cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Myofilament Sarcomere Shortening is Faster and Exhibits Greater Shortening-Induced Cooperative Deactivation after PKA Treatment

Increased myocardial contractility by beta-adrenergic stimulation requires precise coordination between cardiac myocyte membrane potential, calcium handling, and myofilament mechanics. From a myofilament standpoint, more stoke volume at a given end-diastolic volume ideally would involve both faster loaded shortening for more ejection coupled with greater shortening-induced cooperative deactivation to assist in relaxation, which would help assure adequate filling at higher heart rates. We tested if myofilaments elicit these characteristics by direct measurement of myocardial sarcomere shortening during load clamps before and after PKA treatment, a downstream beta-adrenergic signaling molecule. Rat skinned ventricular cardiac myocyte preparations (n = 6) were attached between a force transducer and motor, calcium activated to elicit ∼30% maximal force, and then light-to-moderate load clamps were induced by a servo-controlled feedback system. Initial sarcomere length was set at ∼2.25 μm and sarcomere shortening was monitored during the load clamps using an IonOptix SarcLen system at 240 Hz. Interestingly, PKA seemed to result in the aforementioned ideal changes in sarcomere mechanics. First, loaded sarcomere shortening velocities were faster following PKA treatment (control = 0.838 ± 0.198 μm/sec/sarcomere (n= 20) at loads of 0.17 ± 0.06 isometric force (Po); PKA = 1.215 ± 0.071 μm/sec/sarcomere (n = 31) at loads of 0.15 ± 0.07 Po (p < 0.001) (means ± SD)). In addition, PKA appeared to yield greater shortening-induced cooperative deactivation during load clamps by exhibiting greater curvature of sarcomere length traces, which was indexed by the rate constant of sarcomere shortening (kshortening), (Control kshortening = 4.27 ± 1.47; PKA kshortening = 6.93 ± 2.48 (p < 0.001) (means ± SD)). These findings illustrate the fine tuning of the myofilament "clock" to help match the resetting of the membrane and calcium clocks after beta-adrenergic stimulation.
The salt dependence of the preferential interaction coefficient in dna solutions as determined by grand canonical monte carlo simulations

Abstract Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations have been used to calculate the preferential interaction coefficient for aqueous solutions of sodium DNA. A cell model representation was used in these simulations, which were performed over a range of DNA phosphate (1–31 mM) and NaCl (0.2–111 mM) concentrations. Results are in close agreement with the values of the preferential interaction coefficient calculated using the Poisson-Boltzmann cell model, and with published values of experimental Donnan coefficients. The high degree of non-ideality indicated by the calculated preferential interaction coefficients is interpreted in terms of the classical Donnan equilibrium and the concept of thermodynamic association.
Use of a sputtered SiO2 coating for surface protection during 'leaky tube' diffusion of Zn into GaAs

Thin SiO2 layers, deposited by low-power room-temperature sputtering, have been employed as surface protection coatings during Zn diffusion into GaAs. These layers prevent surface erosion of the GaAs, but allow the Zn diffusion to proceed with negligible attenuation. The use of arsenic over-pressure during diffusion can thus be avoided.
Fighting by the rules: women street-fighting in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico cholo society's “rules” for the participation of males and females in street-fighting are examined as reported in interview contexts with youth of both sexes. Interview accounts are then compared to an observed instance of use of physical force by females against males in that city. Barrio peer group dynamics are explored and contrasted with the dynamics of similar groups in the northern Mexican cities of Nogales, Sonora, and Tijuana, Baja California, that do not share Chihuahua's unique characteristics.
Experimental Investigation of the Buckling of Polymeric Composites During Simultaneous High Heat Flux Exposure and Compressive Loading

A cone calorimeter is modified to study the effect of simultaneous high heat flux surface heating and compressive loading on the failure time of fiberglass-reinforced vinyl-ester matrix polymeric composites. Compressive loading of test samples during heat exposure is achieved by using a specially designed mechanical loading fixture that mounted directly below a radiant cone heater. Using specimens with a heated length of 74 and 100 mm, the effect of surface heat fluxes from 25 to 75 kW/m2 and compressive loads from 3.5 to 10.5 MPa on failure time and failure mode is examined. For an intermediate heat flux level of 50 kW/m2, the time-to-failure of the composite varied from 404s at 3.5 MPa to 131s at 10.5 MPa. All test conditions cause catastrophic failure instability, even at compressive stresses as low as 3.5 MPa. Measurement of the axial and transverse displacements of specimens shows the existence of a thermal bendin moment during the combined thermal and mechanical loading. In addition to experimental ...
Surface Meteorological Observations in Severe Thunderstorms. Part II: Field Experiments with TOTO

