cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of evidence-based supported employment: Nonvocational outcomes

BACKGROUND: While the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment has been shown to improve competitive employment outcomes, randomized controlled trials have consistently failed to show improved nonvocational outcomes for IPS participants compared to participants receiving traditional vocational services. AIMS: This study evaluated the impact of IPS on nonvocational outcomes for clients with severe mental illness (SMI). METHODS: A longitudinal analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial compared IPS to a stepwise vocational approach on employment outcomes over two years. Nonvocational outcomes were symptoms, psychiatric hospitalizations, quality of life, and social networks. Results: Although the total sample showed improvement in several nonvocational domains over time, there were largely no differences between groups in nonvocational outcomes at follow-up or in their rates of improvement over time. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in supported employment alone is not sufficient to positively impact most nonvocational outcomes in people with severe mental illness.
Complete continuity of kernel in generalized potential scattering: I. Short range interaction without strong singularity

Abstract This is the first of the series of papers in which it is shown that the iteration of the kernel in the Lippmann-Schwinger equation is the basic manipulation by which a meaningful result is obtained for any finite strength of the potential, no matter whether the Born series converges or not. In order that this statement may be true the potential must be free from a long range tail and a strong singularity. In this paper the conditions for a generalized potential, which can be nonlocal and/or energy-dependent, to have these properties when transformed into the configuration space are discussed directly in terms of its matrix element in momentum space. These conditions are interpreted as equivalent to the restriction that the potential decreases faster than 1 r 3 at a large distance and is less singular than 1 r 2 at the origin. It follows from these conditions that all the individual terms of the Born series as well as the traces of the kernel and its iteration to an arbitrarily higher order are bounded.
Environmental distribution of the trichloroethene reductive dehalogenase gene (tceA) suggests lateral gene transfer among Dehalococcoides

The trichloroethene reductive dehalogenase gene (tceA) of Dehalococcoides spp. was detected in 12 of 21 trichloroethene-to-ethene dechlorinating enrichment cultures established from aquifer and sediment samples collected from diverse geographic locations in the USA. Analysis of the tceA chromosomal regions indicated that the tceA genes shared greater than 95% sequence identity, and all shared identical tceAB spacer sequences and tceB genes downstream of tceA. A putative transposable element (PTE) was present 1077 bp downstream of the tceB stop codon in three of eight chromosomal regions analyzed. Sequence identity was interrupted downstream of tceB and upstream or downstream of the PTE, suggesting that intrachromosomal or interchromosomal transfer of tceAB had occurred.
Differential response of cortical-limbic neuropotentiated compulsive mice to dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists.

Abstract We previously created transgenic mice in which dopamine D1 receptor-expressing (D1+) neurons in regional subsets of the cortex and amygdala express a neuropotentiating cholera toxin (CT) transgene. These `D1CT' mice engage in complex biting, locomotor and behavioral perseverance–repetition abnormalities that resemble symptoms of human compulsive disorders associated with cortical–limbic hyperactivity. Because excessive cortical–limbic stimulation of striatal motor pathways may play a critical role in causing compulsive disorders, we examined the responsiveness of D1CT mice to dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists. D1CT mice were found to be largely resistant to the cataleptic action of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390. The abnormal repetitive leaping of D1CT mice was similarly unaffected by SCH23390. In contrast, the D1CT mice displayed supersensitivity to cataleptic induction by the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that complex compulsions are mediated by chronic excessive corticostriatal (and/or amygdalostriatal) glutamatergic stimulation of the striatal direct and indirect motor pathways.
THE EFFECT OF MYCOCURB, PROPIONIC ACID, AND CALCIUM PROPIONATE ON THE INTESTINAL STRENGTH OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract Field observations suggest that propionic acid-based mold inhibitors reduce the severity of proventriculitis and consequent fragile intestines. Therefore, two studies were conducted to determine the effects of a propionic acid-based mold inhibitor (Mycocurb®), calcium propionate, and propionic acid on intestinal strength. Cobb x Cobb male broiler chicks were placed in an experimental design that consisted of six dietary treatments with four replicate floor pens of 40 (Experiment 1) and 30 (Experiment 2) broilers per pen. The dietary treatments in Experiment 1 consisted of control, 2.27, 4.54, and 9.07 kg/ton Mycocurb® and 4.54 and 9.07 kg/ton calcium propionate. The dietary treatments in Experiment 2 consisted of control, 2.27, 4.54, and 9.07 kg/ton Mycocurb®, and 4.54 and 9.07 kg/ton propionic acid. Water and the dietary treatments were made available to the broilers for ad libitum consumption from 1 d to 6 wk of age. In Experiment 1, five broilers from each pen were killed each week, a 10-cm section of intestine was removed anterior to the cecal junction, and its strength was measured. The contents of this section of intestine were collected and pH determinations were made on this material. In Experiment 2, five broilers were killed from each pen starting when the broilers were 3 wk of age, and every week thereafter a 10-cm section of intestine was removed posterior to the duodenal loop and its strength measured. The contents of this section of intestine were collected and pH determinations were performed on this material. Intestinal strength at both of these locations increased with age, and the upper intestinal section was not as strong as the lower intestinal section. Mycocurb®, calcium propionate, and propionic acid did not show any consistent effects on body weight, pH of intestinal contents, or intestinal strength.
Weather Radar Data Interpolation Using a Kernel-Based Lagrangian Nowcasting Technique

