cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo and In Vitro Studies on γ-Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism with the Radish Plant (Raphanus sativus, L.)

Labeled glutamate was rapidly converted to gamma-aminobutyrate in intact, excised radish (Raphanus sativus L., var. Champion) leaves. Labeled gamma-aminobutyrate was metabolized via succinate and the Krebs cycle and was not carboxylated to form glutamate. Administration of carbon-14 and tritium-labeled succinate indicated that less than 10% of the gamma-aminobutyrate formation occurs by amination of succinic semialdehyde. Therefore, most gamma-aminobutyrate formation must be via glutamate decarboxylation.Radish leaf extracts were more active in catalyzing transamination between gamma-aminobutyrate and pyruvate than that between gamma-aminobutyrate and alpha-ketoglutarate. Glutamate decarboxylase was approximately 20 times more active than gamma-aminobutyrate: pyruvate transaminase. Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase was found in the extracts, and NAD was much more active as a hydrogen acceptor than NADP. No reduction of succinate to succinic semialdehyde by the NAD-linked dehydrogenase could be demonstrated. The following pH optima were determined: glutamate decarboxylase, 5.9; gamma-aminobutyrate: pyruvate transaminase, 8.9; succinic semialdehyde: NAD dehydrogenase, about 9.0.
The effect of reducing hindquarter elevation time after artificial insemination in bitches

Abstract Hindquarter elevation time after artificial insemination in dogs was reduced from the common and arbitrarily used 10 min to only 1 min after insemination. Artificial insemination with fresh undiluted semen was conducted in 32 breedings using 15 hound bitches. The overall pregnancy rate was 91% ( 29 32 ), with an average litter size of 7.35 puppies per pregnancy. The pregnancy rate was not altered by reducing the 10-min (n=14) hindquarter elevation time to 1 min (n=18; P = 0.30). Similarly, the litter size was not different between groups (P = 0.40).
The ionization of perchloric and hydrofluoric acids in aqueous solution

Cyclical bifurcated hydrogen bonded structures are proposed for aqueous solutions of hydrofluoric acid and for the bifluoride ion which are consistent with the spectral data. The structure proposed for HF is also applicable to solutions in organic solvents. Raman spectra of tetramethylguanidinium perchlorate suggest that the corresponding Raman spectra of perchloric acid solutions may not be interpreted in terms of a completely dissociated acid. Other evidence including activity coefficient, heat capacity and partial molal volume data suggest that there is some association in relatively dilute perchloric acid solutions between the perchlorate ion and the hydrated proton. This association decreases in concentrated aqueous solutions.
Fast floorplanning with placement constraints

Today's deep sub-micron technology and large complex designs have elevated the need for floorplanning to handle placement constraints. We present a unified method to handle alignment and cluster constraints on sequence pair representation. It helps pruning infeasible solutions on sequence pair and significantly reduces the solution space, therefore speeding up the algorithm. We also present an implementation methodology for fast evaluation of these constraints. Experimental results on MCNC and GSRC benchmarks demonstrate that our approach is 4.6X faster on average, scalable with good packing as compared to other published approaches.
Antimicrobial activity in the skin of the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus: characterization of broad-spectrum histone-like antimicrobial proteins

Three antibacterial proteins were isolated from acid extracts of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) skin by cation exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The molecular masses of the proteins were 15.5, 15.5 and 30 kD as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mass spectrometry, amino acid composition and amino acid sequence data suggest that the most abundant protein is closely related to histone H2B. The H2B-like protein was inhibitory to Aeromonas hydrophila and Saprolegnia spp., which are important bacterial and fungal pathogens of fish. These findings suggest that histones may be important defensive molecules in fish.
A Comparative Book Review

Abstract This paper presents a comparative review of the books, Value-added leadership by Sergiovanni (1990) and ‘ The school leaders our children deserve’ by Theoharis (2009) . It brings forth common threads that run along the two and renames them as emerging themes. Common themes found are: optimism, determination, shared decision-making, professional attitude, sense of responsibility, untiring endeavours, motivation, capacity building, holistic development view, academic excellence, and leadership domains. The leadership styles found in both books mirror each other in terms of their emphasis on the human component of leadership. This paper further discusses the significance of themes in leadership and puts forward recommendations for future research and for the implementation of the suggested leadership styles in the schools.
A Shape Optimization Method Based on Implicit Differentiation and Node Removal Techniques

This paper presents a methodology for the generation ofoptimal shapes of structural members. This work is based on altering the finite element model of the structure by removing or restoring nodes to generate optimum designs subject to constraints on maximum stress value and maintenance of connectivity in the model. A sequential linear programming algorithm is utilized to determine optimum positions of the boundary nodes. Based on the results, at each iteration a binary decision is performed to determine which nodes should be removed or restored. A correction factor is used in this study to compensate for the error caused by linearization of the stress function.
Commentary: little words

