cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-/pro-oxidant effects of phenolic compounds in cells: are colchicine metabolites chain-breaking antioxidants?

Abstract Effective scavenging of reactive radicals and low reactivity of generated secondary antioxidant radicals towards vital intracellular components are two critical requirements for a chain-breaking antioxidant. Tubulin-binding properties aside, colchicine metabolites remain largely untested for other possible biological activities, including antioxidant activity. Mourelle et al. [Life Sci. 45 (1989) 891] proposed that colchiceine (EIN) acts as an antioxidant and protective agent against lipid peroxidation in a rat model of liver injury. Since EIN as well as two other colchicine metabolites, 2-demethylcolchicine (2DM) and 3-demethylcolchicine (3DM), possess a hydroxy-group on their carbon ring that could participate in radical scavenging, we tested whether they can act as chain-breaking antioxidants. Using our fluorescence-HPLC assay with metabolically incorporated oxidation-sensitive cis-parinaric acid (PnA) we studied the effects of colchicine metabolites on peroxidation of different classes of membrane phospholipids in HL-60 cells. None of the colchicine metabolites in concentrations ranging from 10−6 to 10−4 M was able to protect phospholipids against peroxidation induced by either azo-initiators of peroxyl radicals or via myeloperoxidase (MPO)-catalyzed reactions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. However, the metabolites did exhibit dose-dependent depletion of glutathione, resembling the behavior of etoposide, a hindered phenol with antioxidant properties against lipid peroxidation. Electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments demonstrated that in a catalytic system containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H2O2, colchicine metabolites undergo one-electron oxidation to form phenoxyl radicals that, in turn, cause ESR-detectable ascorbate radicals by oxidation of ascorbate. Phenoxyl radicals of colchicine metabolites formed through MPO-catalyzed H2O2-dependent reactions in HL-60 cells and via HRP/H2O2 in model systems can also oxidize GSH. Thus, colchicine metabolites possess the prerequisites of many antioxidants, i.e. a nucleophilic hydroxy-group on a carbon ring and the ability to scavenge reactive radicals and form a secondary radical. However, the latter retain high reactivity towards critical biomolecules in cells such as lipids, thiols, ascorbate, thereby, rendering colchicine metabolites effective radical scavengers but not effective chain-breaking antioxidants.
Respiration-phase-matched digital tomosynthesis imaging for moving target verification: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To develop a respiration-phase-matched digital tomosynthesis (DTS) technique to monitor moving targets, and to evaluate its accuracy for various imaging parameters and anatomical characteristics. Methods: Previously developed 3D-DTS techniques, registering onboard DTS (OB-DTS, reconstructed from onboard projections) to reference DTS (R-DTS, reconstructed from DRRs of 3D reference CT), are inadequate to monitor moving targets. The authors’ proposed respiration-phase-matched DTS technique registers OB-DTS to R-DTS reconstructed from DRRs generated by the same phase images of 4D reference CT as the corresponding onboard projections. To evaluate the improved accuracy of the author's technique, the authors performed thoracic phantom studies using (1) simulation with the 4D digital extended-cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantom, and (2) experiments with an anthropomorphic motion phantom. The studies were performed for various: respiratory cycle (RC), scan angle, and fraction of RC contained therein. Also, the authors assessed the accuracy of their technique relative to target size/location, and respiration inconsistencies from the R-DTS to OB-DTS. Results: In both simulation and experimental studies, the respiration-phase-matched DTS technique is significantly more accurate in determining moving target positions. For 324 different scenarios simulated by XCAT, the respiration-phase-matched DTS technique localizes the 3D target position to errors of 1.07 ± 0.57 mm (mean ± S.D.), as compared to (a) 2.58 ± 1.37 and (b) 7.37 ± 4.18 mm, for 3D-DTS using 3D reference CT of (a) average intensity projection and (b) free-breathing CT. For 60 scenarios evaluated through experimental study, the uncertainties corresponding to those above are 1.24 ± 0.87, 2.42 ± 1.80, and 5.77 ± 6.45 mm, respectively. For a given scan angle, the accuracy of respiration-phase-matched DTS technique is less dependent on RC and the fraction of RC included in the scan. Increasing scan angle improves its accuracy. For different target locations, the targets near the chest wall or in the middle of lung provide higher registration accuracy compared to those near the mediastinum and diaphragm. Larger targets provide higher registration accuracy than small targets. Different respiratory cycle inconsistencies from R-DTS to OB-DTS minimally affect the registration accuracy. Increasing the respiratory amplitude inconsistencies will decrease the accuracy. Conclusions: The respiration-phase-matched DTS is more accurate and robust in determining moving target positions than 3D-DTS. It has potential application in pretreatment setup, post-treatment analysis, and intrafractional target verification.
Psychiatric investigations among American Indians and Alaska natives: A critical review

