cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulation of voltage-gated chloride channels by ligands preferring a VDR-alternative pocket (VDR-AP).

We have postulated that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) contains two overlapping ligand binding sites, a genomic pocket and an alternative pocket (AP), that mediate regulation of gene transcription and rapid responses, respectively. Flexible VDR + ligand docking calculations predict that the major blood metabolite, 25(OH)-vitamin D3 (25D3), and curcumin (CM) bind more selectively to the VDR-AP when compared with the seco-steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3). In VDR wild-type-transfected COS-1 cells and TM4 Sertoli cells, 1,25D3, 25D3, and CM each trigger voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying chloride channel (ORCC) currents that can be blocked by the VDR antagonist 1β,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 and the chloride channel antagonist (4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid). VDR mutational analysis in transfected COS-1 cells demonstrate the DNA-binding domain is not, but the ligand binding and hinge domains of the VDR are, required for 1,25D3 and 25D3 to activate the ORCC. Dose-response studies demon...
Glucose effects on gastric motility and tone evoked from the rat dorsal vagal complex

1. To examine the effects of glucose on the central components of the vago-vagal reflex control of gastric function, we performed both in vivo and in vitro experiments on neurones in the medial nucleus of the tractus solitarius (mNTS) and in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). 2. In the in vivo anaesthetized rat preparation, unilateral microinjection of D-glucose (10 or 50 mM (60 nl) _1 ) in mNTS produced inhibition of gastric motility and an increase in intragastric pressure. D-glucose had no effect in the DMV. 3. In the in vitro rat brainstem slice preparation, whole-cell recordings of DMV neurones showed that increasing the glucose concentration of the perfusion solution from 5 mM to 15 or 30 mM produced outward currents of 35 ± 5 pA (n = 7) and 51 ± 10 pA (n = 11), respectively. These were blocked by tetrodotoxin and picrotoxin, indicating that glucose was acting indirectly to cause the release of GABA. Decreasing the glucose concentration of the perfusing solution by one-half produced an inward current of 36 ± 5 pA (n = 7). 4. Stimulation of the NTS evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in DMV neurones. The amplitude of the evoked IPSCs was positively correlated with glucose concentration. Perfusion with the ATP-sensitive K + (KATP) channel opener diazoxide mimicked the effect of reduced glucose, while perfusion with the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide mimicked the effects of increased glucose. 5. Our data indicate that glucose had no direct excitatory effect on DMV neurones, but DMV neurones appear to be affected by an action of glucose on cell bodies of mNTS neurones via effects on an ATP-sensitive potassium channel.
Retelling “al-Maqāma al-Madīriyya”: Intertextuality between a Modern Short Story and a Classical Maqāma

This paper examines elements of intertextuality between a modern short story and a classical maqāma . “Al-Naqra masdūda”, a 1971 short story by the late Tunisian writer al-Bashīr Khurayyif, recalls al-Hamadhānī's most famous work, “al-Maqāma al-madīriyya”, in subtle yet remarkable ways. In addition to being an appealing work in its own right, “al-Naqra masdūda” represents an original way of interacting with classical Arabic literary heritage.
Experimental analysis of the origin of cell types in the development of the mouse thymus.

Abstract Thymic rudiments were obtained from 12-day mouse embryos and separated into epithelial and mesenchymal components by the use of trypsin. The developmental potential of such thymic tissues was studied by critical combinations with nonthymic tissues derived from mouse and chick embryos, followed by maintenance of such combinations in vitro and in transplantation situations. The studies demonstrate that lymphoid tissue of the developing thymus originates in the epithelial component of the early thymic rudiment, the mesenchyme providing the initial inductive stimulus and serving to furnish stromal elements of the gland.
Ca2+ Dependence of Dark- and Light-Adapted Flash Responses in Rod Photoreceptors

Light adaptation is thought to be orchestrated by a Ca2+ feedback signal that desensitizes the response by speeding recovery. To evaluate the role of Ca2+ in adaptation, we compared the effect of lowered Ca2+ on response properties in darkness and during adaptation. Internal Ca2+ was reduced from its normal resting dark level (535 nM) by either background illumination or exposure to Ringer's solution containing low Ca2+ and/or cyclic GMP-gated channel blockers in darkness. Ca2+ reductions in light decreased the activation gain of the transduction process and speeded recovery kinetics, while equivalent Ca2+ reductions in darkness caused similar gain reduction without accelerating recovery. This indicates that adaptational changes in the response are not due purely to feedback effects on recovery.
National survey of pediatricians' violence prevention counseling.

