cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in human amniotic fluid using high flow solid-phase extraction columns and HPLC.

Abstract A new solid-phase extraction procedure for the determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in amniotic fluid, using high flow co-polymeric sorbents is reported. The recoveries of cocaine and benzoylecgonine within the range 0.1–1 mg/l were 95.7% and 50.3%, respectively. The use of high-flow sorbents allowed the easy extraction of amniotic fluid regardless of sample viscosity or physical nature. The use of these solid-phase columns provided many advantages over the more commonly used solvent extraction, including an increase in extraction speed and efficiency, reduced operator time, reduced solvent use and disposal volumes and exceptional extract quality. Further, the determination of amniotic fluid obtained from pregnant cocaine users may provide important information about handling of cocaine by the fetus at various gestational ages. The procedure was successfully applied to amniotic fluid from suspected cocaine abusers.
AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION FROM A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE: THE PROBLEM OF MEANING AND BEING IN THE THEOLOGIES OF IMAGINATION AND PROCESS

The presumptuous task of presenting to this honorable convention a European perspective on American philosophy of religion contains two difficulties. One consists in the fulness of material, too much to be treated in an hour. The second consists in the question: how does "European" differ in meaning from "American"? The first difficulty forces me to make a selection from the varieties of American philosophies of religion, to which-also in my mind--theology belongs as a principal part. From the fulness of American philosophy of religion as represented by outstanding theological and philosophical thinkers of this country, I shall choose two types: the so-called theology of imagination and process theology. In dealing with these two manifestations we obtain at the same time a certain characterization of European theology and philosophy. In contrast to the American situation we have in Europe no real equivalent to either the theology of imagination or process theology and until now neither has found a great echo there, although both of them have important roots in Europe, too. So you may take it as a sign of repentance for my brethren when I direct my European perspective on American philosophy of religion to the theologies of imagination and process. There is, however, a further reason for this choice. From its origin in New Testament eschatology and in view of the non-arrival of the Parousia, Christianity has been occupied in different formulations
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Penicillin-Binding Protein 3 Demonstrates a Pronounced Preference for Nε-Acylated Substrates

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are bacterial enzymes involved in the final stages of cell wall biosynthesis and are the lethal targets of beta-lactam antibiotics. Despite their importance, their roles in cell wall biosynthesis remain enigmatic. A series of eight substrates, based on variation of the pentapeptide Boc-l-Ala-gamma-d-Glu-l-Lys-d-Ala-d-Ala, were synthesized to test specificity for three features of PBP substrates: (1) the presence or absence of an N(epsilon)-acyl group, (2) the presence of d-IsoGln in place of gamma-d-Glu, and (3) the presence or absence of the N-terminal l-Ala residue. The capacity of these peptides to serve as substrates for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) PBP3 was assessed. NG PBP3 demonstrated good catalytic efficiency (2.5 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) with the best of these substrates, with a pronounced preference (50-fold) for N(epsilon)-acylated substrates over N(epsilon)-nonacylated substrates. This observation suggests that NG PBP3 is specific for the approximately d-Ala-d-Ala moiety of pentapeptides engaged in cross-links in the bacterial cell wall, such that NG PBP3 would act after transpeptidase-catalyzed reactions generate the acylated amino group required for its specificity. NG PBP3 demonstrated low selectivity for gamma-d-Glu vs d-IsoGln and for the presence or absence of the terminal l-Ala residue. The implications of this substrate specificity of NG PBP3 with respect to its possible role in cell wall biosynthesis, and for understanding the substrate specificity of the LMM PBPs in general, are discussed.
What characterizes a productive research department

The correlates of average departmental annual research journal publication rates of faculty were examined in three disciplines: chemistry, history, and psychology. Variables studied included factual information about each department, faculty perceptions and ratings, and graduate students' perceptions and ratings. Content included academic programs, specific policies and practices, characteristics of students, faculty, facilities, etc., as well as the quality of teaching and human relations in the departments. Although the common results indicated the importance of able faculty and students, a strong emphasis on research and the provision of time and funds for faculty to pursue research, there were discipline-specific patterns of results. In chemistry the pattern of productive departments suggested large research laboratories, in history a scholarly apprenticeship approach, and in psychology an emphasis on research over practice. Discipline specific studies may be the best approach to understanding research productivity.
Evaluation of group B streptococcal opsonins by radiolabeled bacterial uptake.

