cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ion Channel Effects of Pinacidil in Vascular Muscle

Cellular investigation of the vasodilator, pinacidil, was carried out to determine the membrane mechanisms leading to vascular muscle relaxation. Patch clamp recording of whole cell currents from isolated vascular muscle cells of rat azygos vein demonstrated a significant increase in K+ currents when 1 to 50 µmol/L pinacidil was added. The increases of K+ current by pinacidil were small (number of openings increased by 2%) when the recording pipette (and intracellular solution) contained 10 mmol/L EGTA, but were relatively large (50–300% increase in number of openings) when calcium in the intracellular solution was > 300 µmol/L. These observations suggest that pinacidil causes vasodilatation by increasing potassium conductance, primarily or completely via the large (200pS), calcium-dependent K+ channel.
Sequential histomorphometric analysis of regenerate osteogenesis following mandibular distraction in the rat

Summary Few studies of distraction osteogenesis in the craniofacial region have examined the dynamic nature of the bone healing process. This study investigated bone formation in distraction sites at various times following slow, moderate, and rapid rates of mandibular distraction in adult rats. After a 3-day latency period, 16 groups of 8–9 rats underwent unilateral mandibular distraction for 5 days at four different rates (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mm/day) and were sacrificed at four different time points (6, 10, 24, and 38 days). Vital bone labels were injected prior to sacrifice and histological sections were examined under epifluorescence to measure mineral apposition rate (MAR) and the number of red and green pixels that corresponded to the wavelengths of the two bone labels. These pixel counts were designed to quantify the amount of fluorescent bone formation. For MAR and the pixel counts, no significant differences were found between the distraction rate groups. Over time, MAR was significantly higher (p
An assessment of adjunctive behavior in a safety-signal paradigm

Three groups of rats were exposed to 0.4 mA shock presentations on a VT 30-sec schedule. Behavior was monitored during 35-sec shock-free periods inserted randomly after 15 of the 60 shocks per session. In the no-signal and random-signal control groups the behavior patterns which developed were similar to defense or fear reactions. In the safety-signal group, in which a tone signalled the 35-sec no-shock periods, a pattern of adjunctive and facultative behaviors developed including marked increases in grooming and rearing behaviors. No evidence of adjunctive drinking was found in any of the three groups.
An IR Spectroscopic Characterization Of The Blood Component Platelet Activating Factor

The platelet activating factor, PAF, has been recently identified as an ether lipid with dramatic bioreactivity. The present IR spectroscopic investigation demonstrates that in an aqueous environment PAF can assume three different structures, a micellar form at tempera-tures above 21°C, a solid-like opaque lamellar form at temperatures below 12°C, and an intermediate transparent lamellar form that exists at temperatures between 12 and 21A‚Â°C. The three structures are separated by two reversible phase transitions; however, the rate of the reversed micellar to lamellar change is negatively temperature dependent, i.e., about 6 min at -1°C and 12 min at 3°C, and slower than the lamellar to micellar change.
Performance Improvement with the Change Detection System

Analysis of aerial-collected imagery often involves a comparison between two geographically referenced images to assess temporal changes. Change detection refers to the technique of comparing a pair of images that have been collected from approximately the same georeferenced area, but at different times. The intent of the analysis is to identify differences, often quite small, in a given geospatial area. Numerous factors can cause visible changes in two georeferenced but temporally separated images. Although computers can be used to identify differences in the pixels of an image, the computer continues to be unable to assess what differences between images have contextual importance. Therefore, the human remains the best tool for assessing differences in images, but the human may not be the best tool for detecting differences in images without direct aid. To better assist individuals engaged in such endeavors, a Change Detection Software system, CDS©, was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory.
Severe otorrhagia resulting from a ruptured aneurysm of the extracranial internal carotid artery

Abstract Severe otorrhagia was the presenting sign of a ruptured aneurysm of the extracranial internal carotid artery. An unusual collateral circulation was demonstrated angiographically, and it complicated treatment. Satisfactory results were obtained by entrapment of the aneurysm.
MORAL REFORM, MORAL DISAGREEMENT, AND ABORTION

Bernard Gert argues that legitimate moral disagreement calls for tolerance and moral humility; when there is more than one morally acceptable course of action, then intolerance and what Gert calls "moral arrogance" would be objectionable. This article identifies some possible difficulties in distinguishing moral arrogance from moral reform and then examines Gert's treatment of abortion as a contemporary example of moral disagreement that he characterizes as irresolvable.
Working with very young refugee children in our schools: Implications for the world's teachers

Abstract Increasing numbers of very young refugee children are entering the world's schools. Yet, for the most part, very few teachers are prepared to respond to this unique population. This study uses qualitative methodology to answer the following questions: 1: What are unique issues (social/emotional and academic) facing very young refugee children in our schools? and, 2): How can teachers assist very young refugee children in becoming more successful?
Secondary atomization in the combustion of electrostatic sprays

