cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Narrative analysis of Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how one of Dale Carnegie's historically best selling self‐help books, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, resonates with the contemporary conceptualization of psychological capital (PsyCap).Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a narrative historical interpretation to analyze Dale Carnegie's book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Initially, two of the co‐authors independently identified passages mirroring each of the four PsyCap capacities, while in the final stage a consensus on the interpretation was reached with the remaining co‐authors.Findings – The components of the PsyCap construct resonate well with the prescriptions that Carnegie narrated and outlined in his best selling book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study should be interpreted with a recognition that an alternative critical approach to narrative analysis could have been conducted based on the narrative logic of ...
Energy efficiency optimization for MIMO cognitive radio network

Cognitive radio and MIMO have drawn significant attention to achieve high spectrum utilization efficiency. On the other hand, increasing energy demand and soaring energy related operating cost call for new design of energy efficient communication networks. In this paper, we study the energy efficiency optimization in a cognitive radio MIMO network. Specifically, we propose both distributed and centralized energy efficiency optimization algorithms. Since the original fractional problems are nonconvex, we use Dinkelbach's method to transform them into parametric problem and solve the optimal solution iteratively. Simulation results show that, while the centralized algorithm outperforms the distributed algorithm in terms of network-wise energy efficiency, it may lose fairness among all CR links in high interference scenario.
Stability Constraints for Nonlinear Static State Feedback

This paper studies the robust stability of nonlinear state feedback regulators constructed for exact linearization. A sufficient condition for stability is derived as a bound on an external disturbance, the linearizing transformation, and the linearized closed loop dynamics. The derived condition shows that exact linearization by static state feedback can yield robustly stable regulators and place quantitative bounds on the admissible disturbances. The application to a simple chemical reaction model is used to illustrate this method of anlysis.
Blended Instruction: Adapting Conventional Instruction for Large Classes.

This article provides a discussion of issues confronting institutions of higher education in their efforts to reduce costs and improve the quality of instruction for large classes. Blended learning is described with examples of technology applications referenced to existing courses at various universities. A discussion of cost reduction strategies is included. The article concludes with a summary of the types of adaptations and alternatives that instructors may use in teaching large classes, consideration of reusable course content, and the relationship of technology to instructional costs.
A One Dimensional Stochastic Model of Coarsening

A one dimensional model of the coarsening of intervals on a line is considered in which the boundary points between adjacent intervals execute independent random walk with a common diffusion coefficient D/2; when two boundary points meet, they coalesce into a single point that continues to execute random walk. We calculate the following quantities in the asymptotic limit of long times: 1) The average interval length (i.e., \(\;\left\langle l \right\rangle = \sqrt {\pi Dt}\) , 2) the time-independent probability density for the reduced length \(\sigma = 1/\left\langle l \right\rangle\) , and 3) the expected value of dl/dt for a given l, which is positive for and negative for \(l > {l_c} = \sqrt {2/\pi } \left\langle l \right\rangle\) and negative for l < l c . The model is similar to one proposed by Louat for grain growth. Although it is not a good representation of the details of most physical processes of coarsening, it is of theoretical interest since it is one of the few cases for which analytic results can be obtained.
Diagnosis by endometrial jet washings

Abstract The endometrial jet washing technique of Gravlee is a satisfactory method of screening for endometrial carcinoma. The uterine cavity can be irrigated with an unlimited amount of fluid under a negative pressure. Cell block preparations of the tissue samples have proved adequate to establish a diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma for 5 of 287 screened patients. Subsequent curettage demonstrated that no endometrial cancers were overlooked.
Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Natural History, Prognosis, and Outcomes

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has an incidence of 10-20/100,000. Its most important risk factors are age, gender, race (more common in African-American, Hispanic, and Asian populations), hypertension, excessive alcohol use, and smoking. The latter two underline the importance of prevention via modification of behavior, while the value of treatment of hypertension is highlighted by clinical trial data (Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study [PROGRESS]) indicative of substantial risk reduction (50% relative risk reduction) by relatively modest lowering of blood pressure (by 9/4 mmHg). The importance of genetic factors for ICH has been recently documented, with endoglin gene insertions and Factor XIII polymorphisms being associated with a significant increase in the risk of ICH. The prognosis of ICH is dependent on age, level of consciousness, hematoma volume, and intraventricular extension of hemorrhage, which are all predictors of mortality. The risk of ICH recurrence is about 2%/year overall, but with an increase to 4-5%/year if the localization is lobar. Predictors of ICH recurrence include age > 65, carrying the ϵ2 and ϵ4 alleles of the apolipoprotein E gene, the presence of asymptomatic microhemorrhages and leukoaraiosis. The functional outcome of ICH is poor, with only 12% of survivors being independent at 30 days.
Learning 10,000 chunks: what's it like out there?

