cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational Justice, Extended and Redefined Families, and the Challenge of the Statist Paradigm

This paper will explore the role that both past and future generations play, or should play, in policy and decision making today, a concept known as intergenerational justice. Extended families are an indispensable key to the success, or failure, of intergenerational justice. Attempts to redefine marriage will invariably redefine extended family. Redefining marriage to include same-sex couples and parentage to include same-sex partners will hinder the success of intergenerational justice. Underlying the debates over extended families, same-sex marriage, and same-sex parents are the competing conceptions of statism (the artificial society created by the state) and familism (the natural society of the family). These concepts must work in harmony to balance the future of the family and achieve intergenerational justice. The paper will conclude noting the importance in respecting the boundaries between marriage, parenting, and extended families.
Impact of accounting choices on firm valuation and earnings quality: The case of transition obligation under SFAS 106

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the choice of accounting treatment of transition obligation under SFAS 106 affects the value of firms, and also whether the quality of earnings is improved after the implementation of SFAS 106.Design/methodology/approach – Different regression models were employed on a sample of 50 immediate recognition firms and 50 matched prospective recognition firms. Chow test is also used to investigate the quality of earnings before and after the implementation of SFAS 106.Findings – In spite of the significant difference in impact on earnings from the choice of treatment of transition obligation, the accounting choice has no significant impact on the total value relevance of earnings and book value. When immediate recognition method is applied, investors ignore the one‐time charge of transition obligation, and rely more on book value in the valuation of a firm. However, when prospective recognition method is applied, both earnings and book value are value‐re...
The complex multiferroic phase diagram of Mn1−xCoxWO4

The complete magnetic and multiferroic phase diagram of Mn1−xCoxWO4 single crystals is investigated by means of magnetic, heat capacity and polarization experiments. We show that the ferroelectric (FE) polarization in the multiferroic state abruptly changes its direction twice upon increasing Co content, x. At xc1 = 0.075, rotates from the b-axis into the a–c-plane and at xc2 = 0.15 it flips back to the b-axis. The origin of the multiple polarization flops is identified as an effect of the Co anisotropy on the orientation and shape of the spin helix leading to thermodynamic instabilities caused by the decrease of the magnitude of the polarization in the corresponding phases. A qualitative description of the FE polarization is derived by taking into account the intrachain (c-axis) as well as the interchain (a-axis) exchange pathways connecting the magnetic ions. In a narrow Co concentration range (0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.15), an intermediate phase, sandwiched between the collinear high-temperature and the helical low-temperature phases, is discovered. The new phase exhibits a collinear and commensurate spin modulation similar to the low-temperature magnetic structure of MnWO4.
The Nature and Origins of Coal Macerals

The definition and nature of coal macerals is presented in terms of some current research. Recent work on the nature of several precursors of the liptinite maceral groups are discussed and compared to the corresponding liptinite macerals. The importance of separating macerals is considered, and some recent results using the density gradient centrifugation method of maceral separation is briefly reviewed. It is demonstrated that vitrinites are complex mixtures, not simple macerals.
Challenges of maternal mortality reduction and opportunities under national rural health mission - A critical appraisal

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) continues to remain high in our country without showing any declining trend over a period of two decades. The proportions of maternal deaths contributed by direct obstetric causes have also remained more or less the same in rural areas. There is a strong need to improve coverage of antenatal care, promote institutional deliveries and provide emergency obstetric care. Delays occur in seeking care for obstetric complications and levels of 'met obstetric need' continue to be low in many parts of the country. Most of the First Referral Units (FRUs) and CHCs function at sub-optimal level in the country. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) offers institutional mechanism and strategic options to reduce high MMR. 'Janani Suraksha Yojna', strengthening of CHCs (as per Indian Public Health standards) to offer 24 hours quality services including that of anesthetists and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) are important proposals in this regard. District Health Mission can play an important role in monitoring maternal deaths occurring in hospitals or in community and thus create a social momentum to prevent and reduce maternal deaths. NRHM, however, depends largely on Panchayati Raj Institutions for effective implementation of proposed interventions and utilization of resources. In most parts of our country, State Governments have not empowered PRIs with real devolution of power. Therefore, much needs to be done locally to build the capacity of PRIs and develop state-specific guidelines in operational terms to implement interventions under NRHM for reducing maternal mortality ratio.
Metabolic Integrity of Deoxyribonucleohistones during Enzyme Induction

Previous work has shown that after individual labeling of histone and DNA of various normal and neoplastic tissues of the rat, the first-order decay rates of their respective specific activities were approximately similar. The present studies indicate that the normal turnover of histones in liver parenchymal cells is not altered during periods of alternate enzyme induction and repression resulting from dietary changes or drug injections.
Applied Sociology and Prisoner Reentry a Primer for More Successful Reintegration

