cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Modern Questione della Lingua: The Incomplete Standardization of Italian in a Northern Italian Town

Although it seems from most scholarly accounts and everyday experience in Italy that the questione della lingua or language question has been definitively answered-and that Italian has emerged victorious over local vernaculars—approximately 60% of Italians continue to speak their local languages in addition to Italian. This article explores why these languages, which Italians call ‘dialects,’ continues to matter in Italy from the vantage point of one northern Italian town, Bergamo. It traces debates about language over the last two centuries, locates recurring themes during the standardization of Italian, and argues that this standardization remains incomplete. Repeatedly, socioeconomic shifts have proved more decisive than political action, although the language question has at times been deeply politicized. Indeed, at particular moments—immediately following Unification, the Fascist period, the Economic Miracle of the 1950s and '60s, during the Leftist movement during the 1960s and '70s, and the emergence of the Northern League—language has stood in for larger concerns about the state of the nation and its citizens.
Transcripts and transcript-binding proteins in mitochondria of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract We analyzed expression elements of three disparate groups of mitochondrial genes in Neurospora crassa, apocytochrome b (COB), cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COX1), and the clustered ATP8-ATP6-mtATP9-COX2. To identify promoter sequences we employed the published N. crassa consensus sequence for COB and rRNA genes, and we found closely related sequences within the 5′-regions of both COX1 and the ATP8-COX2 transcriptional units. We determined that the mature COX1 RNA includes two flanking unassigned reading frame (URF) sequences, but the 3′-flanking ND1 is not included in the COX1 mRNA. The ATP8-ATP6-mtATP9-COX2 polycistronic transcript does not include an adjacent 5′-URF sequence. Primer extension analysis showed one likely 5′-end for the COX1 transcript, which is 73 nucleotides downstream of the consensus promoter sequence and is the first nucleotide 3′ of the sequence for the tRNAcys. Primer extension analysis and S1 nuclease mapping of the ATP8-COX2 RNA showed that the 5′-end for this transcript is the first nucleotide 3′ of the consensus promoter sequence. We performed gel-shift experiments to detect proteins in mitochondria that bind to transcripts as possible regulatory proteins. The 5′-untranslated region (UTR) RNAs of COB, COX1, and ATP8-COX2 appear to bind both unique proteins and an overlapping group of two to four proteins of ∼155–45 Mr. We successively deleted regions of the RNA 5′-UTRs to identify sequences that bound these proteins. Similar predicted stem-loop secondary structures were detected in the protein-binding regions of all three UTRs.
Problem-solving in laparoscopic surgery.

The advent of the laparoscopic revolution and the wider applicability of laparoscopic procedures has caused surgeons to re-think the dynamics of intraoperative problem-solving. Problems of body habitus, previous surgery, exposure, bleeding, and anesthesia, as well as the problem cholangiogram, require new and innovative approaches. a practical approach to each of these common laparoscopic problems is presented.
Propagation and instability of microwaves in extrinsic InSb subject to crossed static electric and magnetic fields

The propagation of an electromagnetic wave in a direction perpendicular to both the applied static magnetic field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}}_{0}$ and the static electric field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{E}}_{0}$ in extrinsic indium antimonide (InSb), and wave instability are studied theoretically. The dispersion equation $D(\ensuremath{\omega},k)$ relating the wave angular frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and the wave number $k$ is derived from Maxwell's equations, the equation of momentum transfer, and the continuity equation, using the magnetohydrodynamic approach and a one-dimensional linearized theory. With the aid of the dispersion relationship, the propagation characteristics of the slow electromagnetic wave in a collision-dominated semiconductor plasma is examined in detail, for both $n$-type and $p$-type materials. The range of parameters considered are $1\ensuremath{\le}f\ensuremath{\le}9$ GHz, $1\ensuremath{\le}{B}_{0}\ensuremath{\le}10$ kG, and $0\ensuremath{\le}{E}_{0}\ensuremath{\le}30$ V/cm, and the variation of the phase velocity of the wave, ${v}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$, and the amplitude constant of the wave, $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\equiv}\mathrm{Im}(k)$, with the parameters ${B}_{0}$, ${E}_{0}$, and the wave frequency $f$, are investigated. It is shown that under proper conditions wave amplification, defined by $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\alpha}g0$, where $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{k}=\ensuremath{\beta}+i\ensuremath{\alpha}$, and the wave instability, defined by ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{r}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}l0$, where $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\omega}}={\ensuremath{\omega}}_{r}+i{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$, is possible. For example, under the conditions ${(\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{R}}{\ensuremath{\omega}})}^{2}l1+{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{s}^{2}{B}_{0}^{2}$ and $|\frac{\ensuremath{\nabla}{n}_{0}}{{n}_{0}}|\ensuremath{\ll}|k|$, the threshold condition for the wave amplification, the threshold condition for wave instability, the spatial growth rate ($\ensuremath{\alpha}g0$), the phase velocity ${v}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$, and the threshold oscillation angular frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}={\ensuremath{\omega}}_{r}$ (for which ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}=0$) as functions of ${E}_{0}$, ${B}_{0}$, $f$, and ${n}_{0}$ are derived, where ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{R}$ and ${n}_{0}$ denote the dielectric-relaxation angular frequency and the carrier density of the material, respectively. ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{s}$ denotes the carrier drift mobility which takes a negative value for the electron. The effect of the carrier density gradient on ${v}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, and ${E}_{\mathrm{th}}$ (the threshold electric field for instability) is also briefly discussed.
Degree-languages: A new concept of acceptance*

