cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Action Perception and Outcome Valence: Effects on Children's Inferences of Intentionality and Moral and Liking Judgments

Abstract The influences of different action-outcome scenarios on children's evaluative judgments and inferences of outcome intentionality were assessed. One hundred forty-five kindergartners, 2nd graders, and 4th graders heard 4 stories about child actors who engaged in 1 action or 3 equifinal actions and caused a positive or negative outcome. The stories made no mention of the actors' anticipated outcome so that we could assess the children's inferences of whether the actors wanted and had tried to cause the outcome. Children also rated their liking for the actors and the actors' morality. Children's moral and liking judgments were not significantly differentiated by action condition. However, actors who caused positive outcomes received favorable liking and moral judgments, and actors who caused negative outcomes received neutral liking and moral judgments. Children's intentionality inferences varied by the actors' actions and were moderated by outcome valence. The authors discuss children's apparent us...
Monitoring of crystallization and the effect of the deposition rate, hydrogen content and annealing process on the crystallization of hot wire chemical vapor deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films

Abstract The crystallization behavior of the a-Si:H films grown by hot wire chemical vapor deposition has been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflectance spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the films does not change during annealing. It has been observed that the different deposition rates, hydrogen contents, or annealing processes do not affect the nucleation mechanism or orientation of the films differently. The full width at half maxima of the XRD (111) peak of high deposition rate (~ 100 A/s) films is observed to decrease when the same completely crystallized films (at 650 °C) are treated at increased temperatures up to 900 °C. Furthermore, films with different hydrogen contents and grown at a lower deposition rate (~ 5 A/s) showed similar crystal growth activation energies upon rapid thermal annealing.
Overcompensation of circulating and local insulin-like growth factor-1 during catch-up growth in hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis) following temperature and feeding manipulations

Abstract Teleosts and other aquatic ectotherms have the ability to withstand prolonged periods of low water temperatures (cold-acclimation) and fasting, and can often respond with phases of accelerated (compensatory) growth when favorable conditions are restored. We assessed whether complete feed restriction prior to (24 °C, days 0–23) and/or during (14 °C, days 24–114) a simulated period of cold-acclimation could elicit episodes of compensatory growth (CG) and catch-up growth upon warm-up to 24 °C and satiation feeding (days 115–148). Control hybrid striped bass (HSB: Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis ) were fed to satiation throughout the entire experiment under these temperature fluctuations. Compensatory growth and ultimately catch-up growth were achieved in groups of HSB that were deprived of feed during either the initial period at 24 °C (days 0–23), during the cold-acclimation period (14 °C, days 24–114), or during both of these periods (days 0–114). Further, it appears that HSB are better able to compensate for weight loss when skeletal length is not significantly compromised during the treatment period, which occurred in HSB feed restricted during cold-acclimation only. The most dramatic CG responses were defined by specific growth rates (SGRs) up to 4.2 times that of controls and were accompanied by hyperphagia and improvements in temporal and overall feed conversion. Levels of plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and muscle IGF-1 mRNA were significantly correlated to growth rate for all groups throughout the experiment (R 2 = 0.40, 0.23, respectively), with an overcompensation of both observed in HSB with the most elevated SGRs during the CG response. Interestingly, opposing trends were observed between muscle mRNA expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR)-1 and -2, with fasting at 24 °C and 14 °C resulting in depressed levels of GHR-1 and elevated levels of GHR-2 relative to controls. Levels of muscle myostatin (MSTN)-1 mRNA were significantly depressed in HSB fasted at 24 °C and/or 14 °C while MSTN-2 mRNA was lower following initial feed restriction at 24 °C. Likewise, levels of unprocessed pro-MSTN (precursor) and mature MSTN protein were both depressed in fasted fish at 24 °C. This study demonstrates that a previous period of feed restriction and cold-acclimation followed by realimentation at more favorable water temperatures produces a strong CG response and catch-up growth in fish. These studies also suggest that an overcompensation of circulating and local IGF-1 along with changes in MSTN mRNA and protein expression may contribute to accelerated growth rates characteristic of CG. Furthermore, our studies indicate that overall feed conversion can improve by as much as 30% with CG induced through temperature and feeding manipulations with no adverse effects on growth of HSB. This raises the possibility that CG protocols can improve production efficiency of HSB and other temperate teleosts in pond or tank culture.
Joint Cross-Section/Time-Series Maximum Likelihood Estimation for the Parameters of the Cox-Ingersoll-Ross Bond Pricing Model