Prisoner reentry has assumed increased attention recently as hundreds of thousands of former inmates return to their communities through mandatory release, parole, or placement on probation: Most o...
Fund governance contagion: New evidence on the mutual fund governance paradox

Abstract Why is poor governance pervasive in the mutual fund industry? Researchers, practitioners and regulators have attributed this failing to a lack of director independence from fund management. This paper proposes an alternate explanation: fund governance is contagious. Fund directors act as vectors, transmitting governance attributes from their primary place of employment to the fund. Using hand-collected director employment data, the paper finds that boards dominated by directors tied to the finance industry, to shareholder unfriendly firms, and to shareholder unfriendly funds, have worse governance. Examining employment shocks, litigations and firm bankruptcies, within a quasi-experimental framework, provides causal evidence that these connections cause fund governance spillover. Overall, the results suggest that contagious governance plays a role in propagating business malpractice in the mutual fund industry.
From Cowards and Subversives to Aggressors and Questionable Allies: US Army Perceptions of Zionism since World War I

For most of the twentieth century, the attitudes and policies of the US army were consistently anti-Zionist. From World War I into the 1950s, army anti-Zionism was inextricably interrelated with a mutually reinforcing anti-Semitism that ranged from political and ethnic bias to extremist versions of biological racial and conspiratorial thinking. Army officers perceived Zionist objectives in the Middle East as detrimental to America's national interest regarding wartime security and geopolitical stability in a crucial region, as well as concerning oil resources and communist containment. In supporting Zionism and later Israel, America Jews revealed their suspected disloyalty. Although anti-Semitic concepts gradually disappeared from official army analyses, striking continuities remained in the army's anti-Zionist position. Until the end of the Cold War, the army rejected the “special relationship” argument based upon shared values or Israel as a military asset. The image of the cowardly, weak Jew incapable ...
A multidisciplinary approach to the adolescent bariatric surgical patient.

Abstract Purpose Pediatric obesity is an epidemic in the United States. As of yet, no surgical programs specifically dedicated to the management of clinically severely obese adolescents exist. The purpose of this report was to describe the establishment and early experience of a multidisciplinary Comprehensive Weight Management Center (CWMC) in a free-standing children's hospital. Methods With input from an ethicist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, and adolescent medicine physician, guidelines for patient selection, evaluation, and bariatric surgical management were developed and implemented. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery has been performed using open and laparoscopic techniques. Results The average age and body mas index (BMI) for 79 patients referred to the CWMC has been 16 years and 54 kg/m 2 , for boys and 17 years and 51 kg/m 2 for girls. Twenty-five percent have been considered appropriate for RYGBP, 25% have not met criteria for surgery, and 50% are being evaluated. Ten patients who have undergone RYGBP had comorbidities of their obesity, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), pulmonary embolism, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and depression. Clinically significant weight loss with resolution of comorbidities has occurred in all patients. Significant complications have included leak from the gastric remnant, DVT, partial roux limb obstruction, and micronutrient deficiency. Conclusions RYGBP is an effective means to treat obesity-related morbidity in the adolescent. A multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists is needed for optimal preoperative decision making and postoperative management. Results have been satisfactory and justify a clinical trial to confirm the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population.
Linear Programming Computational Procedures for Ordinal Regression

The ordinal regression problem is an extension to the standard multiple regression problem in terms of assuming only ordinal properties for the dependent variable (rank order of preferred brands in a product class, academic ranks for students in a class, etc.) while retaining the interval scale assumption for independent (or predictor) variables. The linear programming formulation for obtaining the regression weights for ordinal regression, developed in an earlier paper, is outlined and computational improvements and alternatives which utilize the special structure of this linear program are developed and compared for their computational efficiency and storage requirements. A procedure which solves the dual of the original linear programming formulation by the dual simplex method with upper bounded variables, in addition to utilizing the special structure of the constraint matrix from the point of view of storage and computation, performs the best in terms of both computational efficiency and storage requirements. Using this special procedure, problems with 100 observations and 4 independent variables take less than 1/2 minute, on an average, on the IBM 360/67. Results also show that the linear programming solution procedure for ordinal regression is valid — the correlation coefficient between “true” and predicted values for the dependent variable was greater than .9 for most of the problems tested.
Imaging the Human Medial Temporal Lobe with High-Resolution fMRI

High-resolution functional MRI (hr-fMRI) affords unique leverage on the functional properties of human medial temporal lobe (MTL) substructures. We review initial hr-fMRI efforts to delineate (1) encoding and retrieval processes within the hippocampal circuit, (2) hippocampal subfield contributions to pattern separation and pattern completion, and (3) the representational capabilities of distinct MTL subregions. Extant data reveal functional heterogeneity within human MTL and highlight the promise of hr-fMRI for bridging human, animal, and computational approaches to understanding MTL function.
Calcium influx into mouse spermatozoa activated by solubilized mouse zona pellucida, monitored with the calcium fluorescent indicator, fluo-3. inhibition of the influx by three inhibitors of the zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction: Tyrphostin A48, pertussis toxin, and 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate

The fluorescent calcium indicator, fluo-3, was loaded as the membrane permeant tetraacetoxymethyl (AM) ester into cauda epididymal mouse sperm at 25 degrees C for 20 min in the absence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and presence of the dispersant, Pluronic F-127. Excess indicator was removed by two centrifugation washes at 100g for 10 min, a procedure that did not impair sperm motility. Upon resuspension in medium containing 20 mg/ml BSA to promote capacitation, the sperm cells exhibited readily detectable fluorescence uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm. Cell fluorescence was stable over the time of the experiments and was responsive to changes in intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i. Initial [Ca2+]i was 231 +/- 58 nM (+/- SE, n = 43). Addition of heat-solubilized mouse zonae pellucidae to capacitated sperm increased [Ca2+]i by 106 +/- 19 nM (+/- SE, n = 18), the higher steady-state concentration being reached after 30 min. Subsequent addition of the non-fluorescent calcium ionophore Br-A23187 resulted in a further increase of 114 +/- 18 nM (+/- SE, n = 18), the higher steady-state concentration being reached after 6 min. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by solubilized zonae pellucidae was largely blocked by 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), an antagonist of muscarinic receptors that was earlier shown to block the zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction in mouse sperm (Florman and Storey, 1982: Dev Biol 91:121-130). This [Ca2+]i increase was completely blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin A48, and by the inactivator of G1 proteins, pertussis toxin. At the concentrations at which they blocked the zona pellucida-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, all three inhibitors also blocked the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction. These results indicate that [Ca2+]i increase in is an early, if not the initial, reaction in the sequence leading to zona pellucida induced acrosomal exocytosis in mouse sperm. The observation that the three inhibitors, each having a different mode of action, all block the zona pellucida induced [Ca2+]i suggests that the sperm plasma membrane receptors mediating the zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction may function as a complex, whose formation is activated by zona pellucida ligand binding.
Effects of pore diffusion in the catalytic oxidation of ethylene

Effects of pore diffusion in the catalytic oxidation of ethylene on copper oxide-alumina have been studied by varying the catalyst size and maintaining constant the ratio of the tube to the pellet diameter. Hydrocarbon analysis was determined with a flame ionization detector; infrared analyzers were used to determine carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide concentrations. Other reaction products were analyzed with a gas chromatograph. Curvature of the Arrhenius plots and increase in reaction order with temperature indicated a transition region between kinetic control at lower temperatures and pore diffusion control at higher temperatures. A calculation procedure which was developed to predict the conversion considering pore diffusion effects provided satisfactorily agreement between calculated and experimental results.
Completely geometrically optimized DFT/ONIOM triple-helical collagen-like structures containing the ProProGly, ProProAla, ProProDAla, and ProProDSer triads.

We report completely optimized ONIOM DFT/AM1 molecular orbital calculations on several collagen-like triple helices based upon the repeating triad, ProProGly. The requirement of Gly as every third amino acid in collagen can be attributed to its enantiomorphic nature, as it behaves as a Damino acid in collagen. We, therefore, explored related collagen-like triple helices with one of the central Gly's mutated to either L or DAla; l-Ala appreciably destabilizes, while d-Ala slightly stabilizes the triple helical structure. Mutation of the same Gly to DSer, which is simply DAla with an OH in place of one of the methyl H's, induces a much greater stabilization due to an additional H-bond formed between this OH and a CO on an adjacent peptide strand. Energies are presented for the triple helices and their component strands (both optimized and distorted to their triple helical geometries) relative to the component amino acids. The variation of relative energies with the chosen reference is delineated.
Decontamination of Polluted Water by Treatment with a Crude Humic Acid Blend

The use of humic acid for contaminant extraction from environmental matrices is an attractive concept because of the natural origin of the material and its low pollution potential. The problem of availability and the need for alkaline extraction were circumvented by the use of an unrefined leonardite humic acid (LHA) material used as received. This mined product has a high humic acid content, is inexpensive, and is available in bulk. LHA, applied without alkaline extraction, was used in the decontamination of water containing organic and inorganic test pollutants. The former included pyrene, difenzoquat, and rhodamine B base, while the latter were comprised of Pb2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Sr2+, Cd2+, As3+, Ag+, and Mg2+. Simulated acidic waste solutions were treated by both batch precipitation and column extraction, with the pollutants applied singly and as mixtures. In the precipitation procedure, commercial lime was used as the coagulant, and virtually complete removal of the metals was achieved. Pyrene and ...
Classifying prosthetic use via accelerometry in persons with transtibial amputations