Abstract The TOTO (Totable Tornado Observatory) device was field tested in the Southern Plains by a severe-storm intercept team from the University of Oklahoma from late May through early June 1981. The results from two intercept missions and a gust-front intercomparison at the National Severe Storms laboratory are discussed. Measurements are presented of wind speed, wind direction, pressure and temperature made underneath a rotating wall cloud and within 1.5 km of two tornadoes. A damage survey and a Doppler-radar observed mesocyclone-signature track were used in conjunction with the TOTO data to obtain an estimate of the maximum wind speed inside one of the tornadoes.
Making VRML accessible for people with disabilities

This paper describes a set of techniques for improving access to Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) environments for people with disabilities. These range from simple textual additions to the VRML file to scripts which aid in the creation of more accessible worlds. We also propose an initial set of guidelines authors can use to improve VRML accessibility.
Differential activation of adenosine receptors decreases N-type but potentiates P-type Ca2+ current in hippocampal CA3 neurons

Adenosine is released in the brain in significant quantities in response to increased cellular activity. Adenosine has been shown either to decrease synaptic transmission or to produce an excitatory response in hippocampal synapses, resulting in increased glutamate release. Previous reports have shown that adenosine or its analogs reduced Ca2+ current in dorsal root ganglion and hippocampal neurons. Here we show that the selective activation of adenosine receptor subtypes has different effects on Ca2+ channels from acutely isolated pyramidal neurons from the CA3 region of guinea pig hippocampus. Activation of A1 receptors inhibited primarily N-type Ca2+ current. In contrast, activation of A2b receptors resulted in significant potentiation of P-type but not N-type Ca2+ current. This potentiation could be inhibited by blocking the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Because of the ubiquity of adenosine, the differential effects on Ca2+ channels of adenosine receptor subtype activation may have significant implications for neuronal excitability.
On the performance of higher order moment neural computation

Abstract Four benchmark examples for evaluating neural network performance are considered. The performance of the higher order moment neural array, HOMNA, on these benchmarks is explored. Comparable results for backprop networks and ARTMAP networks are available in the literature. It is shown that HOMNA trains faster and gives equivalent or better performance than either of these two alternative neural formats.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF HUMAN PITUITARY β‐LIPOTROPIN

Antiserum to human β-lipotropin has been raised in rabbits and characterized by gel double diffusion, quantitative precipitin, microcomplement fixation and biological neutralization tests. A sensitive radioimmunoassay for human β-lipotropin has been developed. It was demonstrated that the antiserum shows specificity for this hormone. Human β-melanotropin and human β-endorphin showed only a minimal degree of cross-reaction, while ovine β-lipotropin showed a partial but significant degree of cross-reactivity.
Formation of a mutagenic heterocyclic aromatic amine from creatinine in urine of meat eaters and vegetarians.

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) with a triple quadrupole MS was used to identify known and novel heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in human urine. The identit...
Retention modification of nucleic acid constituents in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Secondary equilibria in reversed-phase liquid chromatography have been investigated as a means of enhancing selectivity and optimizing separations of nucleic acid constituents. The retention behavior of various nucleotides, nucleosides and modified compounds has been examined as a function of five different metal ion additives in the mobile phase: K+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+. Complexation of the solute molecules with the metal ions changes the electronic structure and alters solute-solvent interactions. Alkali and alkaline earth metals bind primarily to phosphate groups while transition metals also interact with the N7 of purine bases. All nucleotides were found to be eluted very close to the void volume of the high-performance liquid chromatographic column without any metal additive, but retention increased as the concentration of a given cation increased. The transition metals were found to have the greatest effect, with affinities for nucteotide monophosphates on the order of 100 times greater than potassium, and 10 times that of magnesium. Differences in affinity based upon phosphate structure (i.e., cyclic vs. linear), phosphate position (e.g., 2′- vs. 3′-monophosphates), and base modification were also noted. The retention of most nucleosides, unlike the charged compounds, remained relatively constant as the ionic strength or type of cation was varied. Also, improvements were obtained in the resolution of some oligonucleotides with the addition of divalent ions to a potassium buffer mobile phase.
Parental responses to closing the center: Implications for practitioners

The availability of quality child care is a key factor in the day-to-day routine and functioning of families with young children. The loss of child care can be a potentially significant stressor for families. The closing of one of only two child care centers in a small midwestern community was examined to assess the impact on families. Parents at the center reported their reactions to the closing, the perceived impact of the closing on their family, as well as the process of locating new child care. The results revealed quite negative reactions to the closing, yet families took the steps necessary to locate new child care and to assist their children in the transition. Recommendations for child care professionals are included.
Selecting teams: The potential of the Grid

