cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A variable neighborhood search method for generalized blockmodeling of two-mode binary matrices

Abstract The clustering of two-mode proximity matrices is a challenging combinatorial optimization problem that has important applications in the quantitative social sciences. We focus on one particular type of problem related to the clustering of a two-mode binary matrix, which is relevant to the establishment of generalized blockmodels for social networks. In this context, clusters for the rows of the two-mode matrix intersect with clusters of the columns to form blocks, which should ideally be either complete (all 1s) or null (all 0s). A new procedure based on variable neighborhood search is presented and compared to an existing two-mode K -means clustering algorithm. The new procedure generally provided slightly greater explained variation; however, both methods yielded exceptional recovery of cluster structure.
Highly selective synthesis of allylated arenes and diarylmethanes via palladium-catalyzed cross coupling involving benzylic derivatives

Abstract The Pd-catalyzed cross coupling of either benzylzincs with alkenyl halides or alkenylalanes with benzyl halides provides highly selective and expeditious routes to allylated arenes.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Physostigmine and Its Degradation Products in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Abstract A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of physostigmine and its degradation products, eseroline and rubreserine, in pharmaceutical ointment and injection dosage forms is described. The compounds are separated isocratically on an octadecylsilane column using a 60:40 aqueous phsphate buffer pH 4.0-acetonitrile mobile phase containing 0.6% sodium dodecyl sulfate at a 1.0 ml/min flow rate. The column effluent was monitored by ultraviolet absorbance at 310 nm. Accuracy and precision of the method were in the 0.03–2.62 percent and 0.1–1.2 percent ranges, respectively, for the analytes studied. The method is linear for physostigmine, eseroline, and rubreserine in the 5–1000 ug/ml range.
Effects of increased systolic Ca2+ and phospholamban phosphorylation during β-adrenergic stimulation on Ca2+ transient kinetics in cardiac myocytes

Previous studies demonstrated higher systolic intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) amplitudes result in faster [Ca2+]i decline rates, as does β-adrenergic (β-AR) stimulation. The purpose of this study is to determine the major factor responsible for the faster [Ca2+]i decline rate with β-AR stimulation, the increased systolic Ca2+ concentration levels, or phosphorylation of phospholamban. Mouse myocytes were perfused under basal conditions [1 mM extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o)], followed by high extracellular Ca2+ (3 mM [Ca2+]o), washout with 1 mM [Ca2+]o, followed by 1 μM isoproterenol (ISO) with 1 mM [Ca2+]o. ISO increased Ser16 phosphorylation compared with 3 mM [Ca2+]o, whereas Thr17 phosphorylation was similar. Ca2+ transient (CaT) (fluo 4) data were obtained from matched CaT amplitudes with 3 mM [Ca2+]o and ISO. [Ca2+]i decline was significantly faster with ISO compared with 3 mM [Ca2+]o. Interestingly, the faster decline with ISO was only seen during the first 50% of the decline. CaT time to peak was significantly faster with ISO compared with 3 mM [Ca2+]o. A Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CAMKII) inhibitor (KN-93) did not affect the CaT decline rates with 3 mM [Ca2+]o or ISO but normalized ISO's time to peak with 3 mM [Ca2+]o. Thus, during β-AR stimulation, the major factor for the faster CaT decline is due to Ser16 phosphorylation, and faster time to peak is due to CAMKII activation.
Neuroprotective Efficacy of Recombinant Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase in Neonatal Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia

Neuroprotective Efficacy of Recombinant Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase in Neonatal Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia
Inhibin α-Subunit N-terminus Interacts With Activin Type IB receptor To Disrupt Activin Signaling

Inhibin is a heterodimeric peptide hormone produced in the ovary that antagonizes activin signaling and FSH synthesis in the pituitary. The inhibin β-subunit interacts with the activin type II receptor (ActRII) to functionally antagonize activin. The inhibin α-subunit mature domain (N terminus) arose relatively early during the evolution of the hormone, and inhibin function is decreased by an antibody directed against the α-subunit N-terminal extension region or by deletion of the N-terminal region. We hypothesized that the α-subunit N-terminal extension region interacts with the activin type I receptor (ALK4) to antagonize activin signaling in the pituitary. Human or chicken free α-subunit inhibited activin signaling in a pituitary gonadotrope-derived cell line (LβT2) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas an N-terminal extension deletion mutant did not. An α-subunit N-terminal peptide, but not a control peptide, was able to inhibit activin A signaling and decrease activin-stimulated FSH synthesis. Biotinylated inhibin A, but not activin A, bound ALK4. Soluble ALK4-ECD bioneutralized human free α-subunit in LβT2 cells, but did not affect activin A function. Competitive binding ELISAs with N-terminal mutants and an N-terminal region peptide confirmed that this region is critical for direct interaction of the α-subunit with ALK4. These data expand our understanding of how endocrine inhibin achieves potent antagonism of local, constitutive activin action in the pituitary, through a combined mechanism of competitive binding of both ActRII and ALK4 by each subunit of the inhibin heterodimer, in conjunction with the co-receptor betaglycan, to block activin receptor-ligand binding, complex assembly, and downstream signaling.
PAUSED, a Putative Exportin-t, Acts Pleiotropically in Arabidopsis Development But Is Dispensable for Viability