The combustion of electrosprays in a laminar counterflow diffusion flame has been experimentally studied by measuring droplet size and velocity distributions and gas-phase temperature. Detailed examination of the evolution of droplet size distribution as droplets approach the flame shows that, if substantial evaporation occurs before droplets 'interact' with the flame, the size distribution becomes bimodal. A secondary, sharp peak, in fact, develops in correspondence of diameters about one order of magnitude smaller than the mean. No evaporation mechanism can account for the development of such bimodality, that can be explained only in terms of a disintegration of droplets into finer fragments of size much smaller than the parent ones. This fission is of electric nature and it occurs when the repulsion of electric charges overcomes the surface tension cohesive force ultimately leading to a disintegration into finer fragments at or about the so-called Rayleigh limit. We here report on the first observation in combustion environments of such 'explosions'. If, on the other hand, droplets enter the very high temperature region before exploding, there appears to be no evidence of bimodality in their size distribution. In this case, in fact, flame chemi-ions may neutralize the charge on the droplets and thus prevent disruption.
Modeling Cu thin film growth

A general overview of methods of modeling thin film growth on an atomic scale is provided, focusing on molecular dynamics (MD), energy minimization, and Monte Carlo methods. We emphasize how different methods can be integrated to provide a more powerful predictive capability. We give examples of how one can use atomic-level information to predict nucleation rates and facet growth rates of Cu islands.
Correlation Energy of Two‐Electron Systems

Correlated closed- and open-shell functions considering 1/Z expansion for obtaining corresponding first-order wave functions and second-order energy
Psychogenic mechanisms of prolonged autobiographical retrograde amnesia

Abstract Much of the previous literature on retrograde amnesia (RA) has emphasized either psychogenic or neurologic explanations. Two cases of persistent RA for autobiographical material after cerebral dysfunction are described, including 9-year follow-up data. Each case had both psychogenic features and evidence of left temporal lobe dysfunction, although the latter was transient in one case. For these cases there was no likely neurologic explanation for RA, and the data suggested psychogenic etiology. Distinguishing features of neurologic and psychogenic causes of RA are summarized. It is recommended that researchers investigating presumptive cases of RA of neurologic origin rule out psychogenic explanations through hypnosis or sodium amytal interviews and careful review of history.
Timna: a framework for automatically combining aspect mining analyses

To realize the benefits of Aspect Oriented Programming (AOP), developers must refactor active and legacy code bases into an AOP language. When refactoring, developers first need to identify refactoring candidates, a process called aspect mining. Humans perform mining by using a variety of clues to determine which code to refactor. However, existing approaches to automating the aspect mining process focus on developing analyses of a single program characteristic. Each analysis often finds only a subset of possible refactoring candidates and is unlikely to find candidates which humans find by combining analyses. In this paper, we present Timna, a framework for enabling the automatic combination of aspect mining analyses. The key insight is the use of machine learning to learn when to refactor, from vetted examples. Experimental evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of Timna in comparison to Fan-in, a leading aspect mining analysis, indicates that such a framework for automatically combining analyses is very promising.
Matrix Superpotentials of Special Form

We present a classification of matrix superpotentials corresponding to exactly solvable Schrodinger equations and consider superpotentials of a special form $$ {W}_k=kQ+\frac{1}{k}R $$ , where k is a parameter, P and R are Hermitian matrices depending on the variable x. The list of two-dimensional matrix potentials is presented in the explicit form.
Discussion of “Latent Structures-Based Multivariate Statistical Process Control: A Paradigm Shift”

In this discussion of the article "Latent Structures-Based Multivariate Statistical Process Control: A Paradigm Shift" by Alberto Ferrer, Lin focuses on some relevant considerations related to the increasing presence of big data environment.
Effect of Coating Thickness on the Friction Coefficients and Torque-Tension Relationship in Threaded Fasteners

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of coating thickness on the thread, bearing friction coefficients, and torque-tension relationship in threaded fasteners, as well as an investigation into the effect of coating thickness on surface roughness properties. The torque-tension relationship is highly sensitive to frictional changes. Two different coating thicknesses are investigated using two bolt thread pitch; test data are collected for a preselected level of bolt tension. The experimental setup collects real-time data on the tightening torque, bolt tension, and the corresponding reaction torque. Test data are used for calculating the thread and bearing friction coefficients, as well as the overall torque-tension relationship for two different coating thicknesses. The study would provide an insight into the variation in the torque-tension relationship, which is a key factor that significantly affect the reliability and safety of bolted assemblies in many mechanical and structural applications.
Comment: Human contribution to climate change increasingly clear

