cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active Learning Is about More than Hands-On: A Mixed-Reality AI System to Support STEM Education.

Along with substantial consensus around the power of active learning, comes some lack of precision in what its essential ingredients are. New educational technologies offer vehicles for systematically exploring benefits of alternative techniques for supporting active learning. We introduce a new genre of Intelligent Science Station technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support children in learning science by doing science in the real world. We use this system in a randomized controlled trial that investigates whether active learning is best when it is implemented as guided deliberate practice, as constructive “hands-on” activity, or as a combination of both. Automated, reactive guidance is made possible by a specialized AI computer vision algorithm we developed to track what children are doing in the physical environment as they do experiments and discoveries with physical objects. The results support deliberate practice and indicate that having some guided discovery based on effective learning mechanism such as self-explanation, contrasting cases and personalized interactive feedback produces more robust learning compared to exploratory construction alone. Children learning through guided discovery achieve greater understanding of the scientific principles than children learning through hands-on construction alone (4 times more pre-to-post test improvement). Importantly, a combined guided discovery and hands-on construction condition leads to better learning of the very hands-on construction skills that are the sole focus of the hands-on constructive learning condition (>10 times more pre-to-post improvement). These results suggest ways to achieve powerful active learning of science and engineering that go beyond the widespread temptation to equate hands-on activity with effective learning.
Spectrally-selective Photovoltaics via Photonic Band Engineering in Absorbing Media

Spectral selectivity is of interest for many photovoltaic applications, such as in multijunction and transparent solar cells, where wavelength-selectivity of the photoactive material is necessary. We investigate using artificial photonic band engineering as a method for achieving spectral selectivity in an absorbing material such as PbS CQD thin films. Using FDTD simulations, we find that a CQD-based photonic crystal (CQD-PC) is able to maintain its photonic band structure, including the existence of a reduced photonic density of states, in the presence of weak material absorption. This shows that CQD-PCs are a promising material for photovoltaic applications that require spectral selectivity.
Jesus’ Use of Experiential Learning in the Sending of the Seventy: Implications for Ministry Practicums

Among His many teaching techniques, Jesus used experiential learning to link the disciples’ previous knowledge with real-world experiences. This article explores Jesus’ teaching techniques in the s...
Blood Flow in the Pancreatic Islet: Not so Isolated Anymore.

The pancreatic islet is a highly vascularized endocrine mini-organ that depends on blood supply to function efficiently. As blood flows through islet capillaries reaching different endocrine cell types, it significantly impacts nutrient sensing, paracrine communication, and the final hormonal output. Thus, any change in blood flow, either induced physiologically (e.g., nervous input) or as a result of pathological changes (e.g., fibrosis), could affect islet function. It is not a stretch to state that the way the islet vasculature is arranged anatomically and regulated functionally must have consequences for glucose homeostasis. Despite its potential impact for islet function, interest in the islet vasculature has been sporadic and is certainly not equal to that professed to the cells it serves. Still, there has been a substantive research effort in this arena. From beautiful scanning electron images of corrosion casts (1) to creative physiological experiments using perfused pancreases (2) and microbeads (3), investigators have employed various approaches to study the microcirculation of the islet. The results of these studies provided structural and functional insight but also raised questions. To settle a debate that had started in the mid-1960s, a group of prominent islet biologists decided to meet in 1996 to review existing notions about islet blood flow and “agreed to disagree” that there were three models (4). In model 1, non–β-cells are perfused before β-cells, allowing other endocrine cells to influence β-cells located downstream. In model 2, β-cells are perfused before the other endocrine cells and thus dominate islet function. In model 3, there is no apparent order of perfusion, but blood …
Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome and the History of Literary Scholarship

This chapter provides resources for teaching Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome in a course on literary methodologies. The course project introduced demystifies for students the work of literary critics by indicating that literary criticism has a history and a changing practice. The primary goal is to teach students what makes a good question when they are beginning their research. The assignment also aims to show students how “good questions” have changed over time. Ethan Frome is the focus of the project because the historical scholarship on this novella reflects changing trends in literary criticism. The assignment asks students to consider to what extent readings of the novel have changed (and stayed the same) from new critical to new historicist, to feminist, and to critical race studies (to name a few examples). Ultimately, the project shows that Wharton’s success as a novelist indicates that she received attention from literary critics at a time when many other women writers were ignored. Thus, the project reveals that the richness and sometimes contradictory politics of her works position many of them, such as Ethan Frome, as excellent sources for tracing the development of literary criticism, and in turn, demonstrates that Wharton’s works have been interpreted differently through the years.
Screens of Power: Ideology, Domination, and Resistance in Informational Society: Revised edition, by Timothy W. Luke, Candor, NY, Telos Press Publishing, 2020, 340 pp., $29.95 (softcover), ISBN 978-0914386803

Screens of Power first came out in 1989, a time that would turn out to be the most significant historical turn in global politics after World War II. The book’s author, Timothy W. Luke offers a con...
Individual and Community Social Determinants of Health and Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder Three Years following Treatment.