Exportin-t was first identified in humans as a protein that mediates the export of tRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Mutations in Los1p, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae exportin-t homolog, result in nuclear accumulation of tRNAs. Because no exportin-t mutants have been reported in multicellular organisms, the developmental functions of exportin-t have not been determined. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of two Arabidopsis exportin-t mutants, paused-5 and paused-6. The mutant phenotypes indicate that exportin-t acts pleiotropically in plant development. In particular, paused-5 and paused-6 result in delayed leaf formation during vegetative development. The two paused mutations also cause the transformation of reproductive organs into perianth organs in the hua1-1 hua2-1 background, which is partially defective in reproductive organ identity specification. The floral phenotypes of hua1-1 hua2-1 paused mutants resemble those of mutations in the floral homeotic gene AGAMOUS. Moreover, paused-5 enhances the mutant phenotypes of two floral meristem identity genes, LEAFY and APETALA1. The developmental defects caused by paused mutations confirm the important roles of exportin-t in gene expression in multicellular organisms. In addition, a paused null allele, paused-6, is still viable, suggesting the presence of redundant tRNA export pathway(s) in Arabidopsis.
FEMALE CAREGIVERS’ REFLECTIONS ON ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING: THE INTERSECTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ELDER CARE

As our population ages, increasing numbers of social workers and other therapists will provide counseling to women who are caregivers of frail elders. These female caregivers often face complex ethical dilemmas in caring for a frail elder. Furthermore, these dilemmas are compounded by domestic violence in the caregiver/frail elder relationship initiated before the onset of caregiving. Illustrated with case examples, this article presents an ethical decision-making model based on an empowerment framework for helping practitioners work with caregivers who face difficult dilemmas impacted by domestic violence. Implications for strengthening clinical practice with these caregivers are discussed.
Monitoring the formation and decay of transient photosensitized intermediates using pump-probe UV resonance Raman spectroscopy. II: Kinetic modeling and multidimensional least-squares analysis.

Analysis of transient excited-state Raman spectra is a challenging spectroscopic measurement since transient spectral features are often overlapped with dominant ground-state and solvent bands. In the previous manuscript, resolution of component Raman spectra from the time-resolved amine quenching of excited-triplet benzophenone was accomplished using self-modeling curve resolution, a model-free factor analysis technique that relies on correlation in the data along a changing composition dimension. The results are consistent with the production of diphenylketyl radicals by H-atom abstraction from the amine and subsequent free-radical decay by recombination reactions. A kinetic model for this chemistry is developed in the present work, based on the observed Raman scattering data and the structures of product species confirmed by mass spectral analysis. The model is applied to the analysis of the time-dependent Raman scattering data using multidimensional leastsquares methods, and it yielded well-resolved spectra of benzophenone excited-triplet states, diphenyl ketyl radical, and the solvent and ground-state precursors. The best-fit kinetic parameters agree well with the time-dependent triplet-state and ketyl-radical concentration profiles.
Increased nitric oxide synthase in the lung after ozone inhalation is associated with activation of NF-kappa B.

Acute inhalation of ozone is associated with a inflammatory response characterized by the accumulation of macrophages at sites of tissue injury. These cells, along with resident alveolar epithelial...
A role for serotonin in the elaboration of a differential pattern of activity in sympathetic nerves to kidney and skeletal muscle vasculature.

Abstract The role of serotonin (5-HT) in the elaboration of patterns of regional sympathetic discharge evoked from the ventral medulla was examined in cats under Saffan anesthesia. A differential response pattern consisting of an increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity simultaneous with no change in activity to skeletal muscle vasculature was evoked from a group of ventral medullary neurons by microinjection of d,l -homocysteic acid. Subsequent intrathecal administration of the 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide (200 μg) attenuated or abolished the excitatory response to the kidney on restimulation of the medulla, without affecting sympathetic activity to muscle. Methysergide did not affect an excitatory response evoked in the outflow to both the kidney and skeletal muscle vasculature from an adjacent region of the ventral medulla. These results indicate a role for 5-HT in the elaboration of a specific differential pattern of sympathetic response evoked from medullary neurons.
Surface electroclinic effect on the layer structure of a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Optical second-harmonic generation and ellipsometry were used to study molecular alignment in an interfacial region and the deviation of the layer normal from the surface-rubbing axis in the smectic-A phase of a ferroelectric liquid crystal. The results can be well explained by the surface electroclinic effect.
Role of the rate of internalization of the agonist-receptor complex on the agonist-induced down-regulation of the lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor.

