cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Regulatory Arbitrage on Loan Originations: Evidence from Mortgage Banking Subsidiaries of Bank Holding Companies

This paper examines loan originations by mortgage banking subsidiaries surrounding a recent period of regulatory arbitrage. Mortgage banking subsidiaries of Bank Holding Companies (BHCs) became increasingly active players in the mortgage origination market over the past decade. At the time, the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) had supervisory power over this group of players but lacked examination power. This changed between 2007 and 2009 due to FRB policy on consumer compliance supervision for nonbank subsidiaries of BHCs. Our empirical analysis tests for the impact of the new policy on the quantity and quality of loan originations by mortgage banking subsidiaries of BHCs. We use a diff-in-diff estimator with the control group being other FRB regulated entities. We show that loan production moved from mortgage banking subsidiaries to their affiliated depository institutions after the policy change. The intensive margin is evident in low quality loan originations prior to the change and a subsequent higher quality production. The economic impact is non-trivial as loan-to-income ratios for mortgage banking subsidiary originations decrease by 4 percent from the mean value and origination denial rates increase by a range of 9 to 33 percentage points. These findings contribute to our understanding of the evolving nexus of housing finance and financial regulatory policies. The implications drawn from this work support the call by Levitin and Wachter (2012), among others, for a new policy equilibrium.
Adult mortality rates in young colonies of a swarm-founding social wasp (Polybia occidentalis)

The swarm founders are unusual among the social wasps in having socialized the dispersal stage of the life cycle. Colonies are initiated by groups of workers accompanied by smaller numbers of queens. Thus, swarm founders avoid the colony size bottleneck faced by the independent founders, whose colonies start with one or a few queens. Among the advantages of swarm founding is a reduction of the risk of colony failure due to attrition of the founding adults. Stochasticity in adult mortality is less likely to lead to outright extinction of a large founding group before new workers are produced (pre-emergence period). However, it is not known how important pre-emergence mortality is as a selective force on founding and dispersal behaviour in swarm founders, since colony-wide mortality rates have never been reported for a large-colony social wasp. Sixty-eight swarms of Polybia occidentalis were censused just before colony initiation and again 24 days later. Mortality over this period averaged 0.41±0.12 of the founding swarm population. Including mortality on the day of emigration and extrapolating to day 30, when the first adult offspring eclose, the original absconding swarm would be reduced by 0.52 of its initial size. Rates of loss during the first week, while the colonies engaged in nest construction, did not differ from rates over the full 24 days. Thus, colony founding in P. occidentalis is both costly and highly variable in terms of mortality of the founding adults.
Plastic coatings for laser fusion targets

A brief review on coating techniques for laser fusion targets is presented. Specifications for plastic target coatings are given followed by details on latest advances in application techniques. Two processes, vapor-phase pyrolysis (VPP) and the low-pressure plasma (LPP) method, are described that produce conformal coatings of the required dimensional tolerances: 1% variation in coating thickness and surface smoothness with peak-to-valley values not exceeding a few 100 A. A VPP coater with a low-temperature deposition chamber is discussed in which two main mononers were used: di(p-xylylene) and di(2-chloro-p-xylylene). For the LPP process a capacitatively coupled a.c. (1 kHz) coater with two parallel flat-plate electrodes was used. In this process the main monomers were: p-xylene, ethylene, butadiene, and perdeuterated p-xylene. The VPP process has produced coatings as thick as 350 μm with a surface smoothness of 1 μm, and both processes (VPP and LPP) are capable of producing coatings with surface smoothnesses of a few 100 A.
Dihydrokainate‐sensitive neuronal glutamate transport is required for protection of rat cortical neurons in culture against synaptically released glutamate

Glutamate transport in nearly pure rat cortical neurons in culture (less than 0.2% astrocytes) is potently inhibited by dihydrokainate, l-serine-O-sulphate, but not by l-alpha-amino-adipate. This system allows for a test of the hypothesis that glutamate transport is important for protecting neurons against the toxicity of endogenous synaptically released glutamate. In support of this hypothesis, a 20-24 h exposure to 1 mm dihydrokainate reduced cell survival to only 14.8 +/- 9.8% in neuronal cultures (P 0.05; n = 3). Dihydrokainate also significantly caused accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular medium of cortical neuronal cultures (6.6 +/- 4.9 micrometer, compared to 1.2 +/- 0.3 micrometer in control, n = 14, P < 0.01). The neurotoxicity of dihydrokainate was blocked by 10 micrometer MK-801, 10 micrometer tetrodotoxin, and an enzyme system that degrades extracellular glutamate. The latter two also abolished the accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular medium. Dihydrokainate (1 mm) inhibited the 45calcium uptake stimulated by 30 micrometer N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), but not by higher concentrations consistent with a weak antagonist action of dihydrokainate at the NMDA receptor. Whole cell recordings showed that 1 mm dihydrokainate produced approximately 25% inhibition of 30 micrometer NMDA-induced current in cortical neurons. Dihydrokainate (1 mm) alone generated a small current (17% of the current produced by 30 micrometer NMDA) that was blocked by 30 micrometer 5,7-dichlorokynurenate and only weakly by 10 micrometer cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). These results suggest that the toxicity of dihydrokainate in neuronal cultures is due to its ability to block glutamate transport in these cultures, and that dihydrokainate-sensitive neuronal glutamate transport may be important in protecting neurons against the toxicity of synaptically released glutamate.
Influence of Rapid Cooking Methods on the Survival of Trichinella spiralis in Pork Chops from Experimentally Infected Pigs

