cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parametric Study of Solid-Phase Axial Heat Conduction in Thermally Integrated Microchannel Networks

A parametric study is presented to highlight design challenges of thermally integrated microchannel networks for portable chemistry and/or fuels reforming. One-dimensional modeling analysis of heat transfer in a two-fluid system is presented for the case of (i) two nonreacting fluids (heat exchanger), (ii) a single exothermic reacting fluid and a second nonreacting fluid (regenerative combustor), and (iii) one exothermic reacting fluid and a second endothermic reacting fluid (heat exchanger reactor). In each case, the influence of solid-phase thermal conductivity and thermal packaging upon thermal efficiency, reaction conversion, and steady-state multiplicity is investigated. Results demonstrate the importance of both packaging and solid-phase axial thermal conduction upon system performance, with optimal performance obtained using low thermal conductivity substrates. Modeling analysis predicts steady-state multiplicity when employing low thermal conductivity materials, illustrating the need for future de...
Absorption Spectra of Crystals at Low Temperatures as References in the Measurement of Stellar Velocities

Absorption Spectra of Crystals at Low Temperatures as References in the Measurement of Stellar Velocities
Agglutinating Antibody Titers of Young White Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds Following Inoculation with Live and Inactivated Salmonella gallinarum Cultures

Abstract THE White Leghorn is generally considered more resistant to Salmonella infections than some of the heavier breeds of fowl. Hutt and Scholes (1941) reported that the White Leghorn possessed greater genetic resistance to pullorum disease; a view supported in part by Roberts and Card (1935). Garren and Barber (1955) found the White Leghorn more resistant to fowl typhoid (Salmonella gallinarum) than the New Hampshire or Rhode Island Red. The present study was conducted to determine if White Leghorns differ from Rhode Island Reds in their agglutinating antibody response to Sal. gallinarum. Differences in mortality following infection with live cultures of Sal. gallinarum were also considered. PROCEDURE Four separate trials were conducted. The White Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds used in trials 1, 2, and 3 were obtained from a pullorum-clean hatchery. Repeated tests in this laboratory have shown that young Leghorns or Reds from this source do not possess antibodies …
Identifying the site of initial tertiary structure disruption during apomyoglobin unfolding.

Structural characterization of protein unfolding intermediates [Kiefhaber et al. (1995) Nature 375, 513; Hoeltzli et al.(1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 9318], which until recently were thought to be nonexistent, is beginning to give information on the mechanism of unfolding. To test for apomyoglobin unfolding intermediates, we monitored kinetics of urea-induced denaturation by stop-flow tryptophan fluorescence and quench-flow amide hydrogen exchange. Both measurements yield a single, measurable kinetic phase of identical rate, indicating that the reaction is highly cooperative. A burst phase in fluorescence, however, suggests that an intermediate is rapidly formed. To structurally characterize it, we carried out stop-flow thiol-disulfide exchange studies of 10 single cysteine-containing mutants. Cysteine probes buried at major sites of helix-helix pairing revealed that side chains throughout the protein unpack and become accessible to the labeling reagent [5, 5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid)] with one of two rates. Probes located at all helical-packing interfaces-except for one-become exposed at the rate of global unfolding as determined by fluorescence and hydrogen exchange measurements. In contrast, probes located at the A-E helical interface undergo complete thiol-disulfide exchange within the mixing dead time of 6 ms. These results point to the existence of a burst-phase unfolding intermediate that contains globally intact hydrogen bonds but locally disrupted side-chain packing interactions. Dissolution of secondary and tertiary structure are therefore not tightly coupled processes. We suggest that disruption of tertiary structure may be a stepwise process that begins at the weakest point of the native fold, as determined by native-state hydrogen-exchange parameters.
Bodily pain and coping styles among four geriatric age groups of women.

No research is available regarding the association between coping styles and bodily pain by age-specific sub-groups in non-clinical older populations. To address this research gap, we recruited 317 older women (age 55–105, mainly from minority ethnic backgrounds) and divided our sample into sub-groups by decade. Regression analyses on the total sample and the age group of 65–74 demonstrated that denial and venting were inversely related to pain. Findings for the age groups 55–64 and 75–84 were non-significant. Among women age 85 or older, seeking emotional support was inversely associated with pain, while active coping was related to higher pain reports.
Oxygen exchange profile in rat muscles of contrasting fibre types

