cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Enthalpies of Formation from Density Functional Theory through Molecular Reference States

Accurate prediction of enthalpy of formation is an important goal for theoretical methods. As such, the ability of a density functional to accurately predict enthalpies of formation for a wide variety of compounds is often used as a critical test of its efficacy. These enthalpies are typically calculated by modeling formation reactions from the isolated atoms that make up the molecule. However, the enthalpy of formation can be calculated from any valid reference state, e.g., as in isodesmic reactions, and using different reference states can alter the accuracy of prediction. We have had excellent results using a single molecular reference state per element, namely C(60) for carbon and the diatomic standard reference states for hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. This molecular reference scheme can be viewed as a better measure of the upper limit of accuracy of a density functional/basis set pair, as it leads to generally more accurate predictions than are possible using atomic energies. For example, LSDA's unsigned average error drops from 158.8 to 11.6 kcal/mol, and PBE's error improves to 5.1 kcal/mol from 35.8 kcal/mol with the 6-311G(2df,2p) basis set. This scheme also makes small basis sets far more accurate, indicates that a revision of the relative thermochemical accuracy of functionals may be required, and can remove qualitative failures for some functional/basis set pairs.
Components of the systemic fetal inflammatory response syndrome as predictors of impaired neurologic outcomes in children

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare interleukin-6 and funisitis as predictors of impaired neurologic outcomes in children by performing a secondary analysis on data that were collected prospectively for another purpose. Study Design: We examined umbilical cords for funisitis and obtained cord blood for interleukin-6 levels. A psychomotor developmental index score was determined for each child at age 18 months. Results: The prevalence (46%) of elevated interleukin-6 levels (≥ 10 pg/mL) among children with low psychomotor developmental index scores ( P P Conclusion: When used for the prediction of impaired neurologic outcomes in children, funisitis has better specificity and thus a better positive predictive value than does interleukin-6. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1438-46.)
Effects of Music on Anxiety as Determined by Physiological Skin Responses

Music affects performance in both sensory and motor tasks. It can also provide a significant form of therapy for some mental illness, particularly anxiety. This study investigated the effects of mu...
Galectin-3 regulates the adhesive interaction between breast carcinoma cells and elastin.

Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside binding lectin whose precise physiological role is not yet defined. In the present studies, we questioned whether galectin-3 plays a role in the adhesion of breast carcinoma cells to elastin. The impetus for this analysis was the initial observation that the cellular receptor for elastin, the 67 kDa elastin/laminin protein may have galectin-like properties (Mecham et al. [1989] J. Biol. Chem. 264:16652-16657). We therefore analyzed the adhesion of breast carcinoma cells to microtiter wells coated with elastin under conditions which eliminate integrin participation in adhesion. The adhesion assay was done in the absence and presence of purified recombinant galectin-3. We hereby demonstrate that high concentrations of galectin-3 ligate breast carcinoma cells to microtiter wells coated with elastin. Galectin-3 also demonstrated a specific binding interaction with purified elastin in a dose and lactose dependent manner. Furthermore we demonstrated by immunoprecipitation that endogenous galectin-3 in breast carcinoma cells is associated with tropoelastin. Lastly, the breast carcinoma cells which expressed galectin-3 on their surface, demonstrated enhanced cellular proliferation on elastin compared to galectin-3 null expressing cells. These studies suggest that galectin-3 is capable of regulating the interactions between cells and elastin.
Asymmetric cell division: fly neuroblast meets worm zygote

Both Drosophila neuroblasts and Caenorhabditis elegans zygotes use a conserved protein complex to establish cell polarity and regulate spindle orientation. Mammalian epithelia also use this complex to regulate apical/basal polarity. Recent results have allowed us to compare the mechanisms regulating asymmetric cell division in Drosophila neuroblasts and the C. elegans zygote.
Partnering to beckon them home: public‐sector innovation for diaspora foreign investment promotion

This article examines a little-studied component of public administration existing in most countries around the world and particularly important for developing countries: national investment promotion agencies (IPAs). Diasporas are an increasingly important and relatively untapped resource for development and many homeland governments view diaspora foreign investment as key to their economic development. In addition to being generally under-resourced, many IPAs struggle to identify ways to effectively target, cultivate and facilitate diaspora homeland investment (DHI). To accomplish these goals, these public-sector entities are beginning to identify and leverage key partnerships in the NGO sector. We describe the services IPAs offer and enumerate the challenges they face associated with DHI. Drawing on three illustrations of IPA–NGO partnerships, we develop preliminary tools for identifying and designing partnerships for the purpose of promoting DHI based on their scope, function and degree of formality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isoproterenol- and insulin-induced hyperpolarization in rat skeletal muscle