This review of psychiatric investigations among Native Americans opens with a discussion of the dominant theoretical perspectives in psychiatric anthropology in order to provide an analytic framework with which to assess the substantive findings of researchers in the field. Studies of culture-specific disorders, service utilization and patient population studies, psychiatric epidemiological studies, and studies designed to test the validity of certain diagnostic instruments are scrutinized for evidence of the nature of the role of indigenous cultures in the manifestations of psychiatric disorders among these populations. The review reveals that a universalist theoretical perspective, which tends to obscure the role of local interpretations in the phenomenology of psychiatric illness, dominates this field of inquiry. Nonetheless, evidence has accumulated which indicates the importance of native understandings for a more reliable and valid explanation of the nature of mental disorder among these peoples. The inadequacies of our current knowledge are examined and suggestions for directions in future work are presented in the concluding section. Recommendations include the direct investigation of the local meanings of the signs, symptoms, and syndromes of Western psychiatry; the concentrated search for potentially unique and powerful local signs of distress; and the study of the culturally-constituted social processes of illness.
Increased protoplast yield from oat leaves and bean internodes by non-injurious mechanical perturbation

A simple new technique has been developed to greatly increase the yield of protoplasts from plant organs without injury to the plant. Mechanical perturbation (MP) by non-stressful rubbing of oat leaf segments and bean internodes yielded ten to twenty times more viable protoplasts than did controls. The increase in protoplast yield due to MP is best manifested, if the organs are excised and transferred to the cellulytic enzymes immediately after MP is given to the intact organ. The enzymes begin digesting from the lower end of the bean internodes and proceed acropetally. Vacuum infiltration of control oat leaf segments for 15 min with enzyme solution resulted in increased yield but less than due to MP. Increased levels of calcium (10 mM) in the medium decreased the yield of protoplasts from both control and MP-treated plant organs. EGTA significantly increased the yield of protoplasts from control oat leaf segments and marginally over that found in the control bean internodes. Cycloheximide increased the yield of protoplasts from oat leaf segments but not from bean internodes. It is suggested that MP may increase the susceptibility of cell wall polymers to cellulytic enzymes by reducing calcium cross linking. MP is thus a tool for increasing the yield of protoplasts from plant organs without causing injury.
Determination of sulphur heterocycles in selected synfuels

Abstract A fractionation method for isolating the polycyclic aromatic sulphur heterocycles from complex mixtures of polycyclic aromatic compounds was evaluated with respect to recovery for selected standard compounds. It was found that recovery varied from 0 to 70% depending on the structure of the compound. Although quantitative recovery for all components was not obtained, isolation of the sulphur heterocycle fractions has allowed the identification of many new sulphur compounds previously not identified in coal liquids and shale oils. Capillary column gas chromatography with flame photometric detection and mass spectrometry were used for the identification of individual sulphur heterocycles.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RELAXATION OF THREE SPIN SYSTEMS UNDERGOING HINDERED ROTATIONS

The longitudinal nuclear magnetic relaxation of an ensemble of spin systems exposed to a constant magnetic field ${H}_{0}\mathrm{k}$ is calculated. Each spin system consists of three identical spin-\textonehalf{} nuclei located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Each spin system undergoes hindered rotation about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the three spins, and is oriented at an angle $\ensuremath{\beta}$ with the constant field. Two models for the rotation are studied: In one model there are only three possible equilibrium orientations of each system about its rotation axis and the group makes random jumps between these orientations; in the other model each group performs stochastic rotational diffusion about its rotation axis. Both models lead to results of the same form, which differ only in the definition of the correlation time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}$ of the motion. It is assumed that the relaxation is due to the magnetic dipole-dipole interactions between the nuclei within each group. The calculation is performed by use of the semiclassical form of the density operator theory of relaxation. The treatment includes terms arising from the cross correlation of different dipole-dipole interactions with one another, from the nonzero average of the dipole-dipole interactions, and from the second-order correction to the Zeeman energy due to the dipole-dipole interactions. The relaxation is, in general, the sum of four decaying exponentials. For $\ensuremath{\beta}=0$, the relaxation does not decay to zero. By use of an electronic computer, explicit solutions have been calculated for $cos\ensuremath{\beta}=0, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2, \ensuremath{\cdots}, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0$ for many values of the correlation time. Also, explicit solutions have been calculated for situations in which the axes of hindered rotation are isotropically oriented. All results are compared with the results of a calculation in which cross correlations are omitted, and are shown to differ significantly. The results are presented in a form which can be compared with experimental data, and used to determine the correlation time of the hindered rotations.
Inhibition of the action of sex steroids by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: A new biological effect

Abstract Agonistic analogs of GnRH [ (imBzl)-D-His 6 , Pro 9 -NEt]-GnRH and ]D-Trp 6 , Pro 9 -NEt]-GnRH inhibit the testosterone-induced increase in weights of ventral prostate and seminal vesicles in castrated and in hypophysectomized-castrated rats. These peptides also inhibit the uterotropic action of estradiol in the ovariectomized rat. The results suggest that part of the antifertility and antitumor activity of GnRH and its agonists could be due to their ability to antagonize the biological actions of sex steroids.
Membrane antigen phenotype of sensitized T lymphocytes mediating tuberculin-delayed hypersensitivity in rats

