cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intranasal oxytocin reduces pre-courtship aggression and increases paternal response in California mice (Peromyscus californicus)

Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that can facilitate prosocial behavior and decrease social stress and anxiety. We investigated whether acute pulses of intranasal (IN) OXT influenced social behavior during social challenges that are likely to occur throughout the lifespan of a wild mouse. To test this, we examined the acute effects of IN OXT in the male California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a monogamous, biparental, and territorial rodent, using a within-subjects longitudinal design. Social challenges included a pre-courtship male-female encounter conducted during the initial aggressive and not the following affiliative phase of courtship, same-sex resident intruder test, and parental care test, with each test and dose separated by at least two weeks. Males were treated with intranasal infusions of 0.8 IU/kg OXT or saline controls 5-min before each behavioral test, receiving a total of three treatments of either IN OXT or saline control. We predicted that IN OXT would 1) decrease aggression and increase affiliation during the pre-courtship aggression phase, 2) increase aggression during resident intruder paradigms and 3) increase paternal care and vocalizations during a paternal care test. As predicted, during pre-courtship aggression with a novel female, IN OXT males displayed less contact aggression than control males, although with no change in affiliative behavior. However, post-pairing, during the resident intruder test, IN OXT males did not differ from control males in contact aggression. During the paternal care test, IN OXT males were quicker to approach their pups than control males but did not differ in vocalizations produced, unlike our previous research demonstrating an effect on vocalizations in females. In summary, during pre-courtship aggression and the paternal care test, IN OXT promoted prosocial approach; however, during the resident intruder test IN OXT did not alter social approach. These data suggest that IN OXT promotes prosocial approach specifically in social contexts that can lead to affiliation. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIIN OXT attenuates male aggression during pre-courtship encounters C_LIO_LIIN OXT does not attenuate male aggression during resident intruder encounters C_LIO_LIIN OXT increases paternal responsiveness during a paternal care challenge C_LIO_LIIN OXT in fathers does not influence total paternal care or vocalizations C_LI GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=52 SRC="FIGDIR/small/449160v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (12K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@63bf1corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@97d8e7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12147d8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f3f71c_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Who Speaks in the Broadcast News Coverage of the Iran Deal

This chapter analyzes news coverage of the Iran Deal in the broadcast coverage of ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and Fox News Sunday using indexing theory. Previous research has shown that debates surrounding foreign policy issues are indexed based on the range of debates in Washington, DC. This research confirms that the Iran Deal debate in broadcast news was indexed based on the position of officials in congressional and executive branch sources. However, the criticisms of the administration regarding this deal were significantly covered. The results also present evidence of power indexing in the coverage. The significant presence of Israel as a source of criticism before the deal and the prevalence of the presidential candidates after the deal corroborate power indexing.
How Does CONDENSATION Behave with a Finite Number of Samples

Condensation is a popular algorithm for sequential inference that resamples a sampled representation of the posterior. The algorithm is known to be asymptotically correct as the number of samples tends to infinity. However, the resampling phase involves a loss of information. The sequence of representations produced by the algorithm is a Markov chain, which is usually inhomogeneous. We show simple discrete examples where this chain is homogeneous and has absorbing states. In these examples, the representation moves to one of these states in time apparently linear in the number of samples and remains there. This phenomenon appears in the continuous case as well, where the algorithm tends to produce "clumpy" representations. In practice, this means that different runs of a tracker on the same data can give very different answers, while a particular run of the tracker will look stable. Furthermore, the state of the tracker can collapse to a single peak -- which has non-zero probability of being the wrong peak -- within time linear in the number of samples, and the tracker can appear to be following tight peaks in the posterior even in the absence of any meaningful measurement. This means that, if theoretical lower bounds on the number of samples are not available, experiments must be very carefully designed to avoid these effects.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the Promoter Region of the Gene Encoding Mouse Steroid 11β-Hydroxylase

The mouse gene encoding adrenal steroid 11β-hydroxylase (11β-OHase) has been cloned and the nucleotide sequence of its 5′ end has been determined. The coding regions sequenced are homologous (75%) to the sequence of bovine 11β-OHase cDNA. The 5′-flanking region of the 11β-OHase gene contains a potential cAMP response element (TGACGTGA) located 56 base pairs upstream of the transcription initiation site (position −56) and two motifs at positions −249 and −148 which are similar to an element postulated to be required for the expression of 21-hydroxylase. Transfection of mouse Y1 adrenocortical tumor cells and MA-10 testicular Leydig cells with plasmids containing the 11β-OHase promoter linked to a growth hormone reporter gene showed that the 11β-OHase promoter can direct cell-specific expression. Deletion analyses of the 5′-flanking region suggest that multiple sequence elements, one of which is located between positions −425 and −338 and a second between positions −338 and −123, interact to produce full levels of promoter activity. Mutant Y1 cells defective in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity do not express growth hormone driven by the 11β-OHase promoter, indicating that expression of 11β-OHase in Y1 cells requires an intact cAMP second messenger system. Moreover, mutation of the putative cAMP response element at position −56 abolishes expression. These experiments thus present a useful system for the investigation of cis-acting elements involved in the transcriptional regulation of 11β-OHase.
Biosynthesis of calcitonin by a rat medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line.