Using conventional microelectrode techniques, we investigated the combined effects of isoproterenol (Iso) and insulin (Ins) on the resting membrane potential (RMP) of isolated rat skeletal muscles. In soleus muscle, Iso (1 μM) and Ins (4 units/L) separately induced a hyperpolarization of 9.2 mV and 4.8 mV, respectively. Combined administration of Iso and Ins induced a hyperpolarization of 12.4 mV, larger than either one separately. A similar observation was made in Na+-loaded rewarming experiments. 8-Br-cAMP (1 mM and 3 mM) and forskolin (10 μM, an adenylate cyclase activator) induced a hyperpolarization of 5.3 mV, 8 mV, and 6.0 mV, respectively. This hyperpolarizing action was blocked by ouabain indicating that the Na-K pump was involved in the hyperpolarization. 8-BrcGMP (3 mM) had no effect on RMP; however, it blocked or reversed the hyperpolarization caused by 8-Br-cAMP (1 mM). In addition, 8-Br-cGMP partially inhibited the hyperpolarizing effect of Iso (1 μM) by 40% and completely prevented the effect of Ins. The phorbol ester, PMA, (1 μM, a PKC activator) induced a ouabain-inhibitable hyperpolarization. These results suggest that cAMP and PKC are involved in the Iso- and Ins-induced hyperpolarization and that Iso and Ins influence the RMP presumably through regulation of the electrogenic Na-K pump via different mechanisms. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Status of the University of Paris as Parens Scientiarum : An Episode in the Development of its Autonomy

AMONG the historical developments which characterize the thirteenth century none is more distinctive than the interactions of the revived papacy, attempting to assert a plenitudo potestatis both ecclesiastical and temporal, and the particularism of episcopal and, increasingly, of royal authority. The work of Brian Tierney has shown the importance of canonist limitations upon papal authority in determining the actions of Robert Grosseteste, and has emphasized the significance of the twelfthand thirteenth-century canonists in providing theoretical justification of the conciliar movement.' Nowhere does this fact seem more readily illustrated than in the study of the University of Paris, where papal encouragement had resulted in giving a new scope to education, and thus aimed at destroying the local limitations, and hence controls, which had characterized the schools of earlier periods. The University of Paris had by the mid-thirteenth century become a center for the great contention between universal control and local self-determination, and had indeed emerged as a defender of episcopal authority in opposition to the papacy. This role evolved directly from the disputes concerning the place of the mendicant orders in the university, an argument which grew to involve the pope himself.2 The aim of this paper is to present some revisions in the chronology of these events, and to place the developments in the broader historical context which their significance warrants. No hint of its future role appeared in the origins of the university, which on the contrary was associated with the effort to extend the papal potestas. The heretical tendencies, popular and ideological, which had grown in the latter part of the twelfth century, had shown the need for a broad reaffirmation of orthodoxy, while the science which had recently become available through translations from Arabic stood in an unresolved position with respect to the established dogma of the
A radioisotopic method for the assay of carbamoyl phosphate in extracts of cultured human cells.

Abstract Modification of a previously described radioisotopic assay (Raijman, L. (1974) Biochem. J., 138, 225–232) has permitted measurement of carbamoyl phosphate content in perchloric acid-soluble extracts of cultured human fibroblasts and lymphoblasts. The current assay utilizes excesses of purified ornithine carbamoyltransferase and [1-14C]ornithine in the enzymatic conversion of carbamoyl phosphate to [14C]citrulline, which is separated from labeled ornithine by column chromatography on an ion-exchange resin. Carbamoyl phosphate concentrations of 15 n m can be detected by this method, by means of which carbamoyl phosphate content determined in cultured human cells ranged from 0.4 to 2.1 pmol per 106 cells. Recovery of carbamoyl phosphate during sample preparation procedure exceeded 80%.
Direct effects of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate and adenosine 5′-monophosphate upon tyrosinase activity

Abstract 1. The direct actions of cAMP and 5′-AMP upon goldfish integumental and mushroom tyrosine activity were examined. 2. cAMP and 5′-AMP produce similar alterations in goldfish enzyme activity, being stimulatory at low concentrations (5′-AMP being more effective than cAMP) and inhibitory at high concentrations. 3. Theophylline stimulates goldfish tyrosinase activity. 4. Mushroom tyrosinase activity is inhibited by cAMP and by theophylline. 5. cAMP and 5′-AMP stimulation of goldfish tyrosinase activity may result from the direct action of these nucleotides on the enzyme in addition to cAMP stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. 6. 5′-AMP stimulation of goldfish tyrosinase activity may indicate a key regulatory role of this nucleotide in cAMP-mediated events.
Phase I dose escalation trial of the novel proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma

The proteasome complex degrades proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes and is a powerful therapeutic target in several malignancies. Carfilzomib is a potent proteasome inhibitor which induces rapid chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell apoptosis in vitro. We conducted a phase I dose-escalation trial to determine the safety and tolerability of carfilzomib in relapsed/refractory CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Nineteen patients were treated with carfilzomib initially at 20 mg/m2, then escalated in four cohorts (27, 36, 45 and 56 mg/m2) on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 of 28-day cycles. Therapy was generally well tolerated, and no dose limiting toxicities were observed. The most common hematologic toxicities were thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. All patients evaluable for response had stable disease, including patients with del17p13 and fludarabine-resistant disease. This trial shows acceptable tolerability and limited preliminary efficacy of carfilzomib in CLL and SLL.
User-Centered Symbol Design Through Human-Computer Collaboration

The purpose of this research was to develop a new approach to symbol development that used an interactive evolutionary computation (IEC) algorithm to expand end-user participation in the design process. IEC iteratively employs subjective assessment and parameter recombination to create a population of anthropomorphic symbols that “evolve” based on user input. Three design groups, comprised of both student and industrial subjects, used the IEC algorithm to develop 60 symbols for awkward posture, an risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Factor analysis was used to reduce the nine design parameters (i.e., limb angles) to a three-factor structure. Analysis of variance revealed that student generated symbols differed significantly from those created by industrial participants in terms of two of the three factor scores. Actual or potential applications of this research include a new approach to creating symbols that encourages end-user input into their design.
Determining the scale of restoration for a fish kill in the Alafia River, Florida

ABSTRACT In December 1997, a phosphogypsum stack wall failed at a phosphoric acid/ fertilizer production facility in Mulberry, Florida, releasing 50–56 million gallons of acidic process water into the Alafia River, a major tributary of Tampa Bay. The process water lowered the pH along 35 miles of the river to levels ranging from approximately 2.3 in the freshwater portion to 3–4 in the lower 10-mile estuarine portion. This release resulted in a significant fish kill and injuries to other natural resources and services. This paper describes the fish kill assessment and the determination of restoration type and scale to offset the fish injuries. The assessment team quantified the fish kill as total biomass lost, defined as the sum of direct mortality plus the foregone future production, as loss of somatic growth of those individuals that were killed. The team identified creation and/or enhancement of fish habitats as the preferred alternatives to provide fish production of the species that were injured, whi...
OMP based joint sparsity pattern recovery under communication constraints

We address the problem of joint sparsity pattern recovery based on low dimensional multiple measurement vectors (MMVs) in resource constrained distributed networks. We assume that distributed nodes observe sparse signals which share the same sparsity pattern and each node obtains measurements via a low dimensional linear operator. When the measurements are collected at distributed nodes in a communication network, it is often required that joint sparse recovery be performed under inherent resource constraints such as communication bandwidth and transmit/processing power. We present two approaches to take the communication constraints into account while performing common sparsity pattern recovery. First, we explore the use of a shared multiple access channel (MAC) in forwarding observations residing at each node to a fusion center. With MAC, while the bandwidth requirement does not depend on the number of nodes, the fusion center has access to only a linear combination of the observations. We discuss the conditions under which the common sparsity pattern can be estimated reliably. Second, we develop two collaborative algorithms based on Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP), to jointly estimate the common sparsity pattern in a decentralized manner with a low communication overhead. In the proposed algorithms, each node exploits collaboration among neighboring nodes by sharing a small amount of information for fusion at different stages in estimating the indices of the true support in a greedy manner. Efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated via simulations along with a comparison with the most related existing algorithms considering the trade-off between the performance gain and the communication overhead.
Evaluating the impact of data center network architectures on application performance in virtualized environments

In recent years, data center network (DCN) architectures (e.g., DCell [5], FiConn [6], BCube [4], FatTree [1], and VL2 [2]) received a surge of interest from both the industry and academia. However, none of existing efforts provide an in-depth understanding of the impact of these architectures on application performance in practical multi-tier systems under realistic workload. Moreover, it is also unclear how these architectures are affected in virtualized environments. In this paper, we fill this void by conducting an experimental evaluation of FiConn and FatTree, each respectively as a representative of hierarchical and flat architectures, in a three-tier transaction system using virtual machine (VM) based implementation. We observe several fundamental characteristics that are embedded in both classes of network topologies and cast a new light on the implication of virtualization in DCN architectures. Issues observed in this paper are generic and should be properly addressed by any DCN architectures before being considered for actual deployment, especially in mission-critical real-time transaction systems.
EML: a modeling environment for exploring landscape dynamics

