cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting Student Interest in Chemical Concepts by Implementing Creative Learning Activities in a Chemistry in Society Course for Nonscience Majors

Creative activities designed for a nonscience-majors undergraduate chemistry course are described. Course topics were chosen in an effort to promote student interest, yet provide a means to address chemical concepts. Fundamental chemistry principles were presented in the context of atmospheric pollution, the ozone layer, global climate change, and acid rain. Activities were designed to accommodate diverse student backgrounds. Activities included attendance at seminars and on-campus events, discussion of current news events, creation of a children’s book, and development of chemical demonstrations. In addition, challenges encountered during the implementation of these activities are discussed.
Large-aperture grating tiling by interferometry for petawatt chirped-pulse-amplification systems

A tiled-grating assembly with three large-scale gratings is developed with real-time interferometric tiling control for the OMEGA EP Laser Facility. An automatic tiling method is achieved and used to tile a three-tile grating assembly with the overall wavefront reconstructed. Tiling-parameters sensitivity and focal-spot degradation from all combined tiling errors are analyzed for a pulse compressor composed of four such assemblies.
Collaborative e-work and e-manufacturing: challenges for production and logistics managers

The foundations and scope of e-Work and e-Mfg., and investigations of fundamental design principles for their effectiveness are reviewed. The premise is that without effective e-Work, potential benefits of emerging and promising electronic work activities, such as virtual manufacturing, tele-robotic maintenance, automated inspection, e-supply and e-logistics cannot be materialized. Challenges and emerging solutions are described, clustered in four areas: (1). e-Work; (2). Integration, Coordination and Collaboration; (3). Distributed Decision Support; and (4). Active Middleware. Design principles, models and tools are described, and challenges in production and logistics management are illustrated. This article is intended to stimulate and inspire fruitful future investigations, revolutionizing the way we can design beneficial e-Work and e-Mfg.
A boundary collocation method for the motion of two spheroids in stokes flow: Hydrodynamic and colloidal interactions

Abstract The dynamics of two non-Brownian spheroidal particles in low Reynolds number flows are studied. The boundary least squares-collocation method is developed based on the singularity solution for Stokes flow. This method allows the solution of the mobility problem for two spheroidal particles suspended in an arbitrary flow field to be obtained directly, at a modest computational cost. The method was tested with several model problems and the results were in good agreement with known results for various limiting cases. The method is then applied to the trajectory calculation for two spheroidal particles with additional long-range colloidal interactions. The classical DLVO theory is used with the Derjaguin approximation. Several examples for the motion of two oblate spheroids in a shear flow are shown.
ERK/MAPK is essential for endogenous neuroprotection in SCN2.2 cells.

Background Glutamate (Glu) is essential to central nervous system function; however excessive Glu release leads to neurodegenerative disease. Strategies to protect neurons are underdeveloped, in part due to a limited understanding of natural neuroprotective mechanisms, such as those present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This study tests the hypothesis that activation of ERK/MAPK provides essential protection to the SCN after exposure to excessive Glu using the SCN2.2 cells as a model. Methodology Immortalized SCN2.2 cells (derived from SCN) and GT1-7 cells (neurons from the neighboring hypothalamus) were treated with 10 mM Glu in the presence or absence of the ERK/MAPK inhibitor PD98059. Cell death was assessed by Live/Dead assay, MTS assay and TUNEL. Caspase 3 activity was also measured. Activation of MAPK family members was determined by immunoblot. Bcl2, neuritin and Bid mRNA (by quantitative-PCR) and protein levels (by immunoblot) were also measured. Principal Findings As expected Glu treatment increased caspase 3 activity and cell death in the GT1-7 cells, but Glu alone did not induce cell death or affect caspase 3 activity in the SCN2.2 cells. However, pretreatment with PD98059 increased caspase 3 activity and resulted in cell death after Glu treatment in SCN2.2 cells. This effect was dependent on NMDA receptor activation. Glu treatment in the SCN2.2 cells resulted in sustained activation of the anti-apoptotic pERK/MAPK, without affecting the pro-apoptotic p-p38/MAPK. In contrast, Glu exposure in GT1-7 cells caused an increase in p-p38/MAPK and a decrease in pERK/MAPK. Bcl2-protein increased in SCN2.2 cells following Glu treatment, but not in GT1-7 cells; bid mRNA and cleaved-Bid protein increased in GT1-7, but not SCN2.2 cells. Conclusions Facilitation of ERK activation and inhibition of caspase activation promotes resistance to Glu excitotoxicity in SCN2.2 cells. Significance Further research will explore ERK/MAPK as a key molecule in the prevention of neurodegenerative processes.
Effect of Quadruplex Conformation on Radiation-Induced Formation of 8-Hydroxyguanine and Unaltered Base Release in Polyguanylic Acid