The extent of agonist-induced down-regulation of the LH/CG receptor (LHR) in human kidney 293 cells transfected with the rat LHR (rLHR) is much lower than in two Leydig tumor cell lines (MA-10 and R2C) that express the rodent LHR endogenously. This difference can not be attributed to differences in the recycling of internalized receptors, or in the replenishment of new receptors at the cell surface. It can be correlated, however, with the half-life of internalization of the bound agonist, which is approximately 60 min in Leydig tumor cells and about 100 min in transfected 293 cells. To determine whether the rate of internalization of the bound agonist affects down-regulation, we compared these two parameters in 293 cells expressing four rLHR mutants that enhance internalization and three mutants that impair internalization. We show that all four mutations of the rLHR that enhanced internalization enhanced down-regulation, while only one of the three mutations that impaired internalization impaired down-regulation. In addition, cotransfections of 293 cells with the rLHR-wt and three constructs that enhanced internalization (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, b-arrestin, and arrestin-3) increased down-regulation, while a related construct (visual arrestin) that had no effect on internalization also had no effect on down-regulation. We conclude that the rate of internalization of the agonist-LHR complex is the main determinant of the extent of down-regulation of the LHR. (Molecular Endocrinology 13: 1295‐1304, 1999)
A field investigation of the acute respiratory effects of metal working fluids. I. Effects of aerosol exposures

A study of cross-shift change in pulmonary function was conducted among workers exposed to metal working fluids (MWF) in an automobile parts manufacturing company. Three hundred eighty-six workers (216 machinists exposed to straight or soluble MWFs, and 170 nonmachinists) were studied for 1 day, performing spirometry at the beginning and end of their shift. Airborne concentrations of inhalable particulate, culturable bacteria, and endotoxin were measured. We observed an approximately threefold increase in the incidence of 5% or greater cross-shift decrement in forced expiratory volume during the first second among those with exposures above about 0.15 mg/m3, compared to those with exposures below about 0.08 mg/m3. There was some evidence that chronic respiratory symptoms were more prevalent among machinists than among nonmachinists, notably for chronic cough. Baseline FEV1 was about 3% lower on average among those with soluble MWF exposure compared to nonmachinists. These findings are consistent with earlier studies showing respiratory effects of MWFs.
Graph matching for object recognition and recovery

Abstract A robust skeleton-based graph matching method for object recognition and recovery applications is presented. The object model uses both a skeleton model and contour segment models, for object recognition and recovery. The presented skeleton-based shape matching method uses a combination of both structural and statistical methods that are applied in a sequential manner, which largely reduce the matching space when compared with previous works. This also provides a good alternate means to alleviate difficulties encountered in segmentation problems. Experiments of object recovery using real biomedical image samples have shown satisfactory results.
Defeasibility and Memory Knowledge

Philosophers who devise fourth conditions in definitions of knowledge that p should investigate how their definitions might apply to cases where, if the subject did know thatp, that knowledge would be memory knowledge. Carl Ginet has done this.' More than this, by carefully developing a correlative four-part definition of memory knowledge that p, he has provided what may be the most nearly adequate traditional account of memory knowledge to have come along.2 I shall argue that, as a definition, the latter account fails-owing to the problematic way in which it incorporates the fourth condition in his general definition of knowledge.
Traumatic spondyloptosis of the lumbar spine: closed reduction and internal fixation.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel approach to treating traumatic spondyloptosis of the lumbar spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic spondyloptosis of the lumbar spine is a relatively uncommon injury because it requires a significantly large amount of energy to occur. Reduction of these fracture dislocations in the operating room may be difficult through a solely open approach because it usually requires a significant degree of bone removal and spinal manipulation with instrumentation. METHODS: In this case report, the authors present a unique method of closed reduction followed by open fixation of a traumatic fracture dislocation of the lumbar spine. The patient in this study experienced a traumatic spondyloptosis of L3 on L4 from a high-speed motor vehicle crash in which he was ejected from the vehicle. The patient had experienced nearly complete anterior/posterior translocation of L3 on L4 and had avulsed the anterior superior aspect of the L4 vertebral body. On presentation to the trauma center, he was ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) B; he had patchy sensory preservation in his left lower extremity. The surgical goal was to relocate his spinal fracture and rigidly fix it with a pedicle screw and rod construct. RESULTS: Under fluoroscopic guidance and with the patient under general anesthesia, we performed a closed reduction of the spinal fracture using lumbar hyperextension and full torso longitudinal traction. We were able to reduce the fracture almost completely using this technique. After open internal fixation of the patient's fracture with a rod-pedicle screw construct, we reduced the patient's fracture to a grade II spondylolisthesis, effectively. The patient went on to recover a small amount of neurological function after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The authors think that this is an effective method for reduction of these severe fractures.
Effects of organic antagonists of Ca2+, Na+, and K+ on chemotaxis and motility of Escherichia coli