The membrane antigen phenotype of immune lymph node cells (LNC) which mediate tuberculin-delayed hypersensitivity (DH) in Lewis rats was examined. The results show that the T-cell population which expresses the RT7.1 alloantigen defined by the BC 84A monoclonal antibody contained cells capable of transferring DH. Separation of the RT7.1-positive T-cell population with the monoclonal antibodies W3/25, MRC OX-8, or DS 4.23 (which defines the RT6.1 alloantigen) revealed that either the W3/25-positive or the RT6.1-negative T-cell subpopulations contained DH effector cells, whereas the corresponding MRC OX-8-positive or RT6.1-positive T-cell subpopulations did not. Moreover, when the W3/25-positive T-cell subpopulation was divided into either RT6.1-positive or RT6.1-negative T-cell subsets, only the W3/25-positive, RT6.1-negative subset transferred DH. These results indicate that the effector cells that mediate tuberculin DH are contained within the immune T-cell subset which bears both the RT7.1 and the W3/25 markers, but lacks both the MRC OX-8 and the RT6.1 markers.
A functional system for high-content screening of neuromuscular junctions in vitro

High-content phenotypic screening systems are the logical extension of the current efficient, yet low information content, pre-clinical screens for drug discovery. A physiologically accurate in vitro neuromuscular junction (NMJ) screening system would therefore be of tremendous benefit to the study of peripheral neuropathies as well as for basic and applied neuromuscular research. To date, no fully-defined, selective assay system has been developed which would allow investigators to determine the functional output of cultured muscle fibers (myotubes) when stimulated via the NMJ in real time for both acute and chronic applications. Here we present the development of such a phenotypic screening model, along with evidence of NMJ formation and motoneuron initiated neuromuscular transmission in an automated system. Myotubes assembled on silicon cantilevers allowed for measurement of substrate deflection in response to contraction and provided the basis for monitoring the effect of controlled motoneuron stimulation on the contractile behavior. The effect was blocked by treatment with D-tubocurarine, confirming NMJ functionality in this highly multiplexed assay system.
Ear replantation: a case report

This paper presents the fifth reported case of replantation of a traumatically amputated ear and its management. The ear was amputated in an automobile accident and was revascularized microsurgically. Replantation, when possible, offers the ultimate result; however, shortcomings include the length of operation, prolonged hospitalization, and postoperative management of venous congestion.
Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in persons aged 80 years and over

Abstract Seventy-one patients aged ⩾80 years (mean ± standard deviation 82 ± 2) with aortic stenosis or mixed stenosis and regurgitation underwent aortic valve replacement alone (n = 35, group 1) or in combination with a coronary artery bypass procedure without any other valve procedure (n = 36, group 2). Preoperatively, 91% had severe cardiac limitations (New York Heart Association class 111 or IV). Hospital mortality was 12.7% overall (9 of 71), 5.7% (2 of 35) for group 1 and 19.4% (7 of 36) for group 2. Perioperatively, 1 patient (1.4%) had a stroke. Survival from late cardiac death at 1 and 3 years was 98.2 and 95.5%, respectively, for all patients, 100% for patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement, and 96.3 and 91.2%, respectively, for patients who underwent aortic valve replacement plus coronary artery bypass. Eighty-three percent of surviving patients had marked symptomatic improvement. Freedom from all valve-related complications (thromboembolism, anticoagulant, endocarditis, reoperation or prosthetic failure) was 93.3 and 80.4% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Thus, short- and long-term morbidity and mortality after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in patients aged ⩾80 years are encouragingly low, although the addition of coronary artery bypass grafting increases short- and long-term mortality.
Planetary cratering 2: Studies of saturation equilibrium

— A realistic computer model has been developed to display images of imaginary cratered surfaces, taking into account empirically measured input size distributions of primary and secondary craters, ejecta blanket morphology including feathering with distance, obliteration due to ejecta from outside the imaged area, lighting effects, etc. The model allows us to track surface evolution of morphology as new craters are added. Using the model as well as lunar photos, we have studied the approach to saturation equilibrium (defined as a condition when no further proportionate increase in crater density occurs as input cratering increases). We find that an identifiable saturation equilibrium occurs close to a level previously identified for this state (Hartmann, 1984), typically fluctuating around a crater density from ∼0.4 to 2 times that level. This result is fairly robust vis-a-vis the range of model parameters we have chosen. Flooding, basin ejecta blankets, and other obliterative effects can introduce structure and oscillations within this range, even after saturation equilibrium is achieved. These findings may constrain or revise certain earlier interpretations of satellite and planet surface evolution and impactor populations, which were predicated on the assumed absence of saturation equilibrium. In our fourth experimental run, we found that suppression of “sandblasting” by subresolution impacts allows the smallest secondaries to rise above the saturation equilibrium line, a result that might be relevant to a similar situation on Gaspra and perhaps some other asteroids.
Laser-assisted cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: An animal model to test feasibility