The concept of acceptance degree is introduced. A string is accepted by a recognition device if and only if its acceptance degree is not less than a preselected rational number. A degree-language is the set of all those strings. The class of degree-languages over push-down automata (linear bounded automata) contains the intersection-closure and the complements of the context-free (context-sensitive) languages and it is contained in the Boolean closure of the context-free (context-sensitive) languages. Consequently degree-languages over pushdown automata can be recognized as fast as context-free languages. The class of context-sensitive languages is closed under complementation if and only if every degree-language over a linear bounded automaton is either context-sensitive or is the complement of a context-sensitive language.
"Patient-time", "doctor-time", and "institution-time": perceptions and definitions of time among doctors who become patients.

Objective To examine views and experiences of conflicts concerning time in healthcare, from the perspective of physicians who have become patients.
Kinetic independence between red cell anion exchange and urea transport.

Abstract Urea equilibrium exchange fluxes were measured in human red cells under conditions which recruit the anion transporter into an outward-facing or an inward-facing state (with respect to the anion transport site). Regardless of these conditions, urea transport always occured at the same rate: 41 ± 2 mol·(kg cell solids·min) −1 with 1.5 M urea at 0°C. These data suggest that the pathway on the band-3 protein which mediates anion transport is kinetically uncoupled from urea transport and is probably not involved in the transport of urea across the red cell membrane.
Study of excited fragment emission from the electron impact dissociation of volatile mercury(II) halides

Abstract Emission resulting, from collisions of 5–200 eV electrons with gaseous H g X 2 , and CH 3 H g X (X = Cl, Br. I) was characterized in the 3800–5600 A region. HgX BX emission dominates and absolute cross section as a function of electron energy were determined. The formation of electronically excited Hg atoms, and the trend of the cross sections with the nature of the halogen atom are discussed in terms of a simple charge transfer model.
Raising efficiency of organic solar cells with electrotropic additives

Incorporation of electrotropic additives with large molecular dipole moments into the bulk heterojunction layer of organic photovoltaic devices followed by electric field poling led to an increase of power conversion efficiency up to 7.97% from 7.17% for devices that did not utilize the additives and from 5.18% for devices with additives prior to poling. The improvement is due to more efficient extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, resulting in higher short circuit current density and fill factor. The observed effects are proposed to arise from a re-orientation of additive molecules in the external electric field, i.e., electrotropism, leading to a macroscopic alignment of their dipole moments. This leads to an increased built-in electrostatic potential difference in the device active layer post-poling. The dependence of device performance on the polarity of poling bias and reversibility of the effect are demonstrated, further supporting the proposed mechanism.
Eurocentrism, afrocentrism, polycentrism: Theories of third cinema

Roy Armes. Third World Filmmaking and the West. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1987. Jim Pines and Paul Willemen, eds. Questions of Third Cinema London: BFI, 1989.
Lashley maze learning deficits in NZB mice

In a prior study we found excellent Lashley III maze learning in BXSB mice and poor learning in NZB mice, despite the fact that both strains are autoimmune and develop cortical ectopias. This prompted us to examine NZB Lashley maze performance in detail, including comparisons to other strains and attempts to improve performance by giving additional trials with or without additional intramaze visual cues. In conventional Lashley testing (10 trials), RF mice (non-autoimmune and nonectopic) and BXSBs performed well in the Lashley maze. They had high learning indices and few errors. NZB mice performed poorly, with low learning indices and many errors. Even with additional trials or additional trials plus intramaze cues, NZB performance remained poor. The number of backward and forward errors stayed high; learning indices were low. Since both BXSB and NZB mice develop autoimmune disorders and cortical ectopias, it is unlikely that differential Lashley performance is the result of the presence of these phenomena. NZB mice are known to have alterations in their hippocampal morphology, and this is a possible mediator of the Lashley deficit.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Twenty-three (85%) of 27 patients with pancreatic cancer tested for CEA by the method of Gold were positive. The CEA assay was more frequently positive in patients with cancer of the pancreas than were any other diagnostic tests used, including upper gastrointestinal series,9 hypotonic duodenography,1 coeliac arteriography,2 and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography4; 10 of 11 patients with negative upper gastrointestinal series were positive, as were three of five with negative hypotonic duodenograms, four of five with negative coeliac arteriograms, and one with negative percutaneous transhepatic cholangiograms. CEA was positive in three patients with negative pancreatic biopsies. CEA “detected” liver metastases twice as often as did liver scan: eight positives had high CEA levels (< 10 ng/ml). Since most cases had far advanced cancer, more study of early cases is needed.
Pontine Norepinephrine Defects in Mecp2-null Mice Involve Deficient Expression of Dopamine β-hydroxylase but not a Loss of Catecholaminergic Neurons