Background Recommendations for child health care providers to counsel patients and their families on violence prevention have been issued by a number of major health care organizations. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitudes, training, and practices of pediatricians concerning violence prevention counseling in the areas of family violence, discipline, television viewing, peer violence, and guns in the home. Design Survey. Participants A national random sample of 1350 pediatricians, divided equally among residents in their final year of training, practitioners who had completed their residency training within the last 5 years, and those who had completed their training more than 5 years ago. Main Outcome Measures Knowledge, attitudes, training, and current practices regarding violence prevention counseling. Results The overall response rate was 41%. When providing health supervision to patients, most pediatricians never or rarely screen for family and community violence, peer violence, and weapons. For example, 68% of residents and 73% of practitioners never or rarely screen for domestic violence, 56% of residents and 67% of practitioners never or rarely ask adolescents about their involvement in physical fighting, and 54% of residents and 56% of practitioners never or rarely identify families who have guns in the home. Regarding preparation for providing violence prevention counseling, 76% of residents and 83% of practitioners rated their training as inadequate. Receiving training in the prevention of child/adolescent violence in medical school ( P P P =.002) were major determinants of more frequent violence prevention counseling. Pediatricians who believed that parents rarely or never follow through on a physician's advice about safe gun storage, switching to nonviolent disciplining techniques, or limiting their child's television viewing were less likely to ask or advise patients in these areas. Conclusions Pediatricians are not adequately prepared to provide violence prevention counseling, and few currently screen for exposure to family and community violence, peer violence, and access to weapons. Comprehensive information about violence prevention should be integrated into medical education, and the efficacy of violence prevention counseling strategies should be evaluated.
Distal filtration versus flow reversal: An ex vivo assessment of the choices for carotid embolic protection

Objectives Choices for embolic protection during carotid stent procedures include distal filtration (DF) and proximal occlusion with flow reversal (POFR). DF devices are widely used but have produced only modest improvements in clinical outcomes. There is less experience with POFR devices but single center reports suggest reduced emboli detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD). To determine if POFR offers a significant improvement in embolic protection, we tested five DF devices and two POFR devices with 8F and 10F sheath design in an ex vivo angioplasty system using human carotid plaques excised en bloc. Physiologic pressures and flows were used and the efficiency of plaque fragment removal by these devices compared. Methods Thirty-three human carotid plaques removed en bloc were secured in tailored polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. The distal PTFE was either 6 mm or 5 mm inner diameter (ID). Saline was delivered through the excised carotid plaque as follows: a cleaning 50 mL flush was done prior to the angioplasty procedure and discarded; further flushes of forward flow were done with five pressurized "pulsations" of 10 mL each (50 mL), peak pressure 140 mm Hg. Balloon angioplasty was done with a 4 mm and then a 6 mm balloon. DF flushes were applied after each angioplasty and "postprocedure" after the device was removed. With POFR, 50 mL were collected through the sheath after balloon angioplasty by either back-pressure of 20 mm Hg, 40 mm Hg or 60 mm Hg, or by aspiration. Postangioplasty pressurized forward flush of 50 or 100 mL was done as described. Each flush was collected, centrifuged, and examined for plaque fragments. Fragments greater than 60 microns were sized and counted on a 100 micron grid. Results When DF devices were used in 6 mm lumen PTFE, the percent of fragments trapped was poor (13.7% to 27.8%). There were no statistically significant differences between the devices. The capture of fragments improved (22% vs 51.4%, P Conclusion In our model, both protection strategies were less than ideal. For POFR, high back pressures or multiple aspirations improve the efficiency of cerebral protection but additional fragments were released by pressurized flow even after aspiration of 150 mL of saline. DF devices create a pressure gradient and fragments apparently went around the device with pressurized flow in our PTFE lumen. Over-sizing of DF devices partially corrected this problem and increased over all DF efficiency to be comparable to POFR for smaller fragments but not for larger fragments.
Economic evaluation for the UK of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic pancreas cancer

Economic evaluation for the UK of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic pancreas cancer
Correlation between stereoradiography and 3D topographic measurements

Background The EOS is al ow-dose digital stereoradiography system that can produce highly reproducible spine measurements. The Milwaukee Topographic System (MTS) has reliably detected the 3-dimensional (3D) back surface contour changes. The correlation between Cobb angles and the MTS analog to Cobb angles in both the sagittal and coronal planes have been studied, but data are limited for comparisons of axial vertebral rotation measures derived from the MTS and X ray system. Purpose The goal of this study was to evaluate the correlations between EOS-derived axial rotation and MTS-registered axial surface rotation at each vertebral level. Methods A case control study design was performed, and four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (ages 10 to 17) had measurements taken using both the MTS and EOS system. The MTS used a handheld laser scanner to gather the subjects’ back geometry while standing. Markers were placed on the subjects’ spinal processes so they could be identified in the scans and a custom software package was used to calculate 3D back measures. The EOS system took bi-planar images of the subjects’ torsos while standing and then calculated spine measurements by semi-automatically making a 3D reconstruction of the spine. The vertebral axial rotations from the MTS and EOS system were compared for the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for all the vertebrae. Results Only one vertebral level measurement, the third lumbar vertebrae (r=0.95, p<0.049), had a significant correlation, although the eighth (r=0.94, p<0.06) and ninth (r=0.92, p<0.08) thoracic vertebrae had high correlations that were close to significance. Conclusions and discussion In this limited study, the MTS predicts for the transverse rotations of the spinal segments, especially in the thoracolumbar and proximal lumbar region. Our current experience may indicate that the larger the vertebral body, the better the 3D reconstructive process using EOS.
The incidence of carcinoma in cytologically benign thyroid cysts.