Abstract This paper describes a modeling environment, EML (Environmental Modeling Language), for exploring landscape dynamics. The strengths of three existing environmental modeling techniques — Geographical Information Systems (GIS), System Dynamics (SD), and Cellular Automata (CA) — are combined to provide spatio-temporal modeling capabilities. We review the strengths and weaknesses of each of the three existing approaches, describe our composite approach, and demonstrate how a user constructs a model using EML. Also, we show, using a simple fire spread model, Schelling's segregation model, and a density-dependent population model, how EML can be used to explore landscape dynamics. EML's integration of GIS, SD, and CA techniques provides a broader perspective and a richer set of methods than each individual modeling technique affords. EML also provides users an integrated modeling environment to support the iterative construction of models and exploration of landscape dynamics.
Topical calcitriol prior to photodynamic therapy enhances treatment efficacy in non-melanoma skin cancer mouse models.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common form of human cancer worldwide, and their incidence is increasing. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), mediated by topically applied aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and subsequent exposure to light (either a laser or a noncoherent source), is being increasingly used for the treatment of dermatological disorders, including BCC and SCC. However, therapeutic responses of NMSCs to ALA-PDT are currently not superior to standard therapies, although the latter have undesirable side effects including scarring. In this study, we report that preconditioning of skin tumors with calcitriol (active form of Vitamin D; Vit D) prior to ALA-PDT, significantly improves the treatment outcome. In BCC and UVB-induced SCC mouse models, we identified an increase in tumor-specific accumulation of ALA induced photosensitizer (protoporphyrin IX, PpIX) due to Vit D preconditioning, of up to 6- fold in vivo . In addition, increased expression of differentiation (145 fold, p < 0.02) and proliferation (42 fold, p <0.005) markers were identified in BCC tumors, all leading to increased tumor destruction (18.3 fold, p < 0.03) with the combination approach, as compared to ALA-PDT alone. Histomorphological changes identified using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and results of TUNEL staining, together documented a beneficial effect of Vit D pretreatment upon tumor cell death. We conclude that this new combination approach with Vit D and ALA-PDT has great potential to achieve complete remission of NMSC tumors, with excellent cosmetic results and an overall beneficial impact upon patient care.
Three‐dimensional solubility parameters and chemical protective clothing permeation. II. Modeling diffusion coefficients, breakthrough times, and steady‐state permeation rates of organic solvents in Viton® gloves

Three-dimensional (3-D) solubility parameters are used in separate models of the solubility, S, and diffusion coefficient, D, of organic solvents in polymers. Modeled values of these variables are then combined in Fickian diffusion equations to estimate solvent breakthrough times (BT) and steady-state permeation rates (SSPR). Published data on the permeation of 18 solvents through commercial Viton® glove samples are used to test the accuracy of the approach. Estimates of S are determined based on the model described in the preceding article. Of several empirical correlations investigated to model D, best results are achieved using the product of the solvent molar volume, V1, and either the weighted solvent-Viton 3-D solubility parameter difference, Aw, or the Flory interaction parameter, X, also calculated from 3-D solubility parameters. To account for the change in the value of D over the course of the permeation test, D values are evaluated at breakthrough and steady state. Modeled BT values within a factor of three of experimental values (typically within a factor of two) are obtained for the 15 solvents for which analytical detection limits were reported. Modeled SSPR values within a factor of six of experimental values (typically within a factor of four) are obtained for the 15 solvents with valid SSPR measurements. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hepatic Arterial Chemoembolization Using Drug-Eluting Beads in Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor Metastatic to the Liver

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate short ( 3 months) follow-up in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor to the liver who underwent hepatic arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads at a single institution.
FREE GAS PULSATIONS IN ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS COMPOSED OF TWO THIN, CURVED OR FLAT, TWO-DIMENSIONAL GAS CAVITIES WHICH SHARE A COMMON OPEN BOUNDARY

Abstract A general procedure for the analysis of thin, curved gas cavities has been developed by the authors [1,2], valid for cases where the thickness of the cavity is small compared to the shortest wavelength of interest. Also, the analysis of gas pulsations in multi-cylinder compressor manifolds was demonstrated by the authors [3] as a practical application example. In this study, a line impedance method is proposed for the analysis of composite acoustic systems which consist of two different thin gas cavities which share a common line-like boundary. Line impedances are formulated, in analogy to line receptances in structural analysis, from the pressure responses of thin, curved or flat cavities to a line volume flow rate inputs which are distributed harmonically along the interface of the two subsystems. The composite system frequency equation is derived and then solved for the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the combined acoustic system. Several cases including two rectangular boxes joined together, two cylindrical thin cavities joined together and a circular disk box attached to a cylindrical cavity, which represents a model for a refrigeration compressor manifold, are investigated. Certain results obtained from the line impedance method and finite element method calculations are compared and show satisfactory agreement.
The economics of nonprofit organizations

This article presents an economic view of Nonprofit institutions and insight into what the discipline can offer Nonprofit practitioners. I review the theories and assumptions behind economic models, then give an overview of the major areas of economic research in the Nonprofit sector. I then discuss various factors to consider when judging the quality of economic research. The discussion then turns to a brief overview of the major statistical tool used by economists: regression analysis. The point is not to teach practitioners to become expert econometricians but to provide a framework to judge the quality of economic research. The article concludes with suggestions for economic research that may be undertaken at the firm level.
Contact lens solutions: part of the problem.