Knowledge of how persons with amputation use their prostheses and how this use changes over time may facilitate effective rehabilitation practices and enhance understanding of prosthesis functionality. Perpetual monitoring and classification of prosthesis use may also increase the health and quality of life for prosthetic users. Existing monitoring and classification systems are often limited in that they require the subject to manipulate the sensor (e.g., attach, remove, or reset a sensor), record data over relatively short time periods, and/or classify a limited number of activities and body postures of interest. In this study, a commercially available three-axis accelerometer (ActiLife ActiGraph GT3X+) was used to characterize the activities and body postures of individuals with transtibial amputation. Accelerometers were mounted on prosthetic pylons of 10 persons with transtibial amputation as they performed a preset routine of actions. Accelerometer data was postprocessed using a binary decision tree to identify when the prosthesis was being worn and to classify periods of use as movement (i.e., leg motion such as walking or stair climbing), standing (i.e., standing upright with limited leg motion), or sitting (i.e., seated with limited leg motion). Classifications were compared to visual observation by study researchers. The classifier achieved a mean +/- standard deviation accuracy of 96.6% +/- 3.0%.
Radionuclide evaluation of postextrasystolic potentiation of left ventricular function induced by atrial and ventricular stimulation

Postextrasystolic potentiation of left ventricular function induced by ventricular and atrial stimulation was compared in 10 patients using radionuclide ventriculography. After insertion of pacing wires, a preliminary radionuclide ventriculogram was obtained and then ventricular and atrial trigeminy was induced in random order, each with identical R-R coupling intervals, each for 6 to 10 minutes. During the stimulation studies, radionuclide data were acquired in electrocardiographic gated list mode format. Left ventricular ejection fraction and relative end-diastolic and end-systolic volume changes were measured for each reformatted composite sinus, atrial and ventricular premature beat and potentiated beat. The volume changes were normalized to the count-based values obtained for the sinus beat of the appropriate study. Postextrasystolic potentiation induced by either ventricular or atrial stimulation was characterized by similar significant increases in left ventricular ejection fraction (mean +/- standard deviation 7 +/- 3 percent, p less than 0.01 versus 7 +/- 5 percent, p less than 0.01; difference not significant [NS]) and decreases in relative end-systolic volume (-12 +/- 12 percent, p less than 0.01 versus -12 +/- 8 percent, p less than 0.01; NS) but little change in relative end-diastolic volume (+5 +/- 10 percent, NS versus +4 +/- 7 percent, NS; NS). This was despite a longer compensatory pause (1,120 +/- 220 versus 1,050 +/- 190 ms, p less than 0.01) after the ventricular premature beat. It is concluded that there is no difference in the postextrasystolic potentiation induced by atrial or ventricular premature stimulation.
A complex impedance analysis of the ionic conductivity of Na1+xZr2SixP3−xO12 ceramics

The ionic conductivity of pressed pellets of Na1+xZr2SixP3−xO12 (1.6<x<2.4) has been determined by the measurement of their complex impedance in the range of 5 Hz−108 MHz. The respective contributions of the grains and intercrystalline boundaries of the ceramics have been established and their activation energies for conduction (0.36 eV and 0.41 eV) calculated between 224 and 348 K. In most cases the intergrain resistance was as high or higher than the grain resistance. Samples totally free of impurities, mainly zirconium dioxide, were never prepared. The large intergrain resistance was attributed to these impurities, and the relatively low packing density of the grains.
Simple groups havingp-nilpotent 2nd-maximal subgroups

Theorem. Let G be a finite simple group. Assume (i) 3 ‖G|. (ii)Each 2nd-maximal subgroup of G has a normal 3-complement. Then G ≃PSL(2,q),for some q.
133: Rapid Sequence Intubation From the Patients' Perspective

Author: Kimball, Deborah, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Kincaide, Ramon C, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Ives, Crystal, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Henderson, Sean, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Update on club foot

Abstract This review outlines the present classification, aetiology, diagnosis and assessment of Club foot (CTEV foot). It also updates the changes that have occurred with regard the management emphasizing the shift away from routine surgical treatment to the serial casting techniques popularized by Ponseti and reasons for this change.
Lessons learned in pediatric small bowel and liver transplantation from living-related donors.

