cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate, calcium and protein phosphorylation in flagellar motility.

cAMP and calcium are two important regulators of sperm flagellar motility. cAMP stimulates sperm motility by activating cAMP-dependent protein kinase and catalyzing the phosphorylation of sperm proteins. The stimulation of sperm motility by cAMP appears to be at two different levels. Evidence has been presented to suggest that cAMP-dependent phosphorylations may be required in order for motility to be initiated. In addition, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation appears to modulate specific parameters of motility resulting in higher beat frequency or greater wave amplitude. Calcium, on the other hand, when elevated intracellularly to 10(-6) M or higher, inhibits flagellar motility. The calcium-binding protein, calmodulin, appears to mediate a large number of effects of calcium on motility. Evidence suggests that calcium-calmodulin may be involved at the level of the membrane to pump calcium out of the flagellum. In addition, calcium-calmodulin may be involved in the control of axonemal function by regulating dynein ATPase and myosin light chain kinase activities. The identification of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin and myosin light chain kinase in the sperm head suggests that cAMP and calcium-dependent phosphorylations are also involved in the control of the fertilization process, i.e., the acrosome reaction, in a manner similar to that known for the control of stimulus/secretion coupling. Finally, the effects of cAMP on flagellar motility are mediated by protein phosphorylation while the effects of calcium on motility are also in part, mediated by effects on protein phosphorylation.
Exploring the Impact of TeachME™ Lab Virtual Classroom Teaching Simulation on Early Childhood Education Majors’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a mixed-reality teaching environment, called TeachME™ Lab (TML), on early childhood education majors’ science teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Sixty-two preservice early childhood teachers participated in the study. Analysis of the quantitative (STEBI-b) and qualitative (journal entries) data revealed that personal science teaching efficacy and science teaching outcome expectancy beliefs increased significantly after one semester of participation in TML. Three key factors impacted preservice teachers’ (PST) self-efficacy beliefs in the context of participation in TML: PSTs’ perceptions of their science content knowledge, their familiarity with TML technology and avatars, and being observed by peers. Cognitive pedagogical mastery (TML practices), effective/actual modeling, cognitive self-modeling, and emotional arousal were the primary sources that increased the PSTs’ perceived self-efficacy beliefs. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the TML is a worthwhile technology for learning to teach in teacher education. It provides a way for PSTs to have a highly personalized learning experience that enables them to improve their understanding and confidence related to teaching science, so that ideally someday they may translate such an experience into their classroom practices.
Determining differences in rates corresponding to a given significance level

The well‐known Chi‐square test can be used to determine whether the difference in two rates is statistically significant, and if so, at what level of significance. This paper discusses the related question of how large a difference in rates must be (when one rate is held constant) in order to show statistical significance at a given level of significance. An illustrative example, adapted from data appearing in the biostatistical literature, is provided.
Relations between the Clausen and Kazhdan–Lusztig representations of the symmetric group

Abstract We use Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials and subspaces of the polynomial ring C [ x 1 , 1 , … , x n , n ] to give a new construction of the Kazhdan–Lusztig representations of S n . This construction produces exactly the same modules as those which Clausen constructed using a different basis in [M. Clausen, Multivariate polynomials, standard tableaux, and representations of symmetric groups, J. Symbolic Comput. (11), 5-6 (1991) 483–522. Invariant-theoretic algorithms in geometry (Minneapolis, MN, 1987)], and does not employ the Kazhdan–Lusztig preorders. We show that the two resulting matrix representations are related by a unitriangular transition matrix. This provides a C [ x 1 , 1 , … , x n , n ] -analog of results due to Garsia and McLarnan, and McDonough and Pallikaros, who related the Kazhdan–Lusztig representations to Young’s natural representations.
Kinetics of protein synthesis by polyribosomes.

Abstract A detailed deterministic model for the kinetics of protein synthesis is developed on the assumption that the kinetics of the system depends linearly on the messenger RNA concentration. While the concentration of such components as adaptor RNA and ribosomes are regarded as constant, the messenger RNA input is taken to be time dependent and the analysis is given for both step and ramp inputs. It is shown that the theory predicts a nonlinear build-up in protein concentration followed by a linear phase in agreement with some experimental results. The slope of the linear portion corresponds to the rate of messenger RNA production.
Stereomolecular interactions and microsystems in experimental protobiogenesis.