Abstract Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by Mecp2 gene mutations. In RTT patients and Mecp2-null (Mecp2−/Y) mice, norepinephrine (NE) content drops significantly, which may play a role in breathing arrhythmia, sleep disorders and sudden death. However, the underlying mechanisms for the NE defect are not fully understood. The NE defect may result from decreased NE biosynthesis, loss of catecholaminergic neurons or both. Although deficiency in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) has been demonstrated, it is possible that dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), the critical enzyme converting dopamine to NE, is also affected. To test these possibilities, we studied DBH expressions in pontine catecholaminergic neurons of Mecp2−/Y mice identified with breathing abnormalities. In comparison to the wild type, Mecp2−/Y mice at 2 months of age showed ∼50% decrease in the expressions of DBH and TH, at both protein and mRNA levels in the locus coeruleus (LC) region. Consistently, DBH and TH immunoreactivity was markedly decreased in LC neurons of Mecp2−/Y mice. No evidence was found for selective deficiency in TH- or DBH-containing neurons in Mecp2−/Y mice, as almost all TH-positive cells expressed DBH. By counting TH-immunoreactive cells in the LC, we found that the Mecp2−/Y mice lost only ∼5% of the catecholaminergic neurons as compared to wild-type, although their LC volume shrank by ∼15%. These results strongly suggest that the NE defect in Mecp2−/Y mice is likely to result from deficient expression of not only TH but also DBH without significant loss of catecholaminergic neurons in the LC.
Perceptual organization and focused attention: the role of objects and proximity in visual processing.

The influence of the Gestalt grouping principles of similarity, closure, and proximity on the size of the response-compatibility effect was examined in a focused attention task. In three studies, subjects responded to a centrally located target and attempted to ignore adjacent distractors. The distractors, which served as targets on other trials, could be compatible, incompatible, or neutral with respect to the response of the target. In addition, the distractors and the target could be embedded in the same object, presented in the same color, presented on different objects, or presented in different colors. The typical response-compatibility effect (B. A. Eriksen & C. W. Eriksen, 1974) was found when the target and distractors were embedded in the same object or presented in the same color. Performance was poorer when the target was surrounded by response-incompatible distractors than when it was surrounded by response-compatible distractors. However, the response-compatibility effect was eliminated when the target and distractors were embedded in different objects, even when the distance between the items was less than .25 degrees of visual angle. Furthermore, the response-compatibility effect was of intermediate size when the distractors were not grouped strongly with the target or with neutral flankers. The results are discussed in terms of space- and object-based models of visual attention.
Tears in the subscapularis tendon: descriptive analysis and results of surgical repair.

Abstract Although not well known, lesions of the subscapularis tendon are more common than usually reported. We conducted a descriptive study of 22 patients (23 shoulders), who underwent surgical repair of subscapularis tendon tears. Mean follow-up was 73 months. The findings were compared to the results of a prospective study published by one of us (R.H.C.), who reviewed 97 other patients (105 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 13.4 years after surgical repair of a rotator cuff tear. This comparison allowed us to identify the specific features of rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis tendon. Subscapularis tears were more likely to be related to a shoulder injury and caused more severe functional impairment, as compared to lesions of the other tendons. Time to surgical treatment was shorter when the subscapularis was torn. Subscapularis tears required adaptation of the surgical approach and postoperative protection of external rotation for 4–6 weeks. Outcomes were less satisfactory when the subscapularis tendon was torn. However, the outcomes in both studies were correlated to tear size. The outcomes were often favorable after isolated subscapularis tendon tears and less so when other tendons were involved.
African American students and gifted education: The politics of race and culture

There is a relatively good understanding of how school processes such as the overreliance on standardized measures and incomplete identification and nomination processes impede African American students' placement in gifted education programs. There is little discourse, however, regarding how race and culture, as structural forces, affect the extent to which African American students are equitably represented in the field of gifted education. Moving beyond the myriad statistics that speak to the underrepresentation of African American students in gifted education, this article examines the politics of race and culture in the field. The author suggests that one of the first steps toward creating more equitable education for all gifted and talented students is to closely examine the racial and cultural assumptions upon which the field of gifted education operates.
Influence of carbon and nitrogen sources on glutathione catabolic enzymes in Candida albicans during dimorphism

The effect of carbon sources, glucose and sucrose, and nitrogen sources such as ammonia, glutamate andl-citrulline on the activities of glutathione metabolic enzymes has been studied. Yeast and mycelial cells were used to identify changes in activity levels of glutathione reductase (GSSGR), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Enzyme activities from cells grown in sucrose media were lower than in glucose media regardless of the enzyme tested, morphological form, or the growth interval. In all enzymes except GST, activity was higher in yeast form than in mycelia, regardless of nitrogen source, with lower activity from 24 to 72 h than at 96 h. In citrulline media, yeast form showed the maximum GST, GGT, and GPX activity. In ammonia-amended media, mycelia showed maximum activity in GGT, whereas in glutamate media, mycelia showed the maximum activity in GST. Also, the type of nitrogen source had no effect on GPX activity in the mycelial form. Finally, changing the nitrogen source showed no significant effect on GSSGR activity, either in the yeast or mycelial form.
Understanding Method Variance in Multitrait-Multirater Performance Appraisal Matrices: Examples Using General Impressions and Interpersonal Affect as Measured Method Factors