The Dynamic Radar Tracking of Storms (DARTS) model is a Lagrangian persistence-based nowcasting model that has previously shown utility in nowcasting a variety of weather radar data in severe weather and aviation decision support applications. DARTS is based on the discrete Fourier transform and thus provides an inherent means to perform interpolation. In this context, the model is modified such that interpolation can be accurately and efficiently performed by appropriately windowing the input data and evaluating an interpolating polynomial using the fast Fourier transform. The utility of this interpolation methodology for operational use is demonstrated, and its performance is compared with linear and cubic spline interpolation methods. The use of the original DARTS model to perform advection-based interpolation is also investigated. Rainfall rates derived from data collected by the Weather Service Radar-1988 Doppler S-band radar and the X-band radar at the Dallas-Fort Worth test bed were used for the analyses. The results show that the modified DARTS technique yielded normalized standard error values that were close to those of the forward-backward advection approach using the original DARTS model and ran about 2–4 orders of magnitude faster in terms of computation time. The error structure of the interpolation methods in the context of spatial variability and sampling of atmospheric scales represented by the data is also presented. In this sense, utility of the 1–2-km scales was shown, and the modified DARTS-based approach showed the ability to effectively utilize the value in these scales.
Mass spectrometric evidence that agents that cause loss of Ca2+ from intracellular compartments induce hydrolysis of arachidonic acid from pancreatic islet membrane phospholipids by a mechanism that does not require a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.

Stimulation of pancreatic islets with glucose induces phospholipid hydrolysis and accumulation of nonesterified arachidonic acid, which may amplify the glucose-induced Ca2+ entry into isletβ -cells that triggers insulin secretion. Ca2+ loss fromβ -cell intracellular compartments has been proposed to induce both Ca2+ entry and events dependent on arachidonate metabolism. We examine here effects of inducing Ca2+ loss from intracellular sequestration sites with ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin on arachidonate hydrolysis from islet phospholipids. A23187 induces a decline in islet arachidonate-containing phospholipids and release of nonesterified arachidonate. A23187-induced arachidonate release is of similar magnitude when islets are stimulated in Ca2+-replete or in Ca2+-free media or when islets loaded with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA are stimulated in Ca2+-free medium, a condition in which A23187 induces no rise in β-cell cytosolic [Ca2+]. Thapsigargin also induces islet arachidonate release unde...
Mediated Modernities and Mythologies in the Opening Ceremonies of 1964 Tokyo, 1988 Seoul and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Embedded in the Opening Ceremonies of Tokyo 1964, Seoul 1988 and Beijing 2008 are historical narratives of indigenous culture and contemporary statements of global modernity in visual form. Within the setting of a global spectacle, these visual depictions provide symbolic evidence of host cities and nations asserting East against West, yet East in union with West. The Opening Ceremonies configure national allegories, in the use of the modern media as a powerful medium of the presentation of both tradition and modernity. This essay provides a nuanced reading of the Asian Olympic Ceremonies and argues for a subtle interpretation of the tensions between tradition and modernity, culture and heritage, modernisation and westernisation.
Using belief to reason about cache coherence

The notion of belief has been useful in reasoning about authentication protocols. In this paper, we show how the notion of belief can be applied to reasoning about cache coherence in a distributed file system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first formal analysis of this problem. We used an extended subset of a logic of authentication to help us analyze three cache coherence protocols: a validate-on-use protocol, an invalidation-based protocol and a new large granularity protocol for use in weakly connected environments. In this paper, we present two runs from the large granularity protocol. Using our variant of the logic of authentication, we were able to find flaws in the design of the large granularity protocol. We found the notion of belief not only intuitively appealing for reasoning about our protocols, but also practical given the optimistic nature of our system model.
Challenges and promises for nurse education curriculum development in Kosovo: results of an "accidental ethnography".