This paper describes an initial exploration into large learning systems, i.e., systems that learn a large number of rules. Given the well-known utility problem in learning systems, efficiency questions are a major concern. But the questions are much broader than just efficiency, e.g., will the effectiveness of the learned rules change with scale? This investigation uses a single problem-solving and learning system, Dispatcher-Soar, to begin to get answers to these questions. Dispatcher-Soar has currently learned 10, 112 new productions, on top of an initial system of 1, 819 productions, so its total size is 11, 931 productions. This represents one of the largest production systems in existence, and by far the largest number of rules ever learned by an AI system. This paper presents a variety of data from our experiments with Dispatcher-Soar and raises important questions for large learning systems.
Inhaled adenosine A 2A receptor agonists for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD is a major cause of mortality in the western world. A(2A) agonists are postulated to reduce the lung inflammation that causes COPD. The cardiovascular effects of A(2A) agonists dictate that a compound needs to be delivered by inhalation to be therapeutically useful. A strategy of minimizing side-effect liability by maximizing systemic clearance was followed and pharmacological and pharmacokinetic SAR of a series of inhaled A(2A) agonists described. A sevenfold improvement in potency and 150-fold reduction in side-effect liability over the lead compound CGS-21680, were obtained.
Active tectonics of the St. Elias orogen, Alaska, observed with GPS measurements

[1] We use data from campaign and continuous GPS sites in southeast and south central Alaska to constrain a regional tectonic block model for the St. Elias orogen. Active tectonic deformation in the orogen is dominated by the effects of the collision of the Yakutat block with southern Alaska. Our results indicate that ~37 mm/yr of convergence is accommodated along a relatively narrow belt of N-NW dipping thrust faults in the eastern half of the orogen, with the present-day deformation front running through Icy Bay and beneath the Malaspina Glacier. Near the Bering Glacier, the collisional thrust fault regime transitions into a broad, northwest dipping decollement as the Yakutat block basement begins to subduct beneath the counterclockwise rotating Elias block. The location of this transition aligns with the Gulf of Alaska shear zone, implying that the Pacific plate is fragmenting in response to the Yakutat collision. Our model indicates that the Bering Glacier region is undergoing internal deformation and could correspond to the final stage of offscraping and accretion of sediments from the Yakutat block prior to subduction. Predicted block motions at the western edge of the orogen suggest that the crust is laterally escaping along the Aleutian fore arc.
Long-range transport of Asian pollution to the northeast Pacific: Seasonal variations and transport pathways of carbon monoxide

[1] Continuous CO measurements were obtained at Cheeka Peak Observatory (CPO, 48.3°N, 124.6°W, 480 m), a coastal site in Washington state, between 9 March 2001 and 31 May 2002. We analyze these observations as well as CO observations at ground sites throughout the North Pacific using the GEOS-CHEM global tropospheric chemistry model to examine the seasonal variations of Asian long-range transport. The model reproduces the observed CO levels, their seasonal cycle and day-to-day variability, with a 5–20 ppbv negative bias in winter/spring and 5–10 ppbv positive bias during summer. Asian influence on CO levels in the North Pacific troposphere maximizes during spring and minimizes during summer, ranging from 91 ppbv (44% of total CO) to 52 ppbv (39%) along the Asian Pacific Rim and from 44 ppbv (30%) to 24 ppbv (23%) at CPO. Maximum export of Asian pollution to the western Pacific occurs at 20°–50°N during spring throughout the tropospheric column, shifting to 30°–60°N during summer, mostly in the upper troposphere. The model captures five particularly strong transpacific transport events reaching CPO (four in spring, one in winter) resulting in 20–40 ppbv increases in observed CO levels. Episodic long-range transport of pollutants from Asia to the NE Pacific occurs throughout the year every 10, 15, and 30 days in the upper, middle, and lower troposphere, respectively. Lifting ahead of cold fronts followed by transport in midlatitude westerlies accounts for 78% of long-range transport events reaching the NE Pacific middle and upper troposphere. During summer, convective injection into the upper troposphere competes with frontal mechanisms in this export. Most events reaching the NE Pacific lower troposphere below 2 km altitude result from boundary layer outflow behind cold fronts (for spring) or ahead of cold fronts (for other seasons) followed by low-level transpacific transport.
sRAGE Induces Human Monocyte Survival and Differentiation

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is produced either as a transmembrane or soluble form (sRAGE). Substantial evidence supports a role for RAGE and its ligands in disease. sRAGE is reported to be a competitive, negative regulator of membrane RAGE activation, inhibiting ligand binding. However, some reports indicate that sRAGE is associated with inflammatory disease. We sought to define the biological function of sRAGE on inflammatory cell recruitment, survival, and differentiation in vivo and in vitro. To test the in vivo impact of sRAGE, the recombinant protein was intratracheally administered to mice, which demonstrated monocyte- and neutrophil-mediated lung inflammation. We also observed that sRAGE induced human monocyte and neutrophil migration in vitro. Human monocytes treated with sRAGE produced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our data demonstrated that sRAGE directly bound human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. Binding of sRAGE to monocytes promoted their survival and differentiation to macrophages. Furthermore, sRAGE binding to cells increased during maturation, which was similar in freshly isolated mouse monocytes compared with mature tissue macrophages. Because sRAGE activated cell survival and differentiation, we examined intracellular pathways that were activated by sRAGE. In primary human monocytes and macrophages, sRAGE treatment activated Akt, Erk, and NF-kappaB, and their activation appeared to be critical for cell survival and differentiation. Our data suggest a novel role for sRAGE in monocyte- and neutrophil-mediated inflammation and mononuclear phagocyte survival and differentiation.
Lipase-mediated Acidolysis of Fully Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with Conjugated Linoleic Acid

