cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DOMESTIC WORKERS AND COOPERATIVES: BEYONDCARE GOES BEYOND CAPITALISM, A CASE STUDY IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Worker-owned and worker-managed cooperatives have a long history in the U.S. They pose an alternative to workplaces structured within capitalism that are hierarchical and do not feature collective decision-making. The short history of the cooperative movement in this article sets the context for a study of workers in Brooklyn, who are also immigrants, in the field of child care. These workers face additional hurdles to full empowerment at work as they lack comprehensive labor law protection and must contend with the under-enforcement of existing laws in the U.S. Home-based child care is inherently isolated and does not foster opportunities for workers to organize in traditional ways. These conditions create a compelling rationale for workers to resist their exploitation through self-organization and the creation of worker cooperatives. This article will describe how the BeyondCare child care cooperative in Sunset Park, Brooklyn offers its worker owners control over their labor and unfettered access to their earnings. BeyondCare is a useful case study because it is a worker cooperative made up of immigrant women who have learned from other immigrant worker owners how to create meaningful living-wage labor. The worker owners offer a timely example about the power of immigrant women to reach into a privatized place in the U.S. economy—home-based labor—and to recreate that work into something that works for them.
Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Policies and the Potential Threat to Pharmaceutical Innovation

As health care reform evolves and takes shape, comparative effectiveness research appears to be one of the central topics on the national health care agenda. Over the past couple of years, comparative effectiveness has been explicitly incorporated in over ten bills. For example, the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized $1.1 billion for comparative effectiveness research. Comparative effectiveness, when costs are formally considered, offers the hope of efficient resource allocation within U.S. health care markets. However, the future operationalization and implementation of comparative effectiveness is uncertain, and there exist potentially negative, and unintended, consequences under certain scenarios. One example, and the focus of our paper, is pharmaceutical innovation. Incentives for pharmaceutical R&D could be affected if drug development costs increase as a result of firms having to bear, directly or indirectly, the costs of running larger, randomized, head-to-head comparative effectiveness trials. While this may, or may not, be the case with current and future comparative effectiveness legislation, and its subsequent implementation, the potential consequences for pharmaceutical innovation warrant recognition. This is purpose of the paper. To achieve this goal, we develop several models of clinical trial design, drug development costs, and R&D investment. By example, we shed light on the causal links between the models and the ways in which industry R&D investment can be affected.
Ferroxidase kinetics of horse spleen apoferritin.

Abstract Protein ferroxidase site(s), which catalyze the reaction between ferrous ion and dioxygen, have long been thought to play a role in core formation in ferritin; however, the mechanism of the reaction has never been studied in detail. In the present work, the enzymatic activity of ferritin was examined using oximetry, the net Fe2+ oxidation reaction being as follows. [formula: see text] The reaction exhibits saturation kinetics with respect to both Fe2+ and O2 (apparent Michaelis constants: Km,Fe = 0.35 +/- 0.01 mM and Km,O2 = 0.14 +/- 0.03 mM). The enzyme has a turnover number kcat = 80 +/- 3 min-1 at 20 degrees C with maximal activity at pH 7. The kinetics are discussed in terms of two mechanisms, one involving monomeric and the other dimeric iron protein complexes. In both instances Fe(II) oxidation occurs in 1-electron steps. Zinc(II) is a competitive inhibitor of iron(II) oxidation at Zn2+/apoprotein ratios > or = 6 (inhibitor constant KI,Zn = 0.067 +/- 0.011 mM) but appears to be a noncompetitive inhibitor at lower ratios (< or = 2), indicating the presence of more than one type of zinc binding site on the protein. At increments of 50 Fe2+/protein or less, all of the iron is oxidized via the protein ferroxidase site(s), independent of the amount of core already present. However, when larger increments are employed, some iron oxidation appears to occur on the surface of the mineral core. The results of these studies emphasize the role of the protein shell in all phases of core growth and confirm the presence of a functionally important catalytic site in ferritin in addition to other binding sites on the protein for iron.
Neostigmine and pilocarpine attenuated tumour necrosis factor α expression and cardiac hypertrophy in the heart with pressure overload

The inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is known to be a major factor contributing to cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. Parasympathetic nervous system cholinergic function can inhibit TNF alpha expression during systemic infection. In the present study, we tested the effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine, and a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine, on cardiac hypertrophy and TNF alpha levels during pressure overload. Rats with transverse aortic constriction exhibited elevated TNF alpha protein levels in the heart, increased heart weight to body weight ratios (an index of cardiac hypertrophy) and decreased left ventricular diastolic function. Two weeks of infusion with neostigmine (6 microg kg(-1) day(-1)) or pilocarpine (0.3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy, reduced TNF alpha levels and elevated interleukin-10 levels in heart tissues, and improved ventricular function in rats with transverse aortic constriction. Neither of these treatments significantly changed ventricular pressure load. Furthermore, in primary cultured neonatal cardiac cells, treatment with pilocarpine attenuated adrenergic agonist phenylephrine-induced increased TNF alpha expression and [3H]leucine (a marker of protein synthesis) incorporation in the cells. Collectively, both cholinergic agents decreased TNF alpha levels and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy. Since both agents potentially enhanced cholinergic function, the anti-inflammatory action may be involved in the cardioprotective effect of the treatments with these agents.
Mycosphaerella fijiensis, the black leaf streak pathogen of banana: progress towards understanding pathogen biology and detection, disease development, and the challenges of control

