cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Truth, Fact and Value: Recovering Normative Foundations for Sociology

Can sociology have normative presuppositions? Is the purpose of sociology to study society as it is or how it ought to be? Can we task sociology with serving moral and ethical ends? If so, are there universal categories by means of which we can define what constitutes a good society? Or are all such categories in the end but particular constructs unique to particular cultures and traditions, and hence bound by relativism? The history of the social sciences has proven these to be profoundly formidable questions to answer. In fact, far from providing a systematic conceptual framework, contemporary social theory in its current state consists of diverse and often contradictory theoretical standpoints and ethical presuppositions that make any single approach to normative foundations of social science appear to be limited, partial and ultimately untenable.
Efficacy of metoclopramide in postoperative ileus after exploratory laparotomy.

Study Objective. To assess the efficacy of metoclopramide for treatment of postoperative ileus in patients who underwent exploratory laparatomy. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Patients. Thirty-two patients who underwent exploratory laparatomy. Intervention. Sixteen patients received metoclopramide, and 16 did not. The primary outcome was time to first postoperative bowel movement. Secondary end points were length of stay (LOS) in the SICU and total hospital LOS. Measurements and Main Results. The mean number of days to first bowel movement was nearly identical for both the treatment group and control group (4.8 vs 4.7 days, respectively, p=0.93). Length of stay in the SICU was 8.3 days for the treatment group and 8.6 days for the control group (p=0.89), and total LOS was 18.0 and 20.1 days, respectively (p=0.63). Conclusion. The time to first bowel movement was not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. Also, metoclopramide did not decrease LOS. Metoclopramide does not have a role in the treatment of postoperative ileus.
Comment on "Recoil saturation of the self-energy in atomic systems"

The effective potential in low-energy two-body scattering obtained by the ''self-energy method'' is identical to the effective potential commonly defined as the Fourier transform of the scattering transition amplitude (the T matrix) with respect to the momentum transfer. Because of the convenience that may occur in the exchange of the order of integration, nonadiabatic recoil corrections may be disguised as momentum-dependent corrections. These momentum-dependent corrections are distinct from energy-dependent corrections. In certain forms, they may violate either T invariance or Hermiticity. Their origin is attributable to a mathematical artifact and there exists a systematic method of converting the momentum-dependent correction terms into truly local form. When recoil effect is important, these nonadiabatic corrections cannot be ignored even at threshold energy when all energy-dependent corrections vanish. In certain cases, such as in the extrapolation of the effective potential to short-distance behavior, each of the nonadiabatic corrections may be comparable to the leading term. On resummation, these may greatly alter the behavior of the effective potential indicated by the leading term alone. The previous analysis of J. R. Manson and R. H. Ritchie (Phys. Rev. A 35, 5249 (1987)) on the saturation effect due to recoil in the scattering of Coulombic systemsmore » is based on neglect of these nonadiabatic corrections disguised as momentum-dependent corrections while extrapolating the effective potential to short-distance behavior. The present Comment points out the flaw in such a procedure.« less
Views of the Renin–Angiotensin System: Brilling, Mimsy, and Slithy Tove

The renin–angiotensin system plays a role in many physiological systems, as proven by the phenotype of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) knockout mice. We have used homologous recombination to create novel lines of mice with limited and unusual expression patterns of ACE. These mice show that, as long as an animal can regulate renin, they can tolerate both unusual patterns and reduced expression of ACE. We have also created mice in which one of the two ACE catalytic sites is nonfunctional. These new lines of mice give great insight into the function of the renin–angiotensin system in blood pressure control, response to stress, hematopoiesis, and reproduction.
Nandrolone decanoate modulates cell cycle regulation in functionally overloaded rat soleus muscle.

Functionally overloading rat soleus muscle by synergist ablation induces a rapid increase in mass. Muscle remodeling during the first week of overload is critical for the overload-induced growth. A...
Internal Dynamics and Elasticity of Fractal Colloidal Gels

In this Letter, we overcome this experimental limitation by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) to measure the internal dynamics of fractal colloidal gels, and develop a model that allows us to determine their mechanical properties. We show that colloidal gels exhibit unusual behavior. At early times the dynamics appear as anomalous or “stretched” diffusion with an exponent independent of scattering wave vector q or initial particle volume fraction f0; this is in sharp contrast with polymer gels, where stretched diffusive behavior is observed only after an initial regime of simple exponential decay [6,7]. For colloidal gels, it is still possible to define an effective diffusion coefficient, which scales as q 22 ; this is in sharp contrast with DLS from internal motions of polymers,
An empirical examination of a process-oriented IT business success model