Pork chops (1.3, 2.5 or 3.8 cm thick) cooked to an internal temperature of 17 or 77°C by conventional oven, convection oven or flat grill contained no motile trichinae, whereas chops cooked to 66°C sometimes contained motile trichinae. Chops cooked by either charbroil or deep fat fry and pretreated in a microwave oven sometimes had motile trichinae even after cooking to an end point of 77°C. Chops, which had been frozen for 18 hr at -23°C and were thawed by microwave to 0°C then deep fat fried to an end point temperature, sometimes had infectious trichinae as confirmed by tests with rats and mice. Additional research is underway to verify the thermal death times and temperatures for T. spiralis larvae.
Chemical composition and evolution of the upper continental crust: Contrasting results from surface samples and shales

Abstract The average chemical composition of juvenile upper continental crust (UC) as a function of age is estimated from chemical analyses, geologic maps, stratigraphic sections and isotopic ages. High plutonic/supracrustal ratios in Archean UC may reflect in part a different mode of crustal formation prior to 2.5 Ga. Greenstones show an increase in felsic volcanics and graywackes in post-Archean successions, a drop almost to zero in the proportion of komatiites at the Archean-Proterozoic (A/P) boundary, and an increase in the proportion of andesites in the Phanerozoic. Compared to the Early Archean, Late and post-Archean UC are depleted in Mg, Cr, Ni and Co, and post-Archean UC is enriched in LILE (large-ion lithophile elements; K, Rb, Ba, Th, U), HFSE (high field strength elements; Ti, P, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Y), and HREE (heavy rare-earth elements). Negative Eu anomalies characterize UC of all ages, although they are relatively small in Archean UC. Cratonic shales show the same secular compositional changes as UC with the following important exceptions: At the A/P boundary, only shales show a decrease in Fe, V and Sc and an increase in Na, Ca and Sr, and only UC shows a significant increase in HREE and Y. Although post-Archean UC has a larger Eu anomaly than Archean UC, it is clear that both Archean UC and Archean shales have negative Eu anomalies, and that shales give only a weak indication of an increasing Eu anomaly in UC formed after the Archean. In both UC and shales at the A/P boundary, Cr/Th, Ni/Co and Co/Th ratios decrease, whereas the Th/U ratio increases only in shales and not in UC. The lack of HREE depletion and the high Fe, V and Sc contents of Archean shales indicate these shales were not derived from sources similar in composition to exposed Archean UC. The shale sources, which are now removed by erosion, must have been composed largely of basalt (± komatiite) (60%) and granite (40%), with little contribution from HREE-depleted TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite), which now dominates in Archean exposures. This suggests strong vertical zonation in the Archean continents with granites intruded into greenstones at very shallow levels. Compositional changes in UC or/and shales at the A/P boundary can be explained in one of the four ways: (1) a greater amount of basalt and komatiite in Archean UC (high Cr and Ni in Archean UC and shales); (2) garnet/amphibole fractionation during production of TTG by partial melting of hydrous basaltic crust (low HREE and Y in Archean UC); (3) change in TTG magma source from descending slab or thickened crust to metasomatized mantle wedge (increase in LILE and LREE in post-Archean UC and shales); and (4) a decrease in the intensity of chemical weathering after the Archean (increase in Na, Ca and Sr in post-Archean shales).
Communication, Work Systems and HRD.

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to show the foundational place that communication theory and its practice occupies in functioning work systems. Design/methodology/approach – This paper defines the word communication in terms of the creation and interpretation of displays, describes what it means to have a theoretical foundation for a discipline, identifies and elaborates on the development driving force of human resource development (HRD), presents and explains a model of a work system in which HRD functions, and elaborates on the role, function, and place of communicative acts in the maintenance of the work system and the work of HRD professionals. Findings – The article posits that communication theory underlies the processes and activities of both scholars and practitioners of HRD. Finally, it argues that courses in communication theory and organizational communication are essential in the preparation of both scholars and practitioners. Research limitations/implications – Research on the vagar...
The role of shape on electronic structure and charge transport in faceted PbSe nanocrystals.