Various Ca2+ antagonists used in animal research, many of them known to be Ca2+ channel blockers, inhibited Escherichia coli chemotaxis (measured as entry of cells into a capillary containing attractant). The most effective of these, acting in the nanomolar range, was ω-conotoxin GVIA. The next most effective were gallopamil and verapamil. At concentrations around 100-fold higher than that needed for inhibition of chemotaxis, each of these antagonists inhibited motility (measured as entry of cells into a capillary lacking attractant). Various other Ca2+ antagonists were less effective, though chemotaxis was almost always more sensitive to inhibition than was motility. Cells treated with each of these Ca2+ antagonists swam with a running bias, i.e., tumbling was inhibited. Similarly, some Na+ antagonists used in animal research inhibited bacterial chemotaxis. E. coli chemotaxis was inhibited by saxitoxin at concentrations above 10−7 M, while more than 10−4 M was needed to inhibit motility. Cells treated with saxitoxin swam with a tumbling bias. In the case of other Na+ antagonists in animals, aconitine inhibited bacterial chemotaxis 10 times more effectively than it inhibited motility, and two others inhibited chemotaxis and motility at about the same concentration. In the case of K+ antagonists used in animal research, 4-aminopyridine blocked E. coli chemotaxis between 10−3 M and, totally, 10−2 M, while motility was not affected at 10−2 M; on the other hand, tetraethylammonium chloride failed to inhibit either chemotaxis or motility at 10−2 M.
Inventoried and observed stress in parent-child interactions

It has been hypothesized that parental stress results in poor parent-child interactions. However, this has not been adequately researched due to the difficulty in measuring and quantifying parenting stress and parent-child interaction quality. Two measures were employed in the present study to evaluate the parent-child relationship. The Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) was used to provide a context in which to assess the quality of parent-child interactions, and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) was used as a measure of stress in the family system. The present study (1) developed a standardized behavioral rating system for the MIM, (2) tested 46 parent-child dyads with the MIM and PSI, and (3) assessed which subscales of the PSI were the best predictors of parent-child behavior observed during the MIM. Parents reporting more stress on the PSI were rated as displaying significantly lower quality (more negative) parentchild interactions. In addition, parents’ socioeconomic status accounted for 65 % of the variance, and parental stress accounted for an additional 9% of the variance, in MIM behavior ratings.
Analytical and numerical study of coupled atomistic-continuum methods for fluids

The stability and convergence rate of coupled atomistic-continuum methods are studied analytically and numerically. These methods couple a continuum model with molecular dynamics through the exchange of boundary conditions in the continuum-particle overlapping region. Different coupling schemes, including velocity-velocity, flux-velocity, velocity-flux and flux-flux, are studied. It is found that the velocity-velocity and flux-velocity schemes are stable. The flux-flux scheme is weakly unstable. The stability of the velocity-flux scheme depends on the parameter T"c which is the length of the time interval between successive exchange of boundary conditions. It is stable when T"c is small and unstable when T"c is large. For steady-state problems, the flux-velocity scheme converges faster than the other coupling schemes.
The subjective qualities of experience

It has frequently been urged that there are facts about our sensory experiences, both perceptual and bodily, which no amount of physical information, including that of a functional sort, can capture.1 The facts I am referring to are familiar to all of us in our everyday conscious lives: they pertain to the subjective phenomenal qualities or 'qualia', as they are sometimes called, which characterize our pains, our itches, our sensations of colour, our feelings of love, hate, and despair. I believe that the arguments adduced for the view that these facts lie outside the physicalist's net are unsound. I also believe, however, that at least one of the arguments, which I call 'the Argument from Knowledge', deserves a great deal more careful attention than it has received heretofore. This argument in one form or another has exerted a powerful influence on many philosophers, and it has been a thorn in the side of physicalism for a number of years. In what follows, my primary concern is to present a conclusive refutation of this argument. The structure of the paper is as follows. In Section I, I distinguish one main strand of argument for the claim that there are subjective experiential facts which physical information cannot capture. I call this 'the Argument from Possibility'. I briefly take up a number of variants on this argument and I suggest that they have little force. In Section II, I turn to a detailed examination of my primary topic, the Argument from Knowledge, versions of which constitute the second main strand of argument from qualia against physicalism. I here give clear analyses of knowing what it is like to undergo such-and-such a type of subjective experience, and knowing what a given token experience is like. I maintain that once these concepts are properly understood the physicalist has nothing to fear from the Argument from Knowledge. I also show that the physicalist can accept the thesis, dear to the hearts of empiricists, that there are (or can be) terms for the subjective qualities of experience whose meanings cannot be fully understood
Controls on leaching from coniferous forest floor microcosms