SUMMARY Background: Banana (Musa spp.) is grown throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.The fruits are a key staple food in many developing countries and a source of income for subsistence farmers. Bananas are also a major, multibilliondollar export commodity for consumption primarily in developed countries, where few banana cultivars are grown. The fungal pathogen Mycosphaerella fijiensis causes black leaf streak disease (BLSD; aka black Sigatoka leaf spot) on the majority of edible banana cultivars grown worldwide.The fact that most of these cultivars are sterile and unsuitable for the breeding of resistant lines necessitates the extensive use of fungicides as the primary means of disease control. BLSD is a significant threat to the food security of resource-poor populations who cannot afford fungicides, and increases the environmental and health hazards where large-acreage monocultures of banana (Cavendish subgroup, AAA genome) are grown for export. Taxonomy: Mycosphaerella fijiensis M. Morelet is a sexual, heterothallic fungus having Pseudocercospora fijiensis (M. Morelet) Deighton as the anamorph stage. It is a haploid, hemibiotrophic ascomycete within the class Dothideomycetes, order Capnodiales and family Mycosphaerellaceae. Its taxonomic placement is based on DNA phylogeny, morphological analyses and cultural characteristics. Disease symptoms and host range:Mycosphaerella fijiensis is a leaf pathogen that causes reddish-brown streaks running parallel to the leaf veins, which aggregate to form larger, darkbrown to black compound streaks.These streaks eventually form fusiform or elliptical lesions that coalesce, form a water-soaked border with a yellow halo and,eventually,merge to cause extensive leaf necrosis. The disease does not kill the plants immediately, but weakens them by decreasing the photosynthetic capacity of leaves, causing a reduction in the quantity and quality of fruit, and inducing the premature ripening of fruit harvested from infected plants. Although Musa spp. are the primary hosts of M. fijiensis, the ornamental plant Heliconia psittacorum has been reported as an alternative host. New opportunities: Several valuable tools and resources have been developed to overcome some of the challenges of studying this host‐pathogen system. These include a DNAmediated fungal transformation system and the ability to conduct targeted gene disruptions, reliable quantitative plant bioassays,diagnostic probes to detect and differentiate M. fijiensis from related pathogens and to distinguish strains of different mating types, and a genome sequence that has revealed a wealth of gene sequences and molecular markers to be utilized in functional and population biology studies.
Members of the ALDH gene family are lens and corneal crystallins.

The parallel demands placed on both the lens and the cornea and on the molecules involved in fulfilling the visual functions of these tissues, require that these proteins be stable and resistant to deleterious influences found in our environment (e.g. radiant light, free radicals, heat). To maintain transparency both the lens and the cornea must of necessity avoid structural disintegration. Embryologically, the cornea and the lens share a somatic ectodermal origin. It should not be surprising that these tissues share many molecular components or undergo similar molecular events.
Infinite linear sequential machines

Linear sequential machines (LSM's for short) are considered over arbitrary fields. Various finiteness conditions are given for, sequential machines and LSM's with these properties are characterized. It is shown that the set of all input/output pairs characterizes an LSM. The effect on realizations of varying the ground field is studied. A number of algorithms are given, for the solution of specific problems. Decision procedures are given for the equivalence problem for LSM's. The problem of determining if one state is accessible from another is discussed and a number of results are presented.
A new method for suboptimal control of a class of non‐linear systems

In this paper, a new non-linear control synthesis technique (θ–D approximation) is discussed. This approach achieves suboptimal solutions to a class of non-linear optimal control problems characterized by a quadratic cost function and a plant model that is affine in control. An approximate solution to the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation is sought by adding perturbations to the cost function. By manipulating the perturbation terms both semi-global asymptotic stability and suboptimality properties are obtained. The new technique overcomes the large-control-for-large-initial-states problem that occurs in some other Taylor series expansion based methods. Also this method does not require excessive online computations like the recently popular state dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique. Furthermore, it provides a closed-form non-linear feedback controller if finite number of terms are taken in the series expansion. A scalar problem and a 2-D benchmark problem are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technique. Both stability and convergence proofs are given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PLACEMENT IN FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE MATHEMATICS COURSES USING SCORES ON SAT-MATH AND A TEST OF ALGEBRA SKILLS