To determine whether fibre type affects the O2 exchange characteristics of skeletal muscle at the microcirculatory level we tested the hypothesis that, following the onset of contractions, muscle comprising predominately type I fibres (soleus, Sol, 86 % type I) would, based on demonstrated blood flow responses, exhibit a blunted microvascular PO2 (PO2,m, which is determined by the O2 delivery (QO2) to O2 uptake (VO2) ratio) profile (assessed via phosphorescence quenching) compared to muscle of primarily type II fibres (peroneal, Per, 84 % type II). PO2,m was measured at rest, and following the rest-contractions (twitch, 1 Hz, 2-4 V for 120 s) transition in Sol (n = 6) and Per (n = 6) muscles of Sprague-Dawley rats. Both muscles exhibited a delay followed by a mono-exponential decrease in PO2,m to the steady state. However, compared with Sol, Per demonstrated (1) a larger change in baseline minus steady state contracting PO2,m (DeltaPO2,m) (Per, 13.4 +/- 1.7 mmHg; Sol, 8.6 +/- 0.9 mmHg, P < 0.05); (2) a faster mean response time (i.e. time delay (TD) plus time constant (tau); Per, 23.8 +/- 1.5 s; Sol, 39.6 +/- 4.3 s, P < 0.05); and therefore (3) a greater rate of PO2,m decline (DeltaPO2,m/tau; Per, 0.92 +/- 0.08 mmHg s-1; Sol, 0.42 +/- 0.05 mmHg s-1, P < 0.05). These data demonstrate an increased microvascular pressure head of O2 at any given point after the initial time delay for Sol versus Per following the onset of contractions that is probably due to faster QO2 dynamics relative to those of VO2.
429 X-LINKED AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

A 15-year-old boy with x-linked agammaglobulinemia (X-LA) was evaluated for growth retardation, malabsorption and progressive inflammatory bowel disease. He had absent IgG, IgM and IgA by immunoelectrophoresis. Surface immunoglobulins (Ig) were absent by polyvalent and IgM antisera. EAC-rosette forming lymphocytes were decreased (6% vs. 14% control). E-rosette forming lymphocytes were near normal (47% vs. 61% control). PHA, ConA and PWM-stimulation were normal. Response to skin tests with Mumps and SKSD were normal; monilial antigen were nonreactive. Small bowel series revealed fixed, nodular ileum with widely separated loops. Rectal biopsy showed “nests” of lymphocytes. There were no plasma cells or detectable Ig's by immunofluorescent staining. Fecal fat excretion (coef.=82), infused IgG half-life (4 days) and Schilling Test (0% excretion) were abnormal. Laparotomy was performed and revealed inflammatory, polypoid-like ileal mucosa. There was massive infiltration of the mucosa and submucosa with mature lymphocytes. Polypoid-like lesions represented masses of lymphocytes. There were no detectable tissue Ig's as determined by single phase antibody radioimmunoassay. E-rosettes forming intestinal lymphocytes were 51%; EAC-rosetting lymphocytes were 5%. No virus was isolated from surgical tissue. This case appears to represent a new, unclassified inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology in a child with X-LA.
Adverse Effects of Zilpaterol Administration in Horses: Three Cases

Abstract Three healthy horses were fed the beta-adrenergic agonist feed additive zilpaterol at a dosage of 0.17 mg/kg body weight to study zilpaterol elimination kinetics. Soon after ingestion of zilpaterol, the horses developed skeletal muscle tremors and tachycardia. A 75 to 87.5% reduced dose of zilpaterol was fed to the horses 24 hours after the initial dose; administration was discontinued thereafter. The horses exhibited restlessness, muscle tremors, and profuse sweating 20 to 25 minutes after ingestion of zilpaterol. Tachycardia developed within 40 minutes and took up to 2 weeks to resolve. Muscle tremors lasted up to 1 week. The most pronounced derangements in serum biochemistry were increased activities of lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and aspartate transferase, indicating muscle damage. The most severely affected horse also had transient azotemia, hematuria, and proteinuria, suggesting renal damage. All three horses recovered without treatment and were clinically normal 2 to 3 weeks after the initial dose of zilpaterol. Because of their anabolic properties, beta-adrenergic feed additives are considered a risk for abuse in performance horses, despite the absence of Food and Drug Administration approval for such use. Oral administration of zilpaterol to horses at the dosage indicated for use in cattle may result in prolonged adverse effects, including tachycardia, muscle tremors, and renal damage.
Mood disorders in HIV infection

Major depression and mania have increased prevalence in HIV-infected patients, particularly in clinical settings and at later stages of disease. Varied rates of major depression have been reported but differences in definition, methods of study, and population may partly explain these differences. We describe the clinical characteristics, assessment and treatment of mood disorders in HIV-infected patients, with emphasis on aspects specific to the setting of HIV infection. Diagnosis and treatment are complicated by medical complexity, stigma and psychosocial stress. Treatment is associated with clinical improvement. Mood disorders are associated with impulsivity, substance abuse, hopelessness, and demoralization, all of which may increase risk for HIV infection. Also, HIV-associated subcortical damage may be a risk factor for mood disorders, which are increased in late stage HIV infection. We discuss the data supporting the thesis that both of these factors may be at work in producing the high rates of moo...
The variance in stochastic transport problems with Markovian mixing

Abstract This paper considers steady-state particle transport and radiative transfer through a stochastic mixture consisting of two immiscible materials. The mixing of these two components of the medium is assumed to be described by Markovian statistics. In the absence of scattering, exact equations are developed for the ensemble average of any power of the stochastic intensity field. Particular attention is paid to the first and second powers, which yield algorithms for computing the ensemble-averaged intensity as well as the associated variance. A simplified description is obtained in the asymptotic limit of a small amount of opaque material admixed with a large amount of transparent material. This description is in the form of renormalized transport equations, with effective coefficients, for the ensemble-averaged intensity and variance. An asymptotic equivalence argument is used to ensure robustness of the renormalized variance equation.
Recovery of pattern discrimination ability in rats receiving serial or one-stage visual cortex lesions.