[A response to the Forum article, “Human Contribution to Climate Change Remains Questionable” by Fred Singer (April 20, 1999)] In 1957, Roger Revelle and H. E. Seuss wrote that “human beings are now carrying out a large scale geophysical experiment of a kind that could not have happened in the past nor be reproduced in the future. Within a few centuries we are returning to the atmosphere and oceans the concentrated organic carbon stored in sedimentary rocks over hundreds of millions of years.”
A DC Transformer

A component level dc transformer is described in which no alternating currents or voltages are present. It operates by combining features of a homopolar motor and a homopolar generator, both dc devices, such that the output voltage of a dc power supply can be stepped up (or down) with a corresponding step down (or up) in the current. The basic theory for this device is developed, performance predictions are made, and the results from a small prototype are presented. Based on demonstrated technology in the literature, this dc transformer should be scalable to low megawatt levels, but it is more suited to high current than high voltage applications. Significant development would be required before it could achieve the kilovolt levels needed for dc power transmission.
When safety culture backfires: Unintended consequences of half-shared governance in a high tech workplace

Abstract This paper applies concepts from the sociology and anthropology of organizations to understand limits to the implementation of a more effective safety culture in the workplace. It highlights unintended consequences of combining bureaucratic control and shared governance and identifies sources of inertia within already existing safety cultures. The data come from focus group interviews with workers in a research and development facility of a multinational corporation in the Western U.S. It is found that safety protocols, rules, and rhetoric, combined with efforts to give workers more responsibility for safety in the workplace, create tendencies toward worker alienation, shame with regard to injuries, complacency, and fear of bureaucratic processes. Therefore it appears that some efforts to create safety culture in the workplace may unintentionally undermine the goal of manufacturing safety.
Blue-green solid state upconversion lasers

We review the progress which has been made in the last several years on the development of upconversion lasers operating in the blue-green spectral region in terms of the nonlinear pumping mechanisms involved. Both single crystal and glass fiber systems are discussed
DNA Nicks and Nodes and Nanotechnology

The properties that make DNA such an effective molecule for genetic material also make it a superb molecule for nanotechnology, when stable, stiff branched species are combined with cohesive interactions. Reciprocal crossovers between single strands of duplex or complex molecules lead to a panoply of motifs that can be used for DNA nanotechnology. A general derivation of these molecules is shown here, including components of devices and periodic or algorithmic arrays.
On the Use of Site Data to Define Extreme Turbulence Conditions for Wind Turbine Design

In wind turbine design, external conditions to be considered depend on the intended site for the planned installation. Wind turbine classes, defined in terms of wind speed and turbulence parameters, cover most sites and applications. In the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC's) 61400-1 standard, there is a design load case that requires consideration for ultimate loading resulting from extreme turbulence conditions. Since site-specific wind conditions should not compromise the structural integrity of turbine installations, at some sites where class-based design may not apply, there is sometimes a need to establish extreme turbulence (50-year) levels as part of site assessment by making use of measurements. This should be done in a manner consistent with class-based design where the extreme turbulence model (ETM) provides 50-year turbulence standard deviation (σ) value as a function of the ten minute average hub-height wind speed, V. For one site in Germany and three contrasting terrain sites in Japan, wind velocity data are used to establish 50-year ETM levels. The inverse first-order reliability method (IFORM) is applied with 10 min data for this purpose. Sometimes, as in assessing wind farm wake effects, analysis of turbulence levels by direction sector is important because normal and extreme turbulence levels can vary by sector. We compare ETM levels by sector for the Hamburg, Germany site. The influence of terrain complexity on ETM levels is also of interest; the three sites in Japan have contrasting terrain characteristics—referred to as flat, hilly, and mountainous. ETM levels are compared for these three terrain types. An important overall finding of this study is that site-specific ETM levels can greatly exceed levels specified in the standard for class-based design.
Changes in myocardial blood flow during development of and recovery from tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUNDChronic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) causes a dilated cardiomyopathy and myocyte injury. Termination of SVT improves left ventricular (LV) function but is associated with LV hypertrophy. Changes in myocardial blood flow (MBF) that may accompany the development of and recovery from SVT cardiomyopathy might have a significant effect on LV function and myocyte structure. The goal of this study was to relate changes in LV function, myocyte composition, and coronary vascular structure to changes in MBF with the development and recovery of SVT cardiomyopathy.METHODS AND RESULTSLV function and MBF were measured in three groups of conscious pigs: sham control (control; n = 8), after 3 weeks of atrial pacing (SVT, 240 beats per minute; n = 8), and after a 4-week recovery from SVT (post-SVT; n = 8) by echocardiography catheterization and microspheres. Measurements were made under three states: 1) at rest with a basal heart rate, 2) rapid atrial pacing (240 beats per minute), and 3) during adenosine ...
Regulation of cell proliferation and malignant potential by irisin in endometrial, colon, thyroid and esophageal cancer cell lines.