: Interesterification (acidolysis) of fully hydrogenated soybean oil (melting point = 69.9 °C) with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was carried out in a batch reactor at 75 °C. Lipases from Candida antarctica, Rhizomucor miehei, Pseudomonas sp., and Thermomyces lanuginosus were used at 5% (wt/wt) of the total substrate load. The lipase from Rhizomucor miehei produced the fastest reaction rates, and the greatest extent of incorporation of CLA residues in acylglycerols was achieved in 12 h. Lipases from C. antarctica and T. lanuginosus produced slower initial rates, and maximum extents of incorporation of CLA residues were achieved in 24 h. The lipase from Pseudomonas sp. produced the slowest initial rate. The corresponding maximum extent of incorporation was reached in 48 h. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions produced by C. antarctica, R. miehei, and T. lanuginosus lipases after purification by solid phase extraction showed little variation in melting point (60.4 °C, 62.8 °C, and 60.1 °C, respectively). By contrast, the corresponding TAG fraction produced by the Pseudomonas sp. lipase melted at 48.4 °C. The positional distribution of the TAGs produced by the lipase from Pseudomonas sp. differed appreciably from those produced by the other enzymes.
Suppression of superradiance from an ensemble of two-level atoms in the presence of foreign gas collisions

Abstract I compute the suppression in the superradiant radiation flux from an ensemble of homogeneously-broadened two-level atoms in a slab geometry configuration due to the increase in the polarization transverse decay rate caused by decoherence due to foreign gas collisions. I show that the differences between the total width of the polarization at low excitation with the magnitude of the real part of the eigenvalues and of the dominant and leading modes of the 1-D Lienard-Wiechert kernel are the critical parameters that determine the particular regimes for the superradiant flux dependence on the collision width.
Effect of cosolvents on the adsorption of peptides at the solid-liquid interface.

The adsorption of a peptide at solid surfaces is the result of a complex interplay of interactions between the peptide, solvent, and surface. In this work, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to...
Straight-chained thermo-responsive polymer with high chelating group content for heavy metal ion recovery

Abstract A straight-chained thermo-responsive adsorbent with high chelating group content was synthesized to obtain high adsorption capacity for the recovery of heavy metal ions. The polymer was synthesized through free radical copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as a thermo-responsive element and acrylic acid (AA) as an interactive element. Detailed examinations of the effect of chelating group content and the concentration of heavy metal ion on the thermo-responsive properties and adsorption/desorption characteristics were also performed. The results exhibited that although the poly(NIPAM-co-AA) with high AA content (more than 27.3 mol%) lost a thermo-response at pH 5.0, when the poly(NIPAM-co-AA) adsorbed Cu(II), even the copolymer with 60 mol% AA exhibited thermo-response. This result indicates that the poly(NIPAM-co-AA) can exhibit considerably higher adsorption capacity (1 order higher) due to higher introduction amount of the interactive element compared to the previously reported cross-linked thermo-responsive adsorbents. A detailed examination of the effect of AA content, Cu concentration and temperature on adsorption/desorption behavior of the poly(NIPAM-co-AA) suggested that the copolymer exhibited the Langmuir type adsorption, but the adsorption capacity at above LCST (60 °C) was larger than that at below LCST (10 °C). It was also found that the temperature change did not affect the saturated adsorption capacity, Qs, but affected the affinity constant, K. Based on the obtained saturated adsorption capacity, Qs and the affinity constant, K, the desorbed amount, ΔQ and the desorption ratio of Cu(II), R, were calculated for the AA introduction amount of 0–60 mol% and for Cu(II) equilibrium concentration of 0–20 mol/m3. The results showed that both of ΔQ and desorption ratio were largely influenced by both AA content and Cu(II) concentration.
Age and the generation time of the mouse duodenal epithelial cell.