Abstract The incidence of neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis and meningitis has increased in the last decade. Antibiotic therapy has proved inadequate in controlling this problem, and in developing immunological methods of disease prevention and control it is important to define the critical bacterial and host factors involved in the immune response. We have used a radiolabeled bacterial uptake method to assess the presence of functional opsonins for a strain of type III group B streptococci. Bacteria, labeled with tritiated leucine, were opsonized in fresh, heated or Mg-EGTA treated serum. The opsonized streptococci were added to monolayers of adult human phagocytes 90% adherent to glass coverslips. At 10-min intervals for 60 min the coverslips were washed free of uningested bacteria and placed in a scintillation counter to determine the degree of phagocytosis. Maximum opsonic activity was obtained with specific antibody containing serum. No uptake of unopsonized bacteria was observed. Markedly reduced activity with heated and Mg-EGTA treated serum indicated a major role for the classical complement pathway in host defense against group B streptococci. Serum lacking specific antibody demonstrated almost no uptake indicating a minor role for the alternative pathway in opsonizing these organisms. Reduced levels of phagocytosis were also measured in every case where sera from patients with known type III infections were used for opsonization. These results agree with previous data from our laboratory using a chemiluminescence assay of opsonic activity.
Another application of diffuse reflectance attachment: IR spectra of unbacked polymer films up to 3 mil thickness

Obtaining infrared spectra of polymer films drawn from common organic solvents is a matter of routine, but the spectra of films of polymers soluble in exotic, toxic, and difficult-to-handle solvents are not so easily obtained. Typically, only extruded film of various dimensions is available commercially. One prominent example of such a polymer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A combination of exotic solvents is suggested but, in practice, it involves an extremely hazardous procedure. Films can be drawn from such solutions but the operation is not free of setbacks. The available films are extruded and are seldom of the dimensions necessary for a quick spectrum. Films up to 5 μ thickness give satisfactory spectra but, for thicker films, the bands become distorted, truncated, and out of scale, especially in the lower-energy region, and fringes are prominent. A novel but simple technique for acquiring IR spectra of such unbacked polymer films is available.
Absence of allotype b4 in the heavy chains of rabbit gamma-G-immunoglobulin.

ALLOTYPES (A) are genetically determined specificities of globulin molecules. In rabbit γG-immunoglobulin, A1–3 and A4–6 are two groups which are controlled by alleles at the a and b loci respectively1–3. A1–3 groups are found in the heavy chains and A4–6 in the light chains4,5. By peptide mapping of the light chains, it has been shown6 that the allotypic specificities controlled by the b locus are related to differences in the amino-acid sequence.
A Model of Radiative and Conductive Energy Transfer in Planetary Regoliths

The thermal regime in planetary regoliths involves three processes: propagation of visible radiation, propagation of thermal radiation, and thermal conduction. The equations of radiative transfer and heat conduction are formulated for particulate media composed of anisotropically scattering particles. Although the equations are time dependent, only steady state problems are considered in this paper. Using the two-stream approximation, solutions are obtained for two cases: a layer of powder heated from below and an infinitely thick regolith illuminated by visible radiation. Radiative conductivity, subsurface temperature gradients, and the solid state greenhouse effect all appear intrinsically in the solutions without ad hoc additions. Although the equations are nonlinear, approximate analytic solutions that are accurate to a few percent are obtained. Analytic expressions are given for the temperature distribution, the optical and thermal radiance distributions, the hemispherical albedo, the hemispherical emissivity, and the directional emissivity. Additional applications of the new model to three problems of interest in planetary regoliths are presented by Hapke.
Protamine Sulfate Provides Enhanced and Reproducible Intravenous Gene Transfer by Cationic Liposome/DNA Complex

AbstractA novel lipid/polycation/DNA (LPD) formulation has been developed for in vivo gene transfer. It involves the condensation of plasmid DNA with protamine sulfate, a cationic polypeptide, followed by the addition of DOTAP cationic liposomes. Compared with DOTAP/DNA complex, LPD offers greater protection of plasmid DNA against enzymatic digestion and gives consistently higher gene expression in mice via tail vein injection. The in vivo efficiency of LPD was dependent upon charge ratio and was also affected by the lipid used. Increasing the amount of DNA delivered induced an increase in gene expression. The optimal dose was approximately 50 μg per mouse, at which concentration approximately 10 ng luciferase protein per mg extracted tissue protein could be detected in the lung. Gene expression in the lung was detected as early as 1 h after injection, peaked at 6 h, and declined thereafter. Using LacZ as a reporter gene, it was shown that endothelial cells were the primary locus of transgene expression i...
Childhood bullying: Current empirical findings and future directions for research

This review provides an examination of the current empirical literature on the topic of childhood bullying. In order to illustrate the theoretical background from which the construct of bullying has developed, a brief discussion of the general construct of aggression is first provided and subtypes of aggression described. Bullying is characterized as a subset of proactive aggressive behavior. Various definitions of terms as well as approaches to the measurement of bullying are described. Prevalence estimates, characteristics of bully subtypes (e.g., passive, provocative), and related psychological findings (e.g., internalizing and externalizing disorders) are offered. Limitations of current research methodology are identified, and future recommendations for research and intervention are provided.
The role of the plasma membrane in the development of Dictyostelium discoideum. II. Developmental and topographic analysis of polypeptide and glycoprotein composition

