cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Coronary Microvascular Effects of Cardioplegia-Induced Stromal-Derived Factor-1α

Background Stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) binds to its specific receptor, CXCR4, and plays an important role in ischemia-induced angiogenesis. Some of the effects of SDF-1α are likely due to effects on the microcirculation. Cardioplegia and cardiopulmonary bypass (CP/CPB) activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways including p38, ERK1/2, and JNK. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate SDF-1α expression, and relationships between SDF-1α-mediated coronary microvessel response and MAPKs. Methods The atrial tissue of patients undergoing cardiac surgery was harvested before and after CP/CPB. Protein levels of SDF-1α and CXCR4 were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and plasma levels of SDF-1α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Coronary microvessel responses to SDF-1α were assessed by videomicroscopy. To further elucidate SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling, microvessel responses were evaluated in the presence of CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) and MAPK inhibitors, ERK1/2 inhibitor (UO126), p38 inhibitor (SB203580), and JNK inhibitor (ALX-159-600). Results Myocardial protein expression of SDF-1α was elevated after CP/CPB (9.5 ± 3.5-fold, p = 0.03 versus before CP/CPB). Increases in SDF-1α spatially localized to endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and myocytes. Plasma levels of SDF-1α were increased after CP/CPB (3.2 ± 2.8 versus 2.8 ± 1.7 ng /mL, p = 0.03 versus before CP/CPB). Stromal-derived factor-1α induced coronary microvessel contraction after CP/CPB ( p = 0.046 versus before CP/CPB), which was blocked by the CXCR4 antagonist. Furthermore, SDF-1α induced microvessel contraction was inhibited by MAPK inhibitors, ERK-1/2 ( p = 0.046), p38 ( p = 0.049), and JNK inhibition ( p = 0.06). Conclusions These results suggest that CP/CPB induces myocardial expression of SDF-1α and results in coronary microvessel contraction through MAPK signaling pathways.
Dysfunctional Elimination Syndromes—How Closely Linked are Constipation and Encopresis with Specific Lower Urinary Tract Conditions?

Purpose: It is recognized that there is a strong association between bladder and bowel dysfunction. We determined the association of constipation and/or encopresis with specific lower urinary tract conditions.Materials and Methods: We reviewed our database of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction and divided cases into 3 categories of bowel dysfunction (constipation, encopresis and constipation plus encopresis) and 4 lower urinary tract conditions (dysfunctional voiding, idiopathic detrusor overactivity disorder, detrusor underutilization disorder and primary bladder neck dysfunction). Associations between bowel dysfunction types and each lower urinary tract condition were determined.Results: Of 163 males and 205 females with a mean age of 8.5 years constipation was the most common bowel dysfunction (27%). Although encopresis is generally thought to reflect underlying constipation, only half of children with encopresis in this series had constipation. Dysfunctional voiding was associated with the ...
Biodistribution and Subcellular Localization of an Unnatural Boron-Containing Amino Acid (Cis-ABCPC) by Imaging Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Neutron Capture Therapy of Melanomas and Gliomas

The development of new boron-delivery agents is a high priority for improving the effectiveness of boron neutron capture therapy. In the present study, 1-amino-3-borono-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (cis-ABCPC) as a mixture of its L- and D- enantiomers was evaluated in vivo using the B16 melanoma model for the human tumor and the F98 rat glioma as a model for human gliomas. A secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) based imaging instrument, CAMECA IMS 3F SIMS Ion Microscope, was used for quantitative imaging of boron at 500 nm spatial resolution. Both in vivo and in vitro studies in melanoma models demonstrated that boron was localized in the cytoplasm and nuclei with some cell-to-cell variability. Uptake of cis-ABCPC in B16 cells was time dependent with a 7.5:1 partitioning ratio of boron between cell nuclei and the nutrient medium after 4 hrs. incubation. Furthermore, cis-ABCPC delivered boron to cells in all phases of the cell cycle, including S-phase. In vivo SIMS studies using the F98 rat glioma model revealed an 8:1 boron partitioning ratio between the main tumor mass and normal brain tissue with a 5:1 ratio between infiltrating tumor cells and contiguous normal brain. Since cis-ABCPC is water soluble and can cross the blood-brain-barrier via the L-type amino acid transporters (LAT), it may accumulate preferentially in infiltrating tumor cells in normal brain due to up-regulation of LAT in high grade gliomas. Once trapped inside the tumor cell, cis-ABCPC cannot be metabolized and remains either in a free pool or bound to cell matrix components. The significant improvement in boron uptake by both the main tumor mass and infiltrating tumor cells compared to those reported in animal and clinical studies of p-boronophenylalanine strongly suggest that cis-ABCPC has the potential to become a novel new boron delivery agent for neutron capture therapy of gliomas and melanomas.
Muscarinic M2 Receptor Stimulation of Cav1.2b Requires Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, Protein Kinase C, and c-Src

