cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unintended Consequences: Anticipation of General Election Outcomes And Primary Election Divisiveness

This article offers the first theory to explain the relationship between primary election divisiveness and general election outcomes that is grounded in candidates' own behavior. Conventional wisdom holds that divisive primaries cause candidates to do poorly in general elections. I show that primary divisiveness does not cause this or any other pattern of general election results. Rather, expectations about general election results cause primaries to be divisive. Non-incumbents enter races they think they can win, and they think they can win where the incumbent is vulnerable. More candidates enter those races than others, splitting the vote among them. This stampede creates divisive primaries in which incumbents are most likely to do poorly, and challengers well, in the general elections. As a result, divisiveness is associated with (but does not cause) better general election performances among challengers and worse performances among incumbents. In this manner, primary divisiveness is an unintended consequence of behavior directed towards the goal of winning the general election. I tested these propositions using data from major-party House primaries between 1976 and 1998 and found that (a) candidate expectations of victory determine when and where divisive primary elections occur, (b) those expectations drive the correlation between primary divisiveness and general election results, and (c) primary divisiveness correlates with incumbents doing poorly, and challengers well, in general elections.
Generalized Polarimetric Model-Based Decompositions Using Incoherent Scattering Models

The model-based scattering decomposition pioneered by Freeman and Durden has stimulated research in characterizing polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) scattering phenomenon and its applications. The Freeman and Durden decomposition as originally developed is based on three scattering models for volume, surface, and double bounce. It is known that the decomposition often produces negative scattering powers for a large number of pixels. This implies that the scattering models are inconsistent with the data. In this paper, we investigate the model deficiency problem and propose several algorithms to mitigate it. To achieve this, we developed an incoherent scattering model based on the polarization orientation angle distribution of phase differences. Two approaches are taken to reduce the number of negative power pixels: 1) adopt a volume scattering model by including variable shape factor while keeping the original surface and double bounce models unchanged, and 2) incorporate the incoherent surface or double bounce model while keeping the original volume model. In addition, the combination of 1) and 2) is explored, and the effect of polarization orientation compensation on these algorithms is investigated. The effectiveness of these approaches is compared using L-band AIRSAR and E-SAR PolSAR data. It will be shown that model efficiency is improved with occurrence of negative power reduced to an insignificant level.
Reclamation of car washing wastewater by a hybrid system combining bio-carriers and non-woven membranes filtration

Due to the considerable temporal and spatial variations in precipitation in Taiwan, water usage authorities often impose restrictions on car washing, plant watering, and swimming pool refilling in drought season. In response to these water restrictions, the commercial carwash industry has taken measures to install reclamation systems for recycling and reusing carwash wastewater. Dissolved air flotation (DAF), sand filtration (SF), or Multi-media filtration (MMF) units are common reclamation systems for removing suspended solids (SS) in car wash wastewater. However, these technologies are usually ineffective at removing organic contaminants and result in the accumulation of organic contaminants in reclaimed water system. Alternative technologies with higher efficiency to produce high quality reclaimed water must be developed to meet the water demands of car wash industry during drought season. This paper presents a hybrid system that combines bio-carriers and non-woven membranes filtration. When installed ...
Back injury prevention programs: A critical review of the literature

Back schools are increasingly utilized as an injury prevention strategy employed at the worksite. Yet, evidence of the efficacy of back schools is limited and controversial. A review of the literature showed variance in methodologies and consequently, outcomes. Outcome measures used include physical capacity, functional abilities, costs, lost time, absenteeism, perception of pain, lifting performance, attitudes, and job satisfaction. In many studies, lack of randomization and control was found to be a limitation in experimental design. Studies which used the behavioral approach of measuring lifting behavior lacked followup and evidence of long-term effects. The type of education and feedback or reinforcement was an important issue not well-defined in the literature. A variety of hypothetical mechanisms were described as contributing to the outcome of back injury prevention programs. Additional controlled research is necessary to determine the specific mechanisms of change in an effort to further improve outcome in this area.
Sense Organs in the Ovipositor of Biosteres (Opius) longicaudatus, a Parasite of the Caribbean Fruit Fly Anastrepha suspensa,

Two types of sensilla were observed in the ovipositor of Biosteres (Opius) longicaudatus Ashmead (Braconidae) using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanoreceptor sensilla found buried in the wall of the ovipositor along its length may serve as proprioceptors, providing information on the degree and angle of bending of the ovipositor. In addition, dome-shaped (DS) sensilla were observed at the tip of the ovipositor. Each DS sensillum is perforated by a 500 A diam pore and is innervated by 2 bipolar neurons, including one presumably chemosensory cell that communicates with the pore, and one deeper, apparently mechanosensory, neuron. The mechanoreceptor cell may respond to tactile stimulation, whereas the chemoreceptor cell may detect ovipositor-promoting and deterring substances associated with suitable and unsuitable hosts.
Viral sequences are associated with many histocompatibility genes.