ABSTRACT A test of algebra skills was developed and used in conjunction with math SAT scores to place students in freshman math courses. Correlations with final grades indicated that most students would be correctly placed, far more than would be the case using SAT scores alone. The test was used during the next college year with similarly good results.
Gait analysis comparison of cruciate retaining and substituting TKA following PCL sacrifice

The role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) remains controversial in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with some surgeons who believe in PCL sacrifice and substitution and others who believe in PCL preservation for stability. Manufacturers have developed both cruciate-substituting/posterior stabilized (PS) implants typically used when the ligament is sacrificed and cruciate retaining (CR) implants designed for ligament preservation. However, studies demonstrate excellent clinical results with CR implants despite PCL sacrifice. This study sought to determine functional stability differences between PS and CR TKAs following PCL sacrifice. Eighteen (9 matched pairs) subjects with either a PS or CR TKA and sacrificed PCL and a normal contralateral knee were subjected to physical exam and gait analysis (walking, stair ascent and descent) using a staircase model, passive reflective arrays and an optoelectric system. No differences were detected between the two groups among any of the measured parameters (knee flexion angle, knee flexion moment, knee power absorption, pelvic tilt). PCL sacrifice in a well-balanced cruciate retaining TKA did not result in instability during stair descent based on gait parameters. The decision to use a posterior stabilized design when faced with an incompetent PCL intraoperatively should be based on factors other than anticipated instability.
Measurement of Microwave-Enhanced Energy Gap in Superconducting Aluminum by Tunneling

Al-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Al tunnel junctions were used to measure large increases in the energy gap of superconducting aluminum films in the presence of 10-GHz microwave radiation. When the microwave power was increased at constant temperature, enchancement occurred only for temperatures at which twice the equilibrium energy only for temperatures at which twice the equilibrium energy gap exceeded the photon energy. When the temperature was increased at constant microwave power, enhancement was observed at higher temperatures.
Shear strength evaluation of hydroxide catalysis bonds for glass–glass and glass–aluminum assemblies

Abstract Precision bonding is an important manufacturing step for many glass–glass and glass–metal assemblies. Various bonding methods are available, such as optical contacting, epoxy bonding, and hydroxide catalysis bonding. In this paper, the shear strength of hydroxide catalysis bonds is explored. The influences of: (1) the amount of aqueous bonding solution; (2) concentration of the bonding solution; (3) curing time; and (4) curing temperature on bond strength are investigated. Experimental results are presented for glass–glass and glass–aluminum assemblies. Comparison is also made to bond strength and thickness for a commercially available optical cement.
Hepatitis C virus' Achilles' heel – dependence on liver-specific microRNA miR-122

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human liver pathogen that has infected over 170 million people worldwide, often leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma 1. While the efficacies of novel inhibitors of the viral polymerase and protease enzymes are being explored in numerous clinical trials, current therapies against HCV infections are limited to a combined administration of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. However, this combination therapy has considerable side effects, which include influenza-like symptoms, depression and anemia 2. Moreover, even after 48 weeks of therapy, sustained virologic response rates are observed in only half of the patients infected with the prevalent genotype 1 HCV 2. Thus, there is a need for exploring novel therapeutic approaches that target both viral and host factors that are essential for viral growth.
The creation of photonic orbital angular momentum by molecular clouds

Here we establish that galactic atomic and molecular clouds create photonic orbital angular momentum (POAM). Then, summarize a set of on-sky experimental observations which corroborate the laboratory results.
LXXXVIII.—A study of the microscopic structure of isopod setae

(1956). LXXXVIII.—A study of the microscopic structure of isopod setae. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 9, No. 105, pp. 698-700.
Collective beam instability study using a correlation-moment analysis

A general formalism for treating simultaneously the transverse coupled-bunch and transverse coupled-mode instabilities is presented. In this approach, the equations of motion of a coupled multibunch beam are expanded to yield a system of equations involving correlation moments of the transverse and longitudinal motions. After a proper truncation, the system of equations is closed and can be solved. This approach allows us to formulate within one framework several known instability mechanisms including the single-bunch mode-coupling instability, the coupled-bunch instability, the mode-coupling instability, and the coupled-mode coupled-bunch instability as particular cases.
Hi-LION: Hierarchical large-scale interconnection optical network with AWGRs [invited]

This paper proposes Hi-LION, a hierarchical large-scale interconnect optical network, exploiting high-radix arrayed waveguide grating routers (AWGRs) in hierarchy to achieve very large scale and low latency interconnection of many computing nodes. By using the unique wavelength routing property of AWGRs together with electrical switching inside the processors, Hi-LION can scale beyond 100,000 nodes. A comparison with a legacy fat-tree network with a 3:1 oversubscription ratio shows that Hi-LION can achieve 2.5-fold throughput increases while using less than 20% of the global switches and cables.
A fluorescence study examining how 14-valerate side chain substitution modulates anthracycline binding to small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles.