Abstract Background. The management of cytologically benign thyroid cysts is controversial. Treatment options include observation, chemical sclerosis, and surgery. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of carcinoma in cytologically benign thyroid cysts that recur after complete aspiration and to determine the indications for surgery in these patients. Methods. The medical records of 1189 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery between July 1995 and November 2000 were reviewed. In 34 patients the indication for surgery was a thyroid cyst with benign cytologic findings that refilled at least once after complete aspiration. These patients were selected for further study. Results. The 26 women and 8 men had a median age of 42 years. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was consistent with a benign cyst in all these cases. Final pathologic findings revealed the nodule to be a papillary carcinoma in 4 patients (12%). In another 4 patients (12%) an incidental microscopic papillary carcinoma, separate from the cyst, was identified on final pathologic findings. In all 4 patients with papillary carcinoma the cyst size was greater than 3 cm (range, 3.4 to 5.0 cm). Conclusions. The incidence of malignancy in cytologically benign thyroid cysts that recur after aspiration is high enough to warrant surgical excision, especially if the cyst is greater than 3 cm in size. (Surgery 2001;130:1035-8.)
A mean field theory for the rheology of phase separated or flocculated dispersions

Abstract Addition of polymer to otherwise homogeneous colloidal suspensions can cause phase separation and highly non-Newtonian rheology. We present a self-consistent field theory that predicts the rheological behaviour of these phase separated dispersions, as well as flocculated dispersions in general. The theory incorporates both hydrodynamic and thermodynamic interactions to predict the breakup under shear of the infinite network present at rest. The results conform to experimental measurements of the yield stress and the low frequency modulus for these dispersions, but does not adequately describe the plastic or non-Newtonian flow under shear.
Dynamic Life Table Model for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Analysis of the Literature and Model Development

The container-inhabiting mosquito simulation model (CIMSiM) is a weather-driven, dynamic life table simulation model of Aedes aegypti (L.). It is designed to provide a framework for related models of similar mosquitoes which inhibit artificial and natural containers. CIMSiM is an attempt to provide a mechanistic, comprehensive, and dynamic accounting of the multitude of relationships known to play a role in the life history of these mosquitoes. Development rates of eggs, larvae, pupae, and the gonotrophic cycle are based on temperature using an enzyme kinetics approach. Larval weight gain and food depletion are based on the differential equations of Gilpin & McClelland compensated for temperature. Survivals are a function of weather, habitat, and other factors. The heterogeneity of the larval habitat is depicted by modeling the immature cohorts within up to nine different containers, each of which represents an important type of mosquito-producing container in the field. The model provides estimates of the age-specific density of each life stage within a representative 1-ha area. CIMSiM is interactive and runs on IBM-compatible personal computers. The user specifies a region of the world of interest; the model responds with lists of countries and associated cities where historical data on weather, larval habitat, and human densities are available. Each location is tied to an environmental file containing a description of the significant mosquito-producing containers in the area and their characteristics. In addition to weather and environmental information, CIMSiM uses biological files that include species-specific values for each of the parameters used in the model. Within CIMSiM, it is possible to create new environmental and biological files or modify existing ones to allow simulations to be tailored to particular locations or to parameter sensitivity studies. The model also may be used to evaluate any number and combination of standard and novel control methods.
Shear band susceptibility: Work hardening materials

Abstract A phenomenological model of a rigid, work hardening, plastic material, with rate hardening and thermal softening, is analysed to determine susceptibility to the formation of adiabatic shear bands. The approach used is to examine perturbation equations that are linearized about a homogeneous solution of the full nonlinear problem. It is found that, in general, solutions to these linearized equations exhibit a strong initial boundary layer in time and that the traditional approach, that is, analysis of frozen eigenvalues, cannot be relied upon to determine stability against initial perturbations. A variety of special techniques are used to approximate solutions for the fully time-dependent behavior. These techniques include asymptotic expansions of exact representations, WKB analysis of the equations that govern the Fourier components, and numerical analysis by spectral methods of both the linearized and nonlinear equations. Although solutions to the linearized eqautions are valid only for finite time when perturbations are growing, it is still possible to obtain a basic scaling law for comparing susceptibility of different materials.
Guest-Host Molecular Ensembles for Nonlinear Optics