Prior research on recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) has often focused on individual-level factors that promote recovery. Given systemic health inequities, it is also important to study community-level social determinants of health (SDOH) that may promote recovery from AUD. This study extended prior work examining individual profiles of recovery from AUD to assess how individual and community SDOH at the time of treatment entry were associated with recovery from AUD three years after treatment. Data were utilized from the COMBINE study (n = 664), a multisite randomized clinical trial evaluating pharmacological and behavioral treatments for AUD. Public community data sources associated with participants' study sites were used to measure community SDOH. Multilevel latent profile analyses with individual- and community-level variables as predictors of recovery profiles were estimated. Four profiles were identified based on participants' alcohol consumption and functioning. Individual SDOH variables, such as fewer years of education and lower income, and community SDOH, including lower rates of health insurance, lower income, and greater income inequality, were each associated with lower functioning profiles. The findings highlight the importance of community SDOH in AUD recovery and the value of including both individual and community SDOH variables in research on long-term recovery.
Sampling-based data mining algorithms: modern techniques and case studies

Sampling a dataset for faster analysis and looking at it as a sample from an unknown distribution are two faces of the same coin. We discuss the use of modern techniques involving the Vapnik-Chervonenkis (VC) dimension to study the trade-off between sample size and accuracy of data mining results that can be obtained from a sample. We report two case studies where we and collaborators employed these techniques to develop efficient sampling-based algorithms for the problems of betweenness centrality computation in large graphs and extracting statistically significant Frequent Itemsets from transactional datasets.
Previous Studies of Relative Sea Level from Tide Gauges

The records of the world’s tide gauges can provide more precise and more widespread information about changes of relative sea levels during the past century than can be expected from radiocarbon or other kinds of measurements. Annual average levels at each station can be computed and compared with levels at the same station during earlier or later years as well as at other stations. If the year-by-year changes are systematic at a given station, each annual average tends to reinforce the others. Thus, a station record of many years is inherently stronger than a single radiocarbon date on organic or carbonate material that was deposited at a somewhat uncertain elevation above or below mean sea level.
MecA dampens transitions to spore, biofilm exopolysaccharide and competence expression by two different mechanisms

The adapter protein MecA targets the transcription factor ComK for degradation by the ClpC/ClpP proteolytic complex, thereby negatively regulating competence in Bacillus subtilis. Here we show that MecA also decreases the frequency of transitions to the sporulation pathway as well as the expression of eps, which encodes synthesis of the biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide. We present genetic and biophysical evidence that MecA downregulates eps expression and spore formation by directly interacting with Spo0A. MecA does not target Spo0A for degradation, and apparently does not prevent the phosphorylation of Spo0A. We propose that it inhibits the transcriptional activity of Spo0A∼P by direct binding. Thus, in its interaction with Spo0A, MecA differs from its role in the regulation of competence where it targets ComK for degradation. MecA acts as a general buffering protein for development, acting by two distinct mechanisms to regulate inappropriate transitions to energy-intensive pathways.
Psychological child maltreatment. A developmental view

This article explores the concept of psychological child maltreatment. It begins with a definition of psychological maltreatment in terms of care-giver behavior that thwarts the meeting of the needs of children. It focuses on five forms of psychological maltreatment that are of concern to the practitioner: rejecting (sending messages of rejection to the child), ignoring (being psychologically unavailable to the child), terrorizing (using intense fear as a weapon against the child), isolating (cutting the child off from normal social relationships), and corrupting (missocializing the child into self-destructive and antisocial patterns of behavior). Language: en
The Effect of Severe Zinc Deficiency on Activity of Intestinal Disaccharidases and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase in the Rat

Specific activities of five enzymes were measured in intestinal mucosa of zinc-deficient rats and compared to activities in appropriate zinc-sufficient controls. Three disaccharidases were found to be significantly reduced in zinc deficiency. Alkaline phosphatase, a zinc metalloenzyme, also showed reduced activity. Activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, was elevated. It is possible that impaired carbohydrate digestion (reflected in disaccharidase activity) and even defective lipid absorption (reflected in reductase activity) may contribute to the poor nutrition and diarrhea of zinc deficiency.
Three More Jigs in the Puzzle: The Unity of Analogy, Beatitude and Virtue in Thomas' Summa Theologiae