FTER EFFORTS TO IMprove comfort, reducetoxicity,andfacilitate compliance regarding multipurposecontactlenssolutions,thetime has come to enhance their antimicrobial efficacy. It had been hoped that the ease of use of multipurpose solutions would enhance compliance, but noncompliance remains common, and even compliant patients have developed serious infections. In 2006 and 2007, there were voluntary recalls of 2 specific multipurpose solutions owing to their association with Fusarium and Acanthamoeba corneal infections. Since thistimecontactlens–associatedFusarium infections appear to have decreased, but Acanthamoeba infections remain a serious problem. Standards for multipurpose solutions need to be modified to include cidal action against Acanthamoeba cysts. Instructions for contact lens careneedtoincludedirectionstoresume rub-and-rinse steps and avoid exposure of contact lenses and lens cases to water. Afterextensivecarefulinvestigation,theFusariumoutbreakin2005 and 2006 associated with the use of ReNu with MoistureLoc solution (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, New York) was determined to be caused by a failure in clinical use, despite in vitro efficacy and a lack of manufacturingproblems. 1,2 Inviewofthe geneticdiversityandthespecificFusarium solani species complex groupsisolated,theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC) study concluded that sink and shower water were the most likely sourcesofinfection. 1 Patientsinthe CDC study were more likely than controls to reuse solution by topping off their cases. Investigators at Bausch & Lomb did studies that simulated the reuse and evaporation of different types of solution without the disinfectant alexidine. 2 Withreuse,theconcentrationofthe disinfectantalexidinedecreasedowing to lens uptake, and with evaporation the concentration increased. They reported that under both conditions, ReNu MoistureLoc became less effective against Fusarium, although in stand-alone testing it caused a 3.3-log reduction of Fusarium, which surpassed the 1-log requirement. Ideally, solutionefficacyshouldbelessdependentontheconcentrationofthedisinfectant, as this may vary with use. It is also noteworthy, in these studies, that when MoistureLoc solution evaporated and left a polymer film that contained 2 strains of Fusarium, the strain from a clinical infectionsurvivedMoistureLocdisinfection, but the strain specified in the Food and Drug (FDA) test did notsurviveinthefilm.TheFDAtest isolates may need to be updated becausethereisanotherreportofclinical isolates of Serratia marcescens that are more resistant to multipurposesolutionsthanthestandardtest strain. 3 Other studies have also shown that clinical isolates of Fusariumsurviveinthedryingfilmsof
On the question of reversibility in the intramolecular addition of radicals to aldehydes to form cycloalkanols

Abstract Experiments with two pairs of epimeric alcohols establish conclusively that the intramolecular addition of a primary radical to an aldehyde to give a cycloalkanoxyl radical is not a reversible process.
From Little King to Landlord: Property, Law, and the Gift under the Madras Permanent Settlement

In the last few years, modern historians of India have pushed the historical frontier of their field backwards in time. Colonialism is no longer considered the great watershed it once was thought to be. Historians who concern themselves with economic processes such as protoindustrialization tend in particular to minimize the impact of the consolidation of colonial rule in the late eighteenth century. Changes viewed as significant by these historians usually begin with the introduction of capitalism and the early encroachment of a world system, both of which predate the full political realization of colonialism. Historians who concern themselves with political changes tend in the other direction, although increasingly they have proposed major continuities between the ancien regime and the early colonial state. Historians concerned with social change view colonialism as significant but invoke various new forms of dualism to account for the limited effects of colonialism on local social forms. Whatever their differences, all of these historians agree that the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are crucial for viewing later changes in economy, polity, and society, and, from their varying theoretical and ideological perspectives, delight in excoriating traditional views of India as static and “traditional” before the arrival of the British.
Alternate scenario planning

Abstract Although a number of organizations are attempting to add flexibility to their planning efforts by using Alternate Scenario Planning techniques, formal methodologies for preparing appropriate scenario sets are only now being developed. One 12-step scenario set generation technique is described in this article, and a particular application of the technique by a government-industry-university team is discussed.
A melanesian pygmalion: Masculine creativity and symbolic castration in a postcolonial backwater

Abstract In the early 1990s, a piece of folk theater was created by a Sepik male cult. A kind of Melanesian Pygmalion story, the new show brought a beautiful woman to life, a woman who answered the desire of which “her” creator had been deprived. Like Pygmalion's woman, “she” acknowledged her creator's emasculation while celebrating the enduring spectacle of “his” art. The new show exemplified that in the Sepik, some marginalized, or subaltern, men were imagining their gender around a void that I argue took the symbolic shape of the Lacanian signifier, a castrated phallus. Attachment to waning enchantments of, and entitlements afforded by, precapitalist masculinities, and the diffidence this attachment entailed about modernity, precipitated an ambivalent subject. Men longed for their signifying virility, mostly lost, but never really possessed in the first place, by inventing objects of desire. These objects simulated the continued presence of the symbol of their wounded masculinity, a symbol whose meanings were contradictory. The objects embodied disaffection and disconnection from modernity as well as a pleasure men took from what they created. “Woyon's Mother” was a mode of masculine creativity that constituted one-half of an ambivalent answer to postcolonial modernity in Papua New Guinea. [creativity, masculinity, Lacan, postcolonial Papua New Guinea, Sepik, Murik]
Backstop Technology and Growth: Doomsday or Steady State?