Because they may interpret writing too narrowly as a means of displaying data, rather than as communication, some technical professionals produce documents exhibiting particular writing faults. For example, they may not write with a full consciousness of words'meanings in context, or they may fail to assess readers'knowledge levels accurately. Additionally, they may write too sequentially, forget to include clear references, or fail to use vivid language in their reports. Although all these errors derive from shared underlying attitudes towards language, the first evidence a reader is likely to encounter that something has gone wrong in a document is a misuse of such little words as «the,» «this,» «with,» «is,» «have,» and «then»
Mesenteric vasculitis: A rare cause of acute abdomen in children

Abstract Mesenteric vasculitis is an extremely rare condition in the pediatric age group and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. This is specially so if there are no manifestations of an underlying systemic illness. We report two children with mesenteric vasculitis highlighting aspects of diagnosis and management. Both patients presented with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen stressing the difficulties in differentiating mesenteric vasculitis from other more common causes of acute abdomen. Their contrast-enhanced abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan showed features compatible with mesenteric vasculitis. Awareness of this is important to avoid morbidity and mortality. The use of abdominal CT scan can help exclude other surgical causes and aids in making the diagnosis of mesenteric vasculitis. Timely diagnosis and the use of steroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy lead to rapid response and good outcome for children with mesenteric vasculitis.
Structure-property relationships in flavour-barrier membranes with reduced high-temperature diffusivity

Encapsulation is used to decrease the premature release of volatile flavour ingredients while offering protection against environmental damage such as oxidation, light-induced reactions, etc. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is investigated here as a “smart,” temperature responsive membrane for flavour encapsulation and delivery. Gel films were synthesized and characterized by diffusion and small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering techniques. Increasing temperature typically increases the diffusion rate across a membrane; HPC, however, can be tailored to give substantially improved elevated temperature properties. Scattering results indicate processing conditions have a significant impact on membrane morphology (micro phase separation). Under certain synthetic conditions, micro phase separation is mitigated and the membranes show temperature-independent diffusivity between 25 °C and 60 °C.
Altered lipoxygenase metabolism and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in platelets from selenium-deficient rats

Abstract Washed platelets from selenium-deficient and control rats were incubated with [1- 14 C]-arachidonic acid and the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Platelets from selenium-deficient rats showed a three to four-fold increased synthesis of the lipoxygenase-derived isomeric trihydroxy fatty acids, 8,9,12-trihydroxy-5,10,14-eicosatrienoic acid and 8,11,12-trihydroxy-5,9,14-eicosatrienoic acid. A major reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity was also observed in platelets from deficient rats. These results support the interpretation that these trihydroxy fatty acids arise from breakdown of the primary platelet lipoxygenase product L -12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HPETE) under conditions in which its reduction to the L -12-hydroxy product (12-HETE) by a selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase is limited. Further-more, these results indicate a specific function for selenium in platelet metabolism of essential fatty acids.
Concordance of cancer patients’ function, symptoms, and supportive care needs

Purpose Although patients’ function, symptoms, and supportive care needs are obviously related, a better understanding of these relationships could improve patient management.
Learning to read in Ratanakiri: a case study from northeastern Cambodia

Abstract In Ratanakiri province, northeastern Cambodia, the majority of the local people are native speakers of ethnic minority languages. Primarily subsistence farmers, they use their own language to communicate with others in their villages, and as they work in their rice fields. A baseline survey taken between 1996 and 1998 in five such villages showed that more than 95% of the people could not read and write any language. At the time a literacy program was initiated, there were no other Mother Tongue First literacy programs anywhere in Cambodia for speakers of indigenous ethnic minority languages. Between 1997 and 2002 educational materials were prepared in four of these languages and a village program was initiated. Community participation was the key to the success of the program. Students who complete the program in their own language may go on to more advanced classes to learn to read the national language, Khmer. This paper discusses how against a background in which all previous programs for eth...
Lambda site-specific recombination: local transcription and an inhibitor specified by the b2 region.

Leftward transcription in the region of the left attachment site (att) has been found to be required for the excision of λ prophage, when a helper provides all the necessary excision proteins (Davies et al., 1972). That observation has allowed the discovery of another component in λ site-specific recombination. This additional component is revealed by deleting a part of the b2 region of the helper. It is asserted that the newly discovered function is an inhibitor of site-specific recombination. The effect of the two components, local transcription and the b2 inhibitor, has been further studied in the excision of prophages flanked by other than the normal pair of atts.
The phototoxicity of non-carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic organisms

Anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene are phototoxic in Daphnia magna, Artemia salina, first instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, late embryonic forms of Rana pipiens, and fish (Pimephales promelas). Since polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are generated in the combustion processes held responsible for the damages of acid rain, and they are introduced into the environment through other means as well, the high phototoxicity of the major pollutants, which are not carcinogenic, suggests that greater attention must be given to their environmental significance.
The HSA: a focus for advancing primary preventive dental programs.