This paper investigates the use of a Computer-Based Team Selection Algorithm (CBTSA) in a capstone project course involving Information Systems, Human Resources, and Supply Chain/Operations undergraduate students. Data from three semesters of the course before this genetic algorithm was put into use are compared to data from three semesters after it was adopted. More than 50 % of the teams formed by the CBTSA were able to meet in part or in whole at times arranged by the CBTSA. Students in the CBTSA-formed teams experienced considerably less general time, procrastination and motivation problems, or specific scheduling conflicts. The percentage of students reporting that the team had to change its meeting schedule to accommodate them dropped to zero percent for the CBTSA-formed teams. Fewer CBTSA-formed teams seemed to break down with one or more low performing members. However, 42 % of the CBTSA-formed teams were created such that there were few really open meeting slots for every member. Some improvements to the genetic algorithm used in the CBTSA are investigated, but regardless of improvements, it is difficult to provide every team with rich meeting times and still achieve parity for the teams on a number of other criteria.
Rules of supply and demand regulate recruitment to food in an ant society

The process by which ant scouts move a group of nestmates toward a newly discovered food site is called recruitment. In this paper, I report on the interactions between scouts and nestmates that result in a graded recruitment response to graded food quality in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Twelve experimental groups composed of 100 fire ant workers and 50 fire ant larvae were established (three experimental groups per colony × four stock colonies). Each experimental group was placed in a shallow, artificial nest with a glass cover. After a 48-h period of food deprivation, experimental groups were exposed to one of three concentrations of sugar water. Behavioral interactions between scouts and nestmates in each group were videotaped at 10× magnification for 20 min. Detailed behavioral data on a total of 120 scouts (10 scouts per experimental group) and ~1,000 nestmates (~90 nestmates per experimental group) were transcribed from the videotapes using standard play and frame-by-frame techniques. Throughout the recruitment process, scouts employed six discrete behaviors to inform nestmates of the location and quality of a food site. Scouts laid incoming trails, waggled their heads, increased walking tempo, stroked nestmates with their antennae, advertised with a brief food display, and led groups of nestmates to the food site by laying outgoing trails. In turn, nestmates assessed the food sample with antennae, then responded to or resisted recruitment based on the quality of food advertised, their employment status and their level of hunger. In summary, recruitment was an emergent property based on competent supply and demand decisions made face-to-face inside the nest rather than on the trail or at the food site.
Precision and accuracy of two luminescence dating techniques for retrospective dosimetry: SAR-OSL and SAR-ITL

Abstract Luminescence techniques based on thermally or optically stimulated signals are used extensively for estimating the equivalent dose (ED) of quartz samples for dating and retrospective dosimetry. This paper presents simulations of two luminescence dating protocols which use single aliquots of the quartz samples. The first protocol is the well-known single-aliquot regenerative optically stimulated luminescence (SAR-OSL) protocol for quartz. The second protocol was developed more recently and is based on a thermoluminescence (TL) signal measured under isothermal conditions (termed the SAR-ITL technique). The simulations are carried out using a recently published comprehensive kinetic model for quartz, consisting of 11 electron and hole traps and centers. The complete sequence of the two experimental protocols is simulated using the same set of kinetic parameters. The simulated dose response curves for the two protocols are found to be very similar to published experimental data. The relative intrinsic accuracy and precision of the two techniques is estimated by simulating one hundred random variants of the natural samples, and by calculating the equivalent doses using each technique. The 100 simulated natural variants are generated by keeping the transition probabilities between energy levels fixed, while allowing simultaneous random variations of the concentrations of the 11 energy levels. The SAR-OSL protocol was found to be intrinsically both more accurate and more precise than the SAR-ITL protocol. We investigate several experimental factors which affect the precision and accuracy of the two protocols. New simulations are presented for commonly used sensitivity tests consisting of successive cycles of sample irradiation with the same dose, followed by measurements of the sensitivity corrected L/T signals. These new simulations provide valuable insight into the previously reported sensitivity changes taking place during application of the SAR-ITL protocol.
Opposite effects of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) on acoustic startle: Spinal vs brain sites of action

Abstract The present studies examined the role of the spinal cord and the brain in mediating the effects of the hallucinogens N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) on the acoustic startle response in the rat. Systemic administration of these agents, which distributes to both the brain and spintal cord, produced opposite effects, as DMT depressed and 5-MeODMT increased acoustic startle, However, when administered directly into the lateral ventricle in the forebrain (intraventricular administration) 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), DMT and 5-MeODMT all depressed acoustic startle, DMT and 5-MeODMT being about equipotent in this regard. In contrast, when administered directly into the spinal cord subarachnoid space (intrathecal administration), 5-HT and 5-MeODMT increased startle, whereas DMT was without effect. In another series of studies, the effects of systemically-administered DMT and 5-MeODMT on the “startle” elicited by electrical stimulation of the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (RPC) were determined. Since the RPC is the last nucleus of the primary startle circuit before the spinal cord, agents which act downstream from the RPC (i.e., in the lower brainstem and spinal cord) would be expected to alter RPC-elicited “startle,” while agents which act upstream from the RPC would be without effect. Given systemically. 5-MeODMT markedly increased RPC-elicited “startle” while DMT was without effect. These data indicate that DMT and 5-MeODMT are equipotent in depressing startle through actions in the brain. In contrast, the difference in the effects of DMT and 5-MeODMT on acoustic startle is related to the spinal excitatory effects of 5-MeODMT which DMT does not possess. From the present results it is suggested that the relative potencies of DMT and 5-MeODMT in other behavioral measures may relate to the role of brain (equipotent) or spinal (5-MeODMT more potent than DMT) sites of action for the various behaviors.
"Like Parent, Like Child?": The intergenerational transmission of nonmarital childbearing.