Objectives To test the feasibility of laser tissue welding as a method of creating an endonasal tissue bond for the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid leak repair. Study Design and Setting An 808 nm diode laser was used with a 42% albumin solder to create laser welds in sheep nasal septal mucosa, periosteum, and in situ rabbit maxillary sinus mucosa. Each condition was tested five times. Groups were compared with Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc multiple-comparisons testing with the Bonferroni test. Results The burst pressures of sheep septal mucosa (34.88 ± 3.49 mmHg) and periosteum (30.02 ± 2.23 mmHg) were significantly higher than suture repair. A burst pressure of 69.58 ± 2.85 mmHg was achieved in rabbit in situ maxillary sinus mucosa. Conclusion Laser welding is capable of producing tissue bonds whose burst strength exceeds that of human intracranial pressure. Significance This is the first study to examine the feasibility of laser tissue welding in endonasal tissues. The ability to produce instant transnasal tissue bonds with burst pressures that exceed human intracranial pressure make this technology ideal for cerebrospinal fluid leak repair.
Risk factors in age-related maculopathy complicated by choroidal neovascularization.

We evaluated previously reported and hypothesized risk factors for the development of age-related maculopathy (ARM) in a case-control study. We compared 26 patients with documented disciform scarring or choroidal neovascularization with 23 age- and sex-matched controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, smoking history, glucose, lipoprotein profiles, and serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E did not differ significantly between the two groups. Statistically significant associations (P less than 0.05) identified by univariate analysis include degree of dermal elastotic degeneration in sun-exposed and sun-protected skin, white blood count, increasing age and small posterior lenticular opacities. Using an interactive multivariate model, only extent of elastosis in sun protected dermis, age and white blood count were predictive (Mult R = 0.652, P less than .001). Our data support the concept of a multifactorial etiology of ARM but suggest that generalized increased susceptibility of elastic fibers to photic or other degenerative stimuli is a new and important risk factor for choroidal neovascularization.
Nonlymphoblastic T‐cell lymphoma in children

Three children with nonlymphoblastic, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, showed morphologic features that suggested nonlymphoblastic T-cell origin. Tissue for immunologic study was available from two of the three patients; both showed immunophenotypes of T-cells. Although nearly all T-cell lymphomas in children are lymphoblastic based on morphology, nonlymphoblastic T-cell lymphomas do occur in pediatric patients.
Thrusts and Stresses in Two-Dimensional Pipe Expansion Bends

The primary aim of the paper is to present the fundamental theory on the thrusts and stresses of two-dimensional pipe expansion bends incorporating the Karman flexibility factor. The application of this theory to a series of typical expansion bends is demonstrated for three well-established methods of fixing the ends: fixed at one end and free at the other, fixed at one end and guided at the other, and fixed at both ends. A series of tables summarizes the formulae and data on the expansions, thrusts, and bending stresses for 90 deg. bends, 180 deg. U-bends, and 45 deg. lyre expansion-bends for the three methods of fixing the ends indicated above.The importance of the methods of fixing the ends of expansion bends on the thrusts and bending stresses for four typical cases is indicated in a table that gives the ratio of the resultant thrusts and maximum bending stresses due to expansion for bends fixed at one end and guided at the other end, and for those fixed at both ends, in relation to the corresponding ...
Lidocaine Anal Block Limits Autonomic Dysreflexia During Anorectal Procedures in Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Autonomic dysreflexia is a common and potentially dangerous hypertensive response to stimulation below the level of injury that occurs in patients with spinal cord injury at T6 or above. Rectosigmoid distention and anal manipulation are among the stimuli that may precipitate autonomic dysreflexia. Instillation of topical local anesthetic into the rectum is the recommended prophylaxis against autonomic dysreflexia of anorectal origin. However, a previous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that topical lidocaine in the rectum does not blunt the autonomic dysreflexia response to anorectal procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lidocaine anal sphincter block would be effective in limiting anorectal procedure-associated autonomic dysreflexia. We enrolled patients with chronic, complete spinal cord injury above T6, who were having anorectal procedures (flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or anoscopic hemorrhoid ligation). In a double-blind fashion, patients were randomized for intersphincteric anal block with 1 percent lidocaine or normal saline (placebo) before the procedure. Blood pressure was measured before, during, and after the block and procedure. Thirteen patients received lidocaine, and 13 received placebo. The groups were similar in age, level of injury, duration of spinal cord injury, type of procedure, and procedure duration. The mean maximal systolic blood pressure increase for the lidocaine group was 22 ± 14 mmHg, significantly lower than the placebo group’s 47 ± 31 mmHg (P = 0.01). Lidocaine anal block significantly limits the autonomic dysreflexia response in susceptible patients undergoing anorectal procedures.
Visual and auditory choice reaction times

