cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equity models in planar location

In this paper we investigate planar location models with equity objectives. Two objectives are analyzed: (1) Minimizing the variance of the distances to the facility, and (2) minimizing the range of the distances. The problems are solved using the global optimization technique “Big Triangle Small Triangle”. Computational experiments provided excellent results. Solving a problem with 10,000 demand points required less than 5 s of computer time for finding the minimum variance, and less than half that time for finding the minimum range.
Nonlinear dispersion of a pollutant ejected into a channel flow

In this paper, we study the nonlinear coupled boundary value problem arising from the nonlinear dispersion of a pollutant ejected by an external source into a channel flow. We obtain exact solutions for the steady flow for some special cases and an implicit exact solution for the unsteady flow. Additionally, we obtain analytical solutions for the transient flow. From the obtained solutions, we are able to deduce the qualitative influence of the model parameters on the solutions. Furthermore, we are able to give both exact and analytical expressions for the skin friction and wall mass transfer rate as functions of the model parameters. The model considered can be useful for understanding the polluting situations of an improper discharge incident and evaluating the effects of decontaminating measures for the water bodies.
6MI Enhanced Fluorescence in a Specific DNA Pentamer Sequence

The development of fluorescent nucleoside analogs, which hydrogen bond in the same fashion as their counterparts and minimally distort the structure of duplex DNA, has greatly improved the amount of information that can be obtained from both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence experiments. Reduction in quantum yield observed when probes are incorporated into an oligomer or a duplex limits their potential application. 6-methylisoxanthopterin (6-MI) is a fluorescent guanosine analog which H-bonds with cytosine similar to guanosine. Investigating the photophysical properties of the nucleoside analog; we discovered a pentamer DNA sequence (ATFAA; where F=6-MI) that exhibits an enhancement of fluorescence upon formation of duplex DNA. The enhanced 6-MI fluorescence within a duplex broadens the potential applications by allowing binding and other experiments to occur at nanomolar concentrations. Within, the sequence context of ATFAA, time-resolved measurements reveal that the fluorescent populations shift from 0.4 to 7.2 ns upon formation of duplex and the relative quantum yield increases from 0.2 to 0.8. This implied the pentamer ATFAA fluorescence enhancement is due to 6MI adopting a single conformation that is either “flipped out” from the duplex or sterically constrained. To further investigate the enhancement of fluorescence upon duplex formation, we characterized oligonucleotides local and global structure. Temperature melt and iodide quenching experiments support a model in which enhancement of fluorescence is due to a solvent inaccessible geometry of 6MI remaining H-bonded to cytosine. An increase in solvent accessibility and reduction in the quantum yield were achieved through the introduction of a 3′ bulge or mismatch in the highly fluorescent duplex; suggesting limited dynamics of the 6MI is due to steric hiderance on the 3′ side. This information can now be used to generate other sequence contexts in which 6-MI will exhibit enhanced fluorescence upon duplex formation.
The pragmatics of verbal parody

Abstract In this paper, we develop a model of verbal parody based on the view that parody is a human behavior. We argue that verbal parody involves a highly situated, intentional and conventional expressive made up of four essential acts: (1) the intentional re-presentation of the object of parody, (2) the flaunting of the verbal re-presentation, (3) the critical act, and (4) the comic act. To successfully create a verbal parody, a speaker must manipulate all four essential acts with the intent to create parody. In the second section of our paper, we address the potential scope of parody in real communication. We explain how parody serves to celebrate the object it apparently ridicules, by appealing to politeness theory (Brown and Levinson, 1987). We also argue that the object of parody may be anything in the world; that a single parodic act may have multiple objects; and that the re-presenting verbal expression of the parodic speech act may function as a direct or indirect non-parodic speech act, which may be enhanced or inhibited by the parody.
Low levels of ABCG2 expression in adult AML blast samples

Previous reports have suggested that the adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette protein ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein [BCRP], mitoxantrone resistance [MXR]) is associated with drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aims of this study were to determine the level of ABCG2 mRNA expression necessary to produce drug resistance and to define the ABCG2 levels in normal bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood (PB), cord blood (CB), and adult AML blast cell populations. First, using transduced clonal cell lines expressing varying levels of ABCG2, we found that ABCG2 expression conferred resistance to mitoxantrone and topotecan, but not to idarubicin. Next, we developed a real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay for measuring ABCG2 mRNA expression levels in clinical samples. Normal BM and PB contained low levels of ABCG2 mRNA, while higher levels were measured in CB mononuclear cells, CD34+, and Ac133+populations, consistent with the known stem cell enrichment in these populations. Next, we studied the ABCG2 mRNA levels in 40 specimens from newly diagnosed adult AML patients. Only 7% of these samples contained ABCG2 mRNA levels within the range of our drug-resistant clone, although another 78% were higher than normal blood and bone marrow. Flow cytometry revealed very small subpopulations of ABCG2-expressing cells in the cases we examined. Our data suggest that high levels of ABCG2 mRNA expression in adult AML blast specimens are relatively uncommon and that ABCG2 expression may be limited to a small cell subpopulation in some cases.
Reaction H 2 ( 3 He,γ ) 5 Li at center-of-mass energies between 25 and 60 keV