Summary Kosovo’s infrastructure was devastated by armed conflict through the 1990s; in 1999 a visiting inter-disciplinary team described healthcare services as being in “disarray”. Several collaborative programs were initiated to enhance delivery of emergency medical (EM) services. Our inter-disciplinary team traveled to Kosovo in 2004 to evaluate EM physician education and training. A brief renewed outbreak of hostilities created a mass casualty incident. An “accidental ethnography” focused on nurse education was conducted by team members during and after the event. Results indicated low levels of professionalization of nurses as indicated by expressions of professional self-identity and self-esteem, autonomy, and submission to patriarchal attitudes. Undergraduate nurse education is restricted to a diploma program and one foreign training project, one graduate degree program exists abroad, and no national board examination exists. Nurses’ social location is described as marginalized and disenfranchised, and retention of nurses is a persistent problem. Based on these observations we outline an inter-professional curriculum development program to foster professionalization of Kosovar nurses through a synthesis of participatory action research with elements of grounded theory and standard curriculum development methodologies. The collaborative, emancipatory, and empowering nature of PAR is described in the context of professionalizing nurse education programs.
Constitutive nitric oxide release is impaired after ischemia and reperfusion

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion may result in endothelial dysfunction and reduced release of nitric oxide. With the use of an amperometric sensor, the first direct measurements of constitutive nitric oxide release from a beating heart were measured from the coronary effluent of isolated working rat hearts subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. Rats, six to eight per group, were randomly studied as follows: control (no pretreatment) and pretreatment with the nitric oxide donor L-arginine (3 mmol/L), its enantiomer D-arginine (3 mmol/L), nitric oxide inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 mumol/L), and combined N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester/L-arginine. Isolated hearts were pretreated for 10 minutes before 30 minutes of global ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion. A nonischemic control group (n = 4) was continuously perfused with oxygenated unsupplemented buffer. After ischemia/reperfusion, hearts supplemented with L-arginine recovered significantly (p < 0.05) increased developed pressure, first derivative of the aortic pressure (dP/dtmax), and aortic flow compared with all other hearts that underwent ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, nitric oxide release was significantly (p < 0.05) increased during reperfusion in the L-arginine group. During reperfusion, the recovery of aortic flow correlated with nitric oxide release (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). We conclude that after ischemia/reperfusion, endothelial dysfunction results in decreased nitric oxide release, which can be ameliorated with L-arginine pretreatment. The direct cytoprotective properties of nitric oxide may contribute to improved functional recovery in hearts pretreated with L-arginine. Augmentation of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway may provide a new approach for improved recovery after cardiovascular operations.
Effects of methyldopa on sleep patterns in man

Abstract Ten normal subjects slept uninterruptedly for 5 consecutive nights in the laboratory. On the 4th day of the experiment they received methyldopa orally, 250 mg 3 times daily and 500 mg at bedtime. On night 4 there was in increase in rapid eye movement (REM) and a decrease in stage 4 sleep in the first 3 h of sleep. The increase in REM sleep was associated with an increase in REM cycle length, the decrease in stage 4 sleep with a reduction of body movements during stage 4 sleep. These transient changes in REM and stage 4 sleep were maintained on night 5, when there was also evidence of increased arousal and lightening of sleep (increased movement time, wakefulness and stage 1, decreased stage 2 sleep) and of increased activation of the first REM period of the night.
A reexamination of soil textural effects on microwave emission and backscattering

Measurements of the dielectric properties of moist soils at microwave frequencies made recently by the University of Kansas have brought into question the validity of percent of field capacity as a soil moisture iadicator that is independent of soil texture in terms of microwave sensitivity. This was based on microwave emission and backscattering observations from truck and aircraft platforms; however, the dielectric data strongly suggest that the earlier conclusion is the result of an intermediary relationship between soil bulk density and water retention at field capacity. In this research, candidate soil-moisture indicators (gravimetric, volumetric, and percent of field capacity) were tested for their capacity to reduce the divergence in dielectric behavior between soil textures at frequencies of 1.4 and 5.0 GHz. The most congruent dielectric behavior between soil textures is found to occur when soil moisture is expressed on a volumetric basis (which is proportional to the number of water dipoles per unit volume). In contrast to expectations arising from earlier field investigations, the use of percent of field capacity was shown to overcompensate for the dielectric differences between soils and to increase divergence in some cases. This paper shows that an inadequate characterization of soil bulk density in the field, combined with the dependence of bulk density on water retention at field capacity (as controlled by soil structure), provides the most probable explanation for the earlier conclusions. It is recommended that Increased attention be given to accurate mensuration of bulk density in future field experiments, especially for soils high in clay content in which near-surface bulk density is not independent of moisture content.
Are surgical progeny more likely to pursue a surgical career