Abstract Objective Irisin is a novel hormone that has been proposed to mediate the beneficial effects of exercise on metabolism, including body weight regulation and insulin resistance. No previous studies have evaluated whether irisin may regulate cell proliferation and malignant potential of obesity-related cancer cell lines. Materials/Methods Cell proliferation and malignant potential i.e. cell adhesion and colony formation were studied in vitro using human and mouse obesity-related cancer cell lines i.e. endometrial (KLE and RL95-2), colon (HT29 and MCA38), thyroid (SW579 and BHP7) and esophageal (OE13 and OE33). Results We observed that, in contrast to metformin, cell proliferation is not regulated by irisin in a dose-dependent manner in human and mouse obesity-related cancer cell lines. Specifically, physiological (5 to 10 nmol/L) and high physiological/pharmacological (50 to 100 nmol/L) concentrations of irisin had no effect on cell proliferation when compared to control in human and mouse endometrial, colon, thyroid and esophageal cancer cell lines. Also, we observed that, in contrast to metformin, neither physiological nor high physiological/pharmacological concentrations of irisin regulate cell adhesion and/or colony formation in human and mouse endometrial, colon, thyroid and esophageal cancer cell lines. Conclusions Our data suggest that irisin, in physiological and high physiological/pharmacological concentrations, has no in vitro effect on cell proliferation and malignant potential of obesity-related cancer cell lines. Future work is needed to determine the regulation of irisin levels and any physiological effects it may have on obesity-related cancers in vivo in animals and humans.
Lincolnian Natural Right, Dred Scott, and the Jurisprudence of John McLean

John McLean's opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) has been considered by most scholars as the weaker of the case's two dissenting opinions. McLean's presidential ambitions were well known, and, as a consequence, much of the moral language employed in his opinion has been interpreted as obiter dictum directed at placating the abolitionist sentiment of the emerging Republican Party. In this essay, I argue that much of the contemporary criticism of McLean's opinion is ill-founded. Don Fehrenbacher's observation that McLean's opinion is not as “thorough, scholarly, and polished” as the fellow dissent of Benjamin Curtis seems, in some sense, to be correct; nevertheless, McLean offers a powerful challenge to some key aspects of Curtis's celebrated dissent. Specifically, McLean shares in common with Lincoln a theory of constitutional aspiration and an understanding of natural right that is absent from Curtis's opinion and that compels McLean to differ from Curtis on the Fifth Amendment question.
On estimating output power from gasdynamic lasers

Abstract The assumptions for the maximum-reasonable-gain method to analyze gasdynamic lasers are used to predict a maximum-reasonable-energy method in agreement with published data.
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor decreases apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells in vitro * **

Background/Purpose: The production of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is upregulated during organ injury and has a cytoprotective effect during hypoxic stress in intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injuries in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine if HB-EGF-related cytoprotection is manifested through alterations in apoptosis. Methods: Human intestinal epithelial cell monolayers (DLD-1 and Caco-2) were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1 (20 ng/mL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (40 ng/mL), and interferon (IFN)-γ (10 ng/mL) with or without HB-EGF (1, 10 or 100 ng/mL) and analyzed for rates of apoptosis utilizing a Cell Death Detection ELISA and flow cytometry. Results: ELISA results showed a 3-fold increase in the level of apoptosis during stimulation with cytokines compared with nonstimulated cells (P <.05). Relative levels of cytokineinduced apoptosis were reduced after 12 hours of HB-EGF exposure (P <.05) in a dose-dependent fashion. Results of flow cytometric analysis also showed a reduction in apoptosis at 6 hours when cell monolayers were stimulated with cytokines in conjunction with HB-EGF compared with cytokines alone (P <.05). Conclusions: HB-EGF downregulated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells exposed to proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. The results of this study suggest that alterations in apoptosis may represent a possible mechanism by which this growth factor exerts its cytoprotective effect at the mucosal level during the proinflammatory state. J Pediatr Surg 36:1130-1135. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Spirituality and religiosity in practice: In‐depth interviews of social work practitioners

Abstract. This study explored the attitudes of social workers towards spiritual and religious issues in practice, using in‐depth interviews of 56 Utah practitioners. Several key themes emerged: (1) spirituality and religiosity are different issues, but both should be considered in working with all client populations; (2) formal training for social workers currently does not provide the knowledge and skills that are required for practice with spiritual and religious issues; (3) social workers need to understand their own beliefs and biases about spirituality and religiosity and tend to their own spiritual growth; and (4) spiritual and religious content can be integrated into existing social work curricula.
Dam removal: Physical, biological, and societal considerations