Background Children are the primary candidates for intestinal transplant with more than 70% requiring a combined liver-bowel transplant. We report our single-center experience with living donor intestinal transplantation (LDITx) and combined living donor intestinal and liver transplant (CLDILTx) in pediatric patients. Patients and methods Between October 2002 and June 2006, 13 living donor intestinal grafts were transplanted in 10 recipients. In five cases CLDILTx was performed. The intestinal grafts consisted of a 150-cm segment of ileum, whereas the liver transplant was completed using standard left lateral grafts. Results No complications occurred in any donors. In CLDILTx recipients, the patient survival at 1 and 2 years was 100%, the liver graft survival 100%, and the bowel graft survival 80%; the patient who lost the initial intestinal graft was successfully retransplanted. In LDITx recipients, the patient and graft survival at 1 and 3 years were 60% and 50%, respectively. Two isolated LDITx recipients, both 6 months of age and low body weight (mean, 6 vs. 9 kg) died within 4 months posttransplant. One LDITx recipient developed chronic rejection 3.5 years after the original transplant and died after retransplant. All patients who are alive with functioning grafts are currently on full enteral feeding without need for any intravenous supplementation, except for a recipient of CLDILTx, currently on total parenteral nutrition for late fistula. Conclusions The early outcomes of intestinal transplantation from living donors are promising, particularly for candidates in need of CLDLITx. In this subgroup, the elimination of the high mortality on the cadaver waiting list (approximately 30%) represents a substantial advantage.
Feedback trading and the autocorrelation pattern of stock returns: further empirical evidence

Abstract This paper examines the pattern of autocorrelation of stock returns in several foreign stock markets, assuming that some investors follow a positive feedback trading strategy. There is strong evidence that positive feedback trading induces negative autocorrelation in index stock returns even though the consensus is that high frequency index returns are positively autocorrelated. This sign reversal occurs during periods of rising stock return volatility. The range of autocorrelations is considerably large. Moreover, in most cases, positive feedback trading is more intense during market declines. These findings are in agreement with studies for the US stock market.
An Upwind Solver for the National Combustion Code

An upwind solver is presented for the unstructured grid National Combustion Code (NCC). The compressible Navier-Stokes equations with time-derivative preconditioning and preconditioned fluxdifference splitting of the inviscid terms are used. First order derivatives are computed on cell faces and used to evaluate the shear stresses and heat fluxes. A new flux limiter uses these same first order derivatives in the evaluation of left and right states used in the flux-difference splitting. The k-epsilon turbulence equations are solved with the same second-order method. The new solver has been installed in a recent version of NCC and the resulting code has been tested successfully in 2D on two laminar cases with known solutions and one turbulent case with experimental data.
Human prion diseases

Major advances have been made in prion diseases. Recent data indicate that the prion protein is likely to be a synaptic protein with a functional role in synaptic transmission. An impressive body of evidence suggests that (1) the normal prion protein plays a central role in prion replication; (2) the replication process implies an interaction between the normal prion protein and the pathogenic prion protein; and (3) the pathogenic prion protein is the infectious agent, the infectivity of which is dependent on its abnormal conformation. Genetic and protein analyses have expanded the spectrum of prion diseases and have underlined the complexity of genotype-phenotype interactions.
Human autoantibody to vasoactive intestinal peptide: Increased incidence in muscular exercise

Specific autoantibodies to vasoactive intestinal peptide were present in plasma from 29.6% healthy human subjects who habitually performed muscular exercise, compared to 2.3% healthy subjects who did not. Saturation analysis of VIP binding by the plasmas suggested the presence of 1 and 2 classes of autoantibodies in 5 and 3 high exercise subjects, respectively, distinguished by their equilibrium affinity constants (Ka). The mean Ka values for the high and low affinity autoantibody classes were, respectively, 1.3 x 10(8) M-1 and 0.8 x 10(7) M-1. These values are lower than the Ka range reported previously for tissue VIP receptors (G. Rosselin. Peptides 7, Suppl. 1, 89, 1986) but are larger than the inverse Michaelis constant (1/Km) for VIP-degrading proteases (T.N. Keltz, E. Straus, R.S. Yalow. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 92, 669, 1980). The autoantibodies may not interfere with VIP-receptor binding but are potential inhibitors of the proteolytic inactivation of VIP.
Precipitate shape fitting and reconstruction by means of 3D Zernike functions

3D Zernike functions are defined and used for the reconstruction of precipitate shapes. These functions are orthogonal over the unit ball and allow for an arbitrary shape, scaled to fit inside an embedding sphere, to be decomposed into 3D harmonics. Explicit expressions are given for the general Zernike moments, correcting typographical errors in the literature. Explicit expressions of the Zernike moments for the ellipsoid and the cube are given. The 3D Zernike functions and moments are applied to the reconstruction of γ' precipitate shapes in two Ni-based superalloys, one with nearly cuboidal precipitate shapes, and one with more complex dendritic shapes.
Caspase Cleavage Enhances the Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of BAD

