cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teacher Knowledge and Perceptions of Stuttering and Bullying in School‐Age Children.

Purpose: To evaluate teacher knowledge and perceptions of the development and management of stuttering, as well as bullying. Method: A 32‐item web‐based survey was created to address the purposes of this investigation. Participants were recruited in 5 states representing diverse geographic regions by sending an e‐mail with an attached information letter and an embedded e‐mail link. A total of 84 teachers completed the survey. Results: Teachers demonstrated a general understanding of the cause and characteristics associated with stuttering; however, teachers indicated some feelings of discomfort surrounding stuttering and there were some indications that they are not clear on the best ways to manage it, nor do they have access to materials. The majority identified bullying as a problem at their schools and encountered bullying of children who stutter. Conclusions: The results from this investigation were mixed in that teachers demonstrated insight into some areas of stuttering and bullying, but decreased a...
No Effect, or No Net Effect? Studies on Socially Responsible Investing

The author reviews the literature on the performance impact of socially responsible investing and focuses on equity portfolios. The key issues addressed are whether social screens have harmed investment performance or whether information effects have offset diversification costs. In other words, the central issues are whether social screening has no effect on performance or no net effect. Based on the studies examined, the author concludes that those portfolio managers wanting to eliminate the active exposures of social screens can do so without incurring material costs.
The Effects of Butylated Hydroxyanisole Magnitude and Duration on the Release of Cytochrome c

Abstract. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a widely used food preservative. It is an antioxidant that reacts with oxygen free radicals, and thus, slows down the oxidation process of certain food components that can alter taste or color. When BHA is ingested, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized. BHA has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on the body. By adding various concentrations of BHA to rat hepatocyte cultures, the release of cytochrome c was monitored to determine the magnitude of BHA that causes apoptosis of the hepatocyte cells. The subacute magnitudes of BHA were administered to the hepatocyte cultures for various durations of time to determine their effect. This gave an optimal magnitude and duration of subacute levels of BHA in order to reduce the release of cytochrome c that leads to hepatocyte apoptosis.
LCL filter resonance mitigation technique for voltage source converters

This paper investigates the control technique to mitigate the LCL filter resonance issue for voltage source converters. Two level voltage source converter with and without passive damping of LCL filter are selected for the comparative study. Control algorithm is discussed to estimate the source impedance based on variable carrier PWM. Estimated source impedance is used to tune the control of the VSC to avoid the resonance of LCL filter has been presented. There have been scenarios when LCL resonance can't be avoided just by tuning the control parameter. In these cases energy efficient technique has been discussed which allows running voltage source converter with minimum performance difference. Simulation studies have been performed to evaluate the above techniques and verified with the experimental results.
Modeling of Halide Chemical Vapor Deposition of SiC

Halide chemical vapor deposition is used to grow thick SiC epilayers at high growth rate. In this paper we present simulation of HCVD process in a horizontal hot wall reactor. A reaction mechanism for Si-C-Cl-H system is proposed for deposition of SiC using SiCl4 /C3 H8 /H2 mixture. A model for transport of momentum and energy is developed to determine the gas field velocity and temperature distribution. Chemical reactions in the gas phase and on the substrate surface are incorporated into the transport model for predicting gas species transport and deposition. The effects of graphite etching are also accounted for in the model. Numerical simulation is performed to predict growth rate of the film as a function of temperature and gaseous species flow rates.© 2006 ASME
Characteristics of thyroid lysosomal cathepsin

Summary Some biochemical characteristics of thyroid lysosomes were studied. About 40 % of the cathepsin of thyroid homogenates was present in a sedimentable form in the 15 000 × g pellet. The stability of the lysosomes was affected by pH and osmolarity. The lysosomal cathepsin is latent between pH 5.1 and 7.3 in isotonic sucrose at 37° for 30 min. In thyroid extracts and homogenates, only one cathepsin with an acid pH optimum was observed. No neutral or alkaline protease could be demonstrated. The characteristics of this acid lysosomal cathepsin resemble those reported for cathepsin D (EC 3.4.4.23). The formation of polypeptides of high molecular weights as products of autolysis of thyroid iodoproteins was demonstrated by gel filtration. In addition to undegraded thyroglobulin and iodoamino acids, four intermediate polypeptides were eluted with characteristics suggesting molecular weights of approx. 70 000, 50 000, 30 000, and 18 000, respectively.
Mixed-width aisle configurations for order picking in distribution centers