This study investigated regulation of L- type calcium channels ( Cav 1.2b) by acetylcholine ( ACh) in rabbit portal vein myocytes. Whole- cell currents were recorded using 5 mmol/ L barium as charge carrier. ACh ( 10 mumol/ L) increased peak currents by 40%. This effect was not reversed by the selective muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist 4- DAMP ( 100 nmol/ L) but was blocked by the M2 receptor antagonist methoctramine ( 5 mumol/ L). The classical and novel protein kinase C ( PKC) antagonist calphostin C ( 50 nmol/ L) abolished ACh responses, whereas the classical PKC antagonist Go6976 ( 200 nmol/ L) had no effect. ACh responses were also abolished by the phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase ( PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 ( 20 mumol/ L), by the c- Src inhibitor PP2 ( 10 mumol/ L) ( but not the inactive analogue PP3), and by dialyzing cells with an antibody to the G- protein subunit Gbetagamma. Cells dialyzed with c- Src had significantly greater currents than control cells. Current enhancement persisted in the presence of LY294002, suggesting that c- Src is downstream of PI3K. Phorbol 12,13- dibutyrate ( PDBu, 0.1 mumol/ L) increased currents by 74%. This effect was abolished by calphostin C and reduced by Go6976. The PDBu response was also reduced by PP2, and the PP2- insensitive component was blocked by Go6976. In summary, these data suggest that ACh enhances Cav1.2b currents via M2 receptors that couple sequentially to Gbetagamma, PI3K, a novel PKC, and c- Src. PDBu stimulates the novel PKC/ c- Src pathway along with a second pathway that is independent of c- Src and involves a classical PKC.
Modeling Architecture for DTDMA Channel Access Protocol for Mobile Network Nodes using Directional Antennas

This paper discusses the combination of a Directional Time Division Multiple Access (DTDMA) scheme implemented in a tactical radio with a directional antenna environment modeled within an OPNET simulated network to increase the throughput for network communications in a wireless environment. A technique of allowing multiple communiations pairs to transmit simultaneous during a single timeslot is a key component of the High-band Network Waveform (HNW). We have implemented a high-fidelity data link layer and physical layer model of this implementation. Along with the DTDMA and directional antenna techniques, the model allows node communication pairs to dynamically adjust their data rates based on signal quality to provide the maximum throughput efficiency along a data link. This waveform model also allows allocation of link capacity as needed on each link to provide bandwidth on demand (BOD). The discussion covers the expected benefits and the implementation as modeled in OPNET.
State-Sponsored Mass Murder: The Onset and Severity of Genocides and Politicides

The author argues that openings in the political opportunity structure, rather than the levels of concentration of power, best predict the onset of genocides or politicides and which states will engage in the most severe state-sponsored mass murder. These and other hypotheses are tested. Analysis of logit models reveals that civil war involvement is the most consistent predictor of the onset of genocides or politicides, and other political opportunity structure variables have some effects, especially when in combination with at least one of the other political opportunity structure variables. Analysis of negative binomial event-count models also reveals that political opportunity structure variables best account for the degree of severity of a given genocide or politicide. In sum, openings in the political opportunity structure are more important in understanding what affects the onset and degree of severity of genocides and politicides than other more static variables.
COMPOSITAE OF THE GUAYANA HIGHLAND-IV. A NEW SPECIES OF PENTACALIA (SENECIONEAE) FROM CERRO DE LA NEBLINA, VENEZUELA

Described and illustrated from Cerro de la Neblina in T. F. Amazonas, Venezuela is the fifth known Guayanan species ofPentacalia, a genus recently reinstated from synonymy withinSenecio. The distinctions between these two genera are briefly discussed as are the distinctions betweenPentacalia and similar genera. A key to the new species,Pentacalia neblinesis, and the other species ofPentacalia from the Guayana Highland is given.
Soybean metabolism of chlorimuron ethyl; physiological basis for soybean selectivity

Abstract Chlorimuron ethyl (2-([(4-chloro-6-methoxypyrimidine-2-yl)amino carbonyl]amino sulfonyl)benzoic acid, ethyl ester) is a highly active sulfonylurea herbicide for preemergence and postemergence use in soybeans. Excised soybean ( Glycine max. cv. ‘Williams’) seedlings rapidly metabolized [ 14 C]chlorimuron ethyl with a half-life of 1–3 hr. Common cocklebur ( Xanthium pensylvancium Wallr.) and redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus L.), which are sensitive to chlorimuron ethyl, metabolized this herbicide much more slowly (half-life >30 hr). The major metabolite of chlorimuron ethyl in soybean seedlings is its homoglutathione conjugate, formed by displacement of the pyrimidinyl chlorine with the cysteine sulfhydryl group of homoglutathione. A minor metabolite is chlorimuron, the deesterified derivative of chlorimuron ethyl. Each of these metabolites is inactive against plant acetolactate synthase, the herbicidal target site of chlorimuron ethyl. Thus, soybean tolerance to chlorimuron ethyl results from its rapid metabolism in soybean seedlings to herbicidally inactive products.
Estimating markups and market conduct with multidimensional product attributes