We develop a joint maximum likelihood estimator for the interest rate risk premium and the parameters of the Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross bond pricing model. This new approach resolves difficulties inherent in previous approaches that use only time-series data or cross-sectional data. We apply the new approach to a large sample of joint time-series/cross-sectional data. The resulting estimated parameters explain simultaneously the changes in short-term interest rates and the prices of zero-coupon bonds with various maturities. We also identify and provide solutions to potential computational difficulties that other researchers are likely to face.
Coronary artery disease and breast radiation therapy.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) after radiation therapy (RT) is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Approximately 26 years after receiving mantle field RT in 1981 for Hodgkin disease (HD), I had a near-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Of course, it is fair to conclude that if I had not been cured of HD, I would not have been around to worry about the AMI more than 2 dozen years later. At the time I was treated it was generally believed that RT did not cause or exacerbate CAD in HD patients. However, case reports had started to appear in the late 1970s. Over the next 30 years, articles evolved from studies that did not find an increased risk of heart disease in irradiated HD patients, to opinions that any increased risk was due to chemotherapy or poorly performed RT, to single-institution retrospective studies showing increased risk, to meta-analyses showing increased risk. Now it is generally accepted that RT for HD does increase the risk of CAD. Current recommendations are to irradiate mediastinal nodes only when strongly recommended, avoid the heart as much as possible, and use the lowest acceptable RT dose for the patient’s disease status. In some cases increased risk of late CAD is considered acceptable if bulky mediastinal nodes must be irradiated.
FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT STRAINS CAUSED BY AUTO TIRES

This paper includes the results of an analytical study of the effects of automobile tire loads on thin asphalt pavements over granular bases. Two different methods of calculating the tire contact pressure are used and the strains induced in the pavement structure are evaluated. The uniform pressure tire model assumes that the tire contact pressure is equal to the tire inflation pressure. The Tielking tire model is a finite element computer program that models the tire as a shell of revolution and calculates the contact pressure distribution by using the tire carcass properties and the tire load. The contact pressure distributions are used in ILLIPAVE to calculate the strains at various locations in a pavement having a surface of thickness ranging from 2.54 to 10.16 cm (1 to 4 in.) and moduli ranging from 345 to 5,516 MPa (50 to 800 ksi). A granular base 20.32-cm (8-in.) thick with two different moduli is over a subgrade soil with a modulus of 34.5 MPa (5 ksi). The results are analyzed and the findings indicate that automobile tire loads can produce high pavement strains for certain combinations of surface thickness moduli over weak bases. The best performance occurs when stiff bases are used.
Biomarkers in the endometrium

A number of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that may serves as surrogate biomarkers of transformation are altered during the process of endometrial carcinogenesis. Overexpression of HER-2/neu occurs in 10% of endometrial adenocarcinomas and correlates with intraperitoneal spread of disease and poor survival. The c-myc oncogene is amplified in 10% of cases. Point mutations in codon 12 of the K-ras oncogene have been reported to occur in 10-20% of endometrial cancers. K-ras mutations also have been noted in some endometrial hyperplasias, which may represent an early event in the development of some endometrial cancers. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, with resultant overexpression of mutant p53 protein, occurs in 20% of endometrial adenocarcinomas. Overexpression of p53 is associated with advanced stage and poor survival. Because p53 mutations have not been observed in endometrial hyperplasias, this is thought to be a relatively late event in endometrial carcinogenesis. Microsatellite instability has also been noted in approximately 15% of sporadic endometrial cancers, but mutations in DNA repair genes have not yet been reported. Chemoprevention trials in endometrial cancer may be feasible due to the existence of a premalignant lesion and surrogate biomarkers.
Decreased stathmin expression does not affect the actions of human choriogonadotropin or epidermal growth factor in Leydig tumor cells

Although hCG and mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) activate different signaling systems in a clonal strain of murine Leydig tumor cells (designated MA-10), both compounds ultimately elicit several common effects such as increased steroidogenesis, decreased transcription of the LH receptor gene and attenuation of adenylyl cyclase. A 21-kilodalton protein whose phosphorylation state increases after hCG and mEGF stimulation has previously been described and identified as stathmin. To determine whether stathmin is involved in the signaling pathways of hCG and mEGF, an expression vector containing the full-length stathmin complementary DNA in an antisense orientation was constructed and used to establish two novel clonal MA-10 cell lines that have a decreased level of stathmin expression. Characterization of these mutant cell lines revealed no differences from MA-10 cells or neomycin-resistant subclones of MA-10 cells with respect to the ability of hCG or mEGF to increase steroidogenesis, decrease transcrip...
Hard-disk-drive technology flat heads for linear tape recording

IBM thin-film tape heads have evolved from the ferrite-based heads first used in the IBM Model 3480 Tape Drive to the hard-disk-drive (HDD) technology flat-profile heads used in IBM Linear Tape-OpenÂ® (LTOÂ®) products. This paper describes that transition and discusses the flat tape head manufacturing processes, drive implementation, performance, and outlook. Thin-film head technology for hard-disk drives was first used in tape heads in the early 1990s, when IBM built quarter-inch cartridge head images on HDD-type wafers. This was a springboard for the next step, flat-lapped tape heads, which use not only HDD wafers, but also HDD post-wafer machining technologies. With the emergence of LTO, flat heads entered mainstream tape head production in IBM. These have proven to have high performance and durability.
Urethral overdilation for women with voiding dysfunction.