Abstract Space required for the order picking area and labor required to perform the picking activity are two significant costs for a distribution center (DC). Traditionally, DCs employ either entirely wide or entirely narrow aisles in their picking systems. Wide aisles allow pickers to pass each other, which reduces blocking, and requires fewer pickers than their narrow-aisle counterpart for the same throughput. However, the amount of space required for wide-aisle configurations is high. Narrow aisles utilize less space than wide aisles, but are less efficient because of the increased likelihood of congestion experienced by pickers. We propose a variation to the traditional orthogonal aisle designs where both wide and narrow aisles are mixed within the configuration, with a view that mixed-width aisles may provide a compromise between space and labor. To analyze these new mixed-width aisle configurations, we develop analytical models for space and travel time considering randomized storage and traversal routing policies. Through a cost-based optimization model, we identify system parameters for which mixed-width aisle configurations are optimal. Experimental results indicate that annual cost savings of up to $48,000 can be realized over systems with pure wide or narrow aisle configurations.
Expression and characterization of hepatitis B virus precore-core antigen in E. coli

ABSTRACT The hepatitis B virus core antigen, including the precore sequence (HBcAg-p25), was expressed at very high levels in bacteria. Three expression vectors were constructed in which the synthesis of HBcAg-p25 was controlled by the tac promoter, and the number of nucleotides between the bacterial ribosome binding site and the precore initiation codon was varied in order to maximize HBcAg-p25 synthesis. The relative amount of HBcAg-p25 polypeptide expressed by the different vectors was estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot. HBcAg-p25 was associated with an insoluble fraction of bacterial extracts and required ionic detergents for solubilization. Comparison by ELISA of the immunoreactivity of HBcAg with and without the precore sequence suggested that human anti-HBcAg IgG preferentially recognizes HBcAg lacking the precore sequence.
Structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of Fe/Au monatomic multilayers.

An Fe/Au monatomic multilayer, consisting of alternating single Fe and Au layers, has been studied by means of the self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. We show by total energy minimization that this artificial thin film is in the tetragonal {ital L}1{sub 0} ordered structure with the ratio of the interlayer spacing to the intralayer lattice constant at 0.865. In this configuration, the magnetic moment in each monolayer, the spin-polarized electronic density of states, and the corresponding band structure are calculated. The results are discussed in connection with recent experiments. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 morpholino increases graft survival in a murine penetrating keratoplasty model

Purpose This study sought to determine whether a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1)-specific morpholino (MO) could decrease neovascularization, thereby enhancing murine cornea transplant survival, and if this effect is synergistic with steroid therapy. Methods Graft survival, corneal neovascularization, and corneal lymphangiogenesis were compared among the VEGFR1_MO, STD MO and PBS groups following subconjunctival injection in mice that underwent normal risk penetrating keratoplasty (NR PK) and high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (HR PK). Graft survival, corneal neovascularization, and corneal lymphangiogenesis in groups treated with both VEGFR1_MO and steroid therapy were also analyzed in HR PK. Results In NR PK, the VEGFR1_MO decreased angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and increased graft survival compared with the PBS group (P = 0.055, P = 0.003, P = 0.043, respectively). In HR PK, VEGFR1_MO decreased angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and increased graft survival compared with the STD MO (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.029, respectively) and PBS groups (P = 0.004, P = 0.002, P = 0.024). In HR PK, when the VEGFR1_MO was combined with steroid therapy, a significant increase in graft survival was seen compared with steroid treatment alone (P = 0.045). The 2-month graft survival rate for HR PK was 27% in the combination group compared with 0% in the triamcinolone only group. Conclusions VEGFR1_MO decreased angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, resulting in increased graft survival in both NR PK and HR PK. This beneficial effect is synergistically enhanced with steroid treatment in HR PK.
Photoperiod affects the expression of neural cell adhesion molecule and polysialic acid in the hypothalamus of the siberian hamster

Immunohistochemical and immunoblot procedures were used to examine the effects of inhibitory short day (SD) photoperiod on the expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) in the hypothalamus and preoptic area (POA) of the adult male Siberian hamster. In animals that had undergone SD-induced gonadal regression, immunoblot analyses revealed significant reductions in the content of immunoreactive PSA in anterior hypothalamic (AH) and mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) regions. These changes were accompanied by increased contents of the 180 kDa NCAM isoform in the POA and AH, and decreased content in the MBH. The 140 kDa NCAM isoform also was elevated in the AH. Light microscopic analysis revealed a marked reduction in the density of NCAM-immunoreactive tanycyte-like processes in the MBH of animals exposed to SD. This effect was not blocked by castration, indicating that this may be a primary (sex steroid-independent) effect of altered photoperiod in the hypothalamus. Also, photoperiod-induced alterations in NCAM expression were not evident in non-responsive hamsters that maintained active testes under SD exposure. Collectively, these results are evidence that seasonal changes in photoperiod affect the expression of NCAM and PSA in the hypothalamus. Such changes could help promote plastic morphological rearrangements related to the regulation of seasonal reproductive and/or metabolic cycles.
Positioning against foreign supply sources in an international purchasing environment