Abstract 1. 1. The generation time of the proliferative cells in the crypts of Lieberkuhn was determined in young (93-day), middle-aged (372-day), and old (940-day) CAF 1 mice. 2. 2. Tritiated thymidine was used as a labeling agent (50 μC per mouse intraperitoneally; average mouse, 30 g). The generation time was estimated in two ways: A, from the time-course of two generation cycles (by following percentage of mitotic figures labeled as a function of time); B, by calculation, from estimates of duration of S stage and of magnitude of labeling index (percentage of cells labeled) in the first cycle. 3. 3. By method A, the generation time increased in old age: young, 11.5 hours; middle-aged, 11.5 hr; old, more than 15 hr. Durations of the various stages in the young and middle-aged animals were G 1 , 4.5–5.5 hr, S , 5 hr, combined G 2 and M , 4. 4. The direct application of method B likewise showed the generation time to be increased in old age, but the values were approximately twice as great as by method A. When the labeling index was corrected for the size of the proliferative pool and when a somewhat arbitrary choice was made for the determination of the S stage, the result of method B agreed with that of method A for the young and middle-aged animals. 5. 5. In the young and middle-aged animals, the generation cycle (illustrated by the curve of mitotic-figures labeled as a function of time) could be followed well into the second generation. In the old animals, the second half of the first cycle was broadened, and the second cycle was smeared out. It was inferred that the population of cells in the old animals was much more heterogeneous than in the younger ones and it was suggested that part of this effect may be due to the greater toxicity of tritiated thymidine for the older group.
Repression of transcription by TSGA/Jmjd1a, a novel interaction partner of the ETS protein ER71

Testis-specific gene A (TSGA) was originally identified in rat and shown to be expressed within the testes. Here, we have cloned the murine homolog [also known as jumonji domain-containing 1a (Jmjd1a)] and for the first time characterized the TSGA protein and its functions. Although murine TSGA is expressed in testes, its mRNA is also present in many other tissues, including heart, thymus, liver, and skin. Immunostaining revealed that TSGA is a nuclear protein, whose N-terminus contains a putative nuclear localization signal. TSGA displays significant homology to a suspected tumor suppressor and coactivator (5qNCA), to a thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein (TRIP8) and to the corepressor Hairless, pointing at a role of TSGA in transcription regulation. Indeed, TSGA contains several functional transcription repression domains. In addition, TSGA interacts both in vitro and in vivo with ER71 (ETS related 71), a transcription factor that is expressed in the testes of adult mice and during embryogenesis. Specifically, the N-terminus of TSGA and the C-terminus of ER71 are primarily engaged in their complex formation. Furthermore, TSGA impairs the ability of ER71 to activate transcription from the matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter. Thus, TSGA may modulate the function of ER71 and thereby affect spermatogenesis as well as embryonic development. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comment on "quantum phase transition of the randomly diluted Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice".

In Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 4204 (2000) (cond-mat/9905379), Kato et al. presented quantum Monte Carlo results indicating that the critical concentration of random non-magnetic sites in the two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model equals the classical percolation density; pc=0.407254. The data also suggested a surprising dependence of the critical exponents on the spin S of the magnetic sites, with a gradual approach to the classical percolation exponents as S goes to infinity. I here argue that the exponents in fact are S-independent and equal to those of classical percolation. The apparent S-dependent behavior found by Kato et al. is due to temperature effects in the simulations as well as a quantum effect that masks the true asymptotic scaling behavior for small lattices.
A critical evaluation of therapy of febrile seizures

Summary In a controlled study of two groups of patients treated with phenobarbital either intermittently at the time of febrile episodes or continuously, febrile seizures recurred in approximately 50 per cent. Control of the seizures was of equal but questionable degree in both groups. Dilantin failed to prevent recurrence of febrile seizures in 7 children treated continuously. Continued administration of anticonvul sant drugs is unwarranted in the prophylactic treatment of seizures which occur only in association with fever. Phenobarbital should be used intermittently in relatively large doses at the earliest signs of infection and as an adjunct to antipyretic therapy.
Gravitational Born amplitudes and kinematical constraints

It is shown that in the Born approximation the helicity amplitudes for graviton-graviton scattering are completely determined by kinematical considerations alone, without detailed Feynman graph calculations, reflecting thus the uniqueness of pure Einstein theory. We show that the nonuniqueness of the matter-graviton amplitudes is related to the existence of nonminimal interactions. In the presence of such interactions, helicity is not conserved in elastic scattering of massless particles. A simplified three-graviton vertex with two on-shell gravitons is presented.
EMOTIONAL RESPONSES OF WOMEN FOLLOWING THERAPEUTIC ABORTION

Factor analysis of post-abortion emotional responses revealed three factors. Negative emotions split into two factors: socially-and internally-based. Positive emotions, constituting the third factor, were experienced most strongly. Correlations with background variables suggest two influences on response: the woman's social environment and her internalized concerns about the abortion.
Thermal cycle fatigue life prediction for flip chip solder joints