Scholarship abounds on the notion of analogy in Thomas Aquinas' writing. Scholarship also abounds on Thomas' treatment of beatitude and virtue. Yet seldom does scholarship treat the fundamental unity Thomas intended among analogy, beatitude and virtue in the Summa Theologiae. This article traces the connections between these terms to re-endow terms like ‘beatitude’ and ‘virtue’ with a theological meaning that may surprise, and it shows how Thomas assumes that what we say of God is of first importance.
Suppression of boron penetration by polycrystalline Si1−x−yGexCy in metal–oxide–semiconductor structures

A polycrystalline Si1−x−yGexCy layer grown by rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition has been used as a thin intermediate layer on top of the thin gate oxide in a metal–oxide–semiconductor structure with boron-doped polycrystalline silicon as the gate electrode. Although boron readily penetrated through the Si1−x−yGexCy and accumulated in it, boron penetration across the gate oxide into the substrate was greatly suppressed compared to that in structures without Si1−x−yGexCy layer. Our work suggests that the addition of carbon reduced the chemical potential of boron in polycrystalline Si1−x−yGexCy, compared to that in polycrystalline silicon or polycrystalline Si1−xGex. We have also observed no gate depletion effects with the use of poly-Si1−x−yGexCy layers in both p+ and n+ gate doping.
Approximation of parameters in inverse problems for elliptic equations in parameter-dependent spaces

The author presents a generalized approximation theory for the problem of estimating parameters that appear in elliptic equations defined in parameter-dependent state spaces. The theory is a static version of a framework she developed (1988) for dynamical systems. She discusses some of the difficulties associated with problems defined on parameter-dependent state space, details specific hypotheses required to implement the theory, and outlines the central findings. >
Resection of primary tumor site is associated with prolonged survival in metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Background Nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NFpNET) present with distant metastases in up to 50% of patients. It is unknown whether removal of the primary tumor in patients with NFpNET and metastases is beneficial. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to identify patients with NFpNET and distant metastases. The primary outcome measure in this study was overall survival. Results We identified 882 patients with metastatic NFpNET who had survival data; 303 (34%) patients had operative removal of their primary tumor of which 243 (80%) were grade I or II. Median survival of patients undergoing resection of the primary site was 65 (95% confidence interval 60–86) versus 10 (8–12) months for those without resection (P Conclusion This study suggests that resection of the site of the primary NFpNET is associated with greater survival in patients with distant metastases and could therefore be considered as a additional treatment option in this patient population.
Learning to See at the Large Hadron Collider

The staged commissioning of the Large Hadron Collider presents an opportunity to map gross features of particle production over a significant energy range. I suggest a visual tool - event displays in (pseudo)rapidity-transverse-momentum space - as a scenic route that may help sharpen intuition, identify interesting classes of events for further investigation, and test expectations about the underlying event that accompanies large-transverse-momentum phenomena.
Effects of sex chromosome aneuploidy on male sexual behavior

Incidence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in men is as high as 1:500. The predominant conditions are an additional Y chromosome (47,XYY) or an additional X chromosome (47,XXY). Behavioral studies using animal models of these conditions are rare. To assess the role of sex chromosome aneuploidy on sexual behavior, we used mice with a spontaneous mutation on the Y chromosome in which the testis-determining gene Sry is deleted (referred to as Y−) and insertion of a Sry transgene on an autosome. Dams were aneuploid (XXY−) and the sires had an inserted Sry transgene (XYSry). Litters contained six male genotypes, XY, XYY−, XXSry, XXY−Sry, XYSry and XYY−Sry. In order to eliminate possible differences in levels of testosterone, all of the subjects were castrated and received testosterone implants prior to tests for male sex behavior. Mice with an additional copy of the Y− chromosome (XYY−) had shorter latencies to intromit and achieve ejaculations than XY males. In a comparison of the four genotypes bearing the Sry transgene, males with two copies of the X chromosome (XXSry and XXY−Sry) had longer latencies to mount and thrust than males with only one copy of the X chromosome (XYSry and XYY−Sry) and decreased frequencies of mounts and intromissions as compared with XYSry males. The results implicate novel roles for sex chromosome genes in sexual behaviors.
The economic justification of the sequential adoption of a new manufacturing system

Abstract Corporations in the US are showing a growing interest in the use of advanced technologies. They realize that to complete in today's world market, they must rely on the latest innovations in manufacturing technology. Techniques such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, along with computer-controlled manufacturing equipment, are being introduced into computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and production systems. These advanced systems have great potential for improving manufacturing performance, but there is still a considerable gap between the decision to invest and the achievement of the promised benefits. The implementation of CIM normally entails a large initial investment under a long-term, uncertain environment. Many companies, generally, cannot afford this investment unless they can determine beforehand that CIM will work in their particular industry and that it will provide a coherent manufacturing strategy and a satisfactory return on investment. In many cases, it is even impossible to economically justify CIM if the benefits are achieved only after complete implementation. In this paper, we discuss ways to achieve CIM in progressive steps (a pay-as-you-go approach), beginning with a simple configuration and working up to a full configuration, as appropriate. In this way, partial benefits of CIM are reaped with each stage, and, at the minimum risk, successive steps are clearly justified in terms of the firm's objectives. We develop a decision tool that uses post-audit information to resolve the uncertainty about the expected net present value of a technically innovative process. The method was applied to an actual CIM project to document the economic justification steps.
A mixed-methods analysis of achievement disparities in Guatemalan primary schools