Abstract Two groups of 10 hooded rats were trained on a pattern discrimination between horizontal and vertical striped stimuli which were equated for contour-length and total luminous flux, and in which consistent local luminous flux cues were eliminated. In one group of rats, visual cortex removals were performed in two stages with training between the operations. Nine out of the 10 rats were able to relearn the pattern discrimination (median of 344 trials) after the completed bilateral visual cortex removals. The second group of rats received similar bilateral visual cortex lesions in one stage. In agreement with previous studies, none of these animals were able to relearn the discrimination after more than 10 times (550 trial limit) the trials required for original learning. However, several rats with total one-stage lesions could relearn the pattern discrimination if very extended periods of training were given.
Cooperative inertial navigation

The design of suitable estimator architectures for INS aided by relative measurements and information sharing among an unrestricted community of users is discussed. Both decentralized and centralized estimators are presented. The centralized estimator is based on the Extended Kalman Filter. The challenge of handling inter-vehicle correlation in the decentralized framework is highlighted and a Covariance Intersection (CI) based decentralized estimator is proposed. The centralized and decentralized estimators are evaluated in an automotive simulation with a community of 2,000 + low-cost INS users operating in a GNSS-denied zone. Both single-vehicle and community-wide performance is compared. The proposed CI-based decentralized estimator is demonstrated to be conservative and maintain consistency. The centralized system achieves an order of magnitude reduction in uncertainty by aggressively aiding the INS on board each vehicle. Lastly, a quantitative evaluation of bandwidth requirements for both centralized and our proposed CI-based decentralized cooperative navigation systems are presented. Copyright © 2014 Institute of Navigation.
Defending coase against false charges: A comment on block

This note suggests that Coase's “The Problem of Social Cost” has been read and interpreted too broadly to apply to all aspects of law. Drawing from Coase's own work, I show that Coase was narrowly focused on the economic analysis of negative externalities. This understanding of the paper precludes it from being used as a justification for the broad redistribution of property rights for the purpose of wealth maximization. This understanding of Coase's paper also defends his work against charges from those who object to making the determination of property rights secondary to the maximization of wealth.
TightRope fixation of complex acromioclavicular separation: A high-wire act

Numerous techniques have evolved for acromioclavicular joint fixation over the past decade to help decrease the risk of hardware complications and improve patient satisfaction. One of these techniques involves the TightRope system, which employs two titanium endobuttons to help reduce and secure the coracoclavicular joint. Clinical outcomes have been favorable, as orthopedic surgeons have gained more experience using this nonrigid system. It is important for radiologists to be aware of the radiographic appearance of this device and its associated complications.
The use of cognitive and experiential techniques to treat depression

Treatment of a young woman for symptoms of depression and adjustment problems incorporated cognitive and experiential techniques. Cognitive techniques were used to identify beliefs in incompetence ...
Identification and analysis of einsteinium sesquioxide by electron diffraction

Abstract Einsteinium sesquioxide was prepared by calcining submicrogram quantities of the metal nitrate, and the resulting oxide was analyzed by electron diffraction. The lattice parameter of the body-centered cubic Es 2 O 3 was found to be 10·766±0.006 A for a hydrogen-reduced oxide sample. The ionic radius of Es 3+ calculated from this lattice parameter was 0·928 A, which is approximately midway between the values calculated for Gd 3+ and Tb 3+ from their sesquioxides.
On the significance of C3—C4 intermediate photosynthesis to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis

Abstract Evidence is drawn from previous studies to argue that C3—C4 intermediate plants are evolutionary intermediates, evolving from fully-expressed C3 plants towards fully-expressed C4 plants. On the basis of this conclusion, C3—C4 intermediates are examined to elucidate possible patterns that have been followed during the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. An hypothesis is proposed that the initial step in C4-evolution was the development of bundle-sheath metabolism that reduced apparent photorespiration by an efficient recycling of CO2 using RuBP carboxylase. The CO2-recycling mechanism appears to involve the differential compartmentation of glycine decarboxylase between mesophyll and bundle-sheath cells, such that most of the activity is in the bundlesheath cells. Subsequently, elevated phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase activities are proposed to have evolved as a means of enhancing the recycling of photorespired CO2. As the activity of PEP carboxylase increased to higher values, other enzymes in the C4-pathway are proposed to have increased in activity to facilitate the processing of the products of C4-assimilation and provide PEP substrate to PEP carboxylase with greater efficiency. Initially, such a ‘C4-cycle’ would not have been differentially compartmentalized between mesophyll and bundlesheath cells as is typical of fully-expressed C4 plants. Such metabolism would have limited benefit in terms of concentrating CO2 at RuBP carboxylase and, therefore, also be of little benefit for improving water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies. However, the development of such a limited C4-cycle would have represented a preadaptation capable of evolving into the leaf biochemistry typical of fully-expressed C4 plants. Thus, during the initial stages of C4-evolution it is proposed that improvements in photorespiratory CO2-loss and their influence on increasing the rate of net CO2 assimilation per unit leaf area represented the evolutionary ‘driving-force’. Improved resourceuse efficiency resulting from an efficient CO2-concentrating mechanism is proposed as the driving force during the later stages.
Self-efficacy in university faculty.