A theory on the origin of the first reproducing (in the sense of Fox, 1973) cells on earth is presented. A degree of self-ordering has been observed in the selective thermal reactions of certain ones of the amino acids which have been found in samples of meteorites, lunar samples, and terrestrial lava, and which have been synthesized from formaldehyde and ammonia under conditions modeling those assumed to have been present in the primitive earth. The genetic code is supposed to have arisen from a nonrandom matrix of preproteins. The ordering of preproteins specified limitations in the identity of the pre-enzymes and primordial microsystems which gave rise to contemporary living systems. The evolution of progresively more complex system was largely determined by stereochemical forces involving the shapes of the molecules themselves and the regulatory effects of the confines of the microsystems.
The organization of quick corrections within a two-joint synergy in conditions of unexpected blocking and release of a fast movement.

Abstract Objective : Within this study, we tested a hypothesis that common organization of central commands to the elbow and the wrist joints within a two-joint synergy is associated with a similar organization of pre-programmed corrections to unexpected changes in the external conditions. Design and Methods : The subjects ( n =7) performed series of very fast movements or isometric contractions against a pad at the level of the palm or at the level of the forearm. Some trials within a series of movements were unexpectedly blocked at the initial position leading to an isometric contraction, while some trials within a series of isometric contractions were unexpectedly released leading to a movement. Movement kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) patterns were analyzed. Results : In cases of unexpectedly blocked or unexpectedly released trials, differences in the EMG patterns between perturbed and unperturbed trials were seen at latencies between 50 and 80 ms. Two patterns were observed representing interindividual differences among subjects. One included reciprocal changes in the flexor-extensor pairs controlling both joints. The other pattern included reciprocal changes in the wrist flexor-extensor pair and unidirectional changes in the EMGs of biceps and triceps. The patterns were reproducible within each individual subject across tasks and conditions. In particular, the same pattern in the wrist flexor-extensor pair was seen when the pad was applied to the palm and when it was applied to the forearm, despite the fact that early wrist joint deviations were in opposite directions. Conclusions : It is argued that the observed early EMG changes may be unrelated to local joint kinematics and stretch reflexes, and represent consequences of control patterns for fast corrective movements that are organized with respect to the motion of the endpoint of the limb similarly to the organization of voluntary movements. Within this framework, the organization of joints of a multi-joint limb into a synergy implies a simultaneous, automatic organization of pre-programmed reactions into a similarly organized synergy.
Regulated morphology approach to fuzzy shape analysis with application to blood vessel extraction in thoracic CT scans

Blood vessel segmentation in volumetric data is a necessary prerequisite in various medical imaging applications. Specifically, when considering the application of automatic lung nodule detection in thoracic CT scans, segmented blood vessels can be used in order to resolve local ambiguities based on global considerations and so improve the performance of lung nodule detection algorithms. In this paper, a novel regulated morphology approach to fuzzy shape analysis is described in the context of blood vessel extraction in thoracic CT scans. The fuzzy shape representation is obtained by using regulated morphological operations. Such a representation is necessary due to noise present in the data and due to the discrete nature of the volumetric data produced by CT scans, and particularly the interslice spacing. Regulated morphological operations are a generalization of ordinary morphological operations which relax the extreme strictness inherent to ordinary morphological operations. Based on constraints of collinearity, size, and global direction, a tracking algorithm produces a set of connected trees representing blood vessels and nodules in the volume. The produced tree structures are composed of fuzzy spheres in which the degree of object membership is proportional to the ratio between the occupied volume and the volume of the discrete sphere encompassing it. The performance of the blood vessel extraction algorithm described in the paper is evaluated based on a distance measure between a known blood vessel structure and a recovered one. As the generation of synthetic data for which the true vessel network is known may not be sufficiently realistic, our evaluation is based on different versions of real data corrupted by multiplicative Gaussian noise.
Molecular architectures and functional properties of gellan gum and related polysaccharides

Abstract Certain linear and branched polysaccharides produced by unrelated species of bacteria are grouped in the gellan gum family because of their conserved backbone structures. All have excellent rheological properties and, thus, are useful in industrial applications. Physicochemical investigations of these polysaccharides in solution and structural studies of them in the solid state using X-ray diffraction have provided mutually complementary results. The study double-helix morphology that is characteristic of gellan gum prevails in other members of the gum family in spite of the presence of substituents and side chains. Association between double helices is facilitated by ions and water molecules. The observed physical properties of solutions and gels made with members of the gellan gum family can be directly rationalized at the molecular level in terms of the interactions taking place between the polymer helices
Growing season temperatures limit growth of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) seedlings across a wide geographic transect

