cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Benchmark Development Times in the Transaction Processing Performance Council and Ideas on How to Reduce It with a Domain Independent Benchmark Evolution Model

The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) has a very successful history of disseminating objective and verifiable performance data to the industry. However, it lacks the ability to create new benchmarks in a timely fashion. In its initial years, the TPC defined benchmarks in about two years on average while recently this number increased to about eight years.
Comparative Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Induced Mitochondrial Fusion in Pancreatic Cancer

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that constantly alter their shape through the recruitment of specialized proteins, like mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Mfn2 induces the fusion of nearby mitochondria, while Drp1 mediates mitochondrial fission. We previously found that the genetic or pharmacological activation of mitochondrial fusion was tumor suppressive against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in several model systems. The mechanisms of how these different inducers of mitochondrial fusion reduce pancreatic cancer growth are still unknown. Here, we characterized and compared the metabolic reprogramming of these three independent methods of inducing mitochondrial fusion in KPC cells: overexpression of Mfn2, genetic editing of Drp1, or treatment with leflunomide. We identified significantly altered metabolites via robust, orthogonal statistical analyses and found that mitochondrial fusion consistently produces alterations in the metabolism of amino acids. Our unbiased methodology revealed that metabolic perturbations were similar across all these methods of inducing mitochondrial fusion, proposing a common pathway for metabolic targeting with other drugs.
Predicting concurrency failures in the generalized execution traces of x86 executables

In this tutorial, we first provide a brief overview of the latest development in SMT based symbolic predictive analysis techniques and their applications to runtime verification. We then present a unified runtime analysis platform for detecting concurrency related program failures in the x86 executables of shared-memory multithreaded applications. Our platform supports efficient monitoring and easy customization of a wide range of execution trace generalization techniques. Many of these techniques have been successfully incorporated into our in-house verification tools, including BEST (Binary instrumentation based Error-directed Symbolic Testing), which can detect concurrency related errors such as deadlocks and race conditions, generate failure-triggering thread schedules, and provide the visual mapping between runtime events and their program code to help debugging.
Technical communicators: who do they think we are?

Through a variety of pathways, we find ourselves within the profession of technical communication. Some communicators stumbled into the profession while others, within the last decade, may have entered with a degree in technical communication. Whatever the mode of arrival, the debate continues as to the status and value of our profession (A.D. Reilly, 1993 and C.R. Silva, 1992). Who "they " (our customers and other professionals) think "we" (technical communicators) are is important to determining our status, our effectiveness, and our reward. Perhaps "we," as technical communicators, have more leverage in determining what "they" perceive than we realized. >
Towards an understanding of oversubscription in cloud

Oversubscription can leverage under utilized capacity in the cloud but can lead to overload. A cloud provider must manage overload due to oversubscription for maximizing its prot while minimizing any service level agreement (SLA) violations. This paper develops an understanding of oversubscription in cloud through modeling and simulations, and explores the relationship between overload mitigation schemes and SLAs.
Veto Power and Legislation: An Empirical Analysis of Executive and Legislative Bargaining from 1961 to 1986

One of the most important American political institutons is the executive veto. The Founding Fathers sought to create an institution that would both protect the executive branch from encroachments of the legislature as well as provide an additional safeguard against "unwise" measures that might be passed. These concerns were weighed against concerns about executive usurpation of legislative power. The extent to which the veto serves to preserve this delicate balance is a question that remains largely unanswered. Few will dispute that the president plays a role in the legislative process. The question remains one of extent. Is the legislative role of the presidentwithin the confines of the formal powers enumerated in the constitution, or have additional informal powers emerged? In this analysis, we try to measure the influence of the president in the legislative process. We develop an empirical model based on several current theories of executive-legislative bargaining. The model we estimate is a generalized version of the legislative agenda control model. While we find strong evidence for the basic structure of the legislative agenda control model, we reject several of its predictions. We argue that many of these rejections may be due to presidential influence on the agenda and/or to incomplete information.
Comparison of Group Cohesion, Class Participation, and Exam Performance in Live and Online Classes.

Though class participation and group cohesion have shown some potential to promote student performance in conventional classrooms, their efficacy has not yet been demonstrated in an online-class setting. Group cohesion, defined as member attraction to and self-identification with a group, is thought to promote positive interdependence and the success of the group’s members. The current study sought to determine if group cohesion is significantly affected by the change of course setting from a live classroom to an asynchronous online-hybrid class in which students met in person only for course exams and otherwise interacted with each other through an online discussion board. Because peer interaction appears vital for the development of cohesion, we examined the relationship between participation in class discussion and students’ self-reported group cohesion and exam performance. With one exception, course requirements and materials were identical between the two class sections: students in the online-hybrid course completed homework assignments, whereas students in the live section were simply encouraged to do the same. Despite the advantage conferred by mandatory homework assignments, the findings heavily favored the conventional live classroom with respect to exam performance and self-reported group cohesion. Participation in class discussion was high in both class sections. The results indicated that both student performance and group cohesion were significantly lower in the hybrid classes.
Statistical analysis of partial discharges evolved during aging of synthetic nanofilled polypropylene