Abstract A backstop technology provides resources at a constant marginal cost for an indefinitely long time. Heal's formal model of a backstop technology supposed that output is produced by capital and resources. He derived the result that consumption either grows or decays exponentially, or is constant: the outcome depends on a “knife-edge” constellation of exogenous parameters. The result is puzzling because Doomsday could arrive despite the availability of a backstop technology. This paper shows that if labor is a productive factor, then a steady-state equilibrium is reached just as in standard optimal growth models.
Maximum a posteriori estimation with Good's roughness for three-dimensional optical-sectioning microscopy.

The three-dimensional image-reconstruction problem solved here for optical-sectioning microscopy is to estimate the fluorescence intensity λ(x), where x ∈ ℛ3, given a series of Poisson counting process measurements {Mj(dx)}j=1J, each with intensity sj(y) ∫ℛ3pj(y|x)λ(x)dx, with pj(y|x) being the point spread of the optics focused to the jth plane and sj(y) the detection probability for detector pointy at focal depth j. A maximum a posteriori reconstruction generated by inducing a prior distribution on the space of images via Good’s three-dimensional rotationally invariant roughness penalty ∫ℛ3 [|Δλ(x)|2/λ(x)]dx. It is proven that the sequence of iterates that is generated by using the expectation maximization algorithm is monotonically increasing in posterior probability, with stable points of the iteration satisfying the necessary maximizer conditions of the maximum a posteriori solution. The algorithms were implemented on the DECmpp-SX, a 64 × 64 parallel processor, running at <2 s/(643, 3-D iteration). Results are demonstrated from simulated as well as amoebae and volvox data. We study performance comparisons of the algorithms for the missing-data problems corresponding to fast data collection for rapid motion studies in which every other focal plane is removed and for imaging with limited detector areas and efficiency.
Economical and Ecological Cryogenic Machining

To eliminate health and environmental problems caused by using conventional cutting fluid in the machining industry, a new economical and practical approach to cryogenic machining technology was developed. Using micro nozzle jetting to the cutting point locally, this approach minimizes the amount of liquid consumption to levels at which nitrogen costs less than conventional cutting fluid. It reduces tool wear and lengthens tool life up to five times, thereby allowing for high-speed cutting, improving productivity and reducing overall production cost. In addition, this approach reduces the frictional force, improves chip breaking, eliminates build-up edge, and improves surface quality. This paper discloses the new cryogenic machining approach, and assesses the economics of the process in comparison with state-of-the-art conventional emulsion cooling.
Comment: “Time Use and Subjective Well-being in France and the US”

This is a timely and well written article. There has been global dissatisfaction with existing measures of human progress. A broad theme of the article is a claim that the U-index is a superior metric of well-being than the conventional measures of progress. The basic premise of the article seems to be that societies differ in the extent that they make it possible for individuals to avoid unpleasant activities. The authors generally do a good job of explaining how they attempt to measure and summarize the inverse of happiness/ pleasure. The results, based on a single location in each nation, suggest that French (women) do better than American (women) because their society allows them to allocate their time in way that avoids spending time in some of the more painful activities. Over the past 40 years the lives of American men have involved less pain, i.e., has improved. While these results are intriguing there are still a number of elementary questions about the U-index that remain unanswered.
Scrap tires to crumb rubber: feasibility analysis for processing facilities

Crumb rubber can be produced from scrap tires in a wide range of particle sizes and quality levels. Ideally, the revenue stream includes tipping fees paid to receive the raw materials; sales of variously-sized crumb products to different end-user markets; and potential sales of scrap metal and fiber contained within the tires. General demand has been increasing, and submarkets for crumb products are growing in size and variety. However, the optimistic expectations of potential investors and government agencies contrast sharply with the experiences of many current and former producers. Production planning and operation is complex, real-dollar crumb prices have fallen, and many producers recount difficulties finding stable markets and competing against newer, state-subsidized competitors. This paper examines the engineering economics of crumb rubber facilities. Following a literature review and interviews with producers, a financial model of a nominal processing operation was created to aid the analysis of different market, crumb size, and production scenarios. The profitability of a crumb facility appears to be particularly sensitive to crumb rubber prices, operating costs, and raw material availability. Better analysis of market and production impacts on financial viability for proposed processing facilities would aid overall market efficiency.
New approaches for a solar-pumped GaAs laser

Abstract Approaches are discussed for a direct solar-pumped semiconductor laser. Efficiencies of 35% should be achievable. The intensity threshold can be decreased by using a wider bandgap material for the absorber material than for the lasing material and by the use of light-trapping structures. The calculated minimum threshold is about 50 times the solar concentration (without light-trapping) or about one solar concentration (with light-trapping).
More toxin tests needed.