As multirater performance assessment becomes more common, it becomes more important to understand the unique perspectives (and unique rating variance) of different raters. In this article, an approach for investigating the causes (e.g., general impressions and interpersonal affect) of rater-specific method variance in Multitrait-Multirater (MTMR) performance appraisal matrices is described and demon- strated. The approach is a combination of confirmatory factor analysis and the use of measured method factors. Results of demonstrations with 2 previously published MTMR datasets (Holzbach, 1978; Tucker, Cline, & Schmitt, 1967) suggest that both general impressions and interpersonal affect account for significant method variance.
Estimating true scores in kinship data.

Estimated true scores are occasionally used to provide an estimate of scores which would be obtained if measurement error could be removed from fallible measures. When one knows only a test's relibility and an observed score for each subject, true scores are estimated by regressing observed scores toward the group mean. When relatives' observed scores are also available, estimates of true scores can be improved by using the additional information. Observed scores of subjects and relatives can be used as predictors of subjects' true scores in a multiple regression. The resulting formula is presented for the case in which only one relative's score per subject is known. Estimation of true scores for the general case ofN relatives per subject is also discussed.
Reasonable Disagreement and Metaphysical Immodesty: A Comment on Talbott’s Which Rights Should be Universal?

Talbott grounds human rights in a moral epistemology that supports metaphysical immodesty but requires epistemic modesty. Metaphysical immodesty provides prescriptive confidence, while epistemic modesty prevents moral imperialism. I offer some reasons for doubting that Talbott’s moral epistemology yields the desired result. Insofar as Talbott aims for a determinate conception of human rights that could serve as the backbone of a system of international law, Talbott must deal with issues of reasonable disagreement, and for these issues, epistemic modesty provides no guarantee against moral imperialism. In particular, I outline two sources of reasonable disagreement, that no social world is without loss and the complexity of the concept of autonomy, which illustrate how Talbott’s prescriptive confidence borders on moral imperialism.
Currency denomination of debt: Lessons from rolls-royce and laker airways

S.L. Srinivasulu is an Associate Professor of Finance at Eastern Michigan University. He obta ined his Ph.D. in Internat ional Business f rom the Universi ty of Michigan. The author would like to thank Gunter Dufey of the Universi ty of Michigan for his helpful comments . Multinationals' decisions about financing their global operations can make or break the business. The wrong decision can lead to bankruptcy; the right decision can provide you with a hedge against difficult times. 19
Basic mechanisms underlying the production of photochemical lesions in the mammalian retina

Extended exposure (100s) of the macaque retina to blue light (400-500nm) produces a photochemical type or types of lesion. The basic mechanisms responsible for such photic damage are unknown but the toxic combination of light and oxygen leading to the free radicals O-.2, H2O2, OH., and O2(1 delta) have been suggested as a possible source of the phototoxicity. To test this hypothesis, the radiant exposure (J. cm-2) to short wavelength light (435-445nm) required for minimal damage in the macaque retina is under investigation as a function of oxygenation and after administration of substances known to either inhibit/scavenge radicals or act as anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant agents. Substances under study include beta-carotene, steroids, catalase and SOD. Here we report radiant exposure in J.cm-2 needed to produce a minimal lesion vs oxygenation as measured by partial pressure of O2 in arterial blood (Po2). There is a sharp drop in the radiant exposure threshold with increase in the partial pressure of O2 in arterial blood, e.g. 30 J.cm-2 at 75 torr to 10 J.cm-2 at 271 torr, a factor of 3. Methylprednisolone injected intravenously one hour before exposure (125 mg) has been shown to raise the threshold for retinal damage in two macaques by a factor of approximately 2. Another animal fed beta-carotene (7.5 mg daily) over a period of 3 months has been exposed to blue light at several levels of oxygenation. The results suggest a protective effect.
Variable VlsE Is Critical for Host Reinfection by the Lyme Disease Spirochete

Many pathogens make use of antigenic variation as a way to evade the host immune response. A key mechanism for immune evasion and persistent infection by the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is antigenic variation of the VlsE surface protein. Recombination results in changes in the VlsE surface protein that prevent recognition by VlsE-specific antibodies in the infected host. Despite the presence of a substantial number of additional proteins residing on the bacterial surface, VlsE is the only known antigen that exhibits ongoing variation of its surface epitopes. This suggests that B. burgdorferi may utilize a VlsE-mediated system for immune avoidance of its surface antigens. To address this, the requirement of VlsE for host reinfection by the Lyme disease pathogen was investigated. Host-adapted wild type and VlsE mutant spirochetes were used to reinfect immunocompetent mice that had naturally cleared an infection with a VlsE-deficient clone. Our results demonstrate that variable VlsE is necessary for reinfection by B. burgdorferi, and this ability is directly related to evasion of the host antibody response. Moreover, the data presented here raise the possibility that VlsE prevents recognition of B. burgdorferi surface antigens from host antibodies. Overall, our findings represent a significant advance in our knowledge of immune evasion by B. burgdorferi, and provide insight to the possible mechanisms involved in VlsE-mediated immune avoidance.
Paramagnetic probes in NMR and EPR studies of membrane enzymes.

