cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mechanism of cation permeation in rabbit gallbladder

The experimental measurements of passive ion permeation in rabbit gallbladder presented in this paper include: single-salt dilution potentials as a function of concentration gradient; comparison of dilution potentials for different alkali chlorides; comparison of biionic potentials for different alkali chlorides; and biionic mixture potentials as a function of cation concentration gradient. Both dilution potentials and biionic potentials yield the permeability sequence K+>Rb+>Na+>Li+>Cs+, a sequence consistent with simple considerations of ion-site interactions and ion hydration energies. Construction of empirical selectivity isotherms for alkali cation permeation in epithelia shows that permeability ratios are nearer one in the gallbladder and other epithelia than in most other biological membranes, indicating a relatively hydrated permeation route. Evaluation of the results of this and the preceding paper suggests the following: that cations permeate gallbladder epithelium via channels with fixed neutral sites; that the rate-controlling membrane is thick enough that microscopic electroneutrality must be obeyed; that virtually all anion conductance is in a shunt which develops with time after dissection; that apparent permeability changes with solution composition are due to the non-ideal activity factorn being less than 1.0; that effects of pH, Ca++, and ionic strength may involve changes in the anion/cation mobility ratio owing to changes in wall charges or dipoles; and that the permeation route may reside in the tight junctions. A similar mechanism may be applicable to cation permeation in other epithelia.
Rosuvastatin: a new inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase for the treatment of dyslipidemia

Rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) is a synthetic statin that represents an advance on the pharmacologic and clinical properties of other agents in this class. Relative to other statins, rosuvastatin possesses a greater number of binding interactions with HMG-CoA reductase and has a high affinity for the active site of the enzyme. Rosuvastatin is relatively hydrophilic and is selectively taken up by, and active in, hepatic cells. Rosuvastatin has the longest terminal half-life of the statins and is only minimally metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) enzyme system with no significant involvement of the 3A4 enzyme. Consistent with this finding is the absence of clinically significant drug interactions between rosuvastatin and other drugs known to inhibit CYP 450 enzymes. In patients with hypercholesterolemia, rosuvastatin 10-40 mg has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 52-63%, as well as increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels by up to 14% and reduce triglycerides (TG) by up to 28%. Studies have shown that rosuvastatin is superior to atorvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin in reducing LDL-C and favorably modifying other components of the atherogenic lipid profile. The significant decreases in LDL-C with rosuvastatin treatment should help to improve attainment of lipid goals and reduce the requirement for dose titration. In addition, the effects of rosuvastatin on HDL-C and TG levels will be of benefit in treating patients with abnormalities such as mixed dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome. Rosuvastatin is well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable with that of other currently available statins.
Average effects of large-scale convection on helioseismic line widths and frequencies

The formalism of Lavely and Ritzwoller (1992) is here applied to the model of stationary large-scale solar convection developed by Glatzmaier (1984) in order to determine a characteristic giant-cell convection signature in helioseismic data. Frequency and line-width measurements are presented on spatially filtered spectra, so that references to azimuthal orders apply to the m-value of the spatial filter's spherical harmonic. Attention is given to the 'Q-bowl' pattern of large-scale convection, a systematic, apparent line-broadening.
Expression of a high-affinity serotonin transporter in human lymphocytes☆

This study was undertaken to assess the capability of lymphocytes to actively transport serotonin (5-HT). The data we obtained showed that lymphocytes isolated from the blood of normal human subjects contained a high-affinity uptake system for [3H]5-HT. Kinetic analysis of the uptake data as computed by regression analysis from Lineweaver--Burk plots, yielded a Km of 180 +/- 20 nM and Vmax of 94 +/- pmole/10(7) cells. The uptake of [3H]5-HT was temperature, sodium and chloride dependent and was potently inhibited by the antidepressants clomipramine, imipramine, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, which are specific for the 5-HT transporter. Compounds that are more selective for norepinephrine and dopamine transporters such as mazindol, desipramine, and GBR 19209 had a lower inhibitory effect on the uptake of [3H]5-HT in human lymphocytes. The expression of a 5-HT transporter in human lymphocytes that resembles 5-HT uptake by platelets and brain synaptosomes may provide insights into the potential role of 5-HT in immune function and its relationship to the neurobiology of affective and addictive disorders.
Models for left-right multiplicities

In the context of various models for production processes, we examine what can be learned from data on the number of charged particles per event in the left and right c.m. hemispheres, left-right multiplicity distributions. The appropriate generating-functional formalism is developed. We make explicit calculations of the generating function in both the multiperipheral and Mueller-Regge approaches. We explain how left-right multiplicity distributions are used to separate the components of a hybrid (diffraction plus short-range-order) model. Questions concerning the factorization of the leading Regge singularity are also discussed.
Demographic data organization and microcomputers