Abstract In an era of global sourcing, the multinational firm's success often hinges on its astuteness in selecting from a set of domestic and foreign suppliers. When compared with domestic supplier selection, international supplier selection decisions are fraught with countless risks and complexities. These may include the political atmosphere, tariff barriers, cultural and communication obstacles, trade regulations and agreements, currency exchange rates, cultural differences, and variations in ethical and quality standards. Consequently, the decision-making environment becomes less clear and more confusing. As business-to-business marketers search for adaptive strategies to effectively cope with this environment, new approaches appear more attractive. This article offers a multiple attribute structure for illustrating the potential advantages of a U.S. supplier over foreign suppliers and also for reducing the uncertainty associated with supplier selection in global markets. The concept is presented, and various recommendations are posited with practical illustrations.
To monitor or not to monitor: Effectiveness of a cyberloafing countermeasure

Abstract The goal of this study is to explore and analyze the effectiveness of a possible countermeasure to the so-called “cyberloafing” problem involving a technical solution of Internet filtering and monitoring. Through a multi-theoretical lens, we utilize operant conditioning and individuals’ psychological morals of procedural justice and social norms to study the effectiveness of this countermeasure in addressing the associated agency problem and in promoting compliance with an organization's Internet usage policies. We find that in addition to the blocking module, confirmation and quota modules of an Internet filtering and monitoring system can prevent shirking and promote better compliance through employee empowerment and attention resource replenishment.
The Manhattan Metaphor

Fixed operating costs draw a sharp distinction between endogenous growth based on horizontal and vertical innovation: a larger number of product lines puts pressure on an economy’s resources; greater productivity of existing product lines does not. Consequently, the only plausible engine of endogenous growth is vertical innovation whereby progress along the quality or cost ladder does not require the replication of fixed costs. Is, then, product variety expansion irrelevant? No. The two dimensions of technology are complementary in that using one and the other produces a more comprehensive theory of economic growth. The vertical dimension allows endogenous growth unconstrained by endowments, the horizontal provides the mechanism that translates changes in aggregate variables into changes in product-level variables, which ultimately drive incentives to push the technological frontier in the vertical dimension. We show that the potential for exponential growth due to an externality that makes entry costs fall linearly with the number of products, combined with the limited carrying capacity of the system due to fixed operating costs, yields logistic dynamics for the number of products. This desirable property allows us to provide a closed-form solution for the model’s transition path and thereby derive analytically the welfare effects of changes in parameters and policy variables. Our Manhattan Metaphor illustrates conceptually why we obtain this mathematical representation when we simply add fixed operating costs to the standard modeling of variety expansion.
Characterization and modeling of localized compaction in aluminum foam

Abstract Uniaxial compression tests on aluminum foam reveal formation of bands of localized compaction, initiating near peak stress, and becoming clearly defined during the subsequent stress drop. Band formation is modeled as a bifurcation from uniform deformation due to a constitutive instability. Theoretical predictions and experimental observations are in reasonable agreement.
Measurement of Nitrate and Nitrite in Extracellular Fluids: A Window to Systemic Nitric Oxide Metabolism

There is a growing body of both clinical and experimental data that demonstrates that activation of the immune system, whether locally or systemically, is associated with an increased production of nitric oxide (NO) as measured by increases in plasma and/or urinary levels of nitrate (NO−3) and nitrite (NO−2). Because NO may mediate some of the tissue injury and dysfunction observed in certain pathophysiologic conditions associated with immune system activation (e.g., arthritis, colitis, sepsis) a simple, sensitive, and inexpensive method to measure NO−3 and NO−2 levels in the plasma and urine may provide an important tool for monitoring NO production and possibly disease activity in vivo. Therefore, the objective of this article is to outline the methods used in our laboratory to quantify NO−3 and NO−2 in extracellular fluids such as plasma, urine, and/or lymph. These same methods may also be used for other extracellular fluids including saliva, tears, sweat, and possibly bile. We describe two methods that require that NO−3 first be reduced to NO−2 and then NO−2 determined spectrophotometrically by the Griess reaction. We have found that the enzymatic reduction of NO−3 to NO−2 using either a commercially available preparation of nitrate reductase (Aspergillus nitrate reductase; Boehringer-Mannheim) or the nitrate reductase associated with Escherichia coli which have been grown anaerobically in the presence of large amounts of nitrate to be the most satisfactory methods. Both methods are relatively inexpensive, simple, and fairly sensitive. Studies from our laboratory have determined that heparin should be removed from plasma (or lymph) samples prior to addition of the Griess reagent because we have found that acidification of dilute heparinized plasma may result in substantial precipitation of the sample.
Ultrasound-guided catheterization of the internal jugular vein in oncologic patients; comparison with the classical anatomic landmark technique: a prospective study.

