cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation of Ca2+ entry in corticotropes is partially dependent on protein kinase A.

The modulation of membrane excitability and cytosolic Ca2+ levels by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), (Bu)2cAMP (dBcAMP), and forskolin was examined in enriched populations of cultured rat anterior pituitary corticotropes. CRH (2 or 20 nM), dBcAMP (1 and 5 mM), and forskolin (10 microM) caused a long lasting membrane depolarization accompanied by the onset of cell firing in quiescent cells or by increased firing frequency in spontaneously active cells. All three substances also increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels by increasing the frequency and amplitude of cytosolic Ca2+ transients. These results are consistent with a previous report on human corticotrope tumor cells demonstrating that CRH-induced action potentials lead to enhancement of Ca2+ uptake through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Preincubation with (N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89), an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, did not inhibit the CRH-induced depolarization, but attenuated the CRH-induced ...
Executive Migration and Institutional Change

We examine how the immigration of leaders possessing different skills, understandings, assumptions, and values can promote change within institutionalized organizations and fields. Our results indi...
A CHEMICAL AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTIOMETRIC MONITORING OF AIRBORNE CO2 PARTIAL PRESSURES

A novel method for the detection and quantitation of airborne carbon dioxide is described. The method is based upon membrane transport, chemical amplification, and conductimetric detection. Gas phase CO2 is equilibrated across a hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane with a primary, secondary, or tertiary alkanolamine containing aqueous phase. The resulting dissolved carbon dioxide reacts reversibly with both water and the alkanolamines to form a variety of ionic species, including: carbonate, bicarbonate, carbamates, and protonated amines. At equilibrium, the CO2 holding capacities of the alkanolamine solutions are several orders of magnitude greater than that of pure water, resulting in a substantial amplification of the conductivity signal for solutions in equilibrium with a given atmospheric pCO2.
Military Social Workers at War: Their Experiences and the Educational Content that Helped Them.

Twenty-four active-duty military social workers, deployed during various stages of the war in Iraq, participated in an open-ended survey regarding their jobs and the social work training they found valuable. Using a mixed analytical approach, the researchers organized answers into a phenomenological arrangement describing the military social worker experience of being a uniformed helping professional during war. This project explored the unique experience of practicing social work in a combat zone including graduate social work education and continuing educational courses considered helpful to them while deployed.
ON THE CHARACTERIZATION OF PITMAN MEASURE OF NEARNESS

Abstract Two sufficient conditions for characterizing Pitman nearness (PN) are derived. It is found that one of the conditions is a standardized decision criterion. Two examples are given, including comparison of the James—Stein estimator with the usual unbiased estimator. It is also shown that stochastic domination implies PN for comparing any two multivariate normal estimators. Moreover, they are equivalent if two estimators are unbiased.
Biochemical effects of berberine

Abstract The benzodioxoloquinolizine alkaloid berberine inhibited the biosyntheses of UNA, RNA, proteins and lipids, as well as the oxidation of glucose [14C] to 14CO2, when incubated with S 180 cells in vitro. The synthesis of proteins and of RNA was the most sensitive of these parameters to the action of berberine. Only marginal inhibition of protein biosynthesis occurred in vitro when both drug and glycine [1-14C] were injected. This difference was reflected in the failure of berberine to inhibit the growth of S 180 in mice, despite an inhibitory action in culture. The discrepancy may involve the effects of glucose. When levels of glucose similar to those reported in biological fluids were added to incubation media in vitro, the inhibition of protein biosynthesis by berberine was prevented. Glucose and berberine showed mutual antagonism for uptake by S 180 cells. Phlorizin, an inhibitor of the active transport of glucose, inhibited the uptake of berberine. Inhibition by berberine of the biosynthesis of macromolecules may reflect such primary actions as inhibition of glucose utilization and interaction with nucleic acids.
Prolonged Release of Theophylline from Aqueous Suspensions

AbstractThe dissolution of theophylline from aqueous suspensions was measured by the U.S.P. paddle method. Theophylline release was retarded in the presence of xanthan gum, 1%, sodium alginate, 0.5%, and equi-weight mixtures of gelatin type B and iota carrageenan, 1%. These suspensions formed gels in situ in Simulated Gastric Fluid, U.S.P. Diffusion cell studies suggested that theophylline transport within the formed matrix was due to diffusion through immobilized liquid water. Evidence in support of a diffusion controlled dissolution mechanism in these systems were linearity of the initial section of plots of dissolution against the square route of time, the lack of effect of theophylline particle size on dissolution rate, and the tendency for release from a particular system to become independent of polymer concentration once a sufficiently high concentration was reached.
Metallothionein isoform 3 expression inhibits cell growth and increases drug resistance of PC-3 prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND The third isoform of metallothionein (MT-3) is overexpressed in prostate cancers and PIN lesions. The expression of MT-3 is highly variable but appears to correlate to Gleason score. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of MT-3 overexpression on the growth of the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line. METHODS PC-3 cells were stably transfected with either the MT-3 or MT-1E gene. Cell growth was determined by counting DAPI-stained nuclei, drug resistance by the colony formation assay, MT mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and MT protein by immunoblot. RESULTS PC-3 cells that overexpress the MT-3 gene are growth inhibited compared with either untransfected cells, cells with blank vector, or cells with similar overexpression of the MT-1E gene. Furthermore, increased chemotherapeutic drug resistance occurred in PC-3 clones derived from MT-3– and MT-1E–transfected cells. CONCLUSION The overexpression of MT-3 can influence the growth and chemotherapeutic drug resistance of the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line. Prostate 52: 89–97, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Grassroots reconstruction: Agricultural labour and collective action in South Carolina, 1860–1868