We grew potted loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings from a single provenance under well watered and fertilized conditions at four locations along a 610 km north-south transect that spanned most of the species range to examine how differences in the above-ground environ- ment would affect growth rate, biomass partitioning and gas exchange characteristics. Across the transect there was an 8.7C difference in average growing season tempera- ture, and temperature proved to be the key environmental factor controlling growth rate. Biomass growth was strongly correlated with differences in mean growing sea- son temperature (R 2 = 0.97) and temperature sum (R 2 = 0.92), but not with differences in mean daily pho- tosynthetic photon flux density or mean daily vapor pressure deficit. Biomass partitioning between root and shoot was unchanged across sites. There was substantial thermal acclimation of leaf respiration, but not photosyn- thesis. In mid-summer, leaf respiration rates measured at 25C ranged from 0.2 lmol m -2 s -1 in seedlings from the warmest location to 1.1 lmol m -2 s -1 in seedlings from the coolest site. The greatest biomass growth occurred near the middle of the range, indicating that temperatures were sub- and supra-optimal at the northern and southern ends on the range, respectively. However, in the middle of the range, there was an 18% decrease in biomass increment between two sites, corresponding to 1.4C increase in mean growing season temperature. This suggests that thermal acclimation was insufficient to compensate for this rela- tively small increase in temperature.
A shape synthesizer

The article discusses a new shape synthesizer that fosters creative 3D modeling of shapes difficult to develop without a computer. It builds on principles from sound synthesis, mapping them directly into 3D geometry. The article focuses on creative and expressive modeling and development rather than faithfully representing manufacturing processes. The modeling environment lets a designer interactively develop and refine models based on aesthetic judgement applied during the modeling process.
Biomechanics and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

For years, bioengineers and orthopaedic surgeons have applied the principles of mechanics to gain valuable information about the complex function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The results of these investigations have provided scientific data for surgeons to improve methods of ACL reconstruction and postoperative rehabilitation. This review paper will present specific examples of how the field of biomechanics has impacted the evolution of ACL research. The anatomy and biomechanics of the ACL as well as the discovery of new tools in ACL-related biomechanical study are first introduced. Some important factors affecting the surgical outcome of ACL reconstruction, including graft selection, tunnel placement, initial graft tension, graft fixation, graft tunnel motion and healing, are then discussed. The scientific basis for the new surgical procedure, i.e., anatomic double bundle ACL reconstruction, designed to regain rotatory stability of the knee, is presented. To conclude, the future role of biomechanics in gaining valuable in-vivo data that can further advance the understanding of the ACL and ACL graft function in order to improve the patient outcome following ACL reconstruction is suggested.
Are Asian American Women Advantaged? Labor Market Performance of College Educated Female Workers

Prior research reveals that the labor-market performance of Asian American women exceeds that of white women. Using the 2003 National Survey of College Graduates, this study investigates the aspects of the labor market in which the Asian advantage may occur—unemployment, annual earnings, and the number of people supervised. Our results show that when controlling for field of study, college type, region of residence, and other demographic variables, none of the Asian American female groups are advantaged on any of the three aspects. Contrary to the popular perception, even native-born Asian American women are not advantaged. Instead, they are more likely than white women to be unemployed, and once employed they are less likely to attain positions that involve supervising a large number of people. Asian American women who immigrated after high school are disadvantaged in all three respects, even if they earn their highest degree at a US institution. Those who immigrated before high school fare better than other Asian American groups, but they are still disadvantaged in terms of the number of people supervised. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Assessing the surface water quality impacts of Marcellus shale development in Whiteday Creek watershed, West Virginia

The Marcellus shale can likely support the drilling of thousands of wells, potentially increasing economic activity and helping meet energy needs. Concerns remain of possible environmental impacts to water resources. This research assessed impacts of drilling for gas in the Marcellus shale in Whiteday Creek watershed in northern West Virginia by monitoring water quality. Four stream sites, located upstream and downstream of an active drilling operation, were monitored. Conductivity, pH, turbidity and temperature were measured biweekly at each sampling site. Water grab samples were also collected biweekly and analyzed for alkalinity, acidity, bromide, calcium, chloride, magnesium, sulfate, and strontium. Differences between upstream and downstream field sites were observed in conductivity, pH, and total dissolved solids.
Evaluation of microarray surfaces and arraying parameters for autoantibody profiling

