cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the temporal effects of estradiol and diethylstibestrol on pituitary content of DNA, prolactin mRNA and prolactin and on serum prolactin levels in ovariectomized Holtzman rats

Ovariectomized Holtzman rats implanted with Silastic capsules of estradiol-17 beta (E2) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) were decapitated at intervals between 4 hours and 10 days of steroid treatment and the anterior pituitaries were collected and analyzed for DNA, prolactin mRNA, and prolactin content. Serum prolactin was also determined. Untreated ovariectomized rats decapitated at 10 days after ovariectomy served as controls. Pituitary DNA levels were not consistently affected by either steroid until 10 days of treatment when levels approximately doubled. In contrast both steroids increased prolactin mRNA and pituitary and serum prolactin levels within 4-8 hours of treatment. Prolactin mRNA levels increased throughout the 10 day period. Pituitary prolactin levels paralleled mRNA levels until day 7 then decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at day 10. Serum prolactin levels increased at 4 and 8 hours, decreased slightly at 24 hours only to increase dramatically at 48 hours. Then at 4 and 7 days of treatment serum levels decreased to the levels seen at 24 hours, followed by a significant (P < 0.05) increase at day 10. Both steroids were equipotent in their effects on serum prolactin; however, DES was significantly (P < 0.05) more potent in increasing pituitary prolactin content than was E2; whereas, E2 was more potent in increasing prolactin mRNA and pituitary DNA. It is concluded that both natural and synthetic estrogens have rapid and sustained, although not equivalent, actions on the levels of prolactin mRNA in the rat. Further, pituitary DNA and pituitary and serum prolactin do not consistently follow the temporal pattern of change seen for prolactin gene expression.
Counter‐intuitive temperature excursions during regeneration of a diesel particulate filter

A major technological challenge in the regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) is that sometimes local high temperature excursions melt the cordierite ceramic filter. The cause of this melting is still an open question as the highest temperature attained under stationary (constant feed) combustion of the accumulated particulate matter is too low to cause this melting (melting temperature ∼1250°C). We recently conjectured that the high temperature excursions are a counterintuitive response to a rapid deceleration, which decreases the exhaust gas temperature and flow rate and increases the oxygen concentration. Infrared measurements of the spatiotemporal temperature during soot combustion on a single-layer DPF showed that a simultaneous step change of the feed temperature, flow rate, and oxygen concentration can lead to a transient temperature that exceeds the highest attained for stationary operation under either the initial or the final operation conditions. The experiments revealed that the magnitude of the temperature rise depends in a complex way on several factors, such as the direction of movement of the propagating temperature front. The amplitude of the temperature rise is a monotonic decreasing function of the distance that the temperature front moved before the step change. The rapid response to the feed oxygen concentration increases initially the moving front temperature. The slow response of the ceramic DPF to a decrease in the feed temperature may eventually decrease the moving front temperature and even lead to premature extinction and partial regeneration. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Nucleotide Sequence Context Effect of a Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer upon RNA Polymerase II Transcription

We have studied the role of sequence context upon RNA polymerase II arrest by a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer using an in vitro transcription system consisting of templates containing a specifically located cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and purified RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and initiation factors. We selected a model sequence containing a well characterized site for RNAP II arrest in vitro, the human histone H3.3 gene arrest site. The 13-base pair core of the arrest sequence contains two runs of T in the nontranscribed strand that impose a bend in the DNA. We hypothesized that arrest of RNAP II might be affected by the presence of a CPD, based upon the observation that a CPD located at the center of a dA6.dT6 tract eliminates bending (Wang, C.-I., and Taylor, J.-S. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 88, 9072-9076). We examined the normal H3.3 sequence and a mutant sequence containing a T --> G transversion, which reduces bending and efficiency of arrest. We show that a CPD in the transcribed strand at either of two locations in the arrest site is a potent block to transcription. However, a CPD in the nontranscribed strand only transiently pauses RNAP II. The CPD in concert with a mutation in the arrest site can reduce the extent of bending of the DNA and improve readthrough efficiency. These results demonstrate the potential importance of sequence context for the effect of CPDs within transcribed sequences.
Comparison of Prestomal Teeth in the Face Fly (Musca Autumnalis) and the House Fly (Musca Domestica) (Diptera: Muscidae)

The prestomal teeth in mouthparts of the face fly ( Musca autumnalis ) are long (ca. 60 μm), with jagged terminal points clearly projecting beyond the pseudotrachea when the labellae are in the scraping position. In contrast, the teeth of the house fly ( Musca domestica ) are more reduced (ca. 20 μm) and barely extend beyond the labellae when they are in the scraping position. These morphological differences and the behavior of the face fly in contacting the eye conjunctival tissues during feeding account for the observed damage caused by this fly to the eyes of cattle. This damage is not observed for the house fly.
Isolation of the gene for the precursor of Phe-Gly-Leu-amide allatostatins in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes

Allatostatins (ASTs), with a C-terminal sequence Tyr/Phe-Xaa-Phe-Gly-Leu/Ile-amide, are multifunctional neuropeptides that were first discovered by their ability to inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by the corpora allata (CA) in cockroaches. These A-type ASTs have since been demonstrated to inhibit JH synthesis in crickets, termites and more recently locusts. The gene for the precursor of A-type ASTs has been identified in several species of cockroaches, in crickets and in locusts, but not yet in termites, although 5 AST peptides were isolated from the lower termite Reticulitermes flavipes that are identical to known cockroach ASTs. In this study, primers designed from AST amino acid sequences of cockroaches are used to identify the gene for the preproAST peptides in R. flavipes. In addition, the expression of the gene in brain tissues is demonstrated for egg-laying and non-egg-laying neotenic reproductives. The gene codes for 14 individual peptides and its sequence is closer to that of cockroaches and the cricket than to that of other insect orders in which these peptides do not act as allatostatins. Among the known cockroach AST genes, the termite AST gene is most similar to that of Periplaneta americana, a species belonging to the primitive family Blattidae.
Risk Factors for Adolescent Pregnancy Reports Among African American Males

This study examined childhood and adolescent risk factors for males reports of getting someone pregnant during adolescence. These questions were examined in an urban sample of 335 African American males involved in a prospective longitudinal study. Childhood aggression significantly predicted reported pregnancies during adolescence. Boys who were stably aggressive across 3rd through 5th grades were at particularly high risk for reporting getting a female pregnant. Adolescent substance use and deviant peer involvement incrementally added to the prediction of pregnancy reports over and above the effects of childhood aggression. Adolescent aggressive problems did not contribute to reports of pregnancy once childhood aggression was accounted for in the model. These results highlight that precursors for males pregnancy reports can be identified by as early age 8. Findings also emphasize the importance of an expanded developmental focus to understand risk factors for adolescent pregnancy. The implications of these results are discussed for preventive interventions to reduce adolescent pregnancy. (authors)
Assessing interactions of organic compounds during biodegradation of complex waste mixtures by naturally occurring bacterial assemblages

Selected organic chemicals were tested to determine the minimum concentrations at which complete inhibition of microbial degradative processes occurred. Complete inhibition did not occur at less than 2 g/L phenol, 10 g/L toluene or n-butanol and 100 g/L acetone, benzene or methanol. Consequently, microbial degradative processes may play a significant role in the abatement of even very high organic pollutant concentrations. Glucose utilization and thymidine uptake rates were tested as indicators of the toxic effects of the organic pollutants. Both methods accurately indicated the concentrations of organic pollutants required to cause cessation of degradative activities and could serve as indicators of degradative inhibition, in lieu of degradation studies, when analytical processes for test organics are expensive or unavailable. Degradation kinetics of the high organic chemical concentrations followed typical multiphasic kinetic patterns, which tended to yield pseudo-first-order degradation rates over a wide range of chemical concentrations, except when chemical concentrations were sufficiently high to elicit metabolic inhibition.
How do changes in parental investment influence development in echinoid echinoderms

SUMMARY Understanding the relationship between egg size, development time, and juvenile size is critical to explaining patterns of life-history evolution in marine invertebrates. Currently there is conflicting information about the effects of changes in egg size on the life histories of echinoid echinoderms. We sought to resolve this conflict by manipulating egg size and food level during the development of two planktotrophic echinoid echinoderms: the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and the sand dollar, Echinarachnius parma. Based on comparative datasets, we predicted that decreasing food availability and egg size would increase development time and reduce juvenile size. To test our prediction, blastomere separations were performed in both species at the two-cell stage to reduce egg volume by 50%, producing whole- and half-size larvae that were reared to metamorphosis under high or low food levels. Upon settlement, age at metamorphosis, juvenile size, spine number, and spine length were measured. As predicted, reducing egg size and food availability significantly increased age at metamorphosis and reduced juvenile quality. Along with previous egg size manipulations in other echinoids, this study suggests that the relationship between egg size, development time, and juvenile size is strongly dependent upon the initial size of the egg.
A New Method for the Measurement of the Bohr Magneton

A molecular ray method for the measurement of forces acting on molecules is discussed in which these forces are compensated by the force of gravity (molecular balance).
Mollusc shell periostracum as an alternative to tissue in isotopic studies