The gamma ray to proton branching ratio, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$/${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{p}}$, of the $^{2}$H${+\mathrm{}}^{3}$He reaction has been measured between center-of-mass energies of 25 and 60 keV. The ratio of the ground-state gamma reaction $^{2}\mathrm{H}$${(}^{3}$He,${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$${)\mathrm{}}^{5}$Li to the dominant reaction $^{2}\mathrm{H}$${(}^{3}$He,p${)}^{4}$He is observed to be roughly constant over this energy range with a best value of (4.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$. This ratio for the gamma-ray reaction to the $^{5}\mathrm{Li}$ first excited state is measured to have a value of (8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$. The excitation energy of the first excited state is estimated to be 3.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 MeV.
Cleavage of α-Synuclein by Calpain: Potential Role in Degradation of Fibrillized and Nitrated Species of α-Synuclein†

α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a major protein component of the neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders termed synucleinopathies. Neither the mechanism of α-syn fibrillization nor the degradative process for α-syn has been elucidated. Previously, we showed that wild-type, mutated, and fibrillar α-syn proteins are substrates of calpain I in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that calpain-mediated cleavage near and within the middle region of soluble α-syn with/without tyrosine nitration and oxidation generates fragments that are unable to self-fibrillize. More importantly, these fragments prevent full-length α-syn from fibrillizing. Calpain-mediated cleavage of α-syn fibrils composed of wild-type or nitrated α-syn generate C-terminally truncated fragments that retain their fibrillar structure and induce soluble full-length α-syn to co-assemble. Therefore, calpain-cleaved soluble α-syn inhibits fibrillization, whereas calpain-cleaved fibrillar α-syn promotes furt...
Use of Capsule Small Bowel Transit Time to Determine the Optimal Enteroscopy Approach.

Background Capsule small bowel transit time (SBTT) is used to select the most effective enteroscopy approach when targeting capsule endoscopy (CE) findings. Aim of this study was to determine if capsule SBTT can be used to guide the choice of enteroscopy technique for reaching CE abnormalities. Methods Single center, retrospective study involving 60 patients. Data were abstracted from medical records of patients with abnormal CE who proceeded to enteroscopy which included push enteroscopy (PE) single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Results Ninety five findings were documented on CE with presumed identification of 56 (59%) of these abnormalities by enteroscopy. Majority were angioectasias on CE (42%) and enteroscopy (59%). Optimal cutoff values for selection of enteroscopy procedure were: 0-21% SBTT for PE (80% sensitivity, 74% specificity, 83% PPV); 0 - 36% SBTT for antegrade SBE (93% sensitivity, 40% specificity, 82% PPV); 0 - 57% SBTT for antegrade DBE (75% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 75% PPV); and 74 - 100% SBTT for retrograde DBE (88% sensitivity, 78% specificity, 78% PPV). Conclusion Capsule SBTT may be used to guide the selection of enteroscopy approach. PE, antegrade SBE, antegrade DBE and retrograde DBE are optimal when abnormalities on CE are seen at ≤ 21%, ≤ 36%, ≤ 57% and ≥ 74% SBTT respectively.
Flux pinning by small perturbations in the superconducting order parameter in type-II superconductors

Abstract From a first-order perturbation of the Ginzburg–Landau free energy, the effects of local variation of the upper critical field H c2 and Ginzburg–Landau parameter κ are combined. The interaction energy ∼ |ψ|2[1 – |ψ|2] thus obtained, where |ψ| is the superconducting order parameter, varies locally. The elementary pinning force f p is calculated from the interaction energy as a function of the magnetic induction B, and is seen to be in good agreement with experimental results for several flux-pinning systems.
Paraxial quantum propagation

A quantum version of the classical paraxial approximation is established. After expanding the classical free-field wave equation in powers of \ensuremath{\theta} (the characteristic opening angle of the paraxial rays), the familiar time-dependent paraxial equation appears in zeroth order. The arguments employed in deriving this approximation scheme are used in turn to identify the subspace of the photon Fock space consisting of paraxial states of the field. The quantum version of the paraxial approximation is then obtained by restricting the Maxwell field operators to this domain. Exact equal-time commutation relations are recovered as expansions in \ensuremath{\theta}. In zeroth order, the theory yields a quantized analog of the classical paraxial wave equation, and formally resembles a nonrelativistic many-body theory. This formalism is applied to show that Mandel's local-photon-number operator and Glauber's photon-counting operator reduce, in zeroth order, to the same true-number operator. In addition, it is shown that the O(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}^{2}$) difference between them vanishes for experiments described by stationary coherent states.
Electrophysiological support in favor of multiple opiate receptors in the caudate and the central gray of the rat

1. The present study compares the direct actions of morphine on two brain sites known to be rich in opiate receptors, namely, the caudate nucleus and the central gray. Recordings and morphine injections were made through a multibarrel glass micropipette using microiontophoresis. 2. Four different patterns of neuronal response to increasing currents of morphine were recorded in both brain regions. 3. Differences in the response to morphine between the two sites were detected in morphine-dependent rats. While the caudate neurons exhibited super-sensitivity to morphine, the neurons in the central gray displayed tolerance, and in some instances, dependence was evident when naloxone was administered. 4. The distribution of spontaneously active neurons within these two brain areas was found to be different in morphine-naive and morphine-dependent rats. 5. The electrophysiological findings of this study support the hypothesis of multiple opiate receptors.
Genetic diversity of Pneumocystis carinii derived from infected rats, mice, ferrets, and cell cultures.