Abstract Objective This was a retrospective study of the efficacy of urethral overdilation (UOD) for women with voiding dysfunction. Materials and methods Thirty-six patients diagnosed with voiding dysfunction were enrolled. The main indications for UOD included women with poor compliance (30 patients, 83.3%) and obstructive symptoms with high residual urine (6 patients, 16.7%). We utilized a method called UOD (wide caliber), dilating the urethra up to 54 Fr. Patients were re-evaluated every 3 months with serial free flow rate and ultrasound residual in the first year and then as scheduled. Outcome measure was based on the change in videourodynamic parameters, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) questionnaire, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Results Mean follow up period of 33.2 months (range: 13–61 months). Failure or success depended on the change in videourodynamic parameters, UDI-6 score, and IPSS. The mean age with the Success Group ( n = 22, 61.1%) and Failure Group ( n = 14, 39.3%) was 52.8 years and 54.1 years, respectively. Our data showed significant improvements in mean UDI-6 score and IPSS after treatment (11.5–5.7, p = 0.032 and 14.8–5.2, p = 0.006, respectively). By analyzing multiple parameters (age, parity, body mass index, videourodynamics parameters, anesthesia bladder capacity, UDI-6 score, and IPSS) between the success and failure groups, we found only anesthesia bladder capacity reached statistical significance (536 mL vs. 418 mL, p = 0.005). Conclusion The present study provides evidence that UOD, as a minimally invasive procedure, achieves a satisfactory cure rate on short-term follow-up for women with voiding dysfunction.
Differential Effects of Progesterone and Its Analogues on the Contractility of the Murine Jejunumin Vitro

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal motility disturbances in women compared with men. This may partly be due to the effects of sex hormones on smooth muscle cells. To further characterize the mechanisms by which sex hormones affect intestinal smooth muscle, we studied the effects of several structurally related progestins on intestinal contractility. Segments of the murine intestine oriented along the longitudinal axis were connected to force displacement transducers. We recorded the isometric tension generated by the murine jejunum spontaneously and after cholinergic stimulation. The baseline tension, amplitude of spontaneous contractions, and increase in tension after cholinergic stimulation were measured in the presence and absence of various steroid hormones. Progesterone dose dependently decreased the contractile activity of the murine jejunum. This effect occurred within less than 1 min and could not be inhibited by a specific blocker of the progesterone receptor, suggesting a nongenomic pathway. Experiments with several progestins demonstrated a stereoselectivity of this steroid hormone effect. This was most pronounced for dihydroprogesterone: the 5 alpha form did not affect intestinal contractility, while the stereoisomer 5 beta-dihydroprogesterone significantly inhibited smooth muscle tension. We conclude that progesterone significantly inhibits the contractility of the murine jejunum in vitro. The differential effects of various structural analogues argue against a nonspecific effect of the steroid hormones on the lipid bilayer with secondary functional alterations of membrane proteins. Rather, they suggest a specific interaction between the steroid hormone and a still unidentified protein that differs in its function and pharmacological profile from the known progesterone receptor.
Unusual causes of unilateral serous otitis media

Two cases of nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma), both of which arose in the Eustachian tube, and two cases of neurilemoma of the nasopharynx are reported. All four patients presented with unilateral serous otitis media. The duration of the unilateral serous otitis media in these patients ranged from 1 1/2 to 8 years. This emphasizes the fact that adult patients with unilateral serous otitis media without a history of an upper respiratory tract infection or of barotrauma should undergo thorough examination to rule out the presence of an unusual underlying pathologic condition.
Speaking to the Silences: Do We Need a Sociology for the Post-9-11 World?

Using a sociology of knowledge framing, this essay highlights how and why the sociological imagination presented by leading European and American scholars showcased in this special issue offers a relatively hopeful assessment of recent transformations. It then questions the extent to which the same optimism prevails for scholars – and citizens – of the poorer, less advanced countries of the world. It not only suggests that many of the fundamental sociological transformations associated with the contemporary era – ranging from globalization of economy, the rise of internet technology, the decline of the nation state, and the rise of more cosmopolitan identities – are unevenly distributed around the world. It also argues that their political, social, and economic impact will vary, depending on history and developmental context. The essay further suggests that precisely because of the statist and protectionist legacies of late development, many of the same transformations that bring positive gains in the advanced capitalist world, signal troubles ahead for the developing world and its future. The essay draws to a close with a more focused examination of the dark side of recent transformations, evident in such problems as unchecked violence and regional or ethnic fragmentation across major swathes of the global south. Such developments, the essay concludes, should sustain the call for a more “pluralist” sociological imagination for the new millennium, one that can take into account differences within and between various countries around the globe, while also advancing our normative understanding of what it would take to make “global society” possible.
Attosecond Pulse Trains in Strong Field Physics