Abstract The applications of paramagnetic probes to problems of structure and mechanism are discussed from the point of view of the membrane enzymologist. Problems unique to membrane systems are discussed, and a variety of nuclear and paramagnetic probes are evaluated. Three membrane ATPases (kidney (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum and Mg2+-ATPase from kidney) are used to describe the types of experiments which can be done, the information which can be obtained and the limitations involved. Nuclear relaxation studies employing the 1H, 7Li+, 31P and 205Tl+ nuclei are described. The advantages and disadvantages of Mn2+, Gd3+ and Cr3+ as paramagnetic probes are discussed in terms of the three ATPases. The theory and interpretation of Mn2+ and Gd3+ EPR spectra are evaluated in studies with the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, respectively.
Monitoring Non-Adiabatic Dynamics of the RNA Base Uracil by UV-Pump-IR-Probe Spectroscopy

Resolving the excited state dynamics of DNA- and RNA- nucleobases has attracted considerably attention. UV irradiation of the isolated nucleobases leads to the population of an electronic excited state which is quenched by internal conversion mediated by conical intersections on an ultrafast timescale. We present non-adiabatic on-the-fly molecular dynamics simulations of the UV-pump-IR-probe signal of the pyrimidine nucleobase uracil using a novel semiclassical protocol which takes into account the path integral over the excited state vibrational dynamics and properly describes the joint temporal and spectral resolution of the technique. Simulations of vibrational motions of carbonyl fingerprint modes in the electronically excited states reveal clear signatures of different relaxation pathways on a timescale of hundreds of femtoseconds which arise from an ultrafast branching in the excited state. We show that the inherent temporal and spectral resolution of the technique is not purely instrumental but also depends on the vibrational fluctuation timescale.
Molybdenum-Blue Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Lewisite Vapor in Air

Abstract A method was developed for determining lewisite vapor in air. The method entails the collection of lewisite in an impinger or solid-sorbent sampler, conversion of the trapped lewisite to arsenite ion, oxidation of arsenite to arsenate, and determination of the arsenate ion by molybdenum-blue spectrophotometry. Relative to other available techniques, the one described here requires a minimum of instrumentation and can be executed without the use of highly toxic lewisite solutions for instrument calibration.
Controlling reduction potentials of semiconductor-supported molecular catalysts for environmental remediation of organohalide pollutants.

The spectroscopic and redox properties of iron(III) protoporphyrin chloride (hemin) and cobalt(III) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin chloride (CoTCP) were quantified in fluid solution and when anchored to mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films. Surface binding was well-described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model from which adduct formation constants of 105 M-1 and limiting surface coverages of 10-8 mol/cm2 were abstracted. In acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide electrolytes, TiO2 binding was found to induce a substantial negative shift in the MIII/II formal reduction potentials. In DMSO electrolyte, the CoIII/II and FeIII/II potentials were −559 and −727 mV versus ferrocenium/ferrocene (Fc+/Fc) and shifted to −782 and −1063 mV, respectively, after surface binding. The Bronsted acidity of the TiO2 surface was found to correlate with the measured reduction potentials. For TiO2 pretreated with aqueous solutions from pH 4−9, the CoIII/II potential showed a −66 mV/pH unit change, while the FeI...
A new direct MP2 gradient algorithm with implementation on a massively parallel computer

Abstract A new direct second-order Moller-Plesset gradient algorithm is presented. By avoiding generation of molecular orbital integrals with three virtual indices, the memory requirement for a calculation with n basis functions and o occupied orbitals is reduced to on 2 , and overall computational savings are obtained. The algorithm has been implemented with distributed data on a massively parallel computer, the Intel Paragon. The parallelization scheme provides high parallel efficiency, and the performance of the algorithm is illustrated for calculations running on up to 64 processors.
Exploratory Behavior and Curiosity in Two Age and Ability Groups of Children