In conclusion, as community agencies under P.L. 93-641 embark upon the definition of health status goals, health system goals, and program implementation, dentists have the opportunity to clarify and assist in developing a vigorous approach to meeting dental health needs through primary prevention. Insofar as public health dentistry is able to provide technical assistance and leadership at the local HSA and SHPDA levels, the powerful tools for change embodied in this law can be a force for promoting the oral health of our population.
Myocardial Blood Flow: Roentgen Videodensitometry Techniques

The current status of roentgen videodensitometric techniques that provide an objective assessment of blood flow at selected sites within the coronary circulation were described. Roentgen videodensitometry employs conventional radiopaque indicators, radiological equipment and coronary angiographic techniques. Roentgen videodensitometry techniques developed in the laboratory during the past nine years, and for the past three years were applied to analysis of angiograms in the clinical cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Theory of the brush-shifting A-C motor-I

This is the first of a series of papers explaining the theory and principles of operation of the brush-shifting a-c motor. Operation of the machine, either as a motor or a generator, is explained on the basis of the superposition of currents. The theory of the primary current loci is developed for both high-speed and low-speed adjustments. A method of determining the primary current loci from no-load measurements is presented. Experimental data have shown the theory to be valid.
Temporal lobe volume in panic disorder--a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study.

Although previous studies have used magnetic resonance imaging MRI to demonstrate qualitative abnormalities of the temporal lobes in patients with panic disorder, no study to date has applied quantitative volumetric methods to evaluate brain changes in panic disorder. The purpose of this study was to measure the volume of the temporal lobe and the hippocampus in patients with panic disorder and healthy control subjects using quantitative MRI measures. The volume of the temporal lobe, hippocampus and whole brain was measured in 13 patients with panic disorder and 14 healthy subjects. The mean volume of the left and right temporal lobes was significantly smaller in panic disorder 33
TIME TO NORMALIZATION OF SERUM TESTOSTERONE AFTER 3-MONTH LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE AGONIST ADMINISTERED IN THE NEOADJUVANT SETTING: IMPLICATIONS FOR DOSING SCHEDULE AND NEOADJUVANT STUDY CONSIDERATION

AbstractPurpose: A time course to serum testosterone normalization after administration of a single 3-month luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonist in the neoadjuvant setting was developed.Materials and Methods: A total of 13 men with clinically localized prostate cancer were prospectively assessed for baseline libido, erectile function and mid morning serum testosterone. A single 3-month formulation LH-RH agonist was administered in the neoadjuvant setting before definitive treatment with radical perineal prostatectomy in 7 men or external beam radiotherapy in 6. Baseline and serial testosterone levels were measured 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months after injection. Symptoms related to acute testosterone depletion, namely hot flashes and sweats, were recorded on the same schedule.Results: After a single 3-month LH-RH agonist injection median duration of castrate level testosterone (0.2 ng./ml. or less) was 6 months. Median duration of hypogonadal symptoms (hot flashes and sweats) was 13.6...
Microtubule‐containing detergent‐extracted cytoskeletons in sea urchin eggs from fertilization through cell division: Antitubulin immunofluorescence microscopy

The microtubule-containing structures that appear in eggs during fertilization and cell division in the sea urchins Lytechinus variegatus and Arbacia punctulata were detected by antitubulin immunofluorescence microscopy of detergent extracted cytoskeletal preparations. The extraction buffer, which is composed of 0.55 mM MgCl2, 10 mM EGTA, 25 mM MES, 25% glycerol, 1% Nonidet P-40, and 25 μM PMSF, pH 6.7, allows for dramatically improved fluorescent images compared to those obtained using conventional staining procedures, with residual background staining being reduced to near zero. The immunofluorescent images obtained using this technique provide information on several motile events that occur during the first cell cycle. This technique demonstrates that all of the cytoplasmic microtubules are associated with the incorporated sperm's centrioles during female pronuclear migration. This changes during the centration of the male and female pronuclei at which time a monastral array of microtubules forms in the egg's cytoplasm. A large proportion of the monastral microtubules do not appear to be associated with the centrioles. At prophase and early metaphase, the centrioles are the dominant microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) consistent with mitotic theories that the kinetochore catches, but does not initiate, microtubules. Observations of intercentriolar distances show that there are three stages of pole separation during the first cell cycle. The initial separation occurs during pronuclear centration, the second during the streak stage, and the final one during the late stages of mitosis. At telophase, polar microtubules appear to extend into the cortex supporting the cell surface at all regions except the presumptive cleavage site.
Comparative safety and efficacy against Bacillus anthracis of protective antigen and live vaccines in mice.