A C57BL/6By 5.5 kb Pvu II polymorphic restriction fragment which hybridizes with a spleen focus-forming env probe and maps in the H-30 region has been cloned, and a 358 by subfragment subcloned. Hybridization and sequencing studies show that the 358 by fragment is encoded by the region of the pol gene of murine retrovirus which codes for an endonuclease critical for viral integration. Hybridizations of digested murine genomic DNAs with the 358 by probe generate 31 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs); 16 of these can be placed near the following 15 minor histocompatibility (H) loci: H-3, H-4, H-7, H-13, H-15, H-16, H-17, H-19, H-22, H-24, H-27, H-30, H-34, H-36, and H-38. We suggest that the proximity of viral sequences to H loci is probably evolutionarily and functionally significant and that the closeness of viral sequences and minor H loci can probably be utilized to facilitate the cloning of minor H genes. During the course of these studies, it has become possible to tentatively assign H-17, H-34, and H-38 to chromosome 12. In addition, it was observed that several H-2 congenic strains retain portions of chromosome 12 from the parental donor strains used in their derivation.
Origin and evolution of a cold-based tropical mountain glacier on Mars: The Pavonis Mons fan-shaped deposit

[1] Each of the large Tharsis Montes volcanoes in the equatorial region of Mars has an unusual Amazonian-aged fan-shaped deposit on its west-northwestern flank. On the basis of Viking Orbiter data, the origin of these deposits has been variously ascribed to volcanic, mass-wasting, tectonic, and glacial processes. Using new MGS and Odyssey data, combined with recent developments in the study of cold-based glaciers, we reassess the geology and mode of origin for these deposits with particular emphasis on Pavonis Mons. The deposits share three characteristic facies, including (1) a ridged facies, consisting of tens to >100 parallel, concentric ridges around the margins of the deposits, (2) a knobby facies composed of irregular hills and hummocks, and (3) a smooth facies of broad, lobate plains that superposes all other units within the deposits. On the basis of morphology, topography, superposition relationships, and close terrestrial analogs in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, we interpret the Pavonis fan-shaped deposit as the depositional remains of a cold-based glacier that formed on the northwestern flank in recent Martian history. We interpret the ridged facies as drop moraines formed around the margins of a retreating cold-based glacier, the knobby facies as a sublimation till derived from in situ down-wasting of cold-based glacial ice, and the smooth facies as extant debris-covered glacial ice. In addition to the three main facies, the fan-shaped deposit at Pavonis Mons contains several unique features, including arcuate scarps, high-relief flow-like features, and radial ridges, which suggest that volcanism played a role during its formation. Using recent results from Mars general circulation model simulations, we outline a model of glacier formation involving atmospheric deposition of water ice on the northwestern flanks of the Tharsis Montes during periods of high mean obliquity. Reconstructed ice sheet profiles for each of the Tharsis Montes glaciers suggest that the ice sheets attained average thicknesses of ∼1.6–2.4 km, values that are consistent with a cold-based glacial origin. Analysis of crater size-frequency distributions using new data indicates that the age of the glaciation lies within the Late Amazonian (∼10–200 Ma). Thus our results suggest that multiple phases of tropical mountain glaciation occurred on Mars within the past few hundred Myr and that significant amounts of near-surface, equatorial ice may remain within the deposit today.
An equation for the heat capacity of solids

Abstract A new expression for the heat capacity of solids is proposed: a) for fitting the measured low-temperature heat capacity data on crystals, and b) for estimating heat capacity at high temperatures without violating the limit set by Petit and Dulong (1819). C p = 3 Rn (1 + k 1 T −1 + k 2 T −2 + k 3 T −3 ) + ( A + BT ) + C ' p where R and n are the gas constant and the number of atoms in the chemical formulae, respectively. A and B are calculated from thermal expansion coefficient and isothermal bulk modulus data. The k i 's are determined by fitting the measured low-temperature heat capacity data. C ' p is the departures from the 3Rn limit for some substances due to cation disordering, anharmonicity and electronic contributions. The five constants in the proposed equation were determined for six minerals for which the physical properties have been well studied. The errors possibly resulting from experimental measurements or extrapolations of the thermal expansion coefficient and bulk modulus were carefully examined.
Exogenous ghrelin modulates release of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages through distinct signaling pathways.