Abstract This paper explores the development of a microcomputer-based framework for collecting, organizing and using demographic, economic and land use data in the analysis of cities and regions. There is an increasing amount of U.S. Census and similar data available on floppy and laser disks, and from federal bulletin boards. This data, coupled to the more traditional mainframe sources, represent a valuable resource for the professional. However, data alone are not sufficient. This paper presents a framework for organizing and using such data. Such a framework is built around structured spreadsheet design principles, modular programming concepts, and relational data structures. A topology of typically-used data structures will be presented, along with an overview of a structured urban model system (SUMS).
IgG production kinetics in serum free media

A murine hybridoma (455) was cultured in four different serum free media formulations, and a newborn calf serum supplemented medium was used as a basis of comparison. The serum supplemented medium supports a higher cell growth rate and results in a higher IgG titer. However, the antibody secretion rate on a per cell basis is higher in the serum free media, indicating that serum could be inhibitory to antibody secretion. The results identify the possibility of a least eliminating serum during the monoclonal antibody production phase.
The cost of genetic testing for ocular disease: who pays?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To facilitate ophthalmologists' understanding on the cost of genetic testing in ocular disease, the complexities of insurance coverage and its impact on the availability of testing. RECENT FINDINGS Many insurance carriers address coverage for genetic testing in written clinical policies. They provide criteria for medically necessary testing. These policies mostly cover testing for individuals who are symptomatic and in whom testing will have a direct impact on medical treatment. In cases in which no treatments are currently available, other than research trials, patients may have difficulty in getting insurance coverage for genetic testing. SUMMARY Genetic testing for inherited eye diseases can be costly but has many benefits to patient care, including confirmation of a diagnosis, insight into prognostic information, and identification of associated health risks, inheritance patterns, and possible current and future treatments. As gene therapy advances progress, the availability for treatment in ocular diseases, coverage for genetic testing by third-party payers could increase on the basis of current clinical policies.
Dopant-Free GaN/AlN/AlGaN Radial Nanowire Heterostructures as High Electron Mobility Transistors

We report the rational synthesis of dopant-free GaN/AlN/AlGaN radial nanowire heterostructures and their implementation as high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The radial nanowire heterostructures were prepared by sequential shell growth immediately following nanowire elongation using metal−organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies reveal that the GaN/AlN/AlGaN radial nanowire heterostructures are dislocation-free single crystals. In addition, the thicknesses and compositions of the individual AlN and AlGaN shells were unambiguously identified using cross-sectional high-angle annular darkfield scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Transport measurements carried out on GaN/AlN/AlGaN and GaN nanowires prepared using similar conditions demonstrate the existence of electron gas in the undoped GaN/AlN/AlGaN nanowire heterostructures and also yield an intrinsic electron mobility of 3100 cm2/Vs and 21 000 cm2/Vs at room temperature and 5 K,...
On Finding Exciting Trajectories for Identification Experiments Involving Systems with Nonlinear Dynamics

When designing an identification experiment for a system described by nonlinear functions such as those of manipulator dynamics, it is necessary to consider whether the excitation is sufficient to provide an accurate estimate of the parameters in the presence of experimental noise. It is shown that the convergence rate and noise immunity of a parameter identifi cation experiment depend directly on the condition number of the input correlation matrix, a measure of excitation. The sensitivity of an identification experiment to unmodeled dynamics is also studied; a dimensionless measure of this sensitivity—bias susceptibility—is proposed and related to excitation. The issue of how exciting a trajectory may be is addressed, and a method is presented to maximize the exci tation. Two identification experiments reported in the litera ture are studied; analysis of these experiments shows that intuitively selected trajectories may provide poor excitation, and considerable improvement results from employing the opt...
The segment as the minimal planning unit in speech production and reading aloud: evidence and implications

Speech production and reading aloud studies have much in common, especially the last stages involved in producing a response. We focus on the minimal planning unit (MPU) in articulation. Although most researchers now assume that the MPU is the syllable, we argue that it is at least as small as the segment based on negative response latencies (i.e., response initiation before presentation of the complete target) and longer initial segment durations in a reading aloud task where the initial segment is primed. We also discuss why such evidence was not found in earlier studies. Next, we rebut arguments that the segment cannot be the MPU by appealing to flexible planning scope whereby planning units of different sizes can be used due to individual differences, as well as stimulus and experimental design differences. We also discuss why negative response latencies do not arise in some situations and why anticipatory coarticulation does not preclude the segment MPU. Finally, we argue that the segment MPU is also important because it provides an alternative explanation of results implicated in the serial vs. parallel processing debate.
Effects of Clomiphene Citrate on Pituitary FSH, FSH-RF, and Release of LH in Immature and Mature Rats