Abstract Although most Guatemalan rural students currently have access to primary school, there are large differences in the levels of learning that take place among different populations and in different contexts. This paper uses multiple data and methods to examine the interrelated factors underlying achievement disparities in Guatemalan primary schools. The research suggests that strong levels of disadvantage connected to attending schools in poor rural communities are connected to systematic differences in the way school quality is supported in different contexts. There are inadequate resources, capacity, and authority to monitor and enforce fundamental educational issues, especially in marginal communities.
Diltiazem in myocardial recovery from global ischemia and reperfusion

Abstract Effects of diltiazem on global myocardial ischemia and reperfusion have been examined in the isolated perfused guinea-pig heart. Diltiazem (8 × 10−7 m to 2.5 × 10−5 m ) produced negative inotropic effects in nonischemic hearts. Hearts treated with diltiazem during low-flow ischemia which lasted 45 min followed by a 30 min reperfusion period showed significantly greater recovery of contractility. However, left ventricular end diastolic pressure remained elevated when compared to preischemic measurements. Diltiazem treatment resulted in significant amelioration of the increased wet wt/dry wt ratio and increased ATP and creatine phosphate levels during reperfusion. However, these parameters remained altered compared to nonischemic hearts. Pyruvate dehydrogenase in its active form (PDHa) was significantly decreased by ischemia. Diltiazem treatment partially alleviated the decrease in PDHa. These results suggest that diltiazem provides significant protection of myocardial function during ischemia and reperfusion.
A misuse of public funds: U.N. support for geomagnetic forecasting of earthquakes and meteorological disasters

The legitimate scientific community needs to be alerted to the expenditure of considerable public funds forpseudoscientific projects that build false hopes of protection from geophysical hazards. One example of such a project is a recently published, 147- page United Nations (U.N.) document titled “Manual on the Forecasting of Natural Disasters: Geomagnetic Methods.” Although the document has been distributed internationally, it seems not to have been subjected to pre-publication, international peer review. The manual was prepared for a U.N. international workshop recently held in Beijing, China, from February 12 to 18,1998. The meeting was sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the State Seismological Bureau of China, the U.N. Global Programme for the Integration of Public Administration and Science of Disasters in the Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), and the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) in Beijing.
Glutamine Deprivation During Pregnancy Increases Fetal Mortality in Lps-Treated Rats • 1510

Our objective is to establish the role of glutamine (GLN) nutrition during stressed pregnancies. We hypothesize that dietary GLN deprivation in pregnant rats treated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in higher maternal morbidity and fetal mortality. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 3 doses of LPS (either 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on days 17 through 19 of pregnancy and dams were sacrificed on day 20 of pregnancy. The control group (GLN+) received a diet containing 4% GLN by weight while the treatment group (GLN-) received an isonitrogenous, isocaloric diet without glutamine. To determine whether GLN- dams compensate for the lack of dietary GLN by increasing endogenous synthesis of GLN, we measured glutamine synthetase (GS) activities in the liver, lung, placenta, and kidney. Weights of each of these organs were also recorded. Results: Fetuses from 6 GLN- dams had significantly more dead pups (37 of 73) than those from 7 GLN+ dams (21 of 65; p < 0.05, Chi-square analysis). GLN- dams tended to gain less weight prior to the beginning of LPS treatment and tended to lose more weight as a result of treatment with LPS. There were no differences in the weights of the liver, placenta, and kidney; however lungs from GLN- dams were heavier than lungs from GLN+ dams (1.69g ± 0.13g vs. 1.52 ± 0.15g, p < 0.05). This suggests that dietary GLN can ameliorate pulmonary edema known to be induced by LPS. There were no differences in organ-specific GS activities between the treatment groups, suggesting that there were no compensatory responses by GS during LPS stress. These data demonstrate the importance of GLN nutrition for fetal survival as well as maternal health and suggest that glutamine may be a conditionally essential nutrient during stressed pregnancy.
From the Shadow Price of Capital to the Marginal Cost of Funds: In Search of the Implementation of a Principle

The “folk principle” for multi-period project evaluation states that if all the costs and benefits of a project are expressed as withdrawals from and increments to private consumption at different time points, then the appropriate discount rate is the consumer's rate of interest. The shadow price of capital (SPC) approach intends to implement this principle, but faces serious practical difficulties. By taking a utility-based perspective, this paper explains why the SPC approach cannot fully implement the folk principle even theoretically. Then, it derives, as a complete implementation of the folk principle, a multi-period cost-benefit rule that is based on the concept of the marginal cost of funds.
Unprecedented rhodium-mediated catalytic transfer hydrogenation of a phosphonate functionalized olefin in ecofriendly media