We demonstrate how to estimate a model of oligopoly pricing when products are multi-dimensionally differentiated. We provide an empirical counterpart to recent theoretical work on product differentiation. Using specifications informed by economic theory, we estimate price-cost margins for products differentiated in many dimensions.
Experimental evaluation of InGaAs photodetectors for two-micron coherent lidars

Summary form only given. In view of growing interest in eye-safe, solid-state coherent lidars using thulium- and holmium-based lasers, it has become necessary to investigate the properties of wideband two-micron detection devices and evaluate their performance as heterodyne detectors. For this purpose, a detector measurement system has been developed that is capable of measuring all the necessary detector parameters for optimal designs of optical heterodyne receivers and predicting their sensitivities. Several commercially available InGaAs IR photodetectors with different active area sizes have been characterized and their optimum operating and electronic interface parameters have been determined as a function of the signal IF bandwidth requirement.
US consumer attitudes towards “green” restaurants

This study explores what consumers across the USA perceive as “green” restaurants, how they search for them, and if they are willing to pay more for the “green” restaurant experience. A review of the data revealed that almost 90% of the participants have eaten in a “green” restaurant, but many had a difficult time defining the term. Word of mouth was prevalent as to how consumers searched for “green” restaurants. As in previous studies, our findings showed that more than half of consumers were willing to pay more for the “green” restaurant experience. The participants graded their decision to dine at a “green” restaurant in the following order of importance: fresh ingredients, healthy aspects, good value, easy access, and good for the environment.
Validation of Virtual Learning Team Competencies for Individual Students in a Distance Education Setting

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study aimed to validate the scale of the Virtual Team Competency Inventory in distance education, which had initially been designed for a corporate setting. Second, the methodological advantages of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) framework over Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) framework were empirically compared and discussed. A total of 1,355 distance education students participated in the survey designed to elicit their perceptions of their own competencies for working on virtual teams. The study validated the results from prior research that an eleven-factor structure solution for the competency construct achieved the most satisfactory fit. Methodologically, it also demonstrated that ESEM yielded a clearer factor structure and optimal model-fitting indices than CFA in a construct validation study.
Novel Concentration-Driven Structural Interconversion in Shape-Specific Solids Supported by the Octahedral [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ Cluster Core

A complex containing the face-capped octahedral [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ cluster core, cis-[Re6(μ3-Se)8(PPh3)4(4,4‘-dipyridyl)2](SbF6)2 (1), is used as a ditopic ligand with an enforced right angle between the two 4,4‘-dipyridyl moieties for the coordination of Cd2+ ion. Two coordination polymers, [{Re6(μ3-Se)8(PPh3)4(4,4‘-dipyridyl)2}2{Cd(NO3)2}](SbF6)4·21C4H10O·21CH2Cl2 (2) and [{Re6(μ3-Se)8(PPh3)4(4,4‘-dipyridyl)2}{Cd(NO3)3}](NO3)·2C4H10O·CH2Cl2 (3), are obtained. The relative concentration of Cd2+ determines which species is isolated, and the conversion of the first structure into the second is demonstrated experimentally.
FeoB2 Functions in Magnetosome Formation and Oxidative Stress Protection in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense Strain MSR-1

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) synthesize unique organelles, the magnetosomes, which are intracellular nanometer-sized, membrane-enveloped magnetite. The biomineralization of magnetosomes involves the uptake of large amounts of iron. However, the iron metabolism of MTB is not well understood. The genome of the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1 contains two ferrous iron transport genes, feoB1 and feoB2. The FeoB1 protein was reported to be responsible mainly for the transport of ferrous iron and to play an accessory role in magnetosome formation. To determine the role of feoB2, we constructed an feoB2 deletion mutant (MSR-1 ΔfeoB2) and an feoB1 feoB2 double deletion mutant (MSR-1 NfeoB). The single feoB2 mutation did not affect magnetite crystal biomineralization. MSR-1 NfeoB had a significantly lower average magnetosome number per cell (∼65%) than MSR-1 ΔfeoB1, indicating that FeoB2 plays a role in magnetosome formation when the feoB1 gene is deleted. Our findings showed that FeoB1 has a greater ferrous iron transport ability than FeoB2 and revealed the differential roles of FeoB1 and FeoB2 in MSR-1 iron metabolism. Interestingly, compared to the wild type, the feoB mutants showed increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and lower activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, indicating that the FeoB proteins help protect bacterial cells from oxidative stress.
Effects of Doping on Thermal Conductivity of Pyrochlore Oxides for Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings

Pyrochlore oxides of general composition, A2B2O7, where A is a 3(+) cation (La to Lu) and B is a 4(+) cation (Zr, Hf, Ti, etc.) have high melting point, relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, and low thermal conductivity which make them suitable for applications as high-temperature thermal barrier coatings. The effect of doping at the A site on the thermal conductivity of a pyrochlore oxide La2Zr2O7, has been investigated. Oxide powders of various compositions La2Zr2O7, La(1.7)Gd(0.3)Zr2O7, La(1.7)Yb(0.3)Zr2O7 and La(1.7)Gd(0.15)Yb(0.15)Zr2O7 were synthesized by the citric acid sol-gel method. These powders were hot pressed into discs and used for thermal conductivity measurements using a steady-state laser heat flux test technique. The rare earth oxide doped pyrochlores La(1.7)Gd(0.3)Zr2O7, La(1.7)Yb(0.3)Zr2O7 and La(1.7)Gd(0.15)Yb(0.15)Zr2O7 had lower thermal conductivity than the un-doped La2Zr2O7. The Gd2O3 and Yb2O3 co-doped composition showed the lowest thermal conductivity.
The Keck interferometer nuller (KIN): configuration, measurement approach, and first results

The Keck Interferometer Nuller (KIN) will be used to examine nearby stellar systems for the presence of circumstellar exozodiacal emission. A successful pre-ship review was held for the KIN in June 2004, after which the KIN was shipped to the Keck Observatory. The integration of the KIN's many sub-systems on the summit of Mauna Kea, and initial on-sky testing of the system, has occupied the better part of the past year. This paper describes the KIN system- level configuration, from both the hardware and control points of view, as well as the current state of integration of the system and the measurement approach to be used. During the most recent on-sky engineering runs, all of the sub- systems necessary to measure a narrowband null were installed and operational, and the full nulling measurement cycle was carried out on stellar targets for the first time.
Gustavo Gutiérrez Meets Giuseppe Verdi: The Beauty of Liberation and the Liberation of Beauty

Abstract Some have criticized the theology of liberation, especially its Latin American form, for emphasizing ethical concerns while ignoring the aesthetic dimension of Christian faith. At the same time, many see the fine arts—and particularly opera—as unrelated and even opposed to the struggle for justice today. This essay considers the case of liberation theologian Gustavo Gutierrez and his debt to fellow Peruvian and novelist Jose Maria Arguedas. It then examines the ethical import of one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most famous creations, the enslaved princess Aida. Both Gutierrez and Verdi may be said to belong to what Arguedas called the “fraternity of the broken-hearted” whose members glimpse a new world coming into being in the very beauty of liberated humanity.
Hamiltonian constraint of loop quantum cosmology

In this paper we construct the Hamiltonian constraint operator of loop quantum cosmology using holonomies defined for arbitrary irreducible SU(2) representations labeled by spin $J$. We show that modifications to the effective semiclassical equations of motion arise both in the gravitational part of the constraint as well as matter terms. The modifications are important for phenomenological investigations of the cosmological imprints of loop quantum cosmology. We discuss the implications for the early universe evolution.
A steerable array antenna using controllable 4-bit dielectric slab phase shifters on a coplanar waveguide at 24 GHz

A steerable antenna using a movable dielectric phase shifter is designed and developed. The change of the effective dielectric constant at different dielectric slab positions on a CPW is used as the phase shifter. The impedance matching and desired phase shift conditions are satisfied at two slab heights. Additionally, the reflection is designed to be minimized at these slab positions and at the designed frequency. A low-loss dielectric material is used as the dielectric slab and is placed close to a coplanar transmission line with an airgap. A tapered 8 × 7 steerable array antenna with phase shifters is designed and fabricated at 24 GHz. The E- and H-plane radiation patterns are measured at different phase shift positions and compared with the expected results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 3118–3122, 2007; Published online in Wiley Inter-Science (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22906
The trials and tribulations of estimating the pasture intake of grazing animals

The present paper reviews estimation methods for measuring pasture intake of individual grazing animals, in particular, the use of indigestible plant markers. Natural alkanes and alcohols function essentially as an internal marker and thus accommodate differences in forage digestibility among individuals and those arising from interactions between supplement and forage. An estimate of diet composition partitions total intake into its component plant species. Estimates of diet composition require correction for incomplete faecal marker recovery, where relative recoveries (i.e. the recovery of the alkanes relative to each other) suffice. If estimates of whole-diet digestibility are also wanted, actual faecal alkane recoveries must be used. Using known labelled supplement intakes as a means of estimating the intake of all other diet components avoids the need to dose animals separately with synthetic alkanes. The results, problems and possible workarounds for a commercial system under development to estimate individual animal pasture intakes using known labelled-supplement intakes are outlined. A prototype bin system was trialled and, despite many initial technological problems, it showed enough promise for Sapien Technology to continue to develop the system with Proway Livestock.
Cell surface lectins in the immune system

Emerging evidence establishes that the immune system employs carbohydrates as recognition determinants for various cellular interactions. The best understood case is provided by the selectin family (L-, E- and P-selectin), which are found on leukocytes or endothelial cells and mediate a variety of leukocyte-endothelial interactions. By virtue of C-type lectin domains, these receptors mediate adhesion by recognizing specific carbohydrate-based ligands on partner cells. This review will summarize current research on the selectins and their ligands. Additionally, several leukocyte receptors, for which lectin activity has been demonstrated or inferred to exist, will be considered briefly.
Angular distributions of evaporated particles, fission and intermediate-mass fragments : on the search for consistent models