The value of information technology (IT) to modern organizations is almost undeniable. However, the determination of that value has been elusive in research and practice. We used a process-oriented research model developed using two streams of IT research to examine the value of IT in business organizations. One stream is characterized by examining how IT and non-IT variables affect other so-called IT success variables. The second stream is commonly referred to as IT business value, defined as the contribution of IT to firm performance. The resulting research model is referred to in our paper as the IT business success model. Data was collected from 225 top IS executives in fairly large organizations to empirically examine several hypotheses derived from theory concerning the causal nature of the IT business success model. A set of measures for the IT business success model was developed through an intense investigation of the IT literature. The measures were tested for validity and reliability using confirmatory factor analysis. The hypotheses that resulted from past research and conceptually illustrated in the research model were assessed using structural equation analysis. The implications of these findings and the limitations of the study are discussed in an effort to contribute to building a process-oriented theory base for IT business success at the organizational level of analysis.
Photon Localization in Resonant Media

We report measurements of microwave transmission over the first five Mie resonances of alumina spheres randomly positioned in a waveguide. Though precipitous drops in transmission and sharp peaks in the photon transit time are found near all resonances, measurements of transmission fluctuations show that localization occurs only in a narrow frequency window above the first resonance. There the drop in the photon density of states is found to be more pronounced than the fall in the photon transit time above the resonance, leading to a minimum in the Thouless number.
Solute atom-dislocation binding in dilute copper alloys

Abstract Internal friction experiments have been performed on [100] oriented single crystals of dilute coppersilicon and copper-tin alloys in an attempt to determine the binding potential energies of silicon and tin solute atoms to dislocations and to compare the results with the value recently obtained for germanium in copper. Comparison of the measured values allows a test of binding energy theory since the three solute species are of different size, yet exhibit similar electrical and chemical interactions in solution. The measurements have been made using the Marx composite oscillator technique with the specimen driven in its fundamental mode of longitudinal vibration at a frequency of 80 kc/s at temperatures between 198° and 579°C. The strain amplitude dependence of the hysteretic decrement is in good agreement with predictions of the Granato-Lucke theory of dislocation damping and analysis of the data yields values for the solute atom-dislocation binding potential energy of −0.16 ± 0.02, −0.22 ± 0.06 and −0.40 ± 0.10 eV for silicon, germanium and tin, respectively. These values are in general agreement with the predictions of theory and indicate that the dominant contribution to the binding potential energy is due to the size misfit of the solute atoms. In addition, values for the solute atom-dislocation binding entropy are found to be 3.0 ± 0.4 k , 2.0 ± 0.9 k and −0.2 ± 1.5 k (k is Boltzmann's constant) for silicon, germanium and tin, respectively.
A Network Analytic Approach to Audience Behavior and Market Structure: The Case of China and the United States

This study adopts a network analytic approach to understand media audiences in relation to media markets, bridging the literature on audience behavior and media economics. Using audience data in the Chinese and U.S. markets, we apply multi-level measures to compare audience fragmentation patterns, a key indicator of market structure, across television channels. Drawing on McQuail's four–stage fragmentation model, we find the Chinese television market exhibits the Core-Peripheral model where a few channels dominate the marketplace and the rest are viewed by niche segments of the audience. In contrast, the U.S. market represents the Pluralism model with extremely high levels of audience duplication across channels, suggesting overlapping patterns of exposure throughout the market rather than isolated segments.
Use of the MMPI with brain damaged psychiatric patients

Abstract Research on the use of the MMPI with brain damaged psychiatric patients can be categorized according to the use of: 1) Profile Analysis; 2) Special Scales; and 3) Decision Rules. Although considerable work has gone on in each of these areas, there remains disagreement as to the diagnostic usefulness of the MMPI when brain damage is involved. The Sc scale is the most commonly reported best indicator, but it provides a narrow perspective for assessment. It is suggested that the inconsistencies in the literature may be related to methodological issues, such as the conceptualization of brain injury as a unitary process and the techniques used to classify patients as non-brain injured. Multiple diagnostic procedures are recommended when the MMPI is to be used for this purpose.
Multipoint linkage analysis using sib pairs: an interval mapping approach for dichotomous outcomes.

I propose an interval mapping approach suitable for a dichotomous outcome, with emphasis on samples of affected sib pairs. The method computes a lod score for each of a set of locations in the interval between two flanking markers and takes as its estimate of trait-locus location the maximum lod score in the interval, provided it exceeds the prespecified critical value. Use of the method depends on prior knowledge of the genetic model for the disease only through available estimates of recurrence risk to relatives of affected individuals. The method gives an unbiased estimate of location, provided the recurrence risks are correctly specified and provided the marker identity-by-descent probabilities are jointly, rather than individually, estimated. I also discuss use of the method for traits determined by two loci and give an approximation that has good power for a wide range of two-locus models. 25 refs., 2 figs., 9 tabs.
Visualization of stage calculations in ternary reacting mixtures

Abstract We present a visual-aided method to carry out stage calculations of a reactive distillation column with the ternary isomolar reaction, 2R1↔P1 + P2. The reactive cascade different point, which is the combined point of stoichiometric coefficient vectors and product compositions, enables us to step off or up the stages. For a given reflux or reboil ratio, we can determine the extent of reaction on each reactive stage in terms of a reaction equilibrium curve and a bubble point curve equilibrated with the reaction equilibrium manifold. If the reaction equilibrium curve lies to the left of the bubble point curve for a liquid phase reaction, the stripping section with the reactive feed stage is better than the reactive rectifying section with the reactive feed stage in terms of reaction conversion and separation efficiency.
Cognitive dissonance and self-monitoring: A matter of context?