Studies were conducted with coniferous forest floor microcosms to examine the potential influence of acid precipitation, temperature changes, and plant uptake upon the chemistry of soil leachate solutions. The experimental design included two temperatures and three different simulated throughfall chemistry treatments. When the acidity of throughfall inputs to the microscosms increased, the forest floors exhibited increased leaching losses of calcium, magensium, potassium, and ammonium. The fact that aluminum losses did not incrase correspondingly suggested that there may be a kinetic lag in the mobilization and leaching of aluminum. When microcosms were exposed to warmer temperatures, percolates showed increased leaching losses of calcium, potassium, ammonium, sulfate, nitrate, and organic anions. Forest floor microcosms exposed to simulated average field conditions behaved very much like field plots under the same environmental conditions; however, there were predictable differences in leaching losses between laboratory and field systems for those ions which are strongly controlled by plant uptake. In general, the exclusion of plant uptake from microcosms resulted in increased leaching of potassium, nitrate, ammonium. and sulfate relative to field plots.
The Female Homicide Offender in Dade County, Florida:

A total of 47female offenders were identifiedfrom afollow-up of all homicides (N= 569) occurring in Dade County (Miami), Florida in 1980. The homicide offender rate forfemales had increased by 48.7...
Effects of formulation on the run-off of imidacloprid from turf.

Imidacloprid is a pesticide often used to control insect pests on residential lawns and golf courses. To investigate its potential to be transported into non-target aquatic systems by rainfall events, imidacloprid was applied as 5.0 g kg−1 GR and 750 g kg−1 WP to 12 plots planted with bermuda grass set on a 5% slope. The dimethylamine salt of the herbicide 2,4-D was applied simultaneously to the plots in order to normalize the results to prior trials conducted with other pesticides. At a rate of 2.5 cm h−1, 5-cm rainfall events were simulated at 24 and 48 h after application and 2.5-cm events were simulated at 96 and 192 h. After each event water was collected from each plot and analyzed by HPLC for residual insecticide or herbicide. Approximately 1.4% of the insecticide formulated as WP and 1.9% of that formulated as GR was lost from the plots after four run-off events. Of the total mass lost, 64% and 30% respectively occurred in the first and second run-off events for the WP formulation versus 75% and 20% for the GR formulation. These values compare with a total mass export of 2.6% for 2,4-D, of which 95% and 4% of the loss occurred respectively in the first and second run-off events. The maximum concentration of imidacloprid detected in run-off water was 0.49 mg litre−1 and occurred during the first run-off event. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
The romantic vision in american administrative theory: Retrospectives and prospectives

The 1980s witnessed an explosion of new theoretical approaches for public administration. This essay explores the intellectual basis and orientation of several of these “new” approaches. It argues that many share distinctly common outlooks and values which the author terms, “a romantic vision” for the field, that is opposite to rational “classicalism.” This current wave of romantic philosophy mainly has historic roots in the Minnow brook perspectives of the late 1960s and early 1970s but “flowers” today in quite diverse schools under new names such as critical theory, phenomenology, new public administration and many others. All share common romantic values and outlooks. Several intellectual dilemmas for public administration posed by the rise of romanticism are outlines in this essay.
Forward and backward scattering of light in inhomogeneous media

We consider the forward and backward scattering of light for large-scale inhomogeneities compared to the wavelength in the dielectric medium. In this paper we discuss a scalar field equation based on the random-phase approximation as a model to represent the scattering intensity from polycrystalline samples. In a discrete and continuous scattering medium, the spatial coherence makes the width of the backscattering intensity very narrow and the phase coherence enhances the small amount of backscattering intensity. The forward- and backward-scattering experiments for the samples are presented, and the optical depths are measured. The observed shapes and widths of the forward scattering are in very good agreement with the theoretical values. We estimate the backscattering intensity from the numerical parameters of the forward-scattering experiments.
Planetary Boundary Layer Winds in Baroclinic Conditions

Abstract Systematic stratifications and analyses of low-level radiosonde data are performed for portions of the eastern half of the United States. The procedures are designed to specify changes in the planetary boundary layer wind profile resulting from variations in baroclinicity. The angle between the winds and isobars, the ageostrophic wind components, the surface stress, and the surface wind speeds are all shown to be functions of the orientation of the thermal wind vector relative to the surface geostrophic wind. These variations are consistent with a mixing-length model of the additional turbulent momentum transport initiated by the vertical shear of the geostrophic wind.
Reducing Pulse Height Spectral Distortion by Means of DC Restoration and Pile-Up Rejection

The problem of pulse height spectral distortion created by pile-up effects of randomly distributed events in nuclear spectrometry systems has become extremely important since the advent of the use of germanium detectors in gamma-ray spectrometry. The study of this problem is complicated by the fact that the pulse height response of the detector to incident gamma-rays contains a photopeak and a Compton continuum, which represents a broad spectrum of pulse heights. Analysis of spectrum distortion must involve the complicated separation of all possible combinations of the involved pulse heights and pulse period overlap. Indeed, almost all sources of signals which might be used for such a study as this are either non-random or have a broad distribution of pulse heights. There is one notable exception, which is the charged particle source and semiconductor detector combination, e.g., an alpha source and a surface barrier diode in vacuum; however, sources of sufficient strength to provide the high count rates necessary for definitive testing are difficult to handle and may present a personnel hazard. Presented here is a method of assembly, from standard laboratory equipment, of a monoenergetic, random time-interval, pulse generator with variable pulse height and count rate for the study of count rate spectral distortion in nuclear electronics. The necessary equipment consists of a noise source, a discriminator, a time-to-pulse-height converter (non-shaping type), and a section of coaxial cable for delay.
Operational experience with the CDF Run II silicon detector