Abstract This study tested a causal model of academic self-efficacy in faculty at a large New England research university, focusing specifically on gender as one of 12 antecedent variables. Academic self-efficacy was defined as an estimate of confidence in one's ability to perform various tasks classified as research, service, and teaching in a university setting. The variables were drawn from Bandura's theory of self-efficacy and from characteristics of the university work setting. Data was obtained by mail response to a researcher-designed instrument: the Measure of Self-Efficacy in Academic Tasks (MSEAT). The findings show that being female contributed to feeling less efficacious about research tasks indirectly through the mediating influence of intervening variables. Feeling nourished and rewarded by a department and being male contributed to service self-efficacy. Teaching self-efficacy was not explained by the causal model. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of campus socializing interventions, departmental research climate, and university incentives for female faculty.
High frequency internal waves in the Pacific Ocean

Abstract Observations of high frequency internal waves made in the deep sea off Baja, California by measuring the fluctuating depth of an isotherm with a three-element horizontal array attached to a stable platform. The waves are characterized as a broad band phenomenon with a continuous distribution in frequency. For short intervals of time, a narrow frequency band is adequately described as a horizontally plane wave of a single vertical mode. This simplified structure is stationary over time spans of several days. High modes are present in the low frequency waves, but above 4 cph first mode predominates. The spectral shape is consistent with the shear limited equilibrium spectrum proposed by Phillips (1966). In addition, the predominance of the first mode at high frequencies further emphasizes the importance of shear instability in internal wave propagation. The horizontal properties of the wave field indicate well-defined directions of narrow-beamed propagation. These directions and the dispersive properties of the propagation have led to the identification of local topographic features as generating areas of internal waves.
Acrylamide hemoglobin adduct levels and ovarian cancer risk: a nested case-control study

Background: Acrylamide is a probable human carcinogen formed during cooking of starchy foods. Two large prospective cohort studies of dietary acrylamide intake and ovarian cancer risk observed a positive association, although two other studies reported no association. Methods: We measured acrylamide exposure using red blood cell acrylamide and glycidamide hemoglobin adducts among women in two large prospective cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II. Between blood collection and 2010, we identified 263 incident cases of epithelial ovarian cancer, matching two controls per case. We used logistic regression models to examine the association between acrylamide exposure and ovarian cancer risk, adjusting for matching factors, family history of ovarian cancer, tubal ligation, oral contraceptive use, body mass index, parity, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity, and caffeine intake. Results: The multivariate-adjusted relative risk (RR) of ovarian cancer comparing the highest versus lowest tertile of total acrylamide adducts was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.50–1.24, P trend = 0.08). The comparable RR of ovarian cancer among non-smokers at blood draw was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.57–1.27, P trend = 0.14). The association did not differ by tumor histology (serous invasive versus not), P for heterogeneity = 0.86. Individual adduct types (acrylamide or glycidamide) were not associated with risk. Conclusions: We observed no evidence that acrylamide exposure as measured by adducts to hemoglobin is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Impact: Our finding indicates that acrylamide intake may not increase risk of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 1–8. ©2013 AACR .
Human prostate cancer initiating cells isolated directly from localized cancer do not form prostaspheres in primary culture

BACKGROUND Recent experimental studies suggest that hierarchical expansion from a minor population of cancer cells with an unlimited self-renewal capacity, termed cancer initiating cells (CICs), drives both lethality and heterogeneity of prostate cancer. Human prostate CICs have been established from only two primary prostate cancer patients, with the remaining established CIC lines being derived from metastatic sites from <10 patients. This suggests that the established CIC lines are significant “outliers” and may not be representative of the prostate CICs seen clinically. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches to achieve the “routine” establishment of CIC containing lines, particularly derived from primary prostate cancers. METHODS In the present studies, we confirmed that in serum free, high Ca2+ (i.e., DMEN: F12) growth factor defined (GFD) media plus androgen, a large (n = 10) series of established human prostate cancer cell lines derived from both localized and metastatic sites characteristically self-associate in suspension and grow as unattached spheroids, termed prostaspheres which contain CICs based upon their self-renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. RESULTS Unfortunately, however, while dissociated single cells from human primary prostate cancer tissues are viable, contain CICs as documented by their ability to take and proliferate as xenografts, and produce prostaspheres when plated with serum free, high Ca2+/GFD-media plus androgen onto standard tissue culture flask, these prostasphere do not contain CICs. CONCLUSION The development of reproducibly methods to culture CICs isolated directly from localized cancers is still an urgent unmeet need of the prostate cancer research community. Prostate 72:1478–1489, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost-effectiveness of pancreatic cancer screening in familial pancreatic cancer kindreds