Introduction of nanofillers into polypropylene matrix has shown to improve the partial discharge resistance and breakdown strength. This work details the various statistical techniques that can be used to effectively analyze and forecast PD data obtained. PP samples made of base polymer and loaded with 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% synthetic nanofillers were aged under surface partial discharges. The acquired partial discharge pulse amplitude spectra were quantified in terms of Weibull scale (α) and shape (β) parameters. The sequential observations of these parameters collected at regular intervals of time constituted the two time series which are used here to analyze the PD data. The theoretical framework for analyzing & forecasting time series of Weibull shape and scale parameters of partial discharge pulse amplitude spectra using the auto & cross correlations to arrive at parsimonious models that can be used to analyze and forecast the data are presented.
Mechanism of biochemical photosynthesis

The photochemical reactions of photosynthesis produce reducing agents required during carbon dioxide reduction. The nature of the intermediate products and the kinetics of their formation have been studied using the radiochromatographic method with C14 and P32. The biosynthesis of sucrose in all plants has been found to involve phosphorylated sugars with two to seven carbon atoms. The steps in the sequence which appear to be dependent upon photochemically produces reducing agents will be discussed.
The Rh problem in obstetrics and a new concept of its management using amniocentesis and spectrophotometric scanning of amniotic fluid

Abstract 1. Amniocentesis has been performed on more than 900 occasions in a group of over 300 Rh-immunized pregnant women without a major mishap to either the fetus or the mother. A detailed account of the antepartum management of these cases and the clinical outcome in 245 completed pregnancies is presented. The total perinatal loss (stillbirths and neonatal deaths) due to hemolytic disease was 8 per cent of the total 245 immunized pregnancies, and 9 per cent of the total number of affected Rh-positive infants (211 pregnancies). The previous perinatal mortality rate from hemolytic disease at this hospital was 30 per cent of the total number of affected Rh-positive infants. In addition, only one first affected baby was lost in this study as a result of hemolytic disease, and no unnecessary inductions of premature labor nor cesarean sections were performed to deliver unaffected infants. 2. In the antepartum management of a Rh-immunized pregnancy, the spectrophotometric scanning of the amniotic fluid appears to be the most clinically useful procedure. However, it is suggested that the true value of this procedure can only be realized by repeating the test at biweekly intervals (or sometimes at weekly intervals); in order to minimize the risk of amniocentesis, the placenta should be localized by both the radioisotope and thermograph methods. 3. The physical characteristics and the clinical interpretation of the spectrophotometric tracings has been discussed in detail. 4. There appears to be a better correlation between the spectrophotometric tracings within 10 days of delivery and the clinical condition of the infant at birth, as assessed by the Apgar score and the presence or absence of circulatory failure, than with the level of cord hemoglobin and cord bilirubin, etc. It is suggested that the standard evaluation of the severity of hemolytic disease of the newborn should be revised to include the general condition (as assessed by recent amniotic fluid analysis) of the infant. 5. The principal value of amniocentesis and spectrophotometry is to determine the fetal outcome (survival or death) and not the level of hemoglobin at birth.
Tissue Factor-positive Tumor Microvesicles Activate Platelets and Enhance Thrombosis in Mice

Essentials Cancer patients have a high rate of venous thrombosis (VT) but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive microvesicles in platelet activation in vitro and in vivo were studied. Tumor-derived, tissue factor-positive microvesicles enhanced VT in mice. Platelets may contribute to VT in some cancer patients, and this could be prevented with antiplatelet drugs. SummaryBackground Cancer patients have an approximately 4-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with the general population, and cancer patients with VTE have reduced survival. Tumor cells constitutively release small membrane vesicles called microvesicles (MVs) that may contribute to thrombosis in cancer patients. Clinical studies have shown that levels of circulating tumor–derived, tissue factor–positive (TF+) MVs in pancreatic cancer patients are associated with VTE. Objectives We tested the hypothesis that TF+ tumor–derived MVs (TMVs) activate platelets in vitro and in mice. Materials and methods We selected two human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines expressing high (BxPc-3) and low (L3.6pl) levels of TF as models to study the effect of TF+ TMVs on platelets and thrombosis. Results and conclusions We found that both types of TF+ TMVs activated human platelets and induced aggregation in vitro in a TF and thrombin-dependent manner. Further, injection of BxPc-3 TF+ TMVs triggered platelet activation in vivo and enhanced thrombosis in two mouse models of venous thrombosis in a TF-dependent manner. Importantly, BxPc-3 TF+ TMV-enhanced thrombosis was reduced in Par4-deficient mice and in wild-type mice treated with clopidogrel, suggesting that platelet activation was required for enhanced thrombosis. These studies suggest that TF+ TMV-induced platelet activation contributes to thrombosis in cancer patients.
Selective release of DNA from the surface of indium-tin oxide thin electrode films using thiol-disulfide exchange chemistry.