We have determined the effect of shape on the charge transport characteristics of nanocrystals. Our study looked at the explicit determination of the electronic properties of faceted nanocrystals that essentially probe the limit of current computational reach, i.e., nanocrystals from 1.53 to 2.1 nm in diameter. These nanocrystals, which resemble PbSe systems, are either bare or covered in short ligands. They also differ in shape, octahedral vs cube-octahedral, and in superlattice symmetry (fcc vs bcc). We have provided insights on electron and hole coupling along different facets and overall charge mobility in bcc and fcc superlattices. We have determined that the relative areas of (100) to (111) facets, and facet atom types are important factors governing the optimization of charge transport. The calculated electronic density of states shows no role of −SCH3– ligands on states near the band gap. Electron coupling between nanocrystals is significantly higher than that of hole coupling; thiol ligands lower...
Interactions of Fe atom with single wall armchair SiC nanotubes: an ab initio study

A systematic study of Fe atom encapsulation and adsorption in armchair SiC nanotubes (SiCNT) with diameters in the range of 5.313 to 10.582 A has been performed using hybrid density functional theory and a finite cluster approximation. A detailed comparison of the binding energies, equilibrium positions, Mulliken charges, and spin magnetic moments of Fe atoms has been performed for three types of nanotubes. The electronic states, HOMO–LUMO gaps, and changes in gaps with respect to the bare nanotube gaps have been investigated as well. Our results show that the properties of SiCNT can be modified by Fe atom encapsulation and adsorption. Binding energies of the encapsulated and adsorbed systems indicate that these structures are stable and show site dependence. For both cases a significant band gap decrease is observed for type 1 nanotubes enabling band gap tailoring. This decrease is not observed for the other two types with a larger diameter. All structures are found to have magnetic ground states with high magnetic moments indicating the possibility of them being used in spintronics applications.
Neutron capture effects in lunar gadolinium and the irradiation histories of some lunar rocks

The Gd isotopic composition in 19 lunar rock and soil samples from three Apollo sites is reported. The analytical techniques and the high precision mass spectrometric measurements are discussed. Enrichments in the Gd-158 oxide to G-157 oxide ratio due to neutron capture range up to 0.75%. Integrated 'thermal' neutron fluxes derived from the isotopic anomalies of Gd are compared with spallation Kr data from aliquot samples to construct a model which gives both average cosmic-ray irradiation depths and effective neutron exposure ages for some rocks. Rock 14310 is the first lunar sample where Kr anomalies due to resonance neutron capture in Br are observed. A Kr-81/Kr exposure age of 262 (plus or minus 7)m.y. is calculated for this rock.
Establishing baseline levels of trace elements in blood and skin of bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida: Implications for non-invasive monitoring

Abstract Several major unusual mortality events occurring in recent years have increased the level of concern for the health of bottlenose dolphin populations along the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Trace element concentrations were examined in a population of free-ranging dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, in order to develop a benchmark for future comparisons within and between populations. Whole blood ( n = 51) and skin ( n = 40) samples were collected through capture and release health assessment events during 2002–2004. Samples were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and Hg via atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Trace element concentrations (wet mass) in skin were 2 to 45 times greater than blood, except Cu was approximately 1.5 times higher in blood. Statistically strong correlations ( p r = 0.9689) and concentrations in both blood and skin were above the threshold at which detrimental effects are observed in other vertebrate species. Female dolphins had significantly greater Hg concentrations in blood and skin and Pb concentrations in skin, relative to males. Calves exhibited significantly lower V, As, and Hg concentrations in blood and V and Hg concentrations in skin, relative to other age classes. Rubidium and Cu concentrations in skin were greatest in subadults and calves, respectively. In blood, V, Zn, and As concentrations were significantly greater in winter, relative to summer, and the opposite trend was observed for Rb and Sr concentrations. In skin, Cu and Zn concentrations were significantly greater in winter, relative to summer, and the opposite trend was observed for Mn, Rb, Cd, and Pb concentrations. The baseline concentrations and trends established in this study will serve as a benchmark for comparison and aid in sampling design for future monitoring of this population and other coastal bottlenose dolphin populations.
Florida in the 2000 presidential election: historical precedents and contemporary landscapes

Abstract Given the social and spatial dynamics of the electoral college, small groups of voters can profoundly shape national outcomes. This paper examines the 2000 election in Florida in three ways. First, it offers historical depth by comparing and contrasting the 2000 and 1876 presidential elections. Second, it portrays the spatial distribution of votes across the state. Third, it applies a combinatorial analysis of the power of small groups of Florida voters to influence the 2000 presidential election to demonstrate the discrepancy between their influence compared to those of voters nationwide.
PROLACTIN AND RELAXIN : ANTAGONISM ON THE SPONTANEOUS MOTILITY OF THE UTERUS

Prolactin (PRL) and Relaxin (RXL) are present in human decidua at term. In previousexperiments we observed that the inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractions produced bydecidual RLX was masked or absent if the samples were contaminated with PRL. The present studyreports the effect of purified human PRL and of sera from hyperprolactinemic patients onthe motility of the uterus in vitro. Also, we studied the effect of RLX on the uterus afterexposure to PRL. High-PRL sera and purified human PRL produced prompt increases in the frequencyand the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions of the rat uterus. PRL antagonizedRLX both when the uterus was exposed first to RLX and then to PRL and when it was exposedfirst to PRL and then to RLX.
Five myths about AIDS that have misdirected research and treatment