(1) Grad. Student and Assoc. Prof., respectively. Dept of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907. (PH: 765-494-0258, FAX: 765496-1210, email: mdoyle@purdue.edu, jharbor@purdue.edu) (2) Asst. Prof. And Undergrad Student, respectively. Center for Limnology, Univ of Wisconsin, 680 N. Park St., Madison, WI 53706 (PH: 608-263-2567, FAX: 608-2652340, email: ehstanley@facstaff.wisc.edu, maluebke@students.wisc.edu)
A Simplified Liquid Feeding Program for Calves

Abstract In a comparison of two liquid feeding plans, 39 Holstein heifer calves on the conventional program received 1.59kg of normal herd milk warmed to 32 to 38°C twice daily until abruptly weaned at 42 days of age. The 41 calves on the restricted or simplified program received 3.18kg of colostrum once daily to 21 days of age when abruptly weaned. The colostrum was preserved by freezing and was fed cold (2 to 7°C). All calves received the same starter ration free-choice from birth until 60 days of age. Calves then were transferred from individual pens to common groups. Daily weight gains to 6 wk of age were greater for the conventional program (.46kg) than the simplified program (.37kg). During this period starter intake was 36% higher for the simplified program, a result apparently related to the earlier weaning age. Rates of gain (kg/day) from birth to 6, 12, and 24 mo for the conventional and simplified programs were: .65, .64; .69, .69; and .58, .59. Body weights and withers heights at freshening were essentially equal. Services per conception and 305-day mature equivalent milk yields (kg) were 1.44 and 6,111 and 1.48 and 6,389 for conventional and simplified programs. From birth through first lactation 5 animals were lost on the conventional and 6 on the simplified program. On the conventional program 1 calf was lost before weaning, 1 between weaning and 6 mo of age, and 3 after 2 yr of age. Corresponding losses for the simplified program were 3, 0, and 3. Health was excellent with no discernible adverse effects resulting from the restricted liquid feeding program.
Modeling tensile response and flow localization effects in selected copper alloys

Radiation-induced defect structures are known to elevate material yield strength and reduce material ductility. Together, these changes substantially reduce uniform elongation compared to the unirradiated material condition so that the small strains induce plastic instability. This process, commonly known as flow localization, is examined here for selected copper alloys and compared to similar response in 316SS. It is found that uniform elongation levels are limited by a critical material strength which is independent of the irradiation damage state. This result establishes that the details of the post-yield flow and strain hardening processes are less important than the critical stress for controlling plastic instability. In the case of OFHC Cu, post-irradiation heat treatment restores some initial ductility, but also reduces the critical stress for incipient flow localization.
BEHAVIORAL MOMENTUM IN COMPUTER-PRESENTED DISCRIMINATIONS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE MENTAL RETARDATION

Behavioral momentum was examined in 2 individuals with severe mental retardation via within-subject manipulations of obtained reinforcer rates. Subjects performed self-paced discrimination problems presented on a touch screen computer monitor. Two different problems, Tasks A and B, alternated in blocks of 15 trials on a multiple schedule. Reinforcers were snack foods. The reinforcement schedule for Task A was continuous (fixed-ratio 1) and the schedule for Task B was continuous in some conditions and variable ratio in other conditions. Behavioral momentum was assessed in test sessions by prefeeding, presenting response-independent food, and making available alternatives to the tasks. When the obtained reinforcer rate for Task A was at least twice that for Task B, resistance to change was greater for Task A. When both reinforcer rates and response rates were a pproximately equal for the two tasks, resistance to change was approximately equal. These results are consistent with behavioral momentum effects. They extend previous findings with humans by examining momentum in self-initiated discrete-trial discrimination tasks with ratio schedules, and by isolating relative reinforcer rates as a controlling variable via within-subject manipulations.
Intrapersonal and interactional empowerment: Implications for theory

This study builds on previous research linking empowerment theory with community participation. Empowerment theory has been criticized as overly individualistic and conflict-oriented resulting in an emphasis on mastery and control rather than cooperation and community. The purpose was to develop a measure of interactional empowerment (assessing intellectual understandings of power and social change) and compare scores on this measure with scores on a measure of intrapersonal empowerment (assessing one's personal sense of control and efficacy). Results found that persons with greater levels of intrapersonal empowerment reported participating in community activities with greater frequency than persons with lower levels of intrapersonal empowerment. Persons with greater levels of interactional empowerment reported participating in organizational activities and having a stronger sense of community than persons with lower levels of interactional empowerment. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Inpatient hyperglycemia: slide through the scale but cover the bases first.