A new challenge in biointerfacial science is the development of dynamic surfaces with the ability to adjust and tune the chemical functionality at the interface between the biological and nonbiological entities. In this paper we describe fabrication of indium−tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and the design of a ligand that can be switched to enable selectively controlled interactions with DNA. Tailoring the surface composition of the ITO electrode to optimize its optical and electrical properties was also studied. The surface attachment chemistry investigated utilizes thiol−disulfide exchange chemistry. This chemistry involved the covalent attachment of a thiol-functionalized silane anchor to a hydroxyl-activated ITO electrode surface. Subsequent reaction with 2-(2-pyridinyldithio)ethanamine hydrochloride formed the disulfide bridge and provided the terminal amine group, which facilitates addition of a cross-linker. DNA was then covalently bound to the cross-linker, and hybridization with the complementary Cy3-...
A brute force polarized target for neutron scattering experiments

Abstract We describe the design and construction of a brute force polarized nuclear target for measurement of spin-spin cross sections using polarized neutron beams. In particular we discuss the design considerations unique to such an experiment and provide a simple model for the refrigeration of the polarized target. The cryostat has been employed in the polarization of samples of 27 Al.
Nogopterium, a New Name for the Genus Pterogonium (Musci, Leucodontaceae)

Pterogonium Sw. (Leucodontaceae), a long-used, illegitimate name for what is probably a unispecific genus of mosses, is replaced with an anagram, Nogopterium Crosby & W. R. Buck. The needed new combinations, N. gracile (Hedw.) Crosby & W. R. Buck and N. beyrichianum (Hampe) Crosby & W. R. Buck, are made.
Management know‐how transfer to Saudi Arabia: a survey of Saudi managers

Considers the effectiveness of foreign business education as a conduit for management know‐how transfer to Saudi Arabia. Uses data from a survey of Saudi managers returning from study in the USA. Highlights skills seen as important and unimportant for daily operations in Saudi. Cites factors such as marketing, importing and negotiation skills as key elements. Notes the importance of Saudi organizations adapting their cultures to today’s realities.
Experimental demonstration of a broadband transformation optics lens for highly directive multibeam emission

The emerging field of transformation optics, with its powerful ability to manipulate and control electromagnetic waves, represents a promising new approach to tailor the radiation properties of antennas. However, previously reported source transformation designs have been severely limited by their narrow operating bandwidth, as well as the number and directions of radiated beams. In this paper, we design, fabricate, and characterize a new type of broadband transformation optics lens capable of converting the radiation from an embedded isotropic source into any desired number of highly directive beams pointing in arbitrary directions. We exploit the dispersive properties of the metamaterial building blocks to greatly enhance the impedance bandwidth of the embedded antenna. Moreover, the simple material parameters required by the demonstrated transformation make it amenable to the development of practical beam collimating devices that operate in both the microwave and the optical regimes.
Ignition and combustion of coal-water slurry in a confined turbulent diffusion flame

Characteristics times were estimated for the heating, vaporization, ignition, and combustion of 10 to 100 μm coal-water slurry droplets under conditions measured in 1 MW turbulent diffusion flames with high swirl. Agglomeration of the coal particles in a droplet was assumed to result in a coal particle size identical to the atomized droplet size. The locations of the ignition and combustion processes along the flame axis were determined from droplet trajectories based on estimates of the initial droplet velocity and measured gas velocities. Gas temperature and oxygen profiles recalculated using the predicted spatial distribution of the combustion processes, an estimate of the droplet size distribution, and the properties of the externally recirculated combustion products, were consistent with the measurements. The droplet velocity leaving the atomizer, and the gas velocity in the region of the fuel spray have important effects on the spatial distribution of ignition and combustion through their determination of the droplet trajectories. The presence of 32 to 36 wt% water in a slurry droplet results in an increase of about 50% over the distance required for ignition of an equivalent coal particle under the conditions which existed in the flames.
Improved cycling behavior of ZEBRA battery operated at intermediate temperature of 175 °C

Abstract Operation of the sodium–nickel chloride battery at temperatures below 200 °C reduces cell degradation and improves cyclability. One of the main technical issues with operating this battery at intermediate temperatures such as 175 °C is the poor wettability of molten sodium on β″-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), which causes reduced active area and limits charging. In order to overcome the poor wettability of molten sodium on BASE at 175 °C, a Pt grid was applied on the anode side of the BASE using a screen printing technique. Cells with their active area increased by metallized BASEs exhibited deeper charging and stable cycling behavior.
Assay interference leading to misdiagnosis of central precocious puberty.