sec. Analysis of variance applied to exploratory time during the observation period yielded significant results across objects, but not for the abiliry and age (school grade) variables. However, tachistoscopic exposure frequencies were influenced by ability and age variables as well as by stimulus complexiry. The results are discussed in terms of the stimulus properties of novelty, manipulability, and complexiry and in terms of developmental rrends. The majority of the research relating to curiosity has been directed toward the exploratory behavior of animals. The most notable exceptions are the studies done by Berlyne (1954a, 1957, 195S), Maw and Maw (1961a, 1961b, 1961~) and McRey nolds, er al. ( 1961 ) . Berly ne's work was done with college students, whereas the other researchers worked with children as Ss. Although there are a few other sn~dies related to children's curiosity and mention is made of it in most books on child psychology, there is a dearth of evidence regarding its nature and the factors influencing it. Harlow, Blazek, and McClearn ( 1956) reported evidence from studies with rhesus monkeys, suggesting that "manipulatory behavior is self-sustaining and is not dependent upon, nor derived from internal drives such as hunger or thirst or their incentive systems." In these studies they demonstrated that manipulation ~notives were sufficiently strong to account for learning. Also, Butler and Harlow (1954) found that opportunities for visual exploration constituted a sufficient motivating situation to result in learning by monkeys. Similar results have been achieved with rats by demonstrating their preference for alleys and goal boxes which present greater exploratory possibilities (Berlyne, 1955; Montgomery, 1952; Denny, 1957). Investigators working in this area have come to regard maniplllation motive, exploratory drive, or curiosity as a primary drive
A bidirectional stapling technique for laparoscopic small bowel anastomosis.

Abstract Background Small bowel anastomoses can present a technical challenge during laparoscopic procedures, particularly gastric bypass procedures. Early small bowel obstruction (SBO) rates associated with such procedures occur in .7%–5.2% of patients. Herein, we describe how a bidirectional stapling technique moves the enterotomy to the center of the anastomosis, decreasing the chances of an afferent limb obstruction. Methods A prospectively collected cohort of 2263 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with bidirectional stapling of the small bowel anastomosis was evaluated for early SBO. All patients met the National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery. Results Overall, 3 patients’ perioperative courses were complicated by perioperative, early SBO (.13%). These instances were all attributable to intraluminal blood clots and not from inadvertent narrowing of the afferent limb. One was diagnosed on postoperative day 1 by upper gastrointestinal study (UGI); 2 were diagnosed on postoperative day 2 by computed tomography (CT) scan with oral contrast. All 3 patients’ complications were managed with a laparoscopic operation. Conclusion The bidirectional stapling technique for small bowel anastomoses, with our modifications, is a rapid, well-tolerated, and effective technique that offers potential advantages over standard laparoscopic anastomotic techniques by reducing perioperative SBO complications.
Competition encourages cooperation: client fish receive higher-quality service when cleaner fish compete

Partner choice is likely to be an important mechanism for the maintenance of cooperation in many mutualisms, and cleaner mutualisms among fish have been a model system for testing predictions of partner choice theories. Fish seeking to be cleaned (clients) face two potential problems: cleaners may cheat them by feeding on tissue or mucous, and they may have to wait for service from a cleaner. Previous work on interactions between the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, and its clients indicates that cleaners provide higher-quality service to species that have the option of switching partners. These results have been interpreted as evidence that partner choice leads cleaners to behave cooperatively; however, alternative explanations exist for these between-species patterns. Here I focus on interactions between the bluestreak cleaner wrasse and a single client species that varies in its ability to switch partners to test the prediction that clients receive higher-quality service when cleaners have to compete for access to them. The results indicate that cleaners give ornate butterflyfish, Chaetodon ornatissimus, priority of access to their services when these clients can switch partners; however, ornate butterflyfish are not cheated less often when they have access to multiple cleaner stations, and they frequently respond to cheating by aggressively chasing cleaners. In combination with previous work, these results indicate that partner choice influences cooperative interactions between bluestreak cleaner wrasse and their clients, but that some clients with the ability to switch partners may use other strategies (i.e. punishment) to limit cheating by cleaners.
Solvation of Metal Cations in Non-aqueous Liquids

The role that alkali cations in non-aqueous solvents play in organic reactions continues to be a topic of interest. In particular it has been observed that these cations can alter the stereoselectivity of organic reactions. Our interest is to first understand the nature of cation–ether complexes, then to investigate the role that the cation plays in the reaction. We have used the electronic structure techniques Hartree-Fock (HF), Second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), and the Becke three-parameter exchange functional coupled with the nonlocal correlation functional of Lee, Yang, and Parr (B3LYP) to study the structure and properties of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethyl ether (DME) solvation complexes with Li+, Na+, K+, Cu+, and MgCl+. The values calculated for DME complexes were compared with existing experimentally determined data. The B3LYP/6-31+G∗ model chemistry was found to be the most accurate and efficient method of modeling the cation–DME molecular system. The energetic trends observed in the DME results were also observed in the THF data. Based on the accuracy of the calculations and the computational cost of the calculations, B3LYP was found to be the most desirable method of modeling these types of systems.
Ligand substitution reactions of [Tc(NO)Cl2(PPh3)2(NCCH3)] with π-acceptor ligands