Abstract Background: Endoscopic screening of families predisposed to pancreatic cancer is increasingly used, but the cost-effectiveness of screening is unknown. Methods: A decision analysis was used to compare one-time screening for pancreatic dysplasia with EUS to no screening in a hypothetical cohort of 100 members of familial pancreatic cancer kindreds. Abnormal EUS findings are confirmed with ERCP and patients with abnormal findings are candidates for total pancreatectomy. Lifetime medical care costs and life expectancy were modeled, and the main analysis was conducted from the third-party payer perspective. The base-case analysis assumed a 20% prevalence of pancreatic dysplasia and 90% sensitivity of EUS and ERCP. Results: Endoscopic screening was cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $16,885/life-year saved. Screening was more cost-effective as the probability of dysplasia increased and as the sensitivity of EUS and ERCP increased. Screening remained cost-effective if the prevalence of dysplasia was greater than 16% or if the sensitivity of EUS was greater than 84%. Procedure costs had a limited impact on cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: Endoscopic screening of carefully selected members of familial pancreatic cancer kindreds appears to increase patient life expectancy in a cost-effective manner. Screening should be performed in centers that have experience with endoscopic screening for pancreatic dysplasia. The cost-effectiveness of repeated screening remains to be determined. (Gastrointest Endosc 2003;57:23-9.)
Reversal of gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibition by carbon dioxide.

Abstract 1. 1. Gamma -aminobutyric acid (GABA) potentiates the stimulatory action of CO 2 on the spontaneous bioelectric activity of the isolated central nervous system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.). 2. 2. When GABA reacts with CO 2 , an unstable carbamino-GABA compound is formed that might be physiologically active. 3. 3. Gamma -hydroxybutyric acid, which cannot form a carbamino compound with CO 2 , reduces the sensitivity of the isolated cockroach CNS to CO 2 . 4. 4. Beta -hydroxy- gamma -aminobutyrate, which has less ability than GABA to form a carbamino compound, is less effective than GABA in potentiating the stimulatory action of CO 2 . 5. 5. N -Acetyl-GABA and l -glutamate are compounds that are structurally similar to carbamino-GABA, and stimulate the preparation at high concentrations. 6. 6. These findings suggest that carbamino-GABA is a physiologically active excitatory substance in the insect CNS.
Network-Aware Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling

Reducing energy consumption is an important consideration in embedded real-time system development. This work examines systems that contain a DVFS managed CPU executing packet producing tasks and a DPM-controlled network interface. We introduce a novel approach to minimize energy consumed by the network resource on such a system, through careful selection of voltage and frequency levels on the CPU. Contrary to existing claims which state that DVFS should not be employed when the CPU is not a significant consumer of energy, we show that our DVFS technique can reduce system energy by as much as 35%, even when the CPU energy consumption is negligible. Furthermore, we motivate the need to balance the CPU and network energy and present two techniques to do so. One is based on off-line analysis and the other is a conservative on-line approach. We then validate the proposed methods using both simulation and an implementation in the Linux kernel
Real-time MR properties of particulate embolic agents tested in a dynamic flow model.

PURPOSE Interventional magnetic resonance (MR)-guided transcatheter embolization could potentially limit radiation exposure and improve visualization of target organs. The feasibility of monitoring injection and distribution of embolic agents was assessed in a dynamic flow model with real-time MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS MR-compatible flow models were constructed with use of clear plastic chambers containing 170 μm polyethylene tubular filters. Gadolinium (Gd)-impregnated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles (355–500 and 500–710 μm in size) and Gd-impregnated microspheres (Embospheres, 300–500 and 500–700 μm in size) were injected into the flow circuit under real-time dynamic T1-weighted fast field echo guidance at four images per second. A dynamic steady-state free precession sequence at four images per second was used to monitor the injection of unmodified Embo-Gold 700–900 μm particles. High-resolution scans were obtained before and after each particle injection. RESULTS MR signal enhancement on the dynamic T1-weighted fast field echo sequence was visible during the injection of Gd-impregnated microspheres. Gd-impregnated PVA particles were not detected by this sequence. After injection, microsphere and PVA localization to the filter chambers was confirmed by the high-resolution scans. On the high-resolution sequences, relative MR signal enhancement of the microspheres was higher than that of the PVA particles. The Embo-Gold particles were minimally detectable on the dynamic sequence and undetectable by the high-resolution scan. After particle injection, direct inspection of the filter chamber showed trapping of all particle types and sizes. CONCLUSION Real-time MR tracking of Gd-impregnated embolic agents is possible in vitro.
Effect of oral contraceptives on the rat brain and pituitary opioid peptides