Abstract Aim To compare the traditional anatomic landmark technique with the ultrasound-guided method for central venous catheterization. Material and methods During three years, 551 patients underwent internal jugular vein catheterization; in 347 patients, the ultrasound-guided technique was used, while in the other 204 patients the catheter was introduced by using the classical anatomic landmark method. Operating time, complications (pneumothorax, puncture of carotid artery with or without hematoma formation), and number of attempts to achieve central venous catheterization were recorded. Results The ultrasound-guided technique was associated with significantly shorter operating time (9.83±3.1 vs. 20±4.4min, p p p p p Conclusion The ultrasound-guided method is faster, more efficient, and less morbid procedure compared with the classical anatomic landmark technique. Therefore, it should be preferred over the classical landmark method, especially in high-risk patients for the development of complications.
CHEMICALLY MODIFIED ELECTRODES INCORPORATING RUTHENIUM COMPLEXES OF POLYAZINE BRIDGING LIGANDS

A group of monomeric ruthenium polypyridyl complexes of the form [Ru(vbpy)2(BL)](PF6)2 have been synthesized and characterized (vbpy = 4-vinyl-4′-methyl-2,2-bipyridine and BL are the bridging ligands: 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp), 2,3,-bis(2-pyridyl) quinoxaline (dpq) and 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzoquinoxaline (dpb). The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these vinylbipyridine monomeric complexes are very similar to the bipyridine analogs, [Ru(bpy)2(BL)](PF6)2 where bpy=2,2′-bipyridine. Electronic absorption spectroscopy data show a slight shift to lower energy of the Ru(dπ)→BL(π∗*) charge transfer bands when vinylbipyridine is coordinated in place of bipyridine. Cyclic voltammetric data showed no significant difference in the peak potentials for the RuII/RuIII oxidation and BL/BL− reduction waves in the vbpy versus bpy systems. These monomeric complexes can be electrochemically polymerized on platinum and glassy carbon disk electrodes. Multiple cyclic voltammetric scans were done to monitor the modification of the electrode surface. Stable, adherent and electrochemically reactive films were deposited. Electrochemical data show the capacity of these metallopolymers to retain the solution properties of the monomeric complexes after being polymerized onto the electrode surface. These polymeric films are of interest in that they contain vacant bidentate coordination sites on one side of the bridging ligand. These sites can be available for binding other metal centers to further modify the surface or for electroanalytical applications.
Comparison of spectral-domain versus time-domain optical coherence tomography in management of age-related macular degeneration with ranibizumab.

Purpose To compare the ability to delineate and detect patterns of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) activity in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after ranibizumab treatment between time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) and 4 different spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) devices. Design Prospective, consecutive case series. Participants Sixty-one eyes of 58 patients with exudative AMD after ranibizumab treatment were included in this study. Methods All patients were imaged with TD-OCT and at least 1 of 4 different SD-OCT devices at the same visit after ranibizumab treatment. The OCT images were analyzed in a masked fashion by 2 independent graders (KS, TY) to delineate and detect the presence of CNV activity defined as the presence of subretinal fluid, intraretinal cysts, intraretinal fluid, sub–retinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) fluid, or a combination thereof. The automated evaluation of retinal thickness also was analyzed between devices. Main Outcome Measures Evidence of CNV activity on linear B-scans and 3-dimensional so-called cube scans on SD-OCT and linear B-scan on TD-OCT. Results In linear B-scan mode, all 4 SD-OCT devices were superior in their ability to delineate sub-RPE fluid compared with TD-OCT ( P P P P P P Conclusions SD-OCT is superior to TD-OCT in evaluating for CNV activity in patients with wet AMD after ranibizumab injection. Retinal thickness measurements between SD-OCT and TD-OCT also were significantly different. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Adolescent alienation: Evaluating the hypotheses

Statistics reveal the steady, long-term, increase of self-and-other-destructive conduct among American youths. The conduct involved includes suicide, homicide, out-of-wedlock births, drug abuse and recorded crimes. A variety of hypotheses have been proposed to interpret this conduct — and to indicate possible remedies. Some of these hypotheses are briefly characterized, generally evaluated, and rejected. One hypothesis, the so-called youth bulge theory, suggests that the conduct is due to a disproportinate relationship between the youth population and the adult population; this disproportion — the so-called youth bulge — ultimately led to various modes of youth alienation. The youth bulge hypothesis was tested through a regression analysis which estimated the contemporaneous relationship between a measure of adolescent disorder (the youth suicide rate over time) and the proportion of youths to adults. A statistically significant but small relationship was found between the two variables. The implications of this conclusion are briefly sketched.
Secondary-electron analysis of electronic micro-circuits

Abstract A description is given of a simple detector suitable for detecting secondary-electrons emitted from electronic micro-circuits are bombarded by an electron beam. The circuits may be either static or under power. The detector fits into the normal sample position in an electron microprobe. Illustrations are given of using this detector to display potential on the surface of a micro-circuit. The use of the detector in observing potential distribution during a junction breakdown of a semiconductor device is also shown.
Spatial and temporal measurements of NO2 in an urban area using continuous mobile monitoring and passive samplers.