. The degree of strain and/or species diversity among Pneumocystis carinii isolates is unknown. As a first approach to the study of P. carinii genetic relatedness, we compared the pulsed field gel electrophoretic karyotypes of P. carinii derived from lung homogenates of three immunosuppressed host animals: rats transtracheally inoculated with P. carinii-infected rat lung; mice transtracheally inoculated with P. carinii-infected mouse lung; and ferrets which developed reactivated latent P. carinii pneumonia. Rat P. carinii propagated on HEL299 cells was also examined. Karyotypes of P. carinii DNA from both rat lung homogenate and cell culture were identical (14 bands, 315–680 kb). In contrast, mouse and ferret P. carinii DNA karyotypes were each distinctly different from the rat P. carinii samples (mouse P. carinii 15 bands, 315–610 kb; ferret P. carinii nine bands, 410–760 kb). Three distinct rat P. carinii gene probes reacted with both Southern-transferred rat and mouse P. carinii DNA but not with ferret P. carinii DNA. Thus, P. carinii from rat, mouse, and ferret are genetically diverse. The results are consistent with recently reported antigenic and nucleic acid sequence differences among P. carinii isolates recovered from different hosts.
Periodic Operation of Asymmetric Bidirectional Fixed-Bed Reactors with Temperature Limitations

Possible ways of coupling a solid-catalyzed endothermic reaction with an exothermic reaction in a bidirectionally fed fixed-bed reactor, operated in a periodic steady state, when the maximum allowa...
The alkylacyl and alkenylacyl glycerophospholipids of human platelets.

Abstract The phospholipids of human platelets were isolated and analysed for their constituent 1- 0 -alkyl- and 1- 0 -(1′-alkenyl)glycerol species. The serine and inositol phospholipids contained only small amounts (0.5–1.6%) of both alkylacyl and alkenylacyl species; the ethanolamine phospholipids contained little alkylacyl (1.7%) but much more alkenylacyl (45.3%) species, while the choline phospholipids contained 4.5% and 1.4% of these compounds, respectively. Because choline phospholipids amount to 41% of the total phospholipids of human platelets, it appears that they could provide a sufficient supply of alkylacyl glycerophosphocholine for the generation of the alkylacetyl analog (platelet activating factor) by a deacylation-acetylation pathway.
Modulation of GABAA Receptor Subunit mRNA Levels in Olivocerebellar Neurons of Purkinje Cell Degeneration and Weaver Mutant Mice

In olivocerebellar circuits, changes in the subunit composition of GABA(A) receptors occur at a time of extensive synaptic remodeling. In the deep cerebellar nuclei, GABA(A) receptor alpha1, beta2, and gamma2 subunit mRNA expression increases throughout neonatal development, whereas in the inferior olivary complex, the perinatal combination of alpha3, alpha5, beta3, and gamma2 mRNAs switches to the adult combination of alpha2, alpha4, beta3 and gamma1 during postnatal week 2. In situ hybridization was used to examine changes in subunit expression in the olivocerebellar nuclei of Purkinje cell degeneration and weaver mutant mice. In Purkinje cell degeneration, subunit transcripts decreased below control levels in olivary neurons; however, alpha1, beta2, and gamma2 transcript levels were slightly increased in the medial nucleus of the deep cerebellar nuclei. In weaver olivary neurons, although the switch from early- to late-onset subunit mRNAs occurred as in normal mice, transcript levels were differentially modulated by the mutation. Our studies indicate that major alterations in synaptic connectivity do not prevent developmentally programmed switches in GABA(A) receptor gene expression but can modulate the timing and level of transcript expression in afferent and efferent neurons.
The effect of ammonium chloride and sodium bicarbonate on the urinary excretion of magnesium, calcium, and phosphate.