Abstract The reaction of [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (NCCH 3 )] with carbon monoxide in chloroform yields [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (CO)], in which the weakly coordinated acetonitrile ligand has been replaced by the carbon monoxide. The 1 H NMR spectrum of this complex displays equivalent triphenylphosphine ligands, indicating mutually trans coordination geometry. The FAB(+) mass spectrum of this complex contains the hydrated parent ion of 770 m/z plus various fragments associated with the loss of the chloride and carbon monoxide ligands. The reaction of [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (NCCH 3 )] with excess tert-butylisonitrile in CH 2 Cl 2 at room temperature yields [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (CNtBu)], in which a single isonitrile ligand has replaced the coordinated acetonitrile. The IR spectrum of this complex displays the absorption from ν(NO) at 1737 cm −1 . The FAB(+) mass spectrum of the species displays the parent ion of 806 m/z which corresponds to [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (CNtBu)] + . The reaction of [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (NCCH 3 )] with excess tert-butylisonitrile in refluxing CH 2 Cl 2 yields [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 )(CNtBu) 2 ], in which two isonitrile ligands have replaced one of the triphenylphosphines and the coordinated acetonitrile. The IR spectrum of this complex displays the absorption from ν(NO) at 1736 cm −1 . The FAB(+) mass spectrum of the species displays the parent ion of 627 m/z which corresponds to [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 )(CNtBu) 2 ] + . The reaction of [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 (NCCH 3 )] with excess tert-butylisonitrile in refluxing benzene yields [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (CNtBu) 3 ], in which three isonitrile ligands have replaced both of the phosphine ligands and the coordinated acetonitrile. The IR spectrum of this complex displays the absorptions from ν(NO) at 1751 and 1725 cm −1 . The FAB(+) mass spectrum of the species displays the parent ion of 447 m/z which corresponds to [Tc(NO)Cl 2 (CNtBu) 3 ] + .
ELISPOT cell rescue

The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay is a highly sensitive and reproducible method for quantifying T cell-mediated immune responses, and has been used to measure antigen-specific responses post-vaccination. While there are several advantages of the ELISPOT assay for use in field settings for large-scale vaccination trials, blood draw volumes are often limited, and the number of antigen-specific responses that can be measured is constrained by the limited cell number. We reasoned that it should be possible to salvage and rescue viable cells from a completed ELISPOT assay post-incubation, to use for further experimentation. Here, we show that cells rescued from an ELISPOT plate after assay are viable, and may be used in a second cytokine-producing assay, in a proliferation assay, or to provide a source of DNA for genetic studies such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. Rescue of cells after an ELISPOT assay will be particularly useful for increasing sample utility and maximizing data collection from T cell assays in vaccine trials.
Sexually transmitted infections and infertility

Journal of Reproductive Immunology 101–102 (2014) 6–17 13 zoospermic pool. The level of lipid sperm membrane peroxidation (MDA) was studied using HPLC while with cell membrane architecture merocyanine-540 was used. Sperm apoptosis was measured by using annexin V and TUNEL assays. Additionally, sperm deprotamination level was measured by chromomycin A3 labeling. Six human recombinant pro-inflammatory cytokines, at physiological and pathological concentrations, such as 1 , TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and IL-18 were chosen for the study. Finally, functional tests were applied, i.e. HOS (hypo-osmotic swelling) and human sperm-hamster-oocyte penetration assay (SPA). Pro-inflammatory cytokines per se, even in pathological concentrations, were unable to cause oxidative stress in semen to the level of membrane peroxidative damage; however, all the cytokines tested affected sperm plasma membrane architecture (though with no statistical significance). Infectious/inflammatory concentrations of some cytokines (IL-1 , TNF, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-18) increased the number of Annexin V-positive/PI-negative spermatozoa after 24h of incubation compared with the results observed after 1h of incubation; p<0.05 or p<0.001. In the case of IL-1 , TNF, IL-6, IL-12, all at the pathological concentrations used, the effect of 24-h incubation was connected with a significant increase in TUNEL-positive sperm compared with 1h of incubation (p<0.05). Only in situations when IL-1 and TNFwere applied at infectious/inflammatory levels, a significant effect after 24h of incubation on sperm chromatin damage measured by chromomycin A3 staining was observed compared with 1h of incubation (p<0.05). Significant correlations were foundbetween thepercentage of TUNEL-positive and chromomycin A3-positive spermatozoa in a situation when IL-1 , TNF, IL-6 and IL-8were applied. In respect to functional assays—bacterial incubation with sperm resulted in a significant decrease in values in both the tests applied; however, using Spearman rank correlations, HOS appeared to be more significant than SPA and merocyanine-540 more significant than MDA levels. Our findings also suggest that induction of apoptosis might be one of the mechanisms by which inflammatory factors might affect ejaculated sperm (membrane architecture rather than lipid peroxidation has been critical). A possible hypothesis is offered. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2013.12.020
Personal and nonpersonal incentives in mail surveys: Immediate versus delayed inducements

A mail survey was conducted to empirically investigate contributions to charity as a method of stimulating responses to a mail survey. The research design included a control group and four experimental groups with the following treatments: a prepayment of $1.00 enclosed with the questionnaire (immediate personal reward), $1.00 promised upon return of the questionnaire with the respondent identified (delayed personal reward, no anonymity), $1.00 promised upon return of the questionnaire with no identification of the respondent (delayed personal reward, anonymity), and the promise of $1.00 contribution to a respondent-selected charity (delayed non-personal reward). The $1.00 prepayment yielded a statistically significant higher response rate than the $1.00 promised to charity or $1.00 promised upon return of the questionnaire. This study generally supports existing empirical foudnations of equity theory. An immediate personal reward yields a higher response rate than a delayed personal or non-personal reward.
Structure-property relationships in thin films and membranes