A very compelling and growing body of evidence highlights the benefits to hospitalized patients of intensive (insulin-based) glycemic control. However, we have a tendency to attend to patients’ “acute” problems during inpatient stays, and glycemic control frequently takes a backseat. As hospitalists, we frequently come across patients with diabetes admitted for various other reasons, as well as patients who develop hyperglycemia while hospitalized. During a hospital stay, it is usually not recommended that an oral hypoglycemic regimen be continued, and insulin use is necessary to more reliably control blood glucose. In this article, we emphasize the need to better manage inpatient hyperglycemia and to make a conscious effort to prescribe insulin in a more rational manner. We propose that insulin orders for an inpatient address: (1) basal insulinization, (2) meal or prandial insulin, and (3) corrective insulin. In this schema, the supplemental boluses of insulin administered to correct a blood glucose level that exceeds a set value are viewed as an adjunct to a basal/bolus insulin regimen. We also recognize the practical limitations of attaining stringent glucose targets and pinpoint those areas in need of further research.
Perceptions of the hiring decision: a subcultural analysis over time

Job applicants seek to make a positive impression during the hiring process by emphasising attributes they perceive to be important to the hiring organisation. However, significant differences have been found to exist between different US subcultures in terms of their perceptions of the importance of certain selection criteria. Hence, individuals from different subcultures may emphasise different qualities during the interview process as a result of perceived differences in importance. Thus, those making hiring decisions may be getting different impressions of applicants who may be similarly qualified but whomay come from different subcultures, because of differences in emphasised attributes. This study examines African‐American and White‐American perceptions of the importance of 26 job selection criteria, using data from 1985 and 2002. Of particular interest was to determine if subcultural perceptions had changed over time, or, in other words, if there were significant differences in the importance rankings of the 1985 and 2002 African‐American groups and, similarly, of the two White‐American groups.
Isolation of Fibrinogen–Fibrin Related Antigen from Human Plasma by Immunoaffinity Chromatography: its Characterization in Normal Subjects and in Defibrinating Patients with Abruptio Placentae and Disseminated Cancer

Summary. Highly purified, fibrinogen–fibrin related antigen (FR-antigen) was isolated with good recovery from 1.0–2.0 ml of human plasma, by immunoaffinity chromatography with antibody specific for fibrinogen and fibrin, and plasmin degradation products X, Y, D and D-D dimer. In FR-antigen from defibrinating patients there was evidence for thrombin activity alone (mainly disseminated cancer) or both plasmin and thrombin (mainly abruptio placentae). Thus, the molar ratio of N-terminal Gly – Tyr in the FR-antigen of 18 of 20 patients strongly suggested thrombin activity (95th percentile). In addition, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) on unreduced samples frequently showed bands similar in mol wt to fragments X, Y and D, and in the reduced samples A α and Bβ chain degradation, both indicating plasmin activity. N-terminal β chain Ala was elevated in the antigen of four of 20 patients, also suggesting plasmin activity (99th percentile). Combined thrombin, plasmin and factor-XIII activity, as shown by bands in similar position to D-D and γ chain dimers, was commonly associated with high levels of serum FR-antigen (> 10 mg/dl). In some defibrinating patients, especially those with disseminated cancer, heterogeneity of unreduced FR-antigen and Aα chain degradation, both indicators of mild plasmin-like activity which are commonly seen in normals, were absent.
Tendon actuated cellular mechanisms for morphing aircraft wing

Morphing aircraft wings offer great potential benefits of achieving multi mission capability as well as high maneuverability under different flight conditions. However, they present many design challenges in the form of conflicting design requirements. The current research aims to develop design methodologies for the design of a morphing aircraft wing. Focus of this work is on developing an internal mechanism of the wing that can produce the desired wing shape change. This paper presents a design methodology that employs planar unit cells of pre-determined shape and layout as the internal wing structure for achieving the desired wing shape change. This method is particularly useful in cases where the desired morphing is two-dimensional in nature. In such cases, intuitive cell designs such as diamond or hexagonal shaped cells may be used in layouts that achieve desired wing morphing. The shape change depends on the cell shape as well as cell arrangement in the design domain. In this paper, a design based on the TSCh wing (NextGen Aeronautics Inc.) using cellular mechanisms to achieve a two-dimensional wing shape change is discussed. Additionally, a reeling mechanism for achieving cable actuation is presented
Numerical Evaluation of Uncertainty in Water Retention Parameters and Effect on Predictive Uncertainty

Uncertainty assessment of flow and contaminant transport in the vadose zone entails probability density functions (PDFs) of soil hydraulic parameters. An unconventional maximum likelihood (ML) approach was used in this study to estimate the PDFs of water retention parameters (e.g., van Genuchten α and m ) for a situation common in field-scale modeling where core samples are sparse and prior PDFs of the parameters are unknown. In this situation, the unconventional ML approach approximates the PDFs as multivariate Gaussian. This study developed a method of estimating the mean and covariance of the multivariate Gaussian PDF based on the results of least square methods that can be easily obtained in practice. The developed method was applied to and evaluated through numerical simulation of unsaturated flow and tracer transport at the proposed Yucca Mountain geologic repository. Another focus of this study was to investigate the effect of uncertainty in the water retention parameters on predictive uncertainty. By comparing the predictive uncertainty before and after incorporating random water retention parameters, it was found that the random water retention parameters had limited effects on the mean predictions of the state variables including percolation flux and tracer travel time from the potential repository to the water table. Incorporating the uncertainty in the water retention parameters, however, significantly increased the magnitude and spatial extent of predictive uncertainty of the state variables. In particular, incorporating the random water retention parameters significantly changed the 5th and 95th percentiles of the tracer travel time by tens of thousands of years.
Temporal variability in water quality parameters—a case study of drinking water reservoir in Florida, USA