Abstract Choice reaction times are measured for three values of a priori signal probability with three well-practiced observers. Two sets of data are taken with the only difference being the modality of the reaction signal. In one set of conditions it is auditory, in the other, visual. The auditory reaction times are faster than the visual and in addition several other differences are noted. The latency of the errors and correct responses are nearly equal for the auditory data. Error latencies are nearly 30% faster for the visual data. Non-stationary effects, autocorrelation between successive latencies and non-homogeneous distribution of errors, are clearly evident in the visual data, but are small or non-existent in the auditory data. The data are compared with several models of the choice reaction time process but none of the models is completely adequate.
'Goldilocks' suppressor screen identifies web of polarity regulators

Genome sequencing and RNAi have been powerful allies in the quest to assign function to every gene. Systematic RNAi screens identify essential genes efficiently, but are less effective with pleiotropic or redundant genes. A common trick used by geneticists to overcome this problem is to screen for genetic interactors - mutations that enhance or suppress the phenotype of a starting mutation. Now, this classic approach has been combined with the versatility of RNAi to generate an expanded gene network for cell polarity.
Thermal conductivity measurements of methane in the dense gaseous state

Abstract The thermal conductivity of methane has been measured at 1.9, 24.6, 43.6 and 75.1°C and pressures up to 580 atm with a coaxial cylindrical cell. For each of these temperatures, the thermal conductivity — reduced density relationships have been developed and have been used to establish the corresponding ( j ϱ R ) min values. These values have been utilized to calculate thermal conductivities predicted from the Enskog theory. The measured thermal conductivity values also have been used to produce the relationships of k - k ∗ versus ρ R and k - k ∗ versus ( ∂PR ∂TR ) ρR for methane. These relationships also include the thermal conductivity values of other investigators which were found in good agreement with the results of the present study. The experimental results of this investigation for the dense gaseous state assist to establish a continuous unique relationship between the gaseous and liquid states of metahne.
Laser drilling of nano-pores in sandwiched thin glass membranes.

We report on a novel method of using an excimer laser to drill ultra-small pores in borosilicate glass membranes. By introducing a thin layer of liquid between sandwiches of two glass slides, we can shrink the pore size and smoothen the surface on the exit side. We are able to push the minimal exit pore diameter down to 90 nm, well below the laser wavelength of 193 nm. This is achieved with substrates over 150 µm thick. Compared to other methods, this technique is fast, inexpensive, and produces high quality smooth pores.
Branched Copper Nanocrystal Corals by Room-Temperature Galvanic Displacement

Coral-like branched architectures comprised of single-crystal copper nanocrystals were synthesized at room temperature through a galvanic displacement reaction between aqueous CuCl2 and Al foil in the presence of a cationic double-chain surfactant diocta-decyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide. The corals are monolithic single crystals consisting of nanorod stems with an axis along ⟨001⟩ and orthogonal branches along ⟨110⟩. The branch diameters fall in a narrow range between 80 and 100 nm, and the branch lengths vary between 200 and 800 nm. The branch density is controllable by adjusting the surfactant/metal-ion ratio in solution and reaction time. These branched structures could serve as attractive building blocks for creating interconnected nanorod networks or porous materials for diverse applications, including catalysts, sensors, solid-state refrigerators, and nanodevices.
Direct evidence of metallicity at ZnO ( 000 1 ¯ ) − ( 1 × 1 ) surfaces from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have investigated the stability of O-polar $\text{ZnO}\text{ }(000\overline{1})\text{\ensuremath{-}}(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ surfaces with photoemission spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. We present direct evidence of quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formation $({N}_{2D}\ensuremath{\le}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{13}\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2})$ at the O-face from our angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies. These findings are discussed in terms of hydrogenation of the O-face by chemisorptions process and the energetic location of the charge-neutrality level of ZnO. Our results reveal insight into the role of hydrogen in forming the quasi-2DEG and stabilizing the O-polar nonreconstructed surface.
Enhancing Career Development Through the Career Success Club

The career development of students, demonstrated by students performing appropriate career developmental tasks, is important to institutions of higher education because career developed students are more likely to have career objectives, persist in their academic goals, gain career-related work experience, find employment in their chosen fields, and graduate. The purpose of this study was to determine if the career development of students by class level had been enhanced by participation in a career management plan specifically prepared for undergraduates. The intervention of a career management plan (i.e., the Career Success Club) was successful, especially for seniors and middles, in enhancing the career development of undergraduates. Career management plans may help students that are academically undecided to become more connected to their majors by focusing more on academic and career matters.
Socialism and Catholicism in Ireland