Ghrelin, an orexigenic 28 amino-acid peptide, has been studied primarily in relation to the control of appetite and fat metabolism. In addition to these well-known functions, ghrelin, and its target receptors, growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), have been localized to neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages suggesting that ghrelin may be involved in immune modulation. To assess the therapeutic role of ghrelin in production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, the effects of exogenous ghrelin administration on the regulation of cytokine release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed. Ghrelin and GHS-Rs are expressed in murine macrophages. In addition, exogenous ghrelin inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β & TNF-α in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages in a dose dependent and time-dependent fashion. Exogenous ghrelin pretreatment resulted in a decrease in LPS-induced NFκB activation and was presumably the reason for this ghrelin-mediated effect. In contrast to these findings, exogenous ghrelin significantly augmented the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in a dose dependent and time-dependent fashion from LPSstimulated murine macrophages. Ghrelin administration enhanced activation of p38 MAPK, which is known to control the release of IL-10 in macrophages independent of the NFκB pathway. These effects of ghrelin on both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were offset when a specific GHS-R receptor antagonist was added to the culture media. In conclusion, these data suggest that ghrelin has potent anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of secretion of both pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines from LPS-stimulated macrophages through distinct signaling cascades. Therapeutic utility of ghrelin to control, modulate or treat pathologic inflammatory conditions like endotoxemic shock and ulcerative colitis requires further investigation.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and chronic allograft tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Abstract Chronic allograft tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF) is a major cause of late allograft loss. A major challenge to the future of kidney transplantation is to dissect the identifiable causes of chronic allograft TA/IF and to develop cause-specific treatment strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important event in native and transplant kidney injury, including chronic allograft TA/IF. During EMT, tubular epithelial cells are transformed into myofibroblasts through a stepwise process including loss of cell-cell adhesion and E-cadherin expression, de novo α -smooth muscle actin expression, actin reorganization, tubular basement membrane disruption, cell migration, and fibroblast invasion with production of profibrotic molecules such as collagen types I and III and fibronectin. We examined in this review the molecular and cellular pathways of EMT and their involvement in chronic allograft tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We examined the role of alloimmune T cells and oxidative stress in this context and evaluated EMT as a marker of disease progression. Potential therapeutic options are discussed. In conclusion, there is enough evidence demonstrating that EMT is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, the extent of its contribution to allograft fibrogenesis remains unknown, and only interventional trials will enable us to clarify this question. Furthermore, additional data are required to determine whether EMT may be used as a surrogate marker of disease progression in kidney transplant recipients.
New device for analysis of metal particles in oil

Abstract A portable graphite furnace atomic absorption (AA) spectrometer, developed under a contract for this laboratory, has been evaluated using powdered metal particles suspended in oil. The portable wear metal analyzer (PWMA) was designed to support the deployed aircraft requirement for spectrometric oil analysis. The PWMA is a microprocessor-controlled automatic sequential multielement AA spectrometer packaged in two cases having a total weight of 49 kg. The PWMA will analyze for nine elements (nickel, iron, copper, chromium, silver, magnesium, silicon, titanium and aluminum) at a rate of 4 min per sample. The graphite tube and modified sample introduction system increase the detection of particles in oil when compared with the currently used techniques of flame AA or spark atomic emission spectroscopy and represent the major reason for this work — the qualification and calibration of the PWMA with known “wear metal” samples in turbine engine oil. Five (nickel, iron, copper, chromium and silver) of the nine elements analyzed by the PWMA are reported here owing to space limitations. These five elements represent the minimum and maximum concentration ranges of all nine elements. The PWMA shows good-to-excellent response for particles in the size ranges 0–5 and 5–10 μm and fair response to particles of 10–20 and 20–30 μm. All trends in the statistical variations are easily explained by system considerations. Correction factors to the calibration curves are necessary to correlate the analytical capability of the PWMA to the performance of existing spectrometric oil analysis instruments.
Temperature-Dependent Phase Behaviors in Cylinder-Forming Block Copolymers

We demonstrate that the temperature-dependent phase behaviors of parallel and perpendicular cylinder-forming block copolymers are governed by domain-domain segregation forces inherently present in block copolymer material itself. With increasing temperature, a parallel cylinder-forming block copolymer experienced a parallel cylinder straightening process before the order-disorder transition (ODT) and did not show long-range composition fluctuations near the ODT temperature due to the weak segregation forces between the block domains. A perpendicular cylinder-forming block copolymer with a strong segregation force between the block domains displayed cylinder orientation transition from perpendicular to parallel below the ODT temperature. On the other hand, a perpendicular cylinder-forming block copolymer material with an exceptionally strong segregation force between the block domains maintained its initial perpendicular cylinder orientation up to near the ODT temperature. In both cases of perpendicular cylinder-forming block copolymers, submicrometer-scale long-range composition fluctuations were observed well above the ODT temperature due to their intrinsically strong segregation forces between the block domains.
Over-burdened Society, Over-politicised State: Understanding Pakistan’s Struggles with Governance

Abstract Beset by serious governance problems, Pakistan is often called a failed state. Using the concepts of state-in-society, burdened societies and over-politicised states, this article argues that the nature of a society’s social and political structures, such as social inequality and ethnic divisions, determines the quality of governance institutions that can emerge within it at any given time. These structures emerge from the country’s pre-independence socio-political inheritances and then evolve under the influence of subsequent external and internal factors. In order to analyse a country’s future governance prospects and socio-economic trajectory, one must study the trajectory of these societal structures. Using this framework, the article concludes that while doomsday predictions about Pakistan’s collapse or take-over by religious extremists are inaccurate, it suffers from serious socio-economic problems, which will only resolve gradually if its societal structures evolve over the years in a positive direction.
Nitric oxide inhibition of adenylyl cyclase type 6 activity is dependent upon lipid rafts and caveolin signaling complexes.