In Study 1, high and low self-monitors wrote counterattitudinal essays. For some, we made it salient that they would be endorsing an opinion contrary to that of their peers. For others, no context was provided. Post-essay attitudes of high, relative to low, self-monitors were more consistent with essay topic after opposing peers. Post-essay attitudes of low and high self-monitors did not differ significantly in the no-context condition. In Study 2, high and low self-monitors wrote counterattitudinal essays in the context of opposing either their peers' beliefs or their own values. Post-essay attitudes of low, relative to high, self-monitors tended to conform more to their essays when they believed that they had written in opposition to their values. When writing in opposition to their peers, however, post-essay attitudes of high and low self-monitors did not differ significantly. We discuss the results in terms of the role that self-concept plays in the initiation of dissonance processes
Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation [PMR] was first identified by Jacobson in 1934 as tensing and releasing of 16 muscle groups. Wolpe adapted it for use with systematic desensitization in 1948 and Bernstein and Borkovec in 1973 studied adjustments to the technique to fit cognitive behavioral stress management. Some of these adjustments are: 7 and 4 muscle groups, relaxation through recall, recall and counting, and counting. Empirical evidence supports the use of PMR in high level tension responses and mind body techniques such as: reducing tension headaches, insomnia, adjunct treatment in cancer, chronic pain management in inflammatory arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. This article analyzes the development of PMR, reviews current research, and discusses the implications to social work practice.
Bonding, Ion Mobility, and Rate-Limiting Steps in Deintercalation Reactions with ThCr2Si2-type KNi2Se2

Here, we study the nature of metal–metal bonding in the ThCr2Si2 structure type by probing the rate-limiting steps in the oxidative deintercalation of KNi2Se2. For low extents of oxidation, alkali ions are removed exclusively to form K1–xNi2Se2. For greater extents of oxidation, the rate of the reaction decreases dramatically, concomitant with the extraction of both potassium and nickel to form K1–xNi2–ySe2. The appreciable mobility of transition metal ions is unexpected, but illustrates the relative energy scales of different defects in the ThCr2Si2 structure type. Furthermore, the fully oxidized compounds, K0.25Ni1.5Se2, spontaneously convert from the tetrahedral [NiSe4]-containing ThCr2Si2 structure to a vacancy-ordered NiAs structure with [NiSe6] octahedra. From analysis of the atom positions and kinetic data, we have determined that this transformation occurs by a continuous, low-energy pathway via subtle displacements of Ni atoms and buckling of the Se sublattice. These results have profound implica...
Effect of Thermosensitive Hydrogel Injection on Mechanical Behavior of Porcine Myocardium

Myocardial infarctions (MI) afflict approximately 1.1 million individuals in the United States each year and exhibit an increasing prevalence worldwide due to the improvement of economic levels. Injection therapies for MI using biodegradable biomaterials with/without cells have been recognized to stabilize and preserve mechanical properties in the infarcted area in pre-clinical animal models. Recently, thermally responsive hydrogels, which can be injected from a syringe below 37 °C and then solidified at body temperature, are considered an attractive material for injection therapy.[1] The advantages of using an injectable hydrogel lie in its high moldability, capability of filling irregular shaped defects, and ability to be delivered to the in vivo environment by limited surgical invasion. However, it is still not very clear how the injection of thermosensitive hydrogel affects local tissue structure and mechanics. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate possible alterations in myocardial structure and mechanical behavior after hydrogel injection using a well-controlled in vitro model.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Protein antigens of Mycobacterium leprae.

Abstract Protein antigens of Mycobacterium leprae have been identified by screening the λgt11, pYA626 and pHC79::M. leprae genomic libraries with pooled sera from leprosy patients and with antiserum to M. leprae cell wall protein (CWP) aggregate. Immunological screening of the λgt11 library with pooled sera from 21 lepromatous (LL) leprosy patients resulted in the identification of 19 antigens that are apparently different from previously identified M. leprae antigens. Five additional antigens were identified by screening the λgt11 library with pooled sera from 30 borderline tuberculoid or tuberculoid patients. Four other antigens were identified by screening the λgt11 library with anti-CWP. Two groups of recombinant cosmids were identified by screening the pHC79 library with LL patients' sera: one group specified proteins that reacted with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the 65-kDa protein and against the 18-kDa protein; the other group specified a 15-kDa protein that did not react with any of the mAb that were tested. One pYA626 clone also specified a 15-kDa protein that reacted with LL patients' sera, but did not react with any mAb. Genes specifying several of these antigens have been subcloned into the Asd+ plasmid vector pYA292 and have been introduced into a Δcya Δcrp Δasd Salmonella typhimurium strain to evaluate the ability of individual M. leprae proteins to elicit immune responses against M. leprae infection.
Don't underestimate the Force: Learning to have a hunch in visual search