Abstract This paper discusses structural strategies for assembling bulk materials for nonlinear optics. In part one, we review a strategy, based on the concepts of guest-host inclusion complexation. We incorporate molecules into crystalline environments in which molecular dipoles are assembled into materials for second harmonic generation by polar alignment of the dipoles. In part two, we review the fabrication and properties of optical quality materials for third order nonlinear optics based on nanoscale particles of semiconductors included in polymer media.
Present-day plate interactions in Northeast Asia: North American, Eurasian, and Okhotsk plates

Abstract Based on seismicity and focal mechanisms, a separate Okhotsk plate is identified which includes most of the Sea of Okhotsk, Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Suntar-Khayata Mountains, in the northeastern USSR. Using slip vectors from the largest earthquakes in the region, we obtain a North America-Eurasia pole of rotation near the Lena River delta and a Okhotsk-North America pole off western Chukotka. The computed poles satisfy observed thrust faulting mechanisms in the northern Cherskii Mountains which are discordant with models proposed by previous workers. It is suggested that the Arctic rift propagated through northeast Siberia to the Pacific, separating the Okhotsk plate and causing a recent (
The Role of Community Health Centers in Providing Behavioral Health Care

The prevalence of behavioral health problems is higher for low-income individuals, yet this population is less likely to receive behavioral health treatment. Community health centers have their advantages as behavioral health-care providers because they serve a majority low-income population and are located in medically underserved areas. Their role in providing behavioral health care is expected to expand under health reform as they are expected to double their patient capacity, and due to increased insurance coverage for individuals with behavioral health problems. However, the ability of community health centers to provide behavioral health care is compromised by provider shortages and funding shortfalls.
The reaction of nucleophilic species with quinonoid 6,6,7,7-tetramethyldihydropterin

Abstract The products, kinetics, and mechanisms for the reaction of HO − , NH 2 OCH 3 , and HOCl with 1,5-quinonoid 6,6,7,7-tetramethyldihydropterin are provided. The reaction with hydroxide leads to a rearranged imidazolone whose structure was proved by independent synthesis. With methoxylamine the product is a dihydro adduct derived from methoxylamine displacement of the 2-amino group. In this case the structure of the product was obtained via X-ray crystallography and 13 C NMR with the former providing novel information about the tautomeric form of this pterin quinonoid species. The chlorination of the quinonoid generates N2 or N3 chloroamines based on high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. Mechanisms for these transformations are proposed.
The trace problem for vector fields satisfying Hörmander's condition

Trace theorems are proved for non-isotropic Sobolev and $L^p$ -Lipschitz spaces defined by vector fields satisfying Hormander's bracket condition of order 2. It is shown that the loss of regularity by traces is the same as in the classical case.
W. Raymond Wood’s Interdisciplinary Approach to Archaeology

The career of w. Raymond Wood is reviewed in terms of his contributions to interdisciplinary studies in archaeology. This paper contends that his academic training at the University of Nebraska and the University of Oregon influenced this holistic approach to archaeological research. Examples of his interdisciplinary approach to research are described for projects ranging from Quaternary studies in the western Ozark Highland of Missouri to ecological approachesfor understanding village life among the Indians living along the Missouri River of the eastern Great Plains.
Deletion of Porcn in Mice Leads to Multiple Developmental Defects and Models Human Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome)

Background Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (FDH) is a genetic disorder characterized by developmental defects in skin, skeleton and ectodermal appendages. FDH is caused by dominant loss-of-function mutations in X-linked PORCN. PORCN orthologues in Drosophila and mice encode endoplasmic reticulum proteins required for secretion and function of Wnt proteins. Wnt proteins play important roles in embryo development, tissue homeostasis and stem cell maintenance. Since features of FDH overlap with those seen in mouse Wnt pathway mutants, FDH likely results from defective Wnt signaling but molecular mechanisms by which inactivation of PORCN affects Wnt signaling and manifestations of FDH remain to be elucidated.
Expression of genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway is significantly deregulated in smooth muscle cells from aorta of aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout mice