Background For nearly two decades, interest in general surgery has been declining among U.S. medical school graduates. Many factors appear to be important in a medical student's choice of a surgical residency and career. We hypothesized that previous exposure to family members who are surgeons would significantly influence a student's decision to pursue a career in surgery. Methods Since 2001, nearly 600 third-year medical students completing the general surgery clerkship were issued a pre- and post-clerkship survey. Responses were collected, retrospectively analyzed, and correlated to the 2001–2007 National Residency Matching Program match results. Results The response rate of students completing both surveys was 87% (n = 510). Based on a numeric scale, surgical progeny (SP) indicated a significantly higher likelihood than nonsurgical progeny (NSP) of pursing a surgical career/residency in the pre-clerkship period (SP mean, 5.1 ± 0.42; NSP mean, 3.7 ± 0.11; P = 0.0005). Post-clerkship, SPs noted no more enjoyment from the surgical clerkship than NSPs (SP mean, 7.2 ± 0.25; NSP mean, 6.9 ± 0.96; P = 0.91); furthermore, there was no difference in the percentage of students pursuing a surgical residency (categorical or surgical subspecialty) in the National Residency Matching Program match (SP, 12.5%; NSP, 12.7%; P = 1.00). Conclusion These data suggest that previous exposure to a surgeon within the family positively influences a medical student's pre-clerkship interest in pursuing a surgical career. However, this interest is not sustained; SPs and NSPs match into surgical residencies at equivalent rates. Clearly, further studies are needed to identify the factors responsible for this phenomenon.
A stereoselective synthesis of the allo-bile acids from the 5β-isomers

Abstract The allo-bile acids are a subset of the family of steroidal detergents found in most vertebrates. Because there are no major biological feedstocks for isolation of the allo-bile acids, they must be synthesized from the abundant 5β-reduced isomers. Here we report a general set of methods for the synthesis of allo-bile acids from the corresponding 5-β isomers demarcated by a selective C-3 oxidation, IBX unsaturation, and stereoselective saturation.
A tale of two species: Extirpation and range expansion during the late Quaternary in an extreme environment

Abstract Death Valley, California is today the hottest hyperarid area in the western Hemisphere with temperatures of 57 °C (134 °F) recorded. During the late Quaternary, pluvial Lake Manly covered much of the Valley and contributed to a much more moderate climate. The abrupt draining of Lake Manly in the mid-Holocene and coincident dramatic shifts in temperature and aridity exerted substantial selection pressure on organisms living in this area. Our research investigates the adaptive response of Neotoma (woodrats) to temperature change over the late Quaternary along a steep elevational and environmental gradient. By combining fieldwork, examination of museum specimens, and collection of paleomiddens, our project reconstructs the divergent evolutionary histories of animals from the valley floor and nearby mountain gradients (− 84 to > 3400 m). We report on recent paleomidden work investigating a transition zone in the Grapevine Mountains (Amargosa Range) for two species of woodrats differing significantly in size and habitat preferences: N. lepida, the desert woodrat, and N. cinerea, the bushy-tailed woodrat. Here, at the limits of these species' thermal and ecological thresholds, we demonstrate dramatic fluctuations in the range boundaries over the Holocene as climate shifted. Moreover, we find fundamental differences in the adaptive response of these two species related to the elevation of the site and local microclimate. Results indicate that although N. cinerea are currently extirpated in this area, they were ubiquitous throughout the late Pleistocene and into the middle Holocene. They adapted to climate shifts over this period by phenotypic changes in body mass, as has been demonstrated for other areas within their range; during colder episodes they were larger, and during warmer intervals, animals were smaller. Their presence may have been tied into a much more widespread historical distribution of juniper (Juniperus sp.); we document a downward displacement of approximately 1000 m relative to juniper's modern extent in the Amargosa Range. These results suggest a cooler and more mesic habitat association persisting for longer and at lower elevations than previously reported.
A study of quadratic cost functions for vehicle headway control

Abstract This paper shows that minimizing a quadratic cost function is not particularly useful for selecting a small number of controller gains in vehicle headway control. For cases in which a large number of controller gains are to be selected, the quadratic cost function may be useful, but the weighting parameter values cannot usually be chosen a priori if transient performance measures are of a particular interest. Examples illustrate how values of weights in a simplified cost function can be selected to yield acceptable transient performance. This performance is compared with that for a system containing only a few gains and optimized without recourse to a cost function.
Simultaneous Catalytic Removal of NOx, SOx, and CO from FCC Regenerator

Simultaneous catalytic removal of NOx, SOx, and CO under simulated FCC regenerator conditions was investigated over mixed oxide catalysts CuMgAlO (Cu-cat), CeMgAlO (Ce-cat), and CuCeMgAlO (CuCe-cat), which were prepared by coprecipitation and characterized by XRD, XPS, and N2 adsorption−desorption. At low temperatures (<340 °C), the presence of O2 or H2O enhanced the activity of CuCe-cat for NO and CO conversion but significantly suppressed the activity of Cu-cat and Ce-cat. At high temperature (720 °C), the presence of O2 or H2O had no adverse effect on the NO and CO conversions over these catalysts. However, the presence of SO2 in the feed deactivated Cu-cat and Ce-cat drastically while no deactivation of CuCe-cat was observed. The enhanced performance of CuCe-cat can be explained by a synergistic effect between copper and cerium ions, which results in the formation of large amounts of Cu+ ions and oxygen vacancies. Thermogravimetric studies show that this catalyst exhibits excellent performance for SOx...
Optical Properties of Highly Absorbing Crystals