Experts at specialized search tasks, such as baggage security or breast cancer screening, sometimes report an immediate intuition that a target (e.g., weapon or tumor) is present, even when they cannot immediately localize it. Search is still required for confirmation. This hunch seems to be based on implicit perception of some statistical regularity in the image. In order to study this phenomenon experimentally, we had observers search for a T among Ls. On valid target present trials, letter size varied systematically across the display (large at center, smaller in periphery). On valid target-absent trials, letter size varied unsystematically. On invalid trials, this size cue was reversed. Cues were 90% valid. We measured RT while 24 naive observers performed 1000 learning trials with unlimited exposure. Additional, 100 trial preand post-learning blocks measured accuracy for 250 ms “glimpses” of the display. We defined “learner” (n=6), “nonlearner” (n=7), “intermediate” (n=5) groups based on whether observers became significantly faster on valid than invalid target-absent trials during learning (6 observers with high errors on learning trials were excluded). Performance across groups was otherwise similar. Debriefing showed no evidence of explicit size cue learning. Nevertheless, learners improved significantly from pre-test glimpses (d'= 0.6) to post-test glimpses (d'=1.2, t(5)=4.9, p[[lt]]0.01), while non-learners did not (d' = 0.7–0.8). Intermediate observers were intermediate (d‘= 0.5–0.9). Our learners became better at telling target-present from target-absent trials in a glimpse, without knowing why. Note that this “hunch” is different from contextual cueing. In contextual cueing, observers learn that THIS display always contains a target at THIS location. Our observers learn that a CLASS of displays is likely to contain a target. This ability could be of general use (e.g. knowing that this type of landscape is likely to contain food) and may underpin the first-glimpse hunches of experts.
Mutagenesis of vitamin K-dependent carboxylase demonstrates a carboxyl terminus-mediated interaction with vitamin K hydroquinone.

The γ-glutamyl carboxylase and vitamin K epoxidase activities of a series of mutants of bovine vitamin K-dependent carboxylase with progressively larger COOH-terminal deletions have been analyzed. The recombinant wild-type (residues 1-758) and mutant protein carboxylases, Cbx 711, Cbx 676, and Cbx 572, representing residues 1-711, 1-676, and 1-572, respectively, were expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells. Wild-type carboxylase had a Km for the substrate Phe-Leu-Glu-Glu-Leu (FLEEL) of 0.87 mM; the carboxylation of FLEEL was stimulated 2.5-fold by proPT18, the propeptide of prothrombin. Its Km for vitamin K hydroquinone was 23 μM and the specific epoxidase activity of the carboxylase was 938 pmol vitamin KO/30 min/pmol of carboxylase. Cbx 711, which was also stimulated by proPT18, had a Km for FLEEL, a Km for vitamin K hydroquinone, and a specific epoxidase activity that was comparable to the wild-type carboxylase. In contrast Cbx 572 lacked both carboxylase and epoxidase activities. Although Cbx 676 had a normal carboxylase active site in terms of the Km for FLEEL and its stimulation by proPT18, the Km for vitamin K hydroquinone was 540 μM, and the specific epoxidase activity was 97 pmol KO/30 min/pmol of Cbx 676. The catalytic efficiencies of Cbx 676 for glutamate carboxylation and vitamin K epoxidation were decreased 15- and 400-fold, respectively, from wild-type enzyme reflecting the requirement for formation of an activated vitamin K species for carboxylation to occur. These data indicate that the truncation of COOH-terminal segments of the carboxylase had no effect on FLEEL or propeptide recognition, but in the case of Cbx 676, selectively affected the interaction with vitamin K hydroquinone and the generation of epoxidase activity. These data suggest that a vitamin K epoxidase activity domain may reside near the COOH terminus while the carboxylase active site domain resides toward the NH2 terminus.
Is dopamine required for natural reward

Reward is fundamental to the organization of behavior, and the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is widely recognized to be critical to the neurobiology of reward, learning and addiction. Virtually all drugs of abuse, including heroin and other opiates, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine activate dopaminergic systems. So called "natural" rewards such as food, positive social interactions and even humor, likewise activate DA neurons and are powerful aids to attention and learning. Sweet solutions are a well-characterized natural reward. When a source of sugar is encountered, animals will consume substantial amounts, return to it preferentially, and will work to obtain access. Dopamine systems are activated in animals drinking sugar solutions, and lesions of dopaminergic neurons or pharmacological blockade of DA receptors seem to reduce the reward value of both sweet tastes and drugs of abuse. However, we have recently demonstrated that genetically modified mice that cannot make DA (DD mice) manifest normal sucrose preference. During preference tests, mutant mice initiated licking less frequently than did normal mice, but the rate of licking by DD mice for sweets was actually higher than that of normal mice, indicating that their motor ability to lick is intact. We conclude that DA is not required for the hedonic response to sweets nor for their discrimination. This brief and slightly humorous review discusses these findings in the context of current and historical answers to the question, "What is the role of DA in reward?"
On the Role of Grain-Boundary Films in Optimizing the Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide Ceramics