The combination of an attosecond pulse train with a strong infrared laser constitutes a new paradigm for doing strong field physics, allowing for the study and control of electron wavepacket dynamics in the continuum.
Determination of penetration depths and analysis of strains in single crystals by white beam synchrotron X-ray topography in grazing Bragg-Laue geometries

Abstract White beam synchrotron radiation topography has been performed on a silicon wafer of well-defined and precharacterized dislocation structure in grazing Bragg-Laue geometries. The complicated projective geometries on the topographs are exploited to give a direct determination of the penetration depth of the X-rays. This is achieved via quantitative analysis of the projected lengths of direct dislocation images on the topographs. Experimental results obtained are then compared with theoretical predictions based on kinematical, and dynamical diffraction theories, respectively. Dynamical theory predicts particularly shallow penetration depths in these geometries, whereas kinematical theory predicts much deeper penetration depths. However, one would expect that the mode of diffraction which operates is controlled by the local lattice perfection. Direct evidence is obtained here that in the vicinity of dislocation intersections with the crystal surface, the penetration depth is determined by kinematical, rather than dynamical theory. Thus, care is required when utilizing grazing Bragg-Laue geometries to enable strain analysis in thin subsurface layers, since beyond a threshold strain value, penetration depths will no longer be determined by dynamical diffraction theory. The viability of imaging techniques in grazing Bragg-Laue geometries is discussed in detail on the basis of these results, and those obtained previously by other workers.
Potential role of a hybrid intraoperative probe based on OCT and positron detection for ovarian cancer detection and characterization

Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of the gynecologic cancers because it is predominantly diagnosed in the late stages due to the lack of reliable symptoms and efficacious screening techniques. A novel hybrid intraoperative probe has been developed and evaluated for its potential role in detecting and characterizing ovarian tissue. The hybrid intraoperative dual-modality device consists of multiple scintillating fibers and an optical coherence tomography imaging probe for simultaneously mapping the local activities of 18F-FDG uptake and imaging of local morphological changes of the ovary. Ten patients were recruited to the study and a total of 18 normal, abnormal and malignant ovaries were evaluated ex vivo using this device. Positron count rates of 7.5/8.8-fold higher were found between malignant and abnormal/normal ovaries. OCT imaging of malignant and abnormal ovaries revealed many detailed morphologic features that could be potentially valuable for evaluating local regions with high metabolic activities and detecting early malignant changes in the ovary. These initial results have demonstrated that our novel hybrid imager has great potential for ovarian cancer detection and characterization during minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.
Imaging-intensive guidance with confirmatory physiological mapping for neurosurgery of movement disorders

Stereotactic surgery for movement disorders is typically performed using both imaging and physiologic guidance. However, different neurosurgical centers vary in the emphasis placed on either the imaging or the physiological mapping used to locate the target in the brain. The relative ease with which imaging data is acquired currently and the relative complexity and invasiveness associated with physiologic mapping prompted an evaluation of a method that seeks to maximize the imaging component of the guidance in order to minimize the need for the physiologic mapping. The evaluation was carried out in 37 consecutive stereotactic procedures for movement disorders in 28 patients. Imaging was performed with the patients in a stereotactic head frame. Imaging data from MRI in three planes, CT and positive contrast ventriculography was all referenced to this headframe and combined in a stereotactic planning computer. Physiologic definition of the target was performed by macroelectrode stimulation. Any discrepancy between the coordinates of the imaging predicted target and physiologically defined target was measured. The imaging- predicted target coordinates allowed the physiologically defined target to be reached on the first electrode penetration in 70% of procedures and within two penetrations in 92%. The mean error between imaging predicted and physiologically defined target position was 1.24 mm. Lesion location was confirmed by postoperative MRI. There were no permanent complications in this series. Functional outcomes were comparable to those achieved by centers mapping with multiple microelectrode penetrations. The findings suggest that while physiologic guidance remains necessary, the extent to which it is needed can be reduced by acquiring as much imaging information as possible in the initial stages of the procedure. These data can be combined and prioritized in a stereotactic planning computer such that the surgeon can take full advantage of the most reliable information from each imaging modality.
Effect of interfacial bonding on fiber reinforced shafts subject to antiplane shear

Abstract Fiber reinforced prismatic shafts subject to antiplane shear are considered. The bonding between matrix and fiber may be perfect, imperfect, or stiff. The geometric criterion, that determines, when the effects of the interfacial bond overcome the elastic properties of the fiber reinforcement, is found. This criterion is general and applies to any fiber cross-section. It is given in terms of the surface traction to bulk stress quotient of the fiber cross-section. This parameter is a measure of the fiber's response to anti-plane shear. New mathematically rigorous guidelines are presented for the design of fiber reinforced shafts when the fiber diameters, the material properties of the fibers, and the degree of fiber bonding to the matrix are known statistically.
Oxidative Stress and Lectin-Like Ox-LDL-Receptor LOX-1 in Atherogenesis and Tumorigenesis