A number of widely repeated and factually incorrect myths have pervaded the AIDS research literature, misdirecting research and treatment. Five of the most outstanding are: 1) that all risk groups develop AIDS at the same rate following HIV infection; 2) that there are no true seroreversions following HIV infection; 3) that antibody is protective against HIV infection; 4) that the only way to treat AIDS effectively is through retroviral therapies; and 5) that since HIV is so highly correlated with AIDS incidence, it must be the sole necessary and sufficient cause of AIDS. A huge body of research, reviewed in this paper, demonstrates the falsity of these myths. 1) The average number of years between HIV infection and AIDS is greater than 20 years for mild hemophiliacs, 14 years for young severe hemophiliacs, 10 years for old severe hemophiliacs, 10 years for homosexual men, 6 years for transfusion patients of all ages, 2 years for transplant patients, and 6 months for perinatally infected infants. These differences can only be explained in terms of risk-group associated cofactors. 2) Seroreversions are common. Between 10 and 20 percent of HIV-seronegative people in high risk groups have T-cell immunity to HIV, and may have had one or more verified positive HIV antibody tests in the past. 3) Antibody, far from being protective against HIV, appears to be highly diagnostic of loss of immune regulation of HIV, and some evidence of antibody-enhancement of infection exists. 4) Non-retroviral treatments of HIV infection, including safer sex practices, elimination of drug use, high nutrient diets, and limited reexposure to HIV and its cofactors have proven to be effective means of preventing or delaying onset of AIDS. 5) Many immunosuppressive factors, including drug use, multiple concurrent infections, and exposure to alloantigens, are as highly correlated with AIDS risk groups as HIV. These data are more consistent with AIDS being a multifactorial or synergistic disease than a monofactorial one.
A Brief Review of Selective Mutism Literature

Selective mutism is a disorder characterized by a persistent failure to speak in certain social situations. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, and the disorder can last from just a few months to several years in some individuals. Debate surrounds the origins and causes of this disorder. Recent literature suggests that selective mutism may be a form of social phobia. The present article is a brief review of the literature on the etiology, assessment, comorbid diagnoses, and treatment perspectives from several theoretical orientations, including behavioral, family systems, and psychopharmacological.
The ‘irrelevant’ state, ethnicity, and the quest for nationhood in Africa

Abstract Ethnic affiliations and divisions have come to pose serious challenges to the strengthening of civil society and the quest for nationhood in Africa. While ethnicity was employed by the colonial state to divide the colony and weaken the nationalist movements, post‐colonial regimes and governments have manipulated ethnic differences to consolidate their control over society and promote exploitative relations of power, production and exchange. The limited hegemony of the post‐colonial state, its inability to meet the basic needs of the vast majority, and its heavy reliance on violence and coercion to maintain control, make it very ‘irrelevant’ to the existential conditions of the vast majority. While ethnic identities continue to pose challenges to efforts at growth, development and political stability, largely because the masses have increasingly identified with primordial institutions in the absence of a democratic and strong state, current conditions of debt, drought, poverty, inflation and other...
Mechanism of Thyroid Hormone Inhibition of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Action*

The addition of thyroid hormone to cultures of GH3 or GH4C1 pituitary tumor cells maintained in medium with hypothyroid serum decreased the concentration of specific receptors for TRH. The relationship between thyroid hormone effects on TRH receptors and TRH responses was examined by testing the concentration dependence, time course, and specificity of these changes. The concentrations of T3 giving half-maximal decreases in [3H]TRH binding and inhibition of the PRL response to TRH were 0.20 and 0.24 nM, respectively. TRH stimulated the rate of [3H]uridine uptake by 50% in cultures incubated without added T3 but did not increase [3H]uridine uptake in cells incubated with thyroid hormone. The PRL response to TRH was substantially inhibited 12 h after the addition of T3, and the uridine uptake response was completely blocked in 8 h. Two other stimuli of PRL secretion, sodium butyrate and isobutylmethylxanthine, were effective in the presence or absence of T3. Thyroid hormone did not reduce the specific binding of either [125I-Tyr1]somatostatin or [125I]iodoepidermal growth factor. Somatostatin decreased the secretion of GH and PRL by pituitary tumor cells grown with or without T3. The data show that the effects of thyroid hormones on TRH receptors are specific and suggest that regulation of receptor concentrations may be the direct cause of thyroid hormone regulation of pituitary responsiveness to TRH.
Kinetics of phase separation in Cu50Zr50 metallic glasses