Through control of the grain-boundary structure, principally in the nature of the nanoscale intergranular films, a silicon carbide with a fracture toughness as high as 9.1 MPa.m1/2 has been developed by hot pressing β-SiC powder with aluminum, boron, and carbon additions (ABC-SiC). Central in this material development has been systematic transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mechanical characterizations. In particular, atomic-resolution electron microscopy and nanoprobe composition quantification were combined in analyzing grain boundary structure and nanoscale structural features. Elongated SiC grains with 1 nm-wide amorphous intergranular films were believed to be responsible for the in situ toughening of this material, specifically by mechanisms of crack deflection and grain bridging. Two methods were found to be effective in modifying microstructure and optimizing mechanical performance. First, prescribed post-annealing treatments at temperatures between 1100 and 1500oC were seen to cause full crystallization of the amorphous intergranular films and to introduce uniformly dispersed nanoprecipitates within SiC matrix grains; in addition, lattice diffusion of aluminum at elevated temperatures was seen to alter grain-boundary composition. Second, adjusting the nominal content of sintering additives was also observed to change the grain morphology, the grain-boundary structure, and the phase composition of the ABC-SiC. In this regard, the roles of individual additives in developing boundary microstructures were identified; this was demonstrated to be critical in optimizing the mechanical properties, including fracture toughness and fatigue resistance at ambient and elevated temperatures, flexural strength, wear resistance, and creep resistance.
Lamiridosins, hepatitis C virus entry inhibitors from Lamium album.

Phytochemical study of the aqueous extract of the flowering tops of Lamium album led to identification of the antiviral iridoid isomers lamiridosins A and B (1, 2). These compounds were found to significantly inhibit hepatitis C virus entry (IC50 2.31 μM) in vitro. Studies of 14 iridoid analogues showed that, while the parent iridoid glucosides demonstrated no anti-HCV entry activity, the aglycones of shanzhiside methyl ester (4), loganin (5), loganic acid (6), geniposide (10), verbenalin (12), eurostoside (15), and picroside II (17) exhibited significant anti-HCV entry and anti-infectivity activities.
Adenosine and Adenosine Receptors in the Cardiovascular System: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology

Abstract Cardiomyocytes and vascular cells readily form, transport, and metabolize the endogenous adenine nucleoside adenosine and act to regulate both interstitial and plasma adenosine concentrations. Cardiovascular cells also have membrane adenosine receptors. Cell and tissue distributions, signal transduction pathways, and pharmacology of each of the four subtypes of adenosine receptors are subjects of intense investigation. The A1-adenosine receptors mediate the negative dromotropic, chronotropic, inotropic, and the anti-β-adrenergic actions of adenosine. Activation of A2A- and perhaps A2B-adenosine receptors causes vasodilation. Evidence of novel actions mediated by A2B- and A3-adenosine receptors is accumulating. Adenosine is cardioprotective during episodes of cardiac hypoxia/ischemia; several potential mechanisms may be involved. Pharmacologic tools are currently available for laboratory investigation of the actions of adenosine, and the development of adenosine receptor subtype-selective agonists and antagonists for therapeutic purposes is beginning.
Socio-economic impacts of JEEViKA: a large-scale self-help group project in Bihar, India.

Summary Policymakers have invested billions of dollars over the past two decades on projects which target poverty reduction by institutional mobilization of the poor. Unfortunately, evidence on the efficacy of such projects is few and far between; this is an outcome of the complexity of these projects. We consider results from JEEViKA, a large-scale rural livelihoods program in Bihar, India. We use a retrospective survey instrument, coupled with PSM techniques to find that JEEViKA has engendered some significant results in restructuring the debt portfolio of these households; additionally, there is evidence on women’s empowerment, as measured by various dimensions.
Geographic distribution of the diapycnal component of thermohaline circulations in coupled climate models

Abstract Data archives from four global coupled ocean–atmosphere models are used to construct maps of diapycnal mass flux through selected isopycnal surfaces in the model oceans. The maps illustrate location and strength of the up and downwelling limbs of thermohaline-forced overturning loops whose stability in the face of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations is of major concern in century-scale climate prediction. The up and downwelling limbs simulated by the four models for present-day greenhouse gas concentrations are compared with observational estimates. Predicted changes in the overturning brought about by gradually rising atmospheric CO2 content are compared model-to-model. While all four models predict some decline in the rate of Atlantic overturning during CO2-induced global warming, the geographic layout of the overturning circulations in each model is found to be insensitive to the changing climate.
Identification and age-dependance of pteridines in the head of adult Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens

Pteridines from head capsules of adult Anastrepha ludens were identified and evaluated as a tool for age determination of flies. Pteridines were identified by a combination of TLC, HPLC and UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Tentative identifications were obtained for one red pterine, neodrosopterin, and three orange pterines, drosopterin, isodrosopterin and aurodrosopterin. Five pterines with blue or blue-green fluorescence were found and four were identified: 7,8-dihydrobiopterin; biopterin; pterin; and pterind-carboxylic acid. An additional blue fluorescing non-pteridine compound was identified as kyurenine. Two pterines with yellow fluorescence were identified as sepiapterin and deoxysepiapterin. Titers of sepiapterin and deoxysepiapterin were age dependent based on TLC and HPLC analyses. HPLC demonstrated that only deoxysepiapterin accumulated sufficiently and over a sufficiently long period of adult life to be useful as a quantitative tool for determining age of adult flies. The HPLC method developed in this work specifically for separation of deoxysepiapterin from sepiapterin and other pteridines used reverse-phase (C18) with a mobile phase of 30% methanol in water and detection at 420 nm. Pteridines Sepiapterin Deoxysepiapterin Age
NASPAG/JPAG roundtable discussion annual clinical meeting 2003-Philadelphia, PA; Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) treatment guidelines 2002.

There are several issues that arise regarding the evaluation of teens with urethritis and cervicitis. What are the appropriate treatments for adolescents? What are the issues regarding rescreening and do we need to consider tests of cure? Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in adolescents in the United States. The prevalence appears to be leveling off or decreasing which may reflect several reasons. More frequent screening utilizing more sensitive diagnostic techniques such as nucleic acid amplification techniques and screening populations that are traditionally more difficult to reach may have led to the lower rates. However there still are many young men and women with high-risk behaviors who are not receiving appropriate screening. (excerpt)
Neutralizing Toxic RNA

Expansion of tandem nucleotide repeats in the human genome—most often the triplets CAG and CTG—causes a number of inherited diseases such as Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, and myotonic dystrophy. An expansion within the coding region of a gene can reduce the normal function of the corresponding protein and/or cause an aberrant function ( 1 ), whereas expansions in noncoding regions can cause disease (such as myotonic dystrophy) without interfering with protein sequence. In myotonic dystrophy, RNA that is transcribed from DNA containing noncoding expansions is causative of disease pathogenesis. On page 336 of this issue, Wheeler et al. ( 2 ) present a potentially highly effective approach to neutralize the toxic effects of these RNAs.
MLK3 is required for mitogen activation of B-Raf, ERK and cell proliferation

The ERK group of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is essential for cell proliferation stimulated by mitogens, oncogenic ras and raf (ref. 1). All MAPKs are activated by MAP3K/MEK/MAPK core pathways1 and the Raf proto-oncoproteins, especially B-Raf, are ERK-specific MAP3Ks (refs 1–3). Mixed lineage kinase-3 (MLK3) is a MAP3K that was thought to be a cytokine-activated, and comparatively selective, regulator of the JNK group of MAPKs (refs 1, 4–6). Here we report that silencing of mlk3 by RNAi suppressed mitogen and cytokine activation not only of JNK but of ERK and p38 as well. Silencing mlk3 also blocked mitogen-stimulated phosphorylation of B-Raf at Thr 598 and Ser 601, a step required for B-Raf activation7,8. Furthermore, silencing mlk3 prevented serum-stimulated cell proliferation and the proliferation of tumour cells bearing either oncogenic Ki-Ras or loss-of-function neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) or NF2 mutations. The proliferation of tumour cells containing activating B-raf or raf-1 mutations was unaffected by silencing mlk3. Our results define an unexpected role for MLK3 in mitogen regulation of B-Raf, ERK and cell proliferation.
Ethanol enhancement of GABA-induced 36Cl− influx does not involve changes in Ca2+

The effect of changes in intracellular Ca2+ on ethanol enhancement of GABA-mediated 36Cl− influx was investigated in mammalian cortical neurons in culture. Ethanol potentiated the effect of submaximal concentrations of GABA on the 36Cl− influx, and at 50 mM ethanol directly activated 36Cl− influx in these neurons. Pretreatment of the neurons with dantrolene (an agent that depletes intracellular Ca2+) and the Ca2+ ionophore, A 23187, did not alter the effect of GABA or ethanol enhancement of GABA-mediated 36Cl− influx. Together, these results suggest that changes in intracellular Ca2+ are not involved in ethanol modulation of GABAAergic responses in cortical neurons.
When a ''Sloppy Copy'' Is Good Enough: Results of a State Writing Assessment.