Recent studies have used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of preserved soft tissues to examine historical changes in trophic patterns of aquatic ecosystems. A limitation in this application is the difficulty in finding specimens for primary consumers, which can act as a surrogate for basal food sources in determining the trophic status of higher consumers. The availability of preserved soft tissues of invertebrate primary consumers is often limited in museum and archival collections; hard parts such as mollusc shells, however, are often abundant because of their ease of storage. We used stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen to determine if there was a relationship between the isotopic composition of the periostracum of the shell and soft body tissue of freshwater molluscs. We found a significant correlation between (1) periostracum and tissue of freshly collected freshwater mussels, (2) ethanol-preserved adductor muscle tissue and dry-preserved mussels from museum collections, and (3) ethanol-preserved tissue and periostracum of gastropods from museum collections. The predictability of these relationships enhances the capacity to track changes in trophic complexity over time and responses of food webs to natural and anthropogenic environmental perturbations.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

AbstractA summary of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is presented. HIT is an adverse drug reaction characterized by thrombocytopenia and a high risk for venous or arterial thrombosis. The frequency of HIT ranges from 1 to 5% of patients receiving heparin with exact frequencies ranging between specific agents. Interestingly, this immune-mediated syndrome is ironically associated with thrombosis, not bleeding, with thrombin formation playing a major role. It is caused by heparin-dependent, platelet-activating antibodies that identifies a self-protein, PF4, bound to heparin that results in an antibody formation. The resulting platelet activation is associated with increased thrombin generation. Typically, the platelet count fall begins 5–10 days after starting heparin, although a rapid platelet count fall can occur in a patient who has antibodies from recent heparin use. Typical causes of HIT as well as the best diagnostic studies and treatment are discussed in this review. HIT was reviewed using a pu...
Depth dependent void swelling rates in self-ion irradiated nickel☆

Abstract Specimens of high purity nickel were irradiated with high energy heavy ions and the resultant microstructure examined along the ion path using a cross sectioning sample preparation technique. Void nucleation was found to be very sensitive to hydrogen introduced into the samples by electropolishing prior to irradiation. Samples containing hydrogen had void densities of about two orders of magnitude greater than outgassed samples. A series of hydrogen doped samples were irradiated with 14 MeV nickel ions to fluences from 2 × 1015ions/cm2to 1.4 × 1017ions/cm2 (peak damage from 2 to 150 dpa). The increase in the collision cross section as the incident ion slows down causes an increase in displacement rate with depth. The variation in the observed void density, void size and void swelling rates with depth indicate the importance of displacement rate on void simulation studies.
Eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum) cause mare reproductive loss syndrome

A new equine abortigenic disease, mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), was recognized and significantly impacted the Ohio Valley in the springs of 2001 and 2002. MRLS caused approximately 330 million US dollars in losses in 2001. An epidemiological investigation of MRLS associated occurrence of the disease with exposure to eastern tent caterpillars (M. americanum). This work investigates the epidemiological association between M. americanum and MRLS to determine if this association was correlative or causative. A pilot study and simulated exposure to M. americanum and their excreta on pasture grasses. The pilot study advanced exposure of pregnant mares to M. americanum materials and 18 of the 29 mares in the study aborted with symptoms of MRLS before other cases were reported in the region. In, three of seven mares exposed to M. americanum aborted, while mares in control (n=6) and M. americanum frass (n=7) treatments had no losses. In, mares were fed frozen insect larvae in feed buckets mixed with oats. Abortions occurred in three of five mares receiving frozen M. americanum, while mares that were fed autoclaved M. americanum (n=5) or frozen gypsy moth larvae (n=4) had no abortions due to MRLS. In, M. americanum larvae were dissected and fractionated. Statistically significant numbers of abortions occurred only in the positive control group and in association with the M. americanum exoskeleton. All abortions induced by exposure to M. americanum exhibited changes in echogenicity of fetal fluids and bacteriological findings post abortion that were consistent with MRLS. These studies support the hypothesis that ingestion of M. americanum larvae induces the MRLS-type equine abortions, and provide experimental evidence that this lepidopteran larva can cause an abortigenic disease in a vertebrate host.
Reactions of selected molecular anions with oxygen

An investigation of the gas-phase reactions of molecular oxygen with the molecular anions of 17 compounds formed by resonance electron capture was undertaken using a pulsed e-beam high-pressure mass spectrometer. The molecular anions of sulphur hexafluoride, perfluromethylcyclohexane, cis- and trans-perfluorodecalin, m-chloronitrobenzene, o-, m-and p-fluoronitrobenzene and o-, m- and p-dinitrobenzene were found to be unreactive towards oxygen. Those of o- and p-chloronitrobenzene, penta- and perchlorobenzene, perfluorobenzene, and perfluorotoluene were found to react readily with oxygen. The second-order rate constants for these reactions are shown to bear an inverse dependence on temperature. The reactions involving o- and p-chloronitrobenezene and penta-and perchlorobenzene proceed via a branched mechanism by which an ion of the type [M + O − Cl]− and Cl− ion are simultaneously produced. A greater variety of negative ions are formed in the reactions of the molecular anions of perfluorobenzene and perfluorotoluene with oxygen. The electron affinities of pentachlorobenzene (0.7 eV) and perchlorobenzene (1.0 eV) are also reported for the first time.
Taxonomy and natural history.