Abstract An excess resistivity above the usual topological relaxation contribution is seen in Cu50Zr50 glassy alloy upon annealing at temperatures far below the glass transition. This excess resistivity is correlated with the appearance of a well defined two step crystallization when the annealed sample is heated through Tc at a rate of 15 C/min. X-ray diffraction suggests that phase separation is taking place and is responsible for this anomalous resistivity behavior. Results from transmission electron microscopy are consistent with this interpretation.
The infrared and Raman spectra of perchloro‐[4] ‐ radialene

Infrared and Raman spectra are reported for polycrystalline perchloro-[4]-radialene and for solutions in CCl4 and CS2. An earlier X-ray structure determination by van Remoortere and Boer has shown that in the crystal the molecular symmetry is almost D2d (puckered ring), but is slightly distorted to C2. This distortion was attributed to crystal packing forces. The vibrational spectrum does not show the distortion. The spectra are essentially the same for polycrystalline solid as for solution, and are completely compatible with D2d in both states. Assignments are made for a few of the modes where evidence warrants it. Some observations are also made about the mass spectrum, which has a rich structure because of the many isotopic species.
Low HER2/neu gene expression is associated with pathological response to concurrent paclitaxel and radiation therapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was twofold: first, to identify patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) who will achieve a pathological response to a preoperative regimen of concurrent paclitaxel and radiation; and second, to explore associations between molecular markers from the original tumors and pathological response. Methods and Materials: Patients with previously untreated LABC were eligible to receive a regimen of preoperative concurrent paclitaxel, 30 mg/m 2 twice a week for a total of 8 weeks, and radiation delivered Weeks 2–6, 45 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction to the breast, ipsilateral axilla, and supraclavicular nodes. At mastectomy, pathologic findings were classified as pathological complete response (pCR) = no residual invasive cells in the breast and axillary contents; pathological partial response (pPR) = presence of ≤10 microscopic foci of invasive cells; no pathological response (pNR) = pathological persistence of tumor. For each patient, pretreatment breast cancer biopsies were prospectively analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for estrogen and progesterone (ER/PR) hormonal receptors, HER2/ neu and p53 overexpression. Estrogen receptor (ER), HER2/ neu , metablastin, β-tubulin III and IV, microtubule-associated protein-4 (MAP-4), bcl-2, bax, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 36 patients had pretreatment biopsies and were evaluable for the analysis of the association of molecular markers with pathological response. Pathological response in the mastectomy specimen was achieved in 12 of these 36 patients (33%). Only HER2/ neu and ER gene expression were found to be significantly associated with the extent of pathological response to the regimen, i.e., tumors with low HER2/ neu gene expression and negative estrogen receptors were more likely to respond to the tested regimen ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.006, respectively). Conversely, p53 protein expression measured by IHC did not appear to be associated with pathological response ( p = 0.67). Conclusion: Further studies in LABC should assess whether patient selection for treatment based on the original tumor molecular characteristics could affect their chance to achieve a pathological response.
Rapid determination of flame temperature profiles using OH LIF on a limited number of rotational lines

Temperature profiles determined from LIF spatial profiles of six lines [A - X (1-0) band: R1(3), R1(10), R2(5), R2(8), R2(10), and P1(2)] agree well with values obtained from LIF spectral scans (282.6 - 281.0 nm) at fixed burner height in the luminous and post-flame zones. Typical uncertainties by this method are +/- 50 - 75 K which are satisfactory for purposes of flame modeling. Fewer lines did not consistently give good agreement. In the preheat zone, the profile method is subject to several systematic errors due in part to the high thermal and OH concentration gradients which affect any temperature measurement in this region. Temperature profiles can be obtained much faster and with similar accuracy using this method than those derived from an excitation spectrum for each desired position in the flame. The method is particularly attractive when temperature profiles for several different flames are desired.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estimating and testing autocorrelation with small samples: A comparison of the c-statistic to a modified estimator

Huitema and McKean (Psychological Bulletin, 110, 291–304, 1991) recently showed, in a Monte-Carlo study, that five conventional estimators of first-order autocorrelation perform poorly for small (< 50) sample sizes. They suggested a modified estimator and a test for autocorrelation. We examine an estimator not considered by Huitema and McKean: the C-statistic (Young, Annals of Mathematical Statistics, 12, 293–300, 1941). A Monte-Carlo study of the small sample properties of the C-statistic shows that it performs as well or better than the modified estimator suggested by Huitema and McKean (1991). The C-statistic is also shown to be closely related to the d-statistic of the widely used Durbin-Watson test.
Higher Levels of Social Support Predict Greater Survival following Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Corpus Christi Heart Project

Although low levels of social support have been related to mortality from coronary heart disease, little is known about the role of social support among Mexican Americans. The authors therefore examined the relationship between social support and long-term survival in the Corpus Christi Heart Project. They developed a social support scale that used data collected during in-hospital interviews of 292 Mexican Americans and 304 non-Hispanic Whites who survived a myocardial infarction for more than 28 days. The scale incorporated three measures: marital status; if not married, whether living alone; and whether advised to seek help. During an average follow-up period of 43 months, 115 participants died. Survival following myocardial infarction was greater for those with high or medium social support than for those with low social support. With age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia included in a proportional hazards regression model, the relative risk of mortality was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.20-2.97) for those with low social support. But when the two ethnic groups were analyzed separately, low social support was no longer a significant predictor of mortality for non-Hispanic Whites, whereas for Mexican Americans, the relative risk of mortality was 3.38 (95% CI, 1.73-6.62) for those with low social support.
Improving the organization, management, and outcomes of substance abuse treatment programs.