Autoantigen microarrays are being used increasingly to study autoimmunity. Significant variation has been observed when comparing microarray surfaces, printing methods, and probing conditions. In the present study, 24 surfaces and several arraying parameters were analyzed using >500 feature autoantigen microarrays printed with quill pins. A small subset of slides, including FAST®, PATH®, and SuperEpoxy2, performed well while maintaining the sensitivity and specificity of autoantigen microarrays previously demonstrated by our laboratory. By optimizing the major variables in our autoantigen microarray platform, subtle differences in serum samples can be identified that will shed light on disease pathogenesis.
Has Financial Development Made the World Riskier? 1

Developments in the financial sector have led to an expansion in its ability to spread risks. The increase in the risk bearing capacity of economies, as well as in actual risk taking, has led to a range of financial transactions that hitherto were not possible, and has created much greater access to finance for firms and households. On net, this has made the world much better off. Concurrently, however, we have also seen the emergence of a whole range of intermediaries, whose size and appetite for risk may expand over the cycle. Not only can these intermediaries accentuate real fluctuations, they can also leave themselves exposed to certain small probability risks that their own collective behavior makes more likely. As a result, under some conditions, economies may be more exposed to financial-sector-induced turmoil than in the past. The paper discusses the implications for monetary policy and prudential supervision. In particular, it suggests market-friendly policies that would reduce the incentive of intermediary managers to take excessive risk. 1 The author is the Economic Counselor and Director of Research of the International Monetary Fund. This paper reflects the author’s views and not necessarily those of the International Monetary Fund, its management, or its Board. I thank Laura Kodres for extremely useful conversations and suggestions, Sergei Antoshin for valuable research assistance, and Douglas Diamond, Jonathan Fiechter, Laura Kodres, Donald Kohn, Hyun Shin, Jeremy Stein, and Hung Tran for valuable comments on a previous draft.
Neighborhood Effects on Youth Substance Use in a Southwestern City

This study examines neighborhood influences on alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use among a predominantly Latino middle school sample. Drawing on theories of immigrant adaptation and segmented assimilation, we test whether neighborhood immigrant, ethnic, and socioeconomic composition, violent crime, residential instability, and family structure have differential effects on substance use among youth from different ethnic and acculturation backgrounds. Data are drawn from self-reports from 3,721 7(th) grade students attending 35 Phoenix, Arizona middle schools. Analysis was restricted to the two largest ethnic groups, Latino students of Mexican heritage and non-Hispanic Whites. After adjusting for individual-level characteristics and school- level random effects, only one neighborhood effect was found for the sample overall, an undesirable impact of neighborhood residential instability on recent cigarette use. Sub-group analyses by individual ethnicity and acculturation showed more patterned neighborhood effects. Living in neighborhoods with high proportions of recent immigrants was protective against alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use for Latino students at different acculturation levels, while living in predominantly Mexican heritage neighborhoods (mostly non-immigrants) was a risk factor for alcohol and marijuana use for less acculturated Latinos. There were scattered effects of neighborhood poverty and crime, which predicted more cigarette and alcohol use, respectively, but only among more acculturated Latinos. Inconsistent effects confined to bilingual and more acculturated Latinos were found for the neighborhood's proportion of single mother families and its residential instability. No neighborhood effects emerged for non-Hispanic White students. Results suggested that disadvantaged neighborhoods increase substance use among some ethnic minority youth, but immigrant enclaves appear to provide countervailing protections.
Mechanisms of telomere loss and their consequences for chromosome instability.

The ends of chromosomes in mammals, called telomeres, are composed of a 6 base pair repeat sequence, TTAGGG, which is added on by the enzyme telomerase. In combination with a protein complex called shelterin, these telomeric repeat sequences form a cap that protects the ends of chromosomes. Due to insufficient telomerase expression, telomeres shorten gradually with each cell division in human somatic cells, which limits the number of times they can divide. The extensive cell division involved in cancer cell progression therefore requires that cancer cells must acquire the ability to maintain telomeres, either through expression of telomerase, or through an alternative mechanism involving recombination. It is commonly thought that the source of many chromosome rearrangements in cancer cells is a result of the extensive telomere shortening that occurs prior to the expression of telomerase. However, despite the expression of telomerase, tumor cells can continue to show chromosome instability due to telomere loss. Dysfunctional telomeres in cancer cells can result from oncogene-induced replication stress, which results in double-strand breaks (DSBs) at fragile sites, including telomeres. DSBs near telomeres are especially prone to chromosome rearrangements, because telomeric regions are deficient in DSB repair. The deficiency in DSB repair near telomeres is also an important mechanism for ionizing radiation-induced replicative senescence in normal human cells. In addition, DSBs near telomeres can result in chromosome instability in mouse embryonic stem cells, suggesting that telomere loss can contribute to heritable chromosome rearrangements. Consistent with this possibility, telomeric regions in humans are highly heterogeneous, and chromosome rearrangements near telomeres are commonly involved in human genetic disease. Understanding the mechanisms of telomere loss will therefore provide important insights into both human cancer and genetic disease.
Quantitation of Pentobarbital in Serum by Enzyme Immunoassay