Previous workers have shown in a variety of ways that cell contact is required for the differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum. Because interactions between cells are probably mediated by molecules on their plasma membranes, we have characterized the polypeptide composition of the membrane of cells at different stages of development. At least 55 polypeptides are found in the plasma membrane of vegetative cells. The polypeptide composition of the plasma membranes changes considerably during development. Treatment of intact cells with pronase indicated that many of the altered components appear to be located on the external surface of the plasma membrane where they could participate in interactions between cells. Similar digestion of the isolated membranes destroys most of their polypeptides, indicating that the bulk of the proteins of the plasma membrane are not completely embedded in the membrane. Several polypeptides appear to change in sensitivity to pronase during development. There are several changes in glycoprotein composition which occur between log phase and aggregation phase. An almost complete change in glycoprotein species occurs between aggregation and pre-culmination. Unlike the polypeptides, the glycoproteins are very resistant to pronase treatment in intact cells. However, some are pronase sensitive in isolated membranes.
Fatal adenovirus meningoencephalitis in a bone marrow transplant patient

We describe a bone marrow transplant patient with fatal subacute adenovirus meningoencephalitis, the first such patient reported. Neuropathological examination revealed unique, bilaterally symmetrical degeneration in the inferomedial temporal cortex, amygdaloid nuclei, hippocampi, hypothalamus, and some brainstem nuclei. Viral intranuclear inclusions were noted in these areas by light microscopy and confirmed by electron microscopy. Identification was authenticated by viral culture and the isolation of adenovirus from cerebral cortical tissues, and further confirmed by immunofluorescence and serological methods.
Wheat germ phosphoglycerate mutase: Purification, polymorphism, and inhibition

An improved method for purifying the bisphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase from wheat germ has been devised. The method yields enzyme with a specific activity of 2,300 units/mg in 0.1 M Tris-C1 at pH 8.7 and 30 degrees C. Electrophoresis on electrofocusing and analytical polyacrylamide gels reveals only one protein band (pI = 7.3); however, under denaturing conditions (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), two prominent enzyme forms, with molecular masses of 63 and 74 kDa, manifest themselves along with several minor, high molecular mass components (126-141 kDa). Non-denaturing exclusion chromatography shows that both major species are catalytically active, and suggests that each species is capable of participating in reversible monomer/dimer association. Wheat germ mutase is inhibited by time-dependent reactions involving either polydentate chelators or sulfhydryl reagents.
Risedronate, a novel pyridinyl bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone.

Osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone are the most common metabolic bone diseases. They cause considerable disability and pain, and reduce quality of life. The elderly are at greatest risk of osteoporotic fractures, and in an ageing world population, the burden of the disease is likely to increase. Bisphosphonates are known to be effective antiresorptive agents for the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone, postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIO). However, some bisphosphonates have been associated with troublesome gastrointestinal side-effects. Risedronate is a novel pyridinyl bisphosphonate recently approved in the USA for the treatment of Paget’s disease, and is under development for the treatment of PMO and CIO. Risedronate is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of Paget’s disease. It has the shortest treatment regimen of any oral bisphosphonate; a two month course of therapy results in sustained remission, as determined by biochemical indices. The re...
Fluorochemical Finishing of Upholstery: Effect on Soiling and Soil Release

Upholstery constitutes an important group of fabrics where discoloration from soil is common, appearance is of greatest concern, and cleaning is difficult. Fluorochemical (FC) finishing of upholstery fabrics is a common practice. However, its effectiveness in reducing soiling in upholstery fabrics of various fiber contents and constructions is not clear from published literature. This research explores the effectiveness of FC repellent finish on soiling and soil release properties of upholstery fabrics having various fiber contents and fabric geometry toward paniculate as well as oily I paniculate composite soils. Soiling propensity and soil release properties were evaluated using laboratory techniques as well as visual examination. Results indicate that FC finish affected soiling and soil release properties of fabrics to different extents. Also, overall soiling due to composite soil increased in all fabrics but more prominently in cellu-losic fabrics.
Cost-effectiveness of primary implanted cardioverter defibrillator for sudden death prevention in congestive heart failure.