Although I wholeheartedly concur with the vital message in Q. D. Wheeler et al. 's Editorial “Taxonomy: impediment or expedient?” (16 Jan., p. [285][1]), I would also argue the case for natural history. A taxonomic understanding of biodiversity is clearly an essential complement to the study of
Improving the performance of methylalumoxane: a facile and efficient method to trap "free" trimethylaluminum.

The presence of “free” trimethylaluminum (TMA) in methylalumoxane (MAO) solutions can be highly detrimental to the performance of metallocene and “post-metallocene” olefin polymerization catalysts. The most used strategy to remove “free” TMA is to evaporate MAO solutions to dryness, until a free-flowing white powder (“solid MAO”) is left. This procedure is tedious and potentially hazardous, because in some cases the distillate is a concentrated hydrocarbon solution of TMA. Moreover, “solid MAO” is poorly soluble in common polymerization media, and once in solution it can regenerate TMA to some extent. This communication reports on a facile alternative, which consists in the controlled addition of a sterically hindered phenol, such as 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, effectively trapping “free” TMA. We show here that 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol/MAO solutions activate equally well the dichloro-precursors of well-known zirconocene and bis(phenoxyimine)Ti catalysts, and that their use in propene polymerization results in...
Semiparametric analysis of binary response from response-based samples☆

On examine la faisabilite de l'estimation semi-parametrique d'un modele de regression quantile lineaire
Acute reactions with collagen production in renal glomeruli of rats as studied electron microscopically.

Striking glomerular changes are seen electron microscopically in rat kidneys after acute uranyl nitrate poisoning. More interesting than the several glomerular epithelial cell reactions to this injury, perhaps, is the development of the nodular centrolobular lesion containing collagen fibers. The glomerular epithelial cell changes include loss of foot processes , the appearance of dense deposits in foot processes or in the larger portions of cytoplasm which replace lost foot processes, hyaline droplets , other cytoplasmic bodies with varying internal membranes and granules, myelin figures , and cytoplasmic vacuoles . The functional significances of these changes and of the observed proteinuria, polyuria, and oliguria are discussed. The nodular centrolobular lesion was identified with a trichrome stain after embedding in methacrylate. As seen with the electron microscope it consists of several components lying between the central dense layer of the basement membrane and endothelial cells. Separately distinguished components include intercapillary cells and their processes lying in intimate contact with extracellular (a) small dense granules 30 m μ in diameter, (b) large bodies 400 m μ in diameter, vaguely forming rough cords, and (c) collagen fibers , randomly oriented and appearing within four days after injection of uranium. The intercapillary cells, often containing clear vacuoles with very dense and thick osmiophilic walls, may later prove to be endothelial cells but their intimate association with collagen fibers raises other alternatives.
Ethnic differences in schizophrenia

Controversial findings of ethnic differences in rates of psychiatric diagnosis, symptom profiles, degree of impairment and treatment outcome have long been reported. Studies focused on black-white comparisons have reported black schizophrenic patients to be less symptomatically impaired but to show more hallucinations. Patients of non-western origin may show few Schneiderian first rank symptoms. Minority patients are more likely to terminate prematurely from outpatient treatment. Socio-economic status and cultural bias in psychiatry leading to misdiagnosis and poorer access to appropriate services may account for some of these findings. This paper examines differences in symptom severity and profile, post-hospitalization social functioning including family attitudes and treatment history in patients of different racial and geographic origins. 350 schizophrenic subjects entering a multicenter treatment study show a wide spectrum of cultural variation including both immigrant and non-immigrant minority groups. Standardized diagnostic procedures using the SCID reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. Ethnic difference in course of illness and treatment outcome are explored with special attention to interactions between ethnicity and other sociodemographic variables, including socio-economic status, immigration status and gender.
Thermal Performance of Counter Flow Microchannel Heat Exchangers Subjected to Axial Heat Conduction and External Heat Transfer

The thermal model of a balance counter flow microchannel heat exchanger subjected to external heat transfer and axial heat conduction is modeled in this paper. Three governing equations are developed, one for each of the two fluids and the third for the wall separating the fluids. The ends of the wall separating the fluids are assumed to be insulated. The equations are solved numerically using finite difference method. The model developed in this paper is verified using the conventional effectiveness-NTU equations and existing models that consider each of these effects individually. The combined effect of axial heat conduction and external heating always degraded the hot fluid effectiveness for all values of NTU. Irrespective of NTU the cold fluid effectiveness either increased or decreased depending on whether the degradation in heat gain due to axial heat conduction was compensated by external heat transfer.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Antecedents of supplier's commitment to wholesale buyers in the international travel trade.