Abstract The 32-amino acid form of the peptide hormone calcitonin is the product of a series of post-translational processing steps of a 13,400-dalton precursor, procalcitonin. We have now identified the steps involved in proteolytic paring of the precursor to the mature secretory form. Cultures of the CA-77 cell line were radiolabeled and the various forms of calcitonin were isolated by specific immunoprecipitation followed by fractionation on gel filtration and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Pulse-chase kinetics showed that procalcitonin was cleaved to a 6,500-dalton biosynthetic intermediate which was subsequently processed to the size of mature calcitonin (3,400 daltons). Partial microsequencing of the [35S] methionine-labeled intermediate indicated that the sequence consisted of the COOH-terminal 52 residues of procalcitonin. Partial microsequencing of the [35S]methionine- or [3H]proline-labeled 3,400-dalton species revealed that it was indistinguishable from naturally occurring, amidated calcitonin. These data define the major pathway for calcitonin biosynthesis in this neoplastic cell line and presumably in normal cells.
Computation as conversation

Against the backdrop of current research into 'logical dynamics' of information, we discuss two-way connections between conversation and computation, leading to a broader perspective on both.
On the question of interstellar travel.

Arguments are presented which show that motives for interstellar travel by advanced technological civilizations based on an extrapolation of Earth’s history may be quite invalid. In addition, it is proposed that interstellar travel is so enormously expensive and perhaps so hazardous, that advanced civilizations do not engage in such practices because of the ease of information transfer via interstellar communication.
Twenty-five years after the Bem Sex-Role Inventory: A reassessment and new issues regarding classification variability

Respondents' Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI; S. L. Bem, 1974) classifications may differ considerably on the basis of the form and scoring method used. The BSRI was reexamined with respect to past and present relevance.
Conservative management of adolescents with abnormal cytology and histology

Adolescents remain vulnerable to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection because of certain physiologic characteristics inherent in this age group and common sexual behaviors, including lack of condom use. The commonness of HPV in this age group also results in frequent abnormal cytology. Fortunately, most of the infections are transient, with frequent clearance of HPV and the lesion. Current strategies for adolescents with abnormal cytology include conservative management, avoiding invasive procedures. For cytologic atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), management can be obtaining cytology only at 1-year intervals for up to 2 years before referral for colposcopy is necessary. For biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, management is similar with yearly cytology indefinitely or until high-grade-SIL or CIN II/III develops. CIN II in adherent adolescents can be managed with 6-month cytology and colposcopy.
Amino Acid analysis and molecular weight determination of tetanus toxin.

Abstract A procedure for the isolation of tetanus toxin was developed. The toxin was precipitated with ammonium sulfate and further purified by use of molecular sieve chromatography and preparative disc gel electrophoresis. The degree of purification resulting from these fractionation procedures was monitored by analytical poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunodiffusion, and immunoelectrophoresis, all three of which demonstrated a single component. There was a 50-fold increase in specific activity between the crude culture filtrate and the final purified product, which had an average specific activity of 300 × 106 mouse minimal lethal doses per mg of N. A molecular weight of 140,000 was estimated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-200. A complete amino acid analysis of tetanus toxin is presented.
Tokamak plasma diagnosis by surface physics techniques

The utilization of elementally-sensitive surface techniques as plasma diagnostics is discussed with emphasis on measuring impurity fluxes, charge states, and energy distributions in the plasma edge. A model of plasma flow to the probe is presented and applied to the interpretation of data. Limits on time and energy resolution, and sensitivity are given. The overlap of these techniques with conventional plasma diagnostics is described.
Surface adsorption of organoarsenic roxarsone and arsanilic acid on iron and aluminum oxides.