Abstract The intrinsic fluorescence properties of the anthracycline antitumor antibiotics were studied in an effort to understand how 14-valerate side chain substitution modulates drug associations with small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (SUVs) under near physiological conditions. Drug location and dynamics in fluid-phase dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers were evaluated for several analogs; accessibilities of bound fluorophores to membrane-impermeable iodide were evaluated in quenching experiments, while the diffusive motions of these agents were studied using lifetime-resolved anisotropy plots. The bulky and hydrophobic valerate substituent was found to further hinder the rotations experienced by a bound drug molecule, with apparent limiting anisotropy ( α ∞ ) values showing increases of 13–82% upon valerate group substitution. In addition, the bimolecular quenching rate constants (unit, 10 9 M −1 · s −1 ) for membrane-bound adriamycin (1.4), N -trifluoroacetyladriamycin (0.4), and their corresponding valerate-substituted analogs ( k q values of 1.1 and 0.5, respectively) reveal that the side chain is a weak modulator of fluorophore penetration into the bilayer, with stronger modulation being achieved through amino group substitution. Similar results were obtained for drugs bound to negatively-charged dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) bilayers. Finally, comparison of the equilibrium binding affinities of the various congeners for electroneutral DMPC versus negatively-charged DMPG bilayers demonstrate that positively-charged parent anthracyclines display high levels of selective binding to negatively-charged phospholipids, unlike valerate-substituted analogs which display no such selectivity. The modulation of anthracycline-membrane interactions achieved through valerate substitution offers potential explanations, at least in part, for some of the novel biological properties of valerate-containing anthracyclines.
Oxygen uptake and temperature regulation of young harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardi) in water.

Abstract o 1. Oxygen uptake and body temperatures were measured in two young harbor seals at water temperatures between 5 and 37°C. 2. Basal metabolic rates of both animals were approximately 0·74 u O2g−1hr−1 or about 2·6 times the value expected for an adult terrestrial mammal of the same weight. Lower critical temperature was 12°C in one animal and 19°C in the other. 3. A surprising tolerence to high water temperatures was demonstrated and thermal and metabolic equilibrium could be established with only a 2°C difference between deep body and water temperature. 4. It is concluded that water at temperatures typically encountered by newborn of the northern harbor seal imposes only a modest cold stress requiring, at most, a 2-fold increase in metabolism over the basal rate.
Synthesis of functionalized tetrahydrofurans

Abstract A novel cyclization reaction is described which affords readily manipulable 3(2H)-dihydrofuranone ethylene ketals, useful in the total synthesis of an ascofuranone model, bullatenone, and muscarine analogs.
Woody plant encroachment facilitated by increased precipitation intensity

Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of precipitation in many regions. Experiments show that small increases in precipitation intensity, but not total amount, can lead to deeper penetration of water into the soil, leading to greater woody plant growth at the cost of grasses in a savannah system.
Dynamics of diapause recruitment in populations of the face fly, Musca autumnalis.

Summary Field populations of face flies, Musca autumnalis DeGeer (Diptera: Muscidae) were sampled serially in the late summers and autumns of 1985–96, in order to measure the dynamics of diapause development in Iowa, U.S.A. Fat body hypertrophy and ovarian development were assessed through dissection, and pteridine quantities in the fly heads were measured spectrofluorometrically to estimate their physiological and chronological ages. Published laboratory studies of diapause induction established the expectation that diapause incidence would vary over successive years with prevailing temperatures. The expectation was not met by field data. Patterns in the frequencies of hypertrophied fat body and of vitellogenic nullipars indicated that about 50% of recruited adults began developing into diapause in the second week of September in each year. Degree-day summations for each year from 1985 to 1996 suggested that the hypothetical mean optimal time for switching into diapause would be in the second week of September, because a rapidly diminishing proportion of eggs laid later would result in viable, overwintering flies. It was concluded that face flies do not use daily temperatures in late summer, but instead cue on photoperiod for diapause.
Medical forensic photography of the sexually abused child

The dramatic increase in reports of sexual abuse has resulted in increasing referrals to physicians for medical evaluation and has placed demands on physicians to adequately and expertly assess these children. High quality, close-up photographs of significant lesions can be an important part of this evaluation. Camera systems recommended vary from colposcopes to close-up 35-mm systems to instant cameras. Physicians who examine sexually abused children should have ready access to an adequate photographic system, as well as basic knowledge of camera operation, film procedures, and medicolegal implications. Case studies and discussion are used to review colposcopic and close-up 35-mm camera techniques available to the physician to photograph the sexual abuse victim.
Limestick: designing for performer-audience connection in laptop based computer music

This paper describes a design argument and a prototype for a performance interface for laptop musicians geared towards improving audience interaction and engagement with the performer. Limestick, the prototype interface presented in this paper, is an attempt to address and improve characteristics of current conventional laptop performance that are negative to audience enjoyment.
Discharge dilemmas as system failures.