There is no man or movement in modern Irish history that can be intelligibly discussed apart from the Roman Catholic church in Ireland. That Church had for centuries been intimately bound up with nearly every phase of Irish life. Taking the measure of so complex and venerable an institution is an enormous task. Since there is no general history of the Church in Ireland, the main difficulty is in maintaining perspective. In confining the discussion to the narrower limits of the relations between the Irish Labour movement and the Church, an obvious distortion is attendent. Seeing the Church in microcosm is not seeing it whole and constant, if indeed such a thing is possible. Examining it with regard to Irish Labour is actually taking liberties with its historical context. Two unequal figures are in contention on the Irish stage, and the Church, which is certainly the larger of the two, suffers proportionately by having to play so limited a role.
Advances in the diagnosis of tuberculosis

Abstract: Although tuberculosis remains one of the world's great public health problems, approaches to the diagnosis of both active disease and latent infection have changed little in the past 100 years. New diagnostics are critical to gaining control of this epidemic around the world. In the last few years, several new technologies have emerged which hold great promise in this regard. Broth-based culture systems, nucleic acid amplification assays, and enhanced culture techniques have the ability to greatly improve sensitivity of diagnosis and to speed detection of cases and of drug resistance. Interferon gamma release assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection have significantly improved specificity as compared to tuberculin skin testing and are coming into wide clinical use. Taken together, these advances should add to global tuberculosis control efforts.
Microsomal oxidases in the flesh fly (Sarcophaga bullata Parker) and the black blow fly [Phormia regina (Meigen)]

Abstract The microsomal oxidase system in the flesh fly ( Sarcophaga bullata Parker) and the black blow fly [ Phormia regina (Meigen)] was examined using aldrin as substrate. In both species the oxidase requires NADPH and is inhibited by CO and by piperonyl butoxide. The enzyme activity changes significantly during larval development, reaching a maximum shortly before puparium formation then declining during the pupal stage and increasing again in adults. Dietary sodium phenobarbital at 0. 1– 0.5% increases the oxidase activity up to 60- and 56-fold in the larvae of blow flies and flesh flies, respectively.
Environmental risk perception, activism and world-mindedness among samples of British and U.S. college students.

Szrmmay.-Hypotheses were tested thar grcarer perception of environmental risk and stronger world-minded value orientar~nn ale associated with more pro-environmental behavior among samples of British (11 =96) and U.S. (n = 119) college students. Risk perception was assessed in terms of emotional and cognitive aspects. Behavior was assessed in terms of present action and commitment to future action. The hypotheses were generally supported for both samples, with emotionality in risk perception tending to be more strongly related to pro-environmental behavior. Greater perceptions of risk and activism were also related to stronger world-mindedness. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of emotionality in pro-environmental activism and an hypothesis about superordinate goals.
Evolutionarily Conserved Pattern of AMPA Receptor Subunit Glycosylation in Mammalian Frontal Cortex

Protein glycosylation may contribute to the evolution of mammalian brain complexity by adapting excitatory neurotransmission in response to environmental and social cues. Balanced excitatory synaptic transmission is primarily mediated by glutamatergic neurotransmission. Previous studies have found that subunits of the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptor are N-glycosylated, which may play a critical role in AMPA receptor trafficking and function at the cell membrane. Studies have predominantly used rodent models to address altered glycosylation in human pathological conditions. Given the rate of mammalian brain evolution and the predicted rate of change in the brain-specific glycoproteome, we asked if there are species-specific changes in glycoprotein expression, focusing on the AMPA receptor. N-glycosylation of AMPA receptor subunits was investigated in rat (Rattus norvegicus), tree shrew (Tupaia glis belangeri), macaque (Macaca nemestrina), and human frontal cortex tissue using a combination of enzymatic deglycosylation and Western blot analysis, as well as lectin binding assays. We found that two AMPA receptor subunits, GluA2 and GluA4, are sensitive to deglycosylation with Endo H and PNGase F. When we enriched for glycosylated proteins using lectin binding assays, we found that all four AMPA receptor subunits are glycosylated, and were predominantly recognized by lectins that bind to glucose or mannose, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), or 1-6αfucose. We found differences in glycosylation between different subunits, as well as modest differences in glycosylation of homologous subunits between different species.
Revegetation of abandoned sulphur Flotation Waste in Keçiborlu, Isparta/Turkey: heavy metals concentrations of growing media and Agropyron elongatum grass.

The main objectives of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness of using amendment materials (calcareous soil and farmyard manure) and to grow Agropyron elongatum (tall wheat grass) for the revegetation of sulphur flotation waste in tailing ponds. Calcareous soil (CS) at 10, 20, 30, 40% and farmyard manure (FYM) at 4, 8% were applied to the flotation waste (FW). pH, electrical conductivity (EC), DTPA-extractable Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pd, Cd, Co concentrations of growing media, also, total Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pd, Cd, Co concentrations of plants were analysed together with the dry weight yield of the plant which were determined at end of the experiment. The results have shown that pH, shoot Zn, Mn, Cu and Pb concentrations increased by CS-alone but this increment tended to decrease by FYM. The EC, DTPA-extractable Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co and shoot Fe, Ni, Cr, Co concentrations were decreased by CS-alone, but this decline tended to increase by FYM. There was no change in DTPA-extractable Pb and Cd concentrations between CS and CS with FYM. The dry weight of the plant shoots increased CS with FYM more than CS-alone. The plant grew well and had high cover in CS with FYM treatments compared to CS-alone. However this work indicates that A. elongatum can be used to revegetate sulphur flotation waste, further studies with different plant species are needed in order to obtain better plant cover in revegetation efforts.
Misuse of Information-Theoretic Dispersion Measures as Design Complexity Metrics