Several cell types, including cardiac myocytes and vascular endothelial cells, produce nitric oxide (NO) via both constitutive and inducible isoforms of NO synthase. NO attenuates cardiac contractility and contributes to contractile dysfunction in heart failure, although the precise molecular mechanisms for these effects are poorly defined. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms type 5 and 6, which are preferentially expressed in cardiac myocytes, may be inhibited via a direct nitrosylation by NO. Because endothelial NO synthase (eNOS and NOS3), β-adrenergic (βAR) receptors, and AC6 all can localize in lipid raft/caveolin-rich microdomains, we sought to understand the role of lipid rafts in organizing components of βAR-Gs-AC signal transduction together with eNOS. Using neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, we found that disruption of lipid rafts with β-cyclodextrin inhibited forskolin-stimulated AC activity and cAMP production, eliminated caveolin-3-eNOS interaction, and increased NO production. βAR- and Gs-mediated activation of AC activity were inhibited by β-cyclodextrin treatment, but prostanoid receptor-stimulated AC activity, which appears to occur outside caveolin-rich microdomains, was unaffected unless eNOS was overexpressed and lipid rafts were disrupted. An NO donor, SNAP, inhibited basal and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in both native cardiac myocytes and cardiac myocytes and pulmonary artery endothelial cells engineered to overexpress AC6. These effects of SNAP were independent of guanylyl cyclase activity and were mimicked by overexpression of eNOS. The juxtaposition of eNOS with βAR and AC types 5 and 6 results in selective regulation of βAR by eNOS activity in lipid raft domains over other Gs-coupled receptors localized in nonraft domains. Thus co-localization of multiple signaling components in lipid rafts provides key spatial regulation of AC activity.
Gait asymmetry: factors influencing slip severity and tendency among older adults

Research on the relationship between gait asymmetry and the likelihood of slips are not clear, especially, for older adults. The present study evaluated the gait asymmetry among older adults and, further, evaluated effects of gait asymmetry on the likelihood of slips. Eighteen older adults (65 and older) participated in the study. HCV, horizontal force, and RCOF measured at non-dominant leg during heel contact phase of gait cycle were significantly higher than those at dominant leg. The results indicated that the likelihood of slips could increase when transitioning the whole body center-of-mass with left leg contacted on the ground while right leg was in swing phase. The results indicated that gait asymmetry or limb dominance could contribute to increasing the likelihood of slips.
Analysis of the base-excited response of intake-outlet towers by a Green's function approach

Abstract The dynamic response of a circular, intake-outlet tower structure subjected to high-frequency horizontal ground excitation is investigated theoretically. The tower is idealized as a one-dimensional beam of uniform flexural rigidity and mass per unit length, the fluid is assumed to be linearly compressible and to undergo small-amplitude irrotational motion. The presence of the fluid contained within, as well as the surrounding the structure, is considered in a consistent manner. Both the structural and fluid motions are expressed in terms of appropriate Green's functions leading to a pair of coupled line integral equations which are solved numerically for the fluid velocity potentials on the structure. It is found that the presence of both the interior and exterior fluids can significantly influence the dynamic response, especially for those structures possessing larger diameter to water depth ratios (squatty towers).
Body mass index in long-term adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

BACKGROUND The goals of the current study were to determine the distribution of body mass index (BMI) of survivors of common pediatric malignancies and to identify factors associated with abnormal BMI. METHODS The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is a multicenter cohort study of ≥ 5-year survivors of pediatric cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. Self-reported heights and weights were used to calculate BMI for 7195 adult survivors, compared with population-based, age-specific, and gender-specific norms from the 1995 National Health Interview Survey. Underweight was defined as a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and obese as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. RESULTS Survivors of leukemia were more likely to be obese (females: odds ratio [OR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.8; males: OR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.5). Survivors more likely to be underweight included female and male survivors of Hodgkin disease (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.3 and OR = 3.5; 95% CI, 2.3–5.3) and Wilms tumor (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.8 and OR = 5.5; 95% CI, 3.1–9.7), female survivors of bone carcinoma without amputation (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–2.9), and male survivors of leukemia (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6–3.6), brain tumors (OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6–4.4), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9–5.2), neuroblastoma (OR = 4.9; 95% CI, 2.48–10.0), and soft tissue sarcoma (OR = 3.5; 95% CI, 2.0–6.0). In females, treatment with total body irradiation, alkylating agents, and anthracyclines and in males, treatment with abdominal radiation, younger age at treatment, and treatment with anthracyclines and alkylating agents were associated with being underweight. Underweight survivors were more likely to report adverse health and major medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of childhood survivors of cancer are underweight as adults and the impact of this on the general health of survivors will need to be addressed further. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Visible and near‐ultraviolet resonance Raman spectra of photolabile vitamin B12 derivatives with a rapid‐flow technique