Abstract Aromatic organoarsenicals roxarsone (ROX) and p-arsanilic acid (ASA) are common feed additives for livestock and could be released into the environment via animal manure and agricultural runoff. To evaluate their environmental fate, the adsorption behavior of ROX and ASA was investigated with two common soil metal oxides, goethite (FeOOH) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), under different reactant loading, water pH and competing ion conditions. ROX and ASA exhibit essentially identical adsorption characteristics. FeOOH and Al2O3 exhibit similar adsorption trends for both organoarsenicals; however, the adsorption efficiency on the surface site basis was about three times lower for Al2O3 than for FeOOH. The adsorption reaction is favorable at neutral and acidic pH. Phosphate and natural organic matter significantly interfere with aromatic arsenical adsorption on both metal oxides, whereas sulfate and nitrate do not. Pre-adsorbed aromatic arsenicals can be quickly but not completely displaced by phosphate, indicating that ion exchange is not the only mechanism governing the adsorption process. The adsorption envelope was successfully modeled by a diffuse double layer surface complexation model, identifying the critical role of di-anionic organoarsenic species in the adsorption. Results of this research can help predict and control the mobility of aromatic arsenicals in the environment.
Improving the quality of operations in truckload trucking

In this paper, the authors discuss the quality of operations in the truckload trucking industry. After introducing the concept of quality in the industry from the perspective of the customer, the carrier, and the driver, the authors introduce a new operational paradigm based on zone dispatching that leads to improved quality from all three perspectives. A review of the current literature indicates that the approach is unique. A comprehensive experimental design supports simulation experiments to examine operational design parameters and to determine solution robustness for zone dispatching alternatives. Results indicate that zone dispatching alternatives compare favorably with baseline point-to-point dispatching methods. Case studies supported by data provided by J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. further demonstrate the efficacy of the approach as a means of improving the quality of operations in truckload trucking. Additionally, a research framework is provided to guide future efforts in this area.
Een en ander over de Muziek en den Dans of de Kei‐Eilanden. Jaap Kunst

RECENT PUBLICATIONS ON MUSIC IN THE DUTCH EAST INDIES.: Music in Nias. Jaap Kunst. Music in Flores—A study of the vocal and instrumental music among the tribes living in Flores. Jaap Kunst. Een en ander over de Javaaansche Gamelan. Jaap Kunst. Een en ander over de Javaansche Wajang. Jaap Kunst. Muziek en Dans in de Buitengewesten. Jaap Kunst.
Hydroxylamine seeding of colloidal Au nanoparticles in solution and on surfaces

A new route to the synthesis of colloidal Au nanoparticles with diameters between 30 and 100 nm is described. On the basis of surface-catalyzed reduction of Au3+ by NH2OH, the approach grows existing nanoparticles into larger particles of a size determined solely by the initial particle diameter and the amount of Au3+ added. The resulting particles exhibit improved monodispersity relative to those prepared in one step by the reduction of Au3+ by citrate. Importantly, surface-confined colloidal Au nanoparticles can also be enlarged by this method, providing an attractive route to colloidal Au monolayers with variable interparticle spacing (at fixed particle coverage).
Beta blockers improve outcome in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: U.S. carvedilol study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in a significant number of patients with heart failure (HF) caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The deleterious interaction of AF and HF is mediated through a number of mechanisms including hemodynamic alterations and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Beta-blockers have been shown to improve symptoms and survival in patients with HF. In addition, beta-blockers have been used in patients with AF, primarily for rate control. A retrospective analysis of the U.S. Carvedilol Heart Failure Trial demonstrated that carvedilol improves outcomes in the high-risk subgroup of patients with HF and concomitant AF.
ULTRAVIOLET SENSITIVITY OF VIBRIO PARAH AEMOLYTICUS, A CAUSATIVE BACTERIUM OF FOOD POISONING

. A pathogenic strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, strain WP1, is about 5 times more sensitive to killing by ultraviolet light than is the non-pathogenic strain WP28, but WP1 cells have an efficient liquid-holding recovery. The cellular DNA of both strains is fragmented shortly after ultraviolet irradiation, but the fragmented DNA is converted in a short time to the initial large molecular size in WP28 cells. In WP1 cells, however, the DNA molecules were degraded rapidly without any apparent rejoining in a growth condition. Post-irradiation liquid-holding made the DNA of WP1 cells stable, as supported by the recovery of DNA synthetic activity in these cells.
Sybil defenses in mobile social networks

Mobile social networks are vulnerable to Sybil attacks. By creating a large number of fake identities, malicious users can gain a disproportionately high benefit through a Byzantine fashion. Most social network-based Sybil defenses adopt the assumptions that the honest region is a fast-mixing network. However, more and more evidence shows that some real social networks are not fast-mixing, especially when only strong-trust relations are considered. Moreover, the accuracy of all existing solutions is related to the number of attack edges that the adversary can build. In this paper, for addressing these problems, we propose a local ranking system for estimating trust-level between users. Our scheme has three unique features. First, our system is based on both trust and distrust relations. Second, instead of storing the entire social graph, users carry limited information related to themselves. Last but not least, our system weakens the impacts of attack edges by removing several suspicious edges with high centrality. We validate the effectiveness of our solutions through comprehensive experiments.
Cytoplasmic estrogen receptors in rat brain: immunocytochemical evidence using three antibodies with distinct epitopes.