Immunoassays are widely used to determine hormone levels. Antibodies directed against components of the immunoassay system can interfere with analyte concentration estimates. When unrecognized by clinicians, inappropriate clinical intervention may follow. The case of a young child with premature thelarche and elevated basal and stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels is presented, in whom it is hypothesized that heterophile antibodies (HAs) caused interference in the LH immunoassay. LH concentrations were measured in two different assays: LH-microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) and LH-immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA). To detect HA interference, LH level was remeasured after both preincubation with mouse serum to neutralize human anti-mouse antibodies, and treatment with a heterophile-blocking tube. The mean basal LH concentration by LH-MEIA was 7.4 mIU/mL and for LH-ICMA was 0.08 mIU/mL (normal range for age: 0.02–0.3 mIU/mL). LH concentration by MEIA was 0.08 mIU/mL after preincubation with mouse serum and 2.7 mIU/mL after preincubation with a heterophile blocking tube. In conclusion, HAs were identified in the serum of a child with premature thelarche. The presence of HAs led to spuriously elevated basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated LH concentrations, resulting in a diagnosis of central precocious puberty and unnecessary therapy. To avoid similar cases in the future, clinicians should consider the possibility of assay interference when the clinical picture is incongruent with the laboratory data.
Some results on the computational complexity of refining confidence factors

Abstract Rule bases are commonly used in the implementation of knowledge bases for expert systems. Knowledge engineers, with the help of experts, are good at designing the structure of the rule base but poor at setting values for the strengths of the rules. This paper presents an algorithmic analysis of problems related to setting the strength of rules (synthesis) and to modifying them when good estimates are given (refinement). Models of knowledge base and learning protocols are discussed. We define several problems of rule strength synthesis and refinement and show them to be computationally intractable—even if we settle for approximate values or demand that cases be fitted only in a fixed percentage of cases. Perhaps the most striking result is that the refinement of rule strengths in MYCIN-like systems is intractable even when (1) the depth of rule chaining is bounded by two, (2) we are concerned only with the classification of outputs, rather than the exact values of the certainty factors of possible diagnoses, and (3) good estimates of the strengths are given. The concept of gradualness in knowledge refinement, introduced by Rada, is characterized using algorithmic complexity. Some problems in neural network learning are related to the ones introduced here. The paper ends by indicating directions for further research.
Determination of Fault Surge Waveshapes with Particular Reference to Fault Detection

This paper describes the analytical procedure of determining the attenuation and distortion of fault-generated surges on transmission lines when the skin effects of conductor and earth are taken into account. Herein, the term which considers the skin effect of the earth has been modified. After comparing the results with known approaches, a method, for selecting the circuit parameters of the detection circuit which is used to couple the fault signal from the transmission line to the fault-locating equipment, is given.
The Milne problem in a statistical medium

Abstract The classic Milne problem of radiative transfer is considered within the context of transport in a statistical medium. It is pointed out that the statistical nature of the medium leads to two different definitions for this Milne problem. Explicit analytic results are given for each definition, under the assumption of binary homogeneous Markov statistics. The two solutions are qualitatively as well as quantitatively quite different.
Conservative behavioural evolution, the neural substrate.

Abstract The evolution of neural circuitry differs from that of other structures in a significant respect. Natural selection cannot physically eliminate most neuronal pathways for obsolete functions, because the individual neurons of these pathways usually are multifunctional, also being components of pathways for adaptive functions. Selection for loss of obsolete neural functions probably operates largely through mechanisms that suppress or neutralize the corresponding neuronal pathways without disabling pathways for adaptive functions. Accordingly, rather than becoming eliminated physically, obsolete neuronal pathways tend to become inhibited or have their outputs blocked; obsolete pathways not slected against merely cease to be accessed. These mechanisms of loss of neural function provide one of several intrinsically conservative bases for neural ontogeny and evolution. Since the central nervous system encodes and programmes motor outputs for behaviour, the obsolete circuits that are retained include pathways for obsolete behaviour. In vertebrates, such behaviour can sometimes be elicited directly by appropriate stimuli, but when the neuronal pathways for the obsolete behaviour are in an inhibited or blocked condition, they first must be rendered accessible (which can occur adventiously, pathologically, experimentally or in hybrids). The vertebrate central nervous system also plays a large role in programming the ontogeny and maturation of gametes. Egg formation in many species appears to be highly conservative, extensively retracing ancestral stages. This conservativeness probably derives from influences both of being under neural control and of having an evolutionary history in which the provisioning of eggs was continually on the increase.
Growth kinetics and metastability of monodisperse tetraoctylammonium bromide capped gold nanocrystals