Our objective was to evaluate changes in water quality parameters during 1983-2007 in a subtropical drinking water reservoir (area: 7 km(2)) located in Lake Manatee Watershed (area: 338 km(2)) in Florida, USA. Most water quality parameters (color, turbidity, Secchi depth, pH, EC, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, cations, anions, and lead) were below the Florida potable water standards. Concentrations of copper exceeded the potable water standard of <30 μg l(-1) in about half of the samples. About 75 % of total N in lake was organic N (0.93 mg l(-1)) with the remainder (25 %) as inorganic N (NH3-N: 0.19, NO3-N: 0.17 mg l(-1)), while 86 % of total P was orthophosphate. Mean total N/P was <6:1 indicating N limitation in the lake. Mean monthly concentration of chlorophyll-a was much lower than the EPA water quality threshold of 20 μg l(-1). Concentrations of total N showed significant increase from 1983 to 1994 and a decrease from 1997 to 2007. Total P showed significant increase during 1983-2007. Mean concentrations of total N (n = 215; 1.24 mg l(-1)) were lower, and total P (n = 286; 0.26 mg l(-1)) was much higher than the EPA numeric criteria of 1.27 mg total N l(-1) and 0.05 mg total P l(-1) for Florida's colored lakes, respectively. Seasonal trends were observed for many water quality parameters where concentrations were typically elevated during wet months (June-September). Results suggest that reducing transport of organic N may be one potential option to protect water quality in this drinking water reservoir.
Increase in striatal dopamine D2 receptor mRNA after lesions of haloperidol treatment.

In the present study, we show that both destruction of nigral dopamine neurons by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and chronic treatment with haloperidol increase the content of D 2 mRNA and D 2 receptors within distinct parts of the striatum
Proteomic analysis of lipid raft-enriched membranes isolated from internal organelles.

Abstract The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a sub-region of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that facilitates crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria. The MAM actively influences vital cellular processes including Ca2+ signaling and protein folding. Detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) may localize proteins to the mitochondria/MAM interface to coordinate these events. However, the protein composition of DRMs isolated from this region is not known. Lipid-raft enriched DRMs were isolated from a combined mitochondria/MAM sample and analyzed using two-dimensional reversed-phased tandem mass spectrometry. Strict post-acquisition filtering of the acquired data led to the confident identification 250 DRM proteins. The majority (58%) of the identified proteins are bona fide mitochondrial or ER proteins according to Gene Ontology annotation. Additionally, 74% of the proteins have previously been noted as MAM-resident or -associated proteins. Furthermore, ∼20% of the identified proteins have a documented association with lipid rafts. Most importantly, known internal LR marker proteins (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3, erlin-2, and voltage-dependent anion channel 1) were detected as well as most of the components of the mitochondrial/MAM-localized Ca2+ signaling complex. Our study provides the basis for future work probing how the protein activities at the mitochondrion/MAM interface are dependent upon the integrity of these internal lipid-raft-like domains.
Thermal conductivity measurements of non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract Thermal conductivity measurements of five non-Newtonian aqueous solutions (Polyethylene Oxide, Polyacrylamide, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Carbopol-960 and Attagel-40) are in good agreement with the corresponding values for water up to concentrations of 10,000 wppm.
Responses of riparian reptile communities to damming and urbanization

Various anthropogenic pressures, including habitat loss, threaten reptile populations worldwide. Riparian zones are critical habitat for many reptile species, but these habitats are also frequently modified by anthropogenic activities. Our study investigated the effects of two riparian habitat modifications – damming and urbanization – on overall and species-specific reptile occupancy patterns. We used time-constrained search techniques to compile encounter histories for 28 reptile species at 21 different sites along the Broad and Pacolet Rivers of South Carolina. Using a hierarchical Bayesian analysis, we modeled reptile occupancy responses to a site’s distance upstream from dam, distance downstream from dam, and percent urban land use. The mean occupancy response by the reptile community indicated that reptile occupancy and species richness were maximized when sites were farther upstream from dams. Species-specific occupancy estimates showed a similar trend of lower occupancy immediately upstream from dams. Although the mean occupancy response of the reptile community was positively related to distance downstream from dams, the occupancy response to distance downstream varied among species. Percent urban land use had little effect on the occupancy response of the reptile community or individual species. Our results indicate that the conditions of impoundments and subsequent degradation of the riparian zones upstream from dams may not provide suitable habitat for a number of reptile species.
The structure of band society

M. G. Bicchieri, ed. Hunters and Gatherers Today: A Socioeconomic Study of Eleven Such Cultures in the Twentieth Century. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1972. xiv + 494 pp. Illustrations, maps, figures, and tables. $10.00.
Interaction of spectrin with muscle actin detected by spin labelling.