Abstract Establishing, developing and maintaining successful buyer-seller relationships constitutes a critical strategic skill in the international travel trade. After conceptualizing the importance of quality distributor-supplier networks that make prepackaged tours possible, this study explores the factors that influence suppliers commitment to the buyer. Commitment is a essential part of successful buyer-supplier relationships and this study provides support for a number of factors influencing supplier commitment to maintaining stable relationships with wholesale buyers. Namely, social bonds, trust, cooperation, communication, comparison level of the alternatives, and performance satisfaction were found to be significantly related to supplier commitment in this study of small activity based tourism suppliers.
Security extensions for integrity and confidentiality in embedded processors

With current trends toward embedded computer systems' ubiquitous accessibility, connectivity, diversification, and proliferation, security becomes a critical issue in embedded computer systems design and operation. Embedded computer systems are subjected to both software and physical attacks aimed at subverting system operation, extracting key secrets, or intellectual property theft. We propose several cost-effective architectural extensions suitable for mid-range to high-end embedded processors. These extensions ensure the integrity and confidentiality of both instructions and data, introducing low performance overhead (1.86% for instructions and 14.9% for data).
FEL-FTIR spectroscopy of matrix-isolated formic acid

Infrared spectral hole burning studies have provided a wealth of information concerning site reorientation of defects in solids and vibrational relaxation dynamics. The most investigated systems appear to be impurities trapped in alkali halides. Limited studies on molecules trapped in noble gas matrices have demonstrated that these systems are good candidates for investigating persistent spectral holes. However, most infrared spectral hole burning studies have been limited by the tunability of commercially available infrared lasers which in turn restricts the spectral feature which can be burned. On the other hand, the tunability of Infrared Free Electron Lasers (IR-FELs) allows for targeting radiation into vibrational of the molecular system under study. We have used the Free Electron Laser-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to investigate infrared hole burning of formic acid (HCOOD) isolated in an Ar matrix at a matrix/sample ratio of 4000/1. The results of the FEL radiation tuned to v2 mode of HCOOD are discussed together with matrix induced frequency shifts and matrix induced band splittings.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reduced Prefrontal and Increased Subcortical Brain Functioning Assessed Using Positron Emission Tomography in Predatory and Affective Murderers

There appear to be no brain imaging studies investigating which brain mechanisms subserve affective, impulsive violence versus planned, predatory violence. It was hypothesized that affectively violent offenders would have lower prefrontal activity, higher subcortical activity, and reduced prefrontal/subcortical ratios relative to controls, while predatory violent offenders would show relatively normal brain functioning. Glucose metabolism was assessed using positron emission tomography in 41 comparisons, 15 predatory murderers, and nine affective murderers in left and right hemisphere prefrontal (medial and lateral) and subcortical (amygdala, midbrain, hippocampus, and thalamus) regions. Affective murderers relative to comparisons had lower left and right prefrontal functioning, higher right hemisphere subcortical functioning, and lower right hemisphere prefrontal/subcortical ratios. In contrast, predatory murderers had prefrontal functioning that was more equivalent to comparisons, while also having excessively high right subcortical activity. Results support the hypothesis that emotional, unplanned impulsive murderers are less able to regulate and control aggressive impulses generated from subcortical structures due to deficient prefrontal regulation. It is hypothesized that excessive subcortical activity predisposes to aggressive behaviour, but that while predatory murderers have sufficiently good prefrontal functioning to regulate these aggressive impulses, the affective murderers lack such prefrontal control over emotion regulation.
Experience and acceptability of emergency hormonal contraception.

Abstract Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the experience and acceptability of emergency hormonal contraception service for inner-city women in Planned Parenthood clinics. Methods: In 1995, emergency hormonal contraception was introduced as a new service in three clinics of New York City’s Planned Parenthood that served low-income women. Shortly after inception of this service, the agency undertook a survey to investigate patient experience and acceptability of the service. The survey addressed side effects and patients attitudes about emergency hormonal contraception. It also addressed suggestions for improving the service. The indication for the use of this method was unprotected intercourse within the previous 72 hours of first dosage of certain birth control pills. We used Lo/Ovral (norgestrel 0.3 mg + ethinyl estradiol 30 μg) 4 tablets given stat and second dose 12 hours later. Results: There were 118 patients who responded to the survey. The average patient age was 25 years. Approximately half of the women were white and half were other. The majority were nulliparous, and 42% had one or more abortions in the past. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue and their prevalence were noted. Two women reported method failure. Both patients elected abortion. The vast majority (92%) stated that they would use the method again. Patients also made several recommendations for enhancing the service. Conclusion: As a result of this survey, Planned Parenthood of New York City completely revised its emergency hormonal contraception protocols in order to increase patient satisfaction while maintaining high medical standards to ensure lower method failure and drug side effects in more than 1,000 patients so far.
Resurrection and Radical Faith

