cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
utilizing upconverting nanoparticles as optical pH sensors

The ability to measure pH on a cellular scale has a wide range of potential use in biology and medicine. In this paper, we describe our work on creating a nanoscale pH sensor via the conjugation of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with a fluorescent dye. We will the explain the origin of the optical pH sensitivity, the conjugation procedure, as well as the various measurement techniques used to confirm the sensitivity. These nanoparticles allow simple optical sensing of pH without complicated intensity calibration process and could thus be widely applicable to many complex biological systems.
Phosphatases in Milk

The presence of a phosphatase activity in milk—first described as a phosphorus compound (Kay, 1925)—which was later identified as alkaline phosphatase—was first reported by Graham and Kay (1933). Bovine milk contains two principal indigenous phosphatases, namely alkaline and acid phosphatases, as well as other phosphatases such as ribonuclease. Only milk alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (EC 3.1.3.1) and milk acid phosphatase (ACP) (EC 3.1.3.2) are reviewed here, because other phosphatases present in milk have not been shown to have any technological significance in milk or milk products.
Acetabular labral reconstruction with medial meniscal allograft: preliminary results of a new surgical technique

Reconstruction of the acetabular labrum during femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery is accepted when the labrum is deficient and irreparable. Here we describe a novel technique using fresh-frozen medial meniscal allograft for labral reconstruction during surgical hip dislocation for correction of pincer FAI due to acetabular overcoverage. The results from seven hips (six patients) that underwent this procedure with 1 year minimum follow-up, and radiographs are presented. Six of the seven hips had improvements in pain, hip flexion, hip abduction, and Merle d'Aubigne-Postel scores. Only one patient with pre-existing osteoarthritis underwent reoperation with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. All digastric trochanteric osteotomies healed, and there were no cases of femoral head osteonecrosis or progression of Tonnis grades. The medial meniscus is a morphologically and clinically suitable option for labral reconstruction and effectively restores the hip fluid seal.
Abstract P115: Feasibility Of Implementing A Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring And Management Program

Introduction: Hypertension guidelines recommend remote monitoring of blood pressure (BP) but widespread implementation is lacking due to several multi-level barriers. Hypothesis: Barriers to remote...
Impact of the new UNOS donor heart allocation system on waitlist outcomes and early post-transplant mortality among adults with congenital heart disease.

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) experience worse waitlist outcomes and higher early post-transplant mortality compared to non-ACHD patients. On October 18, 2018; the UNOS donor heart allocation system was redesigned giving unique listing status to ACHD patients. The impact of this change on outcomes in transplant-listed patients is unstudied. Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) we compared ACHD patients listed for the first-time for heart transplantation from 2 eras of equal duration. We analyzed waitlist outcomes, post-transplant mortality and length of stay among ACHD patients in both eras and between ACHD and non-ACHD patients in the new era. Of 12723 listed patients, 535 had ACHD (293 in the new era) and 12188 did not (6258 in the new era). A total of 163 (56%) ACHD patients in the new era versus 150 (62%) in the prior era were transplanted; 11 (3.8%) versus 15 (6.2%) died on the waitlist; 32 (11%) versus 35 (14%) were delisted and 15 (9.2%) versus 19 (12.7%) died within 30 days of transplant respectively. The new UNOS donor heart allocation system improved waitlist outcomes among ACHD patients without altering early post-transplant outcomes or significantly changing the gap in outcomes compared to non-ACHD patients.
Atlas of Gross Pathology: With Histologic Correlation

Detailed understanding of gross pathology is mandatory for successful pathologists, but this knowledge also provides a sound foundation for those intending to become surgeons, internists, and obstetrician/gynecologists. For pathologists, pathology residents, and pathology assistants, knowledge of gross pathology is essential for guidance in selecting the correct areas of pathologic lesions to sample for microscopy and frozen section examination. This atlas provides a comprehensive illustration and description of a wide range and number of pathologic processes and diseases affecting all the major organs of the body. Emphasis is placed on how the anatomic structure of different organs may determine the pattern of involvement by disease processes and how such patterns may aid in the correct diagnosis of the gross pathology. In some cases, multiple illustrations of disease processes are given to show evolution of the disease. Histologic illustrations of selected gross lesions are also included where relevant. The atlas is illustrated with more than 1,200 color photomicrographs.
Neuropsychological outcomes after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: A prospective multicenter study