Abstract The ability of guanine-rich sequences to form quadruplex structures in telomeres for example is important in a number of biological processes such as aging, carcinogenesis and gene regulation. Ionizing radiation can cause damage to guanine moieties that can affect the stability or formation of the guanine quadruplex structures. In addition, the mechanisms of formation of these radiation damages in quadruplex structures may be different from those that occur in single- or double-stranded conformations. We have studied the quantitative aspects of the radiation induced formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-guanine base modifications and unaltered guanine base release in single-, double- and four-stranded conformations of polyriboguanylic acid as a model of guanine-rich sequences in telomere-like structures. The results show that the strandedness of guanine-rich sequences is an important variable in the observed yields of these base damages and suggests that telomere-like structures with G-quadruplexes will be r...
Separation and characterization of single-chain polymer particles

Several different approaches are presented for the separation and conversion of isolated molecules in solution to solid, single-molecule particles. With an electrospray process single molecules and few molecule cluster are isolated. Tested were an amorphous polystyrene and a crystalline poly(ethylene oxide). Particle size- and shape- distributions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the small particle size on physical parameters are discussed. Observations of electrosprayed polymer particles are used to suggest an extension of the general electrospray model.
Sub-populations of pars compacta neurons in the substantia nigra: the significance of qualitatively and quantitatively distinct conductances.

Abstract In the substantia nigra pars compacta neurons can be classified in two sub-populations. In this study the distinguishing criteria have been the presence of four distinct calcium-dependent potentials, two each generated selectively and exclusively in each cell type. One class of cells, found in the more caudal pars compacta, displays calcium-mediated, slow oscillatory potentials which occur spontaneously and generate long-duration afterhyperpolarizations. A second, much faster calcium spike can be evoked after the blockade of sodium and potassium channels. This spike has a high generation threshold and is followed by a fast afterhyperpolarization. The other group of neurons is distributed principally in the rostral substantia nigra, at the level of the mammilary bodies. In these cells, a low-threshold calcium spike is generated that (i) inactivates at depolarized potentials (ii) has no active negative phase, and (iii) causes burst firing action potentials. In all these three respects, this transient differs from the slow oscillatory potential in the more caudal group of neurons. In addition, a short-duration calcium-dependent potential can be evoked at a high threshold. Both the low- and high-threshold spikes of the rostral cells are attenuated in experiments where dendrites have been sectioned prior to the recording. The membrane properties of the caudal cell group, including the fast calcium spike, are unaffected by dendritic sectioning. It is suggested that in the guinea-pig the calcium conductances in the caudal neurons operate in or near the cell body and might play a large (though not necessarily exclusive) role in regulating autorhythmicity. In the more rostral cells, the characteristics of their particular calcium conductances which seem to be located more distally would prompt a mediating function in the secretion, and subsequent action, of neuroactive substances from dendrites.
Calretinin staining pattern aids in the differentiation of mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma in serous effusions

BACKGROUND. The differentiation between malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma based on morphology alone can be a diagnostic challenge. The majority of the available antibodies recognize molecules expressed by adenocarcinoma whereas to the authors' knowledge specific markers for mesothelial cells are lacking. Calretinin, a calcium-binding protein, has been reported to be a selective marker for mesothelioma and largely is absent from adenocarcinoma on histologic material. The results with cytologic preparations have been inconsistent. METHODS. To evaluate the specificity of calretinin in differentiating mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma in cytologic preparations, 21 paraffin embedded cells blocks of serous effusions from 15 patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma and 16 cell blocks from 9 patients with malignant mesothelioma were stained with a monoclonal antibody against calretinin. The immunoreactivity was evaluated blindly by two observers. Positive staining was defined as nuclear and cytoplasmic staining with or without intense membranous decoration. The former resulted in a characteristic fried egg appearance. RESULTS. Calretinin staining was positive in all but 2 cases of mesothelioma (14 of 16 cases; 87.5%). The latter contained predominantly spindle-shaped neoplastic mesothelial cells in the cell block preparations. All adenocarcinoma specimens were classified as negative for calretinin staining; 9 (42.9%) lacked any immunoreactivity and 12 (57.1%) showed weak, sparse, coarse, granular cytoplasmic staining without nuclear or membranous staining. Benign reactive mesothelial cells, when observed in association with adenocarcinoma, also showed the characteristic fried egg appearance. The difference in the staining pattern of calretinin between cells of mesothelial origin and adenocarcinoma cells was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS. Calretinin is a useful marker in differentiating mesothelioma of the epithelial type from adenocarcinoma in serous effusions. The fried-egg appearance or cytoplasmic and nuclear staining pattern is characteristic of cells of mesothelial origin.
A Super-Dual-Porosity Simulation Model for Water-Channeling in Naturally Fractured Gas & Oil Reservoirs