Background: Implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is expensive but highly effective in preventing sudden death. The value of primary prophylactic ICD in preventing sudden death for congestive heart failure patients (CHF) has not been established.
Interactions of three domains distinguishing the Ras-related GTP-binding proteins Ypt1 and Sec4

The genes SEC4 and YPT1 encode Ras-related GTP-binding proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ypt1 is necessary for vesicular transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, whereas Sec4 is required for fusion of post-Golgi secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. Recently, three structural domains have been proposed to specify the stage in cellular transport at which members of the Sec4/Ypt1/Rab family act: the effector domain, the C-terminal hypervariable region, and a region corresponding to loop 7 in the structure of p21ras (ref. 8). Here we use Sec4/Ypt1 chimaeras to show that these three regions cooperate to specify Ypt1 function and that the C-terminal hypervariable region is needed for Ypt1 localization to the Golgi. Unexpectedly, we found that a single chimaera can function as either Ypt1 or Sec4 without missorting carboxypeptidase Y or invertase.
Spectral signature variations, atmospheric scintillations and sensor parameters

The spectral signature of a material is the curve of power density vs. wavelength (λ) obtained from measurements of reflected light. It is used, among other things, for the identification of targets in remotely acquired images. Sometimes, however, unpredictable distortions may prevent this. In only a few cases have such distortions been explained. We propose some reasonable arguments that in a significant number of circumstances, atmospheric turbulence may contribute to such spectral signature distortion. We propose, based on this model, what appears to be one method that could combat such distortion.
Carmichael numbers with a totient of the form a2 + nb2

Let φ be the Euler function. Fix \({\ell\in{\mathbb N}}\) , and let \({{\fancyscript P}}\) be an arbitrary set of primes of positive lower natural density. Using a variant of the Alford–Granville–Pomerance construction, we show that there are infinitely many Carmichael numbers N with a totient of the form \({\varphi(N)=m^\ell \tilde m}\) , where \({m,\tilde m\in{\mathbb N}}\) and \({\tilde m}\) is a nonempty product of primes from the set \({{\fancyscript P}}\) . In particular, for any fixed natural number n, there are infinitely many Carmichael numbers N such that φ(N) = a2 + nb2 for some positive integers a and b.
Hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes/Large-Eddy Simulation Investigating Control of Flow over a Turret

This investigation explores the flow over a turret atM1 0:4 and ReD 2:4 10 using both hybrid Reynoldsaveraged Navier–Stokes/implicit large-eddy simulation (RANS/ILES) and k-based unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations. Additional hybrid RANS/ILES simulations were performed to compare the effectiveness of two steady-suction flow control approaches. The hybrid RANS/ILES computations were obtained using awell-validated high-orderNavier–Stokes flow solver employing a fourth-order compact spatial discretization in conjunction with a sixth-order low-pass spatial filter. The URANS simulations were performed using a secondorder version of the flow solver and kturbulence model. The turret configuration consisted of a half-foot radius hemisphere atop a 4.5-in.-tall circular cylinder base. Both steady suction through a slot and a leeward porous turret shell were explored as forms of flow control. Time-mean hybrid RANS/ILES results, obtained on a 23 10-point mesh, compared reasonably well to experimental pressure coefficient and velocity profiles for the baseline flow. The separation angle was predicted to within 3 deg of experimental observations. The instantaneous hybrid RANS/ILES solutions display complex three-dimensional flow phenomena in the wake of the turret that the kURANS model was unable to resolve. Both steady-suction flow control approaches successfully attached the flow over most the turret dome and significantly reduced the size of the wake.
The limiting behavior on the restriction of divisor classes to hypersurfaces

Abstract Let A be an excellent local normal domain and {fn}n=1∞ a sequence of elements lying in successively higher powers of the maximal ideal, such that each hypersurface A/fnA satisfies R1. We investigate the injectivity of the maps Cl(A)→Cl((A/fnA)′), where (A/fnA)′ represents the integral closure. The first result shows that no non-trivial divisor class can lie in every kernel. Secondly, when A is, in addition, an isolated singularity containing a field of characteristic zero, dim A⩾4, and A has a small Cohen–Macaulay module, then we show that there is an integer N>0 such that if f n ∈ m N , then Cl(A)→Cl((A/fnA)′) is injective. We substantiate these results with a general construction that provides a large collection of examples.
Observations on the histone fraction from rat liver and its alteration in animals treated with thioacetamide

Abstract The histone fraction extracted by 0.2 n HCl from isolated, washed, rat liver cell nuclei has been studied by moving boundary electrophoresis, chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose, and amino acid analysis. In amino acid composition, it closely resembled the reported values for the corresponding fraction from calf liver and calf kidney. The increase in the histone fraction during thioacetamide administration was accompanied by an increase in the acidic and a decrease in the basic amino acid content. A similar and even more extensive trend in acidic and basic amino acid content was observed in successive chromatographic fractions, the later fractions having a basic amino acid content considerably lower than that of recognized histones. The increases in acidic amino acid content were paralleled by increases in the yield of ammonia in the amino acid analyses. All of the whole histone fractions and subfractions were strongly basic in electrophoresis, and in all cases the net excess of basic over acidic groups was sufficient to be compatible with this. There was no indication that the atypical ratios of basic to acidic amino acids were due to the presence of acidic protein, or protein with properties obviously different from those of histones.
The generalized degree for compact perturbations of m -accretive operators and applications