Summary Purpose: To assess outcomes of language, verbal memory, cognitive efficiency and mental flexibility, mood, and quality of life (QOL) in a prospective, multicenter pilot study of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (RS) for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Methods: RS, randomized to 20 Gy or 24 Gy comprising 5.5–7.5 ml at the 50% isodose volume, was performed on mesial temporal structures of patients with unilateral MTLE. Neuropsychological evaluations were performed at preoperative baseline, and mean change scores were described at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. QOL data were also available at 36 months. Key Findings: Thirty patients were treated and 26 were available for the final 24-month neuropsychological evaluation. Language (Boston Naming Test), verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test and Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised), cognitive efficiency and mental flexibility (Trail Making Test), and mood (Beck Depression Inventory) did not differ from baseline. QOL scores improved at 24 and 36 months, with those patients attaining seizure remission by month 24s accounting for the majority of the improvement. Significance: The serial changes in cognitive outcomes, mood, and QOL are unremarkable following RS for MTLE. RS may provide an alternative to open surgery, especially in those patients at risk of cognitive impairment or who desire a noninvasive alternative to open surgery.
Transporting export-bound grain by rail: Rail rates in the Post-Staggers Rail Act Period

A spatial analysis involving four origin states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska) and two destinations (Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Northwest) is conducted in order to determine if pricing practices by the same or different railroads in different regions are consistent. A system of structural equations is estimated and dynamic regression tests are conducted because of the dynamic nature of interregional trade and arbitrage activities. The results indicate that the railroad industry is noncompetitive and that rail rates converge at a different speed to their desired levels in different regions. This may be partly due to the increased concentration in the railroad industry that took place during last twenty years.
Human Resources Strategy: The Era of Our Ways

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the main features and trends in human resources (HR) strategy. Inasmuch as people are among the most important resources available to firms, one could argue that HR strategy should be central to any debate about how firms achieve competitive advantage. But this “people are our most important asset” argument is actually fairly hollow in light of the evidence. Far too many articles on HR start with this premise, but the reality is that organizations have historically not rested their fortunes on human resources. The HR function remains among the least influential in most organizations, and competitive strategies have not typically been based on the skills, capabilities, and behaviors of employees. In fact, as Snell, Youndt and Wright (1996:62) noted, in the past executives have typically tried to “take human resources out of the strategy equation--i.e., by substituting capital for labor where possible, and by designing hierarchical organizations that separate those who think from those who actually do the work.”
Two types of uncertainty in the values of activation energy

The activation energies of the same process are often reported to have different values, which are usually explained by the differences in experimental conditions and sample characteristics. In addition to this type of uncertainty, which is associated with the process (ΔE process) there is an uncertainty related to the method of computation of the activation energy (ΔE method). For a method that uses fitting single heating rate data to various reaction models, the value of ΔE method) method is large enough to explain significant differences in the reported values of the activation energy. This uncertainty is significantly reduced by using multiple heating rate isoconversional methods, which may be recommended for obtaining reference values for the activation energy.
Can Diaspora Bonds be Used in the Caribbean

Many independent countries in the Caribbean have large stocks of migrants abroad who send remittances to relatives in the homeland. Most Caribbean migrants reside in four principal host or remittance-sending countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and The Netherlands. Remittances constitute more than 5 percent of GDP in most countries and exceed 10 percent in the case of Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica. The transfers help to smooth consumption patterns, alleviate poverty, increase the supply of investable funds, and improve balance of payments. Many developing countries and most Caribbean states are fiscally constrained and have limited access to private international capital markets. Given substantial remittance inflows worldwide (US$413 billion in 2014 compared with US$135 billion in foreign aid in the same year), the governments of remittance-receiving countries wonder how some of its migrants' savings could be tapped to bridge financing gaps. One means would be for governments to issue a diaspora bond with a submarket rate of return that targets patriotic migrants who want to help their home country grow and prosper. This paper defines diaspora bonds, discusses their performance in the post-World War II era, and reviews the critical steps and conditions for successful issuance and subscription. The characteristics of selected Caribbean states are then analyzed to determine suitability for possibly using this financial instrument.
Solubilization of the Cytoplasmic Membrane of Escherichia coli by the Ionic Detergent Sodium-Lauryl Sarcosinate

The sensitivity of the outer and cytoplasmic membranes of Escherichia coli to detergent was examined by isopycnic sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Sodium lauryl sarcosinate (Sarkosyl) was found to disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane selectively under conditions in which Triton X-100 and dodecyl sodium sulfate solubilized all membrane protein. These results were verified by gel electrophoresis; membrane proteins solubilized by Sarkosyl were identical to those of the cytoplasmic membrane. The presence of Mg2+ during treatment with Sarkosyl was found to afford partial protection of the cytoplasmic membrane from dissolution.
Noggin arrests stromal cell differentiation in vitro.