In his Editorial “Toxic dilemmas” (23 November 2007, p. [1217][1]), D. Kennedy mentions tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate. In 1978, results published by the National Cancer Institute clearly showed that this flame retardant was carcinogenic in both sexes of rats and mice, causing cancers of the
Flow cytometric discrimination of mitotic nuclei by right-angle light scatter.

Flow cytometry has been used to demonstrate alterations in protein, RNA, and DNA content of cells as they traverse the cell cycle. Employing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to stain protein and propidium iodide (PI) to stain nucleic acids, multiple regions within the GI and Gz phases of the cell cycle, in addition to the M phase, can be distinguished. In this study, cytograms of the 90" light scatter signal vs. PI fluorescence were remarkably similar to those of FITC fluorescence vs. PI fluorescence, suggesting a relationship between 90" light scatter and protein content. M-phase nuclei can be distinguished from Gzphase nuclei on cytograms of 90" light scatter vs. PI fluorescence. However, the percentage of mitotic nuclei obtained by this technique is less than that found by light microscopic analysis. Flow cytometric parameters of nuclei prepared by nonionic detergent W"~O) lysis in Dulbecco's PBS, Vindelov's buffer, or Pollack's hypotonic EDTAfTris buffer were compared. The best resolution of mitotic nuclei was obtained in Pollack's buffer. However, the stainability of the M-phase nuclei is reduced, and the nuclei are located in the late S/Gz region of the single-parameter histogram.
Suppression of phaseolin and lectin in seeds of common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L.: increased accumulation of 54 kDa polypeptides is not associated with higher seed methionine concentrations

Suppression of phaseolin and lectin accumulation in common bean resulted in higher concentrations of bean seed polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 54 kDa and from 70 to 84 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polypeptides of 54 and 56 kDa segregated as products of different alleles. Genes for the 54/56 kDa bands and phaseolin were estimated to be 26.2 +/- 3.7 map units apart. The 54 kDa band phenotype manifested by SDS-PAGE consisted of from one to three polypeptides of 54 kDa MW on 2D gels, and the 56 kDa phenotype consisted of one polypeptide of 56 kDa plus two minor polypeptides of 54-54.5 kDa molecular weight. The pKI of these polypeptides was approximately 5.25. The methionine content of the 54 kDa polypeptides of the cultivar Great Northern Star was 1.6 +/- 0.1 g/100 g protein, which was not statistically different from the value (1.5 +/- 0.1%) obtained for phaseolin isolated by the same procedure. F2 seeds deficient for phaseolin and lectin contained as much total N per g as wild-type seeds and were not shrunken, but contained 50% more free amino acids. F2 seeds from two of the three populations contained from 8 to 13% less methionine per mg total N.
Measuring the Cosmic Ray Energy Spectrum and Composition with IceCube

Abstract We report a measurement of the all-particle cosmic ray energy spectrum with IceCube. The results of two different techniques are discussed. The first result is a measurement of the all-particle cosmic ray energy spectrum in the energy range from 1.58 PeV to 1.26 EeV using the IceTop air shower array, which is the surface component of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. The second result is a measurement of both cosmic ray energy spectrum and composition using neural network techniques and the full IceCube as a 3-dimensional cosmic ray detector. The measured energy spectrum exhibits clear deviations from a single power law above the knee around 4 PeV and below 1 EeV.
mRNA decapping factors and the exonuclease Xrn2 function in widespread premature termination of RNA polymerase II transcription

Summary We report a function of human mRNA decapping factors in control of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Decapping proteins Edc3, Dcp1a, and Dcp2 and the termination factor TTF2 coimmunoprecipitate with Xrn2, the nuclear 5′–3′ exonuclease "torpedo" that facilitates transcription termination at the 3′ ends of genes. Dcp1a, Xrn2, and TTF2 localize near transcription start sites (TSSs) by ChIP-seq. At genes with 5′ peaks of paused pol II, knockdown of decapping or termination factors Xrn2 and TTF2 shifted polymerase away from the TSS toward upstream and downstream distal positions. This redistribution of pol II is similar in magnitude to that caused by depletion of the elongation factor Spt5. We propose that coupled decapping of nascent transcripts and premature termination by the "torpedo" mechanism is a widespread mechanism that limits bidirectional pol II elongation. Regulated cotranscriptional decapping near promoter-proximal pause sites followed by premature termination could control productive pol II elongation.
539. Unraveling the Mechanisms Underlying Silencing/Activation of Episomal Vectors In Vivo