Abstract Methods of obtaining polarized single crystal absorption spectra and other closely related spectral data for highly absorbing substances in the ultraviolet and visible regions are discussed. Specular reflection spectroscopy is treated in some detail, both experimental and interpretive techniques being covered, direct absorption methods are discussed, with emphasis being placed on possible sources of difficulty that can arise in crystal measurements involving high optical densities, and the importance of considering the use of other techniques to confirm the results of absorption and reflection studies is brought out. The presentation is illustrated by examples drawn from the author's current research activities.
A note on the 1929 International Congress of Psychology.

The Ninth International Congress of Psychology, held at Yale University in 1929, was the first Congress held in America. An examination of the Proceedings of the Congress and letters from some of the participants suggest that perhaps more eminent psychologists attended this meeting than any other, before or since.
Synthesis, structure and spectroscopy of new thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione transition-metal complexes

The coordination chemistry of several O,S mixed donor ligands, namely thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione chelators, with a variety of middle and late first-row transition-metal ions is described. Complexes of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-thiopyrone (thiomaltol) with cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II); 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridinethione (3,4-HOPTO) with iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II); and 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinethione (3,2-HOPTO) with iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures, absorbance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and superconducting quantum interferometer device (SQUID) measurements of selected metal complexes, as well as ligand protonation constants, are reported. Most of the metal complexes show coordination geometries indicative of a strong trans influence by the O,S chelators. The data presented herein provide the most detailed study of the transition-metal coordination chemistry of both thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione O,S donor ligands to date, and provide the basis for the investigation of these ligands in realm of biological inorganic chemistry.
Esophageal Stents: Placement, Complications, Tips, and Tricks

Abstract Esophageal stents are widely used to treat a variety of problems, most commonly malignant dysphagia. Malignant dysphagia can be present in patients with unresectable, resectable, and potentially resectable cancer. Esophageal stents are also utilized to treat esophageal strictures, fistulas, perforations, and leaks. Stent placement usually requires both endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidances, but can be done with either modality safely. Most stents are placed distally and across the gastroesophageal junction, but proximal stent placement (which requires more precise placement) can also be performed. Complications include bleeding and perforation (which are rare) as well as migration, tumor overgrowth, and tumor ingrowth (which are more common). The techniques of placement of an esophageal stent with some tips and tricks regarding placement and management of complications are reviewed in the given video. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia.
Women's attitudes toward forcible rape.

This study assessed the attitudes of women with diverse back-grounds toward possible responses to an attempted sexual assault and also ascertained their beliefs about how society should handle a convicted rapist. Additionally, the role which the personality dimensions of assertiveness and internal-external expectancy play in shaping attitudes toward rape was investigated. Seventyseven women and 25 men were administered the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, the Rotter I-E Scale, and a Rape Inventory. Women relied on a narrow range of options to deal with a rapist's attack, depending mostly on less active modes. They advocated humane approaches be taken with convicted rapists. Personality played only a minor role.
Short-term effects of prednisolone on neuromuscular transmission in normal rats and those with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

Abstract Electrophysiological investigations of the effects of bath-applied prednisolone at the neuromuscular junction were performed in muscles from normal rats and rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). In muscles from both groups, prednisolone reversibly and significantly depressed the amplitudes of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs), end-plate potentials (EPPs) and indirectly elicited action potentials (APs) without affecting resting membrane potentials. Prednisolone also caused a significant reduction in EPP rise time to peak and half-decay time while markedly increasing MEPP frequency and AP rise time to peak and duration. These effects were shown to be dose-dependent. The percentage decrease in amplitude after prednisolone perfusion was similar for EPPs and MEPPs, indicating that the depressive effect of prednisolone at the junction is postsynaptic. In all of the parameters studied, the percentage effect of prednisolone was the same in EAMG and normal preparations. No stimulus-linked repetitive EPPs or APs were observed after prednisolone. It is concluded that prednisolone has a depressive effect on neuromuscular transmission, but that this occurs only at high concentrations of the drug which are not achieved during the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Stimulation-produced analgesia and its cross-tolerance between dorsal and ventral PAG loci

Abstract This study explored the development of tolerance to brain stimulation-produced analgesia in both dorsal and ventral periaqueductal gray (PAG) sites and the development of cross-tolerance between naloxone-reversible and non-reversible sites. Cross-tolerance was produced from non-naloxone-reversible sites to naloxone-reversible sites (NNR-NR) and from naloxone-reversible sites to non-naloxone-reversible sites (NR-NNR). The following conclusions can be drawn from the present study: (1) the descending pain inhibitory systems within the PAG do not operate in isolation of each other since cross-tolerance to chronic stimulation can be produced between systems; (2) the interaction between the two systems is apparently bi-directional in that cross-tolerance was produced from naloxone-reversible to non-reversible sites and vice versa; and (3) the interaction may be the result of a co-activation of opioid and non-opioid systems produced by electrical stimulation or by a co-utilization of a common neuronal substrate. It is speculated that serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in the mechanism of convergence.
Field ionization of C2H5I in supercritical argon near the critical point