Hospital discharge in the United States is a largely non-standardized process that is frequently marked by poor quality (Jack 2006). Moreover, the discharge process continues to suffer from a curio...
Approximate analysis of upconing

Abstract The change of the salinity distribution in coastal aquifers due to pumpage is often described as an upconing of the interface between saline and fresh water. Sea and fresh water are miscible fluids, however. Therefore, dispersion of salinity in the aquifer affects the upconing process. An estimate of the effect of salinity dispersion on the dynamics of the flow as well as on the salinity distribution in the aquifer is presented in this study. The phenomenon is described as a migration of a sharp interface perturbed by small disturbances due to salinity dispersion. The creation of the mixing zone between fresh and saline water is described as a formation of a boundary layer in the vicinity of the sharp interface. This method is primarily recommended for flow fields in which simple representation of the sharp interface migration is obtainable.
C-terminal agrin fragment is inversely related to neuromuscular fatigue in older men.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) concentrations and neuromuscular fatigue in older adults. Meth- ods: Twenty-two healthy older men and women volunteered for this study. Resting fasted blood samples were collected and pre- pared for measurement of serum CAF concentration by a com- mercially available ELISA kit. The onset of neuromuscular fatigue was measured by monitoring electromyographic fatigue curves from the vastus lateralis muscle using the physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT )t est.Results: A significant inverse correlation for men was observed between CAF and PWCFT (r 52 0.602; P 50.05), but not for women (r 50.208; P 50.54). After controlling for age and body mass index, signifi- cant correlations (r 52 0.69; P 50.042) remained for men, but not for women (r 50.12; P 50.76). Conclusions: These data suggest that serum CAF concentrations were significantly related to the onset of neuromuscular fatigue independent of age and BMI in men only. Muscle Nerve 51: 132-133, 2015
Changes in norepinephrine output following light therapy for fall/winter seasonal depression

Recurrent fall/winter depressions that remit during spring and summer have been called Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) (Wehr and Rosenthal 1989). The pathophysiology of SAD, its relationship to nonseasonal affective disorders, and the mechanism of action of light therapy, which is effective in treating SAD, remain to be elucidated (Depue et al 1989; Jacobsen et al 1987; James et al 1986; Joseph-Vanderpool et al 1991; Skwerer et al 1988, Terman et al 1989). Norepinephrine (NE) may play a role in the mechanisms of action of many antidepressant treatments (Schildkraut 1965) that alter NE metabolism (Schildkraut et al 1964 and 1965) and decrease the urinary output of NE and its metabolites, i.e., "whole-body NE turnover" (WBNET) (Golden et al 1988; Potter et al 1988). The present study explored whether light therapy also reduces the urinary output of NE and its metabolites.
A New Form of Chlorophyll c Involved in Light-Harvesting

A new form of chlorophyll c has been isolated from the pyrmnesiophyte Pavlova gyrans Butcher. This pigment is spectrally similar to chlorophyll c2, but all the absorption maxima (454, 583, and 630 nm in diethyl ether) are shifted 4 to 6 nanometers to longer wavelengths. The new pigment can be separated from other chlorophyll c-type pigments by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Both chlorophylls c1 and c2 are found with the new chlorophyll c pigment in P. gyrans, and it has also been detected in the chrysophyte Synura petersenii Korsh. The light-harvesting function of the new chlorophyll c pigment is indicated by its presence along with chlorophyll c1 and c2 in a light-harvesting pigment-protein complex isolated from P. gyrans in which chlorophyll c pigments efficiently transfer absorbed light energy to chlorophyll a.
Lipid rafts are required for signal transduction by angiotensin II receptor type 1 in neonatal glomerular mesangial cells.

Angiotensin II (ANG-II) receptors (AGTRs) contribute to renal physiology and pathophysiology, but the underlying mechanisms that regulate AGTR function in glomerular mesangium are poorly understood. Here, we show that AGTR1 is the functional AGTR subtype expressed in neonatal pig glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). Cyclodextrin (CDX)-mediated cholesterol depletion attenuated cell surface AGTR1 protein expression and ANG-II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) elevation in the cells. The COOH-terminus of porcine AGTR1 contains a caveolin (CAV)-binding motif. However, neonatal GMCs express CAV-1, but not CAV-2 and CAV-3. Colocalization and in situ proximity ligation assay detected an association between endogenous AGTR1 and CAV-1 in the cells. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the CAV-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) sequence also reduced ANG-II-induced [Ca(2+)]i elevation in the cells. Real-time imaging of cell growth revealed that ANG-II stimulates neonatal GMC proliferation. ANG-II-induced GMC growth was attenuated by EMD 66684, an AGTR1 antagonist; BAPTA, a [Ca(2+)]i chelator; KN-93, a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor; CDX; and a CSD peptide, but not PD 123319, a selective AGTR2 antagonist. Collectively, our data demonstrate [Ca(2+)]i-dependent proliferative effect of ANG-II and highlight a critical role for lipid raft microdomains in AGTR1-mediated signal transduction in neonatal GMCs.
Distributions of Radar Angels