The effect of clomiphene citrate on pituitary FSH concentration and LH release was studied in male and female rats. In immature male rats, clomiphene given in low dosage of 0.3 mg/kg/day for 10 days increased pituitary FSH concentration and the release of LH. At high dosage of 3.0 mg/kg/day, clomiphene resulted in a decrease in pituitary FSH concentration and decreased LH release. In immature female rats, clomiphene given at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day for 20 days resulted in a decrease in pituitary FSH concentration but did not significantly alter LH release. In mature male rats, clomiphene given at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day for 20 days resulted in decreased LH release without significantly altering the pituitary concentration of FSH. It appears that clomiphene’s pharmacological effects in the immature male rat are clearly dose dependent, resulting in either inhibition or stimulation of pituitary FSH concentration and LH release. The low dose stimulating effect is similar to that observed clinically in women t...
The Noticer, by A. Andrews

Andy Andrews, the best-selling author of The Traveler's Gift, presents us with an inspirational and uplifting read. The Noticer is a pleasant, easy read that has the potential to touch the very cor...
Isosorbide dinitrate in experimental portal hypertension: A study of factors that modulate the hemodynamic response

Isosorbide dinitrate, a long-acting vasodilator, has been tested in human portal hypertension with conflictingresults. In order to determine some of the factors that could affect the individual response to this drug, we infused isosorbide dinitrate at a low dose (10 to 25 μg per kg per min) and a high dose (100 μg per kg per min) to rats with portal vein stenosis. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, portal pressure was measured with an ileocolic vein catheter while cardiac output and regional blood flows were measured with the microsphere technique. At a dose that decreased arterial pressure by approximately 10%, cardiac output remained unchanged while portal vein inflow decreased significantly; portal pressure was not reduced (10.7 ± 0.2 vs. 10.0 ± 0.3 mm Hg), indicating a rise in portal vascular resistance. At a high dose of isosorbide dinitrate, arterial pressure and cardiac output fell markedly; portal pressure decreased only modestly (11.3 ± 0.3 vs. 9.8 ± 0.6 mm Hg, p < 0.05), but portal flow was unchanged, indicating a reduction in portal vascular resistance. In addition, portal hypertensive rats received a constant i.v. infusion of N-acetyl-cysteine the combination of the latter and isosorbide dinitrate markedly potentiated the effects on arterial pressure. Thus, the dose of the drug and the presence of cysteine-containing compounds appear to modulate the hemodynamic response to isosorbide dinitrate. Clinical testing with this drug should be undertaken with consideration of these factors.
The dilemma of the unsatisfied customer in a market model of public administration

The relationship between administrative service performance and citizen satisfaction has been assumed, but not demonstrated, in the application of market models to public service delivery. Although the citizen satisfaction literature cautions that the link between objective and subjective measures of service quality is tenuous at best, public-sector professional organizations define a managerial focus on objective measures of service performance as accountability to citizens for outcomes. What if we’re wrong?
The Cu isotopic composition of iron meteorites

Abstract– High-precision Cu isotopic compositions have been measured for the metal phase of 29 iron meteorites from various groups and for four terrestrial standards. The data are reported as the δ65Cu permil deviation of the 65Cu/63Cu ratio relative to the NIST SRM 976 standard. Terrestrial mantle rocks have a very narrow range of variations and scatter around zero. In contrast, iron meteorites show δ65Cu approximately 2.3‰ variations. Different groups of iron meteorites have distinct δ65Cu values. Nonmagmatic IAB-IIICD iron meteorites have similar δ65Cu (0.03 ± 0.08 and 0.12 ± 0.10, respectively), close to terrestrial values (approximately 0). The other group of nonmagmatic irons, IIE, is isotopically distinct (−0.69 ± 0.15). IVB is the iron meteorite group with the strongest elemental depletion in Cu and samples in this group are enriched in the lighter isotope (δ65Cu down to −2.26‰). Evaporation should have produced an enrichment in 65Cu over 63Cu (δ65Cu >0) and can therefore be ruled out as a mechanism for volatile loss in IVB meteorites. In silicate-bearing iron meteorites, Δ17O correlates with δ65Cu. This correlation between nonmass-dependent and mass-dependent parameters suggests that the Cu isotopic composition of iron meteorites has not been modified by planetary differentiation to a large extent. Therefore, Cu isotopic ratios can be used to confirm genetic links. Cu isotopes thus confirm genetic relationships between groups of iron meteorites (e.g., IAB and IIICD; IIIE and IIIAB); and between iron meteorites and chondrites (e.g., IIE and H chondrites). Several genetic connections between iron meteorites groups are confirmed by Cu isotopes, (e.g., IAB and IIICD; IIIE and IIIAB); and between iron meteorites and chondrites (e.g., IIE and H chondrites).
Optimal implementation of watched literals and more general techniques