Summary Addition of spectrin to spin-labelled actin shows that the mode of interaction of these two proteins depends strongly on whether spectrin and actin are polymerized before mixing. Spectrin does not affect the EPR spectrum of spin-labelled G- or F-actin in the absence of calcium, and addition of calcium-polymerized spectrin to actin is also relatively ineffective. Mixtures which cause polymerization of spectrin onto F-actin filaments produce strong changes in spin label mobility.
116 Applicaton of a Novel Crosslinked Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogel Scaffold Improves Healing in a Rabbit Ear Ulcer Model

Introduction: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major glycosaminoglycan component of normal dermis and a major component of the matrix synthesized during wound healing. Previous studies have shown that uncrosslinked HA is rapidly degraded and cleared in vivo, limiting its clinical utility. We have used a novel HA hydrogel scaffold that is crosslinked for prolonged bioavailability. It has a porous interior and a smooth surface. This scaffold can also be fabricated with collagen and linked to proteins or DNA to direct cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesized that this novel HA formulation might itself improve wound healing by enhancing cell migration. Purpose: The present study explored the effects of a crosslinked HA hydrogel on wound healing. Methods: Using an established model of wound healing, four 7 mm punch wounds were made on each ear of New Zealand rabbits. Each wound was immediately treated with topical application of one of the following: HA hydrogel (n = 26), HA/collagen hydrogel (n = 27), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)(n = 16). Wounds were harvested on day 8 for histologic evaluation. Sections were examined for epithelial and granulation tissue ingrowth into wounds. Results: HA- and HA/collagen-treated wounds showed statistically significant increases in epithelial (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively) and granulation tissue ingrowth (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively) when compared to PBS-treated controls. Conclusions: In the rabbit ear ulcer model, the application of crosslinked HA and HA/collagen hydrogels accelerated wound healing as measured by epithelial and granulation tissue ingrowth. Funding Source: NIH grant: 5R01GM063825–03
Aphthous vulvar ulcers in adolescent girls: case report and review of the literature.

Background:Aphthous vulvar ulcers are painful ulcerations on the genital mucosa frequently accompanied by systemic symptoms. They are most commonly reported in young women and adolescents without a...
Formation Stories and Causality in Sociology

Sociologists have long been interested in understanding the emergence of new social kinds. We argue that sociologists’ formation stories have been mischaracterized as noncausal, descriptive, or interpretive. Traditional “forcing-cause” accounts describe regularized relations between fixed entities with specific properties. The three dominant approaches to causality—variable causality, treatments and manipulations, and mechanisms—all refer to forcing causes. But formation stories do not fit the forcing-causes framework because accounts of formation violate the assumptions that ground forcing-cause accounts and instead emphasize eventfulness, assemblage, and self-representation. Yet these accounts are, we argue, fundamentally causal. In particular, formation stories provide the historical, empirical boundaries for the functioning of forcing-cause accounts. We catalog the breadth of formation stories in sociology and use examples from diverse literatures to highlight how thinking of formation stories as caus...
Review of Salmonella detection and identification methods: Aspects of rapid emergency response and food safety

Salmonella has been recognized as a major and important foodborne pathogen for humans and animals over more than a century, causing human foodborne illness as well as high medical and economical cost. Accordingly, the effort to develop efficient and reliable Salmonella detection methods continues. This paper reviews and describes the development and application of commercially available Salmonella detection methods. These are categorized into several groups based on the principle applied: conventional culture methods, immunology-based assays, nucleic acid-based assays, miniaturized biochemical assays, and biosensors. Conventional culture methods serve as the basis in food testing laboratories despite rather laborious and time-consuming protocols. Considerable progress in rapid methods using emerging technologies yield faster answers and higher throughput of samples. This paper also shows and analyzes Salmonella test results and summarizes the features and limitations of the studies involving Salmonella detection methods developed for emergency response, mainly by food emergency response laboratories participating during recent fiscal years. The emergency response laboratories utilize Salmonella detection methods possessing properties that include simplicity, versatility, high sensitivity, good specificity, and cost efficiency. Collaboration of the food emergency response laboratories in the development of these technologies is important essentially to compare for the purpose of continually improving Salmonella detection methods.