Abstract Six normal subjects showed mean or average increases, which were statistically significant, in urinary output of magnesium (+4.99 mEq.), calcium (+22.86 mEq.), and phosphate (+18.2 mM.) during 5 days of ingestion of ammonium chloride, as compared to a 5-day control period. This occurred despite differences in the intake of electrolytes, age, sex, or weight. The possible significance of the loss of magnesium during diuretic therapy was discussed. During ingestion of sodium bicarbonate there was a mean decrease over the control period which was statistically significant only for urinary output of calcium (−3.81 mEq.).
Modified dichromate method for determining low concentrations of extractable organic carbon in soil

Abstract Fumigation‐extraction and rehydration methods for determining soil microbial biomass carbon (C) require analysis of extractable C levels in soils before and after treatment. In soils containing biomass C levels below 300 mg kg‐1 or extractable C levels below 100 mg kg‐1, it may be difficult to determine extractable C concentrations accurately. Classical dichromate oxidation methods measuring reduced chromium (Cr) determine accurately organic C concentrations from 50 to 1,000 mg C L‐1. A method for C analysis for extracts containing less than 25 mg C L‐1 is presented and is based on absorption of oxidized Cr at 340 nm. The calibration curve was linear from 0 to 25 mg C L‐1 and curvilinear above 25 mg C L‐1. Absorption at 590 nm of a similar digest provides a linear relation from 0 to 500 mg C L‐1, but sensitivity was limited in the 0 to 50 mg C L‐1 range. Seven soils were sampled and analyzed for biomass C using fumigation extraction (FE) and rehydration (RHD) techniques and the modified dichromat...
Obesity and Postpartum Depression: Does Prenatal Care Utilization Make a Difference?

To identify (1) the association between pre-pregnancy BMI (PP-BMI) and PPD symptoms, and (2) the association between PP-BMI and PPD symptoms after considering PNC utilization as a moderating variable. Data from the 2004 and 2005 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) were analyzed from 15 states. The study design utilized two risk-adjustment approaches. One approach included all women in the dataset and used statistical analyses to risk-adjust for pregnancy risk status, and the other approach, through a sensitivity analysis, modified the design of the study by truncating the sample to include only women with healthy pregnancies. An initial association was seen between obesity and PPD symptoms, and PNC and PPD symptoms in the multivariate analyses. However, the inclusion of case-mix variables into the multivariate models removed these associations. Overall, for both approaches, there was no indication of a moderating effect of PNC utilization. Results also revealed that many of the women were significantly affected by a variety of high-risk maternal morbidity (case-mix) variables. Although PNC is important for the health of mothers and babies, it does not appear to moderate the association of PP-BMI and PPD symptoms. However, since this study revealed associations between several high-risk maternal morbidities (included as case-mix variables), and PPD symptoms, it is recommended that future research further investigate the possible association of these morbidities with PPD symptoms. For practice, it is suggested that PNC providers focus on their patients, and establish suitable interventions accordingly.
ACE inhibitors and potassium foods--nurses' knowledge.

Purpose – According to Joint Commission standards, patients should be educated about drug-nutrient interactions. Because nurses are well-suited to educating patients, this paper aims to assess their knowledge of ACE inhibitor drugs, nutrient interactions and high- and low-potassium foods. Design/methodology/approach – Licensed nurses from a teaching hospital in the US south eastern Atlantic region completed a self-administered questionnaire (n=83). Means, standard deviations and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated for continuous data and frequency and percentage distribution for discrete data. Student's t-test was used to evaluate responses by ACE inhibitor patient load and nursing education. Findings – Mean nurse knowledge of ACE inhibitors and potassium was 62±16 percent and identifying high- and low-potassium foods was 32±23 percent. Most identified five from 12 high-potassium foods and did not know the designation of six, one from 14 low-potassium foods and did not know the designation of ...
Spraycoating of silver nanoparticle electrodes for inverted polymer solar cells

Inverted polymer solar cells using non-vacuum processed spraycoated silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as the anode electrode were compared to vacuum deposited Ag electrodes. The number of spray coating layers can affect its final device performance showing with a higher number of coating layers, a better nanoparticle interconnectivity and morphology is achieved which reduces the sheet resistance and transparency of the Ag electrode leading to improved fill factor and device performances (∼3.0%). These devices can be fabricated onto flexible ITO substrates devices showing a performance of ∼1.40%. Using a non-vacuum technique to deposit the electrode is important for low-cost polymer solar cells.
Phosphorylation of Retinoblastoma Protein by Viral Protein with Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Function

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses expertly modify cellular processes to facilitate their replication and spread, often by encoding genes that mimic the functions of cellular proteins while lacking regulatory features that modify their activity. We show that the human cytomegalovirus UL97 protein has activities similar to cellular cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes. UL97 phosphorylated and inactivated the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor, stimulated cell cycle progression in mammalian cells, and rescued proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking CDK activity. UL97 is not inhibited by the CDK inhibitor p21 and lacks amino acid residues conserved in the CDKs that permit the attenuation of kinase activity. Thus, UL97 represents a functional ortholog of cellular CDKs that is immune from normal CDK control mechanisms.
X-Ray Reflectivity Of A Rapidly Heated Multilayer Structure

The spacing of layers in a sputtered, multilayer structure was rapidly and permanently increased by heating with a nanosecond laser pulse. During laser heating, the Bragg angle decreased and the peak reflectivity increased for diffraction of soft x-ray radiation at 4.4 nm. Measurements were made using a time and space resolving x-ray streak camera detector.
Quantitative analyses of principal and secondary compound parieto-occipital feedback pathways in cat