The function of BAD, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, is regulated primarily by rapid changes in phosphorylation that modulate its protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization. We show here that, during interleukin-3 (IL-3) deprivation-induced apoptosis of 32Dcl3 murine myeloid precursor cells, BAD is cleaved by a caspase(s) at its N terminus to generate a 15-kDa truncated protein. The 15-kDa truncated BAD is a more potent inducer of apoptosis than the wild-type protein, whereas a mutant BAD resistant to caspase 3 cleavage is a weak apoptosis inducer. Truncated BAD is detectable only in the mitochondrial fraction, interacts with BCL-XL at least as effectively as the wild-type protein, and is more potent than wild-type BAD in inducing cytochrome c release. Human BAD, which is 43 amino acids shorter than its mouse counterpart, is also cleaved by a caspase(s) upon exposure of Jurkat T cells to anti-FAS antibody, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), or TRAIL. Moreover, a truncated form of human BAD lacking the N-terminal 28 amino acids is more potent than wild-type BAD in inducing apoptosis. The generation of truncated BAD was blocked by Bcl-2 in IL-3-deprived 32Dcl3 cells but not in Jurkat T cells exposed to anti-FAS antibody, TNF-α, or TRAIL. Together, these findings point to a novel and important role for BAD in maintaining the apoptotic phenotype in response to various apoptosis inducers.
The fatty acid composition of clothes soil

Organic soil that had gradually accumulated on cotton garments and was unremovable by normal washing procedures was analyzed for free and combined fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography. The fatty acid composition of this material was similar to sebum and hair fat and was remarkably uniform although from several different sources and geographical locations. The predominant fatty acids were C15, C16, and C18 straight-chain acids. More than 30% of the total fatty acid was palmitic acid. The amount of oleic acid was considerably less than is reported for hair and skin fat. No linoleic acid or linolenic acid was detected. The small amount of unsaturated acids is probably the result of their oxidation to polymers and other oxidation products. The amount of free fatty acids was very small because they were converted to insoluble heavy metal soaps. Most of the combined fatty acids were present as esters,i.e., triglycerides.
Nicotinamide induces Fob1‐dependent plasmid integration into chromosome XII in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , DNA replication is arrested by the Fob1 protein in a site-specific manner that stimulates homologous recombination. The silent information regulator Sir2, which is loaded at the replication arrest sites by Fob1, suppresses this recombination event. A plasmid containing Fob1-binding sites, when propagated in a yeast strain lacking SIR2 is integrated into the yeast chromosome in a FOB1 -dependent manner. We show that addition of nicotinamide (NAM) to the culture medium can stimulate such plasmid integration in the presence of SIR2 . Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis showed that plasmid integration occurred into chromosome XII. NAM-induced plasmid integration was dependent on FOB1 and on the homologous recombination gene RAD52 . As NAM inhibits several sirtuins, we examined plasmid integration in yeast strains containing deletions of various sirtuin genes and observed that plasmid integration occurred only in the absence of SIR2 , but not in the absence of other histone deacetylases. In the absence of PNC1 that metabolizes NAM, a reduced concentration of NAM was required to induce plasmid integration in comparison with that required in wild-type cells. This study suggests that NAD metabolism and intracellular NAM concentrations are important in Fob1-mediated rDNA recombination.
Kinetic stability theorem for relativistic non‐neutral electron flow in a planar diode with applied magnetic field

A kinetic stability theorem is developed for relativistic non‐neutral electron flow in a planar high‐voltage diode with applied magnetic field. The effects of strong inhomogeneities and intense self‐electric and self‐magnetic fields are retained in the analysis in a fully self‐consistent manner. Use is made of global (spatially averaged) conservation constraints satisfied by the fully nonlinear Vlasov–Maxwell equations, assuming electromagnetic perturbations with extraordinary‐mode polarization, and space‐charge‐limited flow with E0x(x=0)=0 at the cathode. It is also assumed that the y‐averaged, x‐directed net flux of particles, y momentum, and energy, vanish identically at the cathode (x=0) and at the anode (x=d). It is shown that the class of self‐consistent Vlasov equilibria f0b(H,Py) is stable for small‐amplitude perturbations, provided f0b is a monotonic decreasing function of H−VbPy, i.e., provided ∂f0b/∂(H−VbPy)≤0. Here, H is the energy and Py is the canonical y momentum. The generality of this suf...
The calculation of large reynolds number two-dimensional flow using discrete vortices with random walk

The numerical calculation of two-dimensional rotational flow at large Reynolds number is considered. The method of replacing a continuous distribution of vorticity by a finite number, N, of discrete vortices is examined, where the vortices move under their mutually induced velocities plus a random component to simulate effects of viscosity. The accuracy of the method is studied by comparison with the exact solution for the decay of a circular vortex. It is found, and analytical arguments are produced in support, that the quantitative error is significant unless N is large compared with a characteristic Reynolds number. The mutually induced velocities are calculated by both direct summation and by the ''cloud in cell'' technique. The latter method is found to produce comparable error and to be much faster.
Examining a case-based reasoning retrieval system using mental models as a framework