Abstract Students in grades 5 and 8 completed a state writing assessment, and their first and final drafts on the extended writing portion of the test were copied and scored using the state writing rubric. The rubric consisted of three primary traits: Content and Organization, Style and Fluency, and Language Use. Scorers were blind to the study purpose and scored either a student's first or final draft. No significant difference was found between the first and final drafts written by students in special education at both grade levels. Likewise, no significant difference was found for the writing of general education students in grade 8. A significant difference was found, however, between first and final drafts written by fifth-grade students in general education. Cross tabulations conducted at grades 5 and 8 revealed that over 50% of the first drafts received the same score or a better score than what was earned on the final draft.
Analysis on the dynamic responses of a prototype line from iced broken conductors

Abstract A full scale transmission line section of three continuous spans was established. With the consideration of the equivalent mass of the accreted ice, steel cables are used to simulate the iced conductors. For different types of conductors and ice thickness, broken conductor experiments were carried out. Under different broken cases, time histories of the tensions and displacements at the middle of conductor spans were measured. The first order damping coefficients of the line section for different broken cases were calculated. The Fourier transform of the experimental time history of the conductor tensions was completed. The dynamic impact factors of the conductor tensions were determined. The experimental results show that the impact effect is more significant for the location nearer to the break point. The dynamic impact factors decrease with the increase of the ice thickness, and the impact factors of conductors without accreted ice are much higher than those of conductors with accreted ice. With the increase of the ice thickness, the initial tensions before break as well as the ratios of the residual static tensions to the initial tensions increase. Nearly all the first peak tensions are close to the initial tensions for the broken cases with accreted ice. The damping coefficients determined by the experimental identification were applied to the finite element analysis (FEA) model. The stiffness of the accreted ice as well as the contact effect between the conductors and the ground are considered in the FEA model. The numerical simulations were performed for different broken cases. Both the residual static tensions and the first peak tensions by the numerical simulations were well agreed with the experimental values. The maximum differences are 5.6% and 12.9% respectively.
Fat-suppression contrast-enhanced MRI in the failed back surgery syndrome : a prospective study

We examined 25 patients with recurrent pain after lumbar disk surgery with MRI to evaluate the usefulness of gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced fat-suppression (FS) imaging in patients with failed back surgery. Pulse sequences included T1-weighted (T1W) images, Gd-enhanced T1W images, and Gd-enhanced T1W images with FS. The addition of FS to Gd-enhanced T1W images improved visualization of enhancing scar in all cases, helped distinguish scar from recurrent herniated disk, and showed more clearly the relationship of scar to the nerve roots and thecal sac. The images also demonstrated enhancement of the facet joints and theca in 23 and 11 cases, respectively. Intradural nerve roots were more conspicuous with FS in 21 cases. The combination of unenhanced and Gd-enhanced T1W images with FS is recommended for routine examination of the postoperative back.
Drift limits of high-strength concrete columns subjected to load reversals

A series of experiments was carried out to investigate the behavior of columns with high-strength concrete subjected to shear reversals into the nonlinear range of response. The main experimental variables were loading history, axial load, and concrete strength. Columns measured 0.20×0.20 m (8×8 in.) in cross section and had shear span to depth ratios of 3.4. The transverse reinforcement ratio was 1%. Column behavior was closely related to the maximum strain that was measured in the stirrups during each loading cycle, which was affected by the displacement history and axial load applied to the specimens. The level of axial load had an increasingly adverse effect on the limiting drift of specimens subjected to axial loads larger than one half the balanced load, while the opposite effect was observed in specimens with lower values of axial load. Despite its apparent brittleness under axial compression, high-strength concrete was found to improve the toughness of reinforced concrete columns and extended the drift range within a column would not require repairs after an earthquake. In specimens made with high-strength concrete, the amount of reinforcement dictated by ACI 318-99 in 1999 provided sufficient confinement to obtain limiting drift ratios exceeding 4%.
Leading and trailing edge hot switching damage in a metal contact RF MEMS switch

This paper describes the hot switching damage in a MEMS switch contact. Under hot switched conditions, material transfer leading to contact erosion causes the performance of RF MEMS switches to degrade over their lifetime. Hot switching performance of RF MEMS switches is one of the major reliability issues and is presently affecting the marketability of these devices despite their proven advantages over solid state switches which are currently used in RF systems. The phenomena leading to such damage both at the leading and trailing edge of a switching cycle are investigated in this paper.
Computing motion in the primate's visual system.