The dual porosity model, since it was put forward, has been regarded as the best simulation model in describing the fluid flow through naturally fractured heterogeneous reservoirs. Nowadays it has been extensively applied to the development of gas & oil fields. In most gas fields in Sichuan, China, the distribution of natural fractures and aquifers is complicated. And this type of fractured systems could usually experience some abnormal flow phenomena such as that the crestal well produces water while the downdip well in the same gas reservoir produces gas; or the same gas well produces water intermittently; It is difficult to explain these phenomena by existing principles. All kinds of conventional dual-porosity models, which are based on the ideas proposed by Warran & Root in 1963, can not simulate satisfactorily such problems in practice. Therefore, these problems often puzzle the people involved in the development of gas & oil fields. In this paper a super-dual-porosity model is presented for the serious water-channeling phenomena in the fractured reservoirs, especially the gas reservoirs in Sichuan, China. A new mathematical model is developed by introducing larger-aperture fractures and a new combined-fracture media, and is used to describe quantitatively the fluid-channeling through the larger-aperture fractures. Then the solution and coding work of this model are also completed. Finally, the results calculated by the new model are compared with those obtained by running the conventional models. The practical applications demonstrate that if the larger-aperture fractures are known this model could make a good history match and dynamic prediction, and it is very difficult for the conventional models to perform the tasks as well.
Serotonin-induced gnawing in rats: comparison with tail pinch-induced gnawing.

Abstract The intrathecal (IT) injection of serotonin in the rat was found to produce a variety of behavioral signs of the serotonin “syndrome” as well as intense gnawing. Serotonin-induced gnawing is qualitatively similar to that evoked by tail pinch. Paradoxically, tail pinch-induced gnawing has been previously shown to be inhibited by serotonergic activity while we found a positive dose-related correlation between the IT administration of serotonin and gnawing. Pretreatment with methysergide IT completely blocked gnawing produced by intrathecally injected serotonin but not that evoked by tail pinch. In contrast, naloxone, reported to inhibit tail pinch-induced hyperphagia, failed to affect serotonin-induced gnawing. The parenteral injection of haloperidol inhibited both tail pinch-induced and serotonin-induced gnawing. Failure of intrathecally injected haloperidol to inhibit serotonin-induced gnawing indicates that dopamine mediates this behavior at a supraspinal level. The ability of serotonin to elicit gnawing when injected at the spinal cord level, but to inhibit the same behavior when evoked by tail pinch, suggest that this neurotransmitter plays opposite roles depending on which part of the CNS is involved.
Revision Surgery for Failed Thermal Capsulorrhaphy

BackgroundWith the failure of thermal capsulorrhaphy for shoulder instability, there have been concerns with capsular thinning and capsular necrosis affecting revision surgery.PurposeTo report the findings at revision surgery for failed thermal capsulorrhaphy and to evaluate the technical effects on subsequent revision capsular plication.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsFourteen patients underwent arthroscopic evaluation and open reconstruction for a failed thermal capsulorrhaphy. The cause of the failure, the quality of the capsule, and the ability to suture the capsule were recorded. The patients were evaluated at follow-up for failure, which was defined as recurrent subluxations or dislocations.ResultsThe origin of the instability was traumatic (n = 6) or atraumatic (n = 8). At revision surgery in the traumatic group, 4 patients sustained failure of the Bankart repair with capsular laxity, and the others experienced capsular laxity alone. In the atraumatic group, all patients experi...
Rural-Urban Differences in Black Family Structure: An Analysis of the 1990 Census

The nature and structure of the African American family continues to be a topic of importance in sociology. Since the much-maligned Moynihan report of the 1960s, sociologists have linked Black family structure to persisting disadvantage. However, the overwhelming majority of past studies have focused on the urban Black family. Accordingly, this article employs data from the 1990 Public Use Microdata Samples to compare the rural African American family to its urban counterpart. Results from the logistic regression analysis reveal that for rural Blacks, family structure is less important than community type and race relative to poverty status. These findings suggest a need for a refinement of the underclass debate.
A Concept of Monotonicity and Its Characterization for Closed Queueing Networks

We define a qualitative property, called monotonicity, for a closed queueing network. This property is defined both for a station in the network and for the network as a whole. Several results in this paper relate monotonic behavior to the known parameters of a network and allow us to state a priori, for many practical systems, whether the monotonicity property will apply for a network or a station. Monotonicity thus ensures that the system is well-behaved with respect to a number of parameters. We present diverse examples that demonstrate how knowledge of this property can be useful in network design and performance evaluation.
Efficacy of first-line doxorubicin and ifosfamide in myxoid liposarcoma.