Objective: This study presents an organizing framework for empirical analyses of substance abuse treatment program effectiveness, based on relevant theories of organization and public management and the body of substance abuse treatment studies, and is applied in analyses of treatment program data. Method: We use descriptive analyses of data from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study that were collected from 519 substance abuse treatment service delivery units and 6593 patients to identify instruments of policy and management that might either frustrate or facilitate the implementation of “best practices” in substance abuse treatment. Results: The analyses show statistically significant and substantively interesting relationships among measures of organizational structure and mission, financial management (e.g., revenues per patient and revenue sources), human resources management (e.g., staffing levels, the use of case managers, etc.), and measures of service technology (e.g., the provision...
Alterations in Respiratory Status: Early Signs of Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) presents with well-recognized signs of intestinal inflammation such as bilious vomiting, bloody stool, abdominal distension, and tenderness. The authors observed otherwise unexplained changes in the respiratory status requiring increased respiratory support during the 24 hours before direct evidence of the intestinal disorder in patients with severe NEC. Methods: To study this observation the authors collected data on 10 consecutive patients in whom NEC required an operation. Results: Eight of these patients were recovering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). During the 24 hours before any direct sign of intestinal dysfunction seven of these eight had a respiratory prodrome needing increased respiratory support. Two patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Five needed increased supplemental oxygen. This prodrome included decreased oxygenation in seven, increased respiratory rate in five, and increased P CO 2 in five, preceded by hypocarbia in three. Conclusions: These changes in the respiratory condition revisit the concept of high output respiratory failure. This term was introduced to describe the respiratory failure in adult patients who suffer acute intestinal illness. Increased metabolic demand from the intestinal illness was thought to stress the ability of the patient to delivery oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The ability of the respiratory system to meet the increased demands is limited by the intestinal dysfunction itself (abdominal pain and distension). In our patients recovering from RDS the pulmonary reserve is inherently limited. Because they are carefully monitored, it is easy to retrieve evidence of respiratory changes that precede the direct signs of intestinal disease. In the earliest stages of intestinal illness before the direct signs of intestinal dysfunction, these patients often manifest unexplained signs of respiratory compensation and decompensation and require increased respiratory support. Regardless of the pathophysiology, these alterations in respiratory status represent an early warning sign of NEC.
Facile synthesis of highly aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes from polymer precursors

We report a facile one-step approach which involves no flammable gas, no catalyst, and no in situ polymerization for the preparation of well-aligned carbon nanotube array. A polymer precursor is placed on top of an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane containing regular nanopore arrays, and slow heating under Ar flow allows the molten polymer to wet the template through adhesive force. The polymer spread into the nanopores of the template to form polymer nanotubes. Upon carbonization the resulting multi-walled carbon nanotubes duplicate the nanopores morphology precisely. The process is demonstrated for 230, 50, and 20 nm pore membranes. The synthesized carbon nanotubes are characterized with scanning/transmission electron microscopies, Raman spectroscopy, and resistive measurements. Convenient functionalization of the nanotubes with this method is demonstrated through premixing CoPt nanoparticles in the polymer precursors.
Self-imagining enhances recognition memory in memory-impaired individuals with neurological damage.

Objective: The ability to imagine an elaborative event from a personal perspective relies on several cognitive processes that may potentially enhance subsequent memory for the event, including visual imagery, semantic elaboration, emotional processing, and self-referential processing. In an effort to find a novel strategy for enhancing memory in memory-impaired individuals with neurological damage, we investigated the mnemonic benefit of a method we refer to as self-imagining—the imagining of an event from a realistic, personal perspective. Method: Fourteen individuals with neurologically based memory deficits and 14 healthy control participants intentionally encoded neutral and emotional sentences under three instructions: structural-baseline processing, semantic processing, and self-imagining. Results: Findings revealed a robust “self-imagination effect (SIE),” as self-imagination enhanced recognition memory relative to deep semantic elaboration in both memory-impaired individuals, F(1, 13) 32.11, p .001, 2 .71; and healthy controls, F(1, 13) 5.57, p .05, 2 .30. In addition, results indicated that mnemonic benefits of self-imagination were not limited by severity of the memory disorder nor were they related to self-reported vividness of visual imagery, semantic processing, or emotional content of the materials. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the SIE may depend on unique mnemonic mechanisms possibly related to self-referential processing and that imagining an event from a personal perspective makes that event particularly memorable even for those individuals with severe memory deficits. Self-imagining may thus provide an effective rehabilitation strategy for individuals with memory impairment.
DNA hypomethylation in Morris hepatomas

The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) content of DNAs from Morris hepatomas of varying growth rates and from normal liver was analyzed. DNA methylation in all hepatomas studied was found to be 20-45% less than in normal liver. This result was confirmed independently by restriction endonuclease (Hpa II and Msp I) analysis. While these results agreed with recent literature data suggesting hypomethylation of DNA from some neoplastic sources, no correlation was observed between the extent of DNA hypomethylation and the growth rates of the tumors.
The Scientific Theory Profile: A Philosophy of Science Model for Science Teachers.