Abstract Noggin is a glycoprotein that binds bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) selectively and, when added to osteoblasts, it opposes the effects of BMPs. However, the consequences of its continued expression in stromal cells are not known. We investigated the effects of noggin overexpression under the control of a constitutive promoter, on murine ST-2 stromal cells, and its impact on stromal cells from transgenic mice overexpressing noggin under the control of the osteocalcin promoter. ST-2 cells were transduced with a retroviral vector (pLPCX) or a vector driving noggin (pLPCX noggin). Untreated (pLPCX) ST-2 cells developed the appearance of mineralized nodules and expressed osteocalcin. pLPCX noggin delayed the appearance of mineralized nodules and prevented the expression of osteocalcin. Noggin also prevented the cortisol-dependent induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 and adipsin transcripts, indicating a generalized inhibition of cell differentiation. Primary stromal cells from noggin transgenic mice displayed impaired differentiation when compared to cells from wild-type animals and did not express osteocalcin mRNA. In conclusion, noggin arrests the differentiation of stromal cells, preventing cellular maturation.
A 5 GHz beam steering array for portable wireless MIMO application

A compressed footprint high gain beam steering parasitic antenna array is introduced for 5 GHz WLAN application in portable wireless devices. The collinear dipole array (consisting of a number of driven and parasitic dipoles) beam can be steered in 0, 60, and -60 degrees in the azimuth plane with the help RF switches. The peak gain of the array ranges from 11.7 to 12.2 dBi.
Spectroscopy of the IR transitions in Pr3+ doped heavy metal selenide glasses.

The spectral properties of Pr3+ doped BaInGaGeSe chalcogenide glasses are reported. Absorption spectra, emission spectra, and lifetimes of the lower lying manifolds have been measured. Radiative transition rates are calculated and compared with measured experimental lifetimes. The strong mid-IR emission and spectral properties of this glass make this glass a strong candidate for lasers, amplifiers, and high brightness sources in the mid-IR.
A violence-prevention and evaluation project with ethnically diverse populations

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the challenges encountered and lessons learned while providing and evaluating a violence-prevention program for and with ethnically diverse populations in child care settings. The paper discusses Safe Start, a violence prevention education program for child care staff and parents, and the evaluation of the program. Safe Start was designed to include culturally relevant content to increase cultural awareness for child care staff and parents from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The evaluation project enrolled child care centers with families representing the ethnically diverse communities in which they were located. Violence prevention research involving children from diverse ethnic backgrounds presents new methodologic challenges, but also provides new opportunities for creative, novel methods. This paper describes some of the challenges encountered with curriculum development, staff recruitment, instrument selection, and data collection procedures.
Deep-UV hardening of deep-UV resists

Deep UV (200 - 300 nm) or electron beam hardening has been used extensively to enhance the thermal flow resistance of i-line based diazoquinone-novolak resists. Since novolaks have Tg below 125 degrees Celsius, the images require stabilization for processing at elevated temperatures. The images of hardened resists are able to withstand elevated temperatures of greater than 150 degrees Celsius such as encountered in ion implantation or reactive ion etching. The next generation of positive resists are based on polyhydroxystyrene (PHS) either as a homopolymer with acid labile additives or as copolymer with acid labile groups. Since the Tg of PHS is above 130 degrees Celsius, the resists based on homopolymer have inherent stability to temperatures in the 150 - 200 degrees Celsius range. However, many formulations use copolymers with groups which lower the Tg to 100 - 150 degrees Celsius and thus the processing of unhardened images at elevated temperatures may cause distortion. We have investigated the photo/thermochemical stabilization of PHS by deep UV (200 - 300 nm radiation). Irradiation of films or in solution of PHS causes photoexcitation of the phenol portion of PHS inducing quinone formation and crosslinking. The reaction is aided by the presence of oxygen and heating. Exposure at elevated temperatures of 125 degrees Celsius reduces the dose to gel by 40% while exposure in air reduces the dose requirement by 50%. In the deep UV (240 - 260 nm) region the darkening reaction is due to quinone formation. ESCA studies of photolyzed PHS confirm the incorporation of oxygen into the backbone and into the aromatic ring of PHS. The presence of photoacid from PAG enhances the photocrosslinking of PHS up to 40%. Photostabilized images are able to withstand temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Celsius.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Auditory training and speech discrimination.

Thirty-two adults with sensorineural hearing loss participated in a short-term auditory training program. The listeners were assigned to one of four matched groups which were equivalent in pure-ton...
Sexual assessment of the urologic oncology patient.