The existence of cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ERs) has been reported in the guinea pig brain using immunocytochemical techniques. While cytoplasmic ERs have been reported recently in other species, such as opossum, musk shrew, and ferrets, an exclusively cell nuclear pattern of ER immunoreactivity has been reported in the rat brain. Because all studies that have reported the existence of cytoplasmic ERs in the brain have used the H 222 monoclonal antibody, the possibility exists that this observation is idiosyncratic to this antibody. In the present experiment three antibodies directed against diverse epitopes on the ER protein were used to immunocytochemically stain ERs in rat brain. With each antibody, ER immunoreactivity was observed in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, amygdala, and midbrain periaqueductal gray. In all cases we observed the highest density of reaction product in cell nuclei, but extensive cytoplasmic immunostaining was observed in most areas as well. In addition to demonstrating the...
Temporal regulation of light-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Signaling via the p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been implicated as an intermediate event coupling light to entrainment of the mammalian circadian clock located in the ...
Molecular relaxation behavior of fatty acid‐based vinyl ester resins

The experimental characterization of the time-dependent properties of fatty acid-based vinyl ester resins with reduced styrene content and emissions was conducted and compared with that of various commercial vinyl ester (VE) resins. Constant heating rate and isothermal, multifrequency sweep experiments were conducted over a wide temperature range using dynamic mechanical analysis. Storage and loss modulus master-curves were formed using time–temperature superposition (TTSP) and analyzed to quantify the molecular relaxation behavior using accepted techniques and theories. Special attention was focused on determining the effect of reducing styrene weight percent on the derived viscoelastic properties. The fatty acid-based VE resins were found to have similar or slightly inferior thermomechanical properties and a more pronounced viscoelastic response compared with the commercial resins. However, the research definitively demonstrates that the evaluated fatty acid VE resins are a viable replacement to commercial resins in certain applications with concomitant attractive environmental benefits. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Phenotypic heterogeneity of a tumor-associated antigen in adenocarcinomas of the colon and their metastases as demonstrated by monoclonal antibody B72.3.

AbstractTo determine the potential antigenic heterogeneity which might exist between a primary colon carcinoma lesion and its metastases, we stained the formalin and Zenker's fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from the resection specimens of 12 patients with Duke's Stage C adenocarcinoma of the colon with monoclonal antibody (MAb) B72.3. This MAb previously has been shown to react with a high molecular weight tumor-associated glycoprotein (termed TAG-72), which is selectively expressed in adenocarcinomas versus normal adult tissue (1). Five to 90% of malignant cells from all primary lesions stained with MAb B72.3 in paraffin-embedded tissue. A significantly diminished percentage of cells stained from the metastases in lymph nodes and distant sites. Pearson correlation coefficients showed that the antigenic expression of the metastasis in the lymph node was a better indicator of the antigenic profile of the metastasis in the distal site than was the primary lesion in the colon. These findings suggest that the...
The psychologic evaluation of children withcerebral palsy and its implications in treatment

Summary The intelligence distribution of 330 children with cerebral palsy studied over a five-year period was obtained. One-half of the children were mentally defective (I.Q. under 70) and three-fourths of them were below average intelligence (I.Q. below 90). There is no relationship between type of cerebral palsy and intelligence distribution. Of the 330 children, 56 per cent were under 4 years of age when first seen at the clinic. Of these, 53 per cent were mentally defective (I.Q. under 70), of whom 61 per cent were low grade defective (I.Q. below 40). Two specific disabilities, distractibility and visuomotor disturbances, were studied. Forty-four per cent of the spastics and 40 per cent of the athetoids were very distractible. However, only 8 per cent of the athetoids, in contrast to 39 per cent of the spastics, showed visuomotor disturbances. Implications of these findings are discussed. By fitting the treatment to the psychologic as well as the neuromuscular status of the individual child, aims of treatment would be more frequently fulfilled, and the tremendous parental emotional turmoil which unsuccessful and perhaps unindicated treatment engenders will be avoided.
Gender and Culture: Challenges to the Sociology of Religion

This article examines the challenge of the culture turn for the sociology of religion from several points of view. Looking at the congruence between certain feminist theories and the cultural turn, it begins by problematizing the Enlightenment idea of the autonomous individual seen in rebellion against an oppressive society. The article suggests congruence between the cultural turn and certain feminist theories in that they both posit the idea of the self as relational. A second point of congruence between the cultural turn and feminist theory is a new understanding of how selves are constituted through narrative. One implication of this for sociologists of religion is that we should pay greater attention to practices. This, in turn, leads to a reformulation of the relation between structure and culture. It also opens the door to seeing how practices are embodied and gendered, and at the core of religious identification.
Physician choices in the treatment of angina pectoris