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to measure the time-dependent evolution of the size and size distribution of tetraoctylammonium-stabilized gold nanocrystals formed by arrested precipitation. The initial growth mechanism was varied by controlling the addition of reducing agent to the ionic gold precursor solution. Slow addition gives high Au0 monomer supersaturation and provides discrete nucleation and growth events and a narrowing of the particle size distribution over short reaction times. Rapid addition of reducing agent leads to broad initial particle size distributions that begin to narrow only after the first few hours of the reaction. After 24 h, the nanocrystals grow to 52 A in diameter with a very narrow size distribution regardless of the initial growth kinetics. Analysis of the reaction and transport rates reveal that nanocrystal growth is limited by the surface reaction rate of monomer addition to the crystal surface. The final size appears to be thermodynamically metastable, with ...
Combining Shape Memory Alloys and Microfluidic Chips on Printed Circuit boards

Integrated multi-layer fluidic chips, with hundreds of elastomeric valves, are useful in immunoassays, protein crystallization, cell culture and several other applications. Although the devices are micro-scale, because valves are actuated pneumatically, each chip requires a relatively large pneumatic control system for operation. Fulfilling the great promise of microfluidics, for instance building throwaway, portable, massively parallel, point-of-care diagnostic systems is unlikely until there is a solution for actuating micro-valves electrically. We introduce a combination of materials—shape memory alloys (SMAs) and elastomersto solve this problem. SMAs offer among the highest work per unit volume of any actuator, and elastomers have the ability to absorb the energy and return the SMA to its original configuration, while providing electric and thermal insulation. Using this marriage of materials, with PDMS (elastomer) and Ni/Ti wires (SMA), we built electrically activated micro-fluidic valves, peristaltic pumps and multiplexers. The first generation valve design needs 50 to 250 mA current in the on state, with power requirements of about 0.5 W. It can hold back >1 atmosphere of pressure and run for thousands of cycles, actuating at sub-second speeds. The dead volume is <1 nano-liter. Crucially, these devices are assembled on printed circuit boards, like conventional electronic components. Thus, the technology used in assembling electronics is applicable to assembling fluidic chips, and both electronics and fluidics can be integrated on one platform for biomedical applications.
On the Axisymmetric Counterflow Flame Simulations: Is There an Optimal Nozzle Diameter and Separation Distance to Apply Quasi One-Dimensional Theory?

Two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical analysis of counterflow flames was employed to better understand the applicability of the quasi one-dimensional theory of Seshadri and Williams to flames produced by small diameter convergent nozzles. The computational domain considered included the convergent sections of two opposed nozzles as well as the surrounding inert annular co-flows. For computational efficiency, the fuel-oxidizer system of diluted hydrogen versus air in non-premixed flame mode, with a detailed chemical kinetic model and mixture-averaged transport property description, was considered. With an increase of nozzle diameter from 6.5 mm to larger values (with plug flow velocity profiles at the nozzle exit), the influence of the radial terms on eigenvalue and scalar variables has been compared. Error metric on nozzle diameter effects is presented with comparison to typical experimental measurement uncertainties. The analysis also showed that, for nozzle separation distances below the free-floating ...
Prospects for Bose-Einstein condensation in atomic hydrogen and other gases

Current experimental efforts to observe Bose-Einstein condensation in the laboratory are reviewed. New experiments in spin-polarized hydrogen at high density or very low temperatures offer promise of achieving this goal. The possibility of BEC in other elements, H2,4He, and cesium are discussed.
Improved composition control of digitally grown AlAsSb lattice-matched to InP

The growth of AlAsSb lattice-matched to InP as both an analog alloy and a digital alloy is examined. The digital alloy, consisting of alternating layers of AlAs and AlSb with a total period <10 A, has a much weaker dependence on arsenic and antimony beam flux variations, resulting in more reproducible composition control and reliable lattice-matching.
Military Mobilization and Commitment Problems

Because of its costliness, military mobilization is generally seen as a mechanism by which high-resolve leaders can credibly signal their high resolve in international crises, thereby possibly overcoming informational asymmetries that can lead to costly and inefficient war. I examine how power-shifts caused by mobilization within a crisis can lead to commitment-problem wars. In a simple ultimatum-offer crisis bargaining model of complete information, war occurs if and only if the power-shift caused by mobilization exceeds the bargaining surplus, which is Powell's (2004, 2006) general inefficiency condition for commitment-problem wars. When private information is added, and hence mobilization potentially has a stabilizing signaling role, under certain conditions the commitment problem overwhelms the signaling role and mobilization leads to certain war. Finally, I analyze an infinite-horizon model that captures the reality that mobilizing takes time, and find that commitment-problem wars occur under broader...
Hepatobiliary effects of morphine are mediated in the brain.