Abstract Profound psychological ramifications may occur in the patient faced with the diagnosis of urologic malignancy. Disturbances may occur in body image, self-esteem, sexual identity, and sexual functioning. This article reviews the impact of treatment for urologic cancer on sexual functioning as well as psychodynamic factors that should be considered. Guidelines for psychological and sexual assessment of the urologic cancer patient are presented.
Differential invariant algebras of Lie pseudo-groups

Abstract The aim of this paper is to describe, in as much detail as possible and constructively, the structure of the algebra of differential invariants of a Lie pseudo-group acting on the submanifolds of an analytic manifold. Under the assumption of local freeness of a suitably high order prolongation of the pseudo-group action, we develop computational algorithms for locating a finite generating set of differential invariants, a complete system of recurrence relations for the differentiated invariants, and a finite system of generating differential syzygies among the generating differential invariants. In particular, if the pseudo-group acts transitively on the base manifold, then the algebra of differential invariants is shown to form a rational differential algebra with non-commuting derivations. The essential features of the differential invariant algebra are prescribed by a pair of commutative algebraic modules: the usual symbol module associated with the infinitesimal determining system of the pseudo-group, and a new “prolonged symbol module” constructed from the symbols of the annihilators of the prolonged pseudo-group generators. Modulo low order complications, the generating differential invariants and differential syzygies are in one-to-one correspondence with the algebraic generators and syzygies of an invariantized version of the prolonged symbol module. Our algorithms and proofs are all constructive, and rely on combining the moving frame approach developed in earlier papers with Grobner basis algorithms from commutative algebra.
Properties of yeast polygalacturonase.

Abstract Various properties were studied of the exocellular polygalacturonase of the yeast Saccharomyces fragilis (strain #351). Yeast polygalacturonase (YPG) was partially purified, until the activity was 2.03 (PGu)mgTN. YPG is not accompanied by pectinesterase. The initial rate of pectic acid hydrolysis was about 158 times as fast as that of pectin (N.F.). Up to about 0.00147 PGu/ml. of pectic acid reaction mixture, the initial velocity of hydrolysis was proportional to the enzyme concentration. The extent of hydrolysis of pectinic acids of increasing methoxyl content (prepared by alkali-demethoxylation of pectin) was an inverse linear function of the methoxyl content. By addition of purified orange pectinesterase to YPG in the presence of Mg ++ , the initial rate of pectin hydrolysis approached that of pectic acid hydrolysis. The maximum extent of hydrolysis of pectic acid was found to be about 48% (based on polyuronide content). The optimum pH was found to be 4.4. YPG was found to be less contaminated with other hydrolases than fungal PG preparations, and on the basis of experience with a limited number of substrates was found to be specific for pectic acid. Of a number of enzyme inhibitors, only nitrous acid showed significant inhibitory action on YPG.
Foraging Behavior of the Hawaiian Happy Face Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae)

The Hawaiian happy face spider, Theridion grallator Simon, builds a flimsy web on the undersides of leaves. We compared the foraging behavior of T. grallator on three plant species ( Broussaisia arguta, Clermontia arborescens, and Hedychium sp.) that differed in number of associated arthropods, leaf area, and web area of the associated spiders. Specifically, we tested whether spiders exhibited specialization on particular prey, greater site tenacity on webs of larger area, greater site tenacity in microhabitats of locally abundant and predictable prey, and foraging activity beyond the confines of the web. We found no evidence of prey specialization or association of web-site tenacity with web area or locally abundant prey. Unexpectedly, web-site tenacity was related negatively to prey capture. The results supported the hypothesis that T. grallator freely forages away from the immediate web, and individual spiders frequently move to a new leaf to capture insects. We suggest that T. grallator may be capable of locating and capturing prey on a leaf other than its leaf of residence.
Response to interpersonal request styles by dependent and overcontrolled hostility personalities

Assessed self-reported compliance, anger, and sympathy among two groups of Ss: One identified as dependent (N = 26) and the other high on overcontrolled hostility (N = 25). It was hypothesized that both groups of Ss would report higher levels of compliance than control Ss (N = 23). The 74 Ss read accounts of four different request styles (assertive, aggressive, passive aggressive, and submissive) and reported degrees of compliance, anger, and sympathy. Dependent and overcontrolled Ss were not more complaint, possibly because of the artificiality of the design. However, females responded to the assertive request with more anger and less sympathy than did males, which raises questions about sex differences in the judged appropriateness of the assertive style.
Political information, social environments, and deviants

This research explores whether an individual's information about politics is influenced by the political environment in which the person is located. It seeks to determine whether and how the political environment influences one's attention to and retention of political information.
Linear theory of nonuniformity correction in platinum silicide focal plane arrays

Correction of photoresponse nonuniformity in IR staring sensors is investigated. Spatial noise expressions for uncorrected, one-point corrected, and two-point corrected imaging are developed. These theoretical results take into account the properties of the infrared source, sensor constants, and spatial variations in the infrared imaging device. To demonstrate the application of these results, theoretical spatial noise curves for a platinum silicide IR sensor are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
α-Ketoheterocycle-based Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)