Finite element analysis was used to predict the thermal cycle fatigue life of flip chip solder joints. Three different data sets of measured thermal cycle fatigue life were simulated to assess model correlation. Variables in the measured data included solder resist opening diameter, UBM diameter, joint height, solder volume, underfill material, package structure, and temperature range. Viscoplastic strain energy density (SED) per cycle was used as the damage indicator. Three different post processing schemes were compared for extracting the damage indicator: maximum elemental SED value; maximum SED 2 / average SED; and layer averaged SED. It was found that all three methods could achieve some degree of correlation between measured and predicted life for a given data set. The best and worst legs of an experiment could be predicted well, but the ranking of all legs in a given experiment could not be perfectly predicted. For the experiment on joint design, max SED 2 / avg SED gave the best prediction, followed by max SED, and worst was layer averaged SED. For the experiments on power cycle conditions and package structure, all methods gave similar results. Finally, the three data sets were plotted together with additional predictions from previous work on WLCSPs. There was a large discrepancy in the absolute prediction from one data set to the next. However, the ability to predict the relative fatigue life within a data set was consistent, and the results did match the previous work on WLCSP solder joints.
Objectivism versus subjectivism: A market test

Abstract The terms objective and subjective are considered antonyms, and yet “objectivists”, associated with the ideas of Ayn Rand, and “subjectivists”, associated with the ideas of Ludwig von Mises, are both associated with the same political philosophy: classical liberalism. There are however important apparent differences between the “objectivist” approach of Rand and the “subjectivist” approach of Mises. Who is right? And which intellectual has the greater place in the classical liberal tradition? We propose to test these questions using data from a unique housing development in Charleston, South Carolina. We find objective evidence in favor of Mises's subjectivism.
Mitogenic Properties of Endogenous and Pharmacological Doses of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-2 after 70% Hepatectomy in the Mouse

Recent studies show CXC chemokine elevations after hepatic resection; blockade of epithelial neutrophil-activating protein (ENA-78), a CXC chemokine, retards hepatic regeneration after resection. Additional studies demonstrate that exogenous macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, another CXC chemokine, is therapeutic in a murine acetaminophen toxicity model when other therapies fail. The current investigations study MIP-2's effects on the cellular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration in mice after 70% hepatectomy. Administration of exogenous MIP-2 after 70% hepatectomy dramatically increased hepatocyte proliferation as measured by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine staining. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (stat-3) was also detected in greater abundance and persisted in hepatic nuclear extracts from MIP-2-treated mice compared with control mice after hepatic resection. Further, inhibition of the MIP-2 receptor, CXCR2, decreased baseline hepatocyte proliferation and stat-3 expression in the setting of partial hepatectomy. These data show that MIP-2 is important for hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy and that pharmacological MIP-2 doses after hepatic injury accelerate hepatic regeneration.
Specificity of phencyclidine-like drugs and benzomorphan opiates for two high affinity phencyclidine binding sites in guinea pig brain

Recently, the presence of two high affinity binding sites for phencyclidine were described in guinea pig brain, with one site coupled to the glutamate excitatory amino acid receptor, specifically activated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) (site 1) and the other site associated with the dopamine (DA) reuptake carrier (site 2). Phencyclidine and its analogs, as well as the benzomorphan opiates, are known to interact with binding sites for phencyclidine. In this study, the equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) of these compounds for the two binding sites for phencyclidine were determined. Phencyclidine and 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP), an analog of PCP, were essentially non-selective between the two sites and also were the two drugs of the group observed to have the highest affinity for site 2. (+)-5-Methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-5,10-imine [(+)MK801] was the most selective agent for site 1, while none of the drugs tested showed selectivity for site 2. In humans, phencyclidine produces psychotomimetic effects, while (+)MK801 has been reported to produce minimal, if any, psychotomimetic effects, at doses sufficient to reduce seizures. These clinical observations, in conjunction with the present biochemical binding data, suggest that (+)MK801 may serve as a "marker" for site 1 and that the psychotomimetic effects of phencyclidine might be mediated by site 2.
Processing Method Effect on Texture, Color, and Microbial Load of Channel Catfish Fillets

Abstract Catfish shelf life depends largely on post-harvest handling and storage conditions. Three methods of processing catfish fillets were studied to evaluate quality and shelf life. In one method catfish were hand-dressed, chilled in water at 0°C, and hand-filleted (HC). In the other methods, catfish were mechanically filleted and chilled immediately (MC) or held unchilled for one hour at 18°C prior to chilling (MU). All fillets were stored in HDPE bags at 2°C for analyses at 0, 3, 6, and 9 d. Shear force for MC and MU fillets decreased (P ≤ 0.05) to the same levels as HC fillets after 3 d storage. HC fillets had higher (P ≤ 0.05) ‘L’ and ‘b’ and lower ‘a’ values than MU or MC fillets throughout storage. Initial psychrotrophic counts (PPC) were lower (P ≤ 0.05) for MC (3.9 log CFU/g) and MU (4.1 log CFU/g) than for HC fillets (5.2 log CFU/g). The PPC increased (P ≤ 0.05) after 3 and 6 d in HC and MU fillets, respectively. Coliform growth showed similar patterns as PPC. Spoilage levels indicated a doub...
Minimal Distance Upper Bounds for the Perturbation of Least Squares Problems in Hilbert Spaces

Abstract Let X and Y be Hilbert spaces, and let T : X → Y be a bounded linear operator with closed range. In this paper, we present an optimal perturbation result on the least squares solutions to the operator equation Tx = y under the most general condition.
Genetic correlation between the ages of menarche and menopause