Abstract This study was designed to explore the hormonal regulation of CNS opioid peptide levels in female Sprague Dawley rats. Forty-eight animals were divided into 2 equal groups for acute and chronic studies. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups, each containing 6 animals. Each rat in the control group received an inert pill (in 0.25 ml corn oil daily by gavage); the second group, 15 μg norethindrone (NE, a potent progestin present in the oral contraceptive Micronor®); the third group, 15 μg NE and 1 μg ethinyl estradiol, EE2 (present in the oral contraceptive Modicon®) and the fourth group, 10 times the dose of the third group. Rats were treated either acutely for 5 days or chronically for 7 weeks. Opioid peptides were estimated by radioimmunoassay. Acute administration of 150 μ g NE + 10 μ g EE 2 decreased the levels of methionine-enkephalin (ME), leucine-enkephalin (LE), dynorphin (DYN) and β-endorphin like immunoreactivity (β-EI) by about 50% in the pituitary. The same dose on chronic administration also decreased DYN, but increased the levels of ME and LE in the pituitary by 331 and 69%, respectively. In the hypothalamus, chronic administration of NE + EE2 increased the level of ME (155%) and LE (87%) as well as of DYN (97%). In the striatum, the levels of LE (33%) and DYN (115%) were elevated during chronic administration. It is concluded that the acute administration of NE + EE2, in general, reduces the levels of ME, LE, DYN and β-EI. The extent of this decrease is about the same in the pituitary, hypothalamus and striatum. Chronic administration of these hormones, however, results in a reversal of this decrease (except for β-EI) and actually can increase the levels of ME, LE and DYN in all three tissues.
Flex circuits for the ATLAS pixel detector

Abstract Recent progress on designs of flexible circuits for the ATLAS pixel detector will be discussed. Thin flexible circuits can be used to provide power and signal connections between front-end (FE) readout chips and data acquisition chips on the pixel detector module. Fabrication of a prototype design has been completed and test beam measurements with a 16 FE chip flex module gave an efficiency of 98.4% and a position resolution of 13.8 μm for clusters consisting of one or two pixels.
Results From a Pilot Promotora Program to Reduce Depression and Stress Among Immigrant Latinas

The stressful experiences that Latino immigrants face throughout the migration process to the United States put them at increased risk for poor mental health. Latinas are at heightened risk due to stigma, limited access to mental health resources, domestic violence, and gender role expectations. In addition, for those who live in new immigrant settlement areas, such as the Southeast, these disparities are magnified by even fewer culturally appropriate services and limited social support. This study evaluates the impact of ALMA (Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma/Latina Friends Motivating the Soul), a pilot promotora intervention offered in three North Carolina counties to improve mental health among Latinas by offering coping skills training. The intervention trained community-based promotoras to conduct outreach to Latina women in their social network (companeras). Using a pre-post test design, we assessed the mental health outcomes of companeras. Companeras improved on the following outcomes: depressive symptoms, attitudes of depression treatment, perceived and acculturative stress, perceived social support, and positive coping responses. Our findings suggest that promotora interventions, such as ALMA, that focus on building self-care strategies can be valuable to reducing preclinical symptoms and addressing health care disparities that are exacerbated by unavailable or underused mental health services.
Message strategies of Saudi Arabia’s image restoration campaign after 9/11

Abstract The research applies Image Restoration Discourse to Saudi Arabia’s attempt to repair its damaged reputation after 9/11. The country was accused of supporting terrorism and of failing to support a possible U.S. attack on Iraq. It was suggested that by relying heavily on denial and bolstering, the image repair effort was partially successful at dispelling the first concern; it was notably less effective in responding to the second accusation.
Comparison of the effects of ethanol and chlordiazepoxide on electrophysiological activity in the fascia dentata and hippocampus regio superior.

Acute intoxicating doses of ethanol-producing blood alcohol levels of 120–200 mg% increase paired-pulse (PP) inhibition in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats suggesting that ethanol increases recurrent inhibitory processes (Wiesner, J. B., and S. J. Henriksen (1987) Ethanol enhances recurrent inhibition in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Neurosci. Lett. 79:169–173). To further understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, the authors studied the effects of the benzodiazepine (BZ), chlordiazepoxide, and acute intoxicating levels of ethanol on extracellular field potential recordings and single-unit activity in the dentate gyrus and area CA1 of the hippocampus. In the dentate, ethanol had no effect on population excitatory postsynaptic potential (pEPSP) amplitudes or slopes; decreased population spike (PS) amplitudes (25%); increased PP inhibition; decreased dentate granule cell (DGC) spontaneous activity (58%); had no effect on putative interneuron spontaneous activity; and markedly increased post field potential-evoked interneuron discharges (IDs, 218%). Chlordiazepoxide had no effect on pEPSP amplitudes or slopes or PS amplitudes; increased PP inhibition; decreased DGC (62%) and interneuron (72%) spontaneous activity; and markedly decreased IDs (89%). In CA1, ethanol had no effect on pEPSP amplitudes or slopes; decreased PS amplitudes (26%); had no effect on PP responses; decreased pyramidal cell (PC) spontaneous activity (39%); had no effect on interneuron spontaneous activity; and markedly increased IDs (97%). Chlordiazepoxide had no effect on pEPSP amplitudes or slopes or PS amplitudes; had no effect on PP responses; decreased PC spontaneous activity (41%); and had no effect on interneuron spontaneous activity or IDs. The results suggest that the BZs decrease principal cell excitability by postsynaptic facilitation of inhibitory processes, whereas ethanol decreases principal cell excitability by postsynaptic facilitation of inhibitory processes, whereas ethanol decreases principal cell excitability indirectly by increasing the excitability of inhibitory interneurons.
Masculine sexual behavior: Pacing and ejaculatory patterns in female rats induced by electrical shock