I prove that an implementation technique for scanning lists in backtracking search algorithms is optimal. The result applies to a simple general framework, which I present: applications include watched literal unit propagation in SAT and a number of examples in constraint satisfaction. Techniques like watched literals are known to be highly space efficient and effective in practice. When implemented in the 'circular' approach described here, these techniques also have optimal run time per branch in big-O terms when amortized across a search tree. This also applies when multiple list elements must be found. The constant factor overhead of the worst case is only 2. Replacing the existing nonoptimal implementation of unit propagation in MiniSat speeds up propagation by 29%, though this is not enough to improve overall run time significantly.
PEA3 Is Necessary for Optimal Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Stimulated Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Invasion of Ovarian Tumor Cells

Elevated expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is detected in human ovarian tumors and is associated with decreased recurrence-free and overall survival. EGFR activation affects tumor progression in part by promoting tumor invasion through the induction of prometastatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). PEA3, an ETS family transcription factor, is elevated in advanced and metastatic ovarian cancer and regulates MMPs in various cell types, therefore, we investigated whether PEA3 is required for the EGFR-dependent induction of MMP mRNA. MMP-9 and MMP-14 mRNA levels were selectively increased in response to EGFR activity in ovarian tumor cells. EGFR activation resulted in nuclear accumulation of PEA3 and direct binding of PEA3, but not the related protein ETS-1, to the endogenous MMP-9 and MMP-14 promoters. Furthermore, PEA3 overexpression was sufficient to induce MMP-9 and MMP-14 mRNA, tumor cell migration, and invasion, suggesting that PEA3 is an important contributor to the metastatic phenotype. Additionally, inhibition of PEA3 expression via short interfering RNA reduced the EGF induction of MMP-9 and MMP-14 gene expression by 92% and 50%, respectively, and impaired EGF-stimulated tumor cell invasion. These results suggest that PEA3 is regulated by EGFR and that the elevated PEA3 expression detected in human ovarian cancer may divert cells to a more invasive phenotype by regulating MMP-9 and MMP-14.
Plato and Pericles on Freedom and Politics

Le point de vue de Platon sur le bien social et individuel, sa critique de la democratie s'eclairent a etre compares avec les conceptions de Pericles. Platon n'est ni democrate ni autoritaire. Liberte et connaissance. La motivation.
Trends in the Experience of Injustice: Justice Indexes About Earnings in Six Societies, 1991-1996

This paper examines trends in the experience of injustice in six societies—Bulgaria, Czech Republic, East and West Germany, Hungary, and Russia—between 1991 and 1996. Using data collected by the International Social Justice Project, we estimate the justice index, JI1, and its decomposition into the amount of injustice attributable to poverty and the amount of injustice attributable to inequality; and we also examine gender differences in the justice index and its decomposition. The justice index is a summary measure of individuals’ justice evaluations, and therefore the paper also takes a preliminary look at the two basic quantities that underlie the justice evaluation—actual earnings and just earnings—and their determinants, investigating, for the men of East and West Germany, the actual and just returns to schooling and experience in 1991 and 1996.
Deep vs. Shallow, Kernel vs. Language--What is Better for Heterogeneous Modeling in SystemC?

It is common for large designs to have heterogeneous components interacting with each other. These components often follow a particular model of computation such as controllers modeled using state machines, signal processing filters modeled as data flow and event-based components using discrete-event. Hence, there are several academic and industrial attempts at incorporating heterogeneity into the design flow, primarily in system level design languages and frameworks for modeling and simulation. A variety of attempts are proposed such as extending simulation kernels for existing frameworks and simply using language constructs to mimic other models of computation. However, the benefit of one over the other is not apparent to the designer and thus not clear which of the two is a better strategy for EDA tools to integrate. In this paper we argue whether Deep heterogeneity (kernel-level) or Shallow heterogeneity (language-level) is a suitable strategy for introducing heterogeneity in system level design languages and frameworks.
Death is in the eye of the beholder: a study of casualty count framing in the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict

The 2014 Israel–Gaza war was the third of a string of conflicts to erupt between the State of Israel and Hamas in neighbouring Gaza and quickly became the deadliest for both sides. Even with the extensive media attention this crisis received, calls for more objective reporting were widespread, as locating sources that were not clearly influenced or reflective of political biases seemed near impossible. This paper seeks to explore the role “cultural proximity” plays in informing casualty count reporting in times of conflict. Qualitative content analysis is conducted on news coverage of the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict in the American daily newspaper, The New York Times, and the Israeli daily newspaper, Haaretz, to assess whether significant differences exist in the way casualty figures are addressed across varying degrees of political and cultural involvement. This research reveals that variations in casualty count reporting do indeed exist across cultural and national contexts, and deems this subject worthy ...
Implications of Genetic Engineering from a Jewish Perspective

Judaism accepts the thesis that man has been granted dominion over the created universe subject to an explicitly formulated set of restrictions. Thus, generally speaking, human intervention in the natural order is not interdicted. Crossbreeding of species is prohibited only to Jews and the prohibition is limited to causing copulation between animals of diverse species. Thus, genetic manipulation involving the introduction of a gene of one species into the genotype of an alien species is not encompassed in that restriction. Genetic manipulations does, however, have ramifications with regard to application of provisions of the dietary code when one or more gene of a prohibited species is introduced into the genotype of a member of a permitted species. In general, Jewish law would determine species identity on the basis of the dominant genotype. Nevertheless, in situations in which a physical characteristic of the forbidden species in recognizable, there are strong grounds pointing to the conclusion that an animal produced as a result of such genetic manipulation is to be regarded as nonkosher.
Glutamic acid and vomiting in dogs; its administration into the portal system and extremity veins.