Research examining how people use case-based reasoning retrieval systems has been limited. It has not been clear how mental models can be used as a framework to examine the usability of case-based reasoning retrieval systems. In this paper, we report our findings on how the presence of a mental model affects the experiences of users of the knowledge innovation for technology in education (KITE) system, the first developed CBR retrieval system in the educational technology integration community.
The Role of Solution Phase Water on the Deposition of Thin Films of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Thin films of PVDF were deposited from a variety of solution conditions and examined by IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Methods to rapidly assess the film thickness and the phase composition of PVDF films have been developed. In particular, the formation of the ferroelectric β phase can be controlled by the composition of the solvent, notably the water content. Using a hydrated salt in the casting solvent reproducibly formed films with high β phase content. However, the water also induces increased surface roughness in the deposited films. The nature of the PVDF films also is influenced by the kinetics of the evaporation process, and this was followed by IR spectroscopy. The rate constants depend on both the film thickness and the gas-phase humidity, indicating that solvent diffusion is an important contributor to both the bulk phase composition and the surface structure of the polymer films.
Theory of resonances in many-body systems: Spectral theory of unbounded Schrödinger operators, complex scaling, and extended virial theorem

In connection with the theory of resonance phenomena in many-body scattering systems, some aspects of current spectral theories for general operators are reviewed, including theories leading to complex eigenvalues of nonself-adjoint operators well defined over a perturbed originally self-adjoint domain. Consequently, a generalization of the virial theory is obtained. Various applications are considered, particularly, the problem of a system perturbed by an electric field. The associated Stark Hamiltonian is an unbounded operator, but still numerical results in conjunction with a simple reciprocal relation prompt the fulfillment of a virial sum rule. It is said that the extended virial theorem, based on complex scaling, seems to provide a systematic way of arriving at the resonances. 81 references. (JFP)
Queueing interpretation of adaptive reconstructive multiparameter τ-opening filters

A multiparameter binary (tau) -opening is a union of parameterized openings in which parameters for each opening are individually defined and a structuring element can be parameterized relative to both size and shape. The reconstructive filter corresponding to an opening is defined by fully passing any grain not eliminated by the opening and deleting all other grains. Adaptive design results from treating the parameter vector of a reconstructive multiparameter (tau) -opening as the state space of a Markov chain. The present paper considers the relationship between Markovian queueing networks and adaptive multiparameter (tau) - openings for the signal-union-noise model.
Pesticides, caution, and experimentation in St. Vincent, Eastern Caribbean

Understanding the problem of pesticide misuse in the Third World requires analysis of both political- economic forces and local- level variations in peasant behavior and attitudes. This study, based on 12 months of fieldwork during 1988–1989, examines growing agrochemical dependence and misuse in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the East Caribbean. Consistent with findings from other political-economic studies, this research documents the influence of the state, export agriculture, consumer pressure, and foreign aid in leading to increased chemical use in agriculture. This study also considers the extent to which farmer behavior and attitudes limit or exacerbate the problems that can accompany increased pesticide use. Some researchers emphasize that farmers are careless and indiscriminate when using pesticides, thereby contributing to pesticide-related problems. In contrast, data from the village level reveal that although some farmers are careless, others are cautious in their use of pesticides, a pattern reflective of variability among farmers in pesticide- use practices and attitudes in general. By exploring the issue of variability in patterns of pesticide use among villagers, this paper emphasizes the utility of the concepts of individuality and experimentation in agriculture in examining problems of pesticide misuse.
An Optical Fiber Flowmeter Based On The Coriolis Effect

The paper describes a Coriolis mass flowmeter employing fiber optic sensing and optical powering. An experimental version was constructed and tested using water flow in the range 0 to 16.5 ml/s.
Maternal reports of marital quality and preschoolers’ positive peer relations: the moderating roles of effortful control, positive emotionality, and gender

The associations between maternal reports of positive marital quality (i.e., positive emotional expressions, constructive conflict, and mothers’ marital satisfaction) and 3–6-year-olds’ (N = 62) positive peer relations were examined as a function of child temperament and gender. Although a zero-order correlation indicated that marital quality was unrelated to peer relations, a regression analysis indicated that high levels of positive marital quality were associated with more positive peer relations for preschoolers low in effortful control, but not for those high in effortful control. In addition, a moderating effect of gender revealed that the relationship between marital quality and positive peer relations was positive for girls but negative for boys. However, positive emotionality did not moderate the relations among marital quality and peer relations. The present study provides important preliminary findings that highlight the need for further study of the significance of positive marital relations f...
Determination of Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin (PIVKA II) in Cord Blood of Various Gestational Ages with the STAGO Antibody-A Marker of Vitamin K Deficiency?