Background Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is a soft tissue sarcoma with adipocytic differentiation characterized by a unique chromosome rearrangement, t(12;16)(q13;p11). The exact efficacy of chemotherapy in MLS has not been clearly established.
The construct validation of self-ratings of communicative language ability

The trait structure of an experimental self-rating test of communicative language ability was investigated through the use of MTMM design and CFA procedure. The language abilities we attempted to m...
Stepping-stone detection algorithm based on order preserving mapping

Intruders often do not attack victim hosts directly from their own hosts so as not to reveal their identity. Instead, intruders perform their attacks through a sequence of intermediary hosts before attacking the target. This type of attack is known as a "stepping-stone attack". Stepping-stone detection is to determine if a host machine is being used as a stepping-stone by attackers. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for stepping-stone detection using a pervious mapping-based detection method. The technique reduces the detection problem to finding a mapping between two streams of packets. If our algorithm cannot find the mapping, then no such mapping exists. But if there is a mapping, then the proposed algorithm is guaranteed to find one and the solution will always be the one with minimum indexed. We provide the proof of the correctness of the algorithms. Furthermore, the algorithm has a low time complexity. The paper also discusses the effect of chaff packets on the ability to detect stepping-stones.
Energy consumption in multilective and boundary VLSI computations

A VLSI computation is said to be m-way multilective when each input bit is available m times in either space or time or both. The repeated availability of input bits can save computational energy. For a uniswitch m-way multilective computation, where a wire can switch at most once, it is shown that the energy savings can be as much as a factor of m. A multiswitch m-way multilective computation can save up to a factor of square root m switching energy. Tighter energy lower bounds are derived for a circuit with the input/output (I/O) pads located on the border. These boundary computations seem to cost an additional factor ranging from square root log n to log n in switching energy. The author extends the energy lower bounds for the multilective case, for a chip with aspect ratio a. The additional energy cost ranges from a factor of square root a to a factor of a. >
A PROPOSED PRODUCTION METHOD FOR SPIN-ALIGNED HYDROGEN

An experimental method for production of the unique (but thusfar hypothetical) substance, spin-aligned hydrogen, is described.
Elimination of Doppler ambiguities in weather radar data

An algorithm that eliminates Doppler ambiguities from weather radar data is described. The algorithm processes data utilizing several mechanisms that have proven to be effective in a variety of weather conditions. These techniques include the use of multiple pulse repetition frequency (PRF) data, radial and azimuthal continuity, and a windfield model. >
Exporters and Their Products: A Collection of Empirical Regularities

We present a set of empirical regularities that characterize the export activity of firms. We decompose firm-level exports by product category across destination markets in a consistent manner for four data sets from Brazil, Chile, Denmark, and Norway. We relate the empirical regularities to new trade theories that connect microeconomic activity to aggregate outcomes. Our findings corroborate main motivating facts and may help discipline future theoretical work. (JEL codes: F12, L11, F14).
Equivalence of transforming non-linear DACG to linear concept tree

This paper introduces a strategy and its theory proof to transform non-linear concept graph: directed acyclic concept graph (DACG) into a linear concept tree. The transformation is divided into three steps: normalizing DACG into a linear concept tree, establishing a function on host attribute, and reorganizing the sequence of concept generalization. This study develops alternative approach to discovery knowledge under non-linear concept graph. It overcomes the problems with information loss in rule-based attribute oriented induction and low efficiency in path-id method. Because DACG is a more general concept schema, it is able to extract rich knowledge implied in different directions of non-linear concept scheme.
Completion of the Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus and Comparison to the Highly Similar Genomes of Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis

Brucellosis is a worldwide disease of humans and livestock that is caused by a number of very closely related classical Brucella species in the alpha-2 subdivision of the Proteobacteria. We report the complete genome sequence of Brucella abortus field isolate 9-941 and compare it to those of Brucella suis 1330 and Brucella melitensis 16 M. The genomes of these Brucella species are strikingly similar, with nearly identical genetic content and gene organization. However, a number of insertion-deletion events and several polymorphic regions encoding putative outer membrane proteins were identified among the genomes. Several fragments previously identified as unique to either B. suis or B. melitensis were present in the B. abortus genome. Even though several fragments were shared between only B. abortus and B. suis, B. abortus shared more fragments and had fewer nucleotide polymorphisms with B. melitensis than B. suis. The complete genomic sequence of B. abortus provides an important resource for further investigations into determinants of the pathogenicity and virulence phenotypes of these bacteria.
Mycosides C: Behavior as Receptor Site Substance for Mycobacteriophage D4

Interpretation of an earlier published infrared spectrum of Mycobacterium smegmatis lipids with receptor site activity for D4 phage led us to the inference that the active substance is very likely a mycoside C. This hypothesis was confirmed: the well-characterized mycosides C(s) and C(1217) elaborated by the heterologous strains M. scrofulaceum and Mycobacterium species 1217, respectively, are essentially indistinguishable from the smegmatis lipids in their behavior toward D4. Minute quantities adsorb and extensively inactivate the phage on appropriate incubations. In accord with derivative expectations, Mycobacterium species 1217 is a permissive host, attacked and lysed by D4. However, our current strains of M. butyricum, M. avium, and M. scrofulaceum, which reputedly produce various related mycosides C, are neither lysed by nor do they significantly adsorb the phage. Implications of these observations are discussed.
When drugs don't work: An algorithmic approach to medically intractable epilepsy