The molecular-scale species distributions and intermediate-scale structure of silicate sols influence the microstructures of the corresponding thin films prepared by dip-coating. Using multi-step hydrolysis procedures, we find that, depending on the sequence and timing of the successive steps, the species distributions (determined by 29Si NMR) and intermediate scale structure (determined by SAXS) can change remarkably for sols prepared with the same nominal composition. During film formation, these kinetic effects cause differences in the efficiency of packing of the silicate species, leading to thin film structures with different porosities.
DOPA and tyrosine decarboxylase activity in tissues of Periplanet a americana in relation to cuticle formation and ecdysis

Abstract DOPA decarboxylase activity in haemolymph and integument was low in last instar and early pharate adult Periplaneta americana , but began to increase shortly before ecdysis. Decarboxylation rates of l -DOPA, about 10 times the larval level by the start of ecdysis, reached a peak about 6 hr afterward, coinciding with the main period of cuticular sclerotization. Activity decreased rapidly during the next 18 hr, then decreased gradually for several days. Haemolymph DOPA decarboxylase activity was about four times greater than the integument, based on tissue dry weights. The fat body and gut tissues had low DOPA decarboxylase activity in all ages tested, and this did not increase at ecdysis. Tyrosine decarboxylase activity was significant only in the haemolymph and at consistently low levels. DOPA decarboxylase, therefore, apparently plays a major role in production of catecholamine derivatives for cuticular sclerotization in P. americana , while tyrosine decarboxylation is minor. Both haemolymph and integument appear to be important sites of dopamine biosynthesis.
Learning to Adapt to Changing Environments in Evolving Neural Networks

To study learning as an adaptive process, one must take into consideration the role of evolution, which is the primary adaptive process. In addition, learning should be studied in (artificial) orga...
Effect of ibuprofen L-lysinate on bilirubin binding to albumin as measured by saturation index and horseradish peroxidase assays.

To demonstrate, in vitro, the influence of increasing ibuprofen (IBU) concentration on bilirubin–albumin (B–A) binding. The influence of IBU on B–A binding was measured by saturation index and horseradish peroxidase assays. B–A solutions were prepared at B:A ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 and bilirubin concentrations of 5 and 10 mg per 100 ml. Drug concentrations used were 142.5, 200 and 285 mg l−1 for IBU and 100 and 200 mg l−1 for acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Similar tests were performed on premature newborn sera with bilirubin concentrations of 5 to 10 mg per 100 ml. By the saturation index test, significant displacement of bilirubin from albumin with IBU was demonstrated only on B–A solution with high B:A ratio of 2.0 and IBU concentration of 285 mg l−1 and was less as compared to ASA. No displacement was observed in the sera of jaundiced neonates. By the horseradish peroxidase assay using B–A solutions, free bilirubin was significantly increased at (1) increasing concentrations of bilirubin in solution and (2) increasing B:A ratios in a solution containing 5 mg per 100 ml of bilirubin. In the sera of jaundiced neonates, significantly higher free bilirubin concentrations were observed when IBU was added to serum with bilirubin concentration of 10 mg per 100 ml as compared to 5 mg per 100 ml (0.062±0.004 versus 0.026±0.005, P<0.001 by Student's t-test). Displacement of bilirubin was demonstrated only at high IBU concentration and high B:A ratio. However, free bilirubin levels were not shown to increase with increasing IBU concentration.
Seasonal variation of mixed and pure episodes of bipolar disorder

Abstract Background: Although seasonal patterns of manic episodes have been reported, the seasonal variation of mixed states of bipolar disorder has received little attention. In the current report we address that concern as well as the overall seasonality of manic episodes. Methods: The seasonal pattern of 304 psychiatric hospital admissions for treatment of mixed or manic bipolar episodes over a 3-year period were analyzed employing two definitions of mixed manic states: DSM-III-R and an ROC derived definition. Results: The frequency of all manic episodes combined peaked in early spring, with a nadir in late fall. Pure manic admissions showed a similar pattern. Mixed manic admissions had a significantly different pattern, with a peak in late summer and a nadir in November. The differences between pure and mixed manic admissions were demonstrated with the use of the ROC definition for mixed states. Limitations: Effects of medications and medication non-compliance may dampen natural seasonal patterns of episodes. Conclusions: The different seasonal pattern of mixed and pure manic episodes support the separation of mixed episodes as a distinct clinical subtype.
Transform picture coding

Picture coding by first dividing the picture into sub-pictures and then performing a linear transformation on each sub-picture cud quantizing and coding the resulting coefficients is introduced from a heuristic point of view. Various transformation, quantization, and coding strategies are discussed. A survey of all known applications of these techniques to monochromatic image coding is presented along with a summary of the dependence of performance on the basic system parameters and some conclusions.