Pentobarbital was quantitated in serum by a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (EMIT), and the method evaluated for accuracy and precision. A comparison was performed against the authors' modified Goldbaum ultraviolet spectrophotometric procedure. The analytical sensitivity was 2 micrograms/mL with a linearity to 10 micrograms/mL and a coefficient of variation of 6.24%. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.977, a slope of 1.05, and an intercept of -0.07. The t test demonstrated no difference between the two methods at a level of P less than 0.01. The enzyme immunoassay also had the advantages of speed and small sample requirement.
Use of Argatroban for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with heparin allergy

The use of Argatroban for treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with HIT is well described and FDA approved. The use of Argatroban for cardiopulmonary bypass remains off label and the subject of a few case reports. We report the case of a patient with a heparin allergy requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for mitral valve replacement. Argatroban was successfully used as anticoagulation for CPB.
Intrinsic viscosity–molecular weight relation for polymethyl methacrylate: Effect of size distribution

Polymethyl methacrylate samples were prepared by bulk polymerization at 60° initiated by benzoyl peroxide and 2-azobisisobutyronitrile. Osmotic measurements and intrinsic viscosities were made in chloroform solutions at 20°, using unfractionated polymers of varying number-average molecular weights. The relation between number-average degree of polymerization and intrinsic viscosity was obtained and compared with reported relationships for fractionated polymers under the same conditions. Inferences were drawn regarding the size distribution in the unfractionated polymers.
Electrocardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle branch block

Abstract Study Objective: To validate ECG criteria previously proposed by Sgarbossa et al for the detection of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and suspected ischemia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed at an urban teaching hospital. All patients admitted with suspected ischemia and LBBB were eligible. MI was defined as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme MB (>14 IU/L) that was at least 5% of total CK level. ECGs were interpreted by 2 physicians blinded to patient outcome. Interpreters were asked to rate ECGs for the presence of each of the 3 criteria proposed by Sgarbossa et al: (1) ST-segment elevation greater than or equal to 1 mm concordant with the QRS complex; (2) ST-segment elevation greater than or equal to 5 mm discordant with the QRS complex; and (3) ST-segment depression in leads V 1 through V 3 . Interobserver agreement was assessed. Results: Of 190 eligible patients, 25 (13%) had MI. Sensitivities of the 3 criteria varied from 0 to 16%, with specificities of 93% to 100%. Only the first criterion demonstrated a clinically useful likelihood ratio (positive likelihood ratio=16 [95% confidence interval 4 to >100]). Patients with new LBBB were more likely to have MI (relative risk=5.1 [95% confidence interval 2.6 to 10]). Interobserver agreement among ECG interpreters ranged from 93% to 98%. Conclusion: The criteria of Sgarbossa et al cannot be used to exclude MI in patients with LBBB because of low sensitivities and poor negative likelihood ratios. ST-segment elevation concordant with the QRS complex had a high positive likelihood ratio for identification of MI. Patients with new LBBB and suspected ischemia are 5 times more likely to have MI than patients with LBBB of chronic or unknown duration. [Li SF, Walden PL, Marcilla O, Gallagher EJ. Electrocardiographic diagnosis of myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle branch block. Ann Emerg Med. December 2000;36:561-565.]
The Sharp End of Altruism

Simulations show that war drives the joint evolution of altruism and hostility to outsiders.
Antagonisms and Synergisms in Progestin:Progestin Mixtures

Bio-assay by the Hooker-Forbes method of mixtures of progesterone, 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20β-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 16α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone revealed synergisms, partial antagonisms and complete antagonisms, depending upon the components and their proportions in the mixtures. (Endocrinology 75: 799, 1964)
Transcription and processing: multilayer controls of RNA biogenesis by the Hippo pathway

The Hippo pathway plays a critical role in organ size control and tumorigenesis. YAP (and also its homologue TAZ) is a transcription co-activator that mediates the biological functions of the Hippo pathway. YAP activity is inhibited upon phosphorylation by the Lats kinases (reviewed in Yu & Guan, 2013). In a recent study in Cell, Mori et al (2014) uncover a new function of YAP in global microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis by the modulation of the Microprocessor machinery. The results also suggest that this novel YAP function may contribute to cell growth control and tumorigenesis.
You Are (Not) Welcome Here: The Climate for LGBT Students in an Adult Literacy Program.