The purpose of our study was to quantify the magnitude of principal and secondary pathways emanating from the middle suprasylvian (MS) region of visuoparietal cortex and terminating in area 18 of primary visual cortex. These pathways transmit feedback signals from visuoparietal cortex to primary visual cortex. (1) WGA-HRP was injected into area 18 to identify inputs from visual structures. In terms of numbers of neurons, feedback projections to area 18 from MS sulcal cortex (areas PMLS, AMLS and PLLS) comprise 26% of inputs from all visual structures. Of these neurons, between 21% and 34.9% are located in upper layers 2–4 and the dominant numbers are located in deep layers 5 and 6. Areas 17 (11.8%) and 19 (11.2%) provide more modest cortical inputs, and another eight areas provide a combined total of 4.3% of inputs. The sum of neurons in all subcompartments of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) accounts for another 34.8% of the input to area 18, whereas inputs from the lateral division of the lateral-posterior nucleus (LPl) account for the final 11.9%. (2) Injection of tritiated-(3H)-amino acids into MS sulcal cortex revealed substantial direct projections from MS cortex that terminated in all layers of area 18, but with a markedly lower density in layer 4. Projections from MS cortex to both areas 17 and 19 are of similar density and characteristics, whereas those to other cortical targets have very low densities. Quantification also revealed minor-to-modest axon projections to all components of LGN and a massive projection throughout the LP-Pul complex. (3) Superposition of the labeled terminal and cell fields identified secondary, compound feedback pathways from MS cortex to area 18. The largest secondary pathway is massive and it includes the LPl nucleus. Much more modest secondary pathways include areas 17 and 19, and LGN. The relative magnitudes of the secondary pathways suggest that the one through LPl exerts a major influence on area 18, whereas the others exert more modest or minor influences. MS cortex in the contralateral hemisphere also innervates area 18 directly. These data are important for interpreting the impact of deactivating feedback projections from visuoparietal cortex on occipital cortex.
Quantum dot nanostructures for multi-band infrared detection

Abstract A dual-band (two-color) tunneling-quantum dot infrared photodetector (T-QDIP) structure, which provides wavelength selectivity using bias voltage polarity, is reported. In this T-QDIP, photoexcitation takes place in InGaAs QDs and the excited carriers tunnel through an AlGaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs double-barrier by means of resonant tunneling when the bias voltage required to line up the QD excited state and the double-barrier state is applied. Two double-barriers incorporated on the top and bottom sides of the QDs provide tunneling conditions for the second and the first excited state in the QDs (one double-barrier for each QD excited state) under forward and reverse bias, respectively. This field dependent tunneling for excited carriers in the T-QDIP is the basis for the operating wavelength selection. Experimental results showed that the T-QDIP exhibits three response peaks at ∼4.5 (or 4.9), 9.5, and 16.9 μm and selection of either the 9.5 or the 16.9 μm peak is obtained by the bias polarity. The peak detectivity (at 9.5 and 16.9 μm) of this detector is in the range of 1.0–6.0 × 10 12 Jones at 50 K. This detector does not provide a zero spectral crosstalk due to the peak at 4.5 μm not being bias-selectable. To overcome this, a quantum dot super-lattice infrared photodetector (SL-QDIP), which provides complete bias-selectability of the response peaks, is presented. The active region consists of two quantum dot super-lattices separated by a graded barrier, enabling photocurrent generation only in one super-lattice for a given bias polarity. According to theoretical predictions, a combined response due to three peaks at 2.9, 3.7, and 4.2 μm is expected for reverse bias, while a combined response of three peaks at 5.1, 7.8, and 10.5 μm is expected for forward bias.
The effect of acute tobacco smoke exposure on pulmonary benzo[a]pyrene metabolism

Abstract The influence of whole tobacco smoke or the gas phase from smoke on the pulmonary metabolism of [14C]benzo[a]pyrene was examined. [11C]Benzo[a]pyrene disappears from plasma-perfusing isolated rabbit lungs according to first-order kinetics. When these lungs are ventilated with freshly generated whole cigarette smoke, the slope of [14C]benzo[a]pyrene disappearance curves are altered dramatically; the amount of this alteration is dependent on the dose of smoke administered. If the particulate phase is filtered out of the smoke and the resulting gas phase is administered to the lung, relatively little effect is seen. These results suggest that the acute effect of whole smoke on benzo[apyrene metabolism by the isolated perfused lung is inhibition and that this effect is primarily due to the materials present in the particulate phase of smoke.
Schirmer tear test I and rebound tonometry findings in healthy calves

Objective To describe Schirmer tear test I and rebound tonometry findings in healthy bovine calves. Animals studied Thirty-three clinically normal dairy breed calves of mean (SD) 11 (1.1) weeks (range, 9.3–13.3 weeks) of age were evaluated. Procedures A Schirmer tear test I was performed on each eye followed by tonometry, using a TonoVet® without topical anesthesia. We report means (SD) and statistical analysis of data for each assay. Results For both Schirmer tear test (STT) I and tonometry, significant differences were not found between fellow eyes (P = 0.1536 and P = 0.83, respectively). The mean (SD) STT I value of all eyes was 20.4 (5.0) mm/min (range, 9–34 mm/min) while the mean (SD) intraocular pressure (IOP) value of all eyes was 15.2 (5.2) mmHg (range, 7–25 mmHg). Conclusions This study reports normal data for the STT I and rebound tonometry in calves. This data may be useful in complete ophthalmic examinations of cattle, guiding diagnosis of glaucoma, uveitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. However, results of these diagnostic modalities must be interpreted in light of clinical signs, given the wide range of normal values obtained in this study.
Spinal Cord Injury in the Pediatric Patient