This paper describes the use of a continuous mobile monitor and passive samplers to estimate the spatial distribution of NO2 in an urban area for the purpose of siting a continuous monitor to measure population exposure. Monitoring sites were sites selected based on the State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS) and National Air Monitoring Station (NAMS) siting criteria required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). SLAMS monitoring objectives define scales in which the NO2 concentration and land use are homogeneous. The SLAMS scales relevant to NO2 monitoring for NAMS NO2 monitoring sites are neighborhood (0.5 to 4 km), and urban (several to 50 km). SLAMS siting objectives also define four categories of sites: highest concentration, representative concentration, impacts of major sources, and background sites. Mobile monitoring with a Scintrex LMA-3 luminal monitor was used on a neighborhood scale to measure the NO2 concentration at sites that covered a large geographical area. Passive samplers were then located at candidate mobile monitoring locations for long-term sampling which covered the neighborhood to the urban scale. These two methods complement each other by combining short-term continuous measurements and integrated long-term measurements which reflect the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for NO2 which is based on an annual average. The neighborhood site with the highest concentration was not only in the area of highest population density, but was also representative of the larger urban scale. The magnitude of this urban scale is approximately 20 km.
Thermoregulation and endothermy in the large western cicada Tibicen cultriformis (hemiptera: cicadidae)

Abstract 1. Measurements of body temperature (Tb) in the field demonstrate that Tibicen cultriformis (Davis) regulates Tb through a combination of behavioral mechanisms and endogenous heat production. 2. Animals with access to solar radiation used radiant energy to regulate Tb through behavioral changes. Animals active at dusk used endogenous heat to regulate Tb to the same level as diurnally active animals. 3. T. cultriformis exhibits facultative endothermy similar to other New World endothermic cicadas, while contrasting African endothermic cicadas. 4. Calculated VO2max is 1.79±0.788 ml O2 min−1 and cooling rate is 0.245±0.072°C min−1°C gradient−1. These values are similar to what would be predicted based on the size of the animals and would permit an average gradient of 37.4°C to be produced. 5. Thermal responses (minimum flight temperature 15.8°C, maximum voluntary tolerance temperature 34.4°C, and heat torpor temperature 45.1°C) of T. cultriformis are related to their habitat and their endothermic behavior.
Optimizing the fuzzy-nets training scheme using the Taguchi parameter design

Fuzzy nets have been proposed to combine the learning ability of neural networks and the reasoning ability of fuzzy logic to deal with complex control systems. This paper presents a systematic way of identifying the significant factors and optimising the performance of a fuzzy-nets application. To present the methodology, a model of a truck backing up has been evaluated. Four factors were considered: 1. The number of training sets. 2. The number of fuzzy regions. 3. The membership functions. 4. The fuzzy reasoning methods which would affect the performance of the fuzzy-nets training scheme in nonlinear applications.
Sensitivity aspects of linear digital control systems

A technique for the sensitivity analysis of linear computer controlled systems is presented. The incremental covariance of estimation error is used to demonstrate quantitatively the deterioration in estimation quality under the perturbed initial conditions, system parameters, plant and measurement noise covariances. In this work the incremental covariance of estimation error has been derived for closed loop systems under the assumptions of simultaneous perturbations of the above quantities. This extends previously published results.
Lesions of the gustatory thalamocortical loop block drug-induced devaluation of a natural saccharin reward cue, while leaving instrumental responding for the drug intact.

Asymmetric ibotenic acid lesions of the taste nuclei in the thalamus and cortex (THCx) selectively disrupt avoidance of a taste cue when paired with a rewarding sucrose solution or morphine, but not when paired with the aversive agent, LiCl (Geddes et al., submitted). The present study used similar THCx lesions to examine the role of this thalamocortical loop in drug-induced suppression of intake of the taste cue, drug-seeking (runway) and drug-taking (self-administration) behavior. Using predetermined coordinates (cortex) and electrophysiological guidance (thalamus), 22 rats received unilateral lesions of the VPMpc and contralateral lesions of the gustatory insular cortex (THCx). The remaining 22 control (Cntl) rats received ipsilateral lesions (different nuclei, same hemisphere). In Experiment 1, half of the Cntl and THCx rats were water-deprived and given 5 min access to saccharin in the start box followed by an ip injection of morphine (15 mg/kg) in the goal box for 6 trials in a runway. In Experiment 2, the remaining half of the rats were water-deprived and given 5 min access to the saccharin CS followed by 1.5 h to self-administer cocaine over 14 trials in an operant chamber. Collectively, the results showed that the THCx lesion blocked both morphine- and cocaine-induced suppression of intake of the saccharin CS, but had no effect on instrumental responding for the drug. Thus, while this thalamocortical loop is essential for drug-induced devaluation of CS intake, it is not involved in responding, instrumentally, to the reinforcing properties of the drugs. This research was supported by DA12473 and DA017416.
ACTH4–10 antagonism of morphine-induced behavioral activation in the mouse