Using mostly prospective menstrual data from mothers and daughters in the Tremin Trust Menstrual Reproductive History Program, this study produces the first estimates of the genetic correlation between the ages of menarche and menopause. I carried out two separate analyses. Standard regression analysis of 21 mother/daughter dyads with natural menopause yielded a nonsignificant negative mean genetic correlation of r A =−0.139±1.268. Survival analysis/maximum likelihood estimation on a dataset which included an additional 85 dyads with censored observations on daughters (N=106) yielded a nonsignificant positive genetic correlation of r A =0.613±0.587 (p=0.1492). Although a substantial non-zero correlation cannot be ruled out, these estimates suggest there is no genetic correlation between menarche and menopause, in agreement with previous phenotypic findings. As inconclusive as they may be, these estimates also contribute to our understanding of the nature of selection working on the reproductive life span of human females.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models applicable to organogenesis: extrapolation between species and potential use in prenatal toxicity risk assessments

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model describing the disposition of 2-methoxyacetic acid (2-MAA; the proximate toxicant derived from oxidation of the ethylene glycol ether, 2-methoxyethanol) was developed in pregnant rodents. This model was validated with pharmacokinetic (PK) data from dams and embryos during major organogenesis. A physiological model of human pregnancy was then combined with the PBPK model and linked to an empirical 2-MAA PK model with 2 maternal compartments and a single or multiple conceptus compartment, depending on the developmental stage. This approach is intended to allow more realistic human pregnancy risk assessments by refining the reference dose calculations via uncertainty factors. It will be possible to eliminate an uncertainty factor of 10 for interspecies extrapolations in the 2-methoxyethanol risk assessment if the PBPK model described here is used.
Possible observation of the bottom of the spin-wave band in thin films of yttrium iron garnet

Abstract In ferromagnetic-resonance experiments on yttrium-iron-garnet films, a signal edge has been observed whose characteristics are consistent with its interpretation as the bottom of the spin-wave band.
A prospective examination of the role of childhood sexual abuse and physiological asymmetry in the development of psychopathology.

Abstract Objective Recent literature has emphasized the simultaneous assessment of multiple physiological stress response systems in an effort to identify biobehavioral risk factors of psychopathology in maltreated populations. The current study assessed whether an asymmetrical stress response, marked by activation in one system and a blunted response in another system, predicted higher levels of psychopathology over time. Methods Data were collected from an ongoing, prospective study of females with a substantiated history of childhood sexual abuse (n = 52) and a non-abused comparison group (n = 77). Childhood sexual abuse was determined at the initial study visit. Vagal tone and cortisol were measured 7 years later to assess physiological response to a laboratory stressor across these systems. Depressive symptoms and antisocial behaviors were assessed 6 years after the completion of the laboratory stressor. Results Structural equation modeling indicated that a prior history of childhood sexual abuse predicted an asymmetrical physiological response to stress in late adolescence. In turn, this asymmetrical response predicted both higher levels of depression and antisocial behaviors in young adulthood. Conclusions Childhood sexual abuse may sensitize females to respond to moderate daily stressors in a manner that places them at higher risk for experiencing depressive symptoms and antisocial behaviors over time. Practice implications The management of mild to moderate stress in the everyday lives of maltreated females may be a particularly useful point of intervention in order to protect against later psychopathology.
The paradox of Solidarity's legacy: contested values in Poland's transitional politics

Poland's post-communist development is often depicted as a contrast between a unified, engaged society of pre-1989 and a passive, divisive society of post-1989. What explains the displacement of political solidarity with a fragmented political scene? A factor specific to Poland is rooted in the struggle of Solidarity against communist power. The consequences are subsequent attempts to appropriate the values of Solidarnośc as political capital by competing political voices, leading to contestation about the nature of the country. This normative discourse was evident first in the post-communist divide, between forces stemming from the former communist regime and those affiliated with the opposition. More recently, the saliency of the post-communist division has receded, and a new contested discourse has surfaced among voices coming out of the Solidarity tradition. This rhetoric seeks to define a contrast between a “Solidaristic Poland” dedicated to traditional and Christian values affirming notions of exclu...
NMDA receptor antagonist d-APV depresses excitatory activity produced by normorphine in rat hippocampal slices

Both pentylenetetrazole and normorphine increased CA1 pyramidal cell sensitivity to afferent stimulation and caused the appearance of synchronous afterpotentials (secondary spikes). D-2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate (D-APV) attenuated secondary spikes induced by both drugs, but had no effect on the change in excitability of the primary population spike. These results suggest that both opiates and GABA receptor antagonists are able to unmask NMDA receptors in the in vitro rat hippocampus slice preparation.
An in Situ Atomic Force Microscopy Study of Uric Acid Crystal Growth