The ability to achieve reproducible, persistent, and therapeutic levels of gene expression in vivo by non-viral gene transfer approaches has been problematic because of the relatively transient nature of transgene expression in vivo. The mechanisms underlying gene silencing in mammalian cells are complex and remain unclear. We have previously demonstrated that removal of the transgene expression cassette from the bacterial backbone led to increased persistence of transgenes in vivo. Changes in chromatin remodeling/ conformation (in particular, the nucleosome position patterning and modifications in aminoacidic residues on histone tails) are also thought to be involved in transcriptional inactivation. We hypothesized that the mechanisms that result in changes in the chromatin remodeling/ structure could be related to the covalent linkage of bacterial DNA to the expression cassette and thus, to gene silencing. To gain insight into this, we have performed a battery of chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) from DNA isolated from the livers of mice transfected with small DNA minicircles devoid of bacterial backbone (which showed marked persistence of transgene expression) or parental closed circular plasmids (which are silenced over time) expressing human alpha-1-antitrypsin (hAAT) using antibodies against different histone modifications. In all, we have tested 26 different antibodies in these assays. Our studies to date show that silencing of the transgene from the parental vector was accompanied by an increase in heterochromatin-associated histone modifications and a decrease in modifications typically associated with euchromatin. Conversely, the pattern of histone modifications on the mini-circle DNA was consistent with a euchromatin histone pattern. These data indicate that (i) episomal vectors undergo chromatinization in vivo and (ii) successful expression of the transgene is possibly dependent on the type of chromatin structure that forms on the exogenous DNA. Understanding the mechanisms by which changes in chromatin remodeling/structure are involved in transcriptional gene silencing is fundamental to unravel the mechanism of transcriptional regulation in mammalian systems. Ultimately this will assist in the development of new tools that specifically reactivate silenced transgenes delivered via gene transfer vectors.
Development of the pancreas of the mouse embryo in vitro. Acini and islets.

Abstract Developing pancreata from mouse embryos of 11 1 2 to 18 1 2 days were explanted onto a clotted medium of cock plasma and chick-embryo extract and cultivated at 37°C for periods of 1 to 9 days. The cultures usually were fixed and sectioned and the sets of serial sections stained. Cultures from embryos as young as 12 1 2 days gave rise to pancreatic acini and to islets without blood vessels. Cultures from embryos as young as 13 1 2 days yielded acini with zymogen granules of a stage as advanced as that in a normal embryo of 17 1 2 days. When the explants were from embryos old enough to have primitive islets of Langerhans, 13 1 2 days or older, any continued development of islets in vitro largely involved an increase in the size of islets and islet cells (versus increase in number of islets). Techniques which served to demonstrate β-granules in the islet cells of the intact pancreas failed to do so in the cultured pancreas.
Social Insulation, Self-Complexity, and Social Attraction: A Theory Chain.

Abstract In a theory chain extending Byrne's theory of social attraction, links are described between breadth of social interaction and complexity of the self-concept as well as between complexity of the self-concept and social attraction. In the first series of studies, it was shown that communication-handicapped adolescents and physically handicapped children, as well as terminally ill patients, indicate lower self-complexity. In a second series of studies, it was found that persons with more complex self-concepts identify more closely with others, perceive themselves as more similar to objectively dissimilar others, and are more popular sociometrically.
Neurochemical changes in the offspring of rats subjected to stressful conditions during gestation

Abstract Pregnant Long-Evans rats were subjected from day 10 to 20 of gestation to ACTH injection (AI), saline-injection handling (IH), visual stress (VS), blood sampling under ether anesthesia (EA), or to adrenalectomy ( A ) on day 10 of pregnancy. A sixth group of pregnant animals served as undisturbed controls. The progeny of all animal groups were autopsied at 1, 9, 15, 22, 30, and 42 days of age, and DNA, RNA, and protein concentration was determined in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. In general, offspring from stressed or manipulated animals showed, after day 22 of age, decreased nucleic acid and protein concentrations in all three brain regions studied. Offspring of A mothers were most affected, followed in sequence by offspring of AI, VS, IH, and EA mothers. Of the three brain regions studied, the hypothalamus was more affected than the cerebellum or the cerebral cortex, and of the three parameters determined, RNA was more affected than protein or DNA. It is postulated that these aberrations in neurochemical development may be consequent to the activation of the hypothalamohypophyseal-adrenal axis and of the sympatho-adrenal system in the maternal organism as a result of stress imposed during gestation. On the other hand, complete removal of adrenal corticomedullary hormones is equally detrimental to the postnatal brain development of the progeny. Thus, it was concluded that alterations in the humoral status of the pregnant animal, whether involving excess or lack of hormones, are capable of inducing changes in the fetus that are reflected in aberrant neurochemical development during postnatal life.