Summary and ConclusionsA method is presented by which the spleen may be readily transplanted subcutaneously in dogs and used for intraportal infusions.Dogs could tolerate more glutamic acid solution without vomiting when it was given either intrasplenically or directly into the portal vein by using the angiostomy technic, as compared to the peripheral venous administration.The increased tolerance to glutamic acid solution when given intraportally is attributed to the direct passage of these amino acids to the liver where they may be removed from the circulation.
The method of characteristics for supersonic flow analysis - A freshperspective

Classical presentations on the Method of Characteristics are reviewed and reorganized, with emphasis on application to flow problems, including shock development. The presentation is broadened to cover quasi-three-dimensional situations where the third dimension effect can be represented by a variable lamina thickness. For illustration purposes, Method of Characteristics field analyses are compared with the approximate blunt leading edge analysis of Moeckel and with the experimental data of Holder and Chinneck. Results indicate that the Moeckel analysis gives a satisfactory model for the extent of the subsonic region but shows unreasonably rapid attenuation of the shock in the supersonic region.
Determination of raceanisodamine,scopolamine and (-)-hyoscyamine in datura by LLE-GC-MS

Objective A method for determination of raceanisodamine,scopolamine and(-)-hyoscyamine by LLE-GCMS was established. Methods Datura was filtered after ultrasonic extraction with 2 mol /L hydrochloric acid for 30 min.The filtrate was extracted three times with chloroform after adjusting pH to 9 with concentrated aqueous ammonia. The extract was evaporated to dryness and diluted to constant volume before determination. Results There was a good linearity between the peak area and the concentration of raceanisodamine,scopolamine and(-)-hyoscyamine within the range of 0. 1-0. 5 mg /ml,the correlation coefficients were 0. 998 1-0. 999 5,the recoveries of spiked samples at 0. 2 mg /ml and 0. 4mg / ml to flowers and leaves of datura were ranged from 76. 7% to 119. 0%,RSDs were ranged from 0. 8% to 7. 3%,and the detection limits were ranged from 0. 1 to 1. 0 μg /kg. Conclusion The method was simple,rapid and reliable. It could be applied to determine raceanisodamine,scopolamine and(-)-hyoscyamine in datura.
A comparison of thermal injury, healing patterns, and postoperative adhesion formation following CO2 laser and electromicrosurgery

To further define the role of CO2 laser in infertility surgery, the authors compared the immediate tissue damage and the subsequent healing patterns that followed the randomized use of CO2 laser and electrocautery on opposite sides of the reproductive tracts of 20 mature, female rabbits. Blind histopathologic evaluations were performed on the ovarian and uterine tissues immediately to compare the extent of the acute thermal damage, and 4 weeks postoperatively to compare the healing patterns. There were no differences in the depth of thermal damage, extent of collagen deposition, or in postoperative adhesion formation between CO2 laser and electrocautery. However, the mean depth of the acute thermal damage was significantly less on the ovary than on the uterus, and the area of fibrosis was significantly less when the incised uterine surfaces were approximated.
Vasovasostomy: results of questionnaire of members of the American Urological Association.

A questionnaire regarding vasovasostomy was sent to every member of the American Urological Association. From the 2775 questionnaires sent there were 1363 replies. 821 doctors had never attempted the operation. 542 had performed the operation or more times. There were 388 cases of vasovasostomy with a suture material. No stent or splint was used and the success rate of pregnancy was 10.9%. With the stainless steel wire pull-out technique 804 operations were done with a 19.9% success rate of pregnancy. In 242 cases internal cannular of silicane was used. The pregnancy rate was 20.9%. There were 196 cases of nylon pull-out stent with a 26% success rate. Recorded in the series were 620 positive sperm counts averaging 38% sperm return to semen. The average pregnancy rate with all procedures was 19.5%. The authors point out that the discrepancy between return of sperm to semen and pregnancy may be due to a factor present in the female partner.
Helium-3 Functions in Tokamak-Pumped Laser Systems