Abstract The Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) Run II silicon detector is currently the largest operating silicon detector in High Energy Physics. Its 750,000 channels, spread over 6 m2 of p-on-n silicon sensors, and allow precision tracking of charged particles and vertexing at the 50 μ m level. The CDF Run II silicon detector is fundamental for all branches of the CDF physics program. It played a critical role in the discovery of B s mixing and is used extensively for the current Higgs boson searches at the forefront of the energy frontier. Over the last 6 years, the detector efficiency has remained stable above 95% after the Run II commissioning period. While originally designed to withstanding up to 3 fb - 1 of data, the CDF II silicon detector will have to last to the end of Run II where 5 – 8 fb - 1 of data are expected to be delivered. This letter presents the observed effects of infrastructure aging and the solutions implemented to prevent them, followed by the assessment on radiation damage and expected performance to the end of the Tevatron Run II program. The radiation aging of such a large scale system is particular relevant for future silicon detectors in hadronic colliders as LHC.
Isotope-shift measurements in Ca+

We have measured the optical shifts for all stable isotopes of ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{+}$, with respect to isotope mass 40, in the resonance transitions 4s $^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4p $^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{1/2,3/2}$. The value of our measured shift for the even isotope mass 46 falls below the King plot. From the fit to a second King plot, omitting the shift for mass 46, we obtain a value of -312 MHz ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ for the field-shift constant F. A comparison of this value with ab initio calculations [G. Torbohm, B. Fricke, and A. Rosen, Phys. Rev. A 31, 2038 (1985)] and our semiempirical estimate shows better agreement when correlation effects have been included in the calculations [A.-M. Martensson-Pendrill, A. Ynnerman, and H. Warston (private communication)] and suggests that inclusion of the screening factor \ensuremath{\beta} in semiempirical methods results in an overestimate of F.
Effective treatment of laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain with intravenous followed by oral COX-2 specific inhibitor.

In this multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study we evaluated the analgesic and opioid-sparing efficacy of a preoperative dose of IV parecoxib followed by oral valdecoxib in treating pain associated with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized to rece
Christian commitment and a "Docetic" view of human emotions.

This paper encourages people in the church to discuss the danger of equating Christian commitment with a denial of one's humanity, thus developing a “docetic” view of human emotions. The paper focuses on biblical passages which are susceptible to three forms of “docetic interpretation”:denial of unpleasant feelings often in the name of Christian joy, with possible damaging emotional or physical consequences;denial of human development and the possible influence of the past on present emotional and religious experience; anddenial of human value through passive acceptance of what seems to be inevitable by saying, “Thy will be done.”
Perturbation model for computing optical fiber birefringence from a two-dimensional refractive-index profile.

A vector perturbation model for computing optical fiber birefringence for an arbitrary two-dimensional index profile is developed. The vector wave equation is solved to yield the unperturbed vector fields for an azimuthally symmetric refractive index. These fields are used as the basis for the degenerate perturbation analysis. Unlike with the scalar perturbation theory, only first-order perturbation analysis suffices for the computation of birefringence. Computed birefringence for various perturbations are reported.
Morphology and fatty acid composition of reticulocytes from phenylhydrazine-treated rats.

Reticulocytosis was induced in rats by injecting phenylhydrazine, a potent oxidizing agent. Red cell morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The majority of red cells from rats given injections of phenylhydrazine were types 2 and 3 echinocytes. Stomatocytes were also observed, but pitted lobular reticulocytes were not detected. Echinocytes have not previously been observed in reticulocyte populations. In the reticulocytes, the relative levels of 16∶1 and 18∶1 were significantly greater than in erythrocytes. These differences in monoenoic acids may be due to the presence of endoplasmic reticulum, the site of desaturase activity in reticulocytes. Of all the fatty acids, the polyunsaturates are the most susceptible to attack during peroxidation. However, the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of reticulocytes was similar both to that of erythrocytes and to reported values of young erythrocytes isolated by density. Therefore, it is unlikely that lipid peroxidation caused the formation of echinocytes.
The Role of Communication With Friends in Sexual Initiation

This study identifies a theoretical mechanism through which communication with friends about sex influences sexual initiation in a sample of adolescents. The Integrative Model was used to assess the effect of attitudes, normative pressure and self efficacy on intentions to have sex in a sample of virgin adolescents. Results show that the constructs of the theory partially mediated the effect of communication with friends on subsequent sexual initiation. The effect of communication with friends on sexual initiation was not different for males and females. Overall, the results suggest how conversations with friends about sex influence adolescents’ intentions to initiate sexual intercourse, which in turn influence subsequent sexual initiation.
Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presenting as a Testicular Mass: Report of a Case