Abstract Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been identified as a major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in endothelial cells, monocytes, platelets, cardiomyocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Its expression is minimal under physiological conditions but can be induced under pathological conditions. The upregulation of LOX-1 by ox-LDL appears to be important for physiologic processes, such as endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, and endothelium remodeling. Pathophysiologic effects of ox-LDL in atherogenesis have also been firmly established, including endothelial cell dysfunction, smooth muscle cell growth and migration, monocyte transformation into macrophages, and finally platelet aggregation—seen in atherogenesis. Recent studies show a positive correlation between increased serum ox-LDL levels and an increased risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancer. As in atherosclerosis, ox-LDL and its receptor LOX-1 activate the inflammatory pathway ...
Structure—Activity Relationship Studies on Inhibition of Histamine Uptake by Rabbit Blood Platelets

The correlation of histamine uptake inhibition with small changes in inhibitor structure was studied to determine the chemical requirements for the inhibitor. 14C-Histamine was added to platelet-rich rabbit plasma in vitro with or without inhibitor, and the total accumulation of radioactivity into the platelets was counted. Several amino acids, amines, and their derivatives possessing an imidazole ring, an indole nucleus, or an aliphatic chain were studied. The results indicate that the most important function for the inhibitory effect is a protonated amino group. If the positive charge is decreased or if a negatively charged group is in the vicinity of the amino function, the activity is decreased. The results are the same with indole, imidazole, and aliphatic derivatives. The secondary binding, which evidently takes place through the heterocyclic ring or aliphatic chain, appears to be quantitatively less important, although it contributes to the relative potency of different amines. It is suggested that the primary binding is due to ionic bond formation between the positively charged nitrogen and some negative group in the carrier and the secondary binding to some weak forces such as a π-bond or hydrophobic forces. A few amines, such as butylamine and β-phenethylamine, increase rather than inhibit histamine uptake in long incubations, although they too are inhibitory in short incubations. This effect appears to be due in part to histamine catabolism inhibition, which prevents the fall in histamine concentration in the plasma, which then overcomes the uptake inhibiting effect of the substances.
Vapor phase oxidative synthesis of conjugated polymers and applications

Since their discovery, electrically conductive polymers have gained immense interest both in the fields of basic and applied research. Despite their vast potential in the fabrication of efficient, flexible, and low-cost electronic and optoelectronic devices, they are often difficult to process by wet-chemical methods due to their very low to poor solubility in organic solvents. The use of vapor-based synthetic routes, in which conductive polymers can be synthesized and deposited as a thin film directly on a substrate from the vapor phase, provides many unique advantages. This article discusses oxidative vapor deposition processes, primarily vapor phase polymerization and oxidative chemical vapor deposition, of conjugated polymers and their applications. The mild operating conditions (near room temperature processing) allow conformal and functional coatings of conjugated polymers on delicate substrates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Welcome to Lithosphere

Dear Readers, So, do we really need another journal full of papers on solid earth science taking up shelf space in our offices and competing for scarce subscription funds in our libraries? The answer to this question was, in a sense, addressed 150 years ago by Charles Darwin in a somewhat different
Entorhino-subicular lesions: Amnestic effects on an assortment of learned responses in the white rat

Rats previously trained on a brightness discrimination habit, incline plane discrimination problem, maze habit, or an active avoidance conditioned response showed significant retention deficits following bilateral electrolytic lesions to the entorhino-subicular area. It would appear that the entorhino-subicular area must be included within the “general memory system” (along with the brainstem reticular formation) by virtue of its contribution to the expression of a wide variety of learned responses.
Can Morality Do Without Prudence

This paper argues that morality depends on prudence, or more specifically, that one cannot be a moral person without being prudent. Ethicists are unaware of this, ignore it, or imply it is wrong. Although this thesis is not obvious from the current perspective of ethics, I believe that its several implications for ethics make it worth examining. In this paper I argue for the prudence dependency thesis by isolating moral practice from all reliance on prudence. The result is that in the actual world in which we live one cannot be moral unless one is prudent. In order to show that morality depends on prudence for the entire range of moral situations, we put prudence to the test against the most extraordinary of moral situations: moral dilemmas. Doing so shows that for all practical purposes moral dilemmas are prudential problems for agents, giving further support to the prudence dependency thesis.
Book Review: Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies

Badrinaryan Shankar Pawar, Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies, New Delhi: Response Books, 2010, 133 pp.
A method for determining the nitrogen isotopic composition of porphyrins.