Kidney stones are heterogeneous polycrystalline aggregates that can consist of several different building blocks. A significant number of human stones contain uric acid crystals as a crystalline component, though the molecular-level growth of this important biomaterial has not been previously well-characterized. In the present study, in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to investigate the real-time growth on the (100) surface of uric acid (UA) single crystals as a function of fundamental solution parameters. Layer-by-layer growth on UA (100) was found to be initiated at screw dislocation sites and to proceed via highly anisotropic rates which depend on the crystallographic direction. The smallest b-steps exhibited minimum heights corresponding to two molecular layers, while fast-moving c-steps more commonly showed monolayer heights. Growth kinetics measured under a range of flow rates, supersaturation levels, and pH values reveal linear trends in the growth kinetics, with faster growth attained in solutions with higher supersaturation and/or pH. The calculated kinetic parameters for UA growth derived from these experiments are in good agreement with the values reported for other crystal systems.
Empower PACS with content-based queries and 3D image visualization

Current generation of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) lacks the capabilities to permit content-based searches to be made on image data and to visualize and render 3D image data in a cost effective manner. The purpose of this research project is to investigate a framework that will combine the storage and communication components of PACS with the power of content-based image indexing and 3D visualization. This presentation will describe the integrated architecture and tools of our experimental system with examples taken from applications of neurological surgical planning and assessment of pediatric bone age.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Control of plasminogen activator activity in the thecal layer of the largest preovulatory follicle in the hen ovary.

Although the existence of plasminogen activator (PA) activity and the factors that regulate it in ovarian granulosa cells of both mammalian and avian species have been extensively documented, very little information has been generated concerning the control of PA activity in the adjacent thecal layer. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of several physiological and pharmacological agents on PA activity in dispersed cells from the thecal layer of the largest preovulatory follicle in the hen ovary 17-16 h before ovulation. LH (50 and 100 ng) in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.01 mM) stimulated an approximate 25% increase in cell-associated PA activity, possibly via elevated levels of cAMP. Prostaglandin E1 and E2 (PGE1 and PGE2; 0.1 and 1 microM), but not PGI2 or PGF2 alpha (1 microM), enhanced PA activity and cAMP formation, effects that were potentiated by 0.01 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Activation of Gs with cholera toxin (0.01-10 ng/tube) or adenylyl cyclase with forskolin (0.01-10 microM) stimulated cAMP formation and PA activity in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure of cells to the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP (0.1-5 mM) caused similar increases in thecal cell PA activity. Incubation of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 3.2-162 nM), an agonist known to activate protein kinase-C, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in PA activity. However, an equimolar concentration of phorbol 13-monoacetate (162 nM), an inactive analog of PMA that does not activate protein kinase-C, was without effect. Coincubation of cells with forskolin (1 microM) and PMA (32 nM) resulted in a synergistic stimulation of secreted PA activity, apparently via an enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity. Treatment of cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 (0.01-1 microM) suppressed basal PA activity. However, PA activity stimulated by PMA (32 nM) was synergistically increased after coincubation with a 0.05-microM concentration of A23187, but was inhibited at doses of 0.5 and 1 microM. Taken collectively, the data indicate that PA activity is present in the thecal layer of the largest preovulatory follicle in the ovary of the domestic hen. Furthermore, several endocrine factors (i.e. LH and PGs) were found to stimulate PA activity, possibly via both the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase-A and phosphoinositide-protein kinase-C pathways. In light of these findings, we propose that the preovulatory increase in PGs and LH activates PA in the thecal layer of the largest preovulatory follicle, resulting in proteolytic degradation of the follicular connective tissue and, ultimately, ovulation.
Redox control of electric melters with complex feed compositions II. Preliminary limits for radioactive waste melters

Abstract The redox state of glass from electric melters with complex feed compositions is determined by balance between gases above the melt, and transition metals and organic compounds in the feed. Part II develops preliminary operating limits for the vitrification of high-level radioactive waste. Limits on reducing potential to preclude the accumulation of combustible gases, accumulation of sulfides and selenides, and degradation of melter components are the most critical. Problems associated with excessively oxidizing conditions, such as glass foaming and potential ruthenium volatility, are controlled when sufficient formic acid is added to adjust melter feed rheology.
Halomethyl-metal compounds VIII. The reaction of phenyl(trihalomethyl)mercury compounds with hydrogen chloride

Abstract Dihalocarbenes (CCl2, CClBr, CBr2) obtained from the corresponding C6H5HgCXYBr compounds have been found to insert into the HCl bond giving haloforms, HCCl3, HCCl2Br and HCBr2Cl, respectively. In chlorobenzene solution at 80° C6H5Hg cleavage is a competing reaction which in the case of C6H5HgCBr3 accounts for 80% of the HCl consumed. The resulting CBr3HgCl introduces further complications, since CX2 insertion into the HgCl bond occurs, giving HgCX2Br compounds which are sources of carbenes other than those derived from the starting mercurial. At room temperature only the C6H5Hg cleavage reaction is observed, and this allowed preparation of pure ClHgCCl3, ClHgCCl2Br, ClHgCClBr2 and ClHgCBr3. The action of methanolic HCl on C6H5HgCCl3 produces phenylmercuric chloride and chloroform; a possible explanation for this marked solvent effect is presented.
Studies in emergency department data collection: shared versus split responsibility for patient enrollment.