In The Historian and the Believer Van Harvey advances the opinion that belief in the resurrection of Jesus is not necessary for radical faith in God. He supports this idea by trying to establish two things: that radical faith has no clear relation to any remote historical event, and that the idea of a resurrection of Jesus is either incredible (if it is supposed to be an historical event) or meaningless (if it is supposed to be an event that transcends history). I want to argue that these last two contentions are false, and that in certain quite ordinary circumstances—such as one's believing that Jesus was the decisive revelation of God's grace—belief in the resurrection of Jesus is necessary for radical faith in God, unless the concept of God is altered substantially.
Elevated plus-maze behavior in adult offspring of selectively bred rats

Animals sampled from the third generation (S3) of selective breeding of N:NIH strain rats based on ultrasonic vocalization (USV) rates in infancy (High, Low, and Random lines) were tested as adults on the elevated plus maze, a well-validated test of anxiety. Results showed that the Low line spent a greater percent of time in the open arms of the maze than High and Random (control) line animals, and a lower percent of time exploring from a relatively more protected position. There were no significant sex differences. The present study represents a probe into the processes at work during the early stages of selection for infant USV, and suggests that an adult measure of anxiety may be affected by selection for this infantile behavior.
Discovering and Evaluating Collaboration Engineering Opportunities: An Interview Protocol Based on the Value Frequency Model

Collaboration Engineering (CE) is an approach to designing collaborative work practices for high-value recurring tasks and transferring those designs to practitioners to execute for themselves without the ongoing intervention of professional facilitators. Because CE projects can entail considerable cost, it would be useful to have a way to predict whether a group would be likely to adopt a collaborative work practice were one developed for them. In this paper we present an interview protocol for that purpose. Using the logic of the Value Frequency Model (VFM), we derived the protocol with two layers of questions. The first layer is for discovering potential collaboration engineering opportunities; the second is for evaluating the degree to which practitioners might be willing to adopt a new work practice were one offered. We used the protocol in two field studies; one with a team of experienced collaboration engineers working in the headquarters of a large multi-national organization, and one with a group of students with no CE experience working with a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations in their community. The qualitative and quantitative outcomes of these studies suggest that the interview protocol may be a useful means for discovering and evaluating CE opportunities. Outcomes also provide support for VFM, the theory from which the protocol was derived.
Development of a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for analyzing trans-resveratrol in peanut kernels

Abstract A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for identification and quantification of trans-resveratrol from peanut extracts, using phenolphthalein as internal standard, was developed. The HPLC system consisted of a C18 column (250 l × 4.6 i.d. mm, 5 μm particle size), with PDA detection at 307 nm and mobile phase consisting of 0.1% acetic acid in water and 100% acetonitrile. Gradient elution increased acetonitrile linearly from 5% to 41.8% over 23 min (GS = 1.6) followed by an increase of acetonitrile to 77% over 5 min (GS = 7.04), returning to initial conditions over 1 min and held for an additional 5 min with a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. A lower column temperature resulted in higher peak heights and better baseline separation, therefore 25 °C was selected over 40 or 60 °C to simplify the method. Accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were consistent or better than reported previously in the literature for related studies.
Comparison of light triggered and electrically triggered thyristor turn-on

As part of an EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) funded research program on a directly light triggered (LT) thyristor for HV dc application, an existing 53-mm 2600-V 1000-A electrically fired device was suitably modified to be turned on with an incident photo-pulse of 20 nJ, the basic problem being the retention of a 2000 V/µs dV/dt capability. The price paid for high sensitivity and high dV/dt capability was found to be a device inherently more susceptible to dV/dt failure. In the efforts to cope with this problem a number of computer-type models were developed to assist in predicting turn-on in both electrically and light fired devices with one or more amplifying stages. At the same time, devices were fabricated which could be either light or electrically fired. Both the model and experiment point to faster turn-on of the light fired device and an increased requirement for careful design.
Self-bending of light

The supercontinuum light generated by oblique intense 100-fs ultrafast laser pulses was found to bend from the direction of the incident pulses. The emission direction of the anti-Stokes continuum that is due to self-phase modulation bends to one side, while the conical ring that is due to four-photon parametric generation bends to the other side. The self-bending of supercontinuum emissions is attributed to the spatial variation of the refractive index induced by the oblique pulse front, which causes the refraction of light for self-phase-modulation emission and the bending of the wave vector for the four-photon parametric generation.
Design of human-centric adaptive multimodal interfaces