Complexity is defined as a quality of an object with many interwoven elements, aspects, details, or attributes that makes the whole object difficult to understand in a collective sense. Many measures of design complexity have been proposed in the literature. Of these the most popular are Information-theoretic metrics, such as Information Content based on Suh’s Axiomatic Theory and Entropy based on Shannon’s Information Theory. In this paper we will show that not only these metrics do not provide common sense measures of complexity, but they also do not possess proper mathematical properties. At best, they are geared towards measuring a designs goodness of fit rather than its complexity. It is hoped that this paper will generate some debate on strongly held beliefs in the design theory community.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Parallel solution of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind by orthogonal polynomial expansions

Abstract Given a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind, the Nystrom method based on an n -point Gaussian quadrature rule and the perturbed Galerkin method in which inner products and integral transforms are approximated using the Gaussian rule, are equivalent in the sense that the Nystrom interpolant and the orthogonal polynomial expansion of degree n − 1> agree at the n quadrature nodes. The perturbed collocation method, using the n quadrature nodes as collocation points, in which integral transforms are approximated using the Gaussian rule, is also equivalent. A practical implication is that one can set up and solve the simple n × n linear system corresponding to the Nystrom method, and then easily transform the result to that of the perturbed Galerkin method, in order to economically gain the advantages of the orthogonal expansion. This approach appears particularly useful for the numerical solution on multiprocessor systems of the integral formulation of certain two-point boundary value problems. The paper analyzes the relationship among numerical methods, it establishes the weighted least-squares convergence of the orthogonal expansions, and it describes corresponding parallel algorithms.
Vibrational relaxation of the C-X stretching mode in halobenzenes

Abstract The Raman linewidths of the carbon-halogen stretching mode in several halobenzenes were measured as a function of temperature and in dilute cyclohexane solution. It was found that, as in an earlier investigation on haloalkanes, the vibrational relaxation efficiencies, τ−1iso, vary in the order Cl > Br > I. The temperature dependence of τiso, together with the results in dilute solution, provide evidence that dipolar interactions play a significant role in vibrational relaxation in these systems.
Mesoscale simulation of the configuration-dependent shock-compression response of Ni + Al powder mixtures

Abstract Mesoscale simulations of the shock-compression response of nickel and aluminum powder mixtures have been performed to investigate the influence of particle configuration (size, shape and distribution) on the micromechanical processes of deformation, mass flow and mixing. Real microstructures were constructed from scanning electron microscopy montages of the starting mixtures pre-pressed at various densities [Eakins D, Thadhani NN, J Appl Phys, 2007;101:043508]. The travel of the high-pressure disturbance was used to determine the equation-of-state of the mixture material, and compared to the results of real-time experiments for validation. Observations of particle-level processes were used to formulate an understanding of the wide range of macroscopic behaviors exhibited as a function of particle morphology and distribution, porosity, and dissimilarities in properties of the two constituents. The results reveal the effects of particle heterogeneity on the physical, chemical and micromechanical response of shock-compressed Ni + Al powder mixtures, and their role in the initiation of shock-induced chemical reactions.
A re-evaluation of imaging criteria to assess aggressive masticator space tumors

Purpose To evaluate the correlation between the gross imaging evidence of an aggressive masticator space (MS) tumor and the presence of such a MS malignancy. Materials and Methods Thirty patients were identified retrospectively who had a malignancy that either arose in or metastasized to the MS, had pathologic verification of the diagnosis, and had magnetic resonance (MR) and/or computed tomographic (CT) images. Specifically evaluated was the presence or absence of gross imaging evidence of mandibular erosion and the integrity of the medial MS fascia as evaluated by a smooth margin between this fascia and the parapharyngeal space fat. Results Of the 30 tumors, 28 were high-grade malignancies and 2 were histiocytoses. Of these, 5 had mandibular erosion and violation of the MS fascia, 19 had bone erosion with an intact fascia, 4 had neither bone erosion nor fascial violation (3 of these patients were under the age of 20 years), and 2 had fascial violation with no bone erosion. Conclusions In 76.7% of patients with a malignancy arising in the MS, on imaging the medial MS fascia was grossly intact. There were 4 patients with MS malignancy and neither violation of the medial MS fascia nor mandibular bone erosion. Thus, these imaging findings may not be good criteria to evaluate the presence of a high-grade MS malignancy, especially if the patient is under the age of 20 years, in which age group MS sarcomas are more likely to arise. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck19: 335–341, 1997.
A classification of 2-complexes with nontrivial self-covers