Helium-3 placed in an annular cell or array of cells around a tokamak fusion generator can convert moderated fusion neutrons to energetic ions by the /sup 3/He(n,p)T reaction and thereby excite gaseous lasants mixed with the /sup 3/He while simultaneously breeding tritium. The required /sup 3/He inventory is --5 kg for large tokamak devices. Special configurations of toroidal field magnets, neutron moderators, and reflectors must be incorporated to maximize the neutron flux in the laser cell. The annular laser radiation can be coupled to an unstable resonator at the top of the tokamak and extracted as a single output beam.
Judd-Ofelt theory: principles and practices

previous ideas and forming a complete picture. So it was in August 1962 when there appeared in the literature, simultaneously and independently, two identical formulations of a theory. One by Brian R. Judd at the University of California at Berkeley and the other by a Ph.D. student, George S. Ofelt, at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Judd and Ofelt had never met personally, and were not aware of each other’s interest in the intensities of rare earth ions in solids. While there are some differences in the two formulations, the approach and the assumptions used to arrive at the final result are remarkably similar. The titles of the two articles reflect a thought along similar lines. Judd referred to Optical Absorption, while Ofelt referred to Crystal Spectra, and each to Intensities of Rare-Earth Ions. The formulations as originally published by Judd and Ofelt came to be known as the Judd-Ofelt theory of the intensities of rare earth ions. Regarding these publications, the late Professor Brian G. Wybourne has said, “I suggest that the coincidence of discovery was indicative that the time was right for the solution of the problem” [1]. In the light of the advancement in the understanding of complex atomic spectra in the quarter century preceding the 1962 publications of Judd and Ofelt, this suggestion of Wybourne is based on very sound reasoning. The rare earths comprise Y, Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. The last 15 make up the lanthanide series. Most of these elements were discovered over a period of time stretching from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Promethium (Pm) was the last to be discovered in 1947 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. So, with the exception of Promethium, all the rare earths were discovered in the span of a little more than a century. Part of the reason why they are called rare earths is two-fold. First, they are very difficult to chemically extract from the earth. Second, they do not exist in nature in high abundance. In the universe, the rare earths are approximately 10 6 times less abundant than the
The Brooke Initiative: An Examination of the Structural Approach to Conflict Management

Peter Brooke was appointed British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in July 1989. After preliminary meetings with, and overtures to, the political parties, he launched in January 1990 a concerted effort to bring about negotiations between the Ulster Unionist, Democratic Unionist, Social Democratic and Labour, and Alliance Parties9 on a devolved system of government with an Irish dimension. The process quickly came to be known as the ‘Brooke Initiative’. After a further 15 months of dogged bilateral discussions with Northern parties and the Dublin government, Brooke announced a three-strand framework for negotiations in April 1991. The framework provided for initial internal Northern dialogue on devolution (Strand 1), North-South talks on the form of a subsequent Dublin-Belfast relationship (Strand 2), and talks to reshape the relationship between Britain and the Republic of Ireland (Strand 3). The first seven weeks of the allotted ten-week negotiation span were delayed by wrangling over the structures for Strand 2, and the last three weeks provided a total of eight days of internal Strand 1 negotiations which ended inconclusively in early July 1991. The subsequent months eventually produced one further Strand 1 meeting in March 1992. After the British general election in April 1992, Brooke was replaced as Secretary of State. For reasons of space, I can offer only the briefest of narrative sketches below of the Initiative in Section 1, which I hope will suffice simply to sustain the analysis that follows. (A full history of the Initiative, a fascinating story in itself, is in preparation.)
Grade of Membership Representations: Concepts and Problems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses concepts and problems related to grade of membership (GOM) representations. A formal GOM model is sufficiently sensitive to identify meaningful GOM scores relative to what an investigator regards as the interpretable profiles of conditions. The interpretable profiles are a special case of a more general notion of profile that must be introduced to clarify the full meaning of the representation. GOM scores and admissible profiles are based on all variables for a given individual. Variables that, on substantive grounds, are considered to be potentially important components of admissible profiles are referred to as internal variables. All other variables are called external. For example, when characterizing the health status of elderly populations, the measures of physical and cognitive impairment, the presence or absence of a variety of chronic diseases, and the direct physiological measurements are designated to be internal variables. Demographic characteristics such as age, sex, geographic location, and income are treated as external variables. Furthermore, the distinguishing feature of GOM representations relative to mixture models is that they are convex in parameters rather than in distributions.
Mapping Lake Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Upper Tennessee River using Side-Scan Sonar

AbstractThe Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens is a fish species that was once dispersed widely throughout the Mississippi River drainage but was largely extirpated from the southern portions of its range by overfishing and habitat degradation. There is an ongoing restoration effort to reestablish the Lake Sturgeon to rivers of the southeastern United States. Reintroduced juvenile Lake Sturgeon now occupy several reservoirs separated from each other by hydroelectric dams along the upper Tennessee River. To complete their life history, Lake Sturgeon will migrate upriver from reservoir habitats to more lotic habitats and spawn over coarse rocky substrate, even in the tailwaters of impassable dams. Using low-cost, consumer-grade, side-scan sonar and a GIS, we mapped the substrate of four tailwaters that may be future spawning locations for Lake Sturgeon. We used video imagery collected from random locations within the mapped areas to validate our digitization of sonar imagery. We calculated the area of four ...
Participants’ Perceptions of Worksite Health-Promotion Educational Activities