Multimodal interfaces have attracted more and more attention. Most researches focus on each interaction mode independently and then fuse information at the application level. Recently, several frameworks and models have been proposed to support the design and development of multimodal interfaces. However, it is challenging to provide automatic modality adaptation in multimodal interfaces. Existing approaches are using rule-based specifications to define the adaptation of input/output modalities. Rule-based specifications have the problems of completeness and coherence. Distinct from previous work, this paper presents a novel approach that quantifies the user preference of each modality and considers the adaptation as an optimization issue that searches for a set of input/output modalities matching user's preference. Our approach applies a cross-layer design, which considers the adaptation from the perspectives of the interaction context, available system resources, and QoS requirements. Furthermore, our approach supports human-centric adaptation. A user can report the preference of a modality so that selected modalities fit user's personal needs. An optimal solution and a heuristic algorithm have been developed to automatically select an appropriate set of modality combinations under a specific situation. We have designed a framework based on the heuristic algorithm and existing ontology, and applied the framework to conduct a utility evaluation, in which we have employed a within-subject experiment. Fifty participants were invited to go through three scenarios and compare automatically selected modalities with randomly selected modalities. The results from the experiment show that users perceived the automatically selected modalities as appropriate and satisfactory.
Atrioventricular valve replacement with a Hancock porcine xenograft

The Hancock porcine xenograft valve was the first commercially prepared, quality-controlled tissue valve. The National Institutes of Health group began implantation of this valve in 1970 and reported on the first 5 years of their results, which was one of the longest follow-ups of that valve at that particular time. Since then there have been a number of centers that have had long-term experience with thousands of these valves. In retrospect, it is now clear that some of the conclusions made by the National Institutes of Health group have not come to pass, such as this valve being the "valve of choice" for all patients. "Valve of choice" is a relative term and may be one valve for one patient and another valve for another patient. This report was important in bringing together some of the first medium-term data and pointing out that, even in this valve, there was some small degree of thromboembolism. The paper also provided a historical look at the methods of data analysis that were in use in the early 1970s compared with those now used in 1991. Actuarial curves were not yet commonly used, nor were percent/patient-year linearized results. Valve types were mixed as well. Hemodynamic data, always a strong point of National Institutes of Health data analysis, were excellent. The use of this valve became a fairly standard device and has been retrospectively analyzed by a number of centers, suggesting that now it is better used in the older patient or in patients who cannot take warfarin sodium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Solid-State NMR Investigation of the Selective Disruption of Lipid Membranes by Protegrin-1†

The interaction of a β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide, protegrin-1 (PG-1), with various lipid membranes is investigated by 31P, 2H, and 13C solid-state NMR. Mixed lipid bilayers containing anionic lipids and cholesterol are used to mimic the bacterial and mammalian cell membranes, respectively. 31P and 2H spectra of macroscopically oriented samples show that PG-1 induces the formation of an isotropic phase in anionic bilayers containing phosphatidylglycerol. Two-dimensional 31P exchange experiments indicate that these isotropic lipids are significantly separate from the residual oriented lamellar bilayers, ruling out toroidal pores as the cause for the isotropic signal. 1H spin diffusion experiments show that PG-1 is not exclusively bound to the isotropic phase but is also present in the residual oriented lamellar bilayers. This dynamic and morphological heterogeneity of the anionic membranes induced by PG-1 is supported by the fact that 13C T2 relaxation times measured under cross polarization and direct ...
THE EFFECT OF TARTRATE, A WEAK COMPLEXING AGENT, ON THE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS BY SULFIDE AND HYDROXIDE PRECIPITATION

ABSTRACT Industrial vastevaters generated in the electroplating and metal finishing industries typically contain toxic heavy metals. Depending on their origin, these wastewaters may also contain chelating agents, such as EDTA, NTA, citrate, tartrate, and gluconic acid. Although the major effect of complexation is an increase in the solubility of complexed metal ions, significant changes in the precipitation kinetics and particle size distribution may also contribute to the observed precipitation behavior. This paper addresses the effect of a weak complexing agent, tartrate, on the removal of zinc and cadmium using both hydroxide and sulfide treatment. Results are presented on the removal of heavy metals from synthetic plating wastewaters. Poor zinc removals were observed in the presence of tartrate, particularly when larger filter pore sizes were employed. The results suggest that tartrate severely hinders both zinc hydroxide and zinc sulfide precipitation, resulting in the formation of very fine precipit...
Where does amantadine bind to the influenza virus M2 proton channel

Structures of the influenza A virus M2 proton channel in the open conformation have been determined by X-ray crystallography, and in the closed conformation by NMR. Whereas the X-ray structure shows a single inhibitor molecule in the middle of the channel, four inhibitor molecules bind the channel's outer surface in the NMR structure. In both structures, the strongest hot spots (i.e., regions that contribute substantially to the free energy of binding any potential ligand) lie inside the pore, and other hot spots are found at exterior locations. By considering all available models, we propose the primary drug binding site is inside the pore, but that exterior binding occurs under appropriate conditions.
Evaluation and treatment of the multiple ligament injured knee.