Morphine slows hepatobiliary elimination of sulfobromophthalein in rodents, raising dye levels in plasma and liver. Earlier studies showed these effects to be independent of other opiate effects such as bile duct spasm, hypothermia or blood gas changes resulting from respiratory depression. Because opiate receptors are distributed throughout the body, within the central nervous system and at peripheral sites including the gastrointestinal tract, experiments were performed to ascertain whether central or peripheral sites mediate the hepatobiliary effects of morphine. Sulfobromophthalein was administered intravenously to mice and its levels were measured in plasma and liver. Tail-flick latency indicated centrally mediated analgesia. Inhibited intestinal transit of India ink reflected an opiate effect with a significant peripheral component. When injected into a cerebral ventricle morphine was much more potent in producing analgesia and raising sulfobromophthalein levels than when administered intravenously or intraperitoneally. An intravenous dose of naloxone that reversed morphine analgesia also prevented sulfobromophthalein elevation but did not prevent gut slowing. Naltrexone injected in a cerebral ventricle also reversed analgesia and sulfobromophthalein elevation but not intestinal slowing. The polar opiate agonist N-methylmorphine did not cause analgesia or raise sulfobromophthalein levels at peripheral intraperitoneal doses to 100 mg/kg. When given in a central ventricle at 4 × 10—3 mg/kg, this agent produced analgesia and raised sulfobromophthalein but did not slow intestinal transit. After spinal cord transection, intravenous morphine did not retard the tail-flick response or affect sulfobromophthalein disposition, but peripherally mediated intestinal transit was slowed as it was in intact mice. These experiments demonstrate parallel opiate effects on analgesia and on BSP disposition but not on intestinal transit. Hepatobiliary effects of morphine are mediated by interaction with opiate receptors in the brain. (HEPATOLOGY 1990;12:1406–1412).
Screening for subclavian artery stenosis in patients who are candidates for coronary bypass surgery

We prospectively evaluated 59 patients who were deemed candidates for coronary bypass surgery after coronary artery angiography for subclavian artery narrowing, which could compromise the ipsilateral internal thoracic artery graft. Bilateral arm blood pressure (BP) measurements, ausculatation for supraclavicular or cervical bruits, and questioning about cerebrovascular ischemic symptoms were compared to brachiocephalic-subclavian arteriography. One neurologic complication occurred during arteriography. An upper extremity BP difference of ≥ 15 mm Hg identified all patients with ≥ 50% subclavian artery narrowing. We recommend brachiocephalic-subclavian arteriography only in patients with abnormal noninvasive screening for subclavian stenosis, not routinely. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;56:162–165. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The sampling performance of pre-test estimators of the scale parameter under squared error loss☆

Abstract This paper evaluates the sampling properties of the conventional, inequality and minimum mean square pre-test estimators of the scale parameter under a squared error loss.
The pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in human serum and tissues

The pharmacokinetics of azithromycin, a new azalide antibiotic, were examined in man. Approximately 37% of a single oral dose of 500 mg was bioavailable and produced a peak serum concentration of 0.4 mg/l. Multiple dose regimens (two doses of 500 mg separated by 12 h and followed by 500 mg qds for five days, or two doses of 250 mg separated by 12 h and followed by 250 mg qds for nine days) produced only slight increases in peak serum concentrations. The serum protein binding of azithromycin declined from about 50% at 0.02 mg/l to 12% at 0.5 mg/l. Tissue concentrations of azithromycin were much higher than serum concentrations. After two 250 mg doses 12 h apart, peak azithromycin concentrations exceeded 3 mg/kg in prostate, tonsil and many other tissues. Concentrations in tissues declined with apparent half-lives of 2.3 days in prostate and 3.2 days in tonsil. The high tissue concentrations suggest that proposed standard dosage regimens of 500 mg qds on day 1 followed by 250 mg qds for four days, or three daily dosages of 500 mg, will produce tissue concentrations above 3 mg/kg in a variety of tissues. Since these tissue concentrations exceed the MICs of relevant pathogens, these dosage regimens should be effective against respiratory tract and soft-tissue infections. A single 1 g dose may be effective in the treatment of many sexually transmitted diseases.
HOX11 interacts with protein phosphatases PP2A and PP1 and disrupts a G2/M cell-cycle checkpoint.

Hoxl1 is an orphan homeobox gene that controls the genesis of the spleen1. HOX11 is also oncogenic, having been isolated from a chromosomal breakpoint in human T-cell leukaemia2–4. Transgenic mice that redirected HOX11 to the thymus demonstrated cell-cycle aberration and progression to malignancy5. We observed that the protein HOX11 interacted with protein serine-threonine phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2AC), as well as protein phosphatase 1 (PP1C) in mammalian cells. Inhibition of PP2A can regulate the cell cycle and control the activation of maturation-promoting factor in Xenopus oocytes6. Microinjection of HOX11 into Xenopus oocytes arrested at the G2 phase of the cell cycle promoted progression to the M phase. G2 arrest can be induced by λ-irradiation, but is eliminated by expression of HOX11 within a T-cell line. Thus HOX11 is a cellular oncogene that targets PP2A and PP1, both of which are targets for oncogenic viruses and chemical tumour promoters7,8. This interaction suggests a mechanism by which a homeobox can alter the cell cycle.
Survey of Double Vertex Graphs