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in pediatrics, although uncommon, can be devastating. Whereas there have been many evidence-based adult trials in SCI management, the data in the pediatric population are limited. Researchers continue to explore both clinical and radiographic guidelines to help better identify potential SCI without adding significant cost burden or potentially deleterious radiation. Treatment options, although promising, remain limited in clinical practice.
Theodoric of Triple-A-Ville, accounting professor: a one-act play for a doctoral seminar

A positivist methodological perspective that emphasises quantitative methods and is incapable of addressing complex social issues overwhelmingly characterises the body of literature published in mainstream accounting journals. The US system of graduate education in accounting is, in large part, responsible for the homogeneity of this paradigm and for the absence of any theoretical creativity and/or methodological innovation in accounting scholarship. Large accounting PhD programs have seized control of research activities by instituting restrictive norms, by creating barriers to intellectual dialogue, by exploiting the reward structures used to influence conformity, and by siphoning financial resources from major accounting firms to fund their mainstream research activities. This paper presents a script – based on an old Saturday Night Live skit – for use in a doctoral seminar as a ‘launching point’ for exploring perspectives other than the mainstream paradigm and poses a series of questions to facilitate discussion among the seminar participants.
Differential effects of task and reinforcement variables on the performance of three groups of behavior problem children.

In a test of Quay's model of differential response tendencies in three basic dimensions of discordant behavior, 36 delinquent boys divided into three behavior groups — Conduct Disorder, Personality Disorder, Inadequate-Immature — del were compared on a verbal paired-associate task under four conditions of task structure: neutral and emotional content, simplicity and complexity; and two reward conditions: material and verbal. Predictions were that the Conduct Disorder and Inadequate-Immature group would perform optimally under conditions of simple emotional task structure and material reward as opposed to the Personality Disorder group, who would demonstrate optimal performance under verbal reinforcement and reflect an interaction effect for task complexity and emotionality. Results confirmed the basic hypothesis of differential responsiveness as a function of subject variables. Directions of the differences indicated that task variables also produced critical effects.
Out there on the web: Pedagogy and identity in face of opposition

Abstract Although techno-compositionists have been quick to embrace pedagogy mode possible by the World Wide Web, they need to come to understand how the technology will influence their students who come from various populations and the situations these students face. This is especially true of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students who may be using the writing classroom as a safe space to facilitate their coming out process. This article presents a cautionary tale for teachers who may be unaware of opposition awaiting students whose identities are being shaped by their experiences on the World Wide Web. In his attempts to begin discovering a sound pedagogy sensitive to and supportive of students who are coming out, the author interviews a number of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from Columbus, Ohio, who are associated with the Web.
Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation of Microwave Sintering in A Variable-Frequency Multimode Cavity

There have been recent indications that variable-frequency microwave sintering of ceramics provides several advantages over single-frequency sintering, including more uniform heating, particularly for larger samples. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) code at the University of Utah was modified and used to simulate microwave sintering using variable frequencies and was coupled with a heat-transfer code to provide a dynamic simulation of this new microwave sintering process. This paper summarizes results from the FDTD simulations of sintering in a variable-frequency cavity. FDTD simulations were run in 100-MHz steps to account for the frequency variation in the electromagnetic fields in the multimode cavity. It is shown that a variable-frequency system does improve the heating uniformity when the proper frequency range is chosen. Specifically, for a single ceramic sample (4 × 4 × 6 cm 3 ), and for a variable-frequency range from f = 2.5 GHz to f = 3.2 GHz, the temperature distribution pattern was much more uniform than the heating pattern achieved when using a single-frequency sintering system at f = 2.45 GHz.
Technological Change and Relative Factor Shares in Indian Agriculture: An Empirical Analysis

Distribution of sectoral gains between labor and nonlabor input factors attains importance in view of the growing concern about rural poverty and unemployment despite recent increases in output and total revenue in Indian agriculture. Using cross section data, this study aims at measuring changes in the relative factor share.
The influence of temperature and moisture contents regimes on the aerobic microbial activity of a biosolids composting blend

To understand the relationships between temperature, moisture content, and microbial activity during the composting of biosolids (municipal wastewater treatment sludge), well-controlled incubation experiments were conducted using a 2-factor factorial design with six temperatures (22, 29, 36, 43, 50, and 57 degrees C) and five moisture contents (30, 40, 50, 60, and 70%). The microbial activity was measured as O2 uptake rate (mg g(-1) h(-1)) using a computer controlled respirometer. In this study, moisture content proved to be a dominant factor impacting aerobic microbial activity of the composting blend. Fifty percent moisture content appeared to be the minimal requirement for obtaining activities greater than 1.0 mg g(-1) h(-1). Temperature was also documented to be an important factor for biosolids composting. However, its effect was less influential than moisture content. Particularly, the enhancement of composting activities induced by temperature increment could be realized by increasing moisture content alone.
High-temperature electrical testing of a solid oxide fuel cell cathode contact material