r m p ost multiple ligament knee injuries result from high-energy trauma and may have nerve and ascular injuries accompanying them. The majority of ultiple-ligament–injured knee injuries that we see re trauma related as opposed to sports related, with ombined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-posterior ruciate ligament (PCL) tears and combined PCLosterolateral corner tears being the most frequent njury patterns.1,2 The physical examination features of combined CL-PCL injuries include grossly abnormal anteroosterior tibiofemoral laxity at both 25° and 90° nee flexion, positive Lachman and pseudo-Lachan tests, positive pivot shifting phenomena, negtive tibial step-off (posterior sag), and increased arus or valgus laxity in full extension with one or oth collateral ligament complexes also injured. Technical advancements in the procurement and se of allograft tissue, arthroscopic surgical instruents, graft fixation methods, improved surgical echniques, and improved understanding of the ligmentous anatomy and biomechanics of the knee ave led to improved surgical results. Recent pubished studies have shown excellent functional reults with return to preinjury level of function when valuated with knee ligament rating scales, arhrometer measurements, and stress radiographic easurements.3-15
Model Based Analysis of an Integrated System of Vapor-Compression Chiller and Absorption Heat Pump

Subcooling of the refrigerant at the exit of the condenser in a vapor compression refrigeration system could be an effective method to improve the coefficient of performance (COP). This method allows the refrigerant entering the evaporator with a lower mass fraction of vapor and absorbs more heat in the evaporator. The effort in this paper investigates a solar based integrated system of an electricity-driven vapor-compression chiller (VC) and an absorption heat pump (ABS) to provide both heating and cooling to space. Thermodynamic and heat transfer models of the integrated system were developed to estimate the system performance. The modeling results showed the integrated system can achieve 40% of the reduction on electricity consumption and 66% of the improvement in cooling COP. Furthermore, the hot water supply temperature can reach 50.25°C.The models have also been used to conduct parametric sensitivity analysis. The key parameters which affect the performance of the system were the heat source temperature, the hot water return temperature, and the outdoor air flow rate. Hot water flow rate only has significant influence on the hot water supply temperature. Increasing the temperature and flow rate of the heat source can have benefits on both heating and cooling performance. However, increasing the outdoor air flow rate can only benefit on energy saving and cooling performance.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Are They Hallucinations or are They Real? The Spirituality of Deathbed and Near-Death Visions:

The focus here is mainly on visions of deceased relatives and friends that persons near death often report. Are they visions of real people who live in an afterlife environment or are they hallucinations? Most social scientists assume they are hallucinations, but a thorough and careful analysis of the evidence does not point to this conclusion. The argument for the reality of such visions is muddied, however, by aspects of the visions that are dependent on the personal histories of the percipients and suggest, in some cases, illusory content. A theory that makes sense of all aspects of these visions is developed and defended, then tied into our theme: the spirituality of death.
Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors: Performance Effects of Changes in Board Composition

Recent advances in economic theory suggest that the board of directors is an important part of the governance structure of large business corporations (Fama and Jensen, 1983a; Williamson, 1983, 1984). The board of directors, which has the power to hire, fire, and compensate senior management teams, serves to resolve conflicts of interest among decisionmakers and residual risk bearers. This economizes the transaction (agency) costs associated with the separation (specialization) of ownership and control and facilitates the survival of the open corporation as an organizational form. Thus, it is not surprising that state corporation laws require that the affairs of business corporations be managed under the guidance of a board of directors (Cary and Eisenberg). Both economic theory and state corporation laws, however, are largely silent on matters concerning the size, composition, and structure of boards; directors' compensation; place, time, and frequency of board meetings; and so forth. The laissez-faire attitude of the state toward board composition has permitted substantial compositional diversity among the board dimensions listed above. Even among the relatively small group of very large corporations, boards may differ considerably with respect to such potentially salient
Patent focus: inhibitors of tumour cell growth

The following review covers notable patent disclosures (October 1999 - March 2000) involving agents used as inhibitors of tumour cell growth. The primary focus of the review involves specific mechanism-based therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors and ras-farnesyl transferase inhibitors. Recent disclosures involving new biotechnology, taxanes and other antiproliferative natural products will also be discussed.
EA models and population fixed-points versus mutation rates for functions of unitation

Using a dynamic systems model for the Simple Genetic Algorithm due to Vose[1], we analyze the fixed point behavior of the model without crossover applied to functions of unitation. Unitation functions are simplified fitness functions that reduce the search space into a smaller number of equivalence classes. This reduction allows easier computation of fixed points. We also create a dynamic systems model from a simple nondecreasing EA like the (1+1) EA and variants, then analyze this models on unitation classes.