Abstract Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth ( N = 11,180) are used to examine the intergenerational transmission of nonmarital childbearing for US men and women. Findings suggest that being born to unmarried parents increases the risk of offspring having a nonmarital first birth, net of various confounding characteristics. This intergenerational link appears to particularly operate via parents’ breaking up before offspring are age 14 and offspring’s young age at first sex. While the link across two generations in nonmarital childbearing is not accounted for by parents’ socioeconomic status (measured as fathers’ education), several mediating factors vary by socioeconomic background. Gender and race/ethnicity also moderate the intergenerational transmission of nonmarital childbearing. This research sheds light on the prevalence of, and process by which, nonmarital childbearing is repeated across generations, which has important implications for long-term social stratification and inequality.
Abstract B41: Serum MIS and breast cancer risk

B41 Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is a member of the transforming growth factor β family of growth and differentiation factors known primarily for its role in regulating in-utero sexual differentiation of males. In the female breast, MIS inhibits elongation and branching of mammary ducts. In vitro and in animal models, MIS inhibits growth of mammary tumors. Thus, we hypothesized that MIS may be a novel biomarker of decreased breast cancer risk. The objective of this study was to prospectively determine if MIS levels in serum are related to breast cancer risk. A case-control study was performed nested in the Columbia, Missouri Serum Bank. Each of 129 cases with prediagnostic serum collected before menopause were matched to 2 controls on age, date, menstrual cycle day, and time of day of blood collection. MIS was measured in serum by ELISA. Data analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression. Contrary to expectations, results of preliminary analysis indicate that premenopausal women with elevated serum MIS levels are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Median MIS concentrations in cases and controls were .3 ng/ml and .1 ng/ml, respectively (p=.002). Women in the highest MIS quartile had a RR = 6.6 (95% CI = 2.5 - 17.4; trend-p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B41.
Socioeconomic Status and Black and White Intelligence Revisited.

The mean average difference previously recorded between blacks and whites on intelligence may be an artifact based upon the differences in education and socioeconomic position of blacks and whites in this country. Previous studies in this area, with a few exceptions, have been comparing lower class blacks with second-third through tenth generation middle class whites. Only recently in this country has a true black middle class emerged that has had access to both education and income. Even though black income nationally is still only 61% of white income, the black middle class income has approached 75% of white income. This increase in disposable income is being invested in youth development. Second generation black youth of middle class status will show many attributes of the American achievement syndrome. The black youth in this study exceeded the white sample mean on the Stanford-Binet and the WISC-R. The black mean was 128.63 with a standard deviation of 14.44, while the white mean was 115.75 with a standard deviation of 13.37. The difference was significant at the 0.001 level.
Radiation Width Variations in the Slow-Neutron Resonances of Europium and Indium

The parameters of the lowest-energy resonances in europium and indium have been determined from total cross section measurements using the Brookhaven crystal spectrometer. The data have been analyzed for variations in the radiation width parameter ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ from resonance to resonance. The method of analysis used to take account of Doppler effect in the observed cross section is discussed. The radiation width in the 0.327 -ev resonance in Eu is 70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 mv, which is definitely smaller than that for the 0.461-ev and 1.056-ev resonances which are respectively 93\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 mv and 94\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 mv. The widths of the 1.456-ev and 3.85-ev resonances in In are 72\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 mv and 81\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 mv respectively. The remaining one-level parameters for each resonance are also presented.
Hydrogen isotopic variability in leaf waxes among terrestrial and aquatic plants around Blood Pond, Massachusetts (USA)

Paleoclimatic interpretation of the hydrogen isotope ratios of plant leaf waxes extracted from sediments requires a thorough understanding of the factors controlling the isotopic ratios. Existing studies have found relatively small variability in hydrogen isotope fractionation among plants of different photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4 and CAM) and between gymnosperms and angiosperms. However, there has been no systematic study at a single site to determine how leaf wax hydrogen isotope (D/H) ratios differ in different plant types under the same precipitation and environmental regime. Such data are nevertheless crucial for understanding the impact of past vegetation changes on the sedimentary hydrogen isotope records of leaf waxes. Here, we present a study of D/H ratios of leaf waxes from 48 species in seven types of terrestrial and aquatic C3 plants around Blood Pond, Dudley, Massachusetts, USA. The δD values of leaf waxes differ by as much as 70‰ for different plant types, with those from trees and ferns having the highest values and those from grasses having the lowest values. The large isotopic variation indicates that the apparent hydrogen isotopic fractionation between leaf waxes and precipitation is not constant for different plant types. Our results indicate that inferring precipitation D/H ratios on the basis of sedimentary leaf waxes is only viable when significant vegetation change is absent or can be accounted for isotopically.
Quantitative determination of ragaglitazar in rat plasma by HPLC: validation and application in pharmacokinetic study.