The efficacy and mechanisms of protection of two live vaccines and of a protective antigen (PA) vaccine against Bacillus anthracis were studied in inbred mice. Mice that differed in their natural resistance to killing by Sterne, a non-encapsulated, toxigenic vaccine strain of B. anthracis, were used. Vaccination with live Sterne spores protected Sterne-resistant mice against challenge with the virulent Vollum 1B (V1B) strain of B. anthracis, but only at doses of Sterne ⩾ 0.1 50% lethal dose. The live B. subtilis recombinant strain PA2, which produces the PA component of anthrax toxin, fully protected (CBA/J) or partially protected (BALB/cJ) Sterneresistant mice against V1B. Neither immunization with the cell-free PA vaccine nor passive administration of anti-PA antiserum protected Sterne-resistant mice against V1B. Sternesusceptible A/J mice were not protected against V1B by either live vaccine or by the PA vaccine. However, immunization with strain PA2 induced anti-PA antibody and protected A/J mice against Sterne. A/J mice passively treated with antitoxin antibodies also survived Sterne, and survivors were then partially protected against V1B. Thus, immunity to Sterne correlated with an effective anti-PA response. Immunity to fully virulent V1B also required PA but may involve mechanisms in addition to humoral immunity.
CAD/CAM data base design to support set-up reduction strategies in electronics assembly

Abstract This paper outlines the requirements for CAD/CAM data base designs in the electronics industry. Emphasis is placed on the presentation of information in a useable format to support set-up decision making.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: The patients' perception ☆

Abstract Background: Anxiety, discomfort, and high levels of concern can affect patient attitude toward endoscopic procedures as well as compliance and adherence to current recommendations for the examination. This study evaluated how patients perceive flexible sigmoidoscopy. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at two sites of 764 patients presenting for GI endoscopy (flexible sigmoidoscopy 175, colonoscopy 384, EGD 205). Before these procedures, patients rated their anticipated (preprocedure) difficulty and degree of concern for each of 30 specific concerns. After the procedure, the patients rated their actual (postprocedure) difficulty. Patients' levels of concerns and difficulty were compared before and after the procedure and among the 3 procedure types. Results: Before the procedure, patients who were to undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy had fewer concerns and lower scores for the severity of the concerns than did patients having colonoscopy or EGD. After the procedure, patients who had flexible sigmoidoscopy rated it as more difficult than patients who had colonoscopy or EGD. Patients who had colonoscopy and EGD graded their actual difficulty as less than their anticipated difficulty. However, patients who had flexible sigmoidoscopy rated the actual difficulty the same as the anticipated difficulty. Conclusions: Although patients have fewer concerns regarding flexible sigmoidoscopy than for the other endoscopic procedures, after the procedure they rate sigmoidoscopy as more difficult compared with postprocedure ratings by patients who underwent colonoscopy or EGD. This suggests that it may be necessary to change the perception of flexible sigmoidoscopy as being the best tolerated of the endoscopic procedures. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;55:315-20.)
Reply to “Rare coincident NPM1 and RUNX1 mutations in intermediate risk acute myeloid leukemia display similar patterns to single mutated cases”. Haematologica 2014;99(2):e20–21.

We appreciate the efforts of Fasan et al. [1][1] to further investigate the relationship between NPM1 and RUNX1 mutations in de novo , intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia and confirm the rare co-occurrence of these two mutations in their cohort. We would like to clarify that we did not report
Improving accountability in a service delivery system in children's mental health

Abstract A Vermont legislator who served on the House Appropriations Committee once remarked, “If human service agencies were forced to compete in the private sector, most of them would go out of business in less than a year — their product is people and they have no idea what happens to them after they are served.” This article begins with a discussion of the increasing concern for public agency accountability and some of the limitations of more traditional program evaluation methods for meeting this need. Three methods are described that have been utilized to monitor the progress of children receiving services within a public service delivery system. The methods include the measurement of daily adjustment, residential and educational service tracking, and an approach for integrating and displaying individual case information related to child behavior, life and family events, services received, and service costs. A description and illustration of each method is followed by a brief discussion of issues related to implementation and utilization. Future developments, which include methods to track units of service and youth and parent satisfaction, are also discussed.
Quantum Dot Size Dependent J-V Characteristics in Heterojunction ZnO/PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells

The current−voltage (J−V) characteristics of ZnO/PbS quantum dot (QD) solar cells show a QD size-dependent behavior resulting from a Schottky junction that forms at the back metal electrode opposing the desirable diode formed between the ZnO and PbS QD layers. We study a QD size-dependent roll-over effect that refers to the saturation of photocurrent in forward bias and crossover effect which occurs when the light and dark J−V curves intersect. We model the J−V characteristics with a main diode formed between the n-type ZnO nanocrystal (NC) layer and p-type PbS QD layer in series with a leaky Schottky-diode formed between PbS QD layer and metal contact. We show how the characteristics of the two diodes depend on QD size, metal work function, and PbS QD layer thickness, and we discuss how the presence of the back diode complicates finding an optimal layer thickness. Finally, we present Kelvin probe measurements to determine the Fermi level of the QD layers and discuss band alignment, Fermi-level pinning, a...
Urinary Alkalinization Induced by Choline

AbstractUrinary alkalinization following infusion of choline results primarily from an increased urinary bicarbonate output. Alkalinization of the urine also results in a decrease in ammonia output. It is argued that choline acts directly one the tubule in producing urinary alkalinization. In stop flow studies proximal secretion of choline has been confirmed, while in some experiments, results have indicated a possible reabsorption of choline at a distal site. A distal site continues to secrete acid under choline loading in the stop flow experiments, even when one would expect to find markedly alkaline urinary pH in a non-diuretic state. A model is presented which hypothesizes how choline may act to increase urinary pH and sodium reabsorption.
Do Knowledge Spillovers Contribute to U.S. State Output and Growth

Abstract This paper provides empirical evidence on the contributions of interindustry and interstate knowledge spillovers to the output and growth of state manufacturing industries. The work develops a method for detecting spillovers within the output equations of the Heckscher–Ohlin trade model. This method shows how knowledge spillovers can reverse the Heckscher–Ohlin patterns of comparative advantage. The findings indicate that knowledge spillovers across states are strong enough to reverse comparative advantage; however, knowledge spillovers across industries are not strong enough to reverse comparative advantage. The interstate knowledge spillovers are geographically localized and contribute substantially to state output and growth in manufactures.
Low-frequency exchange of mass between ocean basins

[1] We examine the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data and output from an ocean model to quantify mass fluctuations for the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean basins from August 2002 until December 2008. The monthly spatial mean is removed to study interbasin mass exchange. We find a seasonal exchange of mass between the Atlantic and Pacific that is similar to one documented previously, although the amplitude observed by GRACE is about 20% lower than that simulated by an ocean model. There are also significant fluctuations with periods longer than 1 year. We find large interannual exchanges in 2005 and 2007, with GRACE observing yearly averaged mass anomalies in the Pacific that are about 30–40% larger than simulated by a model. This is shown to be from significant interannual mass losses from the Indian Ocean that are observed by GRACE but not simulated by the model. A longer run of the model, from 1976 to 2008, suggests that such interbasin mass exchanges are a regular occurrence and can last for as long as a couple of decades.
The Mitochondrial Fusion-Promoting Factor Mitofusin Is a Substrate of the PINK1/Parkin Pathway

Loss-of-function mutations in the PINK1 or parkin genes result in recessive heritable forms of parkinsonism. Genetic studies of Drosophila orthologs of PINK1 and parkin indicate that PINK1, a mitochondrially targeted serine/threonine kinase, acts upstream of Parkin, a cytosolic ubiquitin-protein ligase, to promote mitochondrial fragmentation, although the molecular mechanisms by which the PINK1/Parkin pathway promotes mitochondrial fragmentation are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that PINK1 and Parkin promote mitochondrial fragmentation by targeting core components of the mitochondrial morphogenesis machinery for ubiquitination. We report that the steady-state abundance of the mitochondrial fusion-promoting factor Mitofusin (dMfn) is inversely correlated with the activity of PINK1 and Parkin in Drosophila. We further report that dMfn is ubiquitinated in a PINK1- and Parkin-dependent fashion and that dMfn co-immunoprecipitates with Parkin. By contrast, perturbations of PINK1 or Parkin did not influence the steady-state abundance of the mitochondrial fission-promoting factor Drp1 or the mitochondrial fusion-promoting factor Opa1, or the subcellular distribution of Drp1. Our findings suggest that dMfn is a direct substrate of the PINK1/Parkin pathway and that the mitochondrial morphological alterations and tissue degeneration phenotypes that derive from mutations in PINK1 and parkin result at least in part from reduced ubiquitin-mediated turnover of dMfn.
A simple synthesis of [11C]carfentanil using an extraction disk instead of HPLC