Abstract The molecular basis for the adverse biological effects of dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin; TCDD), a pervasive environmental toxin, is largely unknown. TCDD is a ligand for the cytosolic aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) which mediates the transcriptional induction of the xenobiotic metabolizing genes in the CYP1 family of cytochromes P 450. Previous studies have suggested that the AHR may carry out important functions in the cell in addition to metabolizing toxins. We present gene expression profiles of smooth muscle cells from wild type and Ahr −/− mice that show significant changes in the RNA levels of the transforming growth factor-beta3 ( Tgfb3 ) gene and genes involved in the modulation and processing of TGF-β. The RNA expression profiles support a hypothesis that in the wild type, the AHR represses Tgfb gene expression and affects the gene expression of several TGF-β-modulating and processing genes. We also observed that RNA levels increased for TGF-β2, CYP1b1, and TGF-β-related genes in Ahr −/− smooth muscle cells exposed to TCDD. These data are consistent with a hypothesis that TCDD stimulates the TGF-β2 signaling pathway in the absence of the AHR to activate the Cyp1b1 gene. The above results provide a possible explanation for some of the multiple biological effects of TCDD and the physiological role played by the AHR in the absence of environmental agents.
Exploring Why Career Changers Leave Teaching

Survey data were used to explore the current teaching status and reasons for leaving or considering leaving teaching for 154 career changers who all graduated from a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program over a 9-year time period. Respondents provided information about reasons for leaving teaching, indicating personal/family, career, and school satisfaction reasons influenced their decisions. Their reasons are discussed in light of the broader retention and attrition literature and also are linked to implications for practice with those preparing and working with new teachers.
Ray Jackendoff, Foundations of language: Brain, meaning, grammar, evolution. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. 2002. Pp. xix, 477. Hb $40.00

In this extraordinary book, Jackendoff proposes nothing less than a new way to understand the architecture of language and a new way to view the relation of language to the brain, to the mind, to behavior, and to the evolution of our species. It is, among many other things, an invitation for cooperation from one of the world's leading formal syntacticians to linguists of diverse orientations and to those from adjacent fields, including sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology. If we don't want to be left behind, we had better pay close attention.
Discovery of Brain-Penetrant, Irreversible Kynurenine Aminotransferase II Inhibitors for Schizophrenia.

Kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) II has been identified as a potential new target for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Following a high-throughput screen, cyclic hydroxamic acid PF-04859989 was identified as a potent and selective inhibitor of human and rat KAT II. An X-ray crystal structure and 13C NMR studies of PF-04859989 bound to KAT II have demonstrated that this compound forms a covalent adduct with the enzyme cofactor, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), in the active site. In vivo pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies in rat show that PF-04859989 is a brain-penetrant, irreversible inhibitor and is capable of reducing brain kynurenic acid by 50% at a dose of 10 mg/kg (sc). Preliminary structure–activity relationship investigations have been completed and have identified the positions on this scaffold best suited to modification for further optimization of this novel series of KAT II inhibitors.
Behavior therapy empowers persons with severe mental illness.

Behavior therapy has been viewed by some as disempowering persons with severe mental illness (i.e., undermining their ability to make independent decisions). This is ironic because various behavior...
Structure and dynamics from solid state NMR spectroscopy.

The authors wish to thank W Thorner for his skill in preparing the colour figure for this manuscript. TAC gratefully acknowledges support of the National Science Foundation (DMB931711) and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University.
Is the salt tolerance of maize related to sodium exclusion? I. Preliminary screening of seven cultivars

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) plants in the early stage of development were treated with 80 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) with or without supplemental calcium (Ca2+) (8.75 mM) for a seven day period. The effects of salinity on dry matter production and shoot and root concentrations of sodium (Na+), Ca2+, and potassium (K+) were measured for seven Pioneer maize cultivars. Salinity significantly reduced total dry weight, leaf area, and shoot and root dry weight below control levels. For all seven cultivars, Na+concentrations were reduced and leaf area was significantly increased by supplementing salinized nutrient solutions with 8.75 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2). The two cultivars with the lowest shoot and root Na+ concentrations under NaCl‐salinity showed the greatest increases in total, shoot and root dry weights with the addition of supplemental Ca. Shoot fresh weight/dry weight ratios for all cultivars were decreased significantly by both salinity treatments, but supplemental Ca2+ increased the ratio relative...
Competitive intransitivity and size-frequency distributions of interacting populations

Abstract The competitive ranking of three marine sessile organisms was determined from overgrowth observations and found to be intrasitive. Overgrowth results were dependent upon relative vertical relief which, in turn, was related to colony area. Discriminant function analysis demonstrates that competitive rankings can be largely predicted on the basis of knowledge of the size-frequency distribution of interacting populations. Because size increases with age for these species, size-dependent competition implies age-dependent competition. The role of age structure in determining the results of inter-specific interactions has been curiously neglected, particularly as it relates to competitive ability, yet the age dependence of competitive ability suggests (i) the occurrence of intransitivity in purely exploitative systems, (ii) a mechanism for frequency-dependent behavior, (iii) the production of limit cycles, and (iv) the possibility of size refugia.
Elections, Special Interests, and Financial Crisis