A specific, accurate, precise and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the estimation of ragaglitazar [(−) DRF 2725, NNC 61-0029], a novel anti-diabetic agent, in rat plasma. The assay procedure involved simple liquid/liquid extraction of ragaglitazar and internal standard (IS, troglitazone) from plasma into ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated and evaporated under a gentle stream of nitrogen at 40°C. The residue was reconstituted in the mobile phase and injected onto a Kromasil KR 100 − 5C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm). Mobile phase consisting of 0.01 M potassium dihydorgen ortho phosphate (pH 3.2) and acetonitrile (30:70, v/v) was used at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 240 nm. Ratio of peak area of analyte to IS was used for quantification of plasma samples. Nominal retention times of IS and ragaglitazar were 6.9 and 12.2 min, respectively. The standard curve for ragaglitazar was linear (r2 > 0.999) in the concentration range 0.2–100 µg/mL. Absolute recovery was >87% from rat plasma for both analyte and IS. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of ragaglitazar was 0.2 µg/mL. The inter- and intra-day precision in the measurement of quality control (QC) samples, 0.2, 1.0, 5.0 and 50 µg/mL, were in the range 1.32–3.70% relative standard deviation (RSD) and 1.19–9.39% RSD, respectively. Accuracy in the measurement of QC samples was in the range 94.28–107.45%. Analyte and IS were stable in the battery of stability studies, viz. benchtop, autosampler and freeze/thaw cycles. Stability of ragaglitazar was established for 1 month at −20°C. The application of the assay to a pharmacokinetic study in rats is described. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross-cultural perceptions of assessment of selected international science teachers in American high schools

International high school science teachers are crossing international and cultural borders to teach, raising important issues in education. In this article, we describe the cross-cultural assessment challenges that four international science teachers encountered when they migrated to teach in the United States. These included differences in grade expectations for a given quality of work, the weight given to final examinations, the assessment process, and cut-off scores for letter grades. To become proficient in their new teaching contexts, the participating teachers had to modify (or hybridize) their assessment philosophies and practices in order to conform to the expectations of their new schools. This hybridization process ushered them into what is proposed as the pedagogical imaginary; a transitional space between the “purity” of their native educational conventions and that of their American schools. The implications of these findings are discussed in hopes of improving high school science teaching experiences for international science teachers.
Upper airway obstruction after transesophageal echocardiography

Although transesophageal echocardiography is considered a generally safe procedure, occasional complications have been reported. Serious esophageal trauma and Mallory Weiss tear have been described, 1 as well as post-transesophageal echocardiography dysphagia. 2 However, to our knowledge, upper airway and esophageal obstruction have not been previously cited. A case of upper airway obstruction resulting from a transesophageal echocardiography procedure is herein detailed.
A study of thorium-iodate complexing in aqueous solutions☆

Abstract Thorium-iodate complexing at 25°, ionic strength of 0·5 and pH ca. 2·6 was studied by means of solubility measurements. While the solid phase showed no evidence of crystal structure and under some conditions varied somewhat in composition with solution composition, the observed solubilities were reproducible. The data have been interpreted in terms of the species Th(IO3)84−, Th(IO3)62−, Th(IO3)3+, Th(IO3)22+, ThIO33+, ThOH(IO3)2+ and ThOHIO32+, and the corresponding stability quotients derived. There was no evidence for the existence of the intermediate species Th(IO3)73−, Th(IO3)5− and Th(IO3)4.
Prolactin is a major inhibitor of hepatic Leptin A synthesis and secretion: Studies utilizing a homologous Leptin A ELISA in the tilapia

The present study identifies regulatory interactions between leptin A (LepA) and the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL). In order to measure tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) LepA, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) utilizing a rabbit polyclonal antibody specific to tilapia LepA was first developed. The antibody shows strong cross reactivity to recombinant tilapia LepA (rtLepA), and a corresponding 16kDa protein in both tilapia and striped bass plasma, but not to recombinant human leptin (rhLep). The assay has a linear detection range of 0.25-1000nM, with intra- and interassay variability of 9% and 16%, respectively. Plasma LepA levels measured in tilapia ranged from 0.8 to 3.9nM, similar to that found for other vertebrates. Hypophysectomy (Hx) increased circulating LepA and lepa mRNA levels in the liver, the dominant source of hormone production. Adminstration of ovine PRL (oPRL, 5μg/g BW) to Hx fish restored circulating LepA and hepatic lepa mRNA levels to those of control fish. Additionally, oPRL reduced lepa mRNA levels in a dose-dependent fashion in cultured hepatocytes following an 18h incubation. Previous work in our lab indicates that rhLep stimulates PRL release in vitro from tilapia pituitaries. Here, both rtLepA and rhLep (0.5μg/g BW) increased mRNA expression of tilapia prolactin mRNAs (prl1, prl2) in the pituitary in vivo. These results demonstrate that LepA enhances pituitary prolactin synthesis and release, while PRL in turn inhibits hepatic leptin secretion and synthesis in teleosts. We postulate this regulatory interaction may be necessary for mobilizing energy reserves during acute hyperosmotic adaptation.
From Father's Property to Children's Rights: The History of Child Custody in the United States