[11C]Carfentanil was prepared without the need for purification by HPLC. The tetrabutylammonium salt of the precursor carboxylate was reacted with [11C]methyl triflate in DMSO. The resulting [11C]carfentanil was trapped on an Empore extraction disk and washed to remove precursor and most radioactive contaminants. The product was eluted by a small volume of ethanol, mixed with water and passed through a small column containing fibrous anion exchanger to remove remaining radioactive contaminants.
Stresses exerted by ZnO, CeO2 and anatase TiO2 nanoparticles on the Nitrosomonas europaea

Recent studies have shown that nano-bio interfaces are the most complex and the least understood. Notably, nanotoxicity of these nanoparticles is not even well recognized. In this work, we examined the toxic effects of different nanoparticles on bacteria cells (Nitrosomonas europaea). The four nanoparticles involved are: 25 nm anatase TiO(2), 200 nm anatase TiO(2), ZnO and CeO(2) particles. These particles will have different electrical charges in the cell cultivating media. It has been observed that even with only 4 h of dosing, all of the particles caused apparent morphological damage to the cells. Experimental results suggest that ZnO particles exert the stress on cells by its dissolution and releasing of Zn(2+) ions. The TEM and AUC (analytical ultracentrifuge) result suggest that cells become heavier in presence of CeO(2) and TiO(2) particles. No visible clear intrusions of bulk nanoparticles were observed. However, both the analytical ultracentrifuge and TEM results show that cells are heavier when being damaged.
Correlates of Reminiscence Activity among Elderly Individuals

The purpose of this study was to examine several psychological characteristics and life experiences that may be related to aspects of reminiscence activity among elderly individuals. Seventy elderly individuals completed a reminiscence questionnaire assessing 1) the extent to which reminiscence is motivated by a desire to enhance self understanding, 2) reminiscence affect, and 3) the preferred social modality of reminiscence. The respondents also completed questionnaires assessing existential vacuum, extraversion, and the recent experience of various life events. Existential vacuum was positively associated with a tendency to engage in reminiscence in an effort to enhance self understanding as well as a negative bias in reminiscence affect. Extraversion was found to be positively related to a preference for interpersonal reminiscence. Specific life experiences (e.g., death of a spouse, retirement) were also related to reminiscence activity. The present results provide support for the notion that aspects o...
Diagnosis of intestinal obstruction

T HE increase in our knowIedge concerning the pathologica physiology and mechanical factors invoIved in patients with intestinal obstruction has changed many of the concepts of proper treatment for this condition. Such changes, however, have pIaced a premium on a more exact and detailed diagnosis of the individua1 case. No longer can the surgeon feel satisfied merely to make a diagnosis of “intestina1 obstruction” and advise immediate laparotomy. The study of the case should incIude reasonabIe efforts to supply information on four additiona points : (I) At approximateIy what point in the gastrointestinal tract the bowe1 is obstructed; (2) what degree of obstruction is present; (3) whether the obstruction is simple or stranguIating in character, and (4) what pathologica condition is responsibIe for the presence of the obstruction. With proper diagnostic methods these refinements in diagnosis, especiaIIy the first three, can be achieved with considerable accuracy. Space wiI1 not permit a detailed discussion of the many lesions which may either primariIy or secondariIy be responsibIe for the obstruction. While the character of the Iesion may be definitely determined in many instances, in others it can onlv be surmised on the basis of probability. The importance of an accurate detaiIed diagnosis can be most appreciated by realizing that the best interests of the patient are not necessarily served by an immediate operation. OnIy those patients in whom the obstruction is stranguIating in character or in whom there is a complete obstruction of the colon demand immediate surgical intervention. Other patients can be satisfactorily controIIed for a matter of hours or days, by means of constant suction applied to an indweIIing tube, such as the Wangensteen type of Levin duodenal tube or the MiIIer-Abbott tube. The time thus gained during which the physiological status of the patient can be restored to near norma by the parentera injection ot saline and gIucose soIutions or the administration of blood transfusions wiII be appreciated by a11 surgeons of experience. Such treatment carried out in the preoperative period definiteIy decreases the risks of operation and has been one of the factors contributing to the Iower mortaIity rates now appearing in the Iiterature. Operation may even be avoided in an appreciable number of patients treated by conserv,ative means. It is of the utmost importance, however, that operation be withheld even temporariIy onIy from those patients in whom there is no complete obstruction of the colon or strangmation of the bowel.
Home asthma management for rural families.