Determination of Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin (PIVKA II) in Cord Blood of Various Gestational Ages with the STAGO Antibody-A Marker of Vitamin K Deficiency?
Highest predictive density estimator in regression models

Abstract When the prior is only partially specified, it is sometimes possible to ‘estimate’ its unspecified part by maximizing the predictive density (marginal likelihood) of the data. This paper examines the usefulness and the limitations of the priors of this kind (HPRD priors) and the corresponding posterior mean (HPRD estimators) in a regression setup. The HPRD estimator turns out to be a simple shrinkage estimator, and it is found that there is an interesting relationship, regarding the shrinkage factor of an estimator, between the empirical Bayes approach and the HPRD approach. The latter findings may provide some insight into getting the right size of shrinkage to attain the minimum risk. The HPRD prior can rarely serve as a reference prior, however, since the prior information it contains is too strong. Although this shortcoming is partly due to the nature of the HPRD approach itself, it can sometimes be alleviated by a more careful choice of the class of priors. If the lower bound on the prior variance is set correctly, the HPRD estimator will provide a sensible candidate for the point estimate of the regression coefficients. We also show a link between the HPRD approach and the lower bound on the Bayes factor.
Myths, missions, and mistrust: The fate of Christianity in 16th and 17th century Japan

This article examines accepted opinion regarding the persecution and demise of Christian/Catholic missions in 16th and 17th century Japan. Many of the key issues associated with the encounter of European missionaries and Japanese feudal systems of authority and power resonate with contemporary interest in transculturalism, semantic slippage, personal agency, and the intimate interplay between religion, politics, and economics. Burdened with rigid standards of belief, heresy, and race from European inquisitions as well as Mesoamerican conquests, the Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries made numerous strategic blunders that contributed to their fates, both as recipients of expulsion orders and, finally, on the execution grounds.
THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF VERTICES OF A SIMPLE POLYTOPE

Ad-polytope is ad-dimensional set that is the convex hull of a finite number of points. Ad-polytope is simple provided each vertex meets exactlyd edges. It has been conjectured that for simple polytopes {fx121-1} wheref i is the number ofi-dimensional faces of the polytope. In this paper we show that inequality (i) holds for all simple polytopes.
Prediction of infarct coronary artery recanalization after intravenous thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract Clinical assessment of patients with evolving acute myocardial infarction may suggest recanalization of the infarct coronary artery if chest pain, electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation and reperfusion arrhythmia are diminished. These 3 criteria, however, have not been correlated with immediate coronary angiography. Determination of which patients will achieve myocardial reperfusion after intravenous fibrinolytic therapy would allow for appropriate triage; those in whom it falls may be considered for mechanical or surgical recanalization. Fifty-six patients were studied: 28 received intravenous streptokinase and 28 intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. None of these clinical criteria, considered separately, was predictive of infarct artery recanalization status. Using the presence or absence of all 3 criteria, the specificity and predictive value increased to 100%. However, only 9% of patients in the series had all 3 criteria present (all had a patent infarct artery) and 34% had no criteria present (all had an occluded vessel). Noninvasive clinical markers are simple and practical, but only concordance of all 3 major criteria, when present, accurately predicts results of thrombolytic therapy.
Psychological disturbance and pain report differences in both organic and non-organic low back pain patients

Patients with undiagnosable low back pain have been observed to differ from patients with proven low back pain in their clinical description of pain and in their psychological status. More variable and diffuse pain qualities are emphasized in their clinical reports and more psychological disturbance characterizes them as a group, suggesting an association between pain expression and psychological disturbance. One hundred and two patients with low back pain were administered a standardized pain questionnaire to determine more systematically the association between pain expression and psychological disturbance in patients with and without demonstrable organic disease. Patients with psychological disturbance differed significantly from patients without psychological disturbance in the following ways. They used more words in their description of pain, distributed these words over more pain factors, and endorsed significantly more pain of the affective and skin pressure variety. The results underscore previous clinical impressions and suggest that patients without either organic or psychological findings may be cases of undiagnosed organic disease.
THE GENETICS OF LUPUS

Genetic factors strongly influence the risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies in both animal models and humans suggest that SLE is a complex trait with contributions from multiple genes. Recent genetic studies have shown that polymorphisms at several loci, including the major histocompatibility complex, complement proteins, immunoglobulin receptors, cytokines, and other as yet unmapped genes, are associated with SLE. Ethnic factors are also important because some of these genetic associations are only found in certain populations. Murine models of SLE have provided rational candidate loci to begin genome-wide studies in humans. Promising results are now emerging from such studies.