Introduction1. Fathers/Masters: Children/Servants: Child Custody in the Colonial Era2. From Fathers' Rights to Mothers' Love: The Transformation of Child Custody Law in the First Century of the New Republic, 1790-18903. The State as Superparent: The Progressive Era, 1890-19204. In the Best Interest of the Child? 1960-19905. The Ascendancy of the Social Sciences
The electrophoresis of a spherical particle

The problem of predicting the electrophoretic velocity of a spherical charged particle in an infinite dielectric liquid containing impurities is re-examined. A model, somewhat different from those commonly used, is postulated, and the associated equations are formulated and are solved subject to certain approximations. The electrophoretic velocityU is found to be linear in the applied field and to vary algebraically in the parameterχ=ka.
Effect of Dome Geometry on Swirling Flow Field Characteristics of a Counter-Rotating Radial-Radial Swirler

An experimental study has been conducted to study the effect of the dome geometry on the aerodynamic characteristics of a non-reacting flow field. The flow was generated by a counter-rotating radial-radial swirler consisting of an inner, primary swirler generating counter-clockwise rotation and an outer, secondary swirler generating clockwise rotation. The dome geometry was modified by introducing dome expansion angles of 60° and 45° with respect to the swirler centerline, in addition to the baseline case of sudden expansion (90°). The flow downstream of the swirler is confined by a 50.8mm × 50.8mm × 304.8mm (2″ × 2″ × 12″) plexiglass chamber. A two-component laser doppler velocimetry (LDV) system was used to measure the velocities in the flow field. The dome geometry is seen to have a clear impact on mean swirling flow structure near the swirler exit rather than the downstream flow field. For the configurations with 60° and 45° expansion, no corner recirculation zone is observed and the swirling flow structure is asymmetric due to the non-axisymmetric dome geometry. The cross-section area of central recirculation zone is larger for dome geometry with 60° expansion angle, as compared to the 90° and 45° cases. The configurations with 60° and 45° expansion have higher magnitudes of negative velocity inside the core of central recirculation zone, as compared to the configuration with 90° expansion angle.© 2013 ASME
Stop-light compliance: another look

As part of a campaign against motorists who disregard stop-lights a northeastern state enacted legislation which in effect changed the mandated monetary fines for violators from maximums ("no more than") to minimums ("no less than"). To gain some insight as to whether this new statute seemed to have any mitigating effect on the number of transgressors, a study made by Trinkaus ( 1983), immediately prior to the enactment, was replicated approximately one year later. The same major urban traffic intersection, through which flowed four lanes of east-west and four lanes of north-south traffic, was observed. Again, a total of 45 1-hr. citings of convenience were taken of the north-south movement, equally divided among Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1000 to 1500 hours. The timing of the traffic signal was the same as before, 45 sec. "go" (green), 4 sec. "caution" (yellow), and 41 sec. "stop" (red). The flow of traffic, however, was about 30% less: down from approximately 800 private and 1850 commercial vehicles per hour to about 560 and 1300. The same definition of passing the stop light was used: entering into and continuing through the intersection after the signal had turned red. While the results of the original inquiry suggest that on the average about 6 out of 20 drivers who had the opportunity went through a red light, the findings of this follow-on study implies that the ratio is now approximately 7 out of 20. No firm distinction was evidenced in this, or the previous, study that the stopping practices of drivers of private automobiles are especially different from those of operators of commercial vehicles. Although the violation rate is up, by about 15 percent, one should not infer that the legislation was ineffective, for in its absence the increase might have been greater. Too, it is possible that the decreased flow of traffic could also have been an abating factor: lighter traffic perhaps tending to increase drivers' tolerance to accept delays. As a considerable number of bicycles were noted during this inquiry, count was kept of the number of cyclists passing through the intersection: about 70 per hour. Of those who confronted a red light, almost all who had the opportunity to do so disregarded the stop signal. Consequently, between motorists and bicyclists, crossing at a corner with the green light is something which a pedestrian would be well advised to do with care.
Graphical Determination of Magnetic Fields Comparison of Calculations and Tests

This paper, which deals with the experimental determination of magnetic fields, is presented as a verification of some of the results described by Messrs. A. R. Stevenson, Jr., and R. H. Park in a companion paper, ``Graphical Determination of Magnetic Fields?Theoretical Considerations,'' and to introduce new and convenient methods of determining the flux distributions in air spaces and in regions occupied by current carrying media. The particular case dealt with is the determination of the leakage flux about the field poles of an alternator at no load, both in the copper and in the surrounding air spaces.
Action learning and leadership