Although prior research has indicated a relationship between educational climate and educational outcomes, there is a lack of research in this area in adult literacy programs. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to assess the actual and perceived educational climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) students at an adult literacy program. Interview data from four heterosexual students, five LGBT students, and three heterosexual teachers were thematically analyzed. Students perceived the educational climate to be one of both comfort and discomfort, and teachers perceived it to be one of only discomfort for LGBT students. Sources of discomfort were twofold: implicit through lack of acceptance and silencing in the curricula, and explicit through actual and perceived harassment. Multiple implications for adult literacy educators and researchers are discussed.
Original Sin as the Evil Inclination–A Polemicist's Appreciation of Human Nature

Studies on the essence and development of the concept of original sin abound. Not only has this fundamental tenet of Christian theology played an important role in the history of Western religious thought, but it continues to command the attention of scholars and theologians even today. Given this great interest, one is occasionally surprised at the narrowness of the historical and religious framework to which many have confined their discussions of original sin. All too often, scholars have overlooked the significance which events within the community they are examining or parallel developments in other religious communities might have for explicating a new direction in the history of this doctrine. While the present study can hope neither to reformulate the findings of the voluminous literature on original sin nor to compensate in large measure for this methodological shortcoming at times inherent in it, it will attempt to demonstrate by example how the notion of original sin did not evolve in a historical vacuum. It both drew from and contributed to prevalent philosophical and political theory, and it even interacted significantly with non-Christian religious concepts.
The Law of Diminishing Fertility of the Soil, from the Point of View of Some of the Russian Economists of Today

My original intention was to limit this review article to a brief statement of the general position of Soviet economists on the question of diminishing fertility of the soil, accompanying it with a summary explanatory analysis. However, a careful examination of the aims of Gosplan (the State Planning of Production) and of the philosophy underlying the so-called "Five Years Plan," have convinced the writer of this article that a vital implication is hidden behind this approach to the concept of diminishing returns, and that the Soviet analysis of the law of diminishing fertility of the soil is but a link in a well planned departure from some of the fundamental notions generally held by economists the world over. "The economics of military communism," says Preobrajensky,2 "was the economics of state management of the militaryconsumption type, in which we were not accumulating, but were compelled to spend our resources in the most economical manner, when production itself was not reproduction, but a means of converting raw materials and basic capital into objects of consumption and defense." Preobrajensky points out that the present period is, on the other hand, that of "initial socialistic accumulation," which is based upon the ability of planned production to reproduce with a surplus the simultaneously consumed resources.' The "Five Years Plan" appears to be a natural and unavoidable outcome of this law of "initial socialistic accumulation," of the impulse to reproduce with a surplus, the emphasis being laid on total production as contrasted with total consumption. This notion in itself can hardly be considered new. "The world-wide demand for capital is everywhere recognized. The war was even more destructive of wealth than of life. The accumulation of capital depends, however, upon production in excess of consumption. That means that one of the most important problems before us today is the problem of thrift."' Ermansky
Assessing productivity to address safety concerns for information technology and promoting global standardization within aviation practices

Comparing these concepts with the usage of productivity assessment current design standards in implementing technological systems create concerns in safety performances [5]. The technology developmental risk was a concern in the Wright Brother era and the approach in implementing best solution practices based on simulating and testing standards to meet the goals in today’s operation is still an issue [4]. Effective modeling in promoting environmental changes for operational practices can present a risk concern in the developmental approach if productivity is not assessed [1]. Steps are needed to be taken to improve the environmental factors in the business efforts of promoting alternative energy; nonetheless, the long-term effects of not prioritizing the development standards on the global level may cause risk concerns in assessing aviation practice [1]. Realizing the sensitivity of the system development and the tradeoffs in implementing effective practices can also create awareness in the long-term efforts of environmental factors and its impact on operational cost improvements [10]. The ethical standards for human factors to improve the quality of people lives in addressing the challenges faced may be a concern going into the 21st century [7]. The tradeoffs of prioritizing can present both pros and cons; however, developmental practices are risky without modeling long-term impact and exploring different applications in adopting business practices [6]. Flexibility is an importance aspect in evaluating the productivity of long-term practices while using modern technology [6]. The productivity assessment impact in future implications and it influences to integrate traditional technology within the modern environment. Keywords: IT, aviation practices, promoting
Invasive evaluation of plaque morphology of symptomatic superficial femoral artery stenoses using combined near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound

The purpose of this study is to characterize the plaque morphology of severe stenoses in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) employing combined near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS). Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Plaque composition of SFA stenoses has been characterized as primarily fibrous or fibrocalcific by non-invasive and autopsy studies. NIRS has been validated to detect lipid-core plaque (LCP) in the coronary circulation. We imaged severe SFA stenoses with NIRS-IVUS prior to revascularization in 31 patients (46 stenoses) with Rutherford claudication ⩾ class 3. Angiographic parameters included lesion location and stenosis severity. IVUS parameters included plaque burden and presence of calcium. NIRS images were analyzed for LCP and maximum lipid-core burden index in a 4-mm length of artery (maxLCBI4mm). By angiography, 38 (82.6%) lesions were calcified and 9 (19.6%) were chronic total occlusions. Baseline stenosis severity and lesion length were 86.0 ± 11.0% and 36.5 ± 46.5 mm, respectively. NIRS-IVUS identified calcium in 45 (97.8%) lesions and LCP in 17 (37.0%) lesions. MaxLCBI4mm was 433 ± 244. All lesions with LCP also contained calcium; there were no non-calcified lesions with LCP. In conclusion, this is the first study of combined NIRS-IVUS in patients with PAD. NIRS-IVUS demonstrates that nearly all patients with symptomatic severe SFA disease have fibrocalcific plaque, and one-third of such lesions contain LCP. These findings contrast with those in patients with acute coronary syndromes, and may have implications regarding the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in different vascular beds.
Pharmacological Strategies to Prevent Macrovascular Disease in NIDDM

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular thrombosis in NIDDM is reviewed. Evidence that suggests a role for chronic hyperglycemia, in association with other vascular risk markers, is presented. Based on this framework, a multifactorial approach to the prevention of progression of macrovascular disease in NIDDM is discussed. Results from a recent consensus conference sponsored by the American Diabetes Association regarding approaches to glycemic regulation in people with NIDDM are reviewed. It is concluded that preventive approaches will materially alter the course of macrovascular disease, reduce health care costs, and improve the quality of life for people with NIDDM.
Nonorganic signs of significance in low back pain.

Study design Medical records and imaging studies including one or more interviews and physical examinations by the author were reviewed in 878 people remaining out of work for 13 weeks or more because of occupational low back pain. Objectives To assess the prognostic value of nonorganic signs, including those validated by Waddell et al and two others previously undescribed, limitation of shoulder motion with production of low back pain, and low back pain resulting from movement limited to the cervical spines. Summary of background data Review of all records of people evaluated by the author over a 3-year period (1990-1993) provided the material for this study. All available medical, insurance, and legal records were reviewed, including reports or examination results of radiographic films, or both. In the majority, more sophisticated investigation had been performed with complete reports of the studies themselves being available to the author. Methods A complete history and physical examination were accomplished by the author on each individual, including evaluation of each of the test results for nonorganicity. Medical records, including radiographic films, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized axial tomography, myelography, bone scan, electromyography, etc., were collated. Statistical analysis of results followed. Results The finding of limitation of shoulder motion resulting in low back pain indicated a worse prognosis for return to work than that of positive Waddell signs alone, 69.6% versus 52.9%. If cervical motion additionally produced low back pain, the outlook was poorer (no return to work in 73.1%). Conclusion When present with a triad of the signs validated by Waddell, the new signs significantly increase the predictability of failure to return to work by workers with compensable low back pain.
Biology of the False Celery Leaftier and Damage to Sugarbeets

At 22°C, time required for the false celery leaftier (FCLT), Udea profundalis (Packard), to complete the 5 larval stadia is 17.58 days. During this period, a larva usually consumes 14.67 cm2 of leaf, about 79% in the last larval stage. FCLT are abundant on sugarbeets in August and September when the leaf area of the plant is too great for the feeding to make an appreciable impact. At the observed population levels in sugarbeets in Washington, the FCLT is not an economically important pest.
Pagetoid reticulosis (epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) in an adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos):