During the last two years there has been a true cacophony concerning the meaning of experimental angular distributions for fission and fission-like fragments. The heavily used, saddle-point, transition-state model has been shown to be of limited value for high-spin systems, and a wide variety of proposals has appeared often with mutual inconsistencies and conflicting views. Even though equilibrium statistical models for fragment emission and particle evaporation must have a very close kinship, this relationship, often left as murky, has now come onto center stage for understanding reactions at ≽ 100 MeV. Basic questions concern the nature of the decision-point configurations, their degrees of freedom, the role of deformation and the relevant moments of inertia. This paper points out serious inconsistencies in several recent scission-point models and discusses conditions for applicability of saddle-point and scission-point approaches.
Association of sex, hygiene and drug equipment sharing with hepatitis C virus infection among non-injecting drug users in New York City.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) rates are higher in non-injecting drug users (NIDUs) than general population estimates. Whether this elevated HCV rate is due to drug use or other putative risk behaviors remains unclear. Methods: Recent non-injection drug users of heroin, crack and/or cocaine were street-recruited from 2000 to 2003 and underwent an interview and venipuncture for HCV antibody assays. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess correlates for HCV infection. Results: Of 740 enrollees, 3.9% were HCV positive. The median age (intraquartile range) was 30 (35–24) years, 70% were male and 90% were Black or Hispanic. After adjustment, HCV seropositives were significantly more likely than seronegatives to be older than 30 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.71], tattooed by a friend/relative/acquaintance [AOR = 3.61] and know someone with HCV [AOR = 4.29], but were less likely to have shared nail or hair clippers, razors or a toothbrush [AOR = 0.32]. Conclusions: Non-commercial tattooing may be a mode of HCV transmission among NIDUs and education on the potential risk in using non-sterile tattooing equipment should be targeted toward this population. While no evidence was found for HCV transmission through NIDU equipment sharing or sexual risk behavior, further research is still warranted. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Concepts, Theory, and Techniques ROBUST METHODS: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH FOR ANALYZING DATA SETS CONTAINING INFLUENTIAL DATA POINTS

Recent advances in statistical estimation theory have resulted in the development of new procedures, called robust methods, that can be used to estimate the coefficients of a regression model. Because such methods take into account the impact of discrepant data points during the initial estimation process, they offer a number of advantages over ordinary least squares and other analytical procedures (such as the analysis of outliers or regression diagnostics). This paper describes the robust method of analysis and illustrates its potential usefulness by applying the technique to two data sets. The first application uses artificial data; the second uses a data set analyzed previously by Tufte [15] and, more recently, by Chatterjee and Wiseman [6].
Analysis of direct contact paper and paperboard food packaging for N-nitrosomorpholine and morpholine.

Analytical methods were developed to estimate the nitrosatable morpholine and apparent N-nitrosomorpholine content of paper and paperboard direct contact food packaging. Examination of 34 different paper or paperboard food packages indicated 9 to be contaminated with detectable levels of apparent N-nitrosomorpholine. All 12 packages analyzed for nitrosatable morpholine were positive with an average level of 380 μg/kg. Migration of apparent N-nitrosomorpholine and morpholine to food was demonstrated when paper or paperboard and dry food were incubated in a closed container for 3 days at 100°C.
The Association Between Male Offspring Aggression and Paternal and Maternal Behavior of Peromyscus Mice

Parents influence offspring aggression through genetic and non-genetic mechanisms, although the latter are less well understood. To examine potential non-genetic effects of parents on offspring, we cross-fostered the highly aggressive and biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) and the less aggressive, less parental white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). In-fostered animals within each species were used as controls. We examined associations between the foster parents' behavior and aggression of the fostered male offspring in resident-intruder (R-I) and neutral arena aggression tests. When both species and fostering groups were combined, R-I aggression of offspring was positively associated with paternal time spent retrieving pups. In contrast, aggression in a neutral arena was negatively associated with a composite score of maternal behavior. We discuss how our findings regarding paternal retrievals may explain previously reported effects of cross-fostering on male aggression.
Acid association quotients of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in aqueous NaCl media to 200°C

The molal acid association quotients of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris, also abbreviated as THAM) were determined potentiometrically in a concentration cell fitted with hydrogen electrodes. The emf was recorded for equimolal Tris/Tris-HCl buffer solutions from 5 to 200°C at approximately 25° intervals, and at ionic strengths of 0.0759, 0.2012, 0.7232, 1.9996, 3.5077, and 4.9599. The molal association quotients, as well as those selected from the literature and calorimetrically-determined enthalpies of reaction, were simply described by a six parameter equation which yielded the following thermodynamic quantities at infinite dilution and 25°C: logK=8.071±0.009, ΔH° = -47.53 ± 0.13 kJ-mol-1, ΔS° = -4.9 ± 0.5 J-K-1-mol-1, and ΔC p ° = 67 ± 13 J-K-1-mol-1. The fitting equation for this isocoulombic reaction incorporates a four term expression for log K and a linear isothermal dependence on ionic strength.
Tiresias: a demonstration of how-to queries