Abstract The 4–10 fragment of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH 4–10 ; Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly) was administered intracerebroventricularly to C57Bl mice with and without concurrent systemic injection of a standard dose of morphine sulfate. Morphine produced stereotyped behavioral activation (running, environmental oblivion, Straub tail) which was antagonized in a dose related fashion by the ACTH fragment. This extends the range of opiate—ACTH 4–10 interactions to a novel species and behavioral model, and is consistent with previous findings.
Risk-taking patterns of female adolescents: what they do and why

A total of 58 college-age adolescent females were asked to provide information about their risk-taking behaviors. Participants completed a risk-taking questionnaire and were asked to keep a diary of their risk-taking behaviors for 1 week. Participants were also asked to provide reasons for engaging in each behavior they listed. Results indicated that participants engaged in a variety of risky behaviors ranging from traditional adolescent risk-taking behaviors, e.g. drinking and sex, to other behaviors not typically included in studies of risk-taking, e.g. interpersonal and financial risky behaviors. An analysis of the justifications given for engaging in the various behaviors were largely goal-oriented (e.g. engaging in a behavior as a means to an end) or reflected a preoccupation with personal needs (e.g. engaging in a behavior to relieve loneliness or stress). These results are contrary to the widely held belief that adolescents' risk-taking is "mindless," "aimless," or mere "sensation seeking."
Volume-activated Na/H exchange activity in fetal and adult pig red cells: inhibition by cyclic AMP.

Hyposmotic swelling of pig red cells leads to a selective increase in K permeability, whereas hyperosmotic cell shrinkage augments the Na permeability. In this regard, the ouabain-resistant (OR) Na flux of red cells of newborn and adult pigs is characterized in detail. A reduction in cell volume by approximately 18% leads to an increase in the OR Na efflux of fetal and adult cells by 15-and fourfold, respectively. The OR Na influx in both cell types is equally influenced by cell shrinkage. Depletion of cellular K does not influence the volume-activated OR Na efflux. Nor does OR Na influx require external K. Both OR Na efflux and influx activated by shrinkage are inhibited by the diuretics furosemide and amiloride. The rank order of decreasing anion sensitivity for diuretic-sensitive Na efflux was acetate > chloride > gluconate > nitrate. Cell shrinkage induced by the addition of hypertonic salts results in an acidification of the unbuffered and CO2-free media, provided that both Na and DIDS are present. The qcidification process can be reversed by either of the diuretic agents. These findings suggest that the shrinkageactivated OR Na flux is primarily mediated by a Na/H exchanger rather than by a Na/K/Cl cotransporter. Once loaded with either cAMP or cGMP, cell swelling can no longer activate the Na/H exchanger. The Na/H exchanger activity is detectable in the fetal cells of normal volume but quiescent in adult cells, indicating that the exchanger undergoes a developmental change during the transition from the fetal to adult stage.
Physical mechanisms in the plasma wake-field accelerator

The acceleration of trapped electrons in the relativistic plasma waves (wake fields) produced by specially shaped charged-particle beams is described by physical, analytic, and two-dimensional simulation models. The effects of competing instabilities, imperfect bunch shapes, transverse dynamics, and dephasing of trapped particles are considered.
Molecular Basis of Requirement of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB Signaling for Interleukin 1-mediated Osteoclastogenesis

IL-1, a proinflammatory cytokine, is implicated in bone loss in various pathological conditions by promoting osteoclast formation, survival, and function. Although IL-1 alone can sufficiently prolong osteoclast survival and activate osteoclast function, IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis requires the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL). However, the molecular basis of the dependence of IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis on RANKL is not fully understood. Here we show that although IL-1 cannot activate the expression of the osteoclast genes encoding matrix metalloproteinase 9, cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and carbonic anhydrase II in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), RANKL renders these osteoclast genes responsive to IL-1. We further demonstrate that IL-1 alone fails to induce the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), a master transcriptional regulator of osteoclastogenesis), in BMMs but can up-regulate its expression in the presence of permissive levels of RANKL or with RANKL pretreatment. The RANK IVVY motif, which has been previously shown to commit BMMs to the osteoclast lineage in RANKL- and TNF α-mediated osteoclastogenesis, also plays a crucial role in IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis by changing the four osteoclast marker and NFATc1 genes to an IL-1-inducible state. Finally, we show that MyD88, a known critical component of the IL-1 receptor I signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis from RANKL-primed BMMs by up-regulating the expression of the osteoclast marker and NFATc1 genes. This study reveals a novel mechanism of IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis and supports the promising potential of the IVVY motif to serve as a therapeutic target for inflammatory bone loss.
Plastic instability in A-75 titanium sheet deformed in uniaxial tension at 300–700 K