The development of high-temperature solid-state devices for energy generation and environmental control applications has advanced remarkably over the past decade. However, there remain a number of technical barriers that still impede widespread commercial application. One of these, for example, is the development of a robust method of conductively joining the mixed-conducting oxide electrodes that lie at the heart of the device to the heat resistant metal interconnect used to transmit power to or from the electrodes and electrochemically active membrane. This study investigated the high-temperature electrical and microstructural characteristics of a series of conductive glass composite paste junctions between two contact materials representative of those used in solid-state electrochemical devices, lanthanum calcium manganate, and 430 stainless steel.
Immunolocalization of scrapie amyloid in non-congophilic, non-birefringent deposits in golden Syrian hamsters with experimental transmissible mink encephalopathy

Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME), a naturally occurring subacute spongiform encephalopathy in commercially ranch-reared mink (Mustela vision), is characterized neuropathologically by spongiform changes in the neuropil, intracytoplasmic neuronal vacuolation and astrocytic hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Amyloid deposits have not been observed in brain tissue sections from animals with natural and experimental TME using conventional histochemical stains such as Congo red. To determine if amyloid deposits could be visualized by immunocytochemical techniques, we stained formalin-fixed, formic acid-treated brain tissue sections from several animal species with natural and experimental TME, using a rabbit antiserum directed against scrapie amyloid (PrP27–30). Scrapie amyloid-immunoreactive deposits were found in golden Syrian hamsters experimentally infected with TME, but were absent in mink with natural and experimental TME, as well as in ferrets and squirrel monkeys with experimental TME. The scrapie amyloid-immunoreactive deposits, which were non-congophilic and non-birefringent, were distributed in the subependymal, subpial and perivascular regions of the brain, as in hamsters infected with the 263K strain of scrapie. Ultrastructurally, scrapie amyloid-immunoreactive deposits revealed a collection of degenerating neurites with numerous abnormal mitochondria and degenerating synapses. Amyloid fibrils were not observed. Anti-scrapie amyloid antibodies immunoabsorbed with scrapie amyloid abolished immunostaining. Our data indicate the presence of scrapie amyloid lacking the molecular conformation of amyloid fibrils in hamsters with experimental TME.
Suppression of period doubling in symmetric systems

The role of symmetry is examined in systems displaying period-doubling instabilities. It is found that symmetric orbits will not undergo period doubling except in extraordinary cases. Such exceptional cases cannot occur in a large class of systems, including the sinusoidally driven damped pendulum and the Lorenz equations.
Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: A radiologic–pathologic correlation

Abstract Introduction Primary malignant melanoma of the urethra is an extremely rare disease associated with a poor prognosis due to early metastasis and often delayed diagnosis. There is limited literature on this entity, especially with regard to radiologic imaging. Presentation of case The case presented is a 67-year-old African American woman with primary urethral melanoma who underwent bladder-sparing surgery based upon pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Discussion MRI can be used for diagnosis of primary urethral melanoma and evaluation of tumor extent for surgical planning purposes. Conclusion Pelvic exenteration is often required for primary urethral melanoma treatment, though bladder conservation surgery may be a viable option in patients without evidence of bladder invasion on MRI.
Temporal Regulation of VEID-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin Cleavage Activity and Caspase-6 Correlates with Organelle Loss during Lens Development *

Lens fiber cell differentiation involves extensive reconstruction of the cell's architecture, including the degradation and elimination of all membrane-bound organelles via a process that has been likened to apoptosis. Using caspase reporter assays under conditions in which nonspecific cleavage of the reporter peptides by the proteasome has been inhibited, we investigated whether any specific caspase activities are temporally correlated with this process of organelle loss. Extracts from neonatal mouse lenses contained strong VEID-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (AFC) and minor IETD-AFC and LEVD-AFC cleavage activities, but no DEVD-AFC cleavage activity. Further testing suggested that the VEID-AFC and IETD-AFC cleavage activities were likely due to the same enzyme. In lens extracts from rat embryos, VEID-AFC cleavage activity increased during the period when organelles are eliminated, between embryonic days 15.5 and 18.5, whereas procaspase-6 protein levels decreased, suggesting that this enzyme is responsible for VEID-AFC cleavage. By contrast, in extracts from αAE7 transgenic mouse lenses in which apoptosis was induced, strong DEVD-AFC cleavage activity and activated caspase-3 protein were detected. Thus, within the same tissue, different caspase activities can predominate depending on the context, normal differentiation versus apoptosis. These results highlight the difference between normal fiber cell differentiation and apoptosis and the capacity of the lens to differentially regulate these two processes.
Securely outsourcing power grid simulation on cloud