Abstract RhCl3 · xH2O catalyst-mediated hydrogenation reactions of vinyl phosphonic diethyl ester H2CCH–P(O)(OEt)2 (1) have been investigated. Results demonstrate that the hydrogenation of H2CCH–P(O)(OEt)2 (1) to CH3CH2–P(O)(OEt)(OH) (2) proceeds in the presence of RhCl3 · xH2O catalyst, without any external hydrogen source and ancillary ligands, to near qualitative yields in ethanol and water media. 31P, 13C and 1H NMR and deuterium-labeling experiments provide evidence for the non-concerted mechanistic pathway associated with the hydrogenation of 1 to 2.
Expanded Fingerprint Method for Analysis of Dynamic Cellular Actuator Arrays

A key step along the way to understanding the natural motion is producing a physical, well understood actuator with a dynamic model closely resembling biological muscle. This actuator can then serve as the basis for building viable, full-strength, and safe muscles for disabled patients, human force amplification, and humanoid robotic systems. This paper presents an expanded fingerprint method for calculating the dynamic equations of motion for cellular actuator arrays, an actuator technology which combines many small flexible ‘cell’ actuator units for large-scale motion. The new method is simpler and quicker than generating the dynamic equations of motion from base principles, allows for fast recalculation for different and immense cell array structures, and provides an intuitive base for future controls work on cell array actuators. The paper also presents a physical SMA based cellular actuator array which, when compared with simulated results, matches the presented theory closely. Finally a brief discussion about the uses of the expanded fingerprint method, including controls and design work in robotics, is given. In the future, the theory will be used and extended to develop high degree-of-freedom cellular array actuated robotic devices with natural motion for use in rehabilitation, prosthesis development, human force amplification, and general robotics. These new devices will be especially effective at working safely around and with humans in complex human environments.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Prognosis of patients with vascular disease after clinical evaluation and dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Abstract Background Coronary disease is an important cause of long-term morbidity in patients needing major vascular surgery. We sought to assess the efficacy of preoperative clinical evaluation and the detection of inducible ischemia for prediction of immediate and long-term cardiac outcomes of patients undergoing vascular surgery. Methods In 233 patients undergoing vascular procedures, we assessed risk clinically on the basis of Eagle's criteria. Dobutamine echocardiography was performed with a standard protocol and results were classified as showing ischemia, scar, or a normal response. Patients were observed perioperatively, and late follow-up (28 ± 13 months) was completed in all surgical survivors. A composite end point of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and unstable and progressive angina requiring late revascularization was used to judge event-free survival. Results Of 233 patients undergoing preoperative dobutamine echocardiography, 39 (17%) had inducible ischemia and 36 (15%) had scar. Perioperative events occurred in 8 patients (3%). None of the patients with ischemia had perioperative events, reflecting the effect of revascularization in 9 patients. Late events occurred in 36 patients; ischemia on preoperative stress testing was a predictor of these events even after adjusting for clinical variables and left ventricular dysfunction (relative risk=3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 6.8; P = .001). The association of ischemia with clinical predictors was associated with incrementally worse outcome. Conclusion In addition to perioperative assessment, the combined use of clinical and dobutamine echocardiographic evaluation may stratify the risk of late cardiac events. (Am Heart J 1999;137:469-75.)
Effect of stimulus size and retinal locus of stimulation on visually evoked cortical responses and reaction in man

A study was made of the effects of variations in the size of a circular light flash presented to each of three retinal areas on the averaged evoked cortical response and reaction time. Flashes varying in size from 0.14 to 20.63 deg of visual angle were centered about the fovea and at distances of 20 and 40 deg from the fovea. Evoked response latency and reaction time varied inversely with stimulus size and directly with distance from the fovea. The initial deflection of the evoked response increased with stimulus size for all retinal locations. Later deflections either decreased, showed no change, or first increased, then decreased with increasing stimulus size, depending on retinal locus of stimulation. The results were explained in terms of areal summation and a model of evoked cortical activity which postulates an alpha-like neural process momentarily controlled by an “extrinsic pacemaker.”
Early outcomes of cardiac transplantation in adult patients with congenital heart disease and potential strategies for improvement

Abstract With significant improvements in the medical and surgical management of patients with congenital heart disease, prognosis has improved substantially in the last several decades. However, many lesions are still associated with the eventual development of progressive heart failure, resulting in an increasing number of adults with congenital heart disease potentially requiring heart transplant. This presents many challenges, ranging from difficulty in determining the appropriate timing of transplant and organ allocation, to technical challenges in the operating room and problems with postoperative anti-rejection medication management. While recent studies have attempted to clarify many of these issues, questions remain.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SB 209670, an endothelin receptor antagonist: effects on the regulation of renal vascular tone.

Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an infusion of SB 209670, a nonpeptide endothelin-A/endothelin-B receptor antagonist. Methods The study was conducted in 2 parts. Part 1 was a placebo-controlled, single-blind, rising-dose crossover evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and safety of SB 209670 infused at doses that ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 μg · kg]−1 for approximately 8 hours in 17 healthy male volunteers. In part 2, renal hemodynamic effects of a 4-hour infusion of SB 209670 were assessed in 10 healthy male volunteers in a 2-period, period-balanced, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Results SB 209670 appeared to display linear kinetics over the dose range from 0.2 to 1.5 μg · kg−1 · min−1. The half-life was approximately 4 to 5 hours. Plasma immunoreactive endothelin-1 increased in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Mean renal hemodynamic responses (para-aminohippurate clearance) increased by approximately 15% relative to placebo (P = .007). Renal sodium excretion was similar during SB 209670 and placebo infusion. Conclusion The pharmacokinetics of intravenous SB 209670 appeared to be linear, and infusion resulted in dose-related increases in immunoreactive endothelin-1. The lack of anti-natriuretic effect and the renal vasodilator response observed in this study indicate that SB 209670 does not possess any partial agonist activity. Further, the renal hemodynamic response supported a potential physiologic role for endogenous endothelin in the maintenance of renal vascular tone in humans. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 65, 473–482; doi:
Formation of fractal cracks in a kinetic fracture model

Interest is growing in the wide variety of fractal objects1 found in nature; these include electric discharge patterns2, infinite percolation clusters3,4, branched polymers5,6 and surface irregularities7. The question of whether surface cracks, such as those that occur in protective coatings, also lead to fractal-like structures is another problem of great interest. Here we study this question theoretically, making use of a molecular model for material failure, introduced previously8, which is based on the kinetic theory of fracture9,10. The model is applied to a two-dimensional surface stretched in one direction, and our results show that the cracks developing in the material exhibit properties similar to each other, at least at the molecular level. For a wide range of values of the elastic constants of the material, the fractal dimensionality is found to have a universal value, D = 1.27 ± 0.02.
Reliable second-order hexahedral elements for explicit methods in nonlinear solid dynamics†

Second-order hexahedral elements are common in static and implicit dynamic finite element codes for nonlinear solid mechanics. Although probably not as popular as first-order elements, they can perform better in many circumstances, particularly for modeling curved shapes and bending without artificial hourglass control or incompatible modes. Nevertheless, second-order brick elements are not contained in typical explicit solid dynamic programs and unsuccessful attempts to develop reliable ones have been reported. In this paper, 27-node formulations, one for compressible and one for nearly incompressible materials, are presented and evaluated using non-uniform row summation mass lumping in a wide range of nonlinear example problems. The performance is assessed in standard benchmark problems and in large practical applications using various hyperelastic and inelastic material models and involving very large strains/deformations, severe distortions, and contact-impact. Comparisons are also made with several first-order elements and other second-order hexahedral formulations. The offered elements are the only second-order ones that performed satisfactorily in all examples, and performed generally at least as well as mass lumped first-order bricks. It is shown that the row summation lumping is vital for robust performance and selection of Lagrange over serendipity elements and high-order quadrature rules are more crucial with explicit than with static/implicit methods. Whereas the reliable performance is frequently attained at significant computational expense compared with some first-order brick types, these elements are shown to be computationally competitive in flexure and with other first-order elements. These second-order elements are shown to be viable for large practical applications, especially using today's parallel computers. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VASOPRESSIN (AVP) RELEASE DURING ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN (ACTH) INDUCED PARTURITION IN THE LAMB

During premature parturition induced by ACTH there is a rise in fetal AVP only after the onset of labor. Fetal AVP levels which peak at delivery are not related to maternal levels which rise only during pushing. To investigate the characteristics of AVP release as measured by radioimmunoassay, 9 fetal lambs were instrumented at 121 days gestation. At 129 days, 7 fetuses were infused at 1.5 ml/hr with ACTH (10 mg/kg/hr) and 2 with saline. Delivery occurred after a mean of 74 hours of ACTH infusion. During infusion fetal pH (7.36 ± .002 S.E.) and pCO2 (42 ± 2 mmHg) remained constant while PO2 decreased (22 ± 2 to 18 ± 2 mmHg, r = .96). Serum electrolytes and osmolarity remained stable through infusion and early labor (Cl 109.5 ± 1.5 meq/L, Na 145 ± 1.3 meq/L, K 4.0 ± .45 meq/L and osmolarity 289 ± 3.2 mOsm/L). Fetal AVP rose from prelabor mean values of 1.8 ± 1.8 pg/ml to 40 ± 73 pg/ml in active labor, 173±404 pg/ml in the pushing phase and 720±1470 pg/ml at delivery, then decreased 30 minutes after delivery to 360 ± 340 pg/ml. During labor serial fetal arterial AVP levels were compatible with pulsatile release unrelated to uterine contractions. In ACTH induced parturition the AVP rise is not related to the initiation of labor or changes in serum osmolarity but may be related to changes in fetal oxygenation. We speculate that the high levels of AVP may be instrumental in fetal cardiovascular adjustments to the stress of labor.
Normal Progeny from Fertilization in vitro of Mouse Oocytes matured in Culture and Spermatozoa capacitated in vitro