In this demo, we will present Tiresias, the first how-to query engine. How-to queries represent fundamental data analysis questions of the form: "How should the input change in order to achieve the desired output". They exemplify an important Reverse Data Management problem: solving constrained optimization problems over data residing in a DBMS. Tiresias, named after the mythical oracle of Thebes, has complex under-workings, but includes a simple interface that allows users to load datasets and interactively design optimization problems by simply selecting actions, key performance indicators, and objectives. The user choices are translated into a declarative query, which is then processed by Tiresias and translated into a Mixed Integer Program: we then use an MIP solver to find a solution. The solution is then presented to the user as an interactive data instance. The user can provide feedback by rejecting certain tuples and/or values. Then, based on the user feedback, Tiresias automatically refines the how-to query and presents a new set of results.
Posttraining optogenetic manipulations of basolateral amygdala activity modulate consolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory in rats

Memory consolidation studies, including those examining the role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA), have traditionally used techniques limited in their temporal and spatial precision. The development of optogenetics provides increased precision in the control of neuronal activity that can be used to address the temporal nature of the modulation of memory consolidation. The present experiments, therefore, investigated whether optogenetically stimulating and inhibiting BLA activity immediately after training on an inhibitory avoidance task enhances and impairs retention, respectively. The BLA of male Sprague–Dawley rats was transduced to express either ChR2(E123A) or archaerhodopsin-3 from the Halorubrum sodomense strain TP009 (ArchT). Immediately after inhibitory avoidance training, rats received optical stimulation or inhibition of the BLA, and 2 d later, rats’ retention was tested. Stimulation of ChR2(E123A)-expressing neurons in the BLA using trains of 40-Hz light pulses enhanced retention, consistent with recording studies suggesting the importance of BLA activity at this frequency. Light pulses alone given to control rats had no effect on retention. Inhibition of ArchT-expressing neurons in the BLA for 15 min, but not 1 min, significantly impaired retention. Again, illumination alone given to control rats had no effect on retention, and BLA inhibition 3 h after training had no effect. These findings provide critical evidence of the importance of specific frequency patterns of activity in the BLA during consolidation and indicate that optogenetic manipulations can be used to alter activity after a learning event to investigate the processes underlying memory consolidation.
OIL SPREADING UNDER ICE COVERS

ABSTRACT A new set of equations is presented for describing oil spreading under ice in calm waters. These equations consider the constant discharge mode, constant volume mode, and termination of spreading due to a balance of forces. Therefore, a complete description of the spreading phenomena from the time of initial spill to termination of spreading is presented. The equations are derived based on a simplified form of Navier-Stokes equations. Laboratory experiments were conducted using ice covers of different roughnesses, oils of different viscosities, and varying discharge rates. The theory agrees closely with the experimental data.
A Graphical Method for Determining the Number of Essential Sites in Enzymes with Multiple Binding Sites for a Ligand

Abstract We offer a novel graphical method for determining the number of essential sites in enzymes that contain multiple binding sites for a ligand. This method is applicable both to monomeric enzymes containing multiple "unspecific" sites (for protons, metal ions, etc.) and to oligomeric enzymes containing multiple "specific" sites (for substrates and their cognate analogues). The overall procedure is based on some of the intrinsic properties of the general rate equation for enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving multiple binding sites for Iigands as elaborated by W. G. Bardsley and R. E. Childs ( Biochem. J. , 149, 313-328, 1975). The experimental protocol involves measurement of initial rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions either at varying concentrations of the substrate or at a fixed concentration of the substrate and varying concentrations of effectors (activator or inhibitor). The data are analyzed by plotting 1/ v [L] p versus [L] (for inhibition) and [L] p / v versus 1/[L] (for activation) for different (integral) increments of p (such as 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . etc.). According to the analytical procedure developed herein, the magnitude of p that yields a horizontal asymptote on these plots serves as the quantitative measure of the number of essential sites in enzyme molecules. By employing this procedure, we have been able to quantitatively ascertain the number of essential sites required for the activation or inhibition of a variety of monomeric and oligomeric enzymes. Among monomeric enzymes we have established that: (i) of the three binding sites for linoleic acid in the lipoxygenase molecule, one site is essential for catalysis, and the other two sites are inhibitory; (ii) of several plausible protonation sites in the α-chymotrypsin molecule, only one protonation site is required for the activation of the enzyme; and (iii) there are two inhibitory sites for guanidine-HCl per ribonuclease A molecule; the enzyme is fully inhibited upon binding of guanidine-HCl at any of these two sites. Among oligomericenzymes, we have discerned that: (i) the individual subunits of LDH and phosphorylase b are catalytically active, and (ii) the catalytic/functional unit of the creatine kinase molecule is likely to be the dimeric subunit. The theoretical details leading to the graphical analysis and its usage in delineating the functional stoichiometry of enzyme-ligand complexes are discussed.
Effect of drying on properties of silica gel