Article abstract—Nonpharmacologic options for the treatment of epilepsy include epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and the ketogenic diet. The advantages and limitations of these treatment modalities have been extensively reviewed, but there is no general consensus on when each option should be considered. The authors propose an algorithm based on the type of epilepsy. Generally, nonpharmacologic options should be considered early—i.e., after the first few drug failures. Because of their good outcome with resective surgery, mesial temporal and lesional neocortical epilepsies should be considered for resection. Conversely, nonlesional neocortical epilepsies are probably best approached with vagus nerve stimulation first. For symptomatic or cryptogenic generalized epilepsies, which are commonly intractable, vagus nerve stimulation and the ketogenic diet appear to be reasonable options to consider before palliative surgery such as corpus callosotomy. Idiopathic (i.e., genetic) generalized epilepsies are only rarely refractory to medications and can be outgrown. In rare cases, vagus nerve stimulation may occasionally play a role in their treatment.
Universal access to HIV treatment versus universal 'test and treat': transmission, drug resistance & treatment costs.

In South Africa (SA) universal access to treatment for HIV-infected individuals in need has yet to be achieved. Currently ∼1 million receive treatment, but an additional 1.6 million are in need. It is being debated whether to use a universal ‘test and treat’ (TT treatment reduces infectivity and hence transmission. Under a T&T strategy all HIV-infected individuals would receive treatment whether in need or not. This would require treating 5 million individuals almost immediately and providing treatment for several decades. We use a validated mathematical model to predict impact and costs of: (i) a universal T&T strategy and (ii) achieving universal access to treatment. Using modeling the WHO has predicted a universal T&T strategy in SA would eliminate HIV within a decade, and (after 40 years) cost ∼$10 billion less than achieving universal access. In contrast, we predict a universal T&T strategy in SA could eliminate HIV, but take 40 years and cost ∼$12 billion more than achieving universal access. We determine the difference in predictions is because the WHO has under-estimated survival time on treatment and ignored the risk of resistance. We predict, after 20 years, ∼2 million individuals would need second-line regimens if a universal T&T strategy is implemented versus ∼1.5 million if universal access is achieved. Costs need to be realistically estimated and multiple evaluation criteria used to compare ‘treatment as prevention’ with other prevention strategies. Before implementing a universal T&T strategy, which may not be sustainable, we recommend striving to achieve universal access to treatment as quickly as possible. We predict achieving universal access to treatment would be a very effective ‘treatment as prevention’ approach and bring the HIV epidemic in SA close to elimination, preventing ∼4 million infections after 20 years and ∼11 million after 40 years.
How many points should be awarded for interactive textbook reading assignments

New college engineering textbooks and other online learning materials use activities like interactive questions to engage students and improve learning. Some such materials use a "safe" learning approach where activity solutions are readily available to students, as opposed to being graded like a homework assignment. Instructors have inquired how few course points are sufficient to ensure students complete such assigned activities. Furthermore, some wonder if assigning course points might lead students to "cheat the system" by revealing solutions to quickly earn points, rather than earnestly attempting to answer the questions. We analyzed behavior data of 1,394 students in 8 engineering classes at different colleges. We found that surprisingly few course points — just 5 or 10 points, and as few as 2 points — were sufficient to achieve over 90% average completion of activities by students. For comparison, assigning no points yielded only about 50% completion. Furthermore, we found that assigning points had only a minor impact on students earnestly attempting to answer questions, versus showing themselves the answer first, with earnestness changing only modestly from 92% to 86% when points were assigned.
Risk Adjusted Mortality Ratings and Public Reporting for High-Risk PCI

We appreciate the perspective of the comments by Drs. Miner and Nield [(1)][1] regarding our study [(2)][2]. As noted by Drs. Miner and Nield [(1)][1], there are many limitations to any form of observational risk-adjusted outcomes comparisons. Certainly cardiac arrest or shock patients have a
Perspective on the Storage of Hydrogen: Past and Future

There are clear advantages to using hydrogen as a fuel, but storage of hydrogen in a light-weight and compact form remains a challenge. This review highlights past breakthroughs that led to the current thinking in hydrogen storage methodology. Metal organic frameworks are discussed briefly, with greater attention to the storage of hydrogen in other molecules. Many molecular storage strategies rely on the thermal decomposition of hydrogen hetero atom bonds and formation of hydrogen to hydrogen bonds. An acid-base thought model is presented to explain observed behaviors and to guide future endeavors.
USE OF POISSON REGRESSION MODELS IN ESTIMATING INCIDENCE RATES AND RATIOS

Summarizing relative risk estimates across strata of a covariate is commonly done in comparative epidemiologic studies of incidence or mortality. Conventional Mantel-Haenszel and rate standardization techniques used for this purpose are strictly suitable only when there is no interaction between relative risk and the covariate, and tests for interaction typically are limited to examination for departures from linearity. Poisson regression modeling offers an alternative technique which can be used for summarizing relative risk and for evaluating complex interactions with covariates. A more general application of Poisson regression is its utility in modeling disease rates according to postulated etiologic mechanisms of exposures or according to disease expression characteristics in the population. The applications of Poisson regression analysis to problems of summarizing relative risk and disease rate modeling are illustrated with examples of cancer incidence and mortality data, including an example of a nonlinear model predicted by the multistage theory of carcinogenesis.
Demultiplexers for next generation DWDM network