Hodgkin's lymphoma almost always presents with lymphadenopathy. Presentation with extranodal disease is quite unusual, although Hodgkin's lymphoma is known to occasionally involve extranodal sites. However, no well-documented cases of testicular Hodgkin's lymphoma have been described. We report the case of a 52-year-old man who presented with a left testicular mass; orchiectomy revealed morphologic and immunophenotypic features typical of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular sclerosis type.
Elongin C is a Mediator of Notch4 Activity in Human Renal Tubule Cells

Notch proteins (Notch 1–4) are a family of trans-membrane cell surface receptors that are converted into transcriptional regulators when activated by interactions with cell surface ligands on adjacent cells. Ligand-binding stimulates proteolytic cleavage of the trans-membrane domain, releasing an active intracellular domain (ICD) that translocates to the nucleus and impacts transcription. In transit, the ICD may interact with regulatory proteins that modulate the expression and transcriptional activity. We have found that Notch4ICD expression is enhanced in the tubule cells of fibrotic kidneys from diabetic mice and humans and identified Notch4ICD interacting proteins that could be pertinent to normal and pathological functions. Using proteomic techniques, several components of the Elongin C complex were identified as candidate Notch4ICD interactors. Elongin C complexes can function as ubiquitin ligases capable of regulating proteasomal degradation of specific protein substrates. Our studies indicate that ectopic Elongin C expression stimulates Notch4ICD degradation and inhibits its transcriptional activity in human kidney tubule HK11 cells. Blocking Elongin C mediated degradation by MG132 indicates the potential for ubiquitin-mediated Elongin C regulation of Notch4ICD. Functional interaction of Notch4ICD and Elongin C provides novel insight into regulation of Notch signaling in epithelial cell biology and disease.
The Influence of Riboflavin and Extended Black Pigmentation on a Defective Down Condition in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract A POPULAR egg production crossbred is produced by mating Rhode Island Red males with Barred Plymouth Rock females. A defective down condition in the female progeny from this sex-linked cross, not observed in either parental breed, results in a significant percentage of cull and unsalable chicks. The condition varies from short back down to extensive “clubbing” of the down over the back, head and wings with large areas devoid of down over the sacral region. The defective down plumules give the appearance of being knotted close to the skin. The term “defective down” will be used generally throughout this paper to include all conditions from shortening of the down to extreme clubbing. According to Hutt (1949) a shortened down condition reported by Kabystina and Petrov in 1935 was associated with extended black plumage color. The term “clubbed down” was first used by Lepkovsky et al. (1938), who reported that the …
Utilization of 14 C-labeled E. coli by the rat cecum and after force-feeding.

SummaryRadioactive E. coli produced by means of adding glucose-U-14C into the culture medium was placed into the cecum of six adult male rats. The rats were then placed in metabolic chambers for the collection of respiratory CO2. At the end of 4 hr, almost 5% of the dose appeared as CO2 indicating that the E. coli were digested in and absorbed from the cecum. Further evidence that this occurred came from the finding that 30.5% of the dose appeared in the carcass of the rats killed at the end of the metabolic CO2 collection period. About 70% of the dose remained in the cecum and large intestine at this time which is the portion not absorbed. Another six comparable rats were gavaged with the radioactive E. coli. Carcass and fecal analyses and measurements of activities in the gastrointestinal contents indicate that 24 hr after gavage, the rat retained 43.5% of the gavaged dose. They did not digest 7.3% (fecal activity) plus 4.2% (remaining in the gastrointestinal tract) for a total of 11.5%. Thus, the diges...
Shares, gaps and the economy's response to oil disruptions

Most previous studies have focused on whether oil price shocks cause economic recessions but fewer studies have investigated whether the impact of an oil price shock can be different under alternative economic conditions. Using an international data set of industrialized economies, this paper explores whether an economy relying more on oil or operating closer to full employment may be more vulnerable to an oil disruption. Although the results for oil dependence are ambiguous, the analysis does find a significant relationship between the impacts of an oil shock and how closely the economy is operating to its full-employment level prior to the disruption.
Illusory tempo changes due to musical characteristics.

Recent research in music cognition has investigated ways in which different structural dimensions interact to influence perception and cognition. In the present research, various musical characteristics were manipulated to observe their potential influence on perceived tempo. In Experiment 1, participants were given a paired comparison task in which music-like patterns differed in both the pitch octave (high vs. low) and timbre (bright vs. dull) in which they were played. The results indicated that relative to their standard referents, comparison melodies were judged faster when displaying a higher pitch and/or a brighter timbre—even when no actual tempo differences existed. Experiment 2 converged on these findings by demonstrating that the perceived tempo of a melody was judged faster when it increased in pitch and/or loudness over time. These results are suggested to stem from an overgeneralization of certain structural correlations within the natural environment that, in turn, has implications for both musical performance and the processing of tempo information.
The properties of microparticles from RAW 264.7 macrophage cells undergoing in vitro activation or apoptosis