A summary of the initial discovery and characterization of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and the subsequent advancement of an important class of competitive, reversible, potent and selective inhibitors is presented. Initially explored using substrate-inspired inhibitors bearing electrophilic carbonyls, the examination of α-ketoheterocyle-based inhibitors of FAAH with the benefit of a unique activity-based protein-profiling (ABPP)-based proteome-wide selectivity assay, a powerful in vivo biomarker-based in vivo screen, and subsequent retrospective X-ray co-crystal structures with the enzyme, is summarized. These efforts defined the impact of the central activating heterocycle and its key substituents, provided key simplifications in the C2 acyl side chain and clear interpretations for the unique role and subsequent optimization of the central activating heterocycle, and established the basis for the recent further conformational constraints in the C2 acyl side chain, providing potent, long-acting, orally-active FAAH inhibitors.
SSA: simple scheduling algorithm for resilient packet ring networks

The resilient packet ring (RPR), defined under IEEE 802.17, has been proposed as a high-speed backbone technology for metropolitan area networks. RPR is introduced to mitigate the underutilisation and unfairness problems associated with the current technologies SONET and Ethernet, respectively. The key performance objectives of RPR are to achieve high bandwidth utilisation, optimum spatial reuse on the dual rings, and fairness. The RPR standard implements three traffic classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. The RPR MAC has one queue for each traffic class. A potential performance limitation is associated with the head-of-line blocking. When the MAC uses a single FIFO to buffer frames awaiting access, a packet that is traversing through a congestion point may block transmission of other packets destined to a point before the congestion. The use of virtual destination queues (VDQs) to avoid the head-of-line blocking is introduced. Different bandwidth allocation policies are discussed to assign rates to VDQs. Finally, a bandwidth allocation policy is proposed, which would achieve the maximum utilisation at a very low complexity.
Early incidence rates of precancerous cervical lesions in women using contraceptives

Abstract This report describes the continuation of a study on the occurrence of early cervical neoplasia in relation to method of contraception used by women attending Planned Parenthood of New York City, Inc. An earlier paper indicated a small but significant excess in prevalence rates of carcinoma in situ for steroid users compared with diaphragm users. We now estimate incidence rates of carcinoma in situ and lesser precancerous cervical lesions in steroid, diaphragm, and IUD contraceptors who are initially proved free of cervical neoplasia. These data do not prove any statistically significant differences although the estimates exhibit variations not inconsistent with our previous findings.
On-board communication for active-control transport aircraft

An investigation of active control communications sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center is summarized. Particular attention is given to comparative architectures, for which a common set of requirements is generated as a baseline. Most of the requirements are aircraft functional in nature, such as stability and command augmentation, structural load relief, flight path control, flight control linkage, flight monitoring, management, navigation, engine control, and ground communication; the time element, the hazard environment, and the communications capacity estimation are also important factors. The architectures involve several communication technologies, including dedicated links, broadcast busing, and multiplex busing. The multiplex bus system provides the greatest flexibility and installation efficiency. A future homogeneous network system is also proposed, which would be fault and damage tolerant and would, with advanced technology, avoid the problems of designing a very large and flight critical multiplex bus system.
The Effects of Solute Segregation on the Evolution and Strength of Dislocation Junctions

In this study, the role of solute segregation on the strength and the evolution behavior of dislocation junctions is studied by utilizing kinetic Monte Carlo and 3D dislocation dynamics simulations. The different solute concentrations and the character of the junctions are all included in the simulations in an effort to make a parametric investigation. The results indicate that solute segregation can lead to both strengthening and weakening behavior depending upon the evolution of the dislocation junctions.
An analysis of genetic factors regulating life-span in congeneic mice.

Abstract Controlled matings between two strains of mice that have minimum genetic heterogeneity but whose mean ages at death are significantly different were used to identify genetic factors that govern longevity. The congeneic pair, C57BL/10 (B10) and C57BL/ 10.F (B10.F), differ at a region of the genome in and around the H-2 complex and have mean ages at death of 706 ± 14 and 456 ± 15 days, respectively. B10.F also has a reduced level of basal serum IgA levels, a trait which segregates in F 2 progeny. F 2 and backcross progeny were classified for the H-2 genotype and allowed to live out their life-span. Survival curves for F 2 and backcross progeny selected on the basis of their H-2 type show that the progeny homozygous for the H-2 allele of B10.F have a mean age at death significantly different and reduced from that of the progeny homozygous for the H-2 allele of B10.
Free Computer-Based Assistive Technology to Support Students With High-Incidence Disabilities in the Writing Process

Written expression is a neglected but critical component of education; yet, the writing process—from prewriting, to writing, and postwriting—is often an area of struggle for students with disabilities. One strategy to assist students with disabilities struggling with the writing process is the use of computer-based technology. This article presents free computer-based technology programs that can be used to support students with disabilities—as well as other struggling writers—in prewriting, writing, and postwriting. While many good for-purchase computer-based writing products exist, this article provides options for teachers and other school personnel trying to balance the needs of students with the realities of school budgets.
Delegation of Tasks and Rights