We describe a new method for analysis of the nitrogen isotopic composition of sedimentary porphyrins. This method involves separation and purification of geoporphyrins from sediment samples using liquid chromatography and HPLC, oxidation of the nitrogen within porphyrin-enriched fractions using a two-step process, and isotopic analysis of the resulting nitrate using the denitrifier method. By analysis of these degradation products of chlorophylls, we are able to measure an isotopic signature that reflects the nitrogen utilized by primary producers. The high sensitivity of the denitrifier method allows measurement of small samples that contain low concentrations of porphyrins. Extraction of only 50 nmol of nitrogen (nmol N) allows the following five analyses to be made (each on ∼10 nmol N): nitrogen concentration, an assessment of potential contamination by nonporphyrin N, and three replicate isotopic measurements. The measured values of δ15N have an average analytical precision of ±0.5‰ (1σ) and an averag...
FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES IN MICRODETERMINATION OF METALS IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS. II. AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR DIRECT COMPLEXOMETRIC TITRATION OF CALCIUM IN SMALL SERUM SAMPLES.

Abstract A method has been developed for the precise complexometric determination of calcium in 10–100-μl samples of serum without interference from magnesium or phosphate. The technique employs the fluorescent indicator 2,4-bis[ N,N′ -di(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]fluorescein at alkaline pH.
Foreign object damage behavior in a silicon nitride ceramic by spherical projectiles of steels and brass

Abstract Assessments of foreign object damage (FOD) of a commercial, gas-turbine grade, in situ toughened silicon nitride ceramic (AS800) were made using different projectile materials at ambient temperature. AS800 flexure target specimens rigidly supported were impacted at their centers in a velocity range from 100 to 450 m/s by spherical projectiles with a diameter of 1.59 mm. Three different projectile materials were used including hardened steel, annealed steel, and brass. Post-impact strength of each target specimen impacted was determined as a function of impact velocity to appraise the severity of local impact damage. For a given impact velocity, the extent of FOD was greatest for hardened steel projectiles, least for brass projectiles, and intermediate for annealed steel projectiles. The key material parameter affecting FOD the most was identified as the hardness (or yield stress) of projectile materials. Prediction of impact force as a function of impact velocity for each projectile material was made based on a quasi-static plastic model incorporated with the average ‘contact yield pressure’ determined from static indentation testing.
Unbound energy levels in 4H

Abstract The reaction 4 He(n,p) 4 H has been studied with 152 MeV monokinetic neutrons. Structure in the proton spectra is interpreted as excitation of 1 − unbound levels in 4 H. No bound levels of 4 H are observed.
Quantitative Formation Evaluation in High Angle and Horizontal Wells - A Step Change in Reservoir Characterization

Advanced directional drilling technology has made it possible to drill extended reach wells with long horizontal displacements, resulting in optimally placed wellbores within reservoirs and more economical hydrocarbon production. Logging-while-drilling (LWD) technologies provide new opportunities to improve reservoir characterization and geologic models however, the complicated wellbore and formation geometries in highly deviated wells impose difficulties for quantitative interpretation of well logs using conventional petrophysical analysis methods. LWD log interpretation in high-angle and horizontal wells is often limited to geosteering in well placement applications and qualitative reservoir description. We developed a state-of-the-art formation evaluation toolkit for quantitative interpretation of well logs in high-angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells. Starting with wellbore images and standard triple-combo field logs, the workflow consists of: 1) 3D and 2D displays for well path, wellbore images and field logs to quality control the data; 2) comprehensive image and log analysis to build a 3D geometrical earth model; 3) depth coherence analysis to effectively correct the recorded wellbore images of various logging tool sensors with different depths of investigation; 4) 3D joint inversion to accurately model and interpret gamma-ray, neutron, density and resistivity logs in order to build a common petrophysical earth model; and 5) populating the common earth model with bedding geometries and rock- and fluid-property distributions. The toolkit has been successfully applied to a field example to illustrate its applications in quantitative reservoir characterization of net-to-gross (N/G), porosity (), and water saturation (Sw). Incorporating more accurate descriptions of bedding dips and azimuths from HA/HZ wells within the earth model results in improved geologic models for reservoir simulation. Sensitivity analysis in the workflow defines the uncertainties in wellbore image analysis and wellbore directional surveys. Additional uplift in reservoir characterization includes quantifying lateral variations and improving reservoir facies classifications, along with delineating potential calcite zones and quantifying stratigraphic bedding and orientation. The results include bed thickness distributions and guidance to appropriate petrophysical cutoff values.
Manipulation of pore size distributions in silica and ormosil gels dried under ambient pressure conditions