A large literature concludes that democracy has ambiguous effects on public policy and that political checks and balances exacerbate crisis. The analysis in this article finds that although democracies are no less likely to experience banking crises, in the event of financial crisis, competitively elected governments intervene more rapidly in insolvent banks and make transfers to them that are between 10 and 20 percent of gross domestic product less than those made by nondemocratic governments. Their countries suffer far smaller growth collapses. However, political checks and balances have no effect on government responses to financial crisis. A simple model offers new explanations for these regime effects. First, for those public policies for which voter information and political credibility are particularly likely to be problematic (financial regulation), electoral accountability matters only when the consequences of failure become large and visible (financial crisis). Second, checks and balances reduce political incentives to seek rents, offsetting the delays they induce in crisis response. The analysis in this article underlines the importance of considering regime effects on political incentives to cater to special interests at the expense of broad social interests, and of avoiding aggregated and subjective measures of democracy that can obscure the identification of regime effects.This article benefited from the generous comments of George Clarke, Robert Cull, and Patrick Honohan, and from those of participants at the 6th International Conference on Finance and Development, Moscow 2005; and in seminars at the University of California, Los Angeles, Universitat Basel, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Application of denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis for the analysis of the porcine gastrointestinal microbiota

The porcine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota has been studied to increase production efficiency, improve product quality, and help attempt to reduce disease. During the developmental period from birth through weaning, the intestinal microbiota undergoes a rapid ecological succession. There is interest in developing a monitoring technique that allows for analysis of bacterial population levels and shifts within the pig intestine. The objective of this study was to determine if denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) could be effectively applied to measure changes in bacterial populations of the pig GIT, as influenced by age, diet or compartment. Bacterial genetic diversity was determined using DGGE analysis of the V3 region of 16S rDNA PCR products (approximately 200 bp) obtained from primers specific for the domain Bacteria. Protocol development included optimization of: DNA extraction procedures, PCR amplification, removal of PCR artifacts, and optimization of gel preparation and image capture. DGGE analysis revealed diverse bacterial populations between pigs of different ages and among individual gut compartments. Comparison of fecal DNA from different aged pigs revealed several unique PCR product bands indicating the presence of unique bacterial populations. Comparison of different gut compartments demonstrated that bacterial populations were most similar (C, value > 50%) within a single compartment and between adjacent ones. Thus, DGGE can be used to examine bacterial diversity and population shifts in the pig GIT.
Synthesis, purification, and characterization of phosphine oxides and their hydrogen peroxide adducts.

Reactions of the tertiary phosphines R3P (R = Me, Bu, Oct, Cy, Ph) with 35% aqueous H2O2 gives the corresponding oxides as the H2O2 adducts R3PO·(H2O2)x (x = 0.5–1.0). Air oxidation leads to a mixture of products due to the insertion of oxygen into one or more P–C bonds. 31P NMR spectroscopy in solution and in the solid state, as well as IR spectroscopy reveal distinct features of the phosphine oxides as compared to their H2O2 adducts. The single crystal X-ray analyses of Bu3PO and [Cy3PO·(H2O2)]2 show a PO stacking motif for the phosphine oxide and a cyclic structure, in which the six oxygen atoms exhibit a chair conformation for the dimeric H2O2 adduct. Different methods for the decomposition of the bound H2O2 and the removal of the ensuing strongly adsorbed H2O are evaluated. Treating R3PO·(H2O2)x with molecular sieves destroys the bound H2O2 safely under mild conditions (room temperature, toluene) within one hour and quantitatively removes the adsorbed H2O from the hygroscopic phosphine oxides within four hours. At 60 °C the entire decomposition/drying process is complete within one hour.
High Performance Conductive Adhesives for Lead-Free Interconnects

Tin-lead solder alloys are widely used in the electronic industry. With the recognition of toxicity of lead, however, electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) have been considered as one of the most promising alternatives of tin-lead solder. While silver is the most widely used conductive fillers for ECA, silver migration has been the major concern for the high power and fine pitch applications. In this paper, a novel approach of using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) passivation has been introduced to control the silver migration in nano-Ag ECAs. The protection of silver nano particles with SAMs reduced the silver migration dramatically and no migration was observed upon application of high voltages (up to 500 V) due to the formation of surface chelating compounds between the SAM and nano silver fillers. Unlike other migration control approaches which sacrifice electrical performance, the SAM passivated nano Ag fillers also enhanced the electrical conductivity and current carrying capability of adhesive joints significantly due to the improved interfacial properties and high current density of those molecular monolayers. The joint resistance of the SAM incorporated nano-Ag conductive adhesive could be achieved as low as 10−5 Ohm (the contact area is 100 ×100 μm2) and the maximum allowable current was higher than 3500 mA. As such, a fine pitch, high performance, non-migration and high reliability adhesives are developed for potential solder replacement in high voltage, high power device applications.
Inferring dynamics from the wavenumber spectra of an eddying global ocean model with embedded tides