(1991). Grassroots reconstruction: Agricultural labour and collective action in South Carolina, 1860–1868. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 173-182.
Discovering “Blind” Tom Wiggins: Creating Digital Access to Original Sheet Music at the Columbus State University Archives

ABSTRACT The original sheet music collection of “Blind Tom” Wiggins is frequently requested by patrons of the Columbus State University Archives. As musicians and researchers discover the music of this amazing 19th-century performer, enhanced methods of access to these rare archival materials are needed. This paper provides a brief biographical introduction to the life of the musical prodigy “Blind Tom” and will discuss the efforts of the CSU Archives to preserve and enhance access in both print and digital format to the original materials housed in the facility.
Resist and oxide thickness effect on process window for 0.2 μm contact patterns with off-axis illumination and attenuated phase-shift mask

The resist dimples caused by the sidelobe effect are the unexpected by-products at printing 0.2-micrometer dense contact holes with attenuated phase-shift mask (PSM) and KrF laser stepper. We found that not only the printing bias and duty ratio but also the film thickness of the resist and the oxide layer underneath the resist affect the generation of the dimples. The 0.2-micrometer contact holes on 0.52-micrometer pitch were printed successfully without resist dimples by controlling the mentioned factors. Furthermore, the depth margin of the dimples was accessed in real etching process. The residual resist at dimples was 3150 Angstrom at least after development in order to against the etching process.
Marsh-water column interactions in two Louisiana estuaries. II. Nutrient dynamics

The exchange of dissolved nutrients between marshes and the inundating water column was measured using throughflow marsh flumes built, in two microtidal Louisiana estuaries: the Barataria Basin estuary and Fourleague Bay. The flumes were sampled between September 1986 and April 1988, coincident with an extended period of low sea level on the Louisiana coast. The Barataria Basin estuary is in the later, deteriorating stage of the deltaic cycle, characterized by low freshwater inputs and subsiding marshes. Both brackish and saline marshes supplied dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), inorganic nitrogen (ammonium + nitrate + nitrite = DIN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total nitrogen (as total Kjeldahl nitrogen = TKN) to the water column. The export of DIN is probably related to the N accumulated in earlier stages of deltaic development and released as these marshes deteriorate. Coastal brackish marshes of Fourleague, Bay, part of an accreting marsh system in an early, developmental stage of the deltaic cycle, exported TKN to the open water estuary in all samplings. This marsh apparently acted as a short-term buffer of DIN by taking up NH4 + in spring, when baywide concentrations were high, and supplying DIN to the estuary in summer and fall, when concentrations, in the bay were lower. Differences in phosphorus (P), DOC, and DON fluxes between these two estuaries were also observed. The Fourleague Bay site exported soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) and imported DOC. This P export may be related to remobilization of sediment-bound riverine P by the reducing, soils of the marshes. Fluxes of SRP at the Barataria Basin sites were variable and low while DOC was imported. Most imports of dissolved nutrients were correlated with higher upstream [source] concentrations, and flux rates were fairly consistent throughout the tide. Dissolved nutrient exports, did not correlate with upstream concentrations, though, and in many cases the flux was dominated by early, flood tide nutrient release. This pulsed behavior may be caused by rapid diffusion from the sediments early in the tidal cycle, when the sediment-water concentration gradient is largest. Interestuary differences were also seen in particulate organic matter fluxes, as the Fourleague Bay marsh exported POC and PON during all samplings while Barataria Basin imported these nutrients. In general, the magnitude and direction of nutrient exchanges in Louisiana marshes, seem to reflect the deltaic successional stage of the estuary.
Missing Concepts in De Novo Pulp Regeneration