Objectives: To compare patient enrollment in six clinical studies using shared coverage (24 emergency department [ED] rooms—two students share enrollment responsibility) with enrollment using split coverage (12 rooms each per student). The academic associate (AA) program uses undergraduate students to collect data for clinical studies in the ED by providing double coverage 16 hours/day, seven days/week. Prior studies have shown that this system captures >85% of eligible patients. Methods to obtain closer to 100% enrollment are desired. Methods: During consecutive 15-day periods with the same 24 AAs, the daily ED census, hours of AA coverage, and enrollment in each of six studies were evaluated prospectively in the ED. Data are presented as means with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There was no difference between the shared and split enrollment periods with respect to hours of AA coverage (30.3 vs. 30.7 hours/day; p = 0.7) or average daily ED census (133.7 vs. 141.8; p = 0.15). Overall, the percentages of ED patients recruited for study participation were not different depending on whether the split versus shared recruitment strategy was used (907 patients recruited out of 2,005 ED patients (45.2%; 95% CI = 43.0 to 47.4) vs. 937 of 2,127 (44.0%; 95% CI = 41.9 to 46.1). The 95% CI for the 1.2% difference was −1.8% to 4.2%. Patient enrollments in six individual studies were similar regardless of recruitment strategy. Following the 30-day trial, AAs were surveyed: 17 of 24 (71%) found the split strategy to be “more helpful in enrolling subjects,” and 20 of 24 (83%) found split strategy helped them “keep better track” of patients. Conclusions: Study subject enrollment was not affected by the use of either the shared or split responsibility strategy for recruitment. Students generally preferred the split strategy because it was more helpful and easier to monitor. Therefore, this may be the best option for similar student-oriented data collection programs.
Stratum Granulosum: Dissection From Cattle Hoof Epidermis

A hairless area of epidermis is present on the posterior aspect of cattle hooves. When this area is excised the cut surfaces reveal three thick and well-demarcated cellular layers: 1) a glassy-clear stratum corneum; 2) the underlying epidermal cell layers; 3) the dermis. Microscopically, the stratum granulosum of this tissue averages 20 cells in thickness and is free of hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. In view of the thickness of these cellular layers and the sharp demarcation between the stratum corneum and granular cell layers, it is possible by fine dissection to obtain sheets of fresh tissue which contain large amounts of keratohyalin. Such preparations are contaminated with variable amounts of cells from the stratum malpighii and dermal ridges, and small amounts of cornified and basal cells.
Formation of aldehydes and ketones via reduction of alkyl monohalides by electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in dimethylformamide in the presence of water, oxygen, and light

Addition of a stoichiometric amount of a primary alkyl monohalide (1-bromooctane) to a solution of electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in dimethylformamide containing water, followed by irradiation with a xenon arc lamp and brief exposure to air, results in the formation of an aldehyde (1-octanal). Analogous experiments with a secondary alkyl monohalide (2-bromohexane) afford a ketone. Other products are alkanes, alkenes, and dimers that arise from classic radical coupling and disproportionation of alkyl radicals.
Nitrogen loss from a mixed land use watershed as influenced by hydrology and seasons

Summary Non-point nitrogen (N) loss from agriculture is an environmental concern among scientists, decision-makers, and the public. This study investigated NO3–N and total N losses from a mixed land use watershed (39.5 ha) in the Appalachian Valley and Ridge Physiographic Province as influenced by hydrology (flow type, runoff volume, storm sizes, and precipitation amount) and seasons (pre-growing, growing, and post-growing seasons) from 2002 to 2006. Stream discharge was monitored every 5-min and water samples for NO3–N and total N analyses were collected weekly for base flow and for every storm. The majority of NO3–N (about 75%) and total N (about 65%) were exported in base flow, which contributed about 64% of the total flow in an average year and had greater flow-weighted mean NO3–N concentration (5.6 mg L−1) than storm flow (3.4 mg L−1). A substantial proportion of total N was in the form of NO3–N in base flow (58.1%) and small storms with 73% of the overall NO3–N and total N losses. These two seasons also had greater flow-weighted mean NO3–N (4.8 and 5.5 mg L−1, respectively) and total N (9.8 and 10.1 mg L−1, respectively) concentrations and greater discharge (40% and 32% of total discharge, respectively) than during the growing season. Greater contribution of NO3–N to total N loss in storm flow was also observed during the pre-growing and post-growing seasons than during the growing season, while contribution of NO3–N to total N loss in base flow was consistent across seasons. Management practices to reduce N loss from this watershed should target periods of base flow when NO3–N and total N concentrations are greater (before and after the crop growing season) and target areas along the stream where seeps are present, perhaps including perennial plant species in localized riparian buffers and introducing cover crops on the agricultural land during the fallow season.