A model called the Scientific Theory Profile was developed for use with preservice and inservice science teachers or with graduate students interested in the various ways scientific theories are perceived. Early indications—from a survey of institutions with science education programs and a survey of current science methods texts—are that too little emphasis is placed on what contemporary writings reveal about the nature and importance of scientific theories. This prompted the development of the Profile. The Profile consists of a grid, with the x-axis representing methods for judging theories (rational vs. natural), and the y-axis representing views on reigning scientific theories as being the Truth versus models of what works best (realism vs. anti-realism). Three well-known philosophers of science who were selected for detailed analysis and who form the “keystone” positions on the Profile are Thomas Kuhn, Carl Hempel, and Sir Karl Popper. The hypothesis was that an analysis of the writings of respected individuals in philosophy and history of science who have different perspectives on theories (as well as overarching areas of agreement) could be translated into relative coordinates on a graph; and that this visual model might be helpful to science teachers in developing a balanced philosophy of science and a deeper understanding of the power of reigning theories. Nine other contemporary philosophers, all influenced by the three originals, are included in brief analyses, with their positions on the grid being relative to the keystones. The Scientific Theory Profile then forms the basis for a course, now in the planning stages, in perspectives on the nature of science, primarily for science teachers, with some objectives and activities suggested.
Luminal chemosensing and upper gastrointestinal mucosal defenses

The upper gastrointestinal mucosa is exposed to endogenous and exogenous substances, including gastric acid, carbon dioxide, and foodstuffs. Physiologic processes such as secretion, digestion, absorption, and motility occur in the gastrointestinal tract in response to ingested substances, which implies the presence of mucosal sensors. We hypothesize that mucosal acid sensors and tastelike receptors are important components of the mucosal chemosensing system. We have shown that luminal acid/carbon dioxide is sensed via ecto- and cytosolic carbonic anhydrases and ion transporters in the epithelial cells and via acid sensors on the afferent nerves in the duodenum and esophagus. Furthermore, a luminal l-glutamate signal is mediated via mucosal l-glutamate receptors with activation of afferent nerves and cyclooxygenase in the duodenum, which suggests the presence of luminal l-glutamate sensing. These luminal chemosensors help to activate mucosal defense mechanisms to maintain the mucosal integrity and physiologic responses of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Because neural pathways are components of the luminal chemosensory system, investigation of these pathways may help to identify novel molecular targets in the treatment and prevention of mucosal injury and visceral sensation.
Some effects of irrigation and soil compaction on potatoes

Supplemental irrigation increased yield and number of tubers in three of the four years studied. There was no significant effect of irrigation on the specific gravity of Katahdin potatoes. A separate study relating the effect of compaction on potato yield indicated that sprayer traffic reduced yields from 8 to 31%.
HPV-DNA integration and carcinogenesis: putative roles for inflammation and oxidative stress

HPV-DNA integration into cellular chromatin is usually a necessary event in the pathogenesis of HPV-related cancer; however, the mechanism of integration has not been clearly defined. Breaks must be created in both the host DNA and in the circular viral episome for integration to occur, and studies have shown that viral integration is indeed increased by the induction of DNA double strand breaks. Inflammation generates reactive oxygen species, which in turn have the potential to create such DNA strand breaks. It is plausible that these breaks enable a greater frequency of HPV-DNA integration, and in this way contribute to carcinogenesis. Consistent with this idea, co-infections with certain sexually transmitted diseases cause cervical inflammation, and have also been identified as cofactors in the progression to cervical cancer. This article examines the idea that inflammation facilitates HPV-DNA integration into cellular chromatin through the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby contributing to...
Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) as a Therapeutic Target for Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Numerous solid tumors confirm increased expression of FASN. FASN expression is upregulated in early steps of breast cancer, such as DCIS, and is associated with poor clinical outcome in more advanced disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate FASN inhibition as a prevention of breast cancer progression and as an effective treatment of metastasis. We utilized the model the MCF10CA1 series of cell lines, which complete the spectrum of breast cancer progression ranging from non-transformed breast epithelial cells to metastatic breast cancer cells. These metastatic cell lines are CA1A and CA1D cells (short for MCF10A-CA1A and MCF10A-CA1D), which metastasize to the lung following a tail vein injection. Interestingly, we determine that with the progression of breast cancer in these model series the level of FASN was correlated with the evolution to a more aggressive phenotype. The CA1A and CA1D cells expressed the highest levels of FASN. To determine whether FASN plays a role in the aggressiveness of these cells we introduced a specific FASN silencing RNA into CA1A and CA1D cells and isolated stable cell lines in which FASN expression was significantly reduced. Stable expression of a FASN shRNA completely abrogated the anchorage-independent growth ability of the metastatic cells and furthermore these cells reverted from EMT to MET (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition) as demonstrated by a Matrigel 3Dimentional (3D) assay and the immunofluorescence staining of E-Cadherin in matrigel. These results emphasize the potential of FASN as a therapeutic target and as a key modulator of breast cancer progression and metastasis. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6160.
Novel germanium(II) binaphthoxide complexes: synthesis and crystal structure of (R,R)-[Ge{OC20H10(OSiMe3)-2′-(SiMe3)2-3,3′}2] and (R)-[Ge{O2C20H10(SiMe2Ph)2-3,3′}{NH3}]; catalytic function of Ge[N(SiMe3)2]2 for the mono-silylation of 3,3′-disubstituted-1,1′-bi-2,2′-naphthols