Regenerative endodontics has gained much attention in the past decade because it offers an alternative approach in treating endodontically involved teeth. Instead of filling the canal space with artificial materials, it attempts to fill the canal with vital tissues. The objective of regeneration is to regain the tissue and restore its function to the original state. In terms of pulp regeneration, a clinical protocol that intends to reestablish pulp/dentin tissues in the canal space has been developed--termed revitalization or revascularization. Histologic studies from animal and human teeth receiving revitalization have shown that pulp regeneration is difficult to achieve. In tissue engineering, there are 2 approaches to regeneration tissues: cell based and cell free. The former involves transplanting exogenous cells into the host, and the latter does not. Revitalization belongs to the latter approach. A number of crucial concepts have not been well discussed, noted, or understood in the field of regenerative endodontics in terms of pulp/dentin regeneration: (1) critical size defect of dentin and pulp, (2) cell lineage commitment to odontoblasts, (3) regeneration vs. repair, and (4) hurdles of cell-based pulp regeneration for clinical applications. This review article elaborates on these missing concepts and analyzes them at their cellular and molecular levels, which will in part explain why the non-cell-based revitalization procedure is difficult to establish pulp/dentin regeneration. Although the cell-based approach has been proven to regenerate pulp/dentin, such an approach will face barriers--with the key hurdle being the shortage of the current good manufacturing practice facilities, discussed herein.
A decision model for regional industrial recruitment and development

Abstract Although the practice of industrial recruitment is widespread among regions, its objectives and constraints are neither well established nor carefully evaluated in determining the most desirable industries. As a result, many regions frequently resort to a blind scramble for new industries. This paper suggests a decision model for a regional economy to determine the priority in industrial recruitment. The problem is formulated in terms of a mathematical programming model in which the objectives and constraints are explicitly stated. Regional input-output, table provides additional constraints in the model. The input-output table is also used in testing the economic feasibility of optimal solutions.
Data-Driven Classification Using Boundary Observations

Classification is often a critical task for business managers in their decision-making processes. It is generally more difficult for a classification scheme to produce accurate results when the input domains of the various output classes coincide, to some degree, with one another. In an attempt to address this issue, this article discusses a data-driven algorithm that identifies the region of coincidence, or overlap, for two-group classification problems by empirically determining the convex boundary for each group. The results are extendable to multigroup classification. The class membership of a new observation is then determined by its relative position with respect to each of these boundaries. Due to minimal data storage requirements, this boundary-point classification technique can adapt to changing conditions far more easily than other approaches. Test results demonstrate that the new classification technique has similar performance to a back-propagation neural network under static conditions and significantly outperforms a back-propagation neural network under dynamic conditions.
Can pulmonary vein antrum be defined by electrophysiological mapping

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, and treatments with anti-arrhythmia drugs (AADs) have been frustrating. Limitations of AADs prompted the development of percutaneous catheter ablation. In contrast to AADs, percutaneous catheter ablation offers the possibility of a lasting cure. The successful cure of AF by percutaneous catheter ablation comes from a widespread recognize that pulmonary vein antrum (PVA) plays an important role in the genesis and maintenance of AF, and circular ablation along the PVA can eliminate majority of AF. PVA is comprised of pulmonary vein-left atrium junctions. However, during ablation procedure, definition of PVA solely depends on angiography, and it is largely experience-dependent and there is a great deal of variation involved. Our study in patients with AF found that a unique potential with double deflections could be documented along PVA, but it cannot be recorded at PV side or LA side. Thus, we propose that documentation of PVA potentials can be used as a landmark to define PVA. Unlike angiography, documentation of PVA potentials can be objectively carried out by different operators, and the variations due to experience can be avoided.
Stress intensity factors for a crack in planar disking

Disking is a relatively new manufacturing process for cutting/slicing brittle plates and rods. In the planar disking configuration, a pre-cracked plate is placed against an elastic plate and the two are squeezed together by fluid pressure. At a critical pressure the crack runs across the thickness of the brittle plate producing a clean cut. In this paper a fracture criterion is developed for the process using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The geometry of the process is modeled here as two perfectly bonded, infinite elastic layers with a crack perpendicular to the interface. The problem is formulated in terms of a singular integral equation with the derivative of the crack surface displacement (dislocation density) as the unknown function. Numerical quadrature is used to determine the stress intensity factors as a function of the parameters of the problem.
Interdonor Incompatibility Resulting in Anuria

A transfusion reaction resulting in anuria occurred in a young male undergoing elective surgery. The reaction was caused by interdonor anti-Kell incompatibility. This case again stresses the need for routine screening of donor serum for atypical antibodies.
An Examination of the Effects of Teacher Intervention During Sensory Play on the Emotional Development of Preschoolers

Implementing specific interventions during sensory play time to stimulate the emotional development of preschoolers’ at a Midwestern university Child Study Center was investigated. The constructs studied were (i) children’s ability to label the emotions expressed by other children, (ii) their ability to self-regulate or control their impulses, and (iii) the frequency of their aggressive acts. A new instrument, the Expressed Emotion Identification Tool, which measures children’s ability to label the emotions of others and uses only pictorial stimuli is described. Measurement of changes in preschoolers’ self-controlling behaviors, aggressiveness, and nonaggressive problem solving showed no statistically significant differences between experimental and control groups. Anecdotal data, however, show positive outcomes and indicate a need for further study to determine the benefits of using interventions during sensory play to aid in preschoolers’ emotional development.
A vectorizing Fortran compiler