ALTHOUGH primary mammalian oocytes have the capacity for maturation1–7 and fertilization8,9–11 in vitro, viable foetuses have not been obtained in such studies3,11. Conversely, fertilization in vitro of mature tubal mouse oocytes with capacitated sperm, recovered from the uterus, led to blastocysts in culture which developed into normal, fertile offspring subsequent to implantation into suitable recipients12,13. More recently, 15-day-old foetuses were obtained after fertilization in vitro of mouse oocytes matured in culture by sperm capacitated in the uterus followed by implantation of blastocysts14. We have now obtained normal progeny after implantation of embryos obtained from oocyte maturation as well as sperm capacitation in vitro.
Vehicular radio suppression

The present status of the automotive industry supported radio suppression project is covered. The international aspects of vehicular interference are also covered with an up to the minute report on the possibilities of international standardization. The cooperative program between the Electronic Industry Association, the Institute of Radio Engineers, and the Society of Automotive Engineers is discussed. This cooperative work must lead to the most economical overall installations. The final section of this paper describes new suppression devices that should materially help in the suppression of undesirable radio radiations.
Synthesis, structure and properties of bis[N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamidecopper(II)] perchlorate

Abstract In this account we report the synthesis, structure and characterization of a dimeric Cu(II) complex, [Cu 2 (PaPy 3 H) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 4 (bis[ N,N -bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine- N -ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamidecopper(II)]). In this complex, the coordination of the designed ligand PaPy 3 H to the Cu(II) centers is completed by the bis(picolyl)methyl amine portion of one PaPy 3 H unit and the oxygen and pyridine nitrogen atoms of the pyridine-2-carboxamide moiety of a second PaPy 3 H ligand. The resulting dimeric complex demonstrates a new mode of coordination of the ligand PaPy 3 H.
Instability of two-dimensional graphene: Breaking sp 2 bonds with soft x rays

We study the stability of various kinds of graphene samples under soft x-ray irradiation. Our results show that in single-layer exfoliated graphene (a closer analog to two-dimensional material), the in-plane carbon-carbon bonds are unstable under x-ray irradiation, resulting in nanocrystalline structures. As the interaction along the third dimension increases by increasing the number of graphene layers or through the interaction with the substrate (epitaxial graphene), the effect of x-ray irradiation decreases and eventually becomes negligible for graphite and epitaxial graphene. Our results demonstrate the importance of the interaction along the third dimension in stabilizing the long range in-plane carbon-carbon bonding, and suggest the possibility of using x-ray to pattern graphene nanostructures in exfoliated graphene.
ICI 182,780 acts as a partial agonist and antagonist of estradiol effects in specific cells of the sheep uterus.

Abstract We assessed the ability of ICI 182,780 (ICI) to block the estradiol (E2) responses of genes within the sheep uterus. Ovariectomized ewes in the ‘ICI+E2’ treatment group received a uterine infusion with 10 −7 M ICI for 14 h, an injection of 50 μg E2 6 h after the infusion started, and were hysterectomized 18 h postinjection. Other groups received only ICI or E2, or neither treatment (‘Con’). Both E2 and ICI increased the wet weight of dissected endometrium: averaging 10.0±1.2 g for ICI+E2, ICI, and E2 groups compared to 6.8±0.6 g for Con. Slot blot analyses of endometrial RNA showed that estrogen receptor-α (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), cyclophilin, actin and c-fos mRNAs responded to E2 treatment: the first five increased an average of 60% while the last decreased 38%. In situ hybridization identified more subtle ICI effects: agonistic up-regulation of GAPDH mRNA in superficial endometrial cells, and antagonistic down-regulation of ER and PR mRNAs in the inner layer of the myometrium. Thus, we conclude that the agonist versus antagonist effects of ICI relative to those of E2 are a function of the gene examined as well as the specific cell within the uterus.
Formal synthesis of (−)-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) via desymmetrization by ring-closing metathesis

Abstract A formal total synthesis of (−)-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), the most naturally abundant sialic acid, has been accomplished using a rigid 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane template for stereoselective introduction of all oxygen and nitrogen functionality. The template was obtained via a novel ketalization/ring-closing metathesis bond construction strategy, taking advantage of an advanced intermediate in our KDN synthesis to complete the efficient assembly of Neu5Ac.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Glutathione: Potential for Parenteral Nutrition Supplementation?