A 9-year-old, intact female alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was presented for a second opinion with a 1-year history of nonpruritic, multifocal scaling and crusted cutaneous lesions, mainly involving skin on the face, axillae, and ventral abdomen. Clinical abnormalities were limited to the skin, and the alpaca was otherwise healthy. The initial veterinarian had examined the alpaca, found no evidence of ectoparasites with laboratory testing, and had tried several trial therapies including oral antibiotics, ivermectin, and topical use of betadine solution. At the time of presentation, the lesions had neither improved nor worsened with any attempted therapy, and multiple skin biopsies were collected. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining findings were consistent with the pagetoid reticulosis type of cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. Our report describes the clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic features of pagetoid reticulosis epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in an alpaca.
Centers of Gravity: Regional Powers, Democracy, and Trade

ABSTRACTClassic studies on hegemonic stability and power transition suggest that concentration of capabilities favoring a single state can promote economic cooperation and discourage militarized conflict. However, tests of these arguments have been primarily limited to examining temporal variation in global capability distributions and corresponding levels of system-wide cooperation; few have examined the impact of capability concentration at the region level. In this article, we contend that concentration of regional military capabilities corresponds to lower trade costs for states throughout a region and to an incentive for weaker states to de-prioritize expenditure on the military, freeing resources that can be used to promote trade. As a result, this condition promotes higher levels of trade, particularly within the region. We also argue that democratic regional powers are better able to foster confidence in the sustainability of cooperation; thus, the trade-enhancing impact of concentrated regional c...
Alterations in hepatic heme biosynthetic capability and mixed function oxidase activity during ethionine exposure in rats

These studies investigated the relationship between hepatic heme biosynthetic capability and mixed function oxidase activity in ethionine-treated rats. Animals fed a diet containing 0.25% D,L-ethionine for 2 to 3 months experienced up to a 65% decrease in hepatic aminopyrine demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 and microsomal heme levels. These events were preceded by a loss of feedback repression of hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase by heme and a 50% reduction in ferrochelatase activity as compared with that of untreated controls. A correlation between hepatic heme biosynthetic capability and mixed function oxidase activity was demonstrated in ethionine-fed animals using drugs and other agents which selectively alter heme biosynthetic pathway enzymes. These results indicate that specific changes in the regulation of hepatic heme biosynthesis occur during the early stages of ethionine exposure leading to decreased synthesis of microsomal heme and a relative deficiency of mixed function oxidase activities. It is suggested that heme may become rate-limiting with respect to microsomal mixed function oxidase activity under circumstances wherein heme biosynthesis has been chronically compromised.
Cognitive/Clinical Endpoints for Pre-Dementia AD Trials

With the aging of the world's population, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rising. Yet it remains the only leading cause of death for which there is no disease-modifying treatment available, despite substantial academic and industry efforts. Disappointing clinical trials over the last several years have led to a growing consensus on the need to intervene early in the disease process, before clinical symptoms begin (1). Built on the hypothetical model of disease progression proposed by Jack et al (2, 3), which has since been supported by empirical data (4), the dominant paradigm today posits that the pathophysiologic processes underlying AD begin long before symptoms (5). However drug development at this stage is complicated by the difficulty of assessing a therapeutic benefit in subjects who are, by definition, clinically normal.
Local Leaders in Internationally Led Democratic Transitions

The commitment of the UN to liberal institutions has become increasingly evident during the past two decades. In fact, since 1990, more than half of the missions initiated by the UN Department of Peacekeeping have included some form of liberal institution-building. This allegiance to liberal ideology is even more apparent when considering missions undertaken in response to a civil war. More than 90 percent of those missions are mandated to assist in the establishment of liberal institutions. This chapter delves into the theoretical and practical origins of the democratic peace in UN peacebuilding. Since this book is focused on the political, or democratic, side of liberalism, it is necessary to probe into the meaning behind the words “democracy” and “democratic.” While “democracy” most certainly conjures up an understanding for each reader, that understanding is surprisingly vast and varied across individuals and institutions. For this work it is important to understand the meaning of “democracy” and “democratic institutions” from two perspectives: both the UN’s and mine. Understanding the foundations of the missions carried out by the UN will allow for a better understanding of the context of negotiations as well as the processes put in place during institution-building. At the same time, it is important to recognize my definition of the words in order to understand the lens through which I am providing and analyzing information, even if the reader holds a different understanding of “democratic.”
Plastics Now: On Architecture's Relationship to a Continuously Emerging Material

Billie FairclothRoutledge, 2015408 pages$200 (hardcover)Billie Faircloth, architect, educator, and research director at Philadelphia-based KieranTimberlake, has contributed an illuminating manuscri...