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To assess home asthma management among rural families with a school-age child who has asthma. DESIGN AND METHODS. Exploratory analysis of baseline data of a tri-ethnic sample of rural families with school-age children who have asthma. RESULTS. Parents and children enact a moderate amount of asthma management behaviors. Preventive behaviors were correlated with the Asthma Behavior Inventory and treatment behaviors were correlated with the child's asthma severity. Factors that could affect asthma management include no insurance, no visits to providers in 12 months, or no asthma medications. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses must use every contact with families to assess their asthma management and availability of resources, and to determine the fit between asthma severity and the asthma management plan.
A property of counting process in multivariate renewal theory

Abstract By considering the interoccurrence distribution of a multivariate renewal process to be multivariate exponential [Marshall and Olkin, J. Am. statist. Ass. 62, 30–44 (1967)] it is shown that the marginal distributions arc independent if and only if the associated counting process has independent marginals. In the general case, it is observed that the interoccurrence distribution has pairwise independent marginals if and only if the counting process has pairwise independent marginals.
Computation of a Leading–Edge Film Cooling Flow Over an Experimental Geometry

Computations are performed to simulate a leading edge film cooling flow over an experimental test geometry. An in-house CFD–heat transfer code based on a pressure correction algorithm is used for the computations. The code allows the use of multiple blocks in the domain with discontinuous grid lines while maintaining flux conservation at block interfaces. A second–order TVD–based controlled variation scheme (CVS) is used for discretization, along with k–e models with options of using wall functions or low–Reynolds number modifications. From the viewpoint of incorporating CFD into the design process with fast turn–around times, the approach taken in this study is to attempt to simulate the key features of the flowfield with a reasonable grid size, preferably consisting of no more than 250,000 grid points. In order to attain the desired accuracy with these constraints, effective combinations of grid distribution, discretization operators and turbulence models are investigated, and the sensitivity of the computed solution to these factors examined. The results agree qualitatively with the experimental data though some notable quantitative differences can be observed. An attempt is made to explain the key features of the flowfield resulting from the interaction of coolant jets with the hot freestream.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Crowdsourcing and Attention

In the age of the Web, social attention and its swift allocation through vast social networks play a central role in the generation, dissemination, and validation of ideas and results within large communities. This growing trend is likely to become dominant because of the ease with which people can now contribute to the global chatter. We're witnessing an inversion of the traditional way in which people have generated and consumed content. From photography to news to encyclopedic knowledge, in a centuries-old pattern, relatively few people and organizations produced content for consumption by everyone else. With the advent of the Web and the ease of migrating content to it, that pattern has reversed. Today, millions of people create content in the form of blogs, wikis, videos, music, and so on, and few can attend to it all. This phenomenon, known as crowdsourcing, is exemplified by Web sites such as Digg, Flickr, YouTube, and Wikipedia, which produce sought-after content rivaling the best published sources without traditional quality filters.
Nickel-titanium alloys: stress-related temperature transitional range.

Abstract The inducement of mechanical stress within nickel-titanium wires can influence the transitional temperature range of the alloy and therefore the expression of the superelastic properties. An analogous variation of the transitional tempature range may be expected during orthodontic therapy, when the archwires are engaged into the brackets. To investigate this possibility, samples of currently used orthodontic nickel-titanium wires (Sentalloy, GAC; Copper Ni-Ti superelastic at 27°C, 35°C, 40 o C, Ormco; Nitinol Heat-Activated, 3M-Unitek) were subjected to temperature cycles ranging between 4°C and 60 o C. The wires were mounted in a plexiglass loading device designed to simulate clinical situations of minimum and severe dental crowding. Electrical resistivity was used to monitor the phase transformations. The data were analyzed with paired t tests. The results confirmed the presence of displacements of the transitional temperature ranges toward higher temperatures when stress was induced. Because nickel-titanium wires are most commonly used during the aligning stage in cases of severe dental crowding, particular attention was given to the performance of the orthodontic wires under maximum loading. An alloy with a stress-related transitional temperature range corresponding to the fluctuations of the oral temperature should express superelastic properties more consistently than others. According to our results, Copper Ni-Ti 27 o C and Nitinol Heat-Activated wires may be considered suitable alloys for the alignment stage. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2000;118:685-92)
The European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire: implications for prognosis in pancreatic cancer.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between patient quality of life (QoL) and survival in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing care in a community hospital comprehensive cancer center. A consecutive case series of 55 histologically confirmed pancreatic cancer treated at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® at Midwestern Regional Medical Center was studied between 04/01 and 11/04. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was utilized to assess patient QoL. Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival. Log-rank test was used to study the equality of survival distributions. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were then performed to evaluate the joint prognostic significance of those QoL and clinical factors that were shown to be prognostic upon univariate analyses. Of the 55 patients, 28 were newly diagnosed and 27 had prior treatment history. The median age was 55 years (range 33–74 years). Majority (34) had stage IV disease at diagnosis. The QLQ-C30 parameters to show statistically significant associations with survival were physical, role, and emotional functioning scales and fatigue, appetite loss, constipation, and diarrhea symptom scales. We found that patient QoL, as measured by the QLQ-C30 physical functioning scale, provides useful prognostic information, independent of multiple cancer symptoms, in patients with pancreatic cancer. While these findings require further investigation in large patient cohorts, they may have important implications for patient stratification in clinical trials, as well as aid in clinical decision making.
Parity-associated alterations of medial preoptic opiate receptors in female rats