Soit X un espace de Banach reel ou complexe, A un operateur m-accretif a une seule valeur ou multivalue de domaine D(A) et de portee R(A) dans X et C un operateur compact sur X. On definit une fonction degre generalisee pour A+C. On demontre que cette fonction a les proprietes essentielles du degre topologique
Effect of Inflammation and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on Elevated Serum Prostate Specific Antigen Levels

AbstractPurpose: We quantify the causes of elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations in men whose prostate biopsies repeatedly showed no cancer.Materials and Methods: The effects of prostate volume, inflammation, echogenicity on ultrasound and calculi were examined in a large PSA-based screening population of 148 men with serum PSA concentrations greater than 4.0 ng./ml., findings suspicious for cancer on digital rectal examination and multiple negative biopsies. These men were selected and compared to 64 men with suspicious rectal examinations, multiple negative biopsies and serum PSA concentrations of 4.0 ng./ml. or less.Results: The high PSA group had larger prostates (68 versus 33 cc, p = 0.0001) and significantly more subclinical prostatic inflammation. Acute and chronic inflammation was more prevalent in the high PSA group (63 percent versus 27 percent, p = 0.0001 and 99 percent versus 77 percent, p = 0.0001, respectively). A simultaneous regression analysis showed that prostatic...
Electromechanical mode estimation using recursive adaptive stochastic subspace identification

Measurement based algorithms for estimating low-frequency electromechanical modes serve as useful practical methods to monitor the modal properties of power system oscillations in real-time. This paper proposes a Recursive Adaptive Stochastic Subspace Identification (RASSI) algorithm for online monitoring of power system modes using wide-area synchrophasor data. The proposed method gives an online estimation of mode frequency and damping ratio as well as mode shapes using multi-channel measurement data. It exploits both the accuracy of subspace identification and fast computational capability of recursive methods. An adaptive method is proposed to enable fast tracking of modal evolution under poorly damped conditions together with low estimation variance under quasi-steady-state conditions. The algorithms are tested using simulated data from Kundur two-area test power system as well as measured data from real systems.
Preschool language and metalinguistic skills are links to reading success

This article reports the longitudinal follow-up of 41 preschool children as they moved into reading. When the children were 3 years old, they participated in a detailed assessment of their language, print, and metalinguistic skills. At the end of first grade, the children received two tests of phonological awareness and three reading measures: sound–symbol knowledge, word identification, and passage comprehension. Overall language development at age 3 just as strongly, or even more strongly, correlated with reading scores at age 7 as it had with metalinguistic and print awareness scores at age 3. In addition, the overall metalinguistic skills and print awareness of 3 year olds made significant contributions to reading achievement beyond what was provided by tacit language development. Specific metalinguistic domains were also good predictors of reading, with phonological and structural awareness offering more than word awareness.
Assessment of the frequency and costs of posttransplantation hospitalizations in patients receiving tacrolimus versus cyclosporine

We assessed the frequency and costs of hospitalizations in patients receiving tacrolimus (FK506) compared with patients receiving cyclosporine A for immunosuppression during 1 year after kidney transplantation. Four hundred twelve cadaveric kidney transplant recipients were randomized onto a phase III, prospective, multicenter, clinical trial. Hospital billing data were collected for 1 year posttransplantation. Total inpatient costs were calculated from billed charges and standardized to 1995 US dollars. Medical resource utilization rates and inpatient costs were compared between treatment groups using unpaired Student's t-tests. Complete billing data (transplantation and all posttransplantation hospitalizations) were available for 65% (268 of 412) of the study patients. Among tacrolimus and cyclosporine patients with complete billing data, the rates of allograft rejection were 32% and 47%, respectively (P=0.009), and the rates of rehospitalization during the year after transplantation were 53% and 63%, respectively (P=0.080). The mean per-episode rehospitalization costs were significantly lower among tacrolimus-treated patients compared with cyclosporine-treated patients ($7,495 v $11,497; P=0.031), and the mean total rehospitalization costs were significantly lower in the tacrolimus group compared with the cyclosporine group ($8,550 v $14,869; P=0.029). In addition, the total 1-year hospitalization costs (including transplantation and posttransplantation hospitalizations) were significantly lower in the tacrolimus group compared with the cyclosporine group ($53,435 v $61,191; P=0.046). Compared with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression, tacrolimus-based immunosuppression for kidney transplant recipients was associated with a significantly lower rate of rejection, which was associated with significantly lower per-episode rehospitalization costs, lower total 1-year rehospitalization costs, and lower total 1-year hospitalization costs.
The biological impact of social responses to the AIDS epidemic.