Glutathione has been implicated as an important antioxidant in the body's defense against the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In critically ill patients, the balance between the production of ROS and the availability of antioxidants may shift to favor proliferation of ROS. This in turn may lead to significant tissue injury. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a feeding modality often required by critically ill patients. PN solutions do not contain the components needed for endogenous glutathione synthesis and, thus, may reduce antioxidant availability and accentuate ROS damage. Supplementation of PN with nutrients that promote glutathione synthesis may attenuate ROS-induced cell destruction.
Time – Frequency Analysis of GALLEX and GNO Solar Neutrino Data

Time – frequency analysis of data from the GALLEX and GNO solar neutrino experiments shows that some features in power-spectrum analyses of those datasets are due to aliasing (a result of the fact that run durations tend to be small multiples of one week). Displays formed from the published GALLEX data show a sharp discontinuity that we attribute to some systematic effect. We therefore normalize data for each of the four experiments in the GALLEX series and concatenate the resulting normalized data. This step effectively removes the presumed systematic effect. To help understand the effect of aliasing, we form time – frequency displays of the two principal modulations found in the data, at 11.87 year−1 and at 13.63 year−1. We also form time – frequency displays of datasets formed by subtracting these modulations from the actual (normalized) data. The results suggest that the true principal modulation is that at 11.87 year−1. Comparison with helioseismology data suggests that modulation may be occurring in the core, perhaps resulting from inhomogeneities and fluctuations in the nuclear-burning process, and that the sidereal rotation rate of the core is 12.87 year−1, or 408 nHz.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: vesicle formation from yeast to man.

The disorders known as Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) are a group of genetic diseases resulting from abnormal formation of intracellular vesicles. In HPS, dysfunction of melanosomes results in oculocutaneous albinism, and absence of platelet dense bodies causes a bleeding diathesis. In addition, some HPS patients suffer granulomatous colitis or fatal pulmonary fibrosis, perhaps due to mistrafficking of a subset of lysosomes. The impaired function of specific organelles indicates that the causative genes encode proteins operative in the formation of certain vesicles. Four such genes, HPS1, ADTB3A, HPS3, and HPS4, are associated with the four known subtypes of HPS, i.e. HPS-1, HPS-2, HPS-3, and HPS-4. ADTB3A codes for the β3A subunit of adaptor complex-3, known to assist in vesicle formation from the trans-Golgi network or late endosome. However, the functions of the HPS1, HPS3, and HPS4 gene products remain unknown. These three genes arose with the evolution of mammals and have no homologs in yeast, reflecting their specialized function. In contrast, all four known HPS-causing genes have homologs in mice, a species with 14 different models of HPS, i.e. hypopigmentation and a platelet storage pool deficiency. Pursuit of the mechanism of mammalian vesicle formation and trafficking, impaired in HPS, relies upon investigation of these mouse models as well as studies of protein complexes involved in yeast vacuole formation.
Spectroscopic Analysis of the Ionization Behavior of Anthralin

Abstract The ionic equilibria of anthralin were examined at 25°C in aqueous solutions varying in pH from 5.10 to 11.74. Despite the presence of three phenol groups, only one pKa was observed under a these experimental conditions and even at pH - 11.74 there was no spectroscopic evidence for the presumed second pKa Possible a causes for this result are discussed. The experimentally observed pKa was 9.06 which yielded a thermodynamic pKa estimate of 9.38. These results agreed well with one of two conflicting reports in the literature.
The role of localized deformation in hydrogen-assisted crack propagation in 21Cr–6Ni–9Mn stainless steel

Abstract Elastic–plastic fracture mechanics experiments were conducted on three heats of 21Cr–6Ni–9Mn austenitic stainless steel (two forgings and one annealed material), emphasizing the effects of high concentrations of thermally precharged hydrogen as well as crack-growth orientation and ferrite content. Hydrogen was the dominant variable in this study, causing a reduction in fracture initiation toughness of greater than 80% in the forgings independent of crack-growth orientation and ferrite content. Reflecting the fracture toughness measurements, hydrogen also caused dramatic changes in fracture modes. Microscopy evidence indicated that fracture in hydrogen-precharged materials was governed by localized deformation. The impingement of deformation bands on obstacles such as boundaries or intersecting deformation bands caused stress concentrations, leading to void or microcrack formation at these sites. It is postulated that void or microcrack formation can be solely attributed to hydrogen-enhanced localized deformation without invoking any mechanism where hydrogen directly lowers the fracture resistance.