Abstract Viscoelastic properties and permeability of a silica gel have been followed during the course of drying. The modulus and viscosity of the network rise by several orders of magnitude, and exhibit power-law dependence on the density of the gel. An aerogel was prepared from an undried gel, and its modulus was found by hydrostatic compression in a mercury porosimeter. Pore size distribution of the aerogel was determined by nitrogen sorption before and after compression. The bulk modulus of the aerogel was very close to that of the wet gel at low densities, but at higher densities the wet gels were more rigid that the compressed aerogels. This difference is attributed to aging of the wet gels in the pore liquid (water). The final shrinkage of the wet gels was greater than expected, based on the viscoelastic properties and the calculated capillary pressure, and the difference is attributed to accelerated viscoelastic relaxation of the network under high capillary stresses. The permeability decreases by almost four orders of magnitude as the gel contracts and pore size inferred from the permeability ( r w ) decreases in direct proportion to the pore volume. The pore size measured by nitrogen desorption ( r BT ) agrees closely with r w , as expected on theoretical grounds. For compliant aerogels, the nitrogen desorption process causes substantial compression of the gel, because of the capillary pressure exerted by liquid nitrogen. In such cases, the true pore size and pore volume can be estimated, given knowledge of the elastic modulus of the network; the corrected value of r BT agrees well with r w . At high densities r w was about 0.5 nm smaller than r BT , and this discrepancy is probably caused by neglect of the existence of a relatively immobile layer of water of that thickness on the surface of the network.
Oswald T. Avery: Nobel Laureate or Noble Luminary?

In 1944, Oswald T. Avery and his associates reported that DNA was the chemical substance acting to genetically transform species of pneumococcal bacteria. Many believe that Avery warranted the Nobel Prize for this discovery. Avery's work is evaluated here in light of the Nobel archives, which have made public the names of those who nominated Avery for this award and the basis for each of the nominations. Based on the archival record, it seems that key biological chemists "were not convinced by Avery's claim that DNA was the basis of heredity, that no geneticists nominated Avery, and that most nominators overlooked Avery's work on DNA in favor of his work on the immunogenicity of the bacterial capsule. Three critical scientific factors that adversely affected acceptance of Avery's work were the possibility of protein contamination of DNA, the role of DNA transformation limited to a few species of bacteria, and the possibility that DNA was acting as a chemical mutagen on the true genetic substance. In addition, Avery's own idiosyncratic behavior may have unintentionally confounded acceptance of his groundbreaking discovery.
Theoretical foundation of the 80/20 rule

A rigorous analysis of the 80/20 rule is made using an index for the observed values of the variables. Three important findings are identified. First, a sufficient condition is provided for Burrell's inverse relationship between minimum holdings and average circulation rate. Second, an indexed version of Lotka's law is used to derive a sufficient condition for Egghe's finding on the 80/20 rule. Third, through the computer simulations of the Simon-Yule model of Lotka's law, we identify the entry rate of new holdings as well as the number of circulations when the entry rate is a decreasing function to be crucial factors for the pattern of the 80/20-type curve.
Extremal maximal uniquely hamiltonian graphs

Let G be a graph of order n with exactly one Hamiltonian cycle and suppose that G is maximal with respect to this property. We determine the minimum number of edges G can have.
ASHP Therapeutic Position Statement on the Appropriate Use of Medications in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Pediatric Patients

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) encourages a thorough assessment by a qualified clinician to establish the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and detect all comorbid medical and neuropsychiatric conditions before initiating medication therapy. ASHP
Managing legal crises: Strategic communication in the court of public opinion

Managing the adverse visibility associated with a high‐profile legal crisis is a challenge faced by an increasing number of public relations professionals. This paper offers guidelines for effectively managing a legal crisis outside the courtroom while the case is pending before a court of law.
Propagation of photic evoked responses recorded from the retina, optic chiasm, lateral geniculate body, and visual cortex of the nutritionally rehabilitated rat visual system

Abstract Evoked responses to photic stimulation were measured simultaneously from the retina, optic nerve, lateral geniculate body, and visual cortex of normal adult rats and rats that were undernourished in early life and recovered. Waveforms of photic evoked responses from rehabilitated and normal rats were similar in all structures, although amplitudes were attenuated and peak latency was delayed in the retina and optic nerve of the experimental group; their ability to respond to rapidly repeated stimuli was diminished in the lateral geniculate body. Such regional differences may indicate that brain structures may vary in their susceptibility to early undernourishment and/or their recovery with rehabilitation.
Minimal breast cancer. A surgeon's dilemma

A review of 1455 cases showed 15-year survival of patients with cancer supposedly confined to the breast at time of surgery was 45%. The clinical examination alone cannot be relied upon to detect earliest breast cancer. Mammography may detect a cancer 2 years before it becomes palpable. The radiologist can often indicate areas that should be biopsied. Although general screening programs are presently considered impractical women with a family history of breast cancer and those who have previously been treated for breast cancer should undergo mammography. Multicentricity of cancer foci and frequent bilateral invo lvement have been shown. Modified radical mastectomy with removal of all breast tissue and of the lower and middle axillary lymph nodes but preserving the pectoral muscles seems adequate for minimal breast cancer. Suspicious areas in the contralateral breast require biopsy. Prophylactic contralateral mastectomy is not yet accepted as the procedure of choice.
Line-Dried vs. Machine-Dried Fabrics: Comparison of Appearance, Hand, and Consumer Acceptance