This paper describes a vectorizing Fortran compiler for the IBM 3090 Vector Facility. Opportunities for vectorization are investigated for eight levels of DO-loop nesting. Recurrences in inner loops do not prevent vectorization of outer loops. A least-cost analysis determines from the opportunities identified which specific vectorization will result in the fastest execution. The normal optimization phases of the compiler produce much of the information needed for the vectorization analysis.
The centriole duplication cycle

Centrosomes are the main microtubule-organizing centre of animal cells and are important for many critical cellular and developmental processes from cell polarization to cell division. At the core of the centrosome are centrioles, which recruit pericentriolar material to form the centrosome and act as basal bodies to nucleate formation of cilia and flagella. Defects in centriole structure, function and number are associated with a variety of human diseases, including cancer, brain diseases and ciliopathies. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how new centrioles are assembled and how centriole number is controlled. We propose a general model for centriole duplication control in which cooperative binding of duplication factors defines a centriole ‘origin of duplication’ that initiates duplication, and passage through mitosis effects changes that license the centriole for a new round of duplication in the next cell cycle. We also focus on variations on the general theme in which many centrioles are created in a single cell cycle, including the specialized structures associated with these variations, the deuterosome in animal cells and the blepharoplast in lower plant cells.
Binational Substance Abuse Research and Internal Review Boards: Human Subject Risks and Suggestions for Protections

Drug use research that involves transnational populations in their worksite nations and in their countries of origin requires special consideration for human subjects. These populations are exposed to similar, if not greater, research related risks than other vulnerable research subjects. If they are to be protected adequately, Internal Review Boards (IRBs) need to become familiar with transnational populations and the possible risks that their members face when participating in research that targets their drug use behaviors and practices. Addressed in this article are a number of challenges that IRBs in United States universities and research institutes encounter in assuring protections against possible research risks. Specific areas of concern are: the dearth of binational IRB reviews, IRB inexperience with transnational populations, mandatory written consent, limited research ethics training for researchers, the absence of a vulnerable population research advisory board, and the need for measures in case of a breach of confidentiality. The discourse of each one of these problem areas includes a recommendation for rectifying it. The article ends with five suggested measures that IRBs should consider in protecting transnational migrants from research related risks in the United States and in their homeland. The discussion of human subject problems and of the measures introduced to alleviate them are based on the author's experiences with preparing human subjects protocols for his ethnographic substance abuse research in both the United States and Mexico.
United States-China trade: where are the exports?

This paper empirically examines US goods trade with China, focusing on the performance of exports. Throughout the analysis, we explore whether US trade is unusual by contrasting it with trade from Japan and the EU-15. The issue is examined from three perspectives: the commodity composition of exports, the role of multinational firms, and the estimation of a set of ‘gravity equations’ that explore the role of market size and distance from the United States. We find that the commodity composition of trade with China is not distorted, nor can the low level be related to an unusual role of US multinationals in China. Instead, distance does seem to exert a surprisingly large effect on trade. Finally, while exports to China may be a small share of US GDP, they are relatively substantial compared to US exports to other countries. In other words, the measure of US trade performance in China is distorted by the low level of its exports to all countries.
The effects of a selective corallivore on growth rates and competition for space between two species of Hawaiian corals

Abstract Chaetodon unimaculatus Bloch, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, shows a strong preference for one of the two common corals, Montipora verrucosa (Lamarck). The impact of this selective corallivory was estimated by measuring coral consumption rate, effects on growth rates, and competitive interactions between the two common coral species. Coral consumption was measured by feeding laboratory-held fishes Alizarin stained corals. Bite size averaged 2.54 mg ash free dry wt · bite−1. Feeding rates were measured by field observations; 7.2 bites · min−1 during the “winter season” and 4.9 bites · min−1 during the “summer season”. An exclosure experiment demonstrated significant effects on vertical growth rates of M. verrucosa, with a decrease in uncaged replicates of 53% during the summer of 1983 and 86% during the summer of 1984. Reversals of the expected competitive outcome between branches of the two species in contact were also noted on uncaged experimental colonies of M. verrucosa. The corallivore restricts most of its activity to the edge of the reef, with 80% of the time spent
Shame and its contribution to PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a legacy of the Vietnam War. Perhaps as many as a half-million U.S. veterans suffer from the problem to some degree. Hospitalized U.S. veterans, diagnosed as suffering from PTSD were given the Internalized Shame Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Hospitalized veterans suffering from (1) depression and (2) substance abuse were also given these instruments and the resulting data were compared. Veterans suffering from PTSD scored higher on Internalized Shame and on Depression than did the Substance Abuse group and scored higher numerically on Depression than did the Depression group itself. All groups were compared on factors related to Shame, Inferiority and Alienation. Data indicated that the PTSD group scored numerically highest on both factors. Results are discussed in accordance with current Shame induction theory.
Cytologic criteria for subclassification of Hodgkin's disease using fine‐needle aspiration