Field ionization of C2H5I doped into argon is presented as a function of argon number density along the argon critical isotherm. These data exhibit a decrease in the argon-induced shift of the C2H5I ionization energy near the critical point similar to that observed in recent field ionization measurements of CH3I/Ar. We show that this decrease is due to the interaction between argon and the quasi-free electron arising from dopant field ionization and is, therefore, independent of the dopant. The energy of the quasi-free electron is calculated in a local Wigner?Seitz model containing no adjustable parameters to within ?0.2% of experiment.
An Investigation of the Customer Orientation of Professional Sports Organizations: Development of the Sports Fan Orientation Scale (SFOS)

ABSTRACT Professional sports marketers face a dynamic and challenging marketplace that offers fans a variety of relatively expensive entertainment venues. Professional sports organizations are showing increasing interest in the marketing concept and a focus on consumer orientation. The primary objective in this study was to develop and empirically test a multi-item scale called the Sports Fan Orientation Scale (SFOS). The results of the study showed that the SFOS demonstrated adequate internal reliability. Implications of the results and managerial applications for the new scale are discussed. Finally, avenues for future research are presented.
Dielectric Elastomer Energy Harvesting and its Application to Human Walking

Human walking requires sophisticated coordination of muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to provide a constantly changing combination of force, stiffness and damping. In particular, the human knee joint acts as a variable damper, dissipating greater amounts of energy when the knee undergoes large rotational displacements during walking, running or hopping. Typically, this damping results from the dissipation, or loss, of metabolic energy. It has been proven to be possible however; to collect this otherwise wasted energy through the use of electromechanical transducers of several different types which convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. When properly controlled, this type of device not only provides desirable structural damping effects, but the energy generated can be stored for use in a wide range of applications. A novel approach to an energy harvesting knee joint damper is presented using a dielectric elastomer (DE) smart material based electromechanical transducer. Dielectric elastomers are extremely elastic materials with high electrical permittivity which operate based on electrostatic effects. By placing compliant electrodes on either side of a dielectric elastomer film, a specialized capacitor is created, which couples mechanical and electrical energy using induced electrostatic stresses. Dielectric elastomer energy harvesting devices not only have a high energy density, but the material properties are similar to that of human tissue, making it highly suitable for wearable applications. A theoretical framework for dielectric elastomer energy harvesting is presented along with a mapping of the active phases of the energy harvesting to the appropriate phases of the walking stride. Experimental results demonstrating the energy harvesting capability of a DE generator undergoing strains similar to those experienced during walking are provided for the purpose of verifying the theoretical results. The work presented here can be applied to devices for use in rehabilitation of patients with muscular dysfunction and transfemoral prosthesis as well as energy generation for able-bodied wearers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mouse mammary tumor virus and its interaction with the immune system

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a retrovirus that is transmitted through milk to offspring. Gut-associated B cells are the first cells to be infected during virus transmission, and these cells present a virus-encoded superantigen to cognate T cells. This allows MMTV to replicate and amplify in activated lymphocytes and ultimately results in virus transmission to the mammary epithelial cells. Because the superantigen has profound effects on the T cell repertoire and because MMTV replicates in lymphoid cells, loss of immune response to the virus may also play a role in its ability to persist within its host. Transcriptional control of MMTV expression also plays an important part in this pathway and DNA recognition sequences for transcription factors that allow its expression in lymphoid organs and mammary epithelia are encoded within the virus. Thus, this virus has evolved to take maximum advantage of its host’s biology.
A note on Constrained Total Least-Squares estimation

Abstract It is shown here how – similarly to the unconstrained case – the Constrained Total Least Squares Estimate (CTLSE) can be generated by solving a certain sequence of eigenvalue problems iteratively . For this, the normal matrix from the constrained (standard) least-squares approach has to be suitably augmented by one row and one column. Further modification of the augmented row and column allows the treatment of “fiducial constraints” for which the RHS vector is affected by random errors, but not the constraining matrix itself.
Speech feature extracting based on DSP