The delegation of management tasks is usually accompanied with some transfer of rights. However, in many existing systems it is not possible to link this transfer with the execution of the task as the transfer usually happens in a separate independent step. Moreover, it is often not possible to control the proper use of the transferred rights. This makes it very vulnerable to abuse. In this paper we propose an approach for delegation based on mobile agents that allows control and supervision of the delegated tasks on a technical level. It will be the basis for an implementation in the Mobile Agent System Architecture (MASA).
The kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593 attenuates cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in the rat

The effects of treatment with the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593 upon cocaine-induced changes in locomotor activity and stereotypy were examined in rats. U-69593 (0.16 mg/kg s.c.) administered either acutely or chronically attenuated both the motor stimulant effect and stereotypy produced by an acute injection of cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.). Daily cocaine treatment resulted in sensitization to both effects of cocaine. In contrast, no such sensitized responses were seen in animals which had received U-69593 either prior to or in conjunction with daily cocaine treatment. These data demonstrate that activation of kappa-opioid receptors attenuates the acute and chronic effects of cocaine on locomotor activity and stereotypy. Given the inhibitory effects ascribed to both exogenous and endogenous kappa-opioid agonists upon dopamine release in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, it is suggested that this action may underlie the observed effects of U-69593 on cocaine-induced changes in locomotor activity and stereotypy.
The influence of cooking rate and holding time on beef chuck and round flavor

Abstract Steaks from seven muscles from 10 beef carcasses were cooked quickly or slowly and held 0 or 1 h to explore the influence of cooking rate and holding time on beef flavor. Moisture, ash, pH, and heme–iron concentration were determined for each muscle. Trained sensory panels evaluated the steaks for tenderness, juiciness, connective tissue, and off-flavor intensity in addition to identifying specific off-flavors. Off-flavor intensity was lowest when beef was cooked slowly (on a 149 °C gas grill instead of a 249 °C grill) and when it was held for 1 h prior to sensory evaluation. The M. infraspinatus had the least intense off-flavor and the M. vastus intermedius had the most intense off-flavor. Slow cooking or holding for 1 h prior to consumption reduced the intensity of off-flavor in value cuts from the beef chuck and round while chemical characteristics did not contribute to off-flavor in this study.
The plastic bending and twisting of square section members

Abstract A long prismatic member is acted on by combinations of bending moments and torques of such a magnitude as to render the member just fully plastic. This problem was originally discussed by H andeklman , who, assuming s Levy-Mises material, derived a nonlinear, partial differential equation to describe it. The present paper takes Handelman 's equation and solves it numerically for a square section member. The moments and tor ues computed from the numerical solution are compared with a bounded solution due to Hill and Siebel . Finally, the stress distributions (shear and bending) are given in a member for two critical combinations of moment and torque.
Constance Naden and the Erotics of Evolution: Mating the Woman of Letters with the Man of Science

Many of the poems by Constance Naden (1858-1889) focus on exploring the intersections of poetry and science, an intriguing effort given that at the end of the Victorian period, these were assumed to be opposite enterprises. Even more interesting is the fact that despite cultural assumptions about science being the province of the masculine mind, Naden9s work both purposefully asserts the ability of women to engage with science and challenges the Victorian cultural tendency to offer "scientific" justifications for notions of female intellectual inferiority. This essay examines the quartet of poems called "Evolutional Erotics," the work of hers that has generally garnered attention in the small flurry of scholarly activity recently focused on Naden, against the larger context of her Complete Poetical Works (1894). In these four witty, playful poems, Naden uses the languages of science-evolution, botany, chemistry, physics-to create metaphors and conceits through which to explore the courtships of four fictional couples. Taken together with her long poems, Naden9s work presents heterosexual lovematches that interrogate the triangulated relationship between science, poetry, and British Victorian gender-based expectations. Largely through her invocation of Charles Darwin9s ideas of evolution, and in verse resembling that of Erasmus Darwin in its conjunction of science and human sexuality, Naden uses her poetry to model the necessary fluidity of disciplinary boundaries. Moreover, in merging the "male" scientific mind with a feminist poetics, Naden is a writer-and, by implication, posits a reader-whose facility with both science and poetics indicates an evolutionary step toward respecting women9s intellect.
Crystallization of single-chain Fv proteins.