This paper examines the extent to which social responses to the AIDS epidemic contribute to the continued transmission of the virus, thereby exacerbating the biological impact of the epidemic. Foll...
Fair Ladies: The place of women antique dealers in a post-industrial Italian city

After the collapse of its state-subsidized industries, Genoa is taking up a new role as a ‘city of culture’ capable of attracting tourists and high-tech companies alike. Part of the process of urban renovation entails the transformation of Genoa's streets and piazzas into sites for the consumption of culture. This happens, among other ways, through a proliferation of antique fairs that give chronically under- and unemployed middle-class women an opportunity for self-employment. This essay is an ethnographic exploration of how middle-class women antique dealers draw on their gendered and classed skills—especially their aesthetic sensibility and their humanistic cultural capital—to stake out a place for themselves in an urban sphere molded by a neoliberal economy of culture. Mujeres de las ferias: el lugar de las negociantes de antiguedades en una ciudad post-industrial italiana Despues del fracaso de sus industrias subvencionadas por el Estado, Genova se trata un nuevo papel como la ‘ciudad de cultura’ cap...
EFFECT OF DIBENAMINE ON PROGESTERONE-INDUCED AND “SPONTANEOUS” OVULATION IN THE HEN

HUSTON and Nalbandov (1953) showed that the presence of a foreign body, usually a thread, in the oviduct of a laying hen inhibits ovulation for as long as 20 days, apparently without altering the rate of hypophyseal function insofar as FSH secretion is concerned. This was confirmed by van Tienhoven (1953). It was thought that a neuro-humoral link existed between the oviduct and hypophysis which could prevent the release of ovulatory quantities of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. To test this assumption as well as to get additional information on the mechanism of pituitary gland function in the fowl, the experiments discussed here were done. Because Dibenamine is known to be able to block the release of the LH in rats and rabbits (Markee et al., 1952), it was decided to investigate its effect in the hen. materials and methods The hens used were of the S. C. White Leghorn and Columbian breeds.
The Heartland Chronicles

The Heartland Chronicles. DOUGLAS E. FOLEY. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1995. x + 228 pp., illustrations, references, index.
Overcoming barriers to electronic medical record (EMR) implementation in the US healthcare system: A comparative study:

An EMR system implementation would significantly reduce clinician workload and medical errors while saving the US healthcare system major expense. Yet, compared to other developed nations, the US lags behind. This article examines EMR system efforts, benefits, and barriers, as well as steps needed to move the US closer to a nationwide EMR system. The analysis includes a blueprint for implementation of EMR, industry comparisons to highlight the differences between successful and non-successful EMR ventures, references to costs and benefit information, and identification of root causes. 'Poka-yokes' (avoid (yokeru) mistakes (poka)) will be inserted to provide insight into how to systematically overcome challenges. Implementation will require upfront costs including patient privacy that must be addressed early in the development process. Government structure, incentives and mandates are required for nationwide EMR system in the US.
Ion channels and colonic salt transport.

The focus of this review is the ion transport functions of the vertebrate colon, in particular the role of ion channels in the maintenance and regulation of ion transport processes. A great deal has been learned in the last decade about the properties of ion channels in epithelial cells, and it seems appropriate to review our current understanding of the function of these elements in colonic epithelial transport. I like to think of epithelial ion channels in general, and colonic ion channels in particular, as "working class ion channels". While neuronal ion channels are up in the penthouse subserving a variety of cerebral functions, the channels that inhabit colonic epithelial cells are quietly at work doing the tedious, but nevertheless necessary, jobs associated with preserving electrolyte balance . Absorption and Secretion
Implementation of Bio-Inspired Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex in a Quadrupedal Robot

Studies of primate locomotion have shown that the head and eyes are stabilized in space through the vestibulo-collic and vestibulo ocular reflexes (VCR, VOR). The VOR is a reflex eye movement control system that stabilizes the image on the retina of the eye during head movements in space. This stabilization helps maintain objects of interest approximately fixed on the retina during locomotion. In this paper we present the design and implementation of an artificial vestibular system, which drives a fully articulated binocular vision system for quadrupedal robots to maintain accurate gaze. The complete robot head has 9 degrees of freedom (DOF): pitch, yaw, and roll for the head and 3 DOF for left and right cameras. The SONY AIBOreg quadruped robot has been modified with additional hardware to emulate the vestibular system and the vestibulo-ocular reflex in primates.
Reexamining the Use of Unilateral Orders Source of Authority and the Power to Act Alone