A foremost characteristic of large dot radar angels is the wide variation of basic parameter values which they exhibit. This variation is traceable to the nature of the underlying phenomena, i.e., birds and flocks of birds. In this paper, statistical distribution models for the mean radar cross section (RCS) and density of radar angels are obtained, based on a combination of radar and direct ornithological data. The radar cross-section distribution model has been derived from a dimensionless RCS versus wavelength model for individual birds, obtained from measured RCS data which have been scaled to a dimensionless form. This model is applied to ornithological data on populations of birds. The density distribution model is based on statistical reduction of migratory bird data obtained by Lowery's moon watching experiment, and observed seasonal and diurnal variations of radar angel activity. Both resulting distribution models are closely appproximated by the log-normal distribution. The model parameters for these distributions are given.
Cytological evidence for a spontaneous chromosome translocation in the domestic fowl

La premiere translocation chromosomique spontanee observee chez le coq domestique implique un echange reciproque entre les chromosomes 2 et 3.
The Genre System of the Harvard Case Method

Focusing on the case write-up within the Harvard case method of instruction, this study provides historical and empirical evidence for the theory of genre systems. The Harvard case literature and interviews at a case-based business school in the Harvard tradition show that the purpose of this largely ignored written genre is to prepare students to participate in the primary genre, oral classroom discussion of the case. The case genre system provides highly conventionalized conductor-choreographer roles for instructors and blunt, detached consultant roles for student writers/speakers who repeatedly enact decisive, adversarial personae affirming practices and values of the business school.
Compassionate Conservatism and African Americans: Politics Puts Faith to Work and Gains New Allies?

Historically African Americans have been loyal to the Democratic Party; yet some discontentment may allow opportunity for the Republican Party to make inroads among African American voters. Situated within the context of the Republican electoral “compassionate conservatism” strategy, the purpose of this work is to demonstrate how Republicans are building political relationships with loyal democratic African American voters through cogitative tactics grounded in religion and moral values. We describe the relationship between African Americans and conservatism, examining alliances between Blacks and Republicans, highlighting “compassionate conservatism” and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, and then analyze two case studies from the 2002 elections to explore the question: Is the compassionate conservatism strategy a blessing or curse for the African American electorate?
Unplanned hip arthroplasty imposes clinical and cost burdens on treating institutions.

Background Emergent surgery has been shown to be a risk factor for perioperative complications. Studies suggest that patient morbidity is greater with an unplanned hip arthroplasty, although it is controversial whether unplanned procedures also result in higher patient mortality. The financial impact of these procedures is not fully understood, as the costs of unplanned primary hip arthroplasties have not been studied previously.
The restenosis paradigm revisited: an alternative proposal for cellular mechanisms

Coronary restenosis is a reparative response to arterial injury during angioplasty, and remains a major clinical problem. The reasons for treatment failures likely stem from our incomplete understanding of the cellular mechanisms in restenotic neointimal formation. Restenosis is thought to result from migration and replication of medial smooth muscle cells to form an obstructive neointima, a concept neither observed nor demonstrated in humans. An alternative hypothesis for restenosis is based on observations in the porcine coronary injury model. In this model, there are three cellular stages in neointimal formation: thrombotic (stage I), cellular recruitment (stage II) and proliferative (stage III). The thrombotic stage occurs early and consists of platelets, fibrin and red blood cells accumulating at the vessel injury site. In the recruitment stage, the mural thrombus itself develops an endothelium, followed by a mononuclear leukocytic infiltrate beginning on the lumen side of the vessel. In the proliferative stage, a "cap" of actin-positive cells forms on the lumen surface and progressively thickens. These cells do not arise from media at the injury site. Extracellular matrix secretion and additional recruitment likely add to neointimal volume during this phase. Thrombus assumes a major role in restonosis by providing an absorbable matrix into which smooth muscle cells proliferate. Further studies are needed to validate or modify this hypothesis.
Environmental munificence for entrepreneurs: entrepreneurial alertness and commitment

Purpose – Existing literature suggests that the need for a conducive environment is crucial in developing entrepreneurship. Previous research on this trend has focused on what constitutes a munificent environment and how environmental conditions stimulate an entrepreneur's intentionality to start a venture. However, little is known about how entrepreneurs “switch on” their alertness to business opportunities in a benign environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of environmental munificence on entrepreneurs' alertness, as moderated by self‐efficacy, and the effects of this alertness on entrepreneurs' commitment to their new ventures.Design/methodology/approach – Data were used from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) to test the hypotheses. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted to ensure the dimensionality of entrepreneurial commitment scale. Hypotheses were tested using moderated hierarchical regression analysis.Findings – The res...
The brightness temperatures of Saturn and its rings at 39 microns