The germanium(II) bisamide Ge[N(SiMe3)2]2 reacts with the substituted binaphthols (R)-[(HO)2C20H10(R)2-3,3′] (R = SiMe3, SiMe2Ph, SiMePh2, or SiPh3) to yield two novel germanium(II) binaphthoxide complexes; Ge[N(SiMe3)2]2 also catalytically silylates one of the hydroxyl groups of (R)-[(HO)2C20H10(SiMe3)2-3,3′] to yield (R)-HOC20H10-(OSiMe3)-2′-(SiMe3)2-3,3′.
Lurking as an Active Participation Process: A Longitudinal Investigation of Engagement with an Online Cancer Support Group

To better understand participation in computer-mediated social support (CMSS) groups for breast cancer patients, this study examines two overarching questions of (1) who are posters, lurkers, or nonusers and (2) what role do these different types of engagement play in explaining psychosocial health outcomes? This study incorporates the comprehensive model of information seeking and two competing models of social enhancement and social compensation, as well as the literature on lurking and posting behaviors in online groups to answer research questions. Our findings suggest that patterns of engagement in a CMSS group differed according to patients' sociodemographic characteristics and psychosocial factors. In addition, we found that lurkers had a higher level of perceived functional well-being than posters at 3 months post baseline. Theoretical and practical implications for effective online cancer support group campaigns are discussed.
The Influence of Nuclear Structure on the Hyperfine Structure of Heavy Elements

The influence on the h.f.s. of the finite size of the nucleus is considered and the effect is calculated for simple models of the nuclear magnetism. It is pointed out that the distribution of magnetic dipole density over the nuclear volume may vary greatly from nucleus to nucleus depending on the relative contributions of spin and orbital magnetic moments to the total nuclear moment. On this basis an attempt is made to interpret the observed discrepancy between the h.f.s. ratio of the Rb isotopes and the ratio of the magnetic moments as determined by the magnetic resonance method. A study of such anomalies may give some information regarding the structure of nuclear moments, in particular, regarding the nuclear ${g}_{L}$-factor.
An aerosol rapid compression machine for studying energetic-nanoparticle-enhanced combustion of liquid fuels

The use of energetic nanoparticles offers a promising means of adjusting the reactivity of liquid fuels for enhanced combustion stability in next generation propulsion systems. This work outlines the development of a novel aerosol rapid compression machine (RCM) for studying the impact of energetic nanoparticles on reducing the ignition delay of liquid fuels, and a proof-of-concept demonstration is presented using ethanol and JP-8. Fuel droplets are generated using an ultrasonic nozzle. The seeding of 50 nm aluminum nanoparticles in the liquid fuel is achieved by using a combination of chemical surfactants in addition to mixing in an ultrasonic bath. The autoignition delay is measured for neat and nanoparticle-enhanced mixtures at compressed conditions of 772–830 K and 12–28 bar in the RCM. The results show that significant changes in the ignition delay can be observed using a low concentration (2%-weight) of energetic nanoparticles. For ethanol and JP-8, ignition delays were reduced by 32% and 50%, respectively. Measurements to verify the uniformity of aerosol dispersion in the RCM, the reproducibility of the RCM data, and a method for approximating compressed temperature are also presented.
Influence of Insoluble Excipients on Film Coating Systems

Insoluble excipients are added to polymeric film coating solutions and dispersions to improve the physical appearance of dosage forms, enhance the stability of photolytic drugs, and aid in processing. These insoluble additives, however, may significantly affect the physical, mechanical, adhesive, and drug-release properties of the films. In this review, the theories of the interactions between polymer and insoluble excipient are addressed. This article also discusses the influence of the concentration, particle size, morphology, and surface chemistry of insoluble excipients on the various polymer properties.