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is increasingly being evaluated by fine-needle aspiration (FNA); however, criteria to subclassify HD into its four subtypes--nodular sclerosis (NS), mixed-cellularity (MC), lymphocyte-depleted (LD), and lymphocyte-predominant (LP)--has not been established. In order to evaluate criteria for subclassification, all FNA cases of HD obtained over a 5-yr period at Indiana University Medical Center that had confirmatory surgical biopsies were reviewed. The number of Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells was quantitated in each cytologic case and statistically analyzed by subgroup, using analysis of variance (ANOVA). LD had the highest mean (means) number of RS cells (means = 51) with NS and MC having similar means (means = 7 and 6, respectively). Only one case of LP was identified and therefore could not be analyzed statistically. Fibrosis and the presence of RS variants were qualitatively assessed and were not helpful in distinguishing the subtypes of HD. Although the quantitation of RS cells may be used to identify LD types of Hodgkin's disease, MC and NS cannot be separated reliably on this criterion alone. Although FNA can be used to diagnose HD, stage a patient, or assess efficacy of chemotherapy, subtyping of HD should still be done on histologic sections of excised lymph nodes.
Biomimetic dentin desensitizer based on nano-structured bioactive glass.

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the ability of a novel sol–gel bioactive glass, in conjunction with appropriate carrier vehicles, to reduce dentinal fluid flow, with an eye toward reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. Methods Experiments were conducted to measure the reduction in tubule fluid flow after treatment of cut tooth surfaces with sol–gel bioactive glass particles in several carrier vehicles. Surfaces were also examined after exposure to brushing and acidic solutions. A non-bioactive particulate glass was compared. Results Tubular occlusion produced by the bioactive glass was observed via SEM and a sustained reduction in hydrodynamic conductance was measured after exposure to various fluids and brushing. Conclusions This new material may be used with the tested carriers to significantly and durably reduce tubule fluid flow, ultimately resulting in reduced dentinal hypersensitivity.
Low Density Lipoprotein Receptors in Bovine Adrenal Cortex. I. Receptor-Mediated Uptake of Low Density Lipoprotein and Utilization of Its Cholesterol for Steroid Synthesis in Cultured Adrenocortical Cells*

ABSTRACT. Functioning bovine adrenocortical cells in monolayer culture were shown to obtain cholesterol for steroid synthesis from plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL). When grown in medium devoid of lipoproteins, the cells developed a minimal enhancement in steroid secretion in response to ACTH or cholera toxin. However, when LDL was available, steroid secretion was stimulated 4- to 9-fold. To determine the mechanism for this effect, we used LDL in which the protein component was labeled with 125I and the cholesteryl ester component was labeled with [3H]cholesteryl linoleate. These studies demonstrated that the cells derived cholesterol from LDL by binding the lipoprotein at a high affinity receptor site, internalizing it, and hydrolyzing its cholesteryl esters within lysosomes. The resultant free cholesterol was used for steroid synthesis and also acted to suppress the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and cholesterol synthesis within the cell. LDL receptor activity was enhance...
SWI/SNF stimulates the formation of disparate activator-nucleosome complexes but is partially redundant with cooperative binding.

Abstract To investigate the potential mechanisms by which the SWI/SNF complex differentially regulates different genes we have tested whether transcription factors with diverse DNA binding domains were able to exploit nucleosome disruption by SWI/SNF. In addition to GAL4-VP16, the SWI/SNF complex stimulated nucleosome binding by the Zn2+ fingers of Sp1, the basic helix-loop-helix domain of USF, and the rel domain of NF-κB. In each case SWI/SNF action resulted in the formation of a stable factor-nucleosome complex that persisted after detachment of SWI/SNF from the nucleosome. Thus, stimulation of factor binding by SWI/SNF appears to be universal. The degree of SWI/SNF stimulation of nucleosome binding by a factor appears to be inversely related to the extent that binding is inhibited by the histone octamer. Cooperative binding of 5 GAL4-VP16 dimers to a 5-site nucleosome enhanced GAL4 binding relative to a single-site nucleosome, but this also reduced the degree of stimulation by SWI/SNF. The SWI/SNF complex increased the affinity of 5 GAL4-VP16 dimers for nucleosomes equal to that of DNA but no further. Similarly, multimerized NF-κB sites enhanced nucleosome binding by NF-κB and reduced the stimulatory effect of SWI/SNF. Thus, cooperative binding of factors to nucleosomes is partially redundant with the function of the SWI/SNF complex.
Historic Scientific Relic Hidden in the Palazzo Vecchio

In November 1667, the great clock in the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, began to strike the hours. It incorporated the horary inventions of Galileo Galilei, the pinwheel type of escapement...
The 40th anniversary of Vatican II: examining Dominus Iesus, and contemporary issues for inter‐religious dialogue between Muslims and Catholics

