiment deployed during the Apollo 17 mission observed an increased frequency of dust impacts at lunar sunrise and sunset. A laboratory model of the lunar surface is being developed for measuring the surface potential distribution near the UV light/dark boundary and for developing instruments to diagnose the lunar photoelectron layer. In initial experiments, a metal sheet is illuminated by a 1000 W Hg-Xe UV source. An adjacent metal surface is cut into stripes insulated from each other. A shadow of the UV light is made by a light stopper outside the vacuum chamber. The surface potential of the illuminated metal sheet and surface potentials of the metal stripes are measured by high impedance probes. Surface potentials are comparable in magnitude to the difference between the work function (~4.1 eV) and the most energetic photons (~6 eV). Experiments will continue with materials of different work function and with simulated lunar regolith.
Student perceptions on the benefits of audio conferencing in MBA distance learning courses

As businesses increasingly use collaboration tools with audio capabilities to support online meetings, it is important for universities to examine the potential value that similar tools can add to distance learning courses. This study reveals findings from MBA students regarding the perceived benefits of online meetings supported by Wimba Classroom, an online collaboration tool with audio capabilities. The results are benchmarked against the perceived benefits of students who participated in online meetings using Blackboard Virtual Classroom, an online collaboration tool that lacks audio capabilities. The central findings of the study provide evidence to suggest that collaboration tools with audio may be an important component in distance learning courses with synchronous online meetings.