Let G be a (V,E) graph of order p≥2. The double vertex graph U 2 (G) is the graph whose vertex set consists of all 2-subsets of V such that two distinct vertices {x,y} and {u,v} are adjacent if and only if |{x,y}∩{u,v}|=1 and if x=u, then y and v are adjacent in G. For this class of graphs we discuss the regularity, eulerian, hamiltonian, and bipartite properties of these graphs. A generalization of this concept is n-tuple vertex graphs, defined in a manner similar to double vertex graphs. We also review several recent results for n-tuple vertex graphs.
Wnt Signaling Stimulates Osteoblastogenesis of Mesenchymal Precursors by Suppressing CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein α and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ

Mesenchymal precursor cells have the potential to differentiate into several cell types, including adipocytes and osteoblasts. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling shifts mesenchymal cell fate toward osteoblastogenesis at the expense of adipogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms by which Wnt signaling alters mesenchymal cell fate have not been fully investigated. Our prior work indicates that multipotent precursors express adipogenic and osteoblastogenic transcription factors at physiological levels and that ectopic expression of Wnt10b in bipotential ST2 cells suppresses expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and increases expression of Runx2, Dlx5, and osterix. Here, we demonstrate that transient activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling rapidly suppresses C/EBPα and PPARγ, followed by activation of osteoblastogenic transcription factors. Enforced expression of C/EBPα or PPARγ partially rescues lipid accumulation and decreases mineralization in ST2 cells expressing Wnt10b, suggesting that suppression of C/EBPα and PPARγ is required for Wnt/β-catenin to alter cell fate. Furthermore, knocking down expression of C/EBPα, PPARγ, or both greatly reduces adipogenic potential and causes spontaneous osteoblastogenesis in ST2 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, suggesting that Wnt signaling alters the fate of mesenchymal precursor cells primarily by suppressing C/EBPα and PPARγ.
Random coefficient differential equation models for bacterial growth

In the mathematical modeling of population growth, and in particular of bacterial growth, parameters are either measured directly or determined by curve fitting. These parameters have large variability that depends on the experimental method and its inherent error, on differences in the actual population sample size used, as well as other factors that are difficult to account for. In this work the parameters that appear in the Monod kinetics growth model are considered random variables with specified distributions. A stochastic spectral representation of the parameters is used, together with the polynomial chaos method, to obtain a system of differential equations, which is integrated numerically to obtain the evolution of the mean and higher-order moments with respect to time.
Cryptosporidium oocyst removal from diatomaceous earth at a cyclone recovery pilot plant

Abstract Recycling of diatomaceous earth (DE) in a drinking water filtration system was investigated. The plant consists of four stages of cyclones plus a scavenger system for the recover of spent DE. Cryptosporidium, oocysts were seeded into the raw water from the DE pilot plant, at a concentration of 103 oocysts per liter. Samples were taken prior to injection from the seeded stock, down stream from the point of injection in the influent stream and from the overflow post‐cyclone separation. In the DE recovery plant the percentage of oocysts detected in the overflow stream (that volume of water and spent DE, which will not be recovered or reused) ranged from 27 to 79% depending on the number of cyclones present. It appears that while 91% of the oocysts were separated from the DE that was slated for recovery. The levels of this organism in the spent DE over time or after a large concentration spike in the influent, could present a problem if the DE is to be reused as body feed without some type of pretrea...
Conversion of arylhydroxylamines to electrochemically-active derivatives suitable for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis with amperometric detection

Abstract A sensitive method is described for the analysis of arylhydroxylamines (derived metabolically from arylamines and nitro compounds) in liver homogenates. The procedure is based on initial extraction of the analyte from the biological matrix with dichloromethane; derivatization in the extraction solvent with p-dimethylaminophenylisocyanate to form a hydroxyurea which is subsequently separated from coextracted materials and reaction by-products by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The hydroxylamine, itself, is quite unstable [t 1 2 = 8 min in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (0.1 M; μ = 0.5)]; conversion to the hydroxyurea increases its stability by a factor of 500. The hydroxyurea derivative strongly absorbs ultraviolet light (λmax. = 268 nm; am = 37,200) and is also electrochemically oxidized (Ep = +0.38 V vs. Ag/AgCl) at a glassy carbon surface. The HPLC eluent is therefore monitore both spectrophotometrically (at 254 nm) and amperomatrically (at 0.50 V at a glassy carbon anode). Optical detection offers a sensitivity of 9· 10—M while electromechanical detection affords a sensitivity limit of 1· 10—M.
Representations of slavery

Abstract Adopting collective memory as the conceptual framework, this study sought to explore dominant narratives of a publicly owned former slave plantation opened to tourists. Textual analysis of promotional material revealed prominent frames through which tourists are invited to perceive the contemporary rearticulation of the plantation. The findings revealed a process of textual semantic prosody wherein the dominant narratives enacted a rhetoric of distance from the institution of slavery and achieved a discourse of proximity to a progressive account. The plantation is viewed as a mnemonic device endowed with political dimensions that reinforce hegemonic ideologies and engender remembering while concurrently inducing forgetting.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Interobserver Reliability of the Blinded Scratch-Collapse Test