Since the Second Vatican Council, Muslim–Catholic relations have taken monumental and historical steps in areas of inter‐religious dialogue, in social and religious cooperation, and in collaborating in protecting human freedom. The 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council celebrated last year highlighted this courageous move towards recognizing each other's unique religious traditions. This paper examines Muslim–Catholic relations in recent history under the leadership of John Paul II, and especially within the context of the controversial Vatican document Dominus Iesus issued in 2000. It explores critical areas of concern in Dominus Iesus for Muslim–Catholic relations, as well as analyzing its merits in terms of inter‐religious dialogue.
Opposite Effects of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-Hexachlorobiphenyl and 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the Antibody Response to Sheep Erythrocytes in Mice☆☆☆

The effect that cotreatment with 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has on the antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) was determined in female B6C3F1 mice. Groups of eight mice per group were given a single oral dose of PCB153 alone (0, 3.58, 35.8, or 358 mg/kg), TCDD alone (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 μg/kg), and all possible combinations of these doses in corn oil 7 days prior to immunization with SRBCs. Separate groups of mice were given phenobarbital (PB) parenterally by intraperitoneal injection at a dosage of 160 mg/kg/day for 3 days. Four days after intravenous immunization, body, spleen, thymus, and liver weights and the PFC response to SRBCs were determined. Exposure to TCDD alone resulted in a dose-related suppression of the PFC response, with significant suppression at 1 and 10 μg/kg. In contrast, exposure to PCB153 alone resulted in the enhancement of the PFC response at 358 mg/kg. Combined exposure to 358 mg/kg PCB153 and TCDD resulted in no change (PCB153 + 0.1 μg/kg TCDD) or suppression (PCB153 + 1 or 10 μg/kg TCDD) of the PFC response relative to PCB153 alone; however, the PFC response was enhanced (PCB153 + 0.1 μg/kg TCDD), unaffected (PCB153 + 1 μg/kg TCDD), or suppressed (PCB153 + 10 μg/kg TCDD) relative to corn oil controls. PB did not affect the PFC response to SRBCs, despite a 13-fold induction of hepatic pentoxyresorufinO-dealkylase (PROD) activity. These results suggest that PCB153 enhancement of the PFC response is not related to PROD induction and that it acts as a functional antagonist rather than an aryl hydrocarbon receptor or dispositional antagonist. By enhancing the PFC response to SRBCs, PCB153 raises the “setpoint” response level. Consequently, cotreatment with an immunosuppressive dose of TCDD fails to suppress the PFC response relative to corn oil controls, while clearly suppressing it relative to the appropriate control, PCB153 alone.
Working with Patients with Alcohol Problems: A Controlled Trial of the Impact of a Rich Media Web Module on Medical Student Performance

INTRODUCTION/AIMS We designed an interactive web module to improve medical student competence in screening and interventions for hazardous drinking. We assessed its impact on performance with a standardized patient (SP) vs. traditional lecture.
Multi-target bearings-only track initiation using simulated annealing

The single-platform bearings-only track initiation problem is addressed in a multi-target scenario using measurements from a single sonar. The data association problem and initial state estimation problem are formulated jointly by using the maximum likelihood principle. A simulated annealing-like algorithm, which solves the data association and nonlinear least squares estimate iteratively, is proposed to optimize the likelihood function. The computer simulation results show that the algorithm is robust under various experimental conditions. >
Image-based BRDF measurement including human skin

We present a new image-based process for measuring the bidirectional reflectance of homogeneous surfaces rapidly, completely, and accurately. For simple sample shapes (spheres and cylinders) the method requires only a digital camera and a stable light source. Adding a 3D scanner allows a wide class of curved near-convex objects to be measured. With measurements for a variety of materials from paints to human skin, we demonstrate the new method's ability to achieve high resolution and accuracy over a large domain of illumination and reflection directions. We verify our measurements by tests of internal consistency and by comparison against measurements made using a gonioreflectometer.
Diabetic chronic hyperglycemia and cerebral pH recovery following global ischemia in dogs.

We determined the effect of chronic hyperglycemia associated with diabetes on recovery of cerebral pH after global incomplete cerebral ischemia.31P magnetic resonance spectra and cerebral blood flow (radiolabeled microspheres) were measured in three groups of dogs: (1) chronic hyperglycemic diabetes (pancreatectomy followed by blood glucose > 10 mmol/L for 3 months; n = 8); (2) acute hyperglycemia during ischemia and reperfusion in nondiabetic dogs (n = 8); and (3) normoglycemic controls (n = 8). Incomplete ischemia was produced for 20 minutes by ventricular fluid infusion followed by 3 hours of reperfusion.Cerebral blood flow was reduced to approximately 5 mL/min per 100 g in all groups during ischemia with individual values ranging from 1 to 11 mL/min per 100 g. Blood flow returned to preischemic values by 30 minutes of reperfusion in the normoglycemia group but remained elevated during reperfusion in the acute hyperglycemia and diabetes groups. Cerebral pH at the end of ischemia was lower in acute hype...
Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood of Cats: Technique and Normal Values