ABSTRACTAdults spend a significant amount of time at work making the worksite a convenient venue for participation in health-promotion activities. This research project examined participants’ perceptions of gaining knowledge and changing health behavior practices as a result of knowledge gained through participation in health-promotion activities provided at the worksite. The worksite health-promotion activities were offered as a result of an innovative collaboration effort between nursing faculty in an academic setting and a community partner in the private sector. The findings demonstrate that participation in health-promotion activities at the worksite can result in increased knowledge and changes in health behavior practices as a result of knowledge gained.
Changes in Globin Gene Methylation and Covalent Histone Modifications of Chromatin Associated with the ε-, γ-, and β-Globin Promoters of the Baboon (P. Anubis) during Development.

The pattern of globin gene expression during development is conserved in all simian primates, but not in prosimians or other species. Therefore knowledge of the mechanisms regulating globin gene expression in animal models such as the baboon (P. anubis) is directly applicable to human. This investigation addressed the role of chromatin structure in developmental regulation of globin gene expression. DNA methylation of the e- and γ-gene promoters and covalent histone modifications in chromatin associated with the e- γ- and β-globin gene promoters have been investigated in 40d fetal primitive nucleated yolk sac-derived RBCs, and definitive erythroid precursor cells from fetal liver (40d to 56d), fetal BM (154d to 160d), and BM from phlebotomized adults. The methylation status of 3 CpG sites in the e-globin promoter and 5 CpG sites in the γ-globin promoter was analyzed by sequencing 10 cloned PCR products of each sample following bisulfite modification. The e-globin promoter was unmethylated in 40d primitive yolk-sac derived RBCs. Moderate methylation of the e-globin promoter was observed in 40d fetal liver (33%: 50%) and was increased in fetal liver samples obtained 2 weeks later in gestation (54d: 76.6%, 56d: 79.1%) to levels observed in late term fetal BM ( 154d: 80%, 156d: 96.6%, 160 d: 93.1%) and adult BM (84.1%; n=2). Methylation of the γ-globin promoter was lowest in 40d primitive RBC (0%) and early fetal liver (40d: 3.1%, 54d: 0%, 56d: 7.1%) and was moderately increased in fetal BM (154d: 38.6%, 156d: 20%, 160d: 30%) compared to adult BM ( 67.3%; n=3). Levels of ac-H3, ac-H4, dimethyl H3 lys4 (H3-dimeK4), dimethyl H3 lys79 (H3-meK79), dimethyl H3 lys36 (H3-meK36), and RNA pol II bound to the e-, γ-, and β-globin promoters were determined by immunoprecipitation of formaldehyde-fixed, sheared chromatin (ChIP) followed by real time PCR. The amount of RNA pol II, ac-H3, and ac-H4 associated with each globin promoter correlated with developmental-specific gene expression and differed from the pattern of H3-meK79 and H3-meK4 associated with these promoters during development. The amount of H3-meK79 and H3-dimeK4 bound to the the e- and γ-globin promoters in 40d primitive RBC and fetal liver erythroid precursors (54 and 56d) was 5 times greater than to the β-globin promoter, while similar levels of each (
An Anthropology for ‘the Assemblage of the Now’

At this point within anthropology, it has been well documented that conservation organisations are institutions of governance and governmentality, that the projects that they devise offer particula...
Characterizing severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: An empirical approach.

Targeted approaches for the treatment of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) have been recommended, but there is no consensus definition of SE-AN to inform research and clinical practice. This study aimed to take initial steps toward developing an empirically based definition of SE-AN by characterizing associations among putative indicators of severity and chronicity in eating disorders. Patients with AN (N = 355) completed interviews and questionnaires at treatment admission and discharge; height and weight were assessed to calculate body mass index (BMI). Structural equation mixture modeling was used to test whether associations among potential indicators of SE-AN (illness duration, treatment history, BMI, binge eating, purging, quality-of-life) formed distinct subgroups, a single group with one or more dimensions, or a combination of subgroups and dimensions. A three-factor (dimensional), two-profile (categorical) mixture model provided the best fit to the data. Factor 1 included eating disorder behaviors; Factor 2 comprised quality-of-life domains; Factor 3 was characterized by illness duration, number of hospitalizations, and admission BMI. Profiles differed on eating disorder behaviors and quality-of-life, but not on indicators of chronicity or BMI. Factor scores, but not profile membership, predicted outcome at discharge from treatment. Data suggest that patients with AN can be classified on the basis of eating disorder behaviors and quality-of-life, but there was no evidence for a chronic subgroup of AN. Rather, indices of chronicity varied dimensionally within each class. Given that current definitions of SE-AN rely on illness duration, these findings have implications for research and clinical practice.
Challenges and Possibilities in Interdisciplinary Encounters