Microparticles (MPs) are small, membrane-bound vesicles that arise from dead and dying cells, and display pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic activity. As shown previously, the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line can release MPs following stimulation with LPS or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], ligands of TLR4 and TLR3 respectively. To determine the relationship of these MPs to those released during apoptosis, the nucleic acid content of MPs from cultures stimulated with LPS or poly (I:C) was compared with the nucleic acid content of MPs from untreated cells or cells induced to undergo apoptosis by treatment with etoposide or staurosporine (STS). As results of these studies showed, MPs from activated, apoptotic and untreated cells had features in common, as demonstrated by binding of the nucleic acid dyes SYTO 13 and propidium iodide; molecular mass of DNA; and binding of monoclonal anti-DNA and anti-nucleosome Abs. While MPs from the different culture conditions all contained ribosomal RNA, ribosomal RNA from MPs from STS-treated cells showed cleavage and degradation. Taken together, these studies indicate that the nucleic acid content of MPs from activated and apoptotic cells have important similarities, suggesting that events during TLR activation may lead to apoptosis and subsequent MP release.
Clinical Pearls in Perioperative Medicine

At the 2001 annual conference of the American College of Physicians, a new teaching format to aid physician learning, Clinical Pearls, was introduced. Clinical Pearls is designed with the 3 qualities of physician-learners in mind. First, we physicians enjoy learning from cases. Second, we like concise, practical points that we can use in our practice. Finally, we take pleasure in problem solving. In the Clinical Pearls format, speakers present a number of short cases in their specialty to a general internal medicine audience. Each case is followed by a multiple-choice question answered live by attendees using an audience response system. The answer distribution is shown to attendees. The correct answer is then displayed and the speaker discusses teaching points, clarifying why one answer is most appropriate. Each case presentation ends with a Clinical Pearl, defined as a practical teaching point that is supported by the literature but generally not well known to most internists. Clinical Pearls is currently one of the most popular sessions at the American College of Physicians meeting. As a service to its readers, Mayo Clinic Proceedings has invited a selected number of these Clinical Pearl presentations to be published in our Concise Review for Clinicians section. “Clinical Pearls in Perioperative Medicine” is one of them.
Biochemical factors contributing to toxicity differences among chlorpyrifos, parathion, and methyl parathion in mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Abstract Biochemical systems in the mosquitofish were assayed in order to determine the factors contributing to the differences in toxicity among chlorpyrifos, parathion, and methyl parathion. In mosquitofish, chlorpyrifos was more toxic than parathion followed by methyl parathion. The brain cholinesterase (ChE) was more sensitive to chlorpyrifos-oxon than paraoxon followed by methyl paraoxon, assessed by the I50: 50nM for chlorpyrifos-oxon, 270nM for paraoxon, and 8400nM for methyl paraoxon. The muscle ChE was also more sensitive to chlorpyrifos-oxon than paraoxon followed by methyl paraoxon and was more sensitive to each compound than brain ChE; the I50's were: 6nM for chlorpyrifos-oxon, 60nM for paraoxon, and 540nM for methyl paraoxon. The hepatic aliesterases (AliE) were also more sensitive to chlorpyrifos-oxon than paraoxon followed by methyl paraoxon; the I50's were: InM for chlorpyrifos-oxon, 40nM for paraoxon, and 900nM for methyl paraoxon. Methyl parathion was activated by P450-mediated desulfuration in liver microsomes to the greatest extent followed by chlorpyrifos and parathion. Chlorpyrifos was detoxified by P450-mediated dearylation in liver microsomes more than parathion followed by methyl parathion. Hepatic A-esterases were capable of detoxifying chlorpyrifos-oxon, but had no significant effect on paraoxon or methyl paraoxon. The ChE sensitivity to oxon inhibition appears to reflect the toxicity levels of the parent insecticides, while metabolic factors are not predictions of toxicity levels.
Use of mitomycin C for maintaining myringotomy patency

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether topical mitomycin C could be used to prolong the patency of a myringotomy site in the absence of a ventilation tube. Mitomycin C is an antineoplastic agent used to maintain a patent trabeculectomy site in patients with glaucoma. The KTP laser was used to create bilateral myringotomies 0.4 mm in diameter in 28 chicks (Gallus domesticus). Mitomycin C was applied to the right myringotomy site, and sterile water, used as a control, was applied to the left myringotomy site. The animals were divided into 2 groups with group A treated with freshly prepared mitomycin C and group B treated with 2-week-old mitomycin C. The patency rates of the experimental ears of groups A and B were 80% and 70%, respectively, 15 days after surgery and 33% and 7.7%, respectively, at 30 days. All myringotomy sites in the control ears were healed within 5 days. Using a logistic regression model for repeated measures, we determined the odds ratio between the experimental and control myringotomies of the combined groups to be 149.1 ( P = 0.0001). We conclude that mitomycin C had a significant effect in prolonging the patency of myringotomies in chick tympanic membranes. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:8-10.)