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of line drying on smooth ness and stiffness of fabrics, to determine whether consumer acceptance of fabric appearance and hand is related to certain economic and attitudinal factors, and to evaluate changes in the laundering process that would optimize the appear ance and hand of line-dried fabrics. Smoothness and stiffness of fabrics were measured after machine, line, and modified line-drying treatments. Consumer participants rated the acceptability of fabric appearance and hand, and responded to questions about their attitudes toward energy conservation and environmental concern. In most cases, line-dried fabrics were significantly stiffer than machine- dried fabrics but were equally acceptable with respect to hand. Line drying re sulted in a more wrinkled appearance which was less acceptable than the ap pearance of machine-dried fabrics. Factors which were related to the acceptance of fabric appearance were knowledge of the cost of machine drying, the fastid iousness of the individual, and attitude toward conservation. Briefly tumbling previously line-dried fabrics in a machine dryer resulted in appearance and hand that would have been acceptable to most consumer participants while still saving energy.
High voltage protection in active matrix flat-panel imagers

Various direct and indirect active matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPI) are being investigated for x-ray imaging. In both direct AMFPI and indirect AMFPI with avalanche gain, a bias potential up to several thousand volts is required to operate the photoconductor. Under the condition of a large amount of radiation exposure between subsequent readout, a potential >80 V could appear across the amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film transistor (TFT) and cause permanent damage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a simple pixel design for high voltage protection. The pixel electrode acts as an additional gate for the top channel of an a-Si TFT to drain excess image charge from the pixel electrode until an equilibrium is reached where the TFT channel current equals the detector signal current at a predetermined safe maximum value V Pmax for the pixel potential. This "dual-gate" TFT structure without additional protective device simplifies the TFT array design and improves yield. However special care is required to understand the characteristics of both the top and the bottom gates to ensure sufficient detector dynamic range as well as reliable high voltage protection. A physical model for dual-gate a-Si TFTs was developed and device parameters were determined by fitting the model to measured characteristics from a dual-gate TFT array. Our results showed that compared to the bottom (normal) gate, the protective gate has a shallower transfer characteristics (i.e. channel current as a function of gate voltage) due to a higher density of states in the top interface. Nevertheless it provides adequate protection of the TFT with V Pmax of ~40 V for typical radiographic exposures.
SQLi: towards an interface description language for relational databases

The advent of Internet and the increase in non-standard use of databases demand support for interface design primitives for ad hoc and user-friendly interface design. In this paper, we propose an interface description sub-language, called the SQLi, as a non-intrusive extension of SQL to facilitate ad hoc interface generation and data display with user preferred overriding capabilities. In support of our proposed extension and as a demonstration of its functional capabilities we introduce our system called SQL/IDL form generator that can be used as an add-on to any relational system as a query front end. We discuss the salient features of the tool and the SQLi extension through an illustrative example and argue that our proposed extension is adaptive enough to accommodate future changes and needs.
Are Approaches to Learning in Kindergarten Associated with Academic and Social Competence Similarly

Approaches to learning (ATL) is a key domain of school readiness with important implications for children’s academic trajectories. Interestingly, however, the impact of early ATL on children’s social competence has not been examined. This study examines associations between children’s ATL at age 5 and academic achievement and social competence at age 9 within an at-risk sample. We tested whether ATL followed a compensatory growth model (was most helpful to those with the fewest skills) with respect to academics, and a cumulative advantage model (was most helpful to those with the most skills) with respect to socioemotional outcomes. Participants (n = 669) were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a predominantly low-income, minority sample. Models regressing age 9 academic and social competence on age 5 ATL tested for moderation of ATL by age 5 levels of competence within each domain. ATL was associated with both academic (i.e., reading and math achievement) and social (i.e., externalizing problems and social skills) competence. Interestingly, ATL was more advantageous with respect to externalizing problems for children with higher initial levels of competence (fewer problem behaviors), but more advantageous for academic competence for children with lower initial levels of competence. Findings highlight the importance of early ATL for both academic and social success and support it as a critical intervention target. While ATL may help narrow the achievement gap for at-risk children, reducing the gap in externalizing problems may require targeted strategies for those with high early problem behavior.
An Application of Bayes' Rule to Diagnostic Test Evaluation

It is often the case that a clinician has diagnostic values such as sensitivity and specificity available for a certain diagnostic test but not the positive or negative predictive values. Because the clinician uses these predictive values to make decisions concerning the wellbeing of the patient, it is important to be able to compute them from the sensitivity and specificity. This article presents a well-established theorem called Bayes' rule for doing this. A brief, intuitive development of Bayes' rule and the framework for this application is given with a minimum of mathematics and without proofs. Several examples are provided.