The reliability of the scratch-collapse test for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has not been tested by independent investigators. This study measured the reliability of the scratch-collapse test comparing the treating hand surgeon and blinded evaluators. We performed a prospective observational study of 41 patients with a provisional diagnosis of CTS or a combination of CTS and cubital tunnel syndrome and prescribed electrodiagnostic testing. The treating hand surgeon performed the scratch-collapse test. Next, the test was administered by one of the six observers, unaware of the patient’s symptoms and the diagnosis made by treating hand surgeon. The kappa statistic (κ) was used to calculate the interrater reliability between the treating hand surgeons and blinded scratchers. The agreement between the blinded observers and the hand surgeons on the scratch-collapse test was substantial 0.63 (95 % CI, 0.34–0.87; p < 0.001). The sensitivity of the blinded scratch test in our sample was 32 %. In a small study with a spectrum bias favoring electrophysiologically confirmed CTS the reliability was lower than that reported by the inventors of the test, but was still substantial. We propose a larger study of patients with a greater variety of electrodiagnostic test results using fewer observers with more experience.
A Review of Empirical Literature on Inquiry Professional Development: Alignment with Best Practices and a Critique of the Findings

This review brings together the literature on inquiry-based teaching and learning and science teacher professional development (PD). We present a targeted critical review of research focused specifically on the nature of PD programs purported to emphasize inquiry. Our review analyzes the features of each program and critiques the reported outcomes of each study. Findings from this review suggest a general alignment with recommended features of effective PD as outlined in the literature with a few notable exceptions, including: supporting teachers in developing inquiry-based lesson plans, providing authentic inquiry experiences, and focusing on science content for teachers. More importantly, our review reveals that no reported study has connected participation in inquiry-based PD with all the desired outcomes of teacher PD: enhanced teacher knowledge, change in beliefs and practice, and enhanced student achievement. Implications for future research on inquiry-based PD programs are discussed.
Involucrin expression is decreased in Hailey-Hailey keratinocytes owing to increased involucrin mRNA degradation.

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) (MIM 16960) is an autosomal-dominant blistering skin disease caused by a mutation in the Ca2+-ATPase ATP2C1 (protein SPCA1), responsible for controlling Ca2+ concentrations in the cytoplasm and Golgi in human keratinocytes. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, in turn, play a major role in the regulation of keratinocyte differentiation. To study how ATP2C1 function impacts keratinocyte differentiation, we assessed involucrin expression in HHD keratinocytes. Involucrin is a protein that makes up the cornified envelope of keratinocytes and is expressed in response to increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Even though HHD keratinocytes suffer from abnormally high cytosolic Ca2+, we found that these cells expressed lower involucrin protein levels at both low and high extracellular Ca2+ concentrations when compared with normal control keratinocytes. Decreased involucrin protein levels were caused by lower involucrin mRNA levels in HHD keratinocytes. Decreased involucrin mRNA, in turn, was caused by increased rates of involucrin mRNA degradation. Ca2+-sensitive involucrin AP-1 promotor activity was increased, both in HHD keratinocytes and in an small interfering RNA (siRNA) experimental model, suggesting compensatory promoter upregulation in the face of increased mRNA degradation. This report provides new insights into differentiation defects in HHD and its relationship to Ca2+ signaling.
Simultaneous analysis of phosphoproteins and total cellular proteins from PC12 cells

We describe a method for identifying phosphoproteins among total cellular proteins using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). The method involves the simultaneous double-labeling of cells with [ 35 S]methionine and [ 32 P]orthophosphate. Proteins that incorporate one or both isotopes are then identified within the same gel on the basis of the different energies of the respective isotope emissions. Detection is achieved using a storage phosphor screen that is exposed to the dried 2DE gel with or without (+/−) the insertion of a copper filter between the gel and the storage phosphor screen. Each of these two accumulated potential images is digitized on a Phosphorimager. Because both +/− copper-filtered images are derived from the same gel, it is possible to precisely overlay the two images. Measuring the efficiency of transfer of radiation across the copper for each spot allows accurate determination of whether there is a double or single label in each protein. The dynamic range of the method allows quantitation over five orders of magnitude for a single isotope and over four orders of magnitude for 32 P and 35 S isotope mixtures in the 2DE gel. The sensitivity is more than 10-fold greater than that of autoradiography and requires exposures of 2–48 h instead of several weeks. We describe the application of this method to the identification of protein phosphorylation events in a rodent cell line (PC12 cells) after exposure to nerve growth factor. This method should have wide applicability in identifying post-translational modifications of proteins involved in many biological processes.