To be successful in the new global environment, twenty‐first century leaders must increase their ability to function in seven key roles, namely, as a systems thinker, change agent, innovator, servant, polychronic co‐ordinator, teacher‐mentor and visionary. Action learning has quickly emerged as one of the most effective and powerful tools in developing the necessary competencies and experiences to carry out these roles. In this article, the author describes how the elements of action learning (i.e. real problems, fellow leaders in the action learning team, a reflective inquiry process, commitment to action, and focusing on learning) contribute to the building of each of these critical leadership skills.
PRECISION MEASUREMENTS OF PARITY VIOLATION AND THE WEAK MIXING ANGLE IN MØLLER SCATTERING

We report an observation of a parity-violating asymmetry in fixed target electron-electron (Moller) scattering at a four-momentum transfer Q2 = 0.03 (GeV/c)2. This is a most precise measurement of parity nonconservation to date, and leads to a determination of the electron's weak charge and of the value of the effective weak mixing angle , which is consistent with the Standard Model expectation at the current level of precision. The comparison between the measurements of the weak mixing angle at Q2 = 0.03 (GeV/c)2 and at the Z0 pole establishes the running of sin2θW with 6.5σ significance.
Trust and surprise in distributed teams: towards an understanding of expectations and adaptations

Trust can be defined in terms of one party's expectations of another, and the former's willingness to be vulnerable based on those expectations. Surprise results from a failure to meet expectations, which can influence trust. We conducted an empirical study of surprises stemming from cultural differences in distributed teams and their influence on trust. Our study findings provide two primary contributions. First, we find that trust judgments in culturally diverse teams are made from accumulated experiences that involve a sequence of cultural surprise, attribution, formulation of new expectations, and the application of adaptations in new situations. Second, we document adaptations that individuals develop to avoid future surprises and which ultimately helped them to improve their sense of trust towards others. In general, our findings contribute to the existing body of work by providing evidence of how people attribute specific cultural surprises, the impact on their sense of trust and adaptations.
CO 2 vascular anastomosis of atherosclerotic and calcified arteries

The technique for CO2 laser fusion vascular anastomosis in normal vessels has been well established. Normal arterial wall has a predictable thermal response to the incident laser energy, with rapid heating and cooling of collagen within the arterial wall. Since atherosclerosis involves subendothelial cellular proliferation, lipid and calcium deposition, it may modify the thermal responsiveness of the arterial wall. To this study, CO2 laser fusion anastomoses were attempted in rabbits with non-calcific atherosclerosis and humans with calcific atherosclerosis. All anastomoses were successfully completed without alteration in technique despite the presence of plaque at the site of laser fusion. Histology of rabbit vessels revealed the classic laser fusion cap within the adventitia and persistent atherosclerotic plaque at the flow surface. Duplex imaging of patients post-operatively demonstrated long term anastomotic patency in 2 of 3 fistulae. These results suggest that neither non-calcified or calcified atherosclerosis significantly alters the arterial wall thermal responsiveness to CO2 laser energy or inhibits creation of laser fusion anastomoses. Therefore, this technique may be applicable to the treatment of patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease.
In vivo and in vitro evidence of the involvement of CXCL1, a keratinocyte-derived chemokine, in equine laminitis.

Background: C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) is an important chemokine of epithelial origin in rodents and humans. Objectives: To assess in vivo and in vitro the regulation of CXCL1 in equine laminitis. Animals: Twenty adult horses. Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess expression of CXCL1 in samples of laminae, liver, skin, and lung from the black walnut extract (BWE) model of laminitis, and in cultured equine epithelial cells (EpCs). Tissue was obtained from control animals (CON, n = 5), and at 1.5 hours (early time point [ETP] group, n = 5), at the onset of leukopenia (developmental time point [DTP] group, n = 5), and at the onset of lameness (LAM group, n = 5) after BWE administration. EpCs were exposed to Toll-like/Nod receptor ligands, oxidative stress agents, and reduced atmospheric oxygen (3%). In situ PCR was used to localize the laminar cell types undergoing CXCL1 mRNA expression. Results: Increases in laminar CXCL1 mRNA concentrations occurred in the ETP (163-fold [P= .0001]) and DTP groups (21-fold [P= .005]). Smaller increases in CXCL1 expression occurred in other tissues and organs. In cultured EpCs, increases (P < .05) in CXCL1 mRNA concentration occurred after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS [28-fold]), xanthine/xanthine oxidase (3.5-fold), and H2O2 (2-fold). Hypoxia enhanced the LPS-induced increase in CXCL1 mRNA (P= .007). CXCL1 gene expression was localized to laminar EpCs, endothelial cells, and emigrating leukocytes. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: These findings indicate that CXCL1 plays an early and possibly initiating role in neutrophil accumulation in the BWE laminitis model, and that laminar keratinocytes are an important source of this chemokine. New therapies using chemokine receptor antagonists may be indicated.
Evidence Supporting Platform-Switching to Preserve Marginal Bone Levels Not Definitive