Abstract Sol–gel derived silica and organically modified silica gels were solvent-exchanged and dried from various solvent mixtures in order to control the magnitude of capillary stress imposed on the gel, and to limit shrinkage during the drying process. A collection of trends was identified in the evolution of porosity, pore size distributions, and surface area of gels dried from various alcohols and acetone/alkane mixtures. By selecting n-alcohols of increasing length from 2 to 5 carbon units, the average pore size of silica gels was adjusted systematically from 4.1 to 3.1 nm with a relatively narrow pore size distribution. The use of acetone/alkane mixtures to modify the capillary stresses that are experienced by drying gels was demonstrated to be effective in controlling pore size and pore volume at high fractions of alkane. Ambient pressure drying thus provides an efficient method of porosity control in materials derived from the sol–gel process.
Pauline Baptism and “Secondary Burial”

It is curious that, despite Paul's representation of baptism as a burial (Rom 6:3–4; cf. Col 2:12), his understanding of baptism has not been considered in terms of funerary rites. Rather, the symbolic and initiatory character of baptismal burial, together with its close association with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, has for about a century produced debate over alleged relationships between Pauline baptism and the initiatory rites of Hellenistic mystery cults. This essay, in honor of Krister Stendahl, is intended to demonstrate that, whatever the associations with mystery cults may be, Paul's understanding of the process of dying in which all believers participate from the moment of their baptismal burial is fundamentally informed by funerary practices and ideas. My thesis is that Pauline baptism is most comprehensively explained in terms of the widely attested, cross-cultural phenomenon of secondary or double burial. I will sketch first some of the distinctive features of Paul's views on the death of believers, then lay out some of the results of research on secondary burial, and then conclude with a few comments on Paul's perspective on the believer's experience.
Different sensitivity of recombinant Aspergillus niger phytase (r-PhyA) and Escherichia coli pH 2.5 acid phosphatase (r-AppA) to trypsin and pepsin in vitro.

Abstract Proteolysis of two purified recombinant enzymes, namely, theAspergillus nigerphytase (r-PhyA) and theEscherichia colipH 2.5 acid phosphatase (r-AppA), by pepsin and trypsin was investigated in this study. After r-PhyA and r-AppA were incubated with different concentrations of pepsin or trypsin, their residual phytase activities and amounts of inorganic phosphorus released from soybean meal were determined. Both enzymes retained more than 85% of their original activities at the trypsin/phytase ratios (w/w) 0.001 and 0.005, while r-AppA and r-PhyA lost 60 and 20% of the original activity at the ratio of 0.01 or 0.025, respectively. In contrast, there was a 30% increase in phytase activity after r-AppA was incubated with pepsin at the ratios of 0.005 or 0.01. Meanwhile, r-PhyA lost 58 to 77% of its original activity under the same conditions. Trypsin and pepsin affected the hydrolysis of phytate phosphorus from soybean meal by r-AppA and r-PhyA in a similar way to their residual phytase activities. All of thesein vitroproteolyses were confirmed by SDS–PAGE analysis. Our results demonstrate different sensitivities of r-AppA and r-PhyA to trypsin and pepsin, suggesting active trypsin resistant r-PhyA and pepsin resistant r-AppA polypeptides.
Factors Influencing the Employability of Latinos: The Roles of Ethnicity, Criminal History, and Qualifications

Latinos are disproportionately represented among the offender population in the United States, with unemployment status a leading risk factor in Latinos returning to criminal behavior. Yet, few studies have empirically examined the employment barriers of Latino ex-offenders. The current study endeavors to begin to fill this gap by examining the role of ethnicity, criminal history, and qualifications on the employability of Latinos compared to their Anglo counterparts. After reading a description of a stock worker position, 361 college students made hiring decisions for 1 of 24 different hypothetical job applicants, varied by ethnicity, criminal history, education, and work experience. Results showed significant interactions between ethnicity and qualifications and between ethnicity and criminal history, indicating that ethnic background was influential in hiring decisions.
Attenuated response to in vivo mechanical loading in mice with conditional osteoblast ablation of the connexin43 gene (Gja1).

Introduction: In vitro data suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication mediated by connexin43 (Cx43) plays an important role in bone cell response to mechanical stimulation. We tested this hypothesis in vivo in a model of genetic deficiency of the Cx43 gene (Gja1). Materials and Methods: Four-month-old female mice with a conditional Gja1 ablation in osteoblasts (ColCre;Gja1−/flox), as well as wildtype (Gja1+/flox) and heterozygous equivalent (Gja1−/flox) littermates (eight per genotype), were subjected to a three-point bending protocol for 5 d/wk for 2 wk. Microstructural parameters and dynamic indices of bone formation were estimated on sections of loaded and control contralateral tibias. Results:ColCre;Gja1−/flox mice had significantly thinner cortices, but larger marrow area and total cross-sectional area in the tibial diaphysis, compared with the other groups. The ColCre;Gja1−/flox mice needed ∼40% more force to generate the required endocortical strain. In Gja1+/flox mice, the loading regimen produced abundant double calcein labels at the endocortical surface, whereas predominantly single labels were seen in ColCre;Gja1−/flox mice. Accordingly, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate were significantly lower (54.8% and 50.2%, respectively) in ColCre;Gja1−/flox relative to Gja1+/flox mice. Intermediate values were found in Gja1−/flox mice. Conclusions:Gja deficiency results in thinner but larger tibial diaphyses, resembling changes occurring with aging, and it attenuates the anabolic response to in vivo mechanical loading. Thus, Cx43 plays an instrumental role in this adaptive response to physical stimuli.
Management of duodeno-pancreato-biliary perforations after ERCP: outcomes from an Italian tertiary referral center