Examination of bone marrow and peripheral blood is necessary to diagnose and study many diseases affecting the hematopoietic system of cats. A simplified technique for obtaining marrow from cats, modified from a previously reported method, employs local anesthesia and minimal restraint. Skin and periosteum over the iliac crest are anesthetized with 2% procaine; a 3/4-inch, 18 gauge needle with short beveled point and seated stylet is introduced into the ilium through a small skin incision. Marrow is aspirated with a syringe and smears are made directly. Wright and Giemsa stains are used and 500 nucleated cells are differentiated.Average differential values on marrow from 15 clinically normal cats were: rubriblast 1.2%, prorubricyte 2.8%, rubricyte 16.1%, metarubricyte 18.2%, (total erythrocytic cells, 38.4%), myeloblast 1.1%, progranulocyte 2.8%, neutrophil myelocyte 5.9%, eosinophil myelocyte 0.3%, neutrophil metamyelocyte 15.0%, eosinophil metamyelocyte 0.2%, neutrophil band 14.7%, eosinophil band 0.3%,...
Micro-IPOs: An Analysis of the Small Corporate Offering Registration (SCOR) Procedure with National Data

In this study we examine every Small Corporate Offering Registration available from the United States. Using 339 micro-IPOs from 33 states, we find support for the relevance of (1)offering marketing mechanisms and expenses; (2)geographic characteristics; (3)offering characteristics; (4)ownership and governance characteristics; (5)business characteristics; (6)firm marketing mechanisms; and (7)signaling factors.
Evidence for a dynamic and transient pathway through the TAT protein transport machinery

Tat systems transport completely folded proteins across ion-tight membranes. Three membrane proteins comprise the Tat machinery in most systems. In thylakoids, cpTatC and Hcf106 mediate precursor recognition, whereas Tha4 facilitates translocation. We used chimeric precursor proteins with unstructured peptides and folded domains to test predictions of competing translocation models. Two models invoke protein-conducting channels, whereas another model proposes that cpTatC pulls substrates through a patch of Tha4 on the lipid bilayer. The thylakoid system transported unstructured peptide substrates alone or when fused to folded domains. However, larger substrates stalled before completion, some with amino- and carboxyl-folded domains on opposite sides of the membrane. The length of the precursor that resulted in translocation arrest (20 to 30 nm) exceeded that expected for a single ‘pull' mechanism, suggesting that a sustained driving force rather than a single pull moves the protein across the bilayer. Three different methods showed that stalled substrates were not stuck in a channel or even associated with Tat machinery. This finding favors the Tha4 patch model for translocation.
Optimal space flight with multiple propulsion systems.

Optimal space flight conditions for vehicles using multiple propulsion systems, noting performance of solar electric vehicle in Jupiter probe
Biocompatibility Comparison of Novel Soft Tissue Implants vs Commonly Used Biomaterials in a Pig Model

ObjectiveTo develop a model to evaluate biocompatibility, integration, and substrate independence of novel porous bioscaffolds for maxillofacial and plastic reconstruction using sphere-templated angiogenic regeneration technology compared with currently available synthetic and biologic soft tissue implants.Study DesignA prospective pilot study using animals.SettingMilitary medical center.Subjects and MethodsFive pigs underwent dorsal subcutaneous implantation of a polypropylene-based material coated with precision pore silicone granules (sphere-templated scaffold), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, human dermis, and porcine dermis. Sham and undissected sites were also used as controls. Specimens were harvested 7, 21, 90, and 180 days after surgery and evaluated histologically for inflammation, neovascularization, and collagen deposition.ResultsAll materials and sham sites induced a mild to moderate inflammation that decreased over time, except for human dermis, which elicited a moderate to severe inflamma...
Nonlinear transport processes in disordered media

Nonlinear transport processes in disordered systems such as porous media and heterogeneous solids are studied, which are represented by 2- or 3-dimensional networks of interconnected bonds, by a Bethe network (a branching network with no closed loops) of a given coordination number, or by a continuum in which circular or spherical inclusions have been inserted at random. Three types of nonlinear transport processes are considered: (1) the relation between the current q and the potential gradient v is of power-law type (as in, for example, flow of power-law fluids or the electric current in doped polycrystalline semiconductors); (2) the relation between q and v is piecewise linear, characterized by a threshold (as in flow of Bingham fluids or in mechanical or dielectric breakdown of composite solids); (3) a large v is imposed on the system, so that a linear transport theory is not valid. The behavioral study of the effective transport and topological properties of the system, such as the permeability, conductivity, diffusivity, and the shape of the sample-spanning cluster of conducting paths shows that in all cases the concepts of percolation theory play a prominent role. For a power-law transport process, an exact solution is also derived for themore » Bethe networks. Scaling laws relating the effective properties to various regimes of transport and to topological properties of the system are also given. A relation between the volumetric flow rate of a power-law fluid in porous media and the macroscopic pressure drop is derived, which contains no adjustable parameter and is valid at any porosity. To test the accuracy of the analytical predictions, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for several cases.« less
EB Light Curve Models — What’s Next?