This paper shall review state-of-the-art dense WDM demultiplexers for commercial deployment in high capacity optical networks. Fiber optics component technologies, features, designs and performance will be described for various network applications.
Pistols, Crime, and Public Safety in Early America

There is currently a rather vigorous debate under way about the meaning of the Second Amendment. What arms does it protect? The District of Columbia, in its attempt to defend its 1976 gun control law, has argued that the widespread possession of handguns represent an especially serious public safety hazard, and that even if arguendo, the Second Amendment protects an individual right, it would not extend to handguns, which it characterizes as uniquely dangerous weapons that present unique dangers to innocent persons. This paper examines what the history of pistols in early America tells us about what was likely the Framers original intent in protecting the right of the people to keep and bear arms with no apparent limitations concerning handguns and concludes that, unlike radio or nuclear power, repeating firearms (of some sort) were not only foreseeable but eagerly expected.
The Effect of Ion-Exchange Column Chromatography on Separation of X and Y Chromosome-Bearing Human Spermatozoa*

Separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa has been attempted using ion-exchange column chromatography, with cation- and anion-exchange resins of low, intermediate, and high ionic strength. Examination of F-bodies on the Y chromosome of treated human sperm and progeny resulting from insemination of treated rabbit spermatozoa indicates that in none of the cases investigated did the treatment cause a separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. The treatment does appear to filter out dead rabbit (and bull) spermatozoa, but the possible beneficial effects of this phenomenon are as yet uninvestigated.
Multiple specificities of immunoglobulin M in equine fetuses infected with Leptospira interrogans indicate a competent immune response.

Summary Reasons for performing study Foals of mares infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona type kennewicki (Lk) may be aborted/stillborn or delivered as healthy foals. Is fetal survival explained in part by the immune response of the fetus to Leptospira antigens? Objectives To describe an outbreak of Leptospira abortion in which infected mares delivered dead/sick or normal foals and determine specificities of antibody in a collection of 54 fetuses from similar outbreaks. Study design Outbreak investigation in combination with a case-control study of a larger set of samples from aborted fetuses. Methods Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on urine and amniotic fluids were used to diagnose infection during an outbreak of Leptospira abortion. Specificities of immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgGa and IgGb for recombinant proteins of Lk in archived fluids of fetuses from similar outbreaks were compared by ELISA with those of fluids of fetuses not infected with Leptospira spp. Results Five fetuses of 11 infected mares in an outbreak survived in utero in the presence of persistent placental infection and were healthy at foaling. Fetuses of 6 mares in the outbreak were aborted or died soon after birth. Significantly greater (P<0.05) IgM reactivity with all recombinant proteins and with Lk sonicate was observed in 54 archived fluids from Leptospira infected fetuses than in fluids of 30 of non-Leptospira infected fetuses. Low levels of IgGa and IgGb specific for LipL32 and Lk sonicate and traces of LigA and Hsp15 specific IgGa were detected in a minority of archived fluids from Leptospira infected fetuses. Conclusion Although mainly mediated by IgM, a high level of immune competence in aborted fetuses was evidenced by the multiplicity of Leptospira proteins targeted. This is likely to contribute to survival of foals in mares with evidence of placental infection at foaling as detailed in a typical outbreak.
Renal actions of angiotensin-(1−7) : in vivo and in vitro studies

In vivo studies were conducted in Na-replete anesthetized male Wistar rats with denervated kidneys. Intrarenal injections of angiotensin-(1–7) [ANG-(1–7) at > 1 nmol/kg produced a shallow dose-dependent decrease in renal blood flow that was mediated by the AT1-type ANG II receptor. A constant intrarenal infusion of ANG-(1–7) at 0.1 and 1 nmol.min-1.kg-1 had minimal effects on renal blood flow and blood pressure and resulted in an elevated urinary excretion of Na and water compared with the time-control saline-infused group. To determine whether ANG-(1–7) may have a direct action on tubular epithelium to inhibit Na reabsorption, we examined the effect of ANG-(1–7) on transport-dependent O2 consumption (Qo2) in fresh suspensions of rat proximal tubules in vitro. ANG-(1–7) inhibited Qo2 in a concentration-dependent fashion with a threshold concentration of approximately 100 pM. Stimulating Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) activity with nystatin caused a leftward shift of the inhibitory concentration-response curve to ANG-(1–7). The 22% inhibition of Qo2 by 1 pM ANG-(1–7) was abolished by pretreatment with 5 mM ouabain (Na-K-ATPase inhibitor), unaltered by pretreatment with 1 microM PD-123319 (AT2 receptor antagonist), partially attenuated by 1 microM losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist), and abolished by 1 microM [Sar1, Thr8]ANG II (nonselective ANG receptor antagonist). Together these findings indicate that ANG-(1–7) has biological activity in the kidney and, at nonvasoconstrictor doses, results in increased Na and water excretion in vivo. One site of action is the proximal tubule, where ANG-(1–7) can inhibit an ouabain-sensitive Na-K-ATPase exit step in cellular Na transport. This novel inhibitory action of ANG-(1–7) appears to be mediated by an AT1 receptor (minor component) and a non-AT1, non-AT2 ANG receptor (major component).
Inheritance and Drug Response