Resonance Raman spectra, obtained with 5145, 4880 and 3638 A excitation, are reported for aquo-, methyl-, 5′-deoxyadenosyl-(coenzyme B12), thiosulfate and cysteinyl cobalamin, of methyl cobinamide, and of Co(II) cobalamin (B12r). Laser-induced photodecomposition was held to acceptable levels with a rapid-flow technique. A rich assortment of corrin ring vibrations are observed above 600 cm−1, but the frequencies are constant (within ±3 cm−1) for all the derivatives. Some Raman bands show differential enhancement by the visible and near-ultraviolet electronic transitions, reflecting their different polarizations. B12r shows large relative intensity changes in bands at 1500 and 1600 cm−1, with respect to the Co(III) derivatives. Despite an absorption spectrum resembling that of B12r, methyl cobinamide shows Raman intensity behavior typical of the other Co(III) derivatives.
From atoms to traits.

The article evaluates how diversity in organisms, a concept that can be traced back to the postulations of evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin, derive from alterations in DNA. A brief overview of Darwin's theories set forth in his book "The Origin of Species" is presented. While Darwin could not explain the force behind variants, the scientist Gregor Mendel later described genetic factors and inheritance patterns. The advents in DNA sequencing and genome mapping are discussed. INSETS: Seeking Variation;STICKLEBACKS ADAPT;Mutations Meet Culture.
Differential Single-stranded DNA Binding Properties of the Paralogous SsbA and SsbB Proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae

The naturally transformable Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae has two single-stranded DNA-binding (SSB) proteins, designated SsbA and SsbB. The SsbA protein is similar in size to the well characterized SSB protein from Escherichia coli (SsbEc). The SsbB protein, in contrast, is a smaller protein that is specifically induced during natural transformation and has no counterpart in E. coli. In this report, the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding properties of the SsbA and SsbB proteins were examined and compared with those of the SsbEc protein. The ssDNA binding characteristics of the SsbA protein were similar to those of the SsbEc protein in every ssDNA binding assay used in this study. The SsbB protein differed from the SsbA and SsbEc proteins, however, both in its binding to short homopolymeric dT(n) oligomers (as judged by polyacrylamide gel-shift assays) and in its binding to the longer naturally occurring X and M13 ssDNAs (as judged by agarose gel-shift assays and electron microscopic analysis). The results indicate that an individual SsbB protein binds to ssDNA with an affinity that is similar or higher than that of the SsbA and SsbEc proteins. However, the manner in which multiple SsbB proteins assemble onto a ssDNA molecule differs from that observed with the SsbA and SsbEc proteins. These results represent the first analysis of paralogous SSB proteins from any bacterial species and provide a foundation for further investigations into the biological roles of these proteins.
Retinoic acid-stimulated sequential phosphorylation, PML recruitment, and SUMOylation of nuclear receptor TR2 to suppress Oct4 expression

We previously reported an intricate mechanism underlying the homeostasis of Oct4 expression in normally proliferating stem cell culture of P19, mediated by SUMOylation of orphan nuclear receptor TR2. In the present study, we identify a signaling pathway initiated from the nongenomic activity of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) to stimulate complex formation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) with its upstream kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). The activated ERK2 phosphorylates threonine-210 (Thr-210) of TR2, stimulating its subsequent SUMOylation. Dephosphorylated TR2 recruits coactivator PCAF and functions as an activator for its target gene Oct4. Upon phosphorylation at Thr-210, TR2 increasingly associates with promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, becomes SUMOylated, and recruits corepressor RIP140 to act as a repressor for its target, Oct4. To normally proliferating P19 stem cell culture, exposure to a physiological concentration of atRA triggers a rapid nongenomic signaling cascade to suppress Oct4 gene and regulate cell proliferation.
GENERALIZATIONS OF THE SUGAWARA MODEL.