Power grid (PG) simulation is critical for verification of supply noises in IC design. Computational demands for simulating PG is high. Cloud computing can be leveraged to mitigate these costs. However, simulating on third-party platforms lead to major security concerns. We propose a framework for secure PG simulation on Cloud. Multiple compression strategies are employed to reduce communication overhead. Turnaround time similar to an insecure simulator on Cloud can be achieved, while securing current excitations and output voltage vectors at reasonable costs.
Managing national reputation and international relations in the global era: Public diplomacy revisited

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review and re-examine the concept and practice of public diplomacy in light of the incredible pace of change in global politics and communication, and to discuss implications for future research. It first explains the significance of national reputation and its linkage to public diplomacy. It then surveys and assesses a broad range of literature on public diplomacy, characterized by three basic discourses: public diplomacy as policy-driven rather than relationship-based, the primacy of nation-state governments in the structure and process of public diplomacy, and an emphasis on mass media communication. The paper finally suggests and outlines further research efforts based on the existing literature and the evolving contexts.
Differences in Individual-Level Terrorism Preparedness in Los Angeles County

Methods: In 2004, the data were analyzed from the Los Angeles County Health Survey, a randomdigit-dialed telephone survey of the non-institutionalized population in Los Angeles County fielded October 2002 through February 2003. Results: Overall, 28.0% of respondents had emergency supplies, and 17.1% developed an emergency plan in the past year in response to the possibility of terrorism. Factors associated with having emergency supplies included African American (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.1‐3.1) and Latino (AOR1.5, 95% CI1.0‐2.4) race/ethnicity; having a household dependent aged 18 years (AOR1.4, 95% CI1.0‐ 2.0); being born outside the United States (AOR1.9, 95% CI1.3‐2.9); some college or trade school education (AOR1.9, 95% CI1.3‐2.9); and higher perceived likelihood of a bioterrorist attack (AOR2.2, 95% CI1.6‐3.0). Factors associated with having an emergency plan included African American (AOR2.6, 95% CI1.5‐4.6) race/ethnicity; having a household dependent aged 18 years (AOR2.4, 95% CI1.6‐3.5); and physical disability (AOR1.7, 95% CI1.1‐2.7). Conclusions: Some groups were more likely to adopt some, but not all, recommended preparedness activities. Identifying subpopulation differences in preparedness is important since different public health messages, programs, and distribution channels are required for different subgroups.
A class of clowns: Spontaneous joking in computer-assisted discussions

Abstract This essay examines the formal characteristics of joking in computer-mediated communication (CMC). Drawing upon the work of humor theorists and conversation analysts, the author examines student joking during synchronous conferencing and finds that this joking constitutes a hybrid form of discourse, mingling the conventions of print and speech. Students use features of print such as typography and space to better capture the rhythms and inflections of oral joking. In doing so, they display a competency in a new form of literate practice. Moreover, they use joking to accomplish important interactional tasks: to build rapport, to save face, and to explore and negotiate boundaries between different ways of thinking and behaving. However, student joking has other, less positive, effects. A joke instantly organizes participants into hierarchically differentiated groups and thus creates and sustains new patterns of power in the classroom, patterns that lead the author to question whether CMC levels hierarchies or merely redefines them.
The relation between stress fractures and bone mineral density: Evidence from active-duty army women

Abstract Lauder TD, Dixit S, Pezzin LE, Williams MV, Campbell CS, Davis GD. The relation between stress fractures and bone mineral density: evidence from active-duty army women. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:73-9. Objective: To determine if bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with the probability of stress fractures in premenopausal women. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Large Army post, Fort Lewis, WA. Participants: Twenty-seven active duty Army women with documented stress fractures within the last 2 years and 158 female controls. Methods and Main Results: All subjects were examined and interviewed. BMD of the femoral neck and posteroanterior lumbar spine (L2-L4) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Univariate comparisons revealed no significant differences in BMD of the femoral neck or lumbar spine between groups. Women with stress fractures had a significantly higher exercise intensity (428 vs 292 minutes per week, p p Conclusions: Femoral neck BMD was significantly associated with the probability of stress fractures. Optimal training programs should balance the beneficial indirect effect of increased exercise (through increased BMD) with its detrimental direct effect on stress fractures. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Families of clustered microsatellites in a conifer genome.

Microsatellite clustering may account for genetic maps which do not coalesce into the expected number of linkage groups. Microsatellite organization within the large genome of Pinus taeda (1C=20,000 Mb) was determined by (1) testing whether repeat motifs were sequestered within the low-copy DNA kinetic component and (2) testing for repeat motif clusters within DNA fragments regardless of copy number. Within the low-copy kinetic component, either (AC)n or (AG)n repeat units were present in 32% of sequences. No repeat motifs were found in the total genome control. Clustered repeat motifs were frequent; the (ATG)n triplet repeat motif was located upstream from a CG-rich trinucleotide microsatellite in 26 out of 44 microsatellite sequences. Fourteen of the clustered (ATG)n sequences could be assembled into four microsatellite sequence families based on similarities in the flanking regions. Consistent with the DNA turnover model, family members shared similar flanking regions but differed in repeat motif composition and length.