he promise of pharmacogenetics, the study of the role of in heritance in the individual variation in drug response, lies in its potential to identify the right drug and dose for each patient. Even though individual differences in drug response can result from the effects of age, sex, disease, or drug interactions, genetic factors also influence both the efficacy of a drug and the likelihood of an adverse reaction. 1-3 This article briefly reviews concepts that underlie the emerging fields of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, with an emphasis on the pharmacogenetics of drug metabolism. Although only a few examples will be provided to illustrate concepts and to demonstrate the potential contribution of pharmacogenetics to medical practice, it is now clear that virtually every pathway of drug metabolism will eventually be found to have genetic variation. The accompanying article by Evans and McLeod 4 expands on many of the themes introduced here. Once a drug is administered, it is absorbed and distributed to its site of action, where it interacts with targets (such as receptors and enzymes), undergoes metabolism, and is then excreted. 5,6 Each of these processes could potentially involve clinically significant genetic variation. However, pharmacogenetics originated as a result of the observation that there are clinically important inherited variations in drug metabolism. Therefore, this article — and the examples highlighted — focuses on the pharmacogenetics of drug metabolism. However, similar principles apply to clinically significant inherited variation in the transport and distribution of drugs and their interaction with their therapeutic targets. The underlying message is that inherited variations in drug effect are common and that some tests that incorporate pharmacogenetics into clinical practice are now available, with many more to follow. The concept of pharmacogenetics originated from the clinical observation that there were patients with very high or very low plasma or urinary drug concentrations, followed by the realization that the biochemical traits leading to this variation were inherited. Only later were the drug-metabolizing enzymes identified, and this discovery was followed by the identification of the genes that encoded the proteins and the DNA-sequence variation within the genes that was associated with the inherited trait. Most of the pharmacogenetic traits that were first identified were monogenic — that is, they involved only a single gene — and most were due to genetic polymorphisms; in other words, the allele or alleles responsible for the variation were relatively common. Although drug effect is a complex phenotype that depends on many factors, early and often dramatic examples involving succinylcholine and isoniazid facilitated acceptance of the fact that inheritance can have an important influence on the effect of a drug. Today there is a systematic search to identify functionally significant variations in DNA sequences in genes that influence the effects of various drugs. 4 t
The Effect of a Thin Sample on the Extended Defect Evolution in Si+ Implanted Si

The annealing kinetics of implant damage in Si+ implanted Si has been investigated using in-situ and ex-situ annealing of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples prepared prior to annealing. The defect evolution at 800°C was studied for a Si wafer implanted with Si+ at 100keV to a dose of 2×1014 cm-2. This implant was above the sub-threshold loop formation threshold allowing one to study simultaneously the {311} defect dissolution and dislocation loop nucleation and growth. In order to study the effect on the defect evolution of using a thin sample for an in-situ annealing experiment, a pair of samples, one thick and one thinned into a TEM sample, were annealed in a furnace simultaneously. It was found that the presence of a second surface 2000A below the implant damage did not affect the extended defect evolution. For the in-situ annealing study it was found that the {311} dissolution process and sub-threshold dislocation loop formation process was not affected by the TEM electron beam at 160kV as long as an 800°C furnace pre-anneal was done prior to in-situ annealing. The dissolution rate of the {311} defects was used to confirm the TEM holder furnace temperature. The results of both the in-situ the {311} defects is released during the 311 dissolution process and 30% comes to reside in dislocation loops. Thus, the loops appear to contain a significant fraction of the total interstitial concentration introduced by the implant.
Spin nematic ground state of the triangular lattice S = 1 biquadratic model

Motivated by the spate of recent experimental and theoretical interest in Mott insulating $S=1$ triangular lattice magnets, we consider a model $S=1$ Hamiltonian on a triangular lattice interacting with rotationally symmetric biquadratic interactions. We show that the partition function of this model can be expressed in terms of configurations of three colors of tightly packed closed loops with non-negative weights, which allows for efficient quantum Monte Carlo sampling on large lattices. We find that the ground state has spin nematic order, i.e., it spontaneously breaks spin rotation symmetry but preserves time-reversal symmetry. We present accurate results for the parameters of the low-energy field theory as well as finite-temperature thermodynamic functions.
Parent Health Beliefs, Social Determinants of Health, and Child Health Services Utilization among US School-Age Children with Autism