Recent debate on the use of unilateral presidential directives suggests that a president’s ability to shape and act without the consent of Congress is largely unchecked by traditional institutional...
Localized linear operators: application to image sequence compression using optical signal processing

This paper discusses about the extension of Gabor Expansions to the optical domain and the design of an efficient filter bank to provide adaptive equalization in the light of Optical Signal Processing. The isomorphism between this localized linear operator and the filter design fundamentals are examined in the framework of image sequence compression. A new and efficient technique to perform Gabor expansion of Optical signals is introduced. The multi-resolution representation of data is considered in particular. A new approach to filter bank design in optical domain, using matrix formulation is introduced. Using this approach, an efficient optical filter bank with low complexity and good frequency response is designed. It is interesting to note that this design is a mathematical model of the quincunx filter bank. The characteristics of this optical filter bank are compared with that of other commonly used short kernel filter banks, for video compression applications. The approach is based on multi-resolution representation of data, which is generated by the filter bank proposed in this work. The use of multi-resolution data structure in conjunction with other components of the system allows a simple and efficient implementation. Simulations on typical image sequences show that it is possible to perform generic coding with reduced complexity and good efficiency.
Probing Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Silicon Nanowires

We present the first ultrafast optical pump-probe spectroscopic measurements, to the best of our knowledge, on silicon nanowires (SiNWs). In this study, we performed femtosecond pump-probe measurements on vapor-liquid-solid-grown SiNWs to investigate the influence of the NW diameter, pump and probe polarizations, and pump fluence on the observed dynamics while tuning the probe wavelength below and above the indirect bandgap in Si. For smaller NW diameters, carriers were found to relax more rapidly into both extended and localized states, indicating that a surface-mediated mechanism governs the observed dynamics. The magnitude of the photoinduced transmission change exhibited strong polarization dependence, showing that optical transitions in these quasi-1D systems are highly polarized along the NW axis. Finally, density-dependent experiments revealed that the relaxation time decreases with increasing photoexcited carrier density for an above bandgap probe; however, no significant density-dependent changes in the relaxation dynamics were observed when probed below the bandgap. In short, our experiments reveal the influence of diameter, polarization, and carrier density on carrier dynamics in SiNWs, shedding light on the phenomena that govern carrier relaxation in these important nanosystems and giving insight on their future use in nanophotonic applications.
Cultivating Optimism In Childhood And Adolescence

How do optimism and hope develop in young people? How can they be promoted? This article reviews research on the development of optimism and hope and interventions designed to build these qualities in youth. The Penn Resiliency Program is discussed as an example of a school-based intervention that may promote hope and prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety. Limits of existing studies and directions for future research are also discussed.
Use of verbal protocols to trace cognitions associated with self- and supervisor evaluations of performance

Abstract Verbal protocol analysis was used to trace cognitive processes for 36 managers as they evaluated their own performance and the performance of their subordinates. Attribution theory and exploratory analyses were used in order to detect differences in information processing between the self-evaluations and the evaluations of subordinates. These results appear to clarify differences in patterns of rating outcomes usually obtained for the two rating types. Empirical support was found for the application of attribution theory in the models of performance appraisal. However, a number of discoveries were made which emphasize the need for more empirical research in modeling the appraisal process.
The Eigenfrequencies of the Dirichlet and Neumann Problems for an Oscillating Finite Plate

The Green’s tensors are constructed and the existence of discrete real spectra is proved for the displacement and traction boundary value problems in the case of a finite elastic plate with transverse shear deformation undergoing high-frequency vibrations.
Population origin and genome size do not impact Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) responses to variable precipitation

Population-level adaptation to broad-scale regional climates or within-population variation in genome size of the genetically and phenotypically diverse C4 grass, Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), may influence the responses of this species to future precipitation variability associated with climate change. Therefore, we investigated P. virgatum responses to water variability between natural populations collected across a latitudinal gradient and among individuals spanning a range of genomes sizes within these populations. P. virgatum plants from natural populations originating from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, U.S.A, received frequent, small precipitation events (“ambient”) or infrequent, large precipitation events (“altered”) to simulate contrasting rainfall variability expected for this region. We measured leaf-level physiology, aboveground biomass and genome size for each individual. Gas exchange rates and aboveground biomass varied significantly by population origin but did not differ by genome size. Altered precipitation treatments reduced leaf-level physiological rates; however this result did not vary by population or genome size. Our results suggest that trait variation in P. virgatum is primarily attributed to population-level adaptation across a latitudinal gradient, not genome size, and that neither population-level adaptation nor genome size may be important predictors of P. virgatum responses to future climatic conditions.
Modulation of motor cortex neuronal activity and motor behavior during subthalamic nucleus stimulation in the normal primate

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a well-established surgical therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). An emerging hypothesis is that the therapeutic benefit of...
Telephone-administered psychotherapy for depression.