ABSTRACT In this paper, for the voiced frame in the speech processing, the implementations of LPC prognosticate coefficientresolution by Levisohn-Durbin algorithm on the DSP based system was proposed, and also the implementation ofL.R.Rabiner basic frequency estimation is discussed. At the end of this paper, several new methods of sound featureextraction only by voiced frame is also discussed.Keywors: speech processing, DSP, sound feature 1. INTRODUCTION To process the speech signal more effectively is the aim of our work. Traditional study and research on speech signalincludes the study of algorithm and the algorithm iniplementation on system. The implementation on system considersimplementing the given algorithm by least computation resources and fast speed, which employs the hardware, softwareor the combination of the two. To the implementation of speech algorithm, traditional systems are mainly based on PCor specific speech processing system Due to the overhead time of the speech processing, especially the multiply andplus calculation, when these calculations are implemented on PC, we can hardly get the real time result, and the bigvolume limits its application to algorithm simulation; The specific speech processing system can only work on specific
1H, 13C, and 15N resonance assignments and secondary structure prediction of the full-length transition state regulator AbrB from Bacillus anthracis

The AbrB protein is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of numerous essential genes during the cells transition phase state. AbrB from Bacillus anthracis is, nototriously, the principal protein responsible for anthrax toxin gene expression and is highly homologous to the much-studied AbrB protein from Bacillus subtilis having 85% sequence identity and the ability to regulate the same target promoters. Here we report backbone and sidechain resonance assignments and secondary structure prediction for the full-length AbrB protein from B. anthracis.
Chemotactic Responses to Metals and Anaerobic Electron Acceptors in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Although a previous study indicated that the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 lacks chemotactic responses to metals that can be used as anaerobic electron acceptors, new results show that this bacterium responds to both Mn(III) and Fe(III). Cells were also shown to respond to another unusual electron acceptor, the humic acid analog anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate. These results indicate that S. oneidensis is capable of moving towards a number of unusual anaerobic electron acceptors, including some that would normally be insoluble in the environment. Additionally, S. oneidensis was shown to migrate in gradients of several divalent cations under anaerobic conditions. Although responses to the reduced forms of redox-active metals, such as Mn(II) and Fe(II), might indicate that S. oneidensis uses gradients of these metals to locate the insoluble electron acceptors Mn(III/IV) and Fe(III) for dissimilatory purposes, responses to non-redox-active metals, such as Zn(II), suggest that movement towards divalent cations might serve other, potentially assimilatory, purposes.
C2 OXYGENATES BY CHLOROMETHANE ADDITION TO SYNGAS

Abstract A novel two-stage process capable of producing acetaldehyde from methane and syngas (CO and H2) has been studied. Methane, oxygen, and hydrogen chloride react over an oxyhydrochlorination catalyst in a first stage to produce chloromethane and water. In the second stage, chloromethane is added to a syngas mixture and catalytically converted to C1 to C44 hydrocarbons and acetaldehyde.
Contribution of acetone and osmotic-diuresis by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in attenuation of cephaloridine nephrotoxicity.

Previous studies have indicated that cephaloridine nephrotoxicity was reduced in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Experiments were performed to investigate if a shorter duration of diabetes would reduce cephaloridine nephrotoxicity. Studies were also conducted to examine the contribution of osmotic diuresis and ketone accumulation to the mechanism for reduced toxicity. Male Fischer 344 (F344) rats were injected with 30 mg/kg STZ or vehicle. Seven days after STZ or vehicle administration, the animals were treated (i.p.) with 1500 mg/kg cephaloridine. Increased kidney weight, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and decreased renal cortical slice accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) and tetraethyl-ammonium (TEA) were measured in the normoglycemic group. No differences in renal function were detected between diabetic groups treated with cephaloridine or vehicle (PFC). Pretreatment of euglycemic rats with 0 or 10% dextrose in the drinking water and by oral gavage failed to prevent the renal damage produced by 1500 mg/kg cephaloridine despite glucosuria and urine output comparable to diabetic animals. However, dextrose-diuresis afforded a slight reduction in toxicity as indicated by changes in kidney weight and renal cortical slice accumulation of PAH and TEA. Pretreatment (oral) with 0 or 1.5 ml/kg acetone had no effect on cephaloridine toxicity (1000 mg/kg, i.p.). These findings suggested that attenuation of cephaloridine toxicity may be independent of the duration of diabetes. These results also indicated that glucose-mediated osmotic diuresis and acetone accumulation cannot account for reduced cephaloridine toxicity in diabetic rats.
Phospholipase D activation by norepinephrine is mediated by 12(s)-, 15(s)-, and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids generated by stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase a2. tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase d2 in response to norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine (NE) stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) through a Ras/MAPK pathway in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE also activates calcium influx and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2). Arachidonic acid (AA) released by cPLA2-catalyzed phospholipid hydrolysis is then metabolized into hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) through lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) pathways. HETEs, in turn, have been shown to stimulate Ras translocation and to increase MAPK activity in VSMC. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of cPLA2-derived AA and its metabolites (HETEs) to the activation of PLD. NE-induced PLD activation was reduced by two structurally distinct CaM antagonists, W-7 and calmidazolium, and by CaM-dependent protein kinase II inhibition. Blockade of cPLA2 activity or protein depletion with selective cPLA2 antisense oligonucleotides abolished NE-induced PLD activation. The increase in PLD activity elicited by NE was also blocked by inhibitors of lipoxygenases (baicalein) and CYP4A (17-octadecynoic acid), but not of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin). AA and its metabolites (12(S)-, 15(S)-, and 20-HETEs) increased PLD activity. PLD activation by AA and HETEs was reduced by inhibitors of Ras farnesyltransferase (farnesyl protein transferase III and BMS-191563) and MEK (U0126 and PD98059). These data suggest that HETEs are the mediators of cPLA2-dependent PLD activation by NE in VSMC. In addition to cPLA2, PLD was also found to contribute to AA release for prostacyclin production via the phosphatidate phosphohydrolase/diacylglycerol lipase pathway. Finally, a catalytically inactive PLD2 (but not PLD1) mutant inhibited NE-induced PLD activity, and PLD2 was tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to NE by a MAPK-dependent pathway. We conclude that NE stimulates cPLA2-dependent PLD2 through lipoxygenase- and CYP4A-derived HETEs via the Ras/ERK pathway by a mechanism involving tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD2 in rabbit VSMC.
Bulk lifetime determination using an MOS capacitor