Abstract The main result is the classification of finite regular 2-complexes which have a nontrivial finite-sheeted self-cover. It is shown that a 2-complex K is a member of this class if and only if it may be decomposed as a collection of annuli and circles in the sense made precise in the paper. Intuitively, K is recovered by gluing the boundary components of the annuli to the circles via covering maps.
Electrical spin injection into semiconductors

We present the results of a theoretical model describing electrical spin injection from a spin-polarized contact into a nonmagnetic semiconductor. The model includes the possibility of interface resistance due, for example, to a tunnel barrier at the contact/semiconductor heterojunction, and shows that such interface resistance can be critical in determining spin injection properties. With no interface resistance spin injection is very weak for contacts with typical metallic resistivities. For higher bulk resistivity contacts, such as doped semiconductors, or for completely spin-polarized contacts, strong spin injection is possible without significant interface resistance. However the spin polarization must be extremely close to complete for contacts with metallic resistivities. A tunnel barrier with spin-dependent interface resistance can greatly enhance spin injection. An insulating tunnel barrier with a spin-polarized contact, and a ferromagnetic insulator tunnel barrier, both have spin-dependent interface resistance, and provide two promising approaches to achieve significant electrical spin injection. The model is consistent with a variety of experimental observations, identifies the basic physics problems that must be addressed to achieve a high degree of spin injection, and suggests systematic strategies to achieve strong spin injection.
Audiometric evaluation of stapes mobilization surgery.

Since Rosen's (10) reintroduction six years ago of a stapes mobilization procedure for the surgical treatment of clinical otosclerosis, many otologists have been utilizing the technique with encouraging results. As Philip E. Meltzer (7) has so dramatically phrased it, “This operation has fired the imagination of otologists throughout the world, and aroused in the mind of the layman a reaction burning with hope for the alleviation of deafness”.The incidence of success, in terms of achieving the so-called “serviceable hearing level” of 20-30 db, still does not approach that of the Lempert fenestration procedure. However, as Goodman, Bilger, & Walsh (3) have shown, an unsuccessful surgical attempt at mobilization of the stapes does not preclude the fenestration approach, and many surgeons consider it favorably as a preliminary therapeutic step. In addition, stapes surgery is feasible in selected cases for which fenestration must be delayed because of the minimal extent of loss in the early stages of otoscler...
The Novel Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Azilsartan Medoxomil Ameliorates Insulin Resistance Induced by Chronic Angiotensin II Treatment in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Angiotensin receptor (type 1) blockers (ARBs) can reduce both hypertension and insulin resistance induced by local and systemic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The effectiveness of azilsartan medoxomil (AZIL-M), a novel imidazole-based ARB, to facilitate metabolic improvements in conditions of angiotensin II (Ang II)-associated insulin resistance is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chronic AZIL-M treatment on glucose transport activity and key insulin signaling elements in red skeletal muscle of Ang II-treated rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 8 weeks with or without Ang II (200 ng/kg/min) combined with either vehicle or AZIL-M (1 mg/kg/day). Ang II induced significant (p 473 (81%) and Thr308 (23%)] and AS160 Thr642 (42%), in red gastrocnemius muscle frozen in situ. Absolute AMPKα (Thr172) phosphorylation increased (98%) by AZIL-M treatment, and relative Thr389 phosphorylation of p70 S6K1, a negative regulator of insulin signaling, decreased (51%) with AZIL-M treatment. These results indicate that ARB AZIL-M improves the in vitro insulin action on glucose transport in red soleus muscle and the functionality of the Akt/AS160 axis in red gastrocnemius muscle in situ in Ang II-induced insulin-resistant rats, with the latter modification possibly associated with enhanced AMPKα and suppressed p70 S6K1 activation.
Synthesis of TlBaCaCuO superconductive films with Tl diffusion into BaCaCu precursors

SUMMARY The superconducting phase Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 was formed via Tl diffusion into an ink precursor film with a mixture of Ba, Ca, and Cu oxides. Corresponding transition temperatures were found to be75—85 K for the 2212 phase and 103 K for the initial drop (whichmay be due to small percentage of another phase with higher Tc value).From XRD analysis, it was found that Tl treatment times of 4—Shours produce the most pure 2212 phase. Times shorter than that do not allow complete Tl diffusion to occur, and longer times resultin additional phase formation.From previous work, the phase formation in the Tl—Ba—Ca—Cu—Osystem is dependent on the precursor temperature during the vapor treatment. The "two—layer" structures form in a temperature windowaround 810 °C in "two zone" furnace.This vapor process for introducing Tl into precursor films of Ba—Ca—Cu oxides is one which has been incorporated in a similarprocess to produce thin films. The precursor has been deposited byRF plasma deposition, as reported earlier.6 Our future work willbe concentrating on the Tl treatment of plasma deposited precursor