Abstract Single chain Fv (sFv) proteins consist of the variable heavy chain (VH) and variable light chain (VL) domains of an antibody, covalently joined by an engineered polypeptide linker. We report the crystallization of single-chain Fv's with specificities for fluorescein (4-4-20 sFv) and the TAG-72 pancarcinoma glycoprotein antigen (CC49 sFv). Concentration of these proteins, preliminary to crystallization, results in a monomer-multimer equilibrium, causing aggregation which interferes with crystallization. Aggregation has been observed to depend primarily on an intact linker between VL and VH domains, although other factors are likely to modulate this phenomenon as well, including the specific identity of Fv and ligand, presence or absence of the ligand, linker length and possibly sequence. We have found two methods to overcome sFv aggregation, both of which yield X-ray diffraction quality crystals. The first, discovered serendipitously, is by introducing a proteolytic clip into the linker region (effectively yielding an Fv fragment). The second is the purification of the sFv dimer form, with linker regions intact, from an equilibrium mixture of aggregates. The sFv molecular association in a dimer is believed to be unusual in that each VL/VH interface may not be formed by the two linker connected VL and VH domains, but rather by interaction of VL and VH domains from two distinct sFv monomers. Structure determination of the CC49 sFv dimer, with the 14-residue linker designated 212, is underway to test this model. Increasing linker length, to relieve steric strain on the monomer, and inclusion of the appropriate antigen, to slow transitions between monomeric and multimeric forms, may prove valuable strategies with sFv proteins less amenable to crystallization.
Thin-layer lactose agar for pollen-tube culture of Tradescantia to enhance planar distribution of chromosomes.

Mature pollen grains of Tradescantia paludosa were sown on a thin layer of lactose-agar medium at 38-39 C. After 16 hr incubation, slides were fixed in aceto-alcohol (1:3; for 1-3 hr, hydrolyzed in...
Negotiating Power Paradoxes: Contradictions in Women's Constructions of Organizational Power

This study explores women's constructions of organizational power and the ways women negotiate tensions when their own constructions of power conflict with organizational norms. Through interviews, participants were asked to define organizational power and to provide examples of more and less powerful individuals based on their own organizational experiences. Findings suggest that women not only experience tension between their own constructions of power and organizational norms but that they actually construct their own contradictory meanings of power. Employing contradictory meanings suggests participants employ gendered code-switching as a response to a gendered power paradox. The following reviews the various contradictions in women's definitions of organizational power and develops a theory of gendered code-switching as a response to gendered organizational paradoxes.
Increased blood levels of methyl tert‐butyl ether but not of ethyl propionate during instillation with contact gallstone dissolution agents in the pig

We performed experiments in anesthetized piglets with two cholesterol gallstone solvents, methyl tertbutyl ether and ethyl propionate, to determine whether blood levels of either solvent would increase during gallbladder instillation of these solvents under conditions simulating gallstone dissolution. The solvent was oscillated rapidly in and out of the gallbladder with a computer-controlled syringe pump; intraluminal pressure was set below the leakage pressure, and oscillating volume was set below the leakage volume to decrease loss of solvent into the intestine. Blood levels were measured with gas chromatography. Six piglets received methyl tert-butyl ether, and six piglets received ethyl propionate. During 2 hr of instillation with methyl tert-butyl ether, blood levels increased steadily to concentrations averaging 0.3 ml/L blood at 2 hr; during a 6-hr period of instillation, blood levels rose to above 0.4 ml/L blood. Replacement of methyl tert-butyl ether with saline solution in the gallbladder caused blood levels to decline gradually; plasma levels decreased by half in 90 min. In contrast, when ethyl propionate was infused for 2 or 6 hr, blood levels remained below the detection limit, probably because of high first-pass hepatic extraction. We conclude that, under conditions simulating those likely present in patients undergoing contact dissolution of gallbladder stones, the two solvents differ: Ethyl propionate is removed so rapidly from blood that its levels remain undetectable, whereas methyl tert-butyl ether levels in blood (and, presumably, peripheral tissues) increase continuously. If the absorption from the gallbladder and subsequent metabolism of ethyl propionate and methyl tert-butyl ether in human beings are similar to those of the piglet, side effects attributable to increased blood levels will be fewer if ethyl propionate is used than if methyl tert-butyl ether is used for contact dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;18:373–379).
Treatment effects on nigrostriatal projection integrity in partial 6-OHDA lesions: comparison of l-DOPA and pramipexole

There is controversy over potential effects of dopaminergic replacement therapies on the partially lesioned nigrostriatal dopaminergic projection. We evaluated indirect (levodopa, L-DOPA) versus direct (pramipexole, PRA) dopaminergic treatment effects on nigrostriatal lesion severity as measured with vesicular monoamine transporter type-2 (VMAT2) binding. Prior studies have shown that striatal VMAT2 density provides an objective estimate of dopaminergic neuronal integrity, without confounding effects of compensatory regulation. Partial unilateral median forebrain bundle lesions were made by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Lesion severity was estimated using rotational behavior after injections of apomorphine and amphetamine. Rats were ranked and matched in pairs by rotation and assigned to receive either PRA (1 mg/kg/day) or L-DOPA/benserazide (100/25 mg/kg/day) ip via osmotic pump. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, in vitro autoradiography was performed with [(3)H]methoxytetrabenazine to measure striatal VMAT2 binding density. Lesion-to-intact VMAT2 density correlated with rotation in both treatment groups. There was no treatment effect on VMAT2 expression in the partially lesioned striatum and thus no differential effect of indirect versus direct dopamimetic treatment on nigrostriatal integrity.
Sclerosing cervicitis: Report of a skull base lesion with literature review