Computing motion on the basis of the time-varying image intensity is a difficult problem for both artificial and biological vision systems. We will show how one well-known gradient-based computer algorithm for estimating visual motion can be implemented within the primate's visual system. This relaxation algorithm computes the optical flow field by minimizing a variational functional of a form commonly encountered in early vision, and is performed in two steps. In the first stage, local motion is computed, while in the second stage spatial integration occurs. Neurons in the second stage represent the optical flow field via a population-coding scheme, such that the vector sum of all neurons at each location codes for the direction and magnitude of the velocity at that location. The resulting network maps onto the magnocellular pathway of the primate visual system, in particular onto cells in the primary visual cortex (V1) as well as onto cells in the middle temporal area (MT). Our algorithm mimics a number of psychophysical phenomena and illusions (perception of coherent plaids, motion capture, motion coherence) as well as electrophysiological recordings. Thus, a single unifying principle ‘the final optical flow should be as smooth as possible’ (except at isolated motion discontinuities) explains a large number of phenomena and links single-cell behavior with perception and computational theory.
Understanding and enhancing adherence in adults with diabetes

This article reviews selected recent literature on adult diabetes patient-centered adherence to diabetes care recommendations. We describe more fully a limited number of articles that have particular lessons for diabetes clinicians and researchers. Each article was reviewed for methodology, adherence measures, and types of outcome data collected. This process produced a few studies evaluating an intervention to promote adherence, subsequent targeted behavior changes, as well as health outcomes. Using a standard measure of diabetes self-care adherence over multiple studies may be an important way to compare results across diverse interventions. Advances in research designs and measures show promising results for understanding and enhancing adherence in adults coping with diabetes. Much more behavioral research in diabetes is needed in order to significantly improve the health and quality of life in this population.
Supervisory control via the Internet and time delay estimation

The main objective of this research is to demonstrate experimentally the feasibility of using the Internet for distributed real-time control. A ball magnetic levitation (maglev) system was developed as a test bed for the experimental verification. In the first part of this paper we present the successful establishment of supervisory control of the test-bed via the internet. With the supervisory control it has been shown that a client can change the position commands, modify the control parameters, and receive the experimental results in real time. in the latter part of the paper a methodology to increase the upper bound for time delays that can be accommodated in the control loop has been presented. The upper bounds of time delays that can be accommodated in the control loop for a lead-lag compensator designed in the continuous domain were estimated experimentally for various sampling frequencies. The mean time delay that can be accommodated in the control loop is 90 /spl mu/s when the time delays vary according to uniform distribution. To increase this upper bound of time delays a new lead-lag compensator was designed directly in the digital domain and a methodology of timeout and sensor data estimation has been proposed. The methodology of sensor data estimation and the new digital lead-lag controller running at a sampling frequency of 333.3 Hz increased the upper bound of mean time delay from 90 /spl mu/s to 836 /spl mu/s for delays following a uniform distribution.
Prevention and Treatment of Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a syndrome associated with certain disease states as well as exposure to drugs, viruses, and toxins. It manifests as diffuse bleeding of the endothelial lining of the bladder. Treatment includes intravesical, systemic, and nonpharmacologic therapies, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.
Plasma Membrane GABA Transporters Reside on Distinct Vesicles and Undergo Rapid Regulated Recycling

Plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporters affect synaptic signaling through transmitter sequestration. Transporters redistribute to and from the plasma membrane, suggesting a role for trafficking in regulating synaptic transmitter levels. One method for controlling transmitter levels would be to regulate transporter redistribution in parallel with transmitter release. Thus, how similar are these processes? We show that the trafficking of the GABA transporter GAT1 resembles the trafficking of neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles: (1) transporters located on the plasma membrane are internalized and reinserted into the plasma membrane on the order of minutes; (2) the rate of recycling is depolarization and calcium dependent; (3) GAT1 internalization is associated with clathrin and dynamin; and (4) intracellular GAT1 is associated with multiple compartments and, more importantly, is found on a distinct class of vesicles. These vesicles are clear, ∼50 nm in diameter, and contain many proteins found on neurotransmitter-containing small synaptic vesicles; however, they appear to lack several traditional small synaptic vesicle proteins, such as synaptophysin and the vesicular GABA transporter. These data provide additional support for the hypothesis that GABA transporters traffic in parallel with neurotransmitter-containing small synaptic vesicles and also raise the possibility that some fraction of vesicles found in GABAergic neurons may not be participating in transmitter release but rather in the rapid regulated redistribution of membrane proteins involved in transmitter uptake.
Pulsewidth dependence of laser damage in fused silica

Summary form only given. The availability of ultrafast sub-50 fs lasers and the technology of chirped-pulse amplification have extended the study of the pulsewidth dependence of damage to ultrashort time scales. Various groups have reported two remarkable features of ultrashort pulse damage. First, short pulse damage exhibits a deterministic nature as opposed to the statistical behavior for long-pulse damage. Second, damage threshold fluence is higher than the prediction from the /spl radic//spl tau/ scaling rule for pulsewidth /spl tau/<10 ps. However, these measurements display different pulsewidth dependence of damage threshold in the subpicosecond regime. None of the theoretical models proposed before can explain this dissimilarity. The discrepancy among observations was thought to arise from different experimental conditions for instance, the number of laser shots. The sample may suffer a cumulative change in material properties as it is subjected to a series of subthreshold pulses. In order to study intrinsic laser damage, and to exclude the complexity of cumulative effects, our recent measurement was done under single-shot conditions.