Background The management of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) perforation is often unknown by many physicians, and there is a paucity of literature regarding the best surgical management approach.
A randomized clinical trial using probiotics to prevent Salmonella fecal shedding in hospitalized horses

SUMMARY A randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial was conducted to estimate the incidence of Salmonella fecal shedding in hospitalized horses administered a probiotic versus a placebo. One hundred and thirty horses admitted with non-gastrointestinal disease to a veterinary teaching hospital were orally administered either the probiotic or placebo on 4 occasions. Fecal samples were collected daily and cultured for Salmonella. Patient data was collected on age, breed, gender, distance transported, presenting complaint, length of hospitalization, and discharge status. No significant (P > .01) differences were found between treatment groups with respect to age, breed, gender, distance transported, presenting complaint, length of hospitalization, number of fecal samples collected, or discharge status. Administration of a probiotic to hospitalized horses appeared to reduce the incidence of Salmonella shedding after 48 hours of hospitalization by approximately 65% (relative risk [RR] 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-1.68). Dosing horses with probiotics as early as possible before anticipated stressful events (eg, transportation, surgery, antibiotic treatment), followed by several subsequent treatments, may reduce contamination of the hospital environment by Salmonella and the risk of salmonellosis outbreaks.
A Network-flow based Integral Optimal Algorithm for Lexicographic Maximum Lifetime Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks

Longevity is one the key design goals in the wireless sensor networks. In many applications, longevity of all the sensor nodes in the network is equally important. Therefore, it is imperative to design network protocols that would keep the maximum number of nodes alive for longest possible duration. Towards this goal we study the lexicographic maximum lifetime (Lex-max-life) routing scheme. The objective of Lex-max-life routing is to maximize the time until the lirst set of sensor nodes deplete their battery energies (among all the nodes), then maximize the depletion time for the second set of sensor nodes if the depletion time for the first set of nodes is as long as possible, and then maximize the depletion time for the third set of nodes if the depletion times for the first and second set of nodes are as long as possible and so on. In our previous work by M. Patel et al. (2006), we have shown that if sensor nodes are equipped with non-adaptive transmitters then the Lex-max-life routing problem can be reduced to a min-cost flow or a convex-cost flow problem using a novel cost scaling technique. Hence, we obtain an integral optimal solution in polynomial time. However, the cost scaling technique is not suitable for large problem instances because the cost numbers grow very fast. In this paper, we propose a novel vectorial representation of link costs. The Lex-max-life routing problem is solved by a vectorial version of min-cost flow or convex-cost flow algorithm which (i) Improves running time complexity and (ii) Circumvents the number explosion phenomenon. Thus, developed algorithm is computationally very efficient, scalable and easy to implement.
Importance of Intensive Lipid Lowering in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Lipid-lowering therapy with statins reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD). Traditionally, statins were perceived to lower the long-term cardiovascular risk by reducing elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LCL-C). Recently, this benefit has been established for patients early after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The benefit appears linked to reductions in both LDL-C and C-reactive protein (CRP) that is a marker of systemic inflammation. This paper will review the current state of evidence from key recent statin trials in ACS and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and discuss their significance for clinical practice.
Mechanisms and treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Purpose of review Hypercalcemia of malignancy is a common paraneoplastic syndrome and a frequent complication of advanced breast and lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. The development of this malignancy complication often purports a poor prognosis. Thorough evaluation to establish the cause of hypercalcemia is essential because some patients may actually have undiagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism. Recent findings Production of humoral factors by the primary tumor, collectively known as humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM), is the mechanism responsible for 80% of cases. The vast majority of HHM is caused by tumor-produced parathyroid hormone-related protein followed by infrequent tumor production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone. The remaining 20% of cases are caused by bone metastasis with consequent bone osteolysis and release of skeletal calcium. Key therapies are saline hydration to promote calciuresis and bisphosphonates to reduce pathologic osteoclastic bone resorption. Calcitonin and glucocorticoids, especially in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-mediated HHM, also have calcium-lowering effects. Summary Recent discoveries on mechanisms of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia highlight the critical role of the osteoclast. Bisphosphonates and other novel therapies being evaluated in clinical trial target this bone-resorbing cell type and provide effective and durable serum calcium reduction.