A simple method is described for the determination of minority carrier lifetime from the large-signal response time of an MOS capacitor in deep inversion. The method consists of monitoring the change of MOS capacitance as a function of time. A graph is presented to expedite easy extraction of lifetime from the transient waveform.
Chromatographic Analysis of Hydrocarbons in Marine Sediments and Sea water

The low concentration of hydrocarbons anticipated in pollution baseline studies necessitates the development of analytical techniques sensitive at the sub-microgram per kilogram concentration level. The method of analysis developed in this laboratory involves dynamic headspace sampling for volatile hydrocarbon components of the sample, followed by coupled-column liquid chromatography for the non-volatile components. These techniques require minimal sample handling, reducing the risk of sample component loss and/or sample contamination. Volatile sample components are separated from the matrix in a closed system and concentrated on a TENAX-GC packed pre-column, free from large amounts of solvent and ready for GC/GC-MS analysis. Non-volatile compounds, such as the benzpyrenes, may be extracted from large volumes of water and concentrated on a Bondapak C18 packed pre-column for coupled-column liquid chromatographic separation and analysis. Results of the application of these techniques to the analysis of samples from sites of known low level hydrocarbon contamination are presented and discussed.
Mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition by deoxyArbutin and its second-generation derivatives.

Summary Background Disorders, such as age spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation at sites of actinic damage, emanate from the augmentation of an increased amount of epidermal melanin. Objectives The ineptness of current therapies in treating these conditions, as well as high cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, poor skin penetration and low stability of skin-depigmenting formulations led us to investigate new compounds that meet the medical requirements for depigmentation agents. We have shown previously that the tyrosinase inhibitor deoxyArbutin (dA) is a more effective and less toxic skin lightener than hydroquinone (HQ). Methods The efficacy and reversibility of dA and its derivatives on inhibiting tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPAoxidase was assessed using standard assays. Results dA and its second-generation derivatives inhibit tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPAoxidase activities of tyrosinase dose dependently thereby inhibiting melanin synthesis in intact melanocytes, when used at concentrations that retain 95% cell viability in culture. This depigmenting effect was completely reversible when the compounds were removed. Tyrosinase inhibition was also observed in vitro when tested using human and purified mushroom tyrosinase, establishing that they are direct enzyme inhibitors. Lineweaver–Burk reciprocal plot analysis using mushroom tyrosinase illustrated that dA and its derivatives are more robust competitive inhibitors than HQ, when tyrosine is used as substrate. Conclusions Thus, dA and its second-generation derivatives, which inhibit melanogenesis at safe concentrations by specifically acting on the tyrosinase enzyme at a post-translational level, are promising agents to ameliorate hyperpigmented lesions or lighten skin.
Spectral-function sum rules in Lagrangian field theory: An application of the renormalization group

Recent methods in applying the renormalization group are used to study the existence of spectral-function sum rules. A spurion expansion closely related to Wilson's original analysis is developed in the context of renormalized perturbation theory. Criteria for the validity of various types of sum rules are developed in terms of the anomalous dimensions of symmetry-breaking operators. Limitations on the order to which the spurion expansion can be carried because of infrared singularities are discussed.
Informing Patients About Risks and Benefits of Radiology Examinations Utilizing Ionizing Radiation: A Legal and Moral Dilemma

The excellent article by Drs Cardinal, Gunderman, and Tarver [1] tracing the ethical basis and legal history of informed consent brought us to the doorstep of the latest dilemma regarding this topic: should radiologists discuss all possible adverse effects arising from exposure to ionizing radiation with, and then obtain informed consent from, patients before their undergoing diagnostic radiologic examinations (especially CT)? Let us ponder this question.