Uncertainty about optimal treatment for many diseases results in heterogeneous management by definition. It was hypothesized that identifiable characteristics in a physician's background would influence the management of any such condition and thereby explain some of this heterogeneity. A vignette describing a patient with new-onset angina and a questionnaire ascertaining individual physician characteristics and management preferences were sent to attending physicians and house staff in the Department of Medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Although physicians believed very strongly that the patient had angina on the basis of the history, there was no consensus about managing the hypothetic patient. The age of the physician was the single most important predictor of management, with the younger half of the sample more likely to hospitalize (p less than 0.001), less likely to prescribe nitroglycerin as a sole therapy (p less than 0.005), and more likely to prescribe beta blockers (p less than 0.005). The era in which a physician trains may determine practices that persist for a lifetime. These findings may have important implications for medical education and the quality and cost of medical care.
Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(pyridinium phenylene)s: Block Polymers of p- and n-Type Semiconductors

Conjugated crystalline−crystalline donor−acceptor−donor block copolymer semiconductors, with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) as a donor (p-type) block and poly(pyridinium pheneylene) as an acceptor (n-type) block within the backbone, were produced by sequential Grignard metathesis synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene), a Yamamoto-type cross-coupling polymerization−cyclization sequence. These conjugated block copolymers are soluble in organic solvents and display broad optical absorption bands extending close to the near-infrared region. They show reversible ambipolar redox properties with high electron affinities of 3.8−4.0 eV as well as useful ionization potentials of 5.1 eV that are characteristic of the respective blocks. Block copolymers from p- and n-type organic semiconductors are of interest for the formation of nanostructured bulk heterojunctions in photovoltaic devices.
Intrinsic regulation of locus coeruleus neurons: electrophysiological evidence indicating a predominant role for autoinhibition

Abstract Locus coeruleus neurons were antidromically activated and the resulting post-stimulation inhibition was compared to the interspike interval and examined for its dependency on antidromic invasion and stimulus intensity. The post-stimulation inhibition seen in these cells following antidromic activation approximated the interspike interval, was critically dependent on the antidromic invasion of the cell inder study and was only weakly dependent on stimulus intensity. These results suggest that the post-stimulation inhibition following antidromic activation in the locus coeruleus is mediated principally by autoinhibition and not by hypothesized local inhibitory interactions between locus coeruleus neurons.
The Grass Widows of Mexico: Migration and Union Dissolution in a Binational Context

This article provides an empirical test of the widely accepted assumption that migration contributes to union instability. The data come from the Mexican Migration Project (MMP) data base MMP93. We use multilevel discrete time event history analysis to specify the odds of union dissolution for male household heads by individual- and community-level U.S. migration experience. In the context of the U.S.-Mexico migration flow we find that U.S. migration significantly increases the odds of union dissolution for individuals with extensive migration experience as well as for residents in communities with medium international migration levels. We conclude that changes in normative values and social control levels for both individuals and communities are partial contributors to this relationship. (authors)
Thrips-fungus interactions with special reference to their vector potential

Vector potential of mycophagous thrips as well as the nature of thrips-fungus interactions, in relation to the carrying of the fungal pathogens such asLasiodiplodia theobromae, Pestalotia sp.,Aspergillus sp., andPenicillium sp., are discussed.
COCCIDIA (EIMERIA) FROM THE PRAIRIE DOG, CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS LUDOVICIANUS, IN NORTHERN COLORADO.

SYNOPSIS. In a survey of the coccidia of prairie dogs in northern Colorado, Eimeria ludoviciani sp. n. was found in 45, Eimeria larimerensis sp. n. in 3, and Eimeria cynomysis Andrews, 1928 in 1 of 86 black-tailed prairie dogs, Cynomys ludovicianus ludovicianus.
Dehydrogenation kinetics and modeling studies of MgH2 enhanced by NbF5 catalyst using constant pressure thermodynamic forces

Abstract In this research, the effect of NbF 5 as an additive on the hydrogen desorption kinetics of MgH 2 was investigated and compared to TiH 2 , Mg 2 Ni and Nb 2 O 5 catalysts. The kinetics measurements were done using a method in which the ratio of the equilibrium plateau pressure to the opposing pressure was the same for all the reactions. The data showed NbF 5 to be vastly superior to the other catalysts for improving the desorption kinetics of MgH 2 . The rates of desorption were found to be in the order NbF 5 ≫ Nb 2 O 5 > Mg 2 Ni > TiH 2 > Pure MgH 2 . Kinetic modeling measurements showed that chemical reaction at the phase boundary to be the likely process controlling the reaction rates. TPD analyses showed the mixture with NbF 5 has the lowest desorption temperature although it was accompanied with some weight penalty.
Effect of pollution from Central American fires on cloud‐to‐ground lightning in May 1998