Objective Substantial variation exists in ASD care by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; however, the role of parent health beliefs in this variation is poorly understood. Study goals were to (1) examine variation in parent beliefs about ASD prognosis and treatment according to social determinants of health (SDH) and (2) assess whether this variation was associated with variable health services utilization, among 1420 children with special health care needs (CSHCN) having autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Exposure to Information, Belief Integration, and Individual Responsiveness to Agenda Change

This article examines individual responsiveness to the media's changing political agenda during the years from 1964 to 1980. In the context of a dynamic model, the data indicate that responsiveness is positively associated with education, political interest, and a social motivation to attend to public affairs. A two-component model, in which heightened involvement increases individuals' exposure to information but also decreases their receptivity to the impact of the messages, is considered in a multivariate analysis. Although the results are only suggestive, the exposure function appears to operate for all three variables, whereas the inhibitions owing to the integration of previous information are evident only for political interest. Some speculations are offered about how these results may elaborate models of democratic public choice.
FUNCTIONAL PRESENCE OF M2 MACROPHAGE MARKERS IN GBM TUMOR CELLS

BACKGROUND: Tumor associated macrophages (TAMS) have been suggested to be key players in the tumor microenvironment. The M2 activation phenotype is believed to be the predominant TAM phenotype in solid tumors. To further define the role of M2 TAMs and analyze the cross-talk between tumor cells and TAMs, we examined the presence of macrophage markers in glioblastoma (GBM) tumors, their responses to various treatments, the genetic profile of M2 macrophages and also potential mediators of tumor cells communication with TAMs. METHODS: GBM tumor specimens were assayed for macrophage/microglia and M2 activation markers via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. GBM tumor lysates and glioma tumor cell lines were assayed for M2 macrophage activation markers, CD163, CD204 and CD206 via immunoblotting. Gene expression analysis in a THP-1 model of macrophages was performed using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Array. Proteins released by GBM cells were analyzed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Cells were cultured under various conditions of hypoxia or stem-like cells promoting or they were exposed to irradiation. RESULTS: Pan-macrophage CD68, microglia CD11b, and monocyte marker CD14 were all readily detected in GBM. CD163 + , CD204 + , and CD206+ cells were found to be richly present throughout GBM tumors. To confirm the M2 activation phenotype marker expression pattern, THP-1 monocytic cells model polarized by IL-4/IL-13 expressed CD163, CD204 and CD206. We also isolated the CD163+ cells from the resected specimens that, interestingly, expressed also an astrocytic cell marker, GFAP. Unexpectedly, GBM cells in culture were also found to express macrophage markers. Macrophage markers expression was differential in response to hypoxia, stem-like cells conditions and irradiation. In situ staining of GBM tumor specimens showed the co-localization of M2 macrophage markers and GFAP. We also found two groups of gene expression patterns in THP-1 M2 macrophages that differ from M1 and M0 types, with potential individual candidates for new M2 and also M1 markers. Among the proteins specifically picked by LC-MS, several are known to be associated with activated astrocytes (CTGF), immune cells (CCL2) or other stromal cells (periostin), and to some extent with tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: GBM cells express macrophage activation markers CD163, CD204 and CD206, which is a novel observation. This finding implies the existence of a subset of GBM cells with a potential important functional role in the tumor microenvironment. Also, more specific markers for M2 macrophages are needed. Moreover, GBM cells release an abundance of factors enabling communication with TAMs. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Immunobiology & Immunotherapy.
Heart Rate Variability and Incident Stroke: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Background and Purpose—Low heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction, has been associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. We examined the association between reduced HRV and incident stroke in a community-based cohort. Methods—The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study measured HRV using 2-minute ECG readings in 12 550 middle-aged adults at baseline (1987–1989). HRV indices were calculated using the SD of RR intervals (SDNN), the mean of all normal RR intervals (meanNN), the root mean square of successive differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD), low (LF) and high (HF) frequency power, and the LF/HF ratio. All HRV measures were categorized into quintiles. Incident stroke was adjudicated through 2011. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with the lowest HRV quintile as the reference, with and without stratification by prevalent diabetes mellitus. Results—Over a median follow-up of 22 years, 816 (6.5%) participants exper...
Increasing rents and incumbency disadvantage

Recent empirical studies have found a incumbency disadvantage in many developing democracies, in marked contrast with the well-known incumbency advantage in the US and other developed democracies. We know considerably less about incumbency disadvantage than incumbency advantage. In a simple principal-agent framework, I explore the role of a prominent feature of developing democracies – corruption. When rents are constant in incumbents’ tenure – a standard assumption – the conditions for incumbency disadvantage are existent but limited; however, increasing rents, possibly due to learning, a gradual build-up of rent-extraction networks or fiscal windfalls, considerably increase the possibility of incumbency disadvantage, because voters may prefer inexperienced and unconnected challengers, even if they are of lower quality. Incumbency disadvantage becomes more likely as the pace of rent increase grows, politician quality decreases, with noise in the policy outcome, and potentially even when the pool of polit...