Abstract The effects of material parameters on the plastic instability in uniaxial tension of commercial A-75 titanium sheet tested at 300–700 K and strain rates of 10−4−10−2s−I were investigated employing gridded specimens. Three plastic instability strains were identified: 1. (a) ϵ 1 ∗ the initiation of strain concentration leading to a diffuse neck, 2. (b) ϵ II ∗ , the restriction of strain to the diffuse neck region and 3. (c) ϵ III ∗ , the initiation of local necking. The effects of material parameters on the critical strains for each of these instability conditions were given reasonably well by the following expressions: ϵ I ∗ = n I + δ In A 0 δ In ϵ ϵ II ∗ = ϵ I ∗ + 3.3m u 2 3 ϵ III ∗ = 2{n u + m u (α III + ϵ u )} where A0 is the original cross-sectional area, n = dln σ dl nϵ , m = ϖInσ ϖ In ϵ and α = d In ϵ d Inϵ of the element which eventually failed. The subscripts indicate the strain at which the material parameters were determined. The expressions for ϵ I ∗ and ϵ III ∗ , were derived, whereas that for ϵ II ∗ is purely empirical, n, m and a were found to vary with strain, strain rate and temperature.
Calcium binding by chondroitin sulfate.

The binding of calcium by chondroitin sulfate C was studied by employing biological and physicochemical methods for the quantitative determination of ionic calcium. Mean values for logKj, the logarithm of the uncorrected formation constant for a calcium-chondroitin sulfate complex, were 1.64 with the frog heart technique, 1.55 with the murexide method, 1.39 with ultrafiltration and 1.04 with the calcium selective electrode. The magnitude of these values suggests that chondroitin sulfate has a relatively high binding capacity for calcium, but calculated values for an exchange parameterKp indicate that calcium has a low affinity for the polysaccharide.
A New Low-Cost Instream Antenna System for Tracking Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT)-Tagged Fish in Small Streams

Abstract We present a new, low-cost, low-power, half/full-duplex passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag interrogation antenna for use in detecting fish movements in small streams. New technology by Allflex-USA allowed us to develop a reading system with an antenna 279.4 cm wide × 60.9 cm high that reads both common tag types used in fisheries today for about US$1,000. An instream antenna of this size and price makes high-resolution tracking of fish movement in small streams feasible where cost and tag-type restrictions were prohibitive. For evaluation, we placed the antenna upstream of a small estuary on the central California coast to observe the diel movements of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss between the estuary and upstream habitats in both spring and fall months.
STEROID 21-HYDROXYLASE GENE ANALYSIS IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is usually due to an autosomal recessive defect in 21-hydroxylation of steroid hormones. The human gene for 21-hydroxylation, P450c21B, is closely linked to its inactive homologue, P450c21A. We have cloned a human P450c21 cDNA and used it to determine the restriction patterns of 51 members of 10 different families, each with 2 or more CAH cases. Following digestion of genomic DNA with EcoRI or TagI, patterns reported by others to indicate P450c21B gene deletions (absent 12- or 3.7-kb fragments) were seen for 6/20 CAH and 6/20 normal P450c21B alleles. Following digestion with Bg1II, EcoRI, KpnI, TaqI, or XbaI normal P450c21B gene patterns were seen in all CAH samples with at least 2 enzymes. Linkage analysis indicates the P450c21 alleles co-segregate with CAH (no recombinants seen in 15 informative meioses). We conclude 1) P450c21B gene “deletions” detected by others using single enzyme digestions may, in some cases, represent gene conversions, polymorphisms or unequal crossover products rather than simple deletions and 2) while prenatal diagnosis of CAH is feasible by linkage analysis in 8/10 families studied to avoid errors the patterns of all family members should be studied before inferring the CAH status of the fetus from restriction patterns.
Appraising Performance During Different Organizational Change Periods

Building on the conceptualization of performance appraisals as goal- directed processes, this paper takes a macro approach and investigates how organizational and supervisor goals in performance evaluations are shaped by organizational change periods. Integrating rater goal theory with punctuated equilibrium theory, we propose that performance appraisal goals vary as a function of the organization’s change period. Moreover, we argue that the organizational change period affects performance appraisal frequency. Finally, we theorize about the differential emphasis supervisors place on three performance dimensions – task, contextual, and adaptive – in convergent and radical change conditions.
Mechanism by which Cigarette Smoke Attracts Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes to Lung