[1] The slopes of the wavenumber spectra of sea surface height (SSH) and kinetic energy (KE) have been used to infer “interior” or surface quasi-geostrophic (QG or SQG) dynamics of the ocean. However, inspection of spectral slopes for altimeter SSH in the mesoscale band of 70 to 250 km shows much flatter slopes than the QG or SQG predictions over most of the ocean. Comparison of altimeter wavenumber spectra with spectra from an eddy resolving global ocean circulation model (the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model, HYCOM, at 1/12.5° equatorial resolution), which has embedded tides, suggests that the flatter slopes of the altimeter SSH may arise from three possible sources: (1) presence of strong internal tides, (2) shift of the inertial sub-range to smaller scales and (3) altimeter noise. Artificially adding noise to the model tends to flatten the spectra for low KE regions. Near internal tide generating regions, spectral slopes in the presence of internal waves are much flatter than QG or SQG predictions. Separating the variability into high and low frequency (around periods of 2 days), then a different pattern emerges with a flat high-frequency wavenumber spectrum and a steeper low-frequency wavenumber spectrum. For low mesoscale KE, the inertial sub-range, defined by the nearly flat enstrophy band, moves to smaller scales and the mesoscale band of 70 to 250 km no longer represents the inertial sub-range. The model wavenumber spectra are consistent with QG and SQG theory when internal waves and inertial sub-range shifts are taken into consideration.
Correlates of physical activity in pregnancy among Latina women.

Objectives: National data indicate that Latina women are less active than non-Latina white women and are at higher risk of gestational diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes. Physical activity may reduce risk of maternal disorders of pregnancy, but sparse data exists on the correlates of physical activity in pregnant Latina women. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study from 2000 to 2004 among healthy Latina prenatal care patients in a public clinic and midwifery practice. Physical activity was assessed using a modified version of the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) in early and mid pregnancy. Results: A total of 1,231 women (predominantly of Puerto Rican heritage) met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled. Participation in household/caregiving, occupational, sports/exercise, and active living decreased from prepregnancy to pregnancy. Overall, women who were more active prior to pregnancy were more likely to have high levels of participation in every domain of pregnancy activity. Women with the highest level of participation in occupational activity during pregnancy (defined as the highest quartile of activity, compared with the lower three quartiles) were more likely to be older, college-educated, have higher income, and have fewer children. Women with the highest level of household/caregiving activity were more likely to be older, have more children, be U.S. born, and prefer Spanish while women with the highest levels of sports/exercise during pregnancy were less likely to prefer Spanish. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sociodemographic, acculturation, health, and behavioral correlates of physical activity vary by domain among Latina women. Programs aimed at promoting physical activity during pregnancy in this high risk ethnic group should recognize these differences.
Intentional and un-intentional far end crosstalk cancellation in high speed differential link

In this paper, a new type of differential far end crosstalk cancellation mechanism for high speed differential link is introduced. By optimizing the PCB routing, or enforcing a specific differential pin-out pattern, the crosstalk contribution from a different component or section of the link can cancel each other and result in a significant crosstalk reduction at the receiver. On the other hand, this paper also addresses another aspect of the crosstalk cancellation scheme: the crosstalk contribution from different link components may be un-intentionally cancelled out in full link simulation, and results in favorable but wrong simulation results. Suggestions on how to avoid this type of problem is given in the paper.
Stochastic modulation in molecular electronic transport junctions: molecular dynamics coupled with charge transport calculations.

The experimental variation in conductance that can be expected through dynamically evolving Au-molecule-Au junctions is approximated using molecular dynamics to model thermal fluctuations and a nonequilibrium Green's function code (Huckel-IV 2.0) to calculate the charge transport. This generates a statistical set of conductance data that can be used to compare directly with experimental results. Experimental measurements on Au-single molecule junctions show a large variation in conductance values between different identically prepared junctions. Our computational results indicate that the Au-Au and the Au-molecule fluctuations provide extensive geometric freedom and an associated broad distribution in calculated conductance values. Our results show agreement with experimental measurements of the low bias voltage conductance and conductance distribution for both thiol-Au and amine-Au linker structures. -
Synthesis of potential dual antagonists IV. Effect of ring substituents on the alkylating and hydrolytic properties of bis‐(1‐aziridinyl)phosphinyl carbamates

Ethyl [bis-(1-aziridinyl)phosphinyl]carbamate and several of its aziridine-C-methyl derivatives were studied with respect to their comparative alkylating activities, rates of hydrolysis and hydrolytic rearrangements as followed by NMR spectroscopy. It was confirmed that the geminally substituted derivatives radically differ from the parent compound in their chemical reaction patterns; this may explain the important pharmacologic differences found, in particular, between the two experimental antineoplastic agents, AB-100 (I) and AB-132 (III). The synthesis of the fully substituted 2,2,3,3-tetramethyl derivative is reported in this paper.
Using the debugger as an integral part of teaching CS1