In the spring of 1998, numerous fires from seasonal biomass burning in Central America, mainly in Mexico and Guatemala, produced aerosol particles that were advected into the central plains of the United States. The effects of the fires continued from approximately April 9 through June 11. The most intense smoke concentration was on May 8 as seen from a NASA Shuttle mission. Characteristics of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes recorded by the National Lightning Detection Network were examined for May 1998 by subtracting the lightning characteristics for May 1995–1997, and 1999. This produces “difference value” maps with approximately 100 km resolution for polarity, peak currents, and multiplicity. Several significant differences are revealed. The percentage of positive flashes increased by a factor of two. Median first stroke peak currents have been calculated for both positive and negative flashes. For negative flashes, the median peak current decreased during the fire period. For positive flashes, the median peak current increased by over 20 kA in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Nebraska. Mean multiplicity values, or the number of strokes per flash, were calculated. Positive flash multiplicity did not change. Mean multiplicity values for negative flashes, however, changed dramatically. For a region including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana multiplicity values for negative flashes decreased from 2.8 to 1.0–1.4 strokes per flash. The data analyzed were a corrected set from which we had deleted positive flashes with peak currents less than 10 kA, thus removing most of the intracloud contamination. Further studies may reveal the relation between the effect of pollution and aerosol size on the characteristics of CG flashes.
Social Q&A

This article presents a review and analysis of the research literature in social Q&A (SQA), a term describing systems where people ask, answer, and rate content while interacting around it. The growth of SQA is contextualized within the broader trend of user-generated content from Usenet to Web 2.0, and alternative definitions of SQA are reviewed. SQA sites have been conceptualized in the literature as simultaneous examples of tools, collections, communities, and complex sociotechnical systems. Major threads of SQA research include user-generated and algorithmic question categorization, answer classification and quality assessment, studies of user satisfaction, reward structures, and motivation for participation, and how trust and expertise are both operationalized by and emerge from SQA sites. Directions for future research are discussed, including more refined conceptions of SQA site participants and their roles, unpacking the processes by which social capital is achieved, managed, and wielded in SQA sites, refining question categorization, conducting research within and across a wider range of SQA sites, the application of economic and game-theoretic models, and the problematization of SQA itself. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unified Convergence Results on a Minimax Algorithm for Finding Multiple Critical Points in Banach Spaces

A minimax method for finding multiple critical points in Banach spaces is successfully developed in [X. Yao and J. Zhou, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 26 (2005), pp. 1796-1809] by using a projected pseudogradient as a search direction. Since several different techniques can be used to compute a projected pseudogradient, the uniform stepsize and the continuity of a search direction, two key properties for the convergence results in [Y. Li and J. Zhou, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 24 (2002), pp. 865-885], get lost. In this paper, instead of proving convergence results of the algorithm for each technique, unified convergence results are obtained with a weaker stepsize assumption. An abstract existence-convergence result is also established. It is independent of the algorithm and explains why function values always converge faster than their gradients do. The weaker stepsize assumption is then verified for several different cases. As an illustration to the new results, the Banach space $W_0^{1,p}(\Omega)$ is considered and the conditions posed in the new results are verified for a quasi-linear elliptic PDE.
The Stress Driven "Rearrangement" Instability in Crystalline Films

It has been demonstrated that, in the absence of surface tension, a flat boundary of non-hydrostatically stressed elastic solids is always unstable with respect to "mass rearrangement". Specific mechanisms of the rearrangement can be different, for instance: (a) melting-freezing or vaporization-sublimation processes at liquid-solid or vapor-solid phase boundaries, (b) surface dif fusion of particles along free or interface boundaries, and (c) adsorption-desorption of atoms in epi taxial crystal growth. In this paper, the role of this instability in the problems of epitaxy is discussed; in particular, the new opportunities delivered by this instability are considered for realistic explana tion of the recently discovered phenomena of dislocation-free Stranski-Krastanow pattern of epitax ial growth. These phenomena cannot be interpreted in the framework of traditional viewpoints, since, according to the classical theory, the Stranski-Krastanow pattern develops as the result of pro liferation of misfit disloc...
A new capacitive test structure for microwave characterization of biopolymers