C igarette smoking is a major risk factor in the development of pulmonary emphysema, a chronic disorder thought to be caused by excess protease activity in lung. Although inhalation of cigarette smoke is associated with accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN; a major source of preformed proteases) in the lung, cigarette smoke, by itself, is not chemotactic for PMN. Since alveolar macrophages (AM) interact with cigarette smoke in vivo and are capable of releasing a chemotactic factor (CF) for PMN, the present study was undertaken to determine if cigarette smoke might stimulate AM to release a CF for PMN. To evaluate this concept, AM obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of five nonsmoking and six cigarette smoking individuals were evaluated for their ability to secrete a CF for PMN either spontaneously or following in vitro exposure to cigarette smoke for three hours. In smokers, AM from each patient spontaneously released CF for PMN (100±15 PMN/hpf) and, as an in vivo correlate, their BAL contained 6 ± 1 percent PMN. In nonsmoking controls, AM did not spontaneously release CF for PMN (5±1 percent PMN/hpf) and their BAL contained <1% PMN. In addition, normal AM could be stimulated to release CF for PMN by exposing them in vitro to cigarette smoke (85±10 PMN/hpf). AM supernatants containing the CF (but free of cigarette smoke) not only attracted PMN, but also activated PMN to release their
QT Interval Prolongation Associated With Quetiapine (Seroquel) Overdose

Received June 3, 1999; accepted June 14, 1999. From the Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF), 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Tesar, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, CCF, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195. Copyright 2000 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Haloperidol and other typical antipsychotics are known to cause cardiac conduction abnormalities, including QTc interval prolongation on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Newer antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, risperidol, and quetiapine, have a reputation for cardiovascular safety. We report a case of quetiapine overdose that was associated with clinically significant QT interval prolongation.
Travel Costs in the NBA Production Function

This article empirically determines whether travel factors affect National Basketball Association (NBA) teams’ production of wins, offense, and defense. Distance traveled has little impact on win production. Teams with fewer days since their last game produce fewer wins, with an especially large effect for visiting teams in the first half of the season. Game frequency costs accrue in the second half of the season, significantly hurting visiting teams’ win production. In the second half of seasons, win production increases when teams play in time zones to the east and decreases in time zones to the west of their home time zone.
Arginine Activates Intestinal p70S6k and Protein Synthesis in Piglet Rotavirus Enteritis

We previously showed that phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase (p70(S6k)) in the intestine is increased during viral enteritis. In this study, we hypothesized that during rotavirus infection, oral Arg, which stimulates p70(S6k) activation, will further stimulate intestinal protein synthesis and mucosal recovery, whereas the p70(S6k) inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa) will inhibit mucosal recovery. Newborn piglets were fed a standard milk replacer diet supplemented with Arg (0.4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), twice daily by gavage), Rapa (2 mg x m(-2) x d(-1)), Arg + Rapa, or saline (controls). They were infected on d 6 of life with porcine rotavirus. Three days postinoculation, we measured the piglets' body weight, fecal rotavirus excretion, villus-crypt morphology, epithelial electrical resistance in Ussing chambers, and p70(S6k) activation by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We previously showed a 2-fold increase in jejunal protein synthesis during rotavirus diarrhea. In this experiment, Arg stimulated jejunal protein synthesis 1.3-fold above standard medium, and the Arg stimulation was partially inhibited by Rapa. Small bowel stimulation of p70(S6k) phosphorylation and p70(S6k) levels were inhibited >80% by Rapa. Immunohistochemistry revealed a major increase of p70(S6k) and ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation in the crypt and lower villus of the infected piglets. However, in Arg-treated piglets, p70(S6k) activation occurred over the entire villus. Jejunal villi of the Rapa-treated group showed inactivation of p70(S6k) and a decrease in mucosal resistance (reflecting increased permeability), the latter of which was reversed by Arg. We conclude that, early in rotavirus enteritis, Arg has no impact on diarrhea but augments intestinal protein synthesis in part by p70(S6k) stimulation, while improving intestinal permeability via a mammalian target of rapamycin/p70(S6k)-independent mechanism.
Comprehensive corporate campaigns

The ouster of longtime AFL-CIO president Lane Kirkland signals a new departure for private sector unions in the U.S. Under his leadership, the union movement continued to decline in both membership and political clout, and the perception had become widespread that the organization was ossified and out of touch with current economic realities. The new leaders, John J. Sweeny of the Service Employees International Union and Richard Trumka of the United Mine Workers, campaigned for their posts as president and vice-president, respectively, by promising to lead the
The Submillimeter-Wave Spectrum of KCCH (X1Σ)

The pure rotational spectrum of KCCH (X1Σ) has been observed in the laboratory for the first time using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption techniques. Thirty-seven rotational transitions of this molecule were recorded in the range 225-490 GHz, and 15 transitions were recorded for its deuterium isotopomer, KCCD. Both species were created by the reaction of potassium metal and acetylene or deuterated acetylene under DC discharge conditions. The transition frequencies were analyzed to produce precise spectroscopic constants for KCCH and KCCD. This study is the first experimental information available for potassium monoacetylide and indicates that it is a linear species, with some, but not total, ionic character to its bonding. Rest frequencies are also now available for KCCH for astronomical searches.