Walsh argues for the ethical and sociological importance of lived religion studies of violent trauma, culture, and power for our turbulent times, while provocatively and playfully challenging classic Western academic mind/body dualism. She begins to develop an embodied metaphorical correlational approach for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cross-cultural encounters with truth claims. In this, she centralizes feminist and critical race studies of philosophy, theology, and sociology in juxtaposition with metaphor, narrative, and trauma studies. Lived religion case studies of popular religious and spiritual practices, particularly in the aftermath of global crises such as violent trauma or climate change, become important contributions for challenging the classic Western mind/body dualism institutionalized in academic power centers by giving normative priority instead to the lived experiences and language of trauma survivors.
Tibial Plateau Fractures

Tibial plateau fractures are relatively common injuries with highly variable degrees of soft tissue and articular injury. Operative management is utilized for knee instability, widening of the plateau, or significant articular displacement. Compartment syndrome is an infrequent complication that is a surgical emergency when it does occur. The first symptom of compartment syndrome is pain out of proportion to the exam and injury and passive stretch of the affected extremity. Associated intra-articular pathology is common and can be addressed with direct visualization at times although some surgeons are utilizing advanced imaging to diagnose intra-articular pathology preoperatively.
Engaging Experts: Expanding Participation and Enhancing Research in Chinese Eldercare Institutions.

ABSTRACTDue to the myriad factors straining China’s traditional family-based eldercare system, today unprecedented numbers of older adults are turning to institutions for caregiving needs. As researchers and policy makers organize conferences, analyze trends, and allocate resources, the subjective experiences of elders themselves are often forgotten or ignored. While providers recognize that institutionalized elders are at an increased risk for mental health issues, most cite personnel and resource shortages as insurmountable barriers to provision. Using examples from ethnographic research in Chinese eldercare institutions, this article examines the link between participation and mental health for contemporary Chinese elders and makes a case for expanding the role of elders in research in order to improve both the experience and understanding of institutional eldercare.
Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus Persistence

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 250 million people worldwide, resulting in nearly one million deaths annually. Studies in recent years have significantly improved our knowledge on the mechanisms of HBV persistence. HBV uses multiple pathways to harness host innate immunity to enhance its replication. It can also take advantage of the developing immune system and the not-yet-stabilized gut microbiota of young children to facilitate its persistence, and use maternal viral e antigen to educate immunity of the offspring to support its persistence after vertical transmission. The knowledge gained from these recent studies paves the way for the development of new therapies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection, which has so far been very challenging.
Administration of increasing doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in men with spinal cord injury to investigate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Prospective. To determine the optimum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) dose to identify dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Metropolitan Area Hospitals, New York and New Jersey, USA. SCI men (16 hypogonadal (HG = serum testosterone <12.1 nmol/l) and 14 eugonadal (EG)) and able-bodied (AB) men (27 HG and 11 EG) were studied. GnRH (10, 50, and 100 μg) was randomly administered intravenously on three separate visits. Blood samples were collected post-GnRH for serum-luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH). HG and EG men had a similar proportion of clinically acceptable gonadotropin responses to all three GnRH doses. The incremental gonadotropin responses to GnRH were not significantly different across the groups. However, in the SCI-HG group, GnRH of 100 μg resulted in the greatest integrated FSH response, and in the SCI-EG group, GnRH of 50 μg resulted in the greatest integrated LH response compared with the AB groups. A consistent, but not significant, absolute increase in gonadotropin release was observed in the SCI groups at all GnRH doses. Lower doses of GnRH did not improve the ability to identify the clinical dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. However, the absolutely higher SCI-HG FSH response to GnRH of 100 μg and a higher SCI-EG LH response to GnRH of 50 μg, along with a higher gonadotropin release at all GnRH doses, albeit not significant, suggests a hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction in persons with SCI.
IMpixel 65nm BSI 320MHz demodulated TOF Image sensor with 3μm global shutter pixels and analog binning

The quest for accurate, high-resolution, low-power-consumption, and small-footprint 3D depth cameras has driven a rapid improvement in Continuous-Wave (CW) Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology. Commercially available 3D image acquisition techniques include Stereo Vision, Structured Light, and ToF. CW ToF imaging systems offer excellent mechanical robustness, no baseline requirement, high effective depth image resolution, low computational cost, and simultaneous IR ambient light invariant intensity capture (Active Brightness). In a CW ToF camera, light from an amplitude modulated light source is backscattered by objects in the camera's field of view, and the phase delay of the amplitude envelope is measured between the emitted and reflected light. This phase difference is translated into a distance value for each pixel in the imaging array.