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to compare the responsiveness of male and female rats to peripheral electrical shock. Gonadectomized males and females were treated with androgen as adults and then tested for male copulatory behavior under shock and non-shock conditions. There was no significant difference in the periodicity of male copulatory behavior due to sex. The delivery of shock at 30 sec intervals paced the behavior and increased the rate of copulation. Peripheral electrical shock did not affect the number of intromissions per mount bout; however it did increase the number of intromissions per minute exhibited by both sexes. An unexpected finding during the course of testing was the display of the ejaculatory pattern by 3 of the 8 females tested. These results lend additional support to the hypothesis that the factors underlying masculine copulatory behavior in the female are very similar, if not identical, to those present in the male.
Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy of bacteriochlorophyll c antennae in bacteriochlorophyll a-containing chlorosomes from the green photosynthetic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus

Time-dependent isotropic and anisotropic absorption difference profiles have been obtained with 2 ps resolution for the (BChl) bacteriochlorophyll c antenna in BChl a -containing chlorosomes from the green photosynthetic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus . The isotropic absorption difference spectra are bipolar; they are dominated by excited state absorption at wavelengths 735 nm. The entire isotropic spectrum exhibits a dynamic blue shift over approx. 4 nm with a time constant of approx. 7 ps. All of these phenomena are rationalized in terms of a linear exciton model that resembles the theory of J -aggregates. In this theory, the occurrence of the dynamic blue shift corresponds to relaxation between Q y excitation components; it cannot readily be explained using a model that assumes that the excitations are localized on single chromophores within 1 ps. The anisotropic decay times, resolved here for the first time with our 2 ps fwhm instrument function, are approx. 7 ± 1 ps at 720 nm and 4 ± 1 ps at 740 nm. The residual anisotropy r (∞) is 0.32 ± 0.02 at 740 nm, which is in good agreement with fluorescence and linear dichroism measurements. These anisotropy functions initialize to 0.4 within error, indicating that subpicosecond depolarization is not prevalent.
Direct Measurement of Electron Drift Parameters using Depth Sensing Single Carrier CdZnTe Detectors

This paper describes some novel techniques developed for directly measuring the electron mobility {mu}{sub e} and mean free drift time {tau}{sub e} in wide band gap semiconductors. These methods are based on a newly-developed digital data analysis system, in conjunction with single carrier charge sensing and depth sensing techniques. Compared with conventional methods, the new techniques are easier to implement, do not involve curve fitting, allow the use of high energy {gamma}-rays and are not sensitive to variations in pulse rise time.
Vos qui les biaus mos entendez: Audience collusion in twelfth-century French narrative

A partit d'un corpus de textes narratifs du XIIeme siecle, l'A. met en evidence la relation de complicite entre le narrateur et l'auditeur. L'acte narratif des jongleurs dans sa dimension de seduction depasse de loin la relation commerciale qui les lie a leur public
A stabilization matrix for the bilinear mindlin plate element

Abstract The reduced integration of the four node quadrilateral plate element based on Mindlin theory results in zero energy modes other than the rigid body modes. These modes present difficulties in certain situations. In this paper we suggest a method to remove these zero-energy (kinematic) modes by perturbing the stiffness by a stabilization matrix. This approach eliminates the element's kinematic modes without inducing locking and thus does not affect its convergence.
What Predicts the Effectiveness of Foreign-Language Pronunciation Instruction?: Investigating the Role of Perception and Other Individual Differences