Traditionally, using a debugger has had the connotation of finding and removing defects. In this paper and presentation, we explore the use of a modern integrated debugger as a program understanding tool for novice programming students in CS1. With the move to Java in the first course, instructors and students are faced with either ignoring the details of object-oriented concept or with explaining the concepts in a way that novices can understand. We show how the debugger can be used to depict the initial construction of an object, the object's inherited members, and polymorphic calls to the object's methods. Although each of these concepts can be difficult for beginning programmers, using the debugger to explicitly illustrate these concepts provides students with an opportunity for a much deeper understanding of their programs.
Judgment and analysis in oil spill risk assessment

The risk of oil spills is a major environmental issue in the siting of proposed coastal refineries, oil terminals, deepwater ports, and in the leasing of offshore lands for oil exploration and development. As with any kind of risk, oil spill risk assessment is inherently judgmental and no analytic method can eliminate the need for judgment. This paper compares representative examples of oil spill risk assessments with regard to decisions about data, variables, functional relations, and uncertainty. The comparison emphasizcs the judgmental basis of analytic methods.
Maximum stable bubble size and gas holdup in high-pressure slurry bubble columns

Experiments of pressure effects on gas holdup and bubble size in slurry bubble columns at 5.6 MPa and at gas velocities up to 45 cm/s indicate that the gas holdup increases with an increase in pressure, especially at high slurry concentration. At ambient pressure, a higher solids concentration significantly lowers gas holdup over the entire gas-velocity range, while at 5.6 MPa, the effect of solids concentration on gas holdup is relatively small at gas velocities above 25 cm/s. An empirical correlation was developed based on these data and those in the literature to predict gas holdup in bubble and slurry bubble columns over a wide range of operating conditions. An analysis of bubble flow characteristics during dynamic gas disengagement indicates that large bubbles play a key role in determining gas holdup due to the large bubble and wake volumes that induce the acceleration of small bubbles. Direct measurement of bubble size shows that elevated pressures lead to smaller bubble size and narrower bubble-size distributions. Bubble size increases significantly with increasing solids concentration at ambient pressure, while at high pressures this effect is less pronounced. A theoretical analysis of circulation of gas inside the bubble yields an analytical expression for maximum stable bubble size in high-pressure slurry bubble columns. Based on this internal circulation model, the maximum stable bubble size at high pressures is significantly smaller due to the high gas inertia and low gas-liquid surface tension. The smaller bubble size and its reduced bubble rise velocity account for the observed pressure effect on gas holdup.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION BY CINNAMON AND CLOVE OILS. CINNAMIC ALDEHYDE AND EUGENOL

Previous work indicated that cinnamon was inhibitory to the growth of aflatoxin-producing molds. The objective of this study was to determine the specific components of cinnamon and cloves that may be effective against mold growth and toxin production. The effects of cinnamon oil, clove oil, cinnamic aldehyde and eugenol on growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus were studied using yeast-extract sucrose broth as the substrate. All four substances inhibited mold growth and subsequent toxin production. Cinnamon and clove oils were inhibitory at 200–250 ppm, cinnamic aldehyde at 150 ppm and eugenol at 125 ppm. Since cinnamic aldehyde and eugenol are the respective major components of cinnamon and clove oils, it was concluded that these are the major active antifungal ingredients of these two essential oils. The inhibitory effect of these substances was judged to be inhibition of growth rather than of toxin production. When growth occurred after a delay, aflatoxin production occurred when the cultures reached secondary metabolism. Given sufficient time, cultures which were inhibited initially, but which subsequently grew, produced toxin levels equivalent to control cultures. Levels of the oils above 250 ppm and of cinnamic aldehyde and eugenol above 200 ppm completely inhibited mold growth, or permitted only a small amount of growth that never reached secondary metabolism and never produced aflatoxins during the time of this study.
Divorce and Family Support in Later Life Emerging Concerns

Two patterns are among the most important considerations in planning services for the elderly of the future: (1) the current role of family members in supporting older adults and (2) the present high rate of divorce. Thus far, these patterns may not have significantly affected each other. However, if forecasts of increasing service demands by older adults are correct, service planners must consider what resources will be available to the elderly of the future. In this article, literature from a variety of areas is reviewed focusing on one question: How will the currently high rate of divorce affect the family support system of older adults in the future? Current divorce and remarriage patterns could undermine this support system of the elderly. Possible short-and long-term effects of the demands and emotional consequences of divorce are discussed within this context, and implications for public policy are suggested.