Enhanced unity in binary system observables models is discussed, including development strategy and connections between morphology and solutions. Distance estimation can be made direct (one step) via simultaneous light/velocity solutions that incorporate a simple flux-scaling procedure. Potential importance of time-variable polarization work is emphasized, especially for Algols, with mention of needed improvements in polarimetric analysis and reporting of data. Recent developments in general all-data (light, velocity, etc.) ephemerides are reviewed, with projections for further generalization, and ideas and formalisms for analysis of period change events (perhaps discontinuous) are introduced. Advantages and practical problems of unified [light, velocity, pulse arrival time] analyses for X-ray binaries, possibly constrained by measured X-ray eclipse durations, are discussed.
Bioprocessing analysis of Pyrococcus furiosus strains engineered for CO2-based 3-hydroxypropionate production

Metabolically engineered strains of the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus (Topt 95–100°C), designed to produce 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) from maltose and CO2 using enzymes from the Metallosphaera sedula (Topt 73°C) carbon fixation cycle, were examined with respect to the impact of heterologous gene expression on metabolic activity, fitness at optimal and sub-optimal temperatures, gas-liquid mass transfer in gas-intensive bioreactors, and potential bottlenecks arising from product formation. Transcriptomic comparisons of wild-type P. furiosus, a genetically-tractable, naturally-competent mutant (COM1), and COM1-based strains engineered for 3HP production revealed numerous differences after being shifted from 95°C to 72°C, where product formation catalyzed by the heterologously-produced M. sedula enzymes occurred. At 72°C, significantly higher levels of metabolic activity and a stress response were evident in 3HP-forming strains compared to the non-producing parent strain (COM1). Gas–liquid mass transfer limitations were apparent, given that 3HP titers and volumetric productivity in stirred bioreactors could be increased over 10-fold by increased agitation and higher CO2 sparging rates, from 18 mg/L to 276 mg/L and from 0.7 mg/L/h to 11 mg/L/h, respectively. 3HP formation triggered transcription of genes for protein stabilization and turnover, RNA degradation, and reactive oxygen species detoxification. The results here support the prospects of using thermally diverse sources of pathways and enzymes in metabolically engineered strains designed for product formation at sub-optimal growth temperatures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1533–1543. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scan latch design for delay test

This paper describes three new designs of a shift register latch that lend themselves to distributed self-test and delay test. The advantages of these new SRLs are faster application of test vectors, higher DC and AC fault coverages, with low performance impact. Operation, cost, and other attributes are studied in detail. Results of adopting one of the new SRLs are reported on three pilot chips.
Selective Attenuation of Isoproterenol-Stimulated Arrhythmic Activity by a Partial Agonist of Adenosine A1 Receptor

Background— The goal of this study was to examine the hypothesis that a partial agonist of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1AdoR) may cause a greater attenuation of catecholamine-induced ventricular arrhythmic activity than of contractility. Methods and Results— The effects of CVT-2759 and adenosine, a partial and a full agonist of the A1AdoR, on isoproterenol-stimulated arrhythmic activity and contractility of guinea pig isolated ventricular myocytes were determined. CVT-2759 (10 μmol/L) and adenosine (10 μmol/L) significantly inhibited isoproterenol-induced arrhythmic activity (aftercontraction and transient inward current) but did not reduce the amplitudes of twitch shortening and L-type Ca2+ current. Increasing the concentration of the full agonist adenosine from 10 to 100 μmol/L, however, caused significant attenuation of twitch shortening as well as aftercontractions, whereas increasing the concentration of the partial agonist CVT-2759 from 10 to 100 μmol/L did not. CVT-2759 also significantly inhibited...
A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Music as Reinforcement for Education/Therapy Objectives

This meta-analysis evaluated 208 variables derived from 98 studies incorporating I music as a contingency for education and therapeutic objectives. Variables were converted to effect sizes (ES) via statistical formulae and compared for determination of characteristics affecting reinforcement value of music. The overall benefits attributable to contingent music were almost three standard deviations greater than control/baseline conditions (ES= 2.90). Results demonstrate that contingent music was more effective than contingent nonmusic stimuli used in these studies and more effective than continuous music. Pairing other stimuli such as food, approval, or visual stimulation with the music decreased its effectiveness as a reinforcer. Uniquely, music functioned as a reinforcer and simultaneously as subject matter, and there was evidence of generalized benefit to other academic and social behaviors that were measured but were not contingently reinforced with music.
55.3: A Low‐Voltage and Fast‐Response Infrared Spatial Light Modulator

We report a low-voltage and fast-response polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) infrared phase modulator. By optimizing the UV curing temperature and LC host, we achieved V2= 22.8V at =1.55m and response time about 1ms. Such a PNLC-based spatial light modulator is useful for adaptive optics, adaptive lens, and laser beam steering.