Background Several studies have shown that telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT) is superior to forms of no treatment controls. No study has examined if the skills-training component to T-CBT provides any benefit beyond that provided by nonspecific factors. Objective To test the efficacy of a 16-week T-CBT against a strong control for attention and nonspecific therapy effects. Design Randomized controlled trial including 12-month follow-up. Setting Telephone administration of psychotherapy with patients in their homes. Participants Participants had depression and functional impairments due to multiple sclerosis. Interventions A 16-week T-CBT program was compared with 16 weeks of telephone-administered supportive emotion-focused therapy. Main Outcome Measures Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder, Beck Depression Inventory score, and Positive Affect scale score of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results Of the 127 participants randomized, 7 (5.5%) dropped out of treatment. There were significant improvement during treatment on all outcome measures ( P P = .02), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ( P = .02), and Positive Affect Scale score ( P = .008), but not for the Beck Depression Inventory score ( P = .29). Treatment gains were maintained during 12-month follow-up; however, differences across treatments were no longer evident ( P > .16 for all). Conclusions Patients showed significant improvements in depression and positive affect during the 16 weeks of telephone-administered treatment. The specific cognitive-behavioral components of T-CBT produced improvements above and beyond the nonspecific effects of telephone-administered supportive emotion-focused therapy on evaluator-rated measures of depression and self-reported positive affect. Attrition was low.
Politics, economics, and U.S. participation in multilateral development banks

In the 1970s the U.S. executive branch was forced to make a significant change in the procedure it uses to influence decisions by the multilateral development banks. This procedural change—from exclusive reliance on behind-the-scenes pressure to open voting in bank councils—reflects two more fundamental alterations: the relative diminution of U.S. power in bank councils and, especially, the development of increased congressional interest in formulating U.S. policy toward the banks. As a result of these two changes, the United States has identified publicly many of the policies it seeks to promote through the banks. Taken as a whole, the U.S. voting record indicates an abandonment of the verbal commitment to the liberal concept of maintaining the banks as apolitical financial institutions. Since the concept has never been a reliable guide to U.S. behavior in bank councils, its abandonment does not signify a major change in the relationship between the banks and the United States government. Rather, it signifies an opening of the U.S. political process, one that encourages public debate and multiple advocacy in the making of U.S. policy toward the banks.
Identification of human CCR8 as a CCL18 receptor

The CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is one of the most highly expressed chemokines in human chronic inflammatory diseases. An appreciation of the role of CCL18 in these diseases has been hampered by the lack of an identified chemokine receptor. We report that the human chemokine receptor CCR8 is a CCL18 receptor. CCL18 induced chemotaxis and calcium flux of human CCR8-transfected cells. CCL18 bound with high affinity to CCR8 and induced its internalization. Human CCL1, the known endogenous CCR8 ligand, and CCL18 competed for binding to CCR8-transfected cells. Further, CCL1 and CCL18 induced heterologous cross-desensitization of CCR8-transfected cells and human Th2 cells. CCL18 induced chemotaxis and calcium flux of human activated highly polarized Th2 cells through CCR8. Wild-type but not Ccr8-deficient activated mouse Th2 cells migrated in response to CCL18. CCL18 and CCR8 were coexpressed in esophageal biopsy tissue from individuals with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and were present at markedly higher levels compared with esophageal tissue isolated from EoE patients whose disease was in remission or in normal controls. Identifying CCR8 as a chemokine receptor for CCL18 will help clarify the biological role of this highly expressed chemokine in human disease.
Eating disturbances in white and minority female dieters.

Objective This study examined disordered eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, weight loss, and reasons for weight regain in a sample of white, black, Asian, and Hispanic female dieters. Method In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we scrutinized survey responses of a large number of households subscribing to Consumer Reports magazine. Females (N = 9,971) between 21 and 65 years old (M = 42.9, SD =10.4) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.2 (SD = 6.2) were selected for comparisons. Results Ethnic groups were different in terms of age, BMI, household income, and marital status. Therefore, these variables were used as covariates in the analyses. More black women were overweight and purged compared to the other groups. Asian women valued the beneficial role of exercise in weight control more, while black women were more inclined to attribute weight gain to cravings and slow metabolism. The groups did not differ in terms of binge eating, attitudes about weight and appearance, self-esteem, the number of attempts to lose weight, and the reasons for their failures. Conclusions This study suggests that unhealthy eating attitudes and practices may be similar for women who diet, irrespective of ethnic background. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited by the inherent sampling bias. © 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 24: 395–403, 1998.
Variable repetition-rate short pulses from a passively mode-locked argon laser.

The pulse width and output power of a passively mode-locked Ar laser are studied as a function of cavity length. (AIP)=d argon laser