This study investigated second language (L2) learners’ perception of L2 sounds as an individual difference that predicted their improvement in pronunciation after receiving instruction. Learners were given explicit pronunciation instruction in a series of modules added to their Spanish as a foreign language curriculum and were then tested on their pronunciation accuracy. Their perception of the target sounds was measured with an AX discrimination task. Though the best predictor of pronunciation post-test score was pre-test score, perception made a unique and significant contribution. The other factors associated with better pronunciation of some L2 sounds were age, attitude, and time spent using Spanish outside the classroom. The results suggest that instructors should give adequate time for learners to hone their perception of target sounds at the outset of pronunciation instruction, because their initial ability to perceive the target sounds will, in part, determine how much they learn from such instruction. The results support models of L2 speech acquisition that claim that target-like perception is a precursor to target-like production, in this case in a formal learning context. Resume: Cette etude a investigue la perception des apprenants de langue seconde en ce qui concerne les sons de celle-ci comme difference individuelle qui prevoyait une amelioration de leur prononciation apres enseignement. On a donne aux apprenants un enseignement explicit sur la prononciation dans une serie de modules ajoutee a leur curriculum d’enseignement d’espagnol comme langue etrangere, et on les a testes sur la precision de leur prononciation. Leur perception des sons en espagnol etait mesuree avec une tâche de discrimination AX. Quoique le meilleur indice des resultats post-test soit les resultat pre-test, la perception a fait une contribution unique et significative. Les autres elements associes a une meilleure prononciation de certains sons dans la langue-cible etaient le temps devoue a l’utilisation de l’espagnol en dehors du cours, l’âge, et l’attitude. Les resultats suggerent que les enseignants devraient donner suffisamment de temps pour les apprenants de perfectionner leur perception de la langue-cible des le debut de l’enseignement de la prononciation, parce que leur capacite initiale de percevoir les sons-cible determinera, en grand mesure, combien ils apprendront d’un tel enseignement. Les resultats soutiennent les modeles de l’apprentissage de langue seconde qui pretendent que la perception quasi-maternelle est un precurseur de la production quasimaternelle, dans ce cas dans un contexte d’apprentissage formel.
The structure of denatured bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI).

In the presence of denaturant and thiol initiator, the native bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) denatures by shuffling its native disulfide bonds and converts to a mixture of scrambled isomers. The extent of denaturation is evaluated by the relative yields of the scrambled and native species of BPTI. BPTI is an exceedingly stable molecule and can be effectively denatured only by guanidine thiocyanate (GdmSCN) at concentrations higher than 3–4 M. The denatured BPTI consists of at least eight fractions of scrambled isomers. Their composition varies under increasing concentrations of GdmSCN. In the presence of 6 M GdmSCN, the most predominant fraction of scrambled BPTI accounts for 56% of the total structure of denatured BPTI. Structural analysis reveals that this predominant fraction contains the bead-form isomer of scrambled BPTI, bridged by three pairs of neighboring cysteines, Cys5-Cys14, Cys30-Cys38 and Cys51-Cys55. The extreme conformational stability of BPTI has important implications in its distinctive folding pathway.
Molecular Modeling of Folding and Preferred Regioisomer Formation in α-Conotoxins

Conotoxins are short peptides that are isolated from predatory marine cone snail venom. They are unique from other peptides in that they have the ability to differentiate between various types of ion channels and this makes them ideal diagnostic tools in the characterization of neuronal pathways and in drug development. The subject of our study, α- conotoxins, are 13 to 15-amino acid peptides containing 4 cysteine residues. Thus, three possible regioisomers can form via disulfide bond formation upon synthesis of these compounds. We report a method to model the conformational folding of α-conotoxins and the factors that affect the synthesis of specific regioisomers. We use a combination of molecular dynamics methods to determine the geometric factors (S-S distance, for instance) and ab initio methods to determine the conformational energy and molecular orbital information. Experimental work by the Hargittai group has determined that the nature of the amino acid at the 9 position strongly directs the formation of a specific regioisomer. Our model agrees with experimental observations that identify the role of the amino acid proline in directing the proper folding of α-conotoxins. We have observed that the presence of proline (1) directs the folding towards the proper (native) sulfur-sulfur pairs, and (2) allows less flexibility in the folding. The molecular orbital methodology has also provided insight into the directionality and energetics of the disulfide bond formation.
The effect of metal composition on Fe–Ni partition behavior between olivine and FeNi-metal, FeNi-carbide, FeNi-sulfide at elevated pressure

Metal-olivine Fe-Ni exchange distribution coefficients were determined at 1500 C over the pressure range of 1 to 9 GPa for solid and liquid alloy compositions. The metal alloy composition was varied with respect to the Fe/Ni ratio and the amount of dissolved carbon and sulfur. The Fe/Ni ratio of the metal phase exercises an important control on the abundance of Ni in the olivine. The Ni abundance in the olivine decreases as the Fe/Ni ratio of the coexisting metal increases. The presence of carbon (up to approx. 3.5 wt.%) and sulfur (up to approx. 7.5 wt.%) in solution in the liquid Fe-Ni-metal phase has a minor effect on the partitioning of Fe and Ni between metal and olivine phases. No pressure dependence of the Fe-Ni-metal-olivine exchange behavior in carbon- and sulfur-free and carbon- and sulfur-containing systems was found within the investigated pressure range. To match the Ni abundance in terrestrial mantle olivine, assuming an equilibrium metal-olivine distribution, a sub-chondritic Fe/Ni-metal ratio that is a factor of 17 to 27 lower than the Fe/Ni ratios in estimated Earth core compositions would be required, implying higher Fe concentrations in the core forming metal phase. A simple metal-olivine equilibrium distribution does not seem to be feasible to explain the Ni abundances in the Earth's mantle. An equilibrium between metal and olivine does not exercise a control on the problem of Ni overabundance in the Earth's mantle. The experimental results do not contradict the presence of a magma ocean at the time of terrestrial core formation, if olivine was present in only minor amounts at the time of metal segregation.