A new capacitive test structure, containing a parallel plate capacitor with coplanar waveguide feed lines, was used for microwave characterization of biopolymers for the first time. Microwave dielectric properties were obtained for the biopolymers as a function of dc bias and temperature by performing on-wafer microwave measurements. Dielectric tunability was observed with applied dc bias in the biopolymers tested. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1261–1265, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22474
Exploring the Stability of Belief: Resiliency and Temptation

AbstractBelief allows us to coordinate our thought with our action. As Ramsey famously puts it, belief is a map by which we steer. For belief to play its role, on the one hand it must be stable under certain kinds of informational change; on the other hand it must be sensitive to changing evidence. Keeping belief stability in mind, we can ask about the norms that govern belief change in circumstances where there is epistemic pressure on us to change our belief. One such circumstance involves interpersonal conflict—in cases of disagreement with others. Another such circumstance involves intrapersonal conflict—the case of epistemic temptation. In this paper, I focus on a particular epistemic temptation case to explore what is rationally permitted and what is rationally required for us to do in the name of stability of belief.
Peptide trapping of the Holliday junction intermediate in Cre-loxP site-specific recombination.

Cre recombinase is a prototypical member of the tyrosine recombinase family of site-specific recombinases. Members of this family of enzymes catalyze recombination between specific DNA sequences by cleaving and exchanging one pair of strands between the two substrate sites to form a 4-way Holliday junction (HJ) intermediate and then resolve the HJ intermediate to recombinant products by a second round of strand exchanges. Recently, hexapeptide inhibitors have been described that are capable of blocking the second strand exchange step in the tyrosine recombinase recombination pathway, leading to an accumulation of the HJ intermediate. These peptides are active in the λ-integrase, Cre recombinase, and Flp recombinase systems and are potentially important tools for both in vitro mechanistic studies and as in vivo probes of cellular function. Here we present biochemical and crystallographic data that support a model where the peptide inhibitor binds in the center of the recombinase-bound DNA junction and interacts with solvent-exposed bases near the junction branch point. Peptide binding induces large conformational changes in the DNA strands of the HJ intermediate, which affect the active site geometries in the recombinase subunits.
Occurrence of hip fractures and socioeconomic position.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine hip fracture incidence in the older U.S. White population as a function of their socioeconomic position. METHODS: A sample of 5,161 White, hip fracture cases, 50 years and older, was selected using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey for 1989-91. Median annual household income by ZIP Code of residence based on the 1990 Census was used as the measure of socioeconomic position. Fracture rates were calculated by age, sex, and income groups ranging from under $20,000 to $40,000 and more. RESULTS: A weighted, least squares analysis found a significant linear decrease in rates with increasing income after controlling for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that hip fracture incidence varies as a function of the income level of the ZIP Code area where the population resides. Implications for targeting prevention programs within local areas with low median income are discussed. Language: en
Infrared Microspectroscopy. IV. A Double-Beam Infrared Microspectrometer*

An attachment is described for converting a double-beam infrared spectrometer into a double-beam infrared microspectrometer quickly and easily. The attachment uses a reflecting microscope system in the sample beam and a gas cell in the reference beam to compensate for the increased path length in the sample beam. Examples of the spectral data obtainable using small crystals and microgram quantities of representative organic chemicals in solution are shown. The results indicate that satisfactory spectral resolution is obtainable in about one-fifth the time necessary for single-beam microspectrometry.
Two-dimensional electrophoresis of plasma lipoproteins: recognition of new apo A-I-containing subpopulations.

Two-dimensional electrophoresis has been used to resolve 12 distinct apo A-I-containing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subpopulations in human plasma. The subpopulations were quantitated by 125I-labeled, monospecific antibody and phosphor-imaging. Modification and standardization of the agarose electrophoresis (first dimension) enabled us to recognize new HDL subpopulations. Lipoprotein mobilities in agarose were expressed relative to the mobility of the sample's endogenous albumin. We demonstrated the presence of lipoproteins with mobilities faster than and similar to albumin, as well as subpopulations with mobilities slower than albumin. We refer to these as pre alpha, alpha and pre beta, respectively. Lipoprotein molecular sizes were determined with a non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (PAGE) (2% to 36%) in the second dimension. Internal standard of 125I-labeled proteins of known molecular size was run simultaneously in each gel permitting accurate size determination. We have demonstrated that ultracentrifugally-isolated lipoproteins are different from the native apo A-I-containing subpopulations. The major difference observed was the loss of pre beta 1 and pre beta 2 particles from the d 1.21 g/ml fractions. Possible physiologic and pathologic implications of these findings are also discussed.
A new Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary locality in the western powder River basin, Wyoming: biological and geological implications