Top of pageAbstract Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), UK National Research Register, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), ISI Proceedings for relevant conference abstracts. The search strategy used keywords but not subject heading terms. A number of relevant journals were hand searched (seven most recent years) and authors were contacted in the absence of complete data. Study selection Randomised controlled trials (RCT) or controlled clinical trials (CCT) reported in English only, that compared platform-switched to platform-matched implants were eligible. A minimum of 10 implants had to have been placed in the platform-switched group (it is unclear if there was a minimum for the comparison group) and they had to have been followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Primary outcome was marginal bone level changes. Secondary outcome was implant failure rate. Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted by more than one author using a data extraction form. Quality assessment was done using the Jadad scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using fixed effects model in the absence of significant heterogeneity, and the random effects model where heterogeneity was greater. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the chi2 and I2 tests. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were planned to identify any potential causes of heterogeneity. Results Ten studies including 1239 implants were included and all were published 2007-2010. Seven were RCTs, three were CCTs. Range of observation was 12-60 months. Methodological quality was assessed as ‘satisfactory’. Chi2 =126.79 (P <0.0001), I2 = 91% indicating significant statistical heterogeneity. Thus the random effects model was used to synthesise the data. Bone loss in the platform-matched implant group was greater with a mean difference of −0.37 mm (95% CI −0.55 to −0.20, P <0.0001). This is based on the longest follow-up interval from each trial (therefore could be anywhere between 12 and 60 months). There was no significant difference in implant failure. Conclusions Platform-switching may preserve vertical crestal bone levels more than platform-matching when placing implants.
The structure of rat liver mitochondria: a reevaluation.

Summary Mitochondria have been considered to have single spherical or tubular shape. Recently a new model has been proposed for the structure of yeast mitochondria which suggests that there is a single, branched, tubular mitochondrion per cell. Using the technique of serial sectioning, we present evidence showing that some, but not all mitochondria of normal adult rat liver have a branched, tubular structure. These observations should lead to a reevaluation of current concepts regarding mitochondrial function and biogenesis.
Insights into Photoinduced Electron Transfer Between [Ru(mptpy)2]4+ (mptpy = 4′(4-methylpyridinio)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) and [S2O8]2−: Computational and Experimental Studies

The mechanism and electron transfer dynamics of the reaction [RuII(mptpy)2]4+ + hν + [S2O8]2− → [RuIII(mptpy)2]5+ + SO42− + SO4−• were studied using various computational (density functional and ex...
Random shocks in experimental spot and forward auction markets

Abstract Traders face random demand and supply schedules in two experimental auction environments. One is the standard double auction and the other requires sellers to produce and hold inventory before trading. Inventories cannot be held between trading cycles. The endogenous and random cost of inventory disciplines sellers to restrict sales and keep prices relatively high. Anxious buyers may bid up price because total sales cannot exceed inventories. Shocks to the system do not change this behavior except when seller production costs are random. In this treatment, prices converge to the predicted competitive equilibrium. The inventory requirement in all cases increases the earnings of sellers relative to buyers.
Airborne nondispersive infrared monitor for atmospheric trace gases.

An airborne gas‐filter correlation analyzer was designed and assembled to monitor atmospheric trace gases. Flight tests indicated that a methane version of this nondispersive infrared instrument performed properly while measuring CH4 concentration profiles as small as 1 ppm from altitudes of 0.15 up to 1.2 km. A unique multiple chopping scheme was developed to simplify the gas‐filter technique and to provide an easy mechanical nulling procedure. The single‐beam rotating‐cell optical system integrated with a multipass sampling cell and the signal processing circuit are described in detail.
A detailed synteny map of the eggplant genome based on conserved ortholog set II (COSII) markers

We report herein the mapping of 115 PCR-based orthologous markers, including 110 conserved ortholog set or COSII markers, on the reference RFLP map of eggplant. The result permitted inference of a detailed syntenic relationship between the eggplant and tomato genomes. Further, the position of additional 522 COSII markers was inferred in the eggplant map via eggplant-tomato synteny, bringing the total number of markers in the eggplant genome to 869. Since divergence from their last common ancestor approximately 12 million years ago, the eggplant and tomato genomes have become differentiated by a minimum number of 24 inversions and 5 chromosomal translocations, as well as a number of single gene transpositions possibly triggered by transposable elements. Nevertheless, the two genomes share 37 conserved syntenic segments (CSSs) within which gene/marker order is well preserved. The high-resolution COSII synteny map described herein provides a platform for cross-reference of genetic and genomic information (including the tomato genome sequence) between eggplant and tomato and therefore will facilitate both applied and basic research in eggplant.