Two generalizations of Sugawara models are discussed. In the first, new interactions are introduced by altering the current commutators but retaining the "free" form of T_(μν), as exemplified by a simple effective π^0 − 2γ interaction, which is compared with the standard triangle-diagram results. The second permits non-quadratic T_(μν), which retain the "algebra" part of the current commutators; these models avoid the Dashen-Frishman parity degeneracy.
The Observer's Tale: Dr. Weber's Narrative (and Metanarrative) Trajectory in Richard Powers's The Echo Maker

This article explores the role of narrative in human consciousness in Richard Powers's The Echo Maker. I argue that Dr. Weber uses narrative strategies to navigate the existential crisis he suffers and that he maps his personal crisis onto humanity itself, creating the sense of a species-level epistemological and ontological crisis that forces us to reconsider humanism, the subject, and the role of narrative in consciousness formation and maintenance.
Short Circuits in Synchronous-Machine Armatures

An approximate solution is obtained for the current in a short-circuited coil or group of coils in the armature of a synchronous machine operating under load. The solution is expressed as the sum of a series of harmonics whose terms are in geometric ratio. The results obtained are similar in form to those previously obtained for the short circuit of a complete phase winding, and they reduce to that for the single-phase short circuit in the limiting case when the coil group comprises a complete phase. An experimental check of the theory is given for the case of a short circuit of a single armature coil, and it is shown that close agreement is obtained between theory and test with respect to the fundamental component of current, though not with respect to the small higher harmonics of current.
The significance of global snow and ice cover for global change studies

The spatial extent and volume of global snow and ice cover at present and during glacial conditions are reviewed for each of the principal components (snow cover, land ice, sea ice and permafrost). The state of global monitoring of snow and ice conditions is shown to be adequate for some variables, but unsatisfactory for others. Recent trends are reported and expected changes projected for increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are examined.
Basic Texas books: An annotated bibliography of selected works for a research library

Annotated bibliography of 224 books about Texas history prior to 1940, including bibliographic details and critical discussion points for each, such as the author's opinions, the opinions of other critics, background on the author and writing of the book, strengths and weaknesses of the text, representative quotations, and references to other books. It also contains an appendix of additional bibliographies to Texas history. Index starts on page 617.
Brain damage and IQ in unilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome: support for a "fresh start" hypothesis.

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that extent of severe hypometabolism measured by fluorodeoxyglucose PET has a U-shaped (nonlinear) relationship to IQ in children with unilateral Sturge–Weber syndrome. Thirty-five consecutive children (age range: 30–153 months) with Sturge–Weber syndrome and unilateral brain involvement were enrolled in the study. Participants underwent cognitive assessment and interictal fluorodeoxyglucose PET scans. Regression analyses tested whether a quadratic model best accounted for the relationship between extent of severe cortical hypometabolism and IQ, controlling for seizure variables. A significant quadratic relationship was found between IQ and extent of severe (but not total) hypometabolism. Seizure variables also contributed significant variance to cognitive functions. Results suggest that intermediate size of severe hemispheric hypometabolism is associated with the worst cognitive outcomes, and small or absent lesions, with the best cognitive outcomes. Children in whom a very large extent of the hemisphere is severely affected are likely to have relatively preserved cognitive function.
Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neovascular glaucoma

Abstract Purpose To succinctly update information on the pathogenesis, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neovascular glaucoma based on a systematic review of available literature and to provide summary recommendations rated for their importance to clinical outcome. Clinical relevance Neovascular glaucoma is a devastating ocular disease that often results in loss of vision. The current standard of care includes retinal ablation and control of increased intraocular pressure with medical and surgical therapy. Literature review methodology The authors conducted a MEDLINE literature search of articles published in English from 1966 to the present. Each article reviewed was rated as to the strength of evidence it provided, and summary ratings for the strength of evidence supporting clinical recommendations were generated. Results Level A (most important to patient outcome) recommendations for the diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma include a high index of suspicion, a full ocular examination including undilated gonioscopy, and pupil examination. In regard to treatment, Level A recommendations include treatment of the underlying disease origin, complete panretinal photocoagulation (if retinal ischemia is a factor), and medical control of both elevated intraocular pressure and inflammation. Level B recommendations (moderately important to patient outcome) encompass glaucoma surgery to control intraocular pressure when medical therapy is unsuccessful, although the ideal surgical procedure is unknown. Currently, trabeculectomy with antimetabolite therapy, aqueous shunt implants, and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation are the preferred surgical treatment options. Conclusions The current literature on neovascular glaucoma has few articles that provide strong evidence in support of therapy recommendations (level I). Future research studies are needed to address areas in which the current evidence is moderately strong (level II) or weak, consisting only of a consensus of expert opinion (level III). Whenever practicable, these studies should be prospective, randomized clinical trials.
A Major Clade of Prokaryotes with Ancient Adaptations to Life on Land