The relative rings-to-disk brightness (specific intensity) of Saturn at 39 microns was resolved using a 224-cm telescope, and the total flux of Saturn relative to Jupiter in the same bandpass was measured from the NASA Learjet Observatory. These two measurements, which were made with Saturn's rings near maximum inclination, determine the disk and average ring (A and B) brightness in terms of an absolute flux calibration of Jupiter in the same bandpass. While present uncertainties in Jupiter's absolute calibration make it impossible to compare existing measurements unambiguously, it is nevertheless possible to conclude the following: (1) observations between 20 and 40 microns are all compatible (within 2 sigmas) with a disk brightness temperature of 94 K and do not agree with the radiative equilibrium models of Trafton (1967); (2) the rings at large tilt contribute a flux component comparable to that of the planet itself for wavelengths not exceeding about 40 microns; and (3) there is a decrease of approximately 22% in the relative ring:disk brightness between effective wavelengths of 33.5 and 39 microns.
FinFET SRAM: Optimizing Silicon Fin Thickness and Fin Ratio to Improve Stability at iso Area

In FinFET SRAM, width quantization and variation in silicon thickness are major challenges impacting stability and manufacturability. We propose a methodology to improve the stability of an SRAM cell by co-optimizing the different transistor fin combinations (relative sizing of different transistors) and silicon fin thickness (of FinFET) at iso-area. At iso-area, read SNM can be increased approx. 2X by varying fin-combination while decreasing write margin by 17%. Further, at iso-area and stability, we propose that silicon fin thickness constraint can be relaxed in FinFETs to improve the manufacturability and reduce process variability. Increasing the silicon fin thickness by approx. 50%, degrades read SNM by 10% while negligibly affecting write margin and increasing access time by 36%. Increased silicon thickness reduces body thickness variation in FinFETs, resulting in reduced device mismatch among transistors in an SRAM cell.
Improved multimode fibre link BER calculations due to modal noise and non-self-pulsating laser diodes

A modal noise model is presented that combines many features of previous theories such as varying fibre contrast, exponential noise p.d.f. and Gaussian noise p.d.f. The model also includes a new feature: the ability to treat multiple lossy connectors in the same link. This model is verified through extensive experimentation and is shown to be conservative, i.e. predicted noise penalties are larger than those observed. Using the model, modal noise penalties are predicted for a number of different link configurations, and laser parameters that result in acceptable amounts of modal noise are identified. The model is also demonstrated as a design tool for determining laser parameters that result in acceptable amounts of modal noise in typical links.
The impact of previous type of abuse and sibling adoption upon adoptive families

OBJECTIVE: The paper addresses the impacts of the type of abuse and sibling adoption upon family functioning. The specific objectives are to test the relationships: (1). between an adopted child's previous type of abuse and postadoptive family functioning; (2). between an adopted child's previous type of abuse and the child's postadoptive externalized behavior status; (3). between sibling adoption status and postadoptive family functioning; and (4). between sibling adoption status and the child's postadoptive externalized behavior status. METHOD: Data were collected from parents with adopted children, between the ages of 2 and 16, who have special needs status. The convenience sample was drawn primarily from one southern state. RESULTS: The results suggest that the child's type of abuse does predict different outcomes in terms of a parent's report of postadoptive family functioning but not the adopted child's postadoptive externalized behavior. Sibling adoptions resulted in lower perceptions of family functioning but slightly improved perceptions of the child's postadoptive externalized behavior. CONCLUSION: Parents with adopted children who have histories of physical and sexual abuse reported lower family functioning than those parents with adopted children who only have histories of neglect. Parents who adopted sibling groups reported fewer externalized child behavior problems but lower family functioning than those parents who adopted a single child. These results suggest the need for a variety of family supports targeted to family needs as well as to promoting behavioral changes in the children. Language: en
Conditioning the Effects of Aid: Cold War Politics, Donor Credibility, and Democracy in Africa

The effect of foreign aid on regime type in recipient countries remains widely debated. In this research note, I argue that a recent focus on “moral hazard” has distracted attention from another mechanism linking foreign aid to domestic political institutions. During the Cold War, donors' geopolitical objectives diminished the credibility of threats to condition aid on the adoption of democratic reforms. The demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, on the other hand, enhanced the effectiveness of Western aid conditionality. I reanalyze an important recent study and demonstrate that the small positive effect of foreign aid on democracy in sub-Saharan African countries between 1975 and 1997 is limited to the post–Cold War period. This new empirical evidence underscores the importance of geopolitical context in conditioning the causal impact of development assistance, and the evidence confirms that the end of the Cold War marked a watershed in the politics of foreign aid in Africa.I would like to thank Henry Brady, Jennifer Bussell, Ruth Berins Collier, David Collier, Robert Powell, Jason Seawright, Beth Simmons, Laura Stoker, and two anonymous reviewers for their comments. I am also grateful to Arthur Goldsmith for sharing his data. Any errors are my own.
Polyanion induced nuclear swelling and microsphere formation