Abstract Preoptic area opiate receptor density was measured by quantitative autoradiography using [ 3 H]naloxone in female rats during their first and second pregnancies and lactations and in a separate group of ovariectomized, nulliparous animals. Opiate receptor density in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) was elevated on day 12 of gestation in both primigravid and multigravid rats when compared with ovariectomized subjects. MPOA receptor density was reduced in primaparous mothers on day 5of lactation relative to pregnancy. In contrast, receptor density in the MPOA did not decline in multiparous (second lactation) rats relative to pregnancy levels. Opiate receptor density was significantly higher on day 5 of lactation in multiparous than in primiparous mothers. No difference in receptor density was detected in the adjacent lateral preoptic area among the treatment groups. An examination of hormone titers revealed that basal prolactin levels were significantly higher in primigravid than multigravid rats, and that during lactation prolactin titers were negatively correlated with MPOA opiate receptor density in the primiparous mothers. The data demonstrate that multiple pregnancies and lactations result in changes of MPOA opiate receptor density and of circulating hormone levels. The findings are discussed in terms of the concurrent changes in neural opiate sensitivity associated with multiparity.
Finding Spaces for Fairness

Excavating Gender Justice: The Predicament and the Promise disentangles discourses and practices of asymmetrical power. It engages culture and politics by expounding the ways in which religion, modernity, tradition, jurisprudence, and citizenship have come to comprise constitutive elements of gender politics. When we speak of gender justice, we confront matters that lie at the heart of the knottiest philosophical, legal, and anthropological conundrums. These issues have prompted many to grapple with definitions and typologies derived from fields of inquiry as diverse as neoliberal economics, multiculturalism, constitutionalism, democratic political theory, and development. Excavating Gender Justice provides neither a typology nor a definitive definition of its subject. Others have assumed the task before. For example, Anne Marie Goetz (2007) explained the link between gender justice and debates on citizenship, entitlements, rights, and law and development by delineating three mutually inclusive perspectives: a) gender justice as entitlements and choice, the enabling paradigm; b) gender justice as absence of discrimination; and c) gender justice as positive rights.
The effect of gamma irradiation on the incidence of black spot, and ascorbic acid, glutathione and tyrosinase content of potato tubers

Research over a three year period demonstrated that gamma irradiation of potatoes results in increased black spot. Specific dosages necessary to initiate the increase cannot be given because of yearly and variety variations. Irradiation decreased ascorbic acid content, increased glutathione content and modified the tyrosinase content as the dry matter was affected. No specific cause and effect relationship could be demonstrated between black spot incidence and the content of ascorbic acid, glutathione or tyrosinase. High levels of ascorbic acid in the Green Mountain variety resulted in natural radio-resistance as measured by irradiation induced increases of black spot.
Sixty-four channel acousto-optical Bragg cells for optical computing applications

Matrix-matrix and matrix-vector multiplications can be performed optically using techniques involving a number of spatial light modulator technologies. Acousto-optic modulators offer the advantages of high efficiency and fast reconfiguration times, on the order of several nanoseconds. Recent efforts to reduce the package size of the acousto-optic SLM devices and increase their performance characteristics have rendered this approach more attractive to system designers. This paper reports the results of such efforts applied to a 64 channel acousto-optic modulator and a 64 channel acousto-optic deflector that can be used in tandem to optically compute matrix-matrix and matrix-vector calculations. The modulator is placed in the optical path prior to the deflector and is used as the column selector. The deflector can be operated by pulsing the rf signals to produce packets of information along the optical aperture and reimaging the deflector at the detector plane. This method known as Scophony imaging performs the function of row selector and allows true two-dimensional SLM operation from the acousto-optic devices. Specification trade-offs and fabrication issues are covered. Measured performance parameters are summarized.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sculpting the dynamic response of PWM dc-dc converters in an arbitrary shape using WPI control technique

Weighted proportional integral (WPI) control method is introduced for pulse-width-modulated (PWM) dc-dc converters. Although WPI control is computationally similar to the conventional PI control, it offers direct step response assignment, which allows the designer to satisfy any desired design specification. The WPI control method is explained for a PWM dc-dc converter of an arbitrary order, n, and numerical simulations are presented to compare the performance indices of the proposed control method with those of the conventional PI controllers.