Evolutionary trees of prokaryotes usually define the known classes and phyla but less often agree on the relationships among those groups. This has been attributed to the effects of horizontal gene transfer, biases in sequence change, and large evolutionary distances. Furthermore, higher level clades of prokaryote phyla rarely are supported by information from ecology and cell biology. Nonetheless, common patterns are beginning to emerge as larger numbers of species are analyzed with sophisticated methods. Here, we show how combined evidence from phylogenetic, cytological, and environmental data support the existence of an evolutionary group that appears to have had a common ancestor on land early in Earth's history and includes two-thirds of known prokaryote species. Members of this terrestrial clade (Terrabacteria), which includes Cyanobacteria, the gram-positive phyla (Actinobacteria and Firmicutes), and two phyla with cell walls that differ structurally from typical gram-positive and gram-negative phyla (Chloroflexi and Deinococcus-Thermus), possess important adaptations such as resistance to environmental hazards (e.g., desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and high salinity) and oxygenic photosynthesis. Moreover, the unique properties of the cell wall in gram-positive taxa, which likely evolved in response to terrestrial conditions, have contributed toward pathogenicity in many species. These results now leave open the possibility that terrestrial adaptations may have played a larger role in prokaryote evolution than currently understood.
Extended-range hybrid tracker and applications to motion and camera tracking in manufacturing systems

Extended- or long-range tracking effectiveness is crucial for the incorporation of mobile robots into manufacturing systems. In this paper, we conceptualize and develop a prototype long-range hybrid tracker based on a combination of a laser tracker and a magnetic tracker and apply the concept to the following two applications: (1) extended-range human motion tracking on factory floors and (2) factory floor object reconstruction from camera images. The easily portable system not only utilizes the strengths of a laser tracker in tracking mobile objects over long ranges in large environments, such as a manufacturing shop floor and the strength of a magnetic tracker to compensate for violation of line-of-sight constraint, but it also reduces the overall cost by reducing the number of expensive beacons required by the laser tracker. The hybrid tracker assists in the development of two concepts: (1) real-time synchronization of human head and hand motion in a manufacturing environment with those of an avatar in a virtual manufacturing environment and (2) a mathematically simpler and practical camera self-calibration technique for the creation of three-dimensional objects in a virtual environment from camera images.
Soft Magnetic Properties of Obliquely Deposited Co-Zr-O Granular Films

This work first studied the magnetic properties of obliquely deposited granular Co-Zr-O films. It was found that the oblique deposition induces increased hysteresis and decreased permeability in the films, which leads to larger loss and less inductance in the micro-inductor applications. Applying substrate bias during film deposition is an effective method to eliminate the influence of oblique deposition in Permalloy and Fe-based soft magnetic films. The use of a multilayer structure Co-Zr-O/ZrOx was also investigated and was found to provide better results.
Alternative architectures for video signal processing

This paper looks at trends in architectures for video processing. As levels of integration has increased, video architectures have moved from dedicated to programmable. Programmable architectures continue to evolve as we move into the systems-on-silicon era. The promise of integrated memory systems is a particularly appealing prospect for improved video processing architectures.
Construction of minimal n-2-n encoders for any n

The encoding problem (Rumelhart and McClelland 1986) is an important canonical problem. It has been widely used as a benchmark. Here, we have analytically derived minimal-sized nets necessary and sufficient to solve encoding problems of arbitrary size. The proofs are constructive: we construct n-2-n encoders and show that two hidden units are also necessary for n > 2. Moreover, the geometric approach employed is general and has much wider applications. For example, this method has also helped us derive lower bounds on the redundancy necessary for achieving complete fault tolerance (Phatak and Koren 1992a,b).
Periumbilical pseudoxanthoma elasticum associated with chronic renal failure and angioid streaks—apparent regression with hemodialysis

Abstract Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a heritable connective tissue disease involving progressive fragmentation and dystrophic calcification of elastic fibers. Periumbilical disease as the exclusive site of cutaneous involvement is most commonly seen in the rare entity termed periumbilical perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PPPXE). Patients with this disorder are generally obese, middle aged, multiparous black women with hypertension. The cutaneous lesions are well-demarcated, hyperpigmented, periumbilical plaques with keratotic papules on the periphery. Extracutaneous manifestations have rarely been described. We describe a patient with periumbilical PXE associated with chronic renal failure and bilateral angioid streaks. Histopathologic examination demonstrated typical calcification of elastic fibers with additional amorphous calcium deposits in the superficial dermis. Transepidermal elimination was not present. Normalization of the serum calcium-phosphate product resulted in regression of the lesions—both clinically and histopathologically. The relation between PPPXE and hereditary PXE is discussed. The role of chronic renal failure in precipitating PPPXE is considered. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:338-4.)
ABCMOS3: A High Precision, High Speed, Modular BiCMOS Process for Analog/Digital Applications

This paper describes a 1 ?m BiCMOS process which offers numerous high performance, high precision devices suitable for mixed signal designs. The key features of the process are the performance and modularity of the process and the optimization of the bipolar transistor for analog applications.
Confusion and aggression in restrained elderly persons undergoing hip repair surgery