Abstract A newly discovered Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary locality in the western Powder River basin, Wyoming, is characterized by a palynologically defined extinction horizon, a fern-spore abundance anomaly, a strong iridium anomaly, and shock-metamorphosed quartz grains. Detailed microstratigraphic analyses show that about one third of the palynoflora (mostly angiosperm pollen) disappeared abruptly, placing the K-T boundary within a distinctive, 1- to 2-cm-thick claystone layer. Shocked quartz grains are concentrated at the top of this layer, and although fern-spore and iridium concentrations are high in this layer, they reach their maximum concentrations in a 2-cm-thick carbonaceous claystone that overlies the boundary claystone layer. The evidence supports the theory that the K-T boundary event was associated with the impact of an extraterrestrial body or bodies. Palynological analyses of samples from the K-T boundary interval document extensive changes in the flora that resulted from the boundary event. The palynologically and geochemically defined K-T boundary provides a unique time-line of use in regional basin analysis.
Regulation of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase by endogenous purine and pyrimidine compounds and synthetic analogs in normal and leukemic white blood cells.

Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) is essential for the formation of both purine and pyrimidine nucleotides as well as for the active nucleotide form of some chemotherapeutic agents. The formation of PRPP is catalyzed by by enzyme PRPP synthetase, and many different compounds are known to affect the activity of this enzyme. This report examines the effects of endogenous purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, nucleosides, and several analogs of these compounds on the activity of PRPP synthetase from different types of normal and leukemic white blood cells (i.e. normal lymphocytes, normal granulocytes, phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes, and acute and chronic leukemic cells). Our results show that the effect varied with each individual compound, and the magnitude of the effect was dependent on the source of the enzyme. Since it appears possible to differentially affect PRPP synthetase activity from the different types of leukemic cells, this enzyme may be a potential target site in the chemotherapy of leukemia.
Macroscopic theory for capillary-pressure hysteresis.

In this article, we present a theory of macroscopic contact angle hysteresis by considering the minimization of the Helmholtz free energy of a solid–liquid–gas system over a convex set, subject to a constant volume constraint. The liquid and solid surfaces in contact are assumed to adhere weakly to each other, causing the interfacial energy to be set-valued. A simple calculus of variations argument for the minimization of the Helmholtz energy leads to the Young–Laplace equation for the drop surface in contact with the gas and a variational inequality that yields contact angle hysteresis for advancing/receding flow. We also show that the Young–Laplace equation with a Dirichlet boundary condition together with the variational inequality yields a basic hysteresis operator that describes the relationship between capillary pressure and volume. We validate the theory using results from the experiment for a sessile macroscopic drop. Although the capillary effect is a complex phenomenon even for a droplet as vari...
I Can Start That JME Manuscript Next Week, Can't I? The Task Characteristics Behind Why Faculty Procrastinate

Procrastination can be a crucial factor inhibiting faculty success. Many important tasks, especially publications for promotion or tenure, are typically associated with deadlines that are far in the future. As a result, time management skills can make or break the success of new faculty. This study examines task characteristics of procrastination in faculty work. It extends work by Paden and Stell and Ackerman and Gross to the context of procrastination by faculty members. An online survey asked respondents to recall important projects they had recently completed. The results suggest that task characteristics influencing procrastination in starting and in completing tasks and projects are quite different. A wider variety of factors affected faculty member procrastination in completing tasks and projects than in starting them. These included departmental norms, competing deadline pressures, perceived difficulty of the task or project in question, and clarity about how to proceed.
Incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer: role of cryotherapy.

Background and Objectives Carcinoma of the gallbladder is the most common malignancy of the biliary tree. There is no standard surgical approach to the treatment of gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy with partial or complete hepatic lobectomy has resulted in high morbidity and poor long-term survival. This report describes cryotherapy of the gallbladder fossa as an alternative to liver resection in the treatment of gallbladder cancer. Methods A group of patients underwent cryotherapy to the gallbladder fossa for local control of gallbladder cancer. Portal lymph node dissection was performed at the same time and patients with positive lymph nodes received post-operative chemotherapy and radiation; negative node patients were observed. Results Seven patients underwent surgery. Gallbladder cancer had been incidentally found in all patients. Median hospital stay was 4 days. Five patients had positive nodes. Complications included biliary stricture, pleural effusion, congestive heart failure exacerbation, and pulmonary embolus. Mean disease-free survival for patients with T2 tumors was 11.7 months. Mean disease-free survival for patients with T3 tumors was 16.3 months. Mean disease-free survival for lymph node positive patients was 14.8 months compared to 13 months for node negative patients. No local recurrences have been detected in the gallbladder fossa. Conclusions This study suggests cryotherapy to the gallbladder fossa done concomitantly with portal lymph node dissection may represent a safe and effective alternative to hepatic resection in the treatment of gallbladder cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:91–94. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.