Abstract Natural and synthetic polyanions are known to have a broad spectrum of physiologic and pharmacologic properties. Some polyanions can activate in vitro nucleic acid biosynthesis in isolated nuclei, and induce varying degrees of nuclear swelling and chromatin decondensation. This in vitro phenomenon has an in vivo analog in gene activation. Pyran, a copolymer of divinyl ether and maleic anhydride, is a particularly interesting polyanion because of its antitumor, antiviral, and immunostimulating activities. Although the mechanism of its activities is unknown, its polyanionic character suggests that it may be considered as a model “gene regulator.” The present investigation focused upon the interaction of Pyran with nuclei isolated from normal mouse spleens. Small angle light scattering was used to monitor nuclear swelling, and the conditions required to demonstrate swelling were established. It was shown that Pyran-induced nuclear swelling results from the ability of this polyanion to form a complex with Mg 2+ . It was also shown by nephelometric titration methods and small angle light scattering that the interaction of Pyran and Mg 2+ resulted in the precipitation of “microspheres.” These results have led to a working hypothesis relating to the possible molecular mechanism of the pharmacologic action of Pyran copolymer.
CO2‐induced suppression of transpiration cannot explain increasing runoff

Received 26 September 2007 Accepted 1 October 2007 There is substantial evidence for an ongoing intensification of the global hydrologic cycle (Dai, 2006; Dirmeyer and Brubaker, 2006; Held and Soden, 2006; Huntington, 2006; Trenberth et al., 2007). Warmer surface-air temperatures are resulting in increasing evaporation and transpiration on the one hand, and increasing precipitation on the other. The increase in precipitation is thought to have contributed to the observed increase in runoff in many river-basins (e.g. Peterson et al., 2002; Walter et al., 2004; Garcia and Mechoso, 2006). Gedney et al. (2006) have suggested that the primary reason for increasing continental runoff could be attributed to a suppression of stomatal conductance because of increasing atmospheric CO2 (Idso and Brazel, 1984). However, evidence from various sources argues against a decrease in transpiration rate as an explanation for increasing runoff during the 20th century. Research findings from five major areas are consistent with an increase in the rate of annual actual evapotranspiration (AET): (1) river-basin water-balance (2) massive weighing lysimeters (3) pan evaporation (4) length of the growing season and (5) plant responses to climate change.
Inorganic Cations and Polyamines Moderate Pectinesterase Activity

Inorganic and organic cations influenced pectinesterase (PE) activity and solubilization from Marsh grapefruit pulp. Activity increased to 281%, 183%, and 130% with lead acetate (6.8 mM), ferric chloride (0.2 mM), and calcium chloride (20 mM), respectively. The polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine had negligible stimulating effect. All cations tested inhibited PE activity at higher concentrations. Solubilization of total PE was decreased and thermostable PE (TS-PE) was not affected by polyamines. There was a progressive decline in total PE activity above 1.6 mM spermidine, 7.6 mM putrescine and 20.0 mM spermine. Loss of activity upon solubilization suggests that the TL-PE-pectate complex stabilized TL-PE. No change in TS-PE activity suggests that it may be bound with greater affinity, physically entrapped, or non-electrostatically bound.
Aufbau der hyperbolischen Geometrie aus dem Geradenorthogonalitätsbegriff

We present an axiom system for plane hyperbolic geometry in a language with lines as the only individual variables and the binary relation of line-perpendicularity as the only primitive notion. It was made possible by results obtained by K. List and H.L. Skala. A similar axiomatization is possible for n-dimensional hyperbolic geometry with n≥4. We also point out that plane hyperbolic geometry admits a AE-axiomatization in terms of line-perpendicularity alone, an axiomatization we could not find.
Patent ductus arteriosus presenting in old age

This report describes an unusual case of patent ductus arteriosus, presenting in old age. The patient is the oldest living female with patent ductus reported thus far in the medical literature [1,2]. She initially presented with chest pressure and dyspnea, and subsequently developed subacute bacterial endocarditis and typical angina pectoris with ECG changes, but with normal coronary anatomy.
The dynamics of photodissociation reactions in solution

Abstract Elementary photoreactions were examined in solution by femtosecond absorption spectroscopy. The transition state properties, energy and coherence transfer into product molecules, various solvent-mediated relaxation mechanisms and influence of solvent diffusion in governing reaction rates are discussed. Two types of reaction are presented. The first involves the impulsive photodissociation of HgI 2 in a solution of ethanol and the second demonstrates how condensed phase hydrogen abstraction processes differ from those in the gas phase.