The purpose of this pilot study was to observe and describe the behaviors of confusion and aggression in physically restrained elderly hospitalized persons following hip repair surgery. Five elderly persons who were 75–95 years of age and physically restrained following hip repair surgery comprised the sample of this descriptive study. Descriptive data including age, sex, medical diagnosis, current medications, serum electrolyte and arterial blood gas results, date/time of hip fracture, subsequent surgical repair, and restraint application were obtained from the medical record. Observations of behaviors associated with confusion and aggression were conducted at six separate observation times lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes each. The observation periods were divided into two mornings, two afternoons, and two evening sessions. These behaviors were assessed by utilizing a combined observational tool developed by the researcher, and was created from the Clinical Assessment of Confusion—A, by Vermeersch, and Ryden Aggression Scale. After data analysis, three patterns of confusion emerged. These were the major pattern of confusion, the minor pattern of confusion, and pattern of confusion relative to time. All patients experienced low serum sodium levels immediately prior to the application of physical restraints. Based on the results of the pilot study, further investigation is needed.
Multiple vacuums in a lattice formulation of the two-dimensional Abelian Higgs model

This paper presents a lattice formulation of the Abelian one-space-one-time-dimensional Higgs model. The emphasis of our study is to show that this formulation correctly gives all the physics of a theory with multiple vacuums. We find that these effects have a simple physical interpretation in terms of a background E field. Comparison is made to result from a path-integral calculation including instanton contributions.
Ecological Habitus:Toward a Better Understanding of Socioecological Relations:

There is a clear need to better understand the interdependent relationships between people and the biophysical world. Social science research is essential for such efforts but is not yet widely viewed as relevant to ecological research. Impeding its advancement in this direction are the characteristics of a modern Western worldview exhibited by, and problematic for, much of social scientific research, especially emphases on mechanism, dualism, and prediction. I offer environmental behavior research as an area in which these are apparent. I discuss the need to better account for the relations and processes that characterize human social life and suggest an alternative approach for doing so. Drawing on complementary works in sociological theory, I develop the notion of ecological habitus and propose it as a practical tool for more adequately thinking about and studying socioecological phenomena. I conclude with brief speculation about the possible empirical uses of the ecological habitus concept.
Effects of potassium, temperature and time on ouabain interaction with the cardiac Na+, K+-ATPase: further evidence supporting an allosteric site.

Na+, K+-ATPase was isolated from calf heart. The specific activity was measured by a spectrophotometric method which allowed continual monitoring of the reaction. Ouabain-induced inhibition of the enzyme system was shown to be both temperature and time-dependent. [3H]Ouabain binding in the presence of ATP, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ was shown to be time-dependent. A direct temporal correlation between ouabain binding and inhibition of specific activity of the enzyme system was demonstrated. The effects of K+ and ouabain reinforce the allosteric nature of the Na+, K+-ATPase.
Changes in autonomic activity and ventricular repolarization.

Abstract An increase in sympathetic activity, manifested by shortening of RR intervals (RR1) and changes in RRi variability, precedes and possibly triggers ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) by altering repolarization. We examined the effects of autonomic activity on the projection of repolarization as detected by body surface potential maps (BSPMs). We recorded 32 lead/192-point BSPMs during passive head-up tilt, tilt + infusion of isoproterenol, rapid atrial pacing, and atrial pacing + infusion of isoproterenol. Changes in QT; recovery time; activation-recovery interval (ARi); T-wave amplitude; and QT, QRST, and ST integrals and their dispersion were analyzed. Autonomic effects on sinus node were inferred from the Fourier transform-derived low and high frequency powers of RRi variability. Patients were divided into those with (SHD) and without structural heart disease (NSHD). Heart rate increased, whereas QT interval and ARi declined with tilt in both groups. RRi variability indices of sympathetic activity increased in NSHD but did not change in SHD. T-wave amplitudes declined in NSHD but did not change in SHD, suggesting altered responsiveness of ventricular repolarization to autonomic stimulation. Tilt and rapid atrial pacing during infusion of isoproterenol resulted in a paradoxical increase in T-wave amplitudes in some patients, similar to that observed before the onset of spontaneous arrhythmias. We conclude that altering autonomic activity by head-up tilt and/or infusion of sympathomimetic agents results in significant changes in the body surface projection of cardiac repolarization, which differ in patients with SHD from those without SHD. Similar paradoxical changes in the T-wave amplitude have been observed before the onset of spontaneous VTA, suggesting that abnormal response of repolarization to autonomic stimulation predisposes to arrhythmogenesis.
Current Aspects of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Selenium in Poultry Nutrition

(1960). Current Aspects of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Selenium in Poultry Nutrition. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 245-258.