Background. Invasive fibrosclerotic lesions of the head and neck outside of the thyroid and orbit are extremely rare. To date 13 cases of sclerosing cervicitis have been described in the literature. Methods. We present a case of a sclerosing inflammatory lesion encountered at the skull base in a 49-year-old woman. Results. After surgical excision and pathologic examination, this lesion was identified as sclerosing cervicitis. Conclusions. This case report contributes to an awareness of a rare lesion of the head and neck that presents clinical and treatment challenges for surgeons managing these patients. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 778–783, 2003
Decoupled Plasma Source Technology: Process Region Choices For Silicide Etching

We have developed a decoupled plasma source (DPS) etcher for polysilicon and polycide etching. A series of experiments has been carried out to study polycide gate etching in the DPS etcher. By combining conventional techniques of process evaluation with in situ monitoring of ions and radical chemistry and with real-time ion flux density distribution measurements, we quantitatively determined trends in polycide processing and etching with simple Cl2 and He/O2 chemistry. Performance parameters, such as etch rate, etch rate microloading, etch rate uniformity, profile, profile microloading and profile uniformity on WSix , oxide, polysilicon and photoresist, were measured at 24 points on the surface matrix. These results were correlated with the physical and chemical parameters of the decoupled plasma, such as ion flux distribution, DC-bias potential across the wafer, plasma ion composition and concentration of neutrals. A vertical profile can be obtained with highly selective polycide etch in a single step main etch with Cl2 and He/O2 using a decoupled plasma silicon etch reactor.
Propofol versus propofol/ketamine for brief painful procedures in the emergency department: clinical and bispectral index scale comparison.

ABSTRACTThe ideal procedural sedation drug for emergency department (ED) use would be easily titrated, rapid in onset, brief in duration, and provide sedation and analgesia without respiratory or hemodynamic compromise. Although many agents have been tried, no single drug fits this profile. The authors evaluated the comparative effectiveness and safety of propofol versus propofol/ketamine combination for procedural sedation using bispectral index monitoring for measuring depth of sedation. A prospective, randomized case series of patients undergoing procedural sedation for fracture manipulation was studied in a Level 1 trauma center emergency department. Patients were randomized to a propofol (P) group with a target dose of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg or a propofol/ketamine (P/K) group with a target dose of both ketamine and propofol of 0.75 mg/kg. Procedural success, bispectral index (BIS) score, adverse effects, recovery time, and vital signs were measured. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. The P/K group experi...
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of non-prescription ranitidine 75 mg in the prevention of meal-induced heartburn.

Background : Ranitidine 75 mg (Zantac 75) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of pre-existing heartburn symptoms. Aim : To compare the efficacy of dosing ranitidine 75 mg or placebo 30 min prior to a proven heartburn-provoking meal in completely preventing or reducing subsequent heartburn symptoms. Methods : A randomized, double-blind, parallel methodology was used at nine investigative centres. Following a screening visit, patients ate a standard test meal consisting of chilli, chips and a soft drink on two occasions. On the first occasion, patients received single-blind placebo 30 min before the meal. This meal was used to qualify patients and to ensure the onset of a minimum level of heartburn. Patients who qualified were randomized (n = 284) to receive double-blind ranitidine 75 mg or placebo 30 min before a second test meal administered 4–14 days later at the treatment visit. Patients recorded whether heartburn was present and rated heartburn severity by completing visual analogue scales at 15-min intervals over the 4.5 h meal evaluation periods. Results : Statistically significant differences favouring ranitidine 75 mg were determined for complete prevention of heartburn (P < 0.006), heartburn severity area under the curve (P < 0.001), a clinical success end-point (P < 0.001), and all other end-points (P < 0.001). Conclusions : These data clearly demonstrate that ranitidine 75 mg is effective in completely preventing or decreasing heartburn when administered 30 min prior to a provocative meal.
High and Low Task Stimulation Jobs: A Causal Analysis of Performance-Satisfaction Relationships

This study of project engineers investigated the direction and causal influence of a number of performance- satisfaction relationships. For the high task stimulation jobs, it was found that high in...
Consistent truncations in Kaluza-Klein theories

Abstract A sufficient, but not necessary, condition for the consistency of a Kaluza-Klein ansatz is that we retain all fields invariant under a transitively acting subgroup of the isometry group. d = 11 supergravity yields new examples